Acharya Prashant responds to a question about how to remain unaffected by external events like academic pressure and placements, which can lead to severe stress and even suicide among students. He explains that the preparation for such mental strength should ideally begin in childhood, but if not, one must undertake it themselves through practice. He introduces the concept of "reflected consciousness," a term he borrows from Western philosophy, to describe how we tend to react mechanically to external events, much like a mirror reflects whatever is in front of it. When an event occurs outside, a corresponding event happens within us. However, unlike an inanimate mirror that has no choice, a conscious being has a choice but has often practiced becoming almost inanimate and reactive. The solution, he suggests, lies in practicing what he calls "privacy" (nijata) and choosing free action (swatantra karma) over mere reaction (pratikriya). This practice begins with small, everyday situations. For instance, if your boss tells a bad joke, you should question your impulse to laugh. Is the laughter genuine or a compulsion? If you can stop it, it was likely a compulsion. We have become accustomed to being inanimate, simply following what others do. This is evident in situations like birthday parties where everyone sings and claps, and you join in without thinking. To test your freedom, try not participating in such moments. This practice of asserting your individuality is crucial for handling larger life pressures. Acharya Prashant advises doing things alone that are typically done in groups, such as watching a movie or sitting in a café. This helps in enjoying one's own company rather than feeling lonely. He encourages enjoying the moment with headphones or a book instead of lamenting loneliness. This practice of being alone and not losing one's individuality to the crowd is essential. He connects this to the student's life, noting that the pressure for a high salary is often not about need but about prestige and societal perception. He urges questioning these norms and vague statements like "it is said" or "it is believed" by asking, "By whom?" This continuous practice of making conscious choices and questioning automatic reactions is the path to becoming free from external influences.