"痛み、苦しみ、または怒りが起こったときは、自分の内面を見つめる時です。"

When we experience pain, misery, or anger, it's a signal to turn inward and examine our own thoughts and feelings. The core idea here is self-reflection. Instead of pointing fingers or blaming external factors, we need to look inside ourselves to understand the root of our emotions. This is about personal responsibility and growth.

Back in ancient times, philosophers like Socrates emphasized the importance of knowing oneself. Socrates even famously said, "An unexamined life is not worth living." This idea has endured because it’s powerful and timeless. When things go wrong, our first instinct might be to blame others or our circumstances. But what if the real issue lies within us?

Imagine a person who has a bad day at work, comes home, and snaps at their family. They might think their irritation is because of a tough day, but if this becomes a pattern, it’s worth reflecting on why they’re so easily triggered. Maybe the actual problem is stress, unmet needs, or something deeper.

Take the story of John, a project manager at a bustling tech company. John found himself constantly frustrated with his team, feeling that they were not meeting his expectations. He was quick to criticize and micromanage. This led to a tense work environment. One day, a mentor suggested John keep a journal. So, he started jotting down his thoughts whenever he felt angry or stressed.

Over time, John noticed a pattern. His frustration often stemmed from his fear of failure and not feeling good enough. By reflecting on this, he worked on his self-confidence and eventually changed how he interacted with his team. He became more supportive and less controlling. The team’s performance improved, and so did their morale.

So, how can we apply this wisdom in our own lives? Start by taking a moment whenever you feel intense emotions. Instead of reacting immediately, pause. Ask yourself what’s really bothering you. Is it truly the situation or something deeper within you? This can be tough, no doubt. We might not always like what we find. But that's where growth happens.

Think about it like this: If you have a plant that's withering, you don’t just blame the plant. You check the soil, the water, the sunlight. You look at the environment, but you also consider what you're doing to care for it. The same goes for our emotions.

Let’s say you’ve had a falling out with a friend. You’re hurt and angry. Instead of dwelling on what they did wrong, reflect on your role in the conflict. What could you have done differently? What feelings are at play here? Maybe you felt neglected or misunderstood. By understanding your emotions, you can approach the situation more constructively.

In a nutshell, it’s about owning your feelings and understanding them. Life throws a lot at us, but by looking inward, we gain clarity and control. It’s a bit like cleaning out a cluttered room. It might be messy and overwhelming at first, but once you start sorting through everything, you find a sense of peace and order. And who doesn’t want that?

So next time you’re in pain or angry, take a deep breath and look within. You might be surprised by what you find—and how much better you feel once you do.