Cultivate the concept of “interbeing” by recognizing that others’ suffering and happiness are intrinsically linked to your own, using this as a profound “medicine for individualism.”
Regularly recheck your perceptions and views by asking the mantra “Are you sure? Am I sure?” Cultivate a little doubt to stay open to investigation and avoid being locked into fixed ideas, as wrong perception is the origin of suffering.
Prioritize self-care and become “whole” to create inner space, which allows for greater openness, listening, and the natural unfolding of interconnection with others.
Acknowledge and practice with your suffering, understanding that learning “how to suffer well” will ultimately lead to less suffering and allow for authentic emotional expression.
Work on finding true inner contentment to prevent the internal “war” that leads to blaming others, scapegoating, and creating enemies.
Actively simplify your life by reorienting your focus on what truly matters, rather than being constantly busy or accumulating things out of dissatisfaction, which creates more time and mental space.
Actively seek out and build a supportive community and friendships (sangha), as this is crucial for navigating life’s challenges, balancing individualism, and providing a space for connection and growth.
Integrate contemplative practices (meditation) with active service to help others, especially in times of suffering, and remember to revive oneself through contemplation to maintain sustainability and resilience.
Reframe your understanding of birth and death as continuous cycles of manifestation and transformation, rather than fixed, absolute points, recognizing that existence continues beyond physical form through creations and memories.
Utilize spiritual concepts (like interbeing) not as mere intellectual descriptions, but as tools or “keys” to hold and look deeply into your world, yourself, and the reality of how things work.
Understand and practice mindfulness as “remembering” – remembering your true self, your continuation, and the gratitude for being alive – rather than being forgetful and caught in thoughts or concepts.
Observe cycles, seasons, and continuation in nature (trees, mountains) and in human relationships (ancestors, siblings) as a healing practice to gain a bigger picture perspective.
During times of sadness or grief, actively counterbalance the tendency to retreat or focus solely on sadness by finding ways to continue caring for others, nature, or meaningful projects.
Practice compassion and non-separation even in stressful situations like driving by acknowledging others’ hurriedness or anger, allowing them space, and consciously choosing not to harbor hate or frustration.
When observing conflicts, cultivate the understanding that “both sides can be right,” avoiding the need to declare one party definitively correct, especially when not self-interested in the situation.
Approach spiritual practices and teachings in a humanized way, avoiding idolization or turning them into rigid, external “things” or dogmas.
Shift your mindset from constantly seeking “more” to recognizing “enough,” which will create more time and mental space, leading to a clearer understanding of real happiness.
Prepare for difficult emotional “winters” by gathering “wood” (spiritual practices, self-care, community) during easier times, so you are resilient when challenges arise.
Engage in practices of generosity (Dana), offering service, and helping the less fortunate as a counterbalance to materialism and individualism.
Support or envision the creation of community centers in urban environments that foster connection, self-reflection, and spiritual growth, similar to exercise or yoga gyms.
Recognize that life is more than just working; make time to enjoy your life and nourish your human and spiritual aspects before it’s too late.