Focus on what you do and how you act towards others, rather than solely on what you believe, as actions are central to living a meaningful life and strengthening character.
Perform kind acts and show up for others even when you don’t initially feel like it, because the action itself can often generate positive feelings and reinforce good character.
Cultivate gratitude throughout your day, starting immediately upon waking by being thankful for being alive, and extending to appreciating the proper functioning of your body and other blessings.
Actively seek and notice the grandeur of nature and the intricate beauty in small, everyday things around you, fostering a sense of ‘radical amazement’ to combat a ’numb, checked out’ feeling.
Embrace an ’ethic of non-indifference’ by actively caring about and noticing the struggles of people around you, recognizing your obligation to help rather than remaining detached.
Practice mindfulness by being fully present in your daily life and interactions, stopping to notice blessings and expressing thanks, instead of being lost in thought and missing moments.
Prioritize physical presence and a sense of urgency when friends or loved ones are struggling, visiting the sick, and showing up for those in mourning to offer deep, loving support.
Provide financial assistance and support to those in need as an obligation of justice, ensuring it’s done in a way that respects their dignity and empowers them, rather than humiliating them.
Be highly conscious of the impact of your speech, actively avoiding gossip, shaming others, or trying to embarrass them in arguments; instead, strive for kindness and less shaming in your communication.
Recognize and internalize the ’three inalienable dignities’ – that every human is of infinite worth, all are equal, and completely unique – and strive to value people equally regardless of their status, wealth, or fame.
Actively work to repair brokenness in the world wherever you see it, fulfilling an obligation to improve society.
Engage with ancient texts and traditions by reinterpreting and reimagining them to find relevant moral guidance and meaning for modern life, rather than taking them as literal historical accounts.
Recognize that when you are ‘stuck in the prison of your own sadness, anxiety, fear, loneliness,’ you need someone to help pull you out, and be prepared to offer that same help to others.
Seek to connect with ancient wisdom or traditions that have been passed down through generations to gain a sense of belonging, purpose, and meaning in your life.