It Will Make It Easier For You

In Stoic philosophy, the main message is to identify what you can control versus what you can’t control, with most things falling into the latter category. The only thing you can control is your mind, your choices, and how you react to specific events or circumstances. What happens around you, what other people do, that’s beyond your control.

The Yogi philosophy goes even further. It provides a broader, bird's-eye view. It teaches that among the things you can control—your reactions, thoughts, emotions, actions, and personality—you have to understand which things are ‘you’ and which things aren’t ‘you’. Because doing so, will make it easier for you to actually control what’s in your control.

To separate the 'I' things from the not ‘I' things. This is the first step in the practice of Raja Yoga, the branch that focuses on mental development. When you realize that you are not your personality, it becomes easier to control your reactions. Understanding that you are not your mind, makes it easier to tame your thoughts. Recognizing that cravings stem from your mind's lower nature, makes it easier to let them go.

The real self is the divine part within you—a center of consciousness, influence, and power.

Your body, mind, personality, feelings, and desires are not you; they are not the 'I'. They belong to you and can be used to your advantage, but you must not confuse them with yourself.

This realization alone brings a sense of peace and power over oneself. It gives your the upper hand in controlling reactions to life situations and fosters a sense of mastery over the mind.

Reflect on this distinction between what you can control and what you can’t control, and remember how having the consciousness of the ‘I’ will empower you to navigate life with greater clarity and tranquility.