The Steady Baseline Within
A positive mindset is often held up as the key to a good life—something aspirational that promises better productivity, stronger relationships, and a sense of purpose. But what does it really mean to “be positive”?
Is it about being constantly joyful? Riding a high of excitement and pleasure? Or is it simply the absence of sadness and struggle?
The Rise and Fall of Feelings
Anyone who has watched the ocean knows that a wave that rises must eventually fall. To remain in a constant state of euphoric happiness would not only be unrealistic—it would be exhausting. Life isn’t designed to be one continuous high.
Instead, perhaps a positive mindset is not about elation, but about cultivating a steady baseline—a quiet, peaceful presence that underlies everything we experience. A mindset not devoid of “negative” emotions, but one that embraces them as passing clouds in the sky of our awareness.
The Sky Behind the Clouds
We glimpse this baseline every day—during deep sleep, when our individual struggles dissolve; in a walk with nature, where the chatter of the mind quiets; or in a brief moment of stillness when we stop, close our eyes, and simply breathe.
That feeling—what we often call peace—is not excitement. It’s not a rush. But it is real. It’s the unchanging screen on which all our human experiences are projected.
Just as the cinema screen remains untouched by the chaos of the film, our inner peace remains unblemished by the passing storms of our emotions. And yet, we often forget it’s there.
A Mindset That's Already Yours
So, is happiness something to be found? Is positivity something to be earned? Or have we misunderstood it altogether?
Maybe the truth is simpler. Maybe we’ve been chasing something we already have. The peace that underlies everything—the one we overlook in search of bigger highs—has always been within us. Not something to be cultivated, but remembered.
It’s not a destination. It’s a return. To presence. To being. To you.
In Support of Mental Well-Being
If you or somebody you know is exploring questions around mindset, peace, or mental health, or is feeling overwhelmed, we invite you to reach out to our ‘Support’ and ‘Engage’ verticals for affordable and inclusive care.
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