Don’t turn observation into an activity; observation happens on its own

The following is an excerpt from a samvaad (dialogue) session with Acharya Prashant.

Question: Sir, whenever life appears to be miserable, I have this habit of observing the mind.

Acharya Prashant (AP): Actually, observation and relaxation are one.

L1: Sir, relaxation?

AP: When you are relaxed, then there is no need to observe. Observation is not a need. It cannot happen because you are telling yourself to observe. It cannot happen out of some purpose. When you are internally relaxed, then a subtle observation is automatically happening.

L1: How to relax?

AP: See, essentially there is no technique for this, but if you are asking then I will say: maintain certain confidence; sureness. I call it Faith, and it is a certain solidness of the Heart. It’s a way of standing up to life. Maintain that.

Never let any loss become too important for you; never let any gain become too meaningful for you.

Maintain your dignity and poise.

Even when everything is taken away, do not start crumbling.

Even when a lot is coming to you, do not become exuberant.

Maintain your own inner core.