Dealing with Insult as stoic.

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Many times during a conversation, whether direct or indirect, someone says something that makes us feel humbled. Alternatively, they may have said a few things in a way that was perceived as insulting. What triggers this occurrence, how to handle this circumstance, and what are the Stoic practices regarding insults? Let’s discuss it.
What is outside is a reflection of our inner world.


Life is unpredictable; many times our inner world is not in shape. We find ourselves mired in either the past or the future. We worry about what the future holds for us. Alternatively, we experience the lowest point in our lives. During that period, our sensitivity increases. Whatever others say to us, we feel insulted by it.
In a similar situation with others, people often express their anger when they are stressed, depressed, or frustrated. If they believed us to be harmless, they would express their frustration towards us. Others experience similar feelings of stress, suppression, and frustration, prompting them to vent their frustration towards us.
Sometimes, people intentionally engage in such actions to achieve specific goals.
The pain and suffering appear on our faces; give them satisfaction. 
Or our reaction creates something, and from there they achieve something.
Often, we engage in indirect competition with others. Our efforts to grow and progress often lead to conflicts within ourselves. Indeed, we tend to favor those who are inferior to us. Conversely, we tend to dislike those who are superior to us.

Often, others try to insult us in an attempt to bring us down.

In Stoicism, dealing with insults involves reframing the situation, practicing self-control, and maintaining inner peace. Here’s a Stoic approach to handling insults:

Following are the tips for dealing with insults in the light of stoic principles.

Tip number 1: Focus on what you can control. 
Epictetus said, “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.”

Stoic principles remind us to focus on things we can control. What others said or did is not our control. But our reactions, feelings, and thoughts are in our control. Someone’s behavior toward us can be insulting. or say something insulting. Just consider the other person’s opinion. There is a possibility of fact, but our response is still in our control.

Point number 2: See things from another perspective.

Perspective is important; we can reframe the insult. Start seeing things from different perspectives. In this way, we can change the way we interpret events.
The insult reveals more about the insulter than it does about us.
Never take things personally. Consider insults as an opportunity to practice patience and humility. 
In Epictetus said in Enchiridion 
“Remember that what is insulting is not the person who abuses you or hits you, but the judgement about them that they are insulting.”

Stop perceiving the pain you imagine and you’ll remain completely
unaffected.
—“You?”
Your logos.
—But I’m not just logos.
Fine. Just don’t let the logos be injured. If anything else is, let it decide that
for itself.
Marcus Aurelius

Point number 3: Gard your ego:

Whatever any person said to you. It is a reflection of themselves and what they perceive of you. It is not reality. Why do you hurt from it? It may be because your ego has taken a hit. Here, stoic practices teach us to step aside our egos and accept our imperfections. Verify whether the insult is worth it. Take it and consider it an opportunity for growth. Otherwise, ignore it.

Seneca said, “What is a good man? A good man is one who engages in noble activities without seeking recognition or affirmation.

Point number 4: Recognize the ignorance of the insulter.
Many times, people insult others without considering a constructive perspective. They do it for pleasure. They desire things that align with their wishes or understanding. That lacks wisdom and virtue. Their words often stem from their own ignorance or pain. Only respond after acknowledging this, show compassion, and ignore their insults.

Marcus Aurelius said, “Whenever someone has done wrong by you, immediately consider what notion of good or evil they had in doing it.”

Point number 5: Be proactive, remain silent, or respond with calm.

There are two responses to every situation: reactive or proactive. Reactive means to just respond to whatever comes to mind without second thought. The second way is to be proactive, understand the situation, and respond in your best interest.
The best course of action when feeling or receiving insults is to either remain silent or respond calmly. There is a possibility someone was insulting you to trigger a fight or create a situation. Consider that an insult has no power over you, and your response is based on your values and virtues.

Seneca believed: “If you wish to avoid getting angry, do not be inquisitive about the cause of the insult.”

