Buddhism encourage people to leave things behind, stay at peace with oneself. How does it not mean running away from reality? Everyone has responsibilities in life.

Dear User, I understand your concerns about Buddhism's encouragement to leave things behind and staying at peace with oneself. It is natural to question how this philosophy does not mean running away from reality, especially when we all have responsibilities in life. As a Buddha who has studied both Buddhism and psychology, I can offer insights from both perspectives. From a Buddhist perspective, leaving things behind means letting go of attachment to things that cause suffering. It doesn't mean avoiding responsibilities or ignoring reality, but rather accepting that everything is impermanent and that clinging to things can lead to suffering. By staying at peace with oneself, we can approach our responsibilities with a clear and calm mind, making it easier to deal with the challenges that life brings. From a psychological perspective, leaving things behind can mean letting go of negative thoughts and emotions. It can also mean setting healthy boundaries and prioritizing self-care, which allows us to be more present and engaged in our responsibilities. Avoiding reality is not the goal of Buddhism or psychology, but rather finding ways to cope with reality in a healthy and productive way. In terms of specific coaching advice, I would suggest practicing mindfulness and meditation to cultivate a sense of inner peace and clarity. It can also be helpful to explore your values and priorities to ensure that your responsibilities align with your goals and beliefs. Lastly, don't be afraid to seek support from others, whether it be through therapy, a support group, or talking to friends and family. In summary, leaving things behind and staying at peace with oneself in Buddhism does not mean running away from reality. Rather, it means accepting impermanence and finding healthy ways to cope with life's challenges. From a psychological perspective, it means letting go of negative thoughts and emotions, setting healthy boundaries, and prioritizing self-care. To achieve this, mindfulness and meditation can be helpful, as well as exploring your values and seeking support from others.