001-Buddhism in daily life - Mental strenght

Hard times are coming again! There it is important to be (or to
become) mentally strong.


Some of us easily "get over" difficulties, others have their
problems with the situation, worry more, take everything very
much to heart.


But how can you gain more confidence, become mentally stronger?


Let me go a little further by showing what mental strength
actually is.


I understand mental strength to mean that people regulate their
emotions, interpret their own thoughts in a positive way, and
make the best of the situation.


According to Buddha, we can change little or nothing about the
situation anyway, karma determines the way, so why not at least
look at every event calmly?


To achieve mental strength, we humans first need a goal. What
goal do you have? Anyway, whoever reads here on this blog is
interested in Buddhism, so why not delve deeper into the Buddha's
teachings? According to the great teacher, a person's goal should
be to overcome suffering. According to his philosophy, this is
accomplished by striving for "enlightenment," as this awakening
ends all suffering.


A person who strives for mental strength does not necessarily
have to be a Buddhist; nevertheless, he/she needs a goal,
whatever it may be.


In life, even for mentally strong people, not everything always
goes according to plan. Many things go "wrong", not all
undertakings succeed, setbacks are part of life. This makes it
all the more important not to take the failures and stumbling
blocks too much "to heart". Consider these adversities as lessons
of the universe, lessons of fate, not as "personal" failures.


Also very important for mental strength is to know yourself well.
Do you know yourself, your fears, your feelings, your habits,
your attachments? If not you should think about it once quite
simply!


What are your standard reactions?


Are you able to be alone with yourself?


Do you have a healthy self-esteem?


Do you put your needs behind those of other people?


Do you promote your talents?


Where do you see your weaknesses?


Do you own up to your mistakes and weaknesses?


Are you a believer, or do you follow a philosophy?


Are you responsible in dealing with yourself, and also with
others?


Do you always deal with problems first, or do you think quickly
about solutions?


Do you lead a mindful and grateful life?


If you don't have goals, you can't be mentally strong, without a
concrete task, you "swim" through the universe without ever
seeing a shore. What do you want to achieve with your life?


After defining the goal, it is time to implement a plan.
So-called "if-then plans", i.e. the determination of further
"intermediate goals", always help here. What will I do when I
have achieved this or that?


Keep your goal clearly in mind, focusing on positive emotions.
How does it feel to have achieved this or that goal? Go through
your steps "mentally", practice it.


Most of the time, plans fail because of life's big fears. What if
I fail? What if I do something wrong? What if others laugh at me?
There are millions of fears, but only one suitable path for you,
the path of the middle, which was predetermined for you (karma).


Become the person you can be! Follow your karma!





When you are strong, you love stronger


- Henry James - US writer - 1843 to 1916