(Worldly Desires Are Not As Important As They Seem)
Amir Iqbal Khan
“I ponder, hence I exist.” My existence is validated through my ability to think. While this is true, I’ve observed that many people’s thoughts often lead them in a negative direction. In fact, I would argue that thinking has become a disease—a lethal and dangerous one. It seems like we are the ones doing the thinking, but in reality, our minds play tricks on us.
There is a constant voice inside us that keeps us restless. Distancing oneself from this voice is the path to true enlightenment. In this article, I am to explain that if you truly wish to be free, you must integrate yourself with your constantly thinking mind. You must break free from the confines of your habitual thinking. It might seem strange to suggest separating oneself from one’s thoughts, but this is the best formula for happiness in life. Our minds bombard us with thoughts 24/7. “Hey Amir, your childhood was difficult; you should dwell on this forever.” “Hey Salman, stop worrying about the future.” “Hey Rahul, look how far your friend has come and how successful her husband is, while you’re standing still.” “Hey Sachin, how long will you keep driving that old, broken car? Borrow money and get a new one.” These negative thoughts distract you from the present moment, which is the only time that truly matters.
Therefore, today’s moment is everything. Yet, our minds often prevent us from staying in the present. Instead, we are stuck in the past or fear the future. The “power of now” is about eliminating this unnecessary and compulsive thinking. But how do we free ourselves from the tyranny of our minds? Some tips are provided in this article, the first of which is crucial: recognize that your mind is separate from your existence. Observe your mind as a third party. Imagine your mind as a cricket stadium, where you are the spectator watching the players (your thoughts). Regularly observing your emotions and behaviors in this way begins your journey to the power of now, eliminating worries about the past and future.
The 2nd tip is learning to control your ego. Ego is a profound concept in psychology and is often our greatest enemy. Don’t let the fear of the future hinder your present. Avoid letting your ego keep you from living in the moment. This article emphasizes meditation and yoga, with the main essence being the differentiation between “I” and “Self.” The “Self” lives in a world of deception, obsessed with worldly pursuits and emotions like depression, frustration, anger and excitement. By developing the ability to monitor your emotions and view them objectively, you can achieve happiness in life.
Many realize near the end of life that worldly desires weren’t as important as they seemed. The sooner you reach this realization, the sooner you’ll enjoy the present moment. The ultimate conclusion is that happiness, anger, frustration and depression aren’t due to circumstances but the state of your mind. You are a victim not because of your circumstances but because of your mind. Decide whether you want to waste your life or seize it.
