In order to end the unhappiness and anxiety we have “nurtured” for however long, we must begin by taking responsibility for our inner state at any given moment. How convenient it is to point fingers at individuals, situations, and conditions and glibly assert our discontent, nervousness, and inability to cope as something external to us.
Becoming alert to our intentions, emotions, and reactions, while also giving our mind a job – watching and following our breath on a quiet yet consistent moment by moment basis, provides insights into our human nature that have thus far eluded us, veiled by our non stop thinking and identification with our likes and dislikes.
I encourage you to look inside, examine whether you are unconsciously creating the aforementioned conflicts. This is all ego. Throw it away.
Keep reminding yourself throughout the day that in a sense, it doesn’t matter at all what you are doing. Real insight lies in “How are you doing it?” With grace and an even demeanor, proceed through your day with a peaceful countenance. Stay centered and in the present. Watch your mind attempting to drift off. This means not resisting anything that crosses your path wishing you were somewhere else, not liking who you are with, or what you are doing. Proceed as if you had chosen this moment no matter what appears. By doing this consistently you will eventually experience a shift in consciousness. No longer influenced by your “back seat driver” dictating your judgements and moods, you then can use your mind as a tool and not a controller device. This is concomitant with our original evolutionary process.