Behind the Frenzied World Lies a Tranquil Meadow

A few days ago, an older sister came to me seeking help. Her 34-year-old son had left his job at a bank a few years ago to trade futures in another city. Being their only child, whenever he asked for money, they gave it to him. Years passed, and overall, he hadn't made much profit. The mother couldn't sleep at night, worried sick about her son who neither had a stable job nor a girlfriend. In her most emotional moments, she would call to scold him or blame herself, thinking she had ruined his life. Over time, those around her began to believe she was suffering from depression.

One of my friends spoke with her for hours, offering comfort and advice. Another friend, who reads fortunes, analyzed her son's destiny. His reading suggested that her son was suited for challenging ventures and had a natural inclination for speculative wealth. The fortune indicated that despite his current playful attitude, he would settle down by next year. This revelation greatly relieved the mother.

We took the opportunity to explain that everyone has their own pace in life. Some mature early, while others take longer. It's better for her son to try and fail now than to rebel and leave home in his 40s or 50s.

Upon hearing this, she smiled brightly and admitted that she had been overwhelmed with anxiety, unable to believe that her son could live well without them. She had been convinced he would be poor and miserable forever. But now, she felt she might have been overthinking. We continued to encourage her, explaining that people often scare themselves by focusing on the negative, and that each person has their own destiny. Her job was to focus on her own life and well-being.

This morning, she called me again, in good spirits, saying she realized she needed to take care of herself and not devote all her attention to her son. This made me understand that fortune-telling or other forms of divination can have their uses. If such methods can calm an anxious person and help them refocus inwardly rather than constantly grasping at external solutions, they serve as valuable tools. Methods are neutral; their effectiveness depends on the mindset and maturity of the person using them.

Life may seem incredibly complex and varied, but it is actually quite simple. Looking outward, one can easily get lost and confused due to the myriad of ideas, disciplines, concepts, and perspectives. However, looking inward reveals a single starting point: "I am the world."

Maintaining a focused mind, responding to change with constancy, and returning to a stable, peaceful center allows the wisdom of the heart to simplify everything. No matter where you are, you can remain calm and composed.

Byron Katie once said, "There are only three kinds of business in the world: mine, yours, and God's." Wisdom lies in distinguishing between these three. Often, people struggle because they try to control others or the course of events, leading to their own frustration and others' suffering. If everyone could mind their own heart and leave others' affairs to them, the world would be much more peaceful.

Everyone has their destiny, especially children, partners, parents, careers, and wealth. Each has its own fate. It's better to remain caring and trusting, offer blessings, and do what you can. Trust is a powerful energy. Even if the other person makes mistakes, those mistakes and falls are part of their necessary experiences, their most valuable assets. Let us give ourselves freedom and extend that freedom to others.

You might ask, how do I take care of myself?

Taking care of oneself means living each day ordinarily, happily, and diligently. Speak and act considerately, continually simplify your life. Modern people are often overwhelmed with tasks, leading to anxiety and exhaustion. When you're tired, rest. Regain your strength before continuing. It’s that simple. If your mind is easily distracted by the external world, set aside time each day to be alone. Create a space for inner peace, put things down, and practice simple breathing exercises. Through regular breathing, a scattered mind will gradually unify and quiet down.

Healing fundamentally involves distancing yourself from chaotic, endless thoughts. You'll suddenly feel that external events may seem chaotic, but you can detach from them. It's like putting on headphones and listening to your favorite music, ignoring the noise outside. Behind the frenzied world lies a tranquil meadow where you can stand still.

Life is an ordinary and simple matter. Regardless of what we experience, each day is just another day. We don't need to view good things as too good or bad things as too bad. Today will pass. Each moment is happening and disappearing simultaneously. Our duty is to be present in this moment. This moment is life itself.

This moment is unique yet naturally ordinary. Cherish and be grateful for this moment. Enjoy it, let it happen, and let it pass. The heart doesn't linger. The scenes before our eyes may vanish, but the heart remains in that unmoving meadow. There, we find our true home.