"La sanación y el sustento no serán posibles si estamos en guerra con nosotros mismos o con la sociedad."

Healing and nourishment, both physically and emotionally, are almost impossible if we're constantly battling internal conflicts or struggling against societal pressures. Think about it. When you're too hard on yourself or feel like you're always fighting the world, it drains your energy. Instead of focusing on growth, you're stuck in survival mode.

Historically, this idea has roots in many philosophies and self-help teachings. For example, in the 1960s, the counterculture movement emphasized inner peace and societal harmony as paths to personal well-being. The wisdom of that era suggested that only by finding peace within and fostering a sense of community could individuals truly flourish. This was a time of great societal upheaval, and many believed that to change the world, we had to start with ourselves.

Let's consider a real-life example: Imagine Jane, a corporate professional. Jane is always striving for perfection, constantly comparing herself to colleagues, and setting unattainable goals. She’s at war with herself. At work, she feels she must outshine everyone, leading to a tense, competitive environment. This internal and external conflict leaves Jane exhausted and unfulfilled. Despite her success, she never feels good enough and her physical health deteriorates due to stress.

Now, what should Jane do? First, she needs to practice self-compassion. She should acknowledge her efforts, accept her imperfections, and set realistic goals. This shift can be incredibly powerful. By being kinder to herself, Jane will reduce her internal strife. Next, she should foster a supportive network at work. Instead of seeing colleagues as competitors, she could build collaborative relationships. This would transform her work environment from a battlefield to a community that supports collective growth.

To apply this wisdom in your life, start with self-awareness. Notice when you're being overly critical of yourself or others. Ask yourself, "Is this conflict necessary or helpful?" Often, the answer is no. Then, focus on creating harmony within. Simple practices like meditation, journaling, or even talking to a friend can help. It's about creating a mental space where you feel safe and valued.

Imagine a scenario with a friend, Alex. Alex is dealing with a lot of anxiety about fitting in at a new job. He feels like he has to prove himself constantly, which makes him stressed and disconnected. You suggest he tries to be honest with himself about his feelings and shares these with a trusted colleague. Alex decides to have an open conversation with a coworker, expressing his concerns. To his surprise, the coworker feels the same way. They bond over their shared experiences, and suddenly, the workplace feels less like an arena and more like a team.

By cultivating internal peace and fostering supportive relationships, both Jane and Alex create environments where healing and nourishment are possible. They move from a place of constant conflict to one of growth and connection. It's not about eliminating challenges but changing how we respond to them. So next time you feel that internal or external battle brewing, take a step back. Think about how you can turn conflict into an opportunity for growth and connection. It might just change your life.