How to maintain a sound mind

There are a few people walking this planet who can maintain a form for long; one moment they want be like the latest pop sensation, the next moment they wish they had their neighbor's
charm or luck or possessions.

To maintain a form, one must learn to look inward rather than outward. One must learn to look inward without becoming self-obsessed, self-righteous, or judgmental of the choices others make.

Though one may be non-conforming to ideas that do not agree with their innermost, or proven, philosophies of life; one must learn to avoid being contemptuous. Being able to develop an internal sieve that enables one to separate facts from fiction, fancied rights from frivolous notions becomes imperative.
However, one must be able to look wrongfulness in the eyes and call it by its name, even if it is coming from within oneself or someone within one's circle of interest.

To maintain a form is to have character, which is the consolidation of habit. This can be achieved through several mediums over largely unspecified length of time. While some will achieve that through active participation in religion, and religious rituals and doctrines, other will achieve theirs  through universal self discipline, like focus on conscience; even though this might have been influenced by perceived social rights and wrong.  And, of course, the guide of human intuition and experience.

Ultimately, how you achieve a sound form becomes irrelevant as the result becomes a universal testimony: to be largely unchanged in a fast changing world. Not to be caught in the human rat race, and to remain unconsumed by their seemingly attractive trappings. And finally, not to let people's warped definition and assessment of reality become your truth. 

Though some may see this as an impossible task to achieve or maintain. Some may even argue that it is unnecessary as change is perceived to be inescapable. Yes, change remains constant in this sphere of existence but your trait can ultimately determine how much your immediate or wider environment can deform your character.

There is, however, a difference between obstinacy, foolhardy and maintaining a positive form. You must learn to keep the best things you have, pass them on, while the bad ones are suppressed, if they can not be eliminated. To maintain a positive form is to never influence people negatively. To live the life you urge others to live, and ultimately, to remain strong, reliable and unwavering even as happens.




Photo credit

Jude Ifeme