Duality of mind

You claim to be content and have no desire for more money, yet you become upset when someone asks for financial help

You claim to not seek external validation, yet you desire agreement with everything you say from everyone

You claim not to care about your appearance, yet you spend hours scrolling through e-commerce websites to find the perfect clothing

You claim to only care about your own progress, yet you feel jealous and envious when someone is doing better than you in life

You claim to be highly productive, yet you spend nearly an hour saving 100 bucks

You say I am very calm and composed, but you feel irritated and angry when stuck in traffic for even 10 minutes

You claim to eat very holistic food daily, yet you also crave to drink half a bottle of alcohol after a long work week

If you find yourself identifying with scenarios in life that reflect a constant inner struggle, there is a high likelihood that you are living a life filled with anxiety and finding yourself mentally exhausted. Let’s delve deeper into this. When you encounter these situations, it’s as if two facets of your own mind begin to battle amongst themselves. Each side seeks dominance over the other, and it’s this internal conflict that leaves you feeling drained and depleted.

This often occurs because you’ve convinced yourself of your inherent goodness and, as such, you espouse to the world the qualities that define a ‘good’ person. However, the harsh reality is that you possess certain traits that require work and improvement. The most detrimental aspect of this is your refusal to acknowledge these flaws and begin the process of rectification.

It is imperative to remember that the journey to mental fitness begins with the acknowledgment of existing issues. Once you accept that there are problems that need addressing, only then can you start seeking solutions. If you continue to live in denial, your two contrasting minds will persist in their futile attempt to determine who is right and who is wrong. This habit not only exhausts you but also projects an image of duality, suggesting that you have a dual personality.

The repercussions of such behavior extend beyond personal turmoil. It also significantly impacts your relationships. Your loved ones may find it increasingly difficult to trust you. Initially, they might attempt to offer advice or guidance, but your refusal to accept that you have a problem results in you lashing out at them.

This not only strains the relationship but can also lead to an absolute cessation of communication in certain instances. Your denial and refusal to address your issues can lead to a complete breakdown in your relationships, further exacerbating your mental distress.

In various societies around the globe, there is a concerning lack of acknowledgement surrounding the importance of mental fitness. Many individuals hold on to the outdated belief that fitness is purely a physical attribute, which is a complete misconception. This limited perspective sadly overlooks the critical role our mental well-being plays in our overall health. I have personally witnessed individuals in my vicinity who, due to their lack of mental fitness, have suffered prolonged physical ailments. Chronic diseases, in particular, can take longer to heal when your mental health is not in a good state.

Additionally, remaining mentally unfit can lead to other detrimental consequences, such as the tangle of mental duality. This condition can result in the loss of the ability to engage in rational conversation. When this skill is lost, it often results in alienation, as people around you may find your company less enjoyable. This is primarily because you might be stuck with a fixed set of beliefs that you aim to communicate in every conversation, regardless of their relevance or appropriateness. This mindset often excludes the possibility of acknowledging the rational arguments and logic presented by others in the group, making dialogue less effective and potentially damaging relationships.

Cure

• The first step towards a cure for the inner turmoil between your real self and the persona you project to the world is acceptance. Accept that the person you present to the world might not always align with who you truly are on the inside.
• Once you’ve acknowledged this disparity, the next step is to perform some introspective soul-searching to figure out what you truly desire from life. For instance, you might project an image of contentment to the world, but in reality, you may constantly worry about your financial stability. In this case, it’s crucial to recognize and accept that you’re overly concerned about money, which in turn prevents you from feeling genuinely content.
• After identifying these authentic characteristics within yourself—characteristics that you know are not beneficial for your personal growth or the people around you, start seeking out role models. Look for individuals who have proven to the world that they’ve achieved the state of contentment you aspire to. Study their lives, actions, and philosophies in depth.
• If you can’t find a tangible role model, turn to literature. Seek out books that discuss practices and philosophies that can guide you towards feeling more content with your life. Dive deep into these texts and absorb their wisdom.
• Make a conscious effort to implement the advice and practices mentioned in these books. Always remember that you’re not alone in your struggle with the duality of the mind. Many have walked this path before you, seeking the same solutions.
• Finally, engage in activities that are known to help alleviate this internal conflict. Practices like meditation and writing can be incredibly beneficial. For instance, explore the teachings of Andy Puddicombe for meditation. These activities help you to connect more deeply with your inner self and gradually shed the persona that doesn’t align with your true identity.

Although I enjoy sharing my experiences to help others going through similar phases of life, I primarily write about productivity and healthy lifestyles. If you’re interested in learning more about these topics, please follow and subscribe. If you find my content helpful, show your appreciation by giving me a clap. Your support encourages me to create more!