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"Many of us engage in gambling here on this forum, but often, when we lose, we feel frustrated. That's when we need to learn to regulate our emotions. Let me share a story with you.
Many people, after hearing this story, immediately feel enlightened, as if they've developed immunity to negative emotions. It's quite miraculous. People who were feeling down and pessimistic become optimistic and clear-headed. The more you listen, the stronger you become, the more you understand.
The story goes that an Arab scholar once conducted a psychological experiment in biology. He placed two newly born lambs in different environments. One lamb was left in nature, free to graze and frolic happily. The other was tied to a wooden stake. He also placed a wolf near the tethered lamb, close enough for them to see each other but not reach each other. As time passed, the free lamb grew healthy and robust, while the tethered lamb, although it had plenty to eat and drink, was quickly frightened to death.
Imagine facing a ravenous wolf every day, living in constant fear and anxiety, unable to eat properly. The result was inevitable: death. What does this tell us? It shows that negative emotions are directly linked to the length of our lives. Emotional turmoil can seriously damage our quality of life, harm our bodies, and even take our lives.
The harm caused by bad emotions far exceeds that of bacteria and viruses. In fact, our biggest enemy in life is often ourselves, particularly our uncontrolled negative emotions. Stable emotions are like a gentle stream, nourishing our bodies, whereas unstable negative emotions are like a destructive storm, damaging every cell in our bodies.
For example, in real life, if you have a conflict with someone and can't let go, replaying the arguments in your mind, and you're convinced they are intentionally causing you trouble, you'll become angrier and more frustrated as you dwell on it. It can disrupt your eating and sleeping patterns, leaving you in a state of constant depression. You may feel like you haven't accomplished anything even though you've done nothing all day. You're tired despite your inactivity. This is emotional exhaustion, which drains your energy.
Once you're in this downward spiral, you're trapped in a negative emotional abyss. When you realize the severity of the problem, what should you do in the future? You must redeem yourself immediately. You must pull yourself out, and I can tell you that the only person who can help you is yourself.
Here are two specific ways to help yourself. First, mentally release yourself, lower your expectations of desires, accept the imperfections of the world, embrace diversity, and accept yourself and others without dwelling on things, comparisons, or unrealistic expectations. Live in the present and do not forcefully associate with anyone or anything. Make peace with yourself.
Second, challenge yourself in action. Divert your attention forcefully. Do not give yourself any time for negative inner turmoil. For example, if you've lost money in gambling and feel the urge to recover immediately, think twice. Instead, engage in a physical activity or vent your feelings in a way that works best for you. For example, play sports or release your pent-up emotions. Exhaust yourself and then sleep. This way, you can divert your attention and avoid dwelling on uncertain outcomes." |
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