Sadhguru says change is life’s only constant; embracing it turns uncertainty into growth. Self-compassion is not selfish—it’s the foundation of a resilient, loving heart.
Article | Goa | March 4, 2024
Sadhguru: Life is a journey marked by trials, triumphs, love, loss, and the quiet but steady unfolding of wisdom. Along the way, there are lessons that shape who we are and how we see the world. These are the truths that remain etched in our hearts and minds, guiding us even in the most turbulent times. The following are six invaluable life lessons, reflecting timeless wisdom that we should never forget.
1. Embrace Change – It’s the Only Constant
Description: Change is an inescapable part of life. Everything around us is in a state of constant flux—our bodies, relationships, careers, and even our beliefs. Embracing change requires acceptance and adaptability, teaching us to release our attachment to certainty. It encourages us to let go of rigid control and cultivate resilience.
Lesson Breakdown:
Adaptability and Growth: Change challenges our comfort zones and fosters personal growth. Each time we adapt, we expand our capabilities and open ourselves to new possibilities.
Emotional Resilience: Accepting change helps develop inner strength. It prepares us to handle losses, separations, and the inevitable transformation of life stages with grace.
Letting Go of Attachment: Holding onto what was or fearing what will be only breeds suffering. Learning to release attachment to fixed outcomes allows us to appreciate each moment as it comes.
Illustrative Story or ExampleConsider the story of a young woman who loses her job. Initially devastated, she eventually sees this loss as a chance to pursue a passion she had neglected. The change she once resisted becomes the best thing that happened to her, leading her to discover a calling that brings fulfilment and happiness.
True wealth isn’t in what you own but in the memories you carry and the love you share.
2. Self-Compassion is as Important as Compassion for Others
Description: While we often speak of kindness toward others, self-compassion remains underrated. Treating oneself with the same kindness we extend to others is crucial for mental and emotional well-being. It’s about learning to be gentle with ourselves, especially during failures or setbacks, recognizing that we, too, deserve understanding.
Lesson Breakdown:
Forgiving Your Mistakes: Everyone makes mistakes; it’s part of the learning process. Practicing self-compassion involves forgiving oneself instead of dwelling on past errors.
Recognizing Self-Worth: Self-compassion helps us recognize our own value, independent of external achievements. It’s an acceptance of our inherent worthiness.
Mindful Self-Talk: The way we speak to ourselves shapes our self-image. Self-compassionate inner dialogue fosters a positive, resilient mindset.
Illustrative Story or Example A student who struggles with self-doubt and harsh self-criticism begins a practice of journaling to process emotions without judgment. Over time, this practice transforms how they view themselves, improving their mental health and helping them navigate challenges with newfound strength.
Happiness isn’t a destination; it’s a moment-to-moment choice to find joy in the now.
3. Experiences Matter More Than Possessions
Description: In a world that often equates success with material wealth, it’s easy to overlook the profound joy of lived experiences. Memories, friendships, adventures, and personal growth are the true wealth we carry through life. Possessions may bring temporary joy, but experiences shape who we are and how we perceive the world.
Lesson Breakdown:
Inner Fulfillment vs. External Wealth: Experiences offer personal growth, while possessions provide fleeting satisfaction. The former enriches us, whereas the latter may sometimes enslave us.
Building Connections: Shared experiences strengthen our bonds with others, creating lasting memories and mutual understanding that no material possessions can replace.
Lifelong Learning: New experiences push us to learn, adapt, and explore different aspects of ourselves, deepening our understanding of life.
Illustrative Story or Example A man who spends his life accumulating wealth finds himself lonely and unfulfilled. After a life-altering illness, he begins travelling and spending more time with family, discovering a deep sense of contentment that money alone could never provide.
Life’s richness lies in relationships, for in love and friendship, we find our deepest purpose.
4. Happiness is a Choice, Not a Destination
Description: Many of us wait for happiness as though it’s a reward we can attain once our goals are achieved. But happiness is not a destination; it’s a choice to appreciate the present moment, find joy in simple things, and make peace with life as it is. By choosing happiness in the now, we find a profound sense of contentment.
Lesson Breakdown:
Living in the Present: Happiness is found in the ‘now,’ in small moments, rather than some distant outcome. Focusing on the present reduces anxiety about the future.
Mindset Over Circumstance: Happiness often stems more from our perspective than our external circumstances. Gratitude and acceptance foster a state of inner joy.
Finding Meaning in Daily Life: Engaging with everyday activities with mindfulness and appreciation helps turn mundane moments into fulfilling experiences.
Illustrative Story or ExampleA woman living with a chronic illness learns to find joy in small pleasures—a warm cup of tea, time spent with loved ones, moments in nature. Her choice to focus on gratitude and presence transforms her experience, bringing peace and happiness despite her physical challenges.
When we let go of control, we make space for life’s beauty to unfold naturally.
5. Value Relationships – They Are Life’s True Wealth
Description: In our final moments, we seldom think about our careers or material accomplishments. Instead, we reflect on the love we shared, the connections we formed, and the relationships that brought meaning to our lives. Valuing relationships involves prioritizing people over things, nurturing connections, and understanding the importance of love and empathy.
Lesson Breakdown:
Investing Time in Loved Ones: True wealth lies in shared memories and understanding. Time spent with loved ones is invaluable and irreplaceable.
Practicing Empathy and Forgiveness: Relationships require empathy, patience, and forgiveness. These qualities deepen our connections and enrich our lives.
Being Present in Relationships: Quality time and attention matter more than grand gestures. Being fully present with others fosters trust and closeness.
Illustrative Story or ExampleAn elderly man reflects on his life and recalls his greatest joy came from his relationships, not his career achievements. His legacy is the love he shared and the impact he had on his family and friends, a wealth far greater than any material success.
Self-compassion allows us to forgive our failures and embrace our worth without conditions.
6. Embrace Impermanence – Nothing Lasts Forever
Description: Impermanence is a fundamental truth of existence. Embracing this reality allows us to appreciate life’s beauty without clinging to it. Knowing that everything, including our own lives, is temporary, we can live more fully, with less fear and more gratitude.
Lesson Breakdown:
Appreciating Every Moment: Impermanence teaches us to cherish each moment, as everything we experience is fleeting.
Letting Go of Control: Life is beyond our control, and understanding impermanence helps us release the need for certainty or permanence.
Acceptance of Loss: Embracing impermanence helps us cope with loss, preparing us to live with grace and understanding when life changes unexpectedly.
Illustrative Story or Example A mother grieving her son’s passing finds solace in the understanding that life is impermanent. While the pain remains, accepting impermanence allows her to honour his memory with gratitude for the time they shared rather than living in sorrow.
Conclusion
These six life lessons—embracing change, practising self-compassion, valuing experiences over possessions, choosing happiness, nurturing relationships, and accepting impermanence—serve as guiding lights. They remind us of what truly matters, urging us to live with intention, presence, and love. As we carry these truths forward, we find the courage to face life’s challenges, the wisdom to grow from our experiences, and the peace to live a fulfilled meaningful life. These lessons, when remembered, help us to navigate life with grace, wisdom, and an open heart.
