It has been said, “I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind.”
This quote reminds me that no matter what we do in this world — be it for work, for pleasure, or for some other reason — it’s secondary to the one thing that truly matters in our lives. Our inner peace.
That’s why when things don’t go your way, when life charges at you with its stresses and sorrows, the devotion to your cause and goals can short-circuit with alarming ease. When that happens, repeat this powerful mantra as long as you need until you feel at peace, within and without.
1. “My inner peace is primary; everything else is secondary.”
All of us have dreams and aspirations, and we do our best to make them a reality. But in the process of doing and achieving, we get carried away by our boundless desires for more. We want more money, more fame, more influence. For some of us, that’s a shortcut that leads to stress and unfulfillment. If you feel this way, repeat, “My inner peace is primary, everything else is secondary.”
2. “My inner peace is primary; everything else is secondary. “
When you notice that boundless cravings for more bring nothing but misery, ask yourself, “Why am I doing this to myself?” Take a moment to sit with this question, and let it reveal how burdensome your unconscious living has been. Then repeat, “My inner peace is primary, everything else is secondary.”
3. “My inner peace is primary; everything else is secondary.”
Imagine how good you’ll feel when you unburden yourself from all the worries and anxieties that have taken over your life situation. Imagine dropping everything that’s holding you back from feeling free and repeat, “My inner peace is primary, everything else is secondary.”
Complement this inner peace mantra with our free mindfulness resources and then revisit our guide on how to practice breathing meditation.
I’m a freelance writer and mindfulness advocate behind this blog. I started my meditation practice in 2014, and in 2017 I launched this website to share what I learn with others. Here are the three things you can do here:
1. Schedule a free consult if you want to learn Buddhist meditation.
2. Download free mindfulness resources for stress relief
3. Join Patreon for exclusive content and community meetings.
