The process of awakening can also be thought as the relief of suffering, to be more specific self suffering meaning the self torture your mind puts on you. It’s kind of wild to think that all of our suffering is caused by ourselves and not by external forces since we do truly decide how we feel. Obviously tragic and terrible external events can cause suffering but on a day-to-day basis we are the ones that cause ourselves the most suffering. This article could go on for many pages and for the sake of simplicity I’ve provided a three step process for awakening and relieving yourself of suffering.
Process 1 You must realize and internalize “you decide how you feel regardless of external circumstance”
Most people give others far too much power over their own internal states. Own your feelings, own your emotions and decide how you want to feel. If you want to be happy and confident then decide that and look for ways, people, and experiences that will help you get more of that feeling.
Process 2 Listen to your inner voice
I could have said follow your heart but too many people have said that but it’s the same thing. Learn to listen and trust yourself and your instincts. Follow your passions whole hearted and foolishly. Do what you love and don’t make excuses, you only live once so do things that make you proud of you.
Process 3 Gratitude and Compassion for all
Be happy with what you have, count your blessings and realize you have enough and don’t really need anything more or less to be happy. Happiness and liberation does not come from the external world it comes from within, decide to be grateful, compassionate, and aware of your existence and good fortune. Be kind and compassionate to all those you meet, show them genuine love and caring and it will bring more of that into your life.
That’s it, don’t complicate, or over think it, add to it if you’d like and make your own path. Liberation and awakening is something only you can do yourself. Follow your heart and best of luck!
“When one realises one is asleep, at that moment one is already half-awake.”
― P.D. Ouspensky