From Rigid Beliefs to Resilient Thinking: A Journey Toward Balance

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From Rigid Beliefs to Resilient Thinking

 A Journey Toward Balance


"A man was hiking on a mountain trail when he suddenly slipped and fell off the edge of a cliff. Desperately, he grabbed hold of a small branch sticking out from the side, dangling above a deep drop. Terrified, he looked up to the sky and shouted, "God, help me!"
To his surprise, a calm voice from the heavens replied, "If you trust me, let go of the branch."
The man hesitated, gripping the branch even tighter. He then looked around and called out in a panic, "Is there anyone else out there?!"


Björn Natthiko Lindeblad shared the story of the man hanging from a cliff to illustrate a deeper point: sometimes, the very beliefs we hold onto so strongly are what can cause the most harm in the end. In the story, the man’s belief in the need for control and safety prevented him from trusting the guidance he was given, even though that guidance could have saved him.

Lindeblad used this as a metaphor for how rigid beliefs, whether about ourselves, life, or the world, can ultimately trap us. When we hold onto them too tightly, we resist letting go, even when it's necessary for our growth or well-being. The message is about the danger of being overly attached to our ideas of what should happen, which can lead to suffering and prevent us from experiencing peace or progress.

In short, Lindeblad emphasized that the more we cling to control or certainty, the more we risk being damaged by the very things we fear to release.

We often navigate our daily lives based on our beliefs, particularly our likes and dislikes. It’s wonderful when we’re surrounded by things we enjoy, but when we encounter things we dislike, it can lead us down a path of mental suffering, which eventually impacts us physically.

For over three years, I faced an experience rooted in a deep-seated dislike I didn’t even realize I had. This aversion, possibly formed long ago, surfaced unexpectedly, and when it did, the damage was profound. The toll it took on me, both mentally and physically, was far greater than I could have imagined.

The essence of this is recognizing that our beliefs, while they may feel absolutely correct, are ultimately subjective views shaped by our own experiences. It's crucial to acknowledge this subjectivity, as it allows us to approach situations with an open mind. By being aware that our perceptions might not be universally true, we can make room for a more objective perspective, which helps prevent the rise of negative or unwanted thoughts. This shift can contribute to maintaining a healthier and more balanced mind, as we learn to question rigid beliefs and embrace more flexibility in our thinking. In doing so, we create space for growth and resilience, which are vital for our mental and physical well-being. 


Thank you for reading through my piece. I’m grateful for your time and hope the insights shared resonate with you. Your engagement is truly valued!


Soo Kyung Kim

The image was created by AI and designed by Soo Kyung Kim.




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