2. What Is “Self”?
The self is everything outside of oneself. I’m not talking about physical aspects like genes or the body, but rather the idea that thoughts and actions cannot be considered as oneself.
I used to think that all my thoughts and actions were my own, that I decided everything on my own. However, upbringing, education, religion, background, and the people around us all play a significant role. When you understand that thoughts and actions are shaped by this environment, you begin to see that every idea and action is influenced by everything around you. I define my thoughts and actions as the sum total of everything.
I’m not claiming that this is absolutely correct. But I believe that when something good happens to me, I can be grateful for everything, and when something bad happens, I can stay positive by thinking that I’m just going with the flow. Moreover, realizing that I’m being sustained by everything around me makes me more humble. I think that knowing my current self is thanks to everyone and everything, and that I’m living a life supported by many things, can motivate me to live fully. Ultimately, this means that I can love myself and live with love for everything.
If we can live humbly in the present, being grateful for everything without blaming others or ourselves when something unpleasant happens, wouldn’t there be more people who can live more happily than they do now?
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