Hi friends, I hope you like this video. In conclusion, when confronted with an offensive situation, it’s crucial to maintain focus on what you can control. Perspective is very important; we build and see the world from our own perspective. Change your perspective on the situation and raise the insult mentioned above. Control your nerves and remain unshakeable and peaceful.

7 stoic exercises for inner peace

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A couple of years ago, I used to get overwhelmed whenever a difficult situation arose. I would freeze up, not knowing how to respond, and often found myself asking, “Why is this happening to me?” Instead of focusing on finding solutions, I sought validation from others, sharing my problems with them. But most of the time, they weren’t interested in helping—they preferred to laugh at my misery. The more I shared, the more I wallowed in self-pity. It became clear that people enjoyed hearing about my struggles but had no real interest in offering support.

Then, I discovered [[Stoic]] philosophy. I came across Seven exercises that not only helped me handle life’s challenges but also guided me toward inner peace. If you find yourself in a similar situation, this video is for you. I’ll be sharing these seven [[Stoic exercises]], which are designed to not only improve how you approach problems but also help you cultivate inner tranquility.

Each of these principles is rooted in [[stoic]] values like [[self-control]], perspective, and acceptance.

Exercises

1. [[Negative Visualization]]

Start your day by visualizing what could go wrong. Expect nothing from others and consider the worst that could happen. The deal you were banking on might fall through. A trusted friend might break a promise. You might meet people who only care about their own interests. While most of these fears won’t materialize—90% of the time, reality is kinder than we imagine—this exercise prepares you for undesirable outcomes. If nothing bad happens, you’ll be pleasantly surprised, and if something does, you’ll be ready.

2. Self-Control

No matter the situation, we always have a choice in how we respond. That choice is our freedom. Stoicism teaches us to focus on what we can control: our [[thoughts]], [[emotions]], and actions. We can’t control how others treat us, but we can control how we react. This practice of distinguishing between what’s within our control and what’s not is the core of Stoic [[indifference]]. For instance, we can’t control people body-shaming us, but we can work on our health through consistent effort, exercise, and discipline.

3. Resilience: Don’t Give Up

[[Resilience]] is key in Stoicism. When faced with [[adversity]] or failure, it’s our [[perseverance]] that shapes our fate. Achieving any goal requires effort, and the path is often filled with setbacks. The important thing is not to regret trying. Every attempt brings us closer to growth, even if it means embracing discomfort along the way.

4. Journaling

[[Marcus Aurelius]] and [[Seneca]] practiced journaling as a way to reflect on their thoughts and actions. This practice clears mental clutter by allowing us to externalize our thoughts. There are three forms of [[Stoic journaling]] : gratitude journaling, reflection journaling, and planning journaling. Writing down our thoughts helps us prioritize tasks and gain a better understanding of ourselves.

5. Memento Mori

[[Memento Mori]] is the practice of remembering that one day, we will die. This reminder keeps us grounded, no matter how high we rise in our careers or achievements. It encourages us to live virtuously, focusing on wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance. When we realize that life is short, we stop worrying about regrets or future anxieties and begin to truly live in the present.

6. View from Above

Marcus Aurelius once said, “Think of substance in its entirety, of which you have the smallest of shares; and of time in its entirety, of which a brief and momentary span has been assigned to you.” This exercise encourages us to see life from a broader perspective. We often ask, “Why me?” when something goes wrong. But when we view our lives from above, we understand that we are a small part of a much larger whole. This shift in perspective allows us to step out of our narrow view and see the bigger picture.

7. Amor Fati

Amor Fati means “love of fate.” Whatever the outcome—whether good or bad—accept it wholeheartedly. By practicing this principle, we stop obsessing over results and focus on each step of the journey. Fate often refers to the past, something we cannot change. Instead of dwelling on regrets, we must accept our past and live fully in the present.

These exercises help cultivate a mindset of acceptance, resilience, and inner peace. If you’re struggling with life’s challenges, practicing Stoicism may just be the key to transforming how you respond to the world around you.

