Life is not an abstract concept or a mystical force. It’s the reality we live and breathe every day. It’s practical and tangible, full of moments that shape us. But our relationship with life often feels like a tug-of-war: we love it when things go our way, and we resent it when they don’t. This love-hate dynamic stems from our conditioned mind, which labels events as “good” or “bad,” often clouding our ability to see life for what it truly is.
To build a healthier, more fulfilling relationship with life, we need a shift in perspective. By viewing life as a parent, a teacher, and a dance partner, we can embrace its complexity and beauty with trust and openness.
Life as a Parent
Imagine a child who wants to eat ice cream all day, every day. As a parent, you know this isn’t good for them. You say no, explaining your reasons, even as they cry or throw a tantrum. You do this out of love, understanding what’s best for them in the long run.
Similarly, life often takes us down roads we don’t understand or want to walk. When things don’t go our way, we act like that child—frustrated and resistant. But what if life, like a loving parent, is guiding us away from what might harm us? What if it’s leading us toward growth, even when the process feels uncomfortable? Embracing this perspective requires humility and trust, but it can transform our struggles into moments of deeper connection with life itself.
Life as a Teacher
Some of our most profound lessons come from adversity. Studies have shown that people who experience trauma often emerge stronger and more resilient, finding meaning in their pain. They look back on difficult times with gratitude, recognizing how those experiences shaped who they are today.
This doesn’t mean suffering is easy or desirable, but it suggests that there is value in it if we’re open to learning. Challenges teach us patience, empathy, and perseverance. They reveal our strength and help us grow. By seeing life as a teacher, we can approach hardships with curiosity rather than resistance, asking, “What can I learn from this?”
Fall in Love with Life Again
Remember the times when life felt exhilarating—when you were so immersed in its wonders that you didn’t want to sleep. Perhaps it was when you were a child, exploring the world with unfiltered curiosity, or as a teenager, discovering new music, books, or experiences that ignited your passion.
Rekindling that love for life requires reconnecting with those moments. Listen to the music you adored when you were younger. Reread the books that shaped your worldview. Try new foods, take spontaneous trips, or step outside your comfort zone. By engaging with life’s endless possibilities, you can rediscover its magic.
Dance with Life
Building a relationship with life is like learning a dance. At first, you might stumble, trying to lead or control every step. But true fulfilment comes when you surrender, letting life guide you in a passionate tango. Listen closely to its rhythm and trust its movements. Even when the tempo changes, stay open and responsive.
Absorb life with every cell of your body. Breathe in life for what it is. Come closer and listen to its whisper. Because only this way you will fall in love with life again and find your fulfilment.