The path to Tranquility (spring)
19. Doing things willingly
Doing things willingly is a positive attitude towards life and reflects our love for ourselves. With such a mindset, we are not only more energetic, but also able to experience real joy in action. This joy even transcends the achievement itself, can be deeply rooted in memory, soothe the soul, and nourish our reason and consciousness.
When we can choose freely, it is easier to do things willingly and focus on the present moment. For example, when singing, if we can sing as we please, sing when we want to sing, and stop when we don’t want to sing, we can often immerse ourselves in it. This freedom makes the flow of notes natural and pleasant. Another example is walking on the road. If we can be aware of when we should sit and move, and walk according to this awareness, our steps will be light and free. Free and autonomous choices allow our true self to emerge and improve the quality and willingness of actions.
However, in life, we often encounter situations where we are forced to act. We may force ourselves to swallow unhealthy food because we are worried about our health, even if we are not sure whether it is really good for us. This behavior against our will often stems from fear or the desire to be recognized, reflecting our lack of freedom. Over time, our body and mind will be separated, leading to emotional confusion, making it easier to fall into regret and trouble, and deepening the imbalance in our hearts.
If we are severely disciplined in childhood and used to do things against our will, we are likely to no longer listen to our inner voice when we grow up. For example, a child who is forced to learn piano may lack enthusiasm for music in the future or even reject art. Therefore, repairing the connection between body and mind and rebuilding the consistency between inside and outside are important issues for self-healing and growth.
To get rid of this state of inner division, we need to return to our true self and examine the motivations of our actions: Is it out of real need or desire? Through rational analysis, we can judge whether something is worth doing, whether we can afford it, and how to do it. In this way, our behavior is no longer dominated by likes or dislikes, but we can make wise choices based on consciousness and judgment.
Doing things willingly mostly comes from internal motivation, that is, the power of spontaneous investment due to interest, curiosity or pursuit of growth. For example, people who like to play the piano can immerse themselves in music for hours because it is a process of enjoyment, self-dialogue and practice. Such concentration can not only bring satisfaction, but also promote the improvement and continuous development of skills.
In addition, doing things willingly can allow us to enter a state of flow, a steady flow of emotions that allows us to be completely immersed in the process and forget about time. This experience is often accompanied by pleasure and satisfaction. For example, a housewife who loves cooking, in the process of preparing each meal for her family, not only feels the joy of creation, but also reflects care and attentiveness.
When we use consciousness to guide our behavior, we can use reason to dominate our choices and only do things that are truly beneficial to our lives. Even if the results are not as expected, we can accept them without regrets. This state is the root of happiness and success.
In general, doing things willingly is a comprehensive reflection of intrinsic motivation, autonomy, and flow state. If we can cultivate such attitudes and abilities, we can not only improve our chances of success, but also enrich the quality of life. Only by getting rid of the traction of habits and emotions and using consciousness and reason to guide our actions can we truly live a free and fulfilling life.
18. Transforming anger into creativity
20. Taking off the shell of the soul