The path to Tranquility (spring)
39. Life is not an adventure
The fluctuations of emotions are like the ups and downs of mountains in nature, making life full of dynamics and changes. When we are emotionally high, we feel excited and satisfied; when we are emotionally low, we feel lost and empty. Negative emotions drive us to seek new excitement and challenges, which may be why we are so keen on taking risks.
From risking our lives by scaling cliffs to risking relationships by arguing, our reliance on our emotions leads to many unexpected accidents. However, emotions are only brief surges in our hearts, bringing very limited presence, and should not be a goal to pursue. Life is a process of growth in consciousness, which requires us to constantly learn and create. Our need for certainty and security suggests that life is not a game of risk taking but a race to avoid danger. Therefore, we should avoid behaviors that may endanger our lives.
In life, we cannot avoid various difficulties. These difficulties are not the result of our adventures, but a part of life that can make us stronger and wiser. Every choice has a price, so we must act carefully and only do those things that are truly beneficial to our lives. Generally speaking, it is not worth it to reach the top at the cost of falling into the abyss.
The attraction of the peak is often an illusion created by desire, so we will also imagine the bottomless abyss, use fear to balance desire and reduce future regrets. We should not be swayed by these imaginary attractions or fears because we need to achieve goals and values in life. As long as we create an environment more conducive to survival, we can live and work in peace and contentment.
Of course, sometimes we need to take risks, such as to save lives during a disaster. In this situation, we should let go of our comfort, face the challenge bravely, and try our best not to put ourselves in danger. But this should be the exception, not the norm. We shouldn’t take risks for the sake of thrills, but we shouldn’t give up opportunities to save lives out of fear either.
For most people, choosing to stay away from the danger of climbing to the summit, although they cannot experience that kind of excitement, they can gain inner peace. High emotions are like steep mountain peaks, while low emotions are like an abyss, both are dangerous to life. In the race of life, what matters is the ability to avoid danger, not ignorant fearlessness. The more aware we are, the more likely we are to win. As long as we have in-depth experience, careful summary and prudent prediction, we can overcome all difficulties and achieve our inner goals.
Therefore, we need to understand that life is not an adventure, but a creator's enjoyment. By creating more beautiful things in tranquility, we will find inner satisfaction and be full of gratitude for life. If we let go of our pursuit of emotions and live with a high level of awareness, we will be able to make rational and courageous choices when necessary, rather than forgetting life for the sake of momentary happiness. In this way, we can enjoy true freedom and happiness.
38. The objective definition of love
40. Caring about the needs and feelings of others
