Allow yourself to be okay with your own sadness, as this capacity for self-compassion is a key ingredient for human flourishing and enables compassion and connection with others.
Actively train yourself to recognize the inherent pairing of joy and sorrow in life and the impermanence of all things. This attunement can serve as a potent gateway to creativity and human connection.
Pay attention to your deep, often nameless, longings, as they can serve as powerful signposts propelling you towards what truly matters and guiding you to a greater state of belonging and love.
Proactively tune into and engage with beauty at the start of your day, whether by consuming art, listening to music, or noticing the miraculous in your surroundings, to activate reward centers in your brain and foster a positive experience.
Dedicate two to three minutes daily to freely write down whatever is on your mind, especially things that bother you, without concern for quality or permanence. This simple act is incredibly liberating and can improve well-being, lower blood pressure, and help you engage with difficult emotions rather than turning away from them.
Accept negative feelings and difficult experiences, even when they feel overwhelming, and then use these bothersome things as signposts to understand what truly matters most to you, turning hurt into meaning or positive action.
Use the phrase “this is nature” to observe whatever arises in your mind, recognizing that thoughts and feelings are not personal creations but part of universal, relentless change. This practice can foster acceptance of impermanence and bring vitality to the present moment.
Actively remind yourself of death and the impermanence of everything, including your own life and the lives of loved ones. This perspective shift can be transformative, enhancing presence and reducing distraction in precious moments.
When facing difficult feelings or experiences, consciously turn towards connection, whether by reaching out to friends or finding solace and understanding in shared human experiences through art, literature, or music.
Recognize that anger and outrage are often narrow, socially acceptable channels for expressing deeper sorrows. Seek healthier, alternative forums to genuinely share what bothers you, fostering compassion and understanding across differences.
Do not hide behind a perpetually positive facade, as this can cut you off from genuine connection with others and prevent the healthy expression of sorrow.
For men, break free from the cultural armor that limits emotional expression. Telling the truth about what you’re feeling is crucial for connecting with yourself and others, without diminishing strength or masculinity.
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