The path to Tranquility (spring)
14. Relaxation is the return of true self-consciousness
Life is a journey from the past to the future. Just as every step we take, from starting to landing, we unconsciously cross time and space - this moment covers the past, present and future. The lightness of each step comes from the accumulation of past experience and relies on the keen perception of the environment ahead. When we walk steadily, we will not only feel relaxed and comfortable, but also naturally exude a calm and elegant demeanor. This seemingly simple step represents life: only by integrating the past, present and future at the same time can we walk lightly and live easily.
Being able to live a relaxed life means being able to consciously feel the present moment. Accepting the past means we are willing to learn lessons from the turning points of life and be grateful for the gifts in it; not worrying about the future means believing in our own abilities and being full of hope for the future. With this gratitude and trust, we are no longer led by the unknown, but can safely return our gaze to the present moment and savor the beauty and tranquility contained in this time and space.
Part of the gratitude practice is to recall a small thing that makes us grateful - a kind smile, a warm word or a chance encounter. These memories are like light, illuminating our past and helping us cultivate an attitude of acceptance. At the same time, focusing on each breath can also help us feel the present; inhale, exhale, and let the mind slowly calm down with the rhythm. Through these simple exercises, we can let go of our attachment to the past and our anxiety about the future and return to the most peaceful present.
What we can really feel is the light and heat of today, so there is no need to cling to the traces of yesterday. Tomorrow will have its own sunshine and rhythm, and similarly, we will leave our own footprints in the new day. When we have this mentality, we can calmly welcome everything in life - whether it is good or bad. Let go of fear and attachment, we will return to a more aware state, awaken the inner spontaneity and creativity, and live more freely. This feeling of freedom is the key to living a relaxed life.
When the external environment changes suddenly, we don't have to rush to resist. Instead of complaining or panicking, we should regard change as a door to new possibilities. Changing our minds is a good opportunity to reshape our lives. This change in mentality cannot be achieved overnight, but requires repeated practice and gradual experience in daily life. Learn to embrace uncertainty, and we will find that we can control the rhythm of our lives more and more.
The flowers in the early morning bloom quietly in the sunshine, carefree and unaffected by the weather; the cat next to them quietly gazes at the distant scenery, focused and comfortable. Their ease does not come from escape, but from the instinct of fully devoting themselves to the present. The flowers do not need to consider whether there will be wind and rain tomorrow, but only bloom at this moment; the cat is not bound by the past, but only focuses on the movement and stillness in front of it. Because of this, all things in nature can deeply experience every moment of the present, revealing a simple and profound freedom.
Nature is the quietest yet most profound mentor, from whom we can draw inspiration and strength - when stress strikes, why not go outside and quietly gaze at the texture of flowers in the sun, or listen to the singing of birds on the branches. These small but real moments can guide us to re-perceive our bodies, feel the rhythm of our heartbeats and breathing, and bring our thoughts back to the present. To imitate the wisdom of nature is to learn to live simply and attentively, and to find a quiet home in the hustle and bustle.
However, when our hearts are oppressed by fear and stubbornness, or pulled by endless desires, we can easily get lost in the fog of time, unable to tell whether we should go back to the past, rush to the future, or stay in the present. Modern people often ignore the happiness and stability that already exist in the present because of the pursuit of novelty or because of social expectations. To get out of this dilemma, perhaps we can answer a simple question: "What do I really need at this moment?" Finding our true needs is like finding a compass in the forest, guiding us to remove unnecessary obsessions and return our hearts to the true nature of the present.
In this ever-changing era, we should also learn to let go of the endless pursuit of new things, gradually withdraw our attention, and focus on a simple and meaningful thing - connection. True relaxation often does not come from more stimulation, but from in-depth exploration of familiar things and quiet companionship. When we are willing to stay, observe, and experience for a long time, we can establish a deep understanding and sense of control. This kind of connection can make our hearts bloom with countless flowers easily and calmly.
Imagine a pianist who practices the same piece of music day after day. He does not pursue speed, but carefully ponders the breath and emotion between each note. Every time he plays, he conducts in-depth exploration; until a certain moment, the melody is no longer just a pile of skills, but a natural blend of ease and concentration. The same is true in daily life, when we do something truly meaningful: learn a skill, read a book, write an article, or even cook. As long as we are willing to invest and keep going deeper, our abilities will quietly expand, and our hearts will become satisfied and relaxed in this concentration.
Relaxation is often a state that occurs naturally after people concentrate their attention. When we feel nervous, it is mostly because our thoughts are confused and we are not focusing on the present moment. True relaxation cannot be deliberately pursued or forced, and can only be achieved through concentration and the unity of body and mind. Just like the surface of the water will automatically calm down after the wind, relaxation is a result, not a goal. Therefore, when we need to concentrate highly, we don’t have to worry about whether we are relaxed or not, but we should be aware of our physical and mental state during the process of involvement and let our consciousness gather. In this way, relaxation and concentration will be like a pair of wings, carrying us to live in the present moment.
To live a relaxed life, you need not only a relaxed environment, but also inner freedom. This freedom comes from knowing yourself, knowing what you really want, and being willing to work towards that direction. The journey of self-awareness begins with honest reflection - for example, we quietly ask ourselves: "Are the choices I am making now still in line with my values?" These simple but profound questions are like a beacon, illuminating our inner path, allowing us to gradually gain spiritual relief in every confirmation.
In addition to knowing ourselves, we can also create a freer environment for ourselves by improving our awareness of life. A healthy lifestyle, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and good thinking, can not only strengthen our bodies, but also make us feel comfortable and relaxed. Stepping out of the closed self, facing life positively, and striving to create a more inclusive environment can not only bring good feelings to others, but also open up a broader and freer space for growth for ourselves.
Being relaxed does not exclude current efforts, because it requires spiritual and material nourishment. We keep learning and thinking, working diligently, and gradually accumulating resources, all of which pave the way for the future and are also an extension of our existence. The key is not whether we work hard, but how we face the effort. If we can regard learning as the joy of opening the window to the world and work as a journey of self-realization, then even if we are in a hurry, we can still be relaxed in our hearts. When the goal meets the passion, every moment of investment is a harvest worth cherishing.
As long as we live in the present moment with vigilance, relaxation is no longer far away. It is not an unattainable dream, but a state of life that can be slowly practiced and steadily established in every moment of daily life. Real relaxation comes from the return of true self-consciousness, and is also the proof of our living in every moment. When we fully devote ourselves to the present moment, without escaping or chasing, we can discover the meaning and purpose of existence, and at that moment, feel deeply liberated and relaxed.
13. Turning fear into awareness
