The Human Psyche and the Need for Certainties: Finding Peace on the Edge

chainakarmakar
19 minutes ago
3 min read

In the ever-changing flow of life, certainty acts like an anchor—silent, invisible, yet deeply powerful. It provides stability amidst chaos and meaning amidst confusion. While many of us may not know exactly what we want from life, almost all of us crave certainty. It’s a psychological need, an emotional refuge, and a survival instinct wrapped into one.

Yet here’s the paradox: we seek certainty, but we often don’t know where we need it most. And because of this lack of clarity, we unknowingly live life on edge—struggling, drifting, or overcompensating. This disconnection between our desire for certainty and our awareness of it creates internal chaos, stress, and even burnout.

Certainty is not the opposite of risk; it is the foundation beneath it.

Let’s consider an example:

Meet Aanya. Aanya is a freelance designer who thrives in dynamic, fast-paced projects. She loves the freedom of working with different clients, trying new ideas, and traveling often. On the surface, it seems she lives on the edge, constantly adapting and never staying in one place too long.

But what others don’t see is that Aanya has very specific certainties in place:

She always wakes up and meditates for 20 minutes.
Her finances are structured—she has a savings plan and works with a monthly budget.
She maintains deep, consistent relationships with a few people who are her emotional anchors.

These certainties give her the grounding she needs to flourish creatively. Without them, the same lifestyle would be overwhelming and erratic. It is her awareness of what she needs to feel safe—emotionally, financially, and spiritually—that allows her to live freely.

Where Do You Need Certainty?

Certainty looks different for everyone. For one person, it may be financial security; for another, it may be emotional safety or a spiritual practice. Some may need a stable home base while others find their certainty in daily rituals or meaningful relationships.

When we don’t identify our need for certainty, we tend to fill the gap with anxiety or overcontrol. We might micromanage others, get stuck in indecision, or numb ourselves through distractions. These behaviors are symptoms—not flaws—pointing toward an unacknowledged inner need.

How to Discover Your Certainty Zones:

Observe When You Feel Most Grounded: Reflect on moments in life when you felt calm, focused, and alive. What patterns were present? A routine? A supportive person? A clear plan?
Notice What Triggers Anxiety: Your stress often highlights what you lack. If uncertainty around money, health, or love causes spiraling thoughts, that’s a pointer to where you may need structure or clarity.
Differentiate Between Control and Clarity: Control is fear-based; clarity is awareness-based. You don’t have to control everything—you just need to understand what anchors you.
Create Conscious Certainties: Build small rituals, structures, or boundaries that support your well-being. This could be a morning walk, a gratitude journal, or a dedicated rest day each week.

Living on the Edge—with Awareness

There’s nothing wrong with living on the edge. Many creative, ambitious, and spiritual souls feel most alive there. But without inner certainty, the edge becomes a dangerous cliff instead of a launchpad.

When you align your life with awareness of your certainties, life becomes fuller, not because it is perfectly planned, but because it is deeply supported. You begin to trust yourself, your process, and your path.

So take a moment. Ask yourself: