The Key to Happiness: Purifying Oneself

As an individual discards fewer distracting thoughts and distances themselves from external clamor, their life often becomes purer. The principle is not complex; a person’s mental space and energy are finite. If various distracting thoughts and external clamor persist, the space left for us to seek tranquility and beauty becomes increasingly narrow.

Finding inner steadfastness, discovering one’s true direction, and then firmly moving forward is crucial. As for other irrelevant disturbances, if they are unnecessary, they become a burden. Therefore, one should discard what needs to be discarded, reject what needs to be rejected, and nurture their soul, walking independently and resolutely on the path of life.

As Master Hongyi said, “The flowers bloom in spring, the heart of heaven is full like the round moon.” When we let go of distracting thoughts and clamor, our inner being can attain a state of completeness. In this way, we can rid ourselves of more disturbances and distance ourselves from more noise, thus elegantly navigating through life in a clear and serene state.

Avoid Blind Conformity

When you blindly follow others or allow yourself to be influenced by their opinions, it is easy to lose your own direction, leading your life to become chaotic. You must understand, is following in the footsteps of others truly the life you desire? Many times, when faced with popular trends and the choices of the majority, if you do not think or discern, you may end up losing yourself in the current. Ultimately, your life will become aimless.

Therefore, when faced with seemingly popular trends and choices made by the majority, do not easily follow the crowd or be influenced. Follow Emerson’s advice: “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” Do not blindly follow what others are doing, nor easily succumb to temptation. Because you are well aware that blind conformity will only make you lose your individuality and true self.

A wise person knows that instead of expending time and energy chasing the footsteps of others, it is better to focus on oneself. In doing so, on the one hand, you can find the path that truly suits you through independent thinking and continually develop yourself. On the other hand, you can make your inner being more steadfast and your mindset more peaceful. When you are constantly influenced and consumed by the opinions and choices of others, the more you conform, the more you lack autonomy, making it easier to become lost and fail.

Minimize Complaints

Truly wise individuals choose to change through action, rather than confining themselves to verbal complaints. If you face realities that cannot be changed and yet still complain, you will only waste your emotions and energy, plunging yourself into a vortex of negativity. Smart individuals truly do not allow themselves to be engulfed in endless complaints, just as we cannot always expect the external world to adapt to us. Ultimately, you will discover that it is better to change than to complain.

Philosopher Francis Bacon said, “Men’s behavior should be like their apparel, not too tight or too fine, but free for exercise and activity.” In real life, many people encounter unfavorable situations and seemingly unfair circumstances. However, even if these situations are disheartening, what use is complaining? Complaining will not reduce difficulties by a fraction, nor will it make overcoming setbacks any easier. On the contrary, complaining will only deplete our fighting spirit and erode our confidence. You must learn to stop complaining in a timely manner and adjust your mindset. In doing so, you can avoid being harmed by negative emotions and a negative mindset. Often, to live better, one must learn to complain less and take more positive action.

Focus on the Inner Self

Writer Mu Xin said, “You don’t have to find me where the crowd is bustling. If you want to meet me, I am in places where joy and sorrow intersect, and all I can do is to return to simplicity after a long journey.” Life belongs to you, and the direction of life should be controlled by you. Instead of being led by external voices and temptations, it is better to learn to focus on the inner self. Just as in the turbulent world, finding a peaceful harbor for your soul allows your inner being to rest.

Life is short; do not live too restlessly but strive to maintain calmness and focus as much as possible. When we distance ourselves from blind conformity and discard unnecessary complaints, focusing on our inner world, we discover that life can be so beautiful. Eventually, we are no longer troubled by external disturbances, nor are we influenced by the opinions of others. We become masters of our own lives, in control of our own destinies. Only then can we truly realize our life’s value and live a happier, more beautiful life.