The Inner Battle

Integrating Chuang Tzu's philosophical teachings on mental well-being practices.

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This article is the beginning of a new section, The Quest, in which I explore topics and issues relatable to modern life. For instance, in this post (and a few more), I start with the problems of depression and anxiety. Mental well-being is the foundation of all aspects of life. Therefore, the purpose of this series is to serve as a spiritual space where we can find some consolation and answers.

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We live in a complex modern world, and for most of us, it can be challenging to navigate external circumstances: intricate social relationships, tricky situations occurring now and then in everyday life, and unexpected crises that seem to come from nowhere.

Therefore, we are inclined to find some quick-fix solutions for most of the problems and challenges we encounter. By doing so, we hope we can easily and quickly get back to the routine of moving the wheels of life. Undoubtedly, we can overcome those external problems in front of us. Yet, we may not realize that, as we move along with the changes in external situations, we are also dragged into internal battles.

As we age and accumulate life experiences, our emotional burden can sometimes become enlarged to the extent that it overwhelms us. We may find it hard to break free when positioned in a psychologically closed situation. An internal crisis may strike us when we can not find ways to loosen up.

Like a storm, emotions entrap us in a sequence of different flavors: worry, anxiety, regret, pain, joy, and uncertainty. They come and go without us inviting them and sending them off. Sometimes, we can get caught in one or a few mixed emotional turbulences from which we cannot find an exit. When negative emotions drive us to the extent of disrupting our everyday lives, we become the captives of emotions. Life becomes like a prison, and all we see is a bland world, and we cannot stop doubting our identities in such a world. Depression and a deep sense of existential crisis hit hard in the core.

What does Chuang Tzu say about tackling emotional burdens and psychological problems? Is there a cure that he can offer us to deal with such challenges in daily life? Can we get ourselves and others out of these problems with stories that heal and inspire?

Befriend your emotions

A reliable way to approach problems is to investigate the fundamental causes and possible reasons before we look into solutions. Thus, to understand the complexity and nature of a problem is the first critical step.