Marx, Zhuangzi & Psychology Marx + Zhuangzi · Everyone is inherently whole

The Self and Psychology Series

Caring for Yourself Amid Life's Downpours and the Flash Floods of Emotional Strain: Emptiness, Stillness, and Peace

Life is always full of difficulties and challenges. Our state of mind is always fluctuating, and pain will always return.

What matters is not being hard on yourself, and taking care of yourself.

I. Emptiness

  1. Keep external stimulation to a minimum: simple, vibrant nature; a safe, peaceful park after dark.
  1. Stay away from people who disturb your peace.
  1. Keep stimulation of the prefrontal cortex to a minimum; give up screens.

II. Stillness

Find joy amid suffering, stillness amid chaos, and peace amid vexation.

III. Peace

Sleep, relax, and eat healthy, light meals at regular times.

As Zhuangzi said, “Be upright, still, clear, and empty; an empty room gives rise to light.” In stillness and peace, the authentic self will naturally heal and nourish itself.

Previous articles: “Accepting Your Dark Side,” “Accepting Mediocrity,” “Accepting That You Haven’t Reached a Higher State Is Itself a Higher State,” “My Inner Child Is Healing Me”