Every day, a myriad of choices come our way, whispering opportunities, challenges and unexpected crossroads. Some are as small as the cup of coffee in the morning, others as monumental as the foundation on which to build our future. But how many times do we really stop to listen to the internal resonance that accompanies every decision? How often does the noise of the outside world drown out the subtle voice of our intuitive wisdom?
Imagine for a moment your life as an open book, the pages of which are filled day after day with the actions, emotions and turning points that shape you. If you could flip through it backwards, what would be the titles of the chapters that brought you this far? Reconnection, growth, service, overcoming challenges, transition and continuity: significant stages that mark our becoming. Often, the crucial first chapter lurks in an unexpected moment, an encounter that ignites an inner spark, a deep sense of trust and affection that pushes us in a new and unexplored direction.
Think about that moment, that flash of clarity when a person radiates such serenity and joy that it makes you question your own aspirations. While the world relentlessly chases material success, authentic happiness seems to emanate from an internal source, from a peace that does not depend on external circumstances. This simple observation can trigger a profound reflection: what is the true meaning of happiness? What is the path that leads to lasting serenity?
Embarking on a journey of awareness is like learning a new language, the language of your heart. It requires time, dedication and a mind open to new horizons. A thousand-year-old tradition offers us a map for this inner journey, a set of principles and practices that aim to awaken our deepest nature: Buddhism.
This ancient wisdom is not presented as a set of rigid dogmas, but as a flexible guide to understanding the nature of reality and the functioning of our mind. It is based on a vision of the interconnected world, where every being and every phenomenon are intimately linked, in a constant flow of change. Nothing exists in an isolated and definitive way; everything is impermanent and subject to transformation. Every action, like a planted seed, brings with it consequences, weaving the fabric of our destiny through the law of karma.
But the reality we perceive is not solely an external objective datum; it is filtered through the lenses of our emotions, our prejudices and our past experiences. Anger, jealousy, love, joy: every internal state colors our vision of the world, shaping our experience. Achieving a state of balance and well-being does not depend so much on changing the external world, but on transforming the way we experience it internally.
Buddhism offers an ethical path based on the development of positive qualities such as generosity, morality, patience, enthusiasm, concentration and wisdom. Techniques of meditation, prayer and conscious action help us to familiarize ourselves with these aspects, to cultivate them in our daily lives to live in harmony with ourselves and with others. Ultimately, the essence of this path can be summed up in three simple but powerful directions: learning to love oneself better, loving others better and living the world in harmony and coherence.
On this inner journey, we can meet figures who embody wisdom and compassion, spiritual guides who accompany us on our journey. The word “Lama”, often associated with these figures, contains a profound meaning: virtuous friend, spiritual guide. A Lama is one who has undertaken a profound path of study and practice and who dedicates himself to accompanying and guiding others on the path of awareness. This relationship is based on mutual trust, a personal bond that nourishes spiritual growth.
Becoming a spiritual guide does not imply a rigid renunciation of life, but rather a natural priority towards helping and supporting others. This is not an imposed sacrifice, but an internal choice that arises from compassion and the desire to alleviate suffering.
In our search for balance and wisdom, we are inevitably confronted with the concepts of right and wrong. Buddhism does not offer dogmatic answers, but invites us to discern actions based on their long-term consequences. What brings suffering must be gradually abandoned, while what promotes well-being and harmony must be cultivated. Our own bodily and emotional sensations can become precious internal compasses, telling us the direction of our actions.
The choices we make are never totally black or white; they often bring with them shades of light and shadow. True wisdom lies in accepting the inherent uncertainty of every decision and finding inner harmony between what we think and what we feel. Relaxing in the certainty of uncertainty is a powerful antidote to anxiety and regret.
In the fast-paced Western world, embracing contemplative practices like meditation can encounter resistance. The endless distractions of social media and the constant search for external stimuli distance us from the ability to stop, observe our inner world and cultivate presence in the present moment. We are immersed in a continuous flow of dopamine, trapped in a cycle of addiction that weakens our ability to concentrate, introspect and make informed decisions.
To counteract this tendency, it is essential to rediscover the power of inner silence, creating a mental space free from the obstructions of external noise and unprocessed thoughts. Nature itself can become a refuge, a place where sensory stimuli, rather than bombarding us from the outside, gently emerge from our perception, promoting calm and mental clarity.
A precious tool for cultivating this inner space is meditation, a practice that goes beyond simple relaxation. Meditating means becoming familiar with our innate qualities, inducing positive feelings such as love and compassion in ourselves through visualization, reciting mantras and awareness of breathing. Tantric self-healing techniques help us overcome fears, uncertainties and negativity, developing self-confidence, joy for the good of others and a profound wisdom that aligns us with the true nature of reality.
A simple breathing exercise can become a powerful ally on our journey towards balance. Sit with your back straight, observe your breath without forcing it, then direct it gently towards your abdomen, inhaling deeply and exhaling completely, releasing accumulated tension. Create space between one breath and another, visualizing the inhalation as a gathering of energy and the exhalation as a release of all weight.
The concept of “making space” in Buddhist philosophy goes beyond simple physical absence; refers to the lack of obstacles that prevent clarity and creativity from emerging. Just as a full car has no room for an extra passenger, a mind crowded with superficial thoughts and unresolved emotions has no room for new insights and wise decisions. An “information diet”, a conscious reduction of the incessant flow of external stimuli, becomes essential to free the mind and allow thoughts to settle and find meaning.
Unlike a purely rational approach, meditation offers us a tool to take the reins of our lives, recognizing that we are our own best allies and our own worst enemies. It is based on the plasticity of our mind, on its ability to transform through experience and familiarization with positive internal states.
In an era dominated by virtual interactions, it is essential to remember the irreplaceable value of human presence, of the look in the eyes, of physical contact, of direct emotional exchange. These are the true “social networks” that nourish our soul and allow us to communicate on a deep level, beyond words.
Ultimately, the path of awareness is a call to action, not to put off the things that really matter in our lives. As an old adage goes: “Thinking about doing, thinking about doing, years have passed without having done anything. If there is something we care about, let’s go ahead, let’s do it, let’s start. It’s never too late and it’s never too early.” Every breath is an opportunity to choose, to evolve, to revolutionize our life from the inside. The beat of our heart is the constant rhythm of this journey, a reminder that every moment is precious and that true transformation begins in the present moment.
