THE BOOK THAT CHANGED MY LIFE
“Stop trying to calm the storm. Calm yourself and the storm will pass.”
Back in 2018, when I was three years deep in to my journey of self destruction, a colleague told me about the book he was reading. He explained how it was helping him to manage some issues he’d been having, mainly around anger. I thought it sounded like something that might be able to help me too - I was feeling incredibly angry with myself and the world around me - so I immediately went online and ordered a copy. I don’t remember the exact date but I’m pretty sure this was the turning point that set me on my spiritual journey and the road to recovery.
‘How To Solve Our Human Problems’ by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso begins with an introduction to the Buddha’s teachings of The Four Noble Truths and explores the idea that we can change our world simply by changing our mindset.
“...acknowledging my triggers means I now know what and who to avoid...”
Finding inner peace is increasingly difficult amongst the noise of today’s society but this book offers a clear solution: by not allowing negative states of mind such as jealousy and anger to control us and by detaching ourselves from any outcome we can ease our own suffering. Problems are no longer problems, just obstacles to overcome and by responding to a situation rather than reacting to it we can maintain a level of calm.
A lot of the personal development books I have read since (and I’ve read a lot!) are centred around the Buddha’s teachings; gratitude, forgiveness, compassion and non-judgement are the cornerstones for a life of inner peace. These practices have become part of my daily routine and encouraging others to embrace them too, along with slowing down and living more mindfully, now forms the basis of my work.
I really feel that this book was the catalyst for me finding myself when my world had been turned upside down. It really helped me to understand why I was feeling what I was feeling, learn how to love myself fully and rid myself of suffering. Of course, it’s an ongoing process as anyone in recovery knows and sometimes it’s really hard not to get annoyed or upset by certain things but acknowledging my triggers means I now know what and who to avoid and replacing negative habits and influences with positive ones has been critical to finding a sense of peace. Improved self-care such as regular outdoor exercise and a healthier diet are easier to maintain thanks to a new sense of self-worth.
It is important to remember that our reality is shaped by our mind and while we may not be able to change the external world, by working on ourselves internally we can change our perception of it. This book has helped me to do just that and I vehemently encourage everyone to read it at least once (I dip in and out of it whenever I need reminders).
If you have already read it I’d love to know if it’s helped you too, or if you’d like to read it I’ve left the link below.
Kx
(Please note this is not an ad and I in no way benefit from you buying this book)