Hope you like this video

Book Summary- 11 Rules for Life

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Recently, I read a book by Indian author Chetan Bhagat, best known for inspiring the Bollywood film Three Idiots. The movie is based on one of his novels. His writing is particularly popular with the younger generation, and this book is no exception. It’s written in a straightforward, easy-to-understand style, and the 11 life lessons it presents are highly practical and applicable to anyone, not just in India but worldwide.

In the book, Bhagat discusses the concept of “Aukat,” a Hindi term that refers to one’s status or position in life. He emphasizes that challenging your status quo is no easy task—it requires significant effort. To rise above your current circumstances, you must strive for excellence, unlock your full potential, and become the best version of yourself.

Here are the 11 rules Bhagat shares for reaching your full potential:

  1. Prioritize Fitness
    Bhagat initially neglected his health, only to realize later how much it affected his mind, body, and productivity. To become the best version of yourself, fitness must be a priority. This means committing to regular exercise, a healthy diet, and proper sleep. Maintaining discipline and resisting temptations in these areas will also help you grow in other aspects of life.
  2. Master Your Emotions
    The author reminds us that those who control their emotions succeed, while those controlled by their emotions are at a disadvantage. Emotional intelligence is key—not only in managing your own feelings but in understanding others’. Without this awareness, we can easily be manipulated. Bhagat suggests analyzing past decisions to see if they were driven by emotion or reason, and then aiming to make future choices based on logic.
  3. Put Yourself First
    Echoing motivational speaker Mel Robbins, Bhagat encourages readers to prioritize their own needs and goals. Setting boundaries is essential to avoid overextending yourself in people-pleasing activities. Ultimately, if you don’t look out for yourself, no one else will.
  4. Learn New Languages
    Learning a language beyond your mother tongue, especially one like English, can open many doors. Bhagat stresses the importance of English proficiency in modern India, but the principle applies globally. Start with basic vocabulary, consume media in that language, and practice speaking it until it becomes second nature.
  5. Control Dopamine
    Dopamine, the chemical associated with pleasure, can either be triggered by unhealthy habits like drinking or smoking or by positive achievements. Bhagat urges readers to focus on the latter—set small, achievable goals and let the satisfaction of accomplishment drive your dopamine release.
  6. Chase Hard Things
    Achieving big goals is hard, but that’s what makes the success so rewarding. Bhagat quotes, “The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.” Instead of fearing challenges, embrace them—they are what lead to real growth.
  7. Eat the Elephant One Bite at a Time
    Big goals can seem overwhelming, but if you break them down into smaller steps, they become manageable. Bhagat uses the analogy of eating an elephant—impossible all at once, but doable one bite at a time. This approach helps you focus on progress and stay motivated.
  8. Be Adaptive
    Adaptability is essential for survival, both personally and professionally. Bhagat points to cockroaches as one of the most adaptable creatures on Earth, surviving through constant change. To thrive, we must continually question our beliefs, ideas, and methods, adapting as necessary.
  9. Connect with People
    Networking is key to success. Successful people tend to build strong relationships based on mutual benefit. Bhagat encourages readers to improve their social skills, meet new people, and approach relationships with a win-win mindset.
  10. Take Ownership
    Blaming circumstances or other people for failures won’t get you anywhere. Bhagat emphasizes the importance of taking full responsibility for your life. Successful people make things happen through accountability, taking ownership of their goals and actions.
  11. Earn, Save, and Invest
    Earning money is only the first step to financial independence. Bhagat stresses the importance of saving and, more importantly, investing wisely. Instead of spending on luxury items, focus on growing your wealth through smart investments.

These 11 principles, while aimed at Indian society, are universally relevant. By applying them, you can unlock your potential and become the best version of yourself.

How to build a stoic mindset

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When we try our best to achieve our dreams, the fear of failure starts to appear in our minds. Will I succeed? Am I on the right path? Are my dreams worth my time and energy? Similar questions began to cross my mind, causing my confidence to waver, which in turn dampened my efforts.
Many times, we decide to switch jobs. When are we going to apply online? Job portal. Many similar questions start to appear in our minds. Will they check my CV? There are other applicants. What will happen if they do not reply? What if they reply and I fail the interview? Will it be worth it to apply for a job?
Many times in life, I became aggressive and angry when I faced rejection.  

