Compliments of a feature on Swami Parthasarathy in the New Yorker, here’s some good fodder for the soul:

Stress is entirely an internal phenomenon.

Stress derives from unreasonable expectations, and attachment to what one has.

Once you make the right assessment, then you have the right expectations and you have no disappointments.

You are the architect of your fortune, you are the architect of your misfortune.

If you don’t find peace and happiness in action, you’ll never find it!

So what do I make of all that? I think the Hindu philosopher has got in right when he says that stress is something you bring upon yourself, and that it is often the byproduct of improper assessment or expectations. To steer clear of needless stress, you have to ensure that you are evaluating whatever situation you may be in (or whatever person is causing it) accurately. I think there are a ton of common anecdotes in our everyday lives that are evidence of this.

“You just have to get to know the guy.” “Shit happens.” “What do you expect, (insert) is crazy.” “Manny being Manny.”

Those are kinda trite . . . buy you feel me right? If you have some projection of yourself in a social setting or a professional setting, one of those “Do you know who I am?” or “This isn’t my job” doobies, then stress be your lunch and dinner. You are the architect.

That last quote about finding peace and happiness in action is also pretty interesting. Swami talks about how most of us these days dread work and action like the plague, only desiring to return to our position of ‘comfort’ in front of the television or in our beds. While he’s probably a little too hardcore for me (”Why you need weekends? Why you need vacations?” he says), it’s definitely a good thing if each and everyone of us can find enjoyment in action. I think that’s what I try to preach about on my little blog here, being active and enjoying it. Work, play, whatever. Find pleasure in action, dear readers, and may the benefits be plentiful.

P.S. I told y’all kids it was all about Roots.  Even JT agrees.