The Detachment I Wish I Had

I have been reading multiple books lately on how to control our thoughts, and therefore our lives. While it’s very interesting to read, practicing it in real life is a very difficult task.

How can someone ever be calm when there’s a storm in life?

I’ve been practicing it a lot recently, and it’s damn difficult to control emotions.

A friend of mine has been preparing for the civil services, and yesterday was her UPSC Mains result day. She didn’t qualify. I would have been shattered and crying if I were in her shoes. She wasn’t. When she texted me that she hadn’t qualified, I immediately asked, “Are you fine?”

She told me, “I’m good. The same as when I qualified for UPSC Prelims. I’m neutral. No emotions.”

I’m stunned by her words. She is our department topper, and I have seen her stressed over small surprise tests in college. Now she is balanced even after not qualifying for the UPSC Mains.

I’m impressed. This is the kind of detachment I wish I had and would love to develop.