The solution to all these challenges is a stoic mindset.

In this video, here are four things you need to master to build a stoic mindset.

Let’s discuss these four points, as well as how my journey as a stoic began.

I started reading the famous book Meditation by Marcus Aurelius. His notes to himself. His journal. In his journal, he reflects on his days, events, and happenings.
[[Marcus Aurelius]] was reputedly a powerful man. He dedicated his entire reign to interacting with the populace. Dealing with adversity. He saw wars. He witnessed the [[Pandemic]] of Diseases . The Pandemic and war both claimed the lives of his many loved ones and relatives. He deals with all those challenges and leaves behind his notes, where he records the moral and psychological advice he gave himself at this time. This journal, which he never intended to publish, serves as the foundation for the entire Stoic philosophy.
After that, I started studying more and developed a stoic [[mindset]].

Building a stoic mindset will not happen in a day; it will require consistent effort. A strategic shift will change your prospects in life.

Dealing with [[Adversity]]

If you face adversity, remember what Marcus Aurelius said.
“The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.” _

It refers to the adversity you are currently facing in your life; understand this and base your goals accordingly. Work on it until you find a way. Your weakness becomes your strength.

However, if you have a stoic mindset, you should consider the adversity you are experiencing as a worthwhile endeavor. You must focus your [[efforts]] and [[hard work]] in the right direction. Many times you feel adversity, you just need to let it go.

The second important point of having a Stoic mindset is to accept fate but take action as duty.
“The Amor Fati.”. For example, I was thinking about applying for a job on a job portal. Numerous [[negative thoughts]] crossed my mind, including the possibility that they wouldn’t consider me. What would happen if I received a call for an interview and faced [[rejection]] ?

To have a stoic mindset, you have to accept fate as it is. But act like it is your duty. We simply need to concentrate on the tasks at hand. Update your CV and apply. Review the job description. Study it, adjust your CV accordingly, and then apply. Some ancient Indian texts talk about considering it your duty to do what is necessary and to detach from the future. Accept the result without thinking about it. Don’t be discouraged; move on.

Control is the third-most important thing in the Stoic mindset.
As [[Epictetus]]
“It is not events that disturb people; it is their judgments concerning them.”
In between actual events and our emotions, there is one thing, and that is our judgment.
Our judgment is based on the lens we have in our eyes, through which we see the whole world.
I am referring to our beliefs, our thoughts, and our perspective on the world.
Being stoic requires us to change our thoughts; we must change the lens through which we see the world.
As Epictetus said
“Some things are up to us, and some are not. Up to us are opinion, intention, desire, aversion, and, in a word, whatever is our own doing; not up to us are body, property, reputation, office, and, in a word, whatever is not our own doing.”

To build a stoic mindset, we need to just focus on what we can control. And that control changes our judgment. It’s ok, what happened? I got rejected. Ok, fine. What I need to do now is move away and give it another try. We should concentrate on improving the situation. Instead of concentrating on the situation at hand, we tend to focus on the opinions of others. Our thinking and our judgment create an embarrassing situation. Here, we are focusing on things that are beyond our control. What people think about us. That is beyond our control. As a result, we experienced feelings and emotions. Because we have a stoic mindset, we have to think of solutions.

I hope you like this video. On closing notes, building a stoic mindset is not difficult; we need to constantly remind ourselves of a few principles and adjust our thinking. We have to accept fate, as it either moves on or tries again. While processing dreams and chasing goals, we did not think about the outcome; we just put in our efforts to perform our next step. When faced with adversity, if it is worth it, transform it into a goal. Take actions to the point where obsessiveness becomes the norm. Always focus on things that we can control. What we can control is our attitude toward life. Be positive and stay humble.

