"ほとんどの人は外界の観察に熱中するあまり、自分の内面で何が起こっているのか全く気付かない。"

You know how sometimes we get so caught up in what’s happening around us that we forget to check in with ourselves? That’s the core idea here. We’re often so fixated on the external world—our jobs, social media, news, other people’s opinions—that we lose touch with our inner world, our thoughts, feelings, and even our health.

Historically, this idea has been around for ages. Philosophers like Socrates and Confucius emphasized the importance of self-awareness and introspection. Even in ancient times, people recognized the need to look within. Today, it's more relevant than ever. We live in a world of constant stimulation and distraction. Notifications pinging, social feeds updating, and a 24/7 news cycle can make it hard to hear our own thoughts.

Take the example of a busy professional—let’s call her Jane. Jane is always on the go. She’s got meetings, deadlines, and a buzzing phone that never quits. Jane is so absorbed in her work that she doesn't notice how she’s feeling. Her stress builds up, but she brushes it off, thinking she just needs to push through. One day, she has a panic attack. It blindsides her because she hasn’t been paying attention to her stress levels, her lack of sleep, or the fact that she’s been skipping meals. Jane’s story is a wake-up call: being too focused on the outside world can lead to a meltdown.

So, how do we apply this wisdom in our own lives? Start by setting aside a little time each day to check in with yourself. It doesn’t have to be a big deal. Maybe it’s ten minutes of quiet in the morning with your coffee, or a walk around the block without your phone. Just time to think, “How am I doing? What’s on my mind?” It’s about creating a habit of self-reflection.

Imagine you’re in your living room, and it’s a mess. The coffee table’s covered in old magazines, the couch has crumbs from last night’s snack, and the floor’s scattered with shoes and bags. If you don’t take a moment to notice the mess, you’ll just keep stepping over it, right? But once you see it, you can start cleaning up. That’s what checking in with yourself is like. You’ve got to see what’s going on inside to deal with it.

Here's a relatable scenario: Think about your friend, Alex. Alex is always there for everyone else. He’s the go-to guy for advice, the organizer of group outings, and the one who remembers everyone’s birthdays. But when you ask Alex how he’s doing, he just says, “I’m fine,” with a quick smile. It’s only when Alex ends up exhausted and overwhelmed that he realizes he hasn’t been taking care of himself. He’s been so wrapped up in others that he’s neglected his own needs.

We’ve all got a bit of Alex in us. It’s easy to neglect our inner world when the outside world is demanding our attention. But by making a conscious effort to tune into ourselves, we can lead more balanced, fulfilling lives. It’s about listening to that inner voice, recognizing when we’re stressed, and taking steps to nurture our well-being. So, next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a moment. Breathe. Ask yourself what’s happening inside. It might just make all the difference.