People are a collection of patterns. Patterns they have collected over a lifetime made of their fears and aversions, likes and dislikes. Even the likes are based on one criterion- they must not cause displeasure.
So the whole personality can be easily defined based on a pattern that increases pleasure, avoids discomfort, and gives a sense of safety. That’s all! This is the story of modern-day humans.
Ever watched a documentary on a group of Zebra? They all look alike, they are huge in number and the best way to not be eaten by a predator is to stay as deep inside the group as much possible. Periphery is dangerous, grazing out alone, and exploring on its own is dangerous. Head down, keep grazing, move within the group, and exist. Survival is the highest virtue for a Zebra, not getting eaten up by the end of the day is the biggest victory.
But sadly, we are not meant to be zebra, we are not meant just to survive, we are not meant to be a collection of security-seeking patterns. We must not just survive but thrive. And not realizing this truth is the major cause of anxiety in us. We have everything we need to survive, yet we feel insecure, constantly seeking more and more stimulation, hoping this would increase our pleasure and subsequently decrease our anxiety. But that never happens.
The only way out is, to observe our patterns, and work towards feeling safe. Now we no more live in the dangerous jungle, so physically we are safe. We must work towards psychological safety. This only comes with self-awareness, knowing we are not Zebra so might as well stop behaving like one. Live like an explorer, and work towards true self-knowledge. Read good books, challenge your beliefs, contemplate, and then meditate. You have no idea about the treasure stored within the deep realms of our minds. Go claim it!