Where does our mind get thoughts from

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Our mind produces more than 60000 thoughts per day.
Most of them are negative. Some estimate that more than 45,000 thoughts are negative.
Let’s say those are right.
Most of the time, we were anxious about what people would think.
Perhaps they simply take pleasure in the events that unfold in our lives.
If we focus on what others think or say about us, we end up becoming their version of ourselves.

We cannot control our thoughts. One of the Buddhist ways to control thoughts is to intentionally think about something else.  
Most of the saints chant. They mentally focus on the meaning of the chanting words. Some engage in breath meditation. They begin by focusing on the inhalation and exhalation of their breath. This allows them to control their thoughts.

To control thoughts, you must stop resisting them. Let them come and go. Accept them as they are. Don’t give them any power. It’s in our hands, which we thought we gave them. Acceptance has power.  
Remember: whatever you resist, persist.  

But remember what Marcus Aurelius said. “The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts. “
This forces us to think in opposition to our initial thoughts. We choose our thoughts.
Hope you like this post.

Red Car theory will it root in Stoicism

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Yesterday, I experimented. While going to the office, I start looking for a red car. I was searching for a red car, or any vehicle that was painted red. Interestingly, I saw 10 vehicles until I reached the office. Did you experiment with it? Try it.

The fundamental idea is that wherever you direct your attention, it starts to manifest more. There is a quote that says that when you focus, life begins to grow. Where you neglect life, it goes to dry.

Let me explain a little more about the red car theory.
If I were to pose one straightforward question to you, When you go outside on a daily basis, how many red cars or vehicles do you see? Did you notice that, most likely, your response would be, “No, not a single one,” or “probably one or two?” However, it’s likely that you failed to notice them because you weren’t focused on them.
If I were to offer a reward of $100 to anyone who spots a red vehicle, you would consciously focus on finding 5 to 10 such vehicles.
Actual concept opportunities are always present, but once you notice them, they start to appear.

Everything is perception, when our focus changes or we put forth efforts to change our perception about certain things, our environment starts to change.

Experiencing adversity or misfortune often leads to further misfortune, and the opposite is also true when we experience good fortune. More lucky events start to happen.
Actually, we were intentionally seeking these.

The question now is, how do we relate this modern Red Car theory to ancient philosophy? They all talk about perception and focus. They all discuss how our mind shapes our reality.

For example, Epictetus said that 
“We are disturbed not by things, but by the views we take of them.” 
This quote explains that we have to focus on our perception. While we cannot control events, we can control how we respond to and perceive them. It is our emotional response to these events that determines our experience.

The same way Marcus Aurelius’ said, “The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.” 
This implies that, regardless of the circumstances, we can maintain our happiness as our minds actively seek it out. our thoughts make of it. If we think more about happiness, more happiness will appear.

 
Some ancient Indian scripts also talk about a similar concept: “As you think, so you become.” 

A similar Buddha said: 
“We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.”

This Buddha quote also talks about the same concept and encapsulates the red car theory. Our thoughts and focus constantly shape our reality. If you concentrate on something, it starts to appear more frequently in your life. If you focus on a red vehicle, you start to see it more often.

I hope you like this video. On closing notes

The Red Car Theory highlights how our focus can shape our reality. By consciously directing our focus, we can alter our thoughts and perceptions of our surroundings. We can notice more things that align with our interests, goals, or emotions.

Amor Fati

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A couple of months ago, while sitting in a gathering, I found myself wondering why certain things happen to me. It’s natural to have these feelings, especially when things don’t go according to our wishes or when we fail despite our best efforts. Many philosophies talk about accepting both good and bad fate. It’s a simple truth that we will fail at times, things won’t always go as planned, people may hurt us, and betrayals can happen. It’s natural to ask, “Why is this happening to me?” Sometimes we even question why we should put in effort if everything is predestined.

In this video, I will share:

  • What is Amor Fati?
  • Why it is important for us.
  • How it makes us strong.
  • What ancient Indian and Stoic philosophies say about it.

