Stay Healthy and Keep Your Spirit Up Despite Losing Your Job

 Stagflation—a period when people around the world face rising living costs amid scarce job opportunities—is a direct consequence of large-scale money printing by central banks worldwide. What was intended as a solution to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has turned into a long-term issue, with no clear end in sight.

About a year ago, many people managed to survive by lowering their standard of living and cutting all non-essential expenses. This wasn’t easy. For some, it required real strength to endure the “pain” of letting go of their previous lifestyle. It wasn’t just about pride, but also the lingering memories of more comfortable and enjoyable times when money was plentiful. There was also regret—thinking back on overly lavish spending habits, or money that was wasted without clear purpose.

Yet, this is a natural part of life. Hardship often accompanies ease. Modern humans struggle to find happiness because they are trapped in illusions about light and darkness—seeing them as opposing forces driven by “evil” and “good.” There is a belief that one day evil will be erased by virtue, that sins will be washed away by good deeds, and so on. In reality, some people will do anything to preserve pleasure, even things that once violated their own values or standards. That, among other reasons, is why happiness can feel so elusive.

Illustration: Candi Rambut Monte, Blitar.

Shock Resistance

People who lived thousands of years ago didn’t need to be bulletproof—bullets didn’t exist in their time. What they needed was the ability to maintain harmony and balance among different elements of life. This was their way of training themselves to remain steady in any situation.

For this reason, the Turkic Indigenous Faith known as Tengriism teaches that dualities—darkness and light—can coexist in harmony, with human participation playing a key role. Today, followers of Tengriism in places like Mongolia and Kazakhstan express this through practices such as protecting water sources from pollution and tying cloths to certain trees considered vital for continuity and life. 

To accept death—one representation of darkness—as a natural part of life, Tengriism followers hold communal meals on the 7th and 49th days after someone passes away. To some outsiders, preparing large amounts of food may seem like an added burden for the grieving family.

In simple terms, the family left behind must rise from their grief to continue living. Letting go of a loved one is symbolized through preparing food for these gatherings. However, because Tengriist communities tend to live communally, people work together to support the grieving family in preparing the meals for the funeral ceremonies.

Anti-spoiled

In some countries, people who lose their jobs receive unemployment benefits from the government. Those who don’t receive such support shouldn’t feel envious—after all, “everyone’s sustenance is already arranged.” Just as there’s no need to envy stories of people elsewhere who live entirely on government support without working.

While such systems are often justified as a form of government care for citizens’ welfare and happiness, their long-term impact on a nation’s mindset is rarely discussed. Even less attention is given to how they shape the way that nation interacts with the outside world.

We exercise to maintain physical health. In the same way, the sacrifices and traditions practiced by our ancestors—through offerings and various rules—were meant to strengthen mental resilience. They trained people not to become fragile, easily discouraged, shocked, hysterical, or overwhelmed by stress, depression, or sudden change.

Mental resilience is just as important as having ballistic missiles, attack drones, or even kamikaze drones. (dswas)