Pure happiness is a state of mind where we are not ensnared by the pain and hardships of yesterday. It represents a moment of freedom from the negative patterns we've created. We can be liberated.
However, these patterns run deep, having developed over many years, especially during our formative years, which have the most impact on brain development. A downside to consciousness is the ability to memorize painful experiences. This is why people often block out or forget negative childhood experiences.
To continue self-discovery, we must confront the obstacles to our happiness. There are no magic tricks. Modern man cannot simply meditate and breathe their way back to true happiness; more work is needed. Breathing and meditation are important tools for self-discovery, elevating us above a constricted state of mind.
Facing early childhood traumas and problems is a larger, more daunting task. Obstacles to happiness are not just barriers but part of the path itself. Talk therapy, akin to seeking counsel from a tribal elder, can help. Childhood experiences often result in anger, triggers, rage, and childlike behavior. Rage is a survival mechanism when a creature feels threatened. For children, emotional threats translate as physical threats, potentially leading to lasting trauma if experienced repeatedly.
Human beings are clever but have limited ways to react to such situations as children. We internalize anger, mimic it, or turn it inward or outward. Outward rage impacts the world, causing harm and creating karmic effects. Addressing these issues requires a methodology, such as deep breathing and self-reflection on recurring arguments and conflicts, tracing them back to early childhood experiences.
Addictions can be distractions from negative feelings, alleviating discomfort but serving as defense mechanisms. During self-reflection, if distracted, take deep breaths to navigate the mind more easily. Discovering the root causes of trauma may take multiple attempts. The work involves not just meditation but also writing about our experiences, starting with identifying obstacles or conflicts in our relationships.
In addition to writing, we should read and listen to lectures on childhood trauma and its effects. The goal is to liberate ourselves from negative patterns. Understanding the mind's design by evolution is crucial. Thoughts and feelings are interlinked, creating a feedback loop that influences our consciousness. Writing about recurring distressful thoughts can help identify patterns.
Talking about these thoughts with a neutral, non-judgmental person can provide support and coping methods. Incorporating psychology, philosophy, physics, and spirituality into this process is important, as is having emotional support from others. Breathwork can help calm the central nervous system and prevent lashing out in anger.
Maintaining regular exercise and a healthy diet, along with humor and laughter, can also support this journey. Writing serves as a reminder and instruction for oneself, helping to maintain discipline and focus. Consistent practice of breathing exercises is as important as physical exercise for maintaining a higher state of consciousness.
Over time, the heavy lifting of addressing childhood injuries and negative patterns becomes easier as we develop new, healing habits. Eventually, this work can feel pleasurable rather than scary, leading to true liberation and happiness.