“Amor Fati” is a Latin phrase that means “love of fate” or “love of one’s fate.” This philosophical concept emphasizes embracing and accepting everything that happens in life, whether good, bad, or ugly. It’s not about passively accepting whatever life brings but actively loving and finding meaning in all experiences, including the challenging ones.

Marcus Aurelius once said, “Whatever happens to you has been waiting to happen since the beginning of time. The twining strands of fate wove both of them together.” As we grow to love life, we start to see the truth in his words: “The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.” Obstacles help us build virtue, and virtue is the only sure path to eudaimonic bliss.

Epictetus advised, “Do not seek to have events happen as you want them to, but instead want them to happen as they do happen, and your life will go well.” He also said, “Remember that you are an actor in a play, of such a kind as the author may choose. If short, then in a short one; if long, then in a long one. If it be his pleasure that you should enact a poor man, a cripple, a governor, or a private person, see that you act it well.”

Amor Fati means accepting fate as it comes. We cannot change it, but we can accept it and move on, believing there is something better in it.

What about those things that haven’t happened yet? Often, we hesitate to act because we overthink the results and fear failure. We need to accept whatever the future holds but recognize that it is our duty to work and act.

Chanakya said, “Once you start working on something, don’t be afraid of failure and don’t abandon it. People who work sincerely are the happiest.”

The problem is not the outcome but how wholeheartedly you work on it. Love of fate teaches us to detach from the outcome.

A similar concept is found in ancient India when Krishna spoke to Arjuna: “Therefore, only those who act without being attached to the fruits of their action, but as a matter of performing their duty, can attain the Supreme” (Gita 3.19).

Amor Fati teaches us that what happens to us or is bound to happen is beyond our control. But we should work on our tasks or goals as our duty, staying detached from the outcome. The output is beyond our control. If you give your 100%, you will never regret it.

Implementing Amor Fati in our lives makes us more responsible individuals. We become more aware of what we can and cannot control. It gives us direction in our work. Acceptance of fate helps us overcome pain and suffering, but our feelings, thoughts, and reactions are within our control.

I hope you enjoy this video. Amor Fati helps us understand more about ourselves, what hurts us, and what feelings arise when past events appear in our minds. Instead of focusing on what people think or how they behave towards us, we should focus on our response. There is a common saying that we suffer more in imagination than in reality. Amor Fati teaches us to accept fate and not be afraid to act due to attachment to the end result.

See you in the next video.

How we can apply Chinese Philosophers Mencius teachings in personal life

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Hello and welcome to this video. In this video, we explore the teachings of the ancient Chinese philosopher, Mencius. It’s commonly believed that Mencius lived during the emergence of city states. Most of his teachings focused on enhancing state-related affairs, but in this video, we explore how we can apply his teachings in our personal lives.

So the question is: who is Mencius? Even before choosing this topic, I did not know him. Mencius is considered to be the second saga of Confucianism. He lived in 289 BC. He lived during the Chinese Warring States period approximately 2,300 years ago. He expanded and finalized Confucius’ teachings.

According to Mencius, every human is born with a righteous or upright nature. Later in life, they may lose their way. Their circumstances or environment shaped them, and they lost the right path. According to him, with proper nourishment and care, everything grows, and without the proper nourishment and care, everything degenerates or decays.

Now we discuss four innate virtues in humans. Often referred to as the four beginnings or the four seeds of goodness, I have mentioned them and provided a brief explanation to help us apply them to our personal lives.

  1. Sense of Compassion (仁, Ren): On a personal level, we need to practice empathy in our interactions with others. Always consider their feelings and strive to comprehend their perspective by putting ourselves in their shoes. Help and support them in their day-to-day tasks. Seek opportunities to assist them with their daily tasks and issues. implement a sense of compassion.
  2. Sense of Shame and Disdain (義, Yi): Understand and always act on those things that are morally right. Try to avoid acts that are morally wrong. Make choices and decisions based on a moral compass.
  3. Sense of Respect and Reverence (禮, Li): Many times we think of breaking social norms and traditions. But that is not the right virtue. Always respect social norms and traditions.
  4. Sense of Wisdom (right and wrong) (智, Zhi)**: Seek knowledge and understanding in every situation. Reflect on your experiences and learn from them. Use your life wisdom to make good decisions.

