Every time a mental state arises—whether it’s a surge of positive emotion, a wave of negativity, ill will, depression, weakness, restlessness, or skeptical doubt—the most important thing is to realize it’s there.
Recognize it. Acknowledge that, at this moment, you are experiencing one of these hindrances.
But what comes next?
Step 1: Recognize & Accept
You don’t push it away. You don’t resist it. Because as long as you reject it, it can’t change.
If you say, “Yes, it’s there, but I want it gone,” you’re separating yourself from it. That’s not the way. Instead, ask:
- Why is it here?
- What inside me is resonating with this feeling?
This is your business. Own it. Accept it. Only then can you begin to transform it.
Step 2: Investigate
Now, dig deeper. Ask:
- What triggered this?
- When did it first appear?
- Was it from childhood? From societal expectations? From past experiences?
Investigation means making this feeling familiar. Bring it into your awareness, understand its roots, and see it as part of you—not an enemy, but something to be understood.
Step 3: Non-Identification
This is where you step back and observe yourself from a higher perspective. Ask:
- How can I support myself in moving forward?
- Is this feeling permanent?
Nothing stays the same. Think back—how many times have you suffered, only to later realize that pain faded? The same applies here.
The Danger of Borrowed Visions
Many of us chase goals that aren’t even ours. Society, parents, media—they implant visions in our minds. We spend our lives pursuing them, only to one day realize:
- This was never my true desire.
- Achieving it didn’t fulfill me.
How do you know if your vision is truly yours?
Making the Unseen Real
A thought becomes real when it moves from your mind into the physical world. How?
- Write it down.
- Speak it aloud.
- Take small, actionable steps.
But first, know where you stand right now.
- What skills do you have?
- What resources are available?
- What’s your starting point?
Your path depends on your current location. Two people may have the same goal, but their journeys will differ based on where they begin.
4-Step Method to Overcome Mental Hindrances
| Step | Action | Key Questions to Ask |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Recognize | Acknowledge the mental state (positive/negative) without judgment. | “What am I feeling right now?” |
| 2. Accept | Embrace the emotion instead of resisting it. | “Why is this here? What in me resonates with this?” |
| 3. Investigate | Dig into the root cause of the emotion. | “When did this start? What triggered it? Is this from my past/society/expectations?” |
| 4. Non-Identification | Observe yourself from a higher perspective; detach from the emotion. | “Is this permanent? How can I support myself to grow past this?” |
The Danger of Borrowed Visions
| Problem | Solution | Key Insight |
|---|---|---|
| Chasing goals imposed by others (society, parents, media). | Pause and question: “Is this truly MY vision?” | “A life spent fulfilling others’ expectations is a life half-lived.” |
How to Turn Thoughts into Reality
| Principle | Actionable Step | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Make it tangible | Write, speak, or display your vision physically. | Journal, vision board, or share your goal with a friend. |
| Assess your starting point | Audit your current skills, resources, and limitations. | “What do I have right now? What do I need to learn/acquire?” |
| Small steps | Break big visions into daily actions. | “If my goal is X, what’s one thing I can do today to move closer?” |
Core Truth
✅ “Nothing lasts—neither suffering nor joy. Freedom comes from awareness, not avoidance.”
Final Truth: Nothing Lasts
Just as suffering passes, so does joy. The key is awareness, acceptance, and action.
So ask yourself today:
Is the vision I’m chasing truly mine?
If not, it’s time to pause, reflect, and realign. Because a life spent fulfilling someone else’s expectations is a life half-lived.
Wake up. See clearly. Choose your own path.