The path to Tranquility (spring)
59. Cultivating reliance in ourselves
Life is a miracle of nature, containing infinite possibilities and deep inner strength. The emergence and survival of life depends on unique and changing conditions, such as the right environment, abundant resources, and precious opportunities. These conditions are always in a state of flux, making our lives full of uncertainty. This uncertainty brings challenges and dangers, but also gives endless freedom and creativity, making every moment of our lives unique.
Compared to lower life forms that lack consciousness, we humans have a deeper understanding and adherence to our own existence and limitations through consciousness and rationality. Anxiety creeps in when we realize that tomorrow is full of unknowns, and we can’t even be sure whether we’ll see the next sunrise. This fear of the future stems from the perception of death and the desire to control one's own destiny.
However, it is this uncertainty that creates the true freedom and charm of life. If everything about tomorrow has been deliberately arranged, life will become like a cold mechanical operation, and we will lose the opportunity to unleash our creativity and pursue our dreams. Just imagine, if a painter can only paint according to a fixed draft, then his artistic talent cannot be brought into play. It is precisely because life is full of unforeseen variables that we have the opportunity to write our own stories. Therefore, only by learning to embrace change can we live authentically and easily and let freedom become our ultimate destiny.
To truly embrace this freedom, we must first develop confidence and reliance on ourselves. This is not blind optimism, but a deep gratitude and understanding of the essence of life. When we are grateful for our existence and cherish every breath and every ray of sunshine given by nature, we can humbly accept the inevitability of the past and the unpredictability of the future. In the grand scheme of the universe, our existence is not accidental, but an integral part of the evolutionary process. It is for this reason that we have consciousness and reason, and are the guardians of life and discoverers of future possibilities.
Looking back, we find that every setback and struggle is actually a driving force for growth. No matter how many difficulties and obstacles we have experienced, with our unremitting efforts, we have finally reached where we are today. Every time we stand up again after falling down, every time we correct a mistake, it is a testament to our tremendous resilience and continuous improvement. Edison experienced countless failures in the process of inventing the electric light, but he did not give up. He ultimately used persistence and innovation to bring more light to the world. His story tells us that mistakes themselves are not terrible. What is really scary is persisting in wrong ideas and behaviors. As long as we keep an open mind, we can draw wisdom from past experiences and move steadily towards the future.
As we gain a deeper understanding of nature, life, the past and the future, anxiety will gradually be replaced by inner peace. We are no longer bound by fear, but learn to live in the present, embrace every moment, and greet the unknown tomorrow with a positive attitude. This conscious way of living gives each moment extraordinary meaning and allows us to lay a solid foundation for a better future through continuous learning, reflection and action.
Therefore, every morning should be viewed as a gift, filled with the joy of welcoming new life. Nature has endowed us with unlimited potential and opportunities, inviting us to create a new world we can trust. Celebrating our existence with gratitude and trust is our praise to nature. We have the source of freedom and growth, and for this we embrace every moment of uncertainty in our lives.
58. Resolving unreasonable fears
60. Transforming death into liberation