The path to Tranquility (spring)
66. Replacing false self with true self
Deep inside us lies a false self made up of instincts, emotions, and habits. This illusory and chaotic existence, like an invisible shackle, often traps us in endless desires and laziness, making life complicated and restricted. In contrast, the authentic self is pure and clear, focused on meeting life’s real needs so that we can exist healthily and for a long time. When we are able to replace our false selves with our true selves, life becomes simpler, more comfortable, and freer, and we can rediscover the meaning of existence that has been neglected for so long.
When the false self takes over, we are often bound by countless illusory goals and lose the original balance in life. For example, in pursuit of money and success, we may sacrifice sleep and health, working overtime and running around every day, but our bodies are always sending out fatigue warnings; or in order to satisfy material desires, we impulsively buy expensive items, but become anxious due to financial pressure; some people even put their health at risk due to excessive pursuit of delicious food. These behaviors reflect the existence of a false self that distracts us from our true needs in life.
Furthermore, our false self often traps us in mechanical habits and misses opportunities for reflection and growth. Sometimes we just aimlessly go about our daily routines without thinking about their significance until something goes wrong. Or, we may worry excessively about possible future failures—such as job loss or relationship breakdown—which can lead us to develop excessive fears and insecurities. Laziness and fear conflict with each other, creating inner turmoil and preventing us from fully enjoying the present moment.
On the contrary, when we learn to let go of our false self and allow our true self to emerge, life returns to a state of calm and stability, radiating a deeper wisdom. Your authentic self comes from an honest and clear awareness that focuses on life’s real needs, such as health, connection, and growth, rather than temporary fame, wealth, or vanity. When the true self dominates the mind, we can replace endless desires with real needs and stubborn habits with consciousness, thus making the mind more sensitive and gaining true freedom.
Imagine a person who pursues a simple life and might happily say, "I only need a small house and enough food, not a big house and a luxurious life." This choice allows him to spend more time with his family, reading and thinking, or deeply appreciating the pure beauty of nature. Psychological research also points out that when we transcend material desires and instead pursue inner growth, our personal sense of happiness and satisfaction will be significantly enhanced, and our lives will become more fulfilling and rich.
Getting rid of the influence of the false self will not only improve the quality of personal life, but also allow sincerity to permeate every corner of society. When we focus on our real needs in life rather than our endless desires, our relationships will naturally become more harmonious. Sincere teachers will focus more on inspiring students to think independently and grow, rather than pursuing fame and fortune. This spirit not only enriches personal experience, but also sows the seeds of peace and care in society. On the contrary, if everyone is driven by a false self, society will always be full of conflict and inequality.
To make our true self the main theme of our life, we can start from the following aspects. These methods can help us gradually break free from the shackles of the false self and allow the true, pure, and wise self to emerge.
- Self-reflection: “Is my behavior today based on a real need or is it just driven by desire?”
- Meditation practice: Through deep breathing and focused thinking, gradually clear the mind of distracting thoughts and cultivate clear consciousness.
- Clarify your goals: Make a list of the important things in your life, such as health, family, and learning, and let these serve as a guide for your actions.
- Reduce distractions: Turn off unnecessary phone notifications, stay away from the flood of information, and leave space to listen to your inner voice.
Only by living out your true self can your chaotic thoughts and emotions dissipate and your wisdom continue to grow. When we enjoy the mountain scenery, we may no longer be satisfied with simply capturing the picture with a camera, but use our whole body and mind to feel the wonder of nature and truly experience the harmony and connection from the inside out. At the same time, we will also understand that staying healthy, spending time with family, caring for friends, and creating new things are far more precious and meaningful than pursuing endless desires.
When the true self becomes the main body of life, we can not only shape a better self, but also influence and improve the environment around us. When we begin to care about the needs of others and share our inner love and joy, we are invisibly demonstrating the true value of life. When the chains of the false self are broken, we are able to be reborn. Even when facing the ups and downs of life, we can still bloom the light of life like a blooming flower with a kind and open-minded attitude. Therefore, we should bravely let go of our attachment to our false self, constantly reflect on ourselves, protect our true needs, and walk a path of life that is simple, pure, and meaningful.
65. Showing the beauty of life with sincerity
67. Making the body and mind more flexible
