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Finding Clarity When Life Feels Stagnant and Uncertain

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Chapter 1: Embracing the Struggles

At times, we all experience a dip in our energy levels, and no amount of motivational talks seems to lift us from that state. Despite receiving support from therapy or loved ones, feelings of loneliness can creep in. So, what can you do to rise above this phase? Reflect on the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, which reminds us that:

“Man is neither born nor does he perish. Upon coming into existence, he will never cease to be, as he is eternal and everlasting. Just as a person sheds old garments for new ones, the soul discards the old body for a new one. The soul is indestructible; it cannot be pierced by swords, burned by fire, wet by water, or dried by the wind. It transcends all these elements. Since man is always indestructible, he is forever victorious (even in defeat), which is why he should never be despondent.”

This year has felt like a period of stagnation for me; despite my efforts to break free, nothing has changed. Days fly by like mere seconds, and weeks pass in the blink of an eye.

As autumn arrives and winter follows, I find myself still caught in the summer, having failed to savor it this year.

When everything seems to be going wrong, and you yearn for change while your circumstances remain unchanged, recognize that something is amiss.

Analyze Your Situation

How do you identify what’s amiss? Examine your life’s circumstances closely. Think of it as solving a math problem; it may appear daunting initially, but with careful evaluation, solutions will emerge. In hindsight, you might discover that your challenges were smaller than you thought and that overcoming them was easier than expected.

Face Your Fears

During childhood, we were advised against crossing busy streets alone or touching hot surfaces—rules intended to shield us from danger. However, as we mature, we realize these guidelines often become limitations. Sometimes, we must confront our fears directly, stepping into the metaphorical Lion's Den where our worries reside, and where hidden treasures lie—those tasks we've postponed and fears we've avoided.

Once you enter that dark space, begin untangling your concerns, one by one. This process will illuminate what has truly been troubling you.

Stay True to Yourself

In Paulo Coelho’s Like The Flowing River, there’s a poignant poem by Mitsuo Aida:

“If tomatoes aspired to be melons, they would appear utterly absurd. It never ceases to amaze me how many individuals are preoccupied with becoming something they are not; what’s the point of such folly?”

Each person is either born with a specific destiny or creates one. You might acquire wealth through dubious means, but you cannot commandeer someone else’s fortune or luck. Avoid mindlessly imitating others. Play your own game; remember, you cannot teach a fish to walk. Embrace your true self.

Break Free from Societal Norms

Life does not come with a manual, yet society imposes numerous rules that dictate how we should live. I've penned poetry reflecting on how individuals spend their lives adhering to societal norms, only to question their choices at the end.

“I don’t understand why we are so fixated on creating rules for everything.” — Paulo Coelho, Like The Flowing River

Many of us follow the same monotonous path: work daily, pay taxes, and spend the remainder on essentials. But where does this lead us? To nowhere.

Consider the story of an elderly man who concluded his career after 40 years as a factory worker, never having owned a car. Upon retirement, he received a letter of appreciation and a $50 gift card as a farewell token. Is that a fitting reward for four decades of dedication? Absolutely not! Do you wish to end up like that man? Of course not! Yet, following societal expectations may lead you there.

The Conclusion

Having recently finished reading Like The Flowing River, I find it profoundly inspirational, teaching humility and the ability to appreciate life in all its aspects. Here are some additional quotes from Coelho that resonate with me:

"Far worse than hunger or thirst, worse than being unemployed, unhappy in love, or defeated and despairing, is the feeling that absolutely no one cares about us."

"We recognize evil in others because we acknowledge the evil within ourselves. We struggle to forgive those who hurt us, believing we ourselves are unworthy of forgiveness. We express painful truths to others in a bid to shield ourselves from them. We project strength to hide our vulnerabilities."

"I aspire to be someone who can perceive the unseen, to acknowledge those who seek neither fame nor recognition but fulfill their life’s roles quietly."

"Every human life will encounter tragedy at some point—be it the devastation of a city, the loss of a child, an unfounded accusation, or a sudden illness leading to permanent disability. Life is fraught with risks, and those who overlook this reality will be ill-prepared for life's inevitable challenges. When faced with suffering, we must strive to find meaning, confront our fears, and begin the journey of rebuilding."

"Life is akin to being dispatched by a monarch to another land to accomplish a specific task. While one may engage in a multitude of activities, failure to complete the assigned task renders all efforts meaningless."

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