The Constant Exhaustion: Burden of Internal Friction

In “Slow Cooking Life,” Wang Zengqi wrote: “You are working hard and feeling tired, so sit down and rest for a while, have a cup of lukewarm tea. Don’t dwell on things, worry less, go with the flow, maintain your original intentions, and live life calmly.” Essentially, in life, no one is without feelings of loneliness, nor do they feel exempt from hardship. The essence of all life entails loneliness and suffering. However, this does not mean the loneliness or suffering is unbearable. More often than not, an individual becomes easily influenced and burdened, leading to perpetual entanglements and worries. Over time, the inner turmoil grows, resulting in more agitation and internal conflict, making life increasingly painful.

Exhaustion Lies in the Heart, Not in the Work

A person’s fear is not the work itself, but rather the potential impact on their emotional well-being. Many individuals do not truly enjoy their jobs but endure them out of necessity. Consequently, regardless of their discontent and grievances, they are too afraid to resign, or even contemplate the thought. Such individuals have become accustomed to a stagnant way of life and work. For them, making changes is more challenging than reaching the skies. They would rather endure daily internal torment at work than entertain the notion of departure. Even as their spirits grow wearier and more distressed, they are unable to make a graceful exit.

In “Selected Letters,” Goethe wrote: “If work is a pleasure, life is paradise. If work is a duty, life is hell.” Life offers numerous choices, particularly in its nuances. Yet in reality, far too many individuals prefer the status quo, choosing to lead unfulfilling and complacent lives rather than risk making a change. Life always presents challenges, and existence is filled with pressure. If you fear confronting these challenges or engaging with them, you are unwilling to confront and handle life. For instance, when confronted with challenges and pressure at work, if you recoil and cower, the resulting inner struggles become the source of agony, not the challenges themselves.

Embracing True Awakening Through Evading Inner Turmoil

Indeed, every person experiences emotions and periods of instability. This is due to the existence of what is known as the “seven emotions and six desires,” as every household has its own issues. Therefore, it is impossible to guarantee that one will be devoid of emotions at all times or completely free from internal conflict. Internal conflict itself is not terrifying; what is alarming is enduring it continually without understanding its root cause. If an individual constantly feels tired and exhausted, even though they have done very little during their day, it is a signal for them to reflect and question whether they are caught in a state of internal conflict. Moreover, in such instances, extensive speculation is unnecessary, as their heart already knows the reason behind their turmoil.

They simply feel unable to find a way out, despite having already discovered the cause and the correct path forward. Alternatively, they might have found the way out but lack confidence, courage, or support, and are consequently hesitant to make decisions. Consequently, they fail to believe in themselves, conforming to the prevailing views and opinions, fearing rejection, and avoiding challenges, resulting in an increasing mental disarray and internal conflict.

Master Hongyi once said: “Never respond to negative energies; to do so invites entanglement and consumption.” Negative forces exist in life, but we must not become complicit or cooperate with them, exhausting ourselves in the process.

Truly wise individuals perpetually weigh the pros and cons and consider the costs. Only then, through making informed choices, can one ensure that they are walking the right path and lead a more satisfying life. Such a life, such an existence, will prevent one from falling into a state of perpetual internal conflict.

Don’t Rush, Avoid Internal Conflict

John Lennon once said, “Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans.” Many individuals experience internal conflict because they are too eager to achieve what they desire and lead the life they crave. However, building something from nothing is not achieved through impatience. Furthermore, when one is constantly seeking immediate, instant success, they are bound to face results that are undesirable and difficult to accept. The more one rushes, the more likely they are to become embroiled in internal conflict, ultimately impacting their quality of life. A reduced quality of life leads to decreased work efficiency, exacerbating everything, including one’s mood and outlook.

In the end, individuals may find themselves growing increasingly fatigued, even though they have accomplished very little. One should not hasten through life, exhausting oneself for the sake of existence, but instead take the time to slow down, calm down, and treat life and oneself with care. This way, one can maintain control over their life and live at a higher level.