The voice in my head

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

Question (Q): Sir, what can I do to change my lifestyle?

Acharya Prashant (AP): Lifestyle is just the collection of all the small things you do throughout the day.

To understand your lifestyle, watch daily, continuously, as much as possible:

1. With whom are you spending time? What is the effect that the company of these people has upon your mind? Is the relationship healthy or does it involve fear-greed?

2. What are you reading? Which websites, social fora are you frequenting? What kind of material are you consuming there? What effect does it have on the mind?

3. What are you eating, drinking, wearing, and listening to? Does it involve killing, violence, dominance, and fear?

4. What are you avoiding, or escaping from? Are you inhibited or participative towards life’s opportunities?

5. Which movies do you watch? What do you consume on TV? Is it healthy?

6. Does wisdom literature have a place in your daily routine? The basic nourishment of a healthy mind.

If you will observe these things honestly, then they will change by themselves. Just watch clearly.