B. Johny

When we look at the unfiltered and authentic version of things, it often doesn’t seem interesting at all. Being authentic is now perceived as boring and improper sometimes, intentionally or unintentionally. If we look closely, we can see a lot of inauthenticity all around us, including the way we communicate, the decisions we make, and the lifestyle changes we embrace. The last time we wished someone a good morning or happy birthday, was it genuine, or just something we felt we had to say? Those recent decisions we made—were they purely our own, free from societal expectations? And those expensive items we bought, did we really need them? Essentially, are we living an authentic life or just the life we’re “supposed to” live?

Our entire life journey depends on the compromises we make. Each life decision is essentially a compromise—whether it’s time, money, health, relationships, peace, freedom, or happiness. There are no major decisions in life that don’t involve compromising at least one of these factors. Understanding what to compromise can significantly change how we approach decision-making.

We tend to hear and see more of what we already believe, and we are wired for it. How can we our beliefs are right or wrong if we don't even consider the reasoning behind other beliefs? Essentially, we all exist in an echo chamber. But when we break free from it, a new world opens up. A world of fresh ideas, varying perspectives, and possibly truth. This shift allows us to think and act differently. Our beliefs will change, our character will change, and we will change.

Enlightenment means achieving a greater understanding of life. It’s not something that will happen all of a sudden due to some intense meditation; rather, it will occur gradually as long as we strive to understand life deeply. The more we grasp the complexities of life, the more enlightened we become.

Most of our losses stem not from their actual impact but from the comparisons we make. Whether it’s in relationships, money, health, happiness, or anything else, our inherent tendency to compare ourselves and our situations to others is the source of much of our misery. If we can master the art of non-comparison, we might find that almost all our worries fade away.

The concept of parallelism inspires the idea of focusing on multiple areas simultaneously. Pursuing various hobbies, passions, careers, interests, experiences, goals, and values all at once. Essentially, it's about embracing a parallel way of living rather than a sequential one. Following multiple paths may lead to intersections, different destinations, or even dead ends. But that’s progress: taking action, failing, learning, and then concentrating more on what works. Viewing life through the lens of parallelism offers a broader, harmonious, and integrated approach to living.

Recognizing who we really are requires self-reflection. Ultimately, our consistent self-reflection leads to self-realization, a deep pursuit of knowing ourselves. By being mindful of our actions, words, and intentions, we can effectively navigate this journey.

In The Candid Odyssey, we define that the purpose of life is to explore ourselves and pursue our interests without compromising righteousness. Thoughts?

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