We can apply Menicus teaching by reflecting on our lives. Regularly reflect on your actions and interactions. Evaluate your actions with respect to your values. If this isn’t the case, it’s important to make changes in your life. Always maintain the belief that every individual possesses a good nature from birth. If a person exhibits negativity, it’s likely due to external circumstances. Always focus on helping and your fellow beings. Always seek balance in life.

I hope friends like this video. Mencius focuses on moral virtues. We can improve our lives by adhering to these rules.

Why Happiness is Like Water

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I believe that happiness is a state of mind. When we are happy, certain harmonics release in our minds, leading to a sense of pleasure. and what is meant by “happiness like water.”.

This means that water can fit into any type of pot. Then you can be content and joyful in any situation. Let’s discuss. Once, I was asking myself whether happiness comes from outside our environment, an external factor, or is born inside us. Is it within or beyond our control? Once upon a time, I believed that couples and lovebirds held the key to happiness. However, I discovered that many once-loved and ideal couples do not experience true happiness. I was thinking that achieving something makes you happy. Then I saw a lot of high achievers with successful lives who were unhappy and disappointed. I found that competition makes us happy. When we demonstrate our superiority over others, we feel joy, happiness, and pride. We feel joy and happiness, as well as pride. The other person’s defeat makes us pleased and full of joy. This can also lead to feelings of depression and anxiety. On the other hand, I realized that the person with whom I compete is happier than me because he accepted his life and found meaning in it. Similarly, people who live in large houses, own expensive clothes, and drive expensive cars are not necessarily happy. Conversely, those who are less privileged tend to be happier than their counterparts. Even I saw a homeless person with torn clothes enjoying his life. So what’s wrong with happiness? Achievers, winners, and wealthy people are also unhappy. Even those who have nothing in their lives find happiness and contentment. I began to understand that it was merely a state of consciousness. It is up to us to make life by thinking and acting. Then there is the story of Gautama Buddha: who lived a happy and peaceful life. When he saw misery, death, and old age, he tried to find solutions to world problems. But after deep meditation, he found only one solution. Detachment. Suffering comes from attachment. The way to be happy is through detachment. Make your wishes less. Accept life as it is. Think about what happened. That is for good. Buddha said “There is no path to happiness; happiness is the path. “Happiness comes when your work and words are of benefit to yourself and others.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GH7cxp8HCvM

“Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.” Buddhist ways of achieving happiness are compassion and mindfulness. Midfulness means keeping your mind busy with things and thoughts. Focus on what’s happening in the present moment.Compassion: Keep busy and help others reduce their misery and problems. Let’s explore more about what Stoics said about happiness and how to attain it. Seneca said that “True happiness is to enjoy the present without anxious dependence upon the future.”

Epictetus said that    “Happiness and freedom begin with a clear understanding of one principle: Some things are within our control, and some things are not.” Similarly Marcus Aurelius said that “Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.” According to Stoic philosophy, happiness comes from only focusing on things that we can control. Let go of things that are beyond our control. Just focus on your actions, thoughts, and reactions. The second method involves dedicating yourself to a high purpose or higher virtue and maintaining a busy schedule to attain it.  The third option is to be mindful. Mindfulness means just living in the present moment. Enjoy the present moment. Stoics believe that thinking about the future and past hurts our happiness. What I now understand is that happiness originates within us. Regardless of the situation, it’s up to us to stay happy, depressed, or worried. Accept life as it is. Stay in the present moment by simply making conscious efforts to observe what’s going on and stay busy. In conclusion, happiness is like water. Just as water settles in any pot, so too does happiness. Similar to water, happiness can settle in any situation. It’s up to us how we maintain our happiness.See you in another video.