Calm down with meditation, breath control and silence; wonders await
Are we running after a chimaera? Or like Rama and Lakshman are we running after a nonexistent golden deer? In all situations, our mind is fully aware that what we are attempting is incorrect and inchoate, yet we undertake that activity and become stressed.
We are not focused or centred and are plagued by demonic thoughts which trigger stress. On average we are cannonaded by fifty thousand thoughts a day which hurts the mind.
The company we keep and the food we partake in also have a significant impact on the human mind and body. Consumption of Tamasik and Rajasik food, as per Ayurveda leads to sluggishness or overactivity. These in turn trigger restlessness and/or stress in the body and mind.
Improper time management leads to stressful situations. How does one combat this?
a) POSEC METHOD – That is to prioritize activities by economizing activities.
b) By a SWOT analysis to prioritize work.
c) Learn to work in groups and the art of delegation.
d) With dexterity we should learn the technique to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’. It is an oxymoron kind of situation. However, this is the most efficacious method for time management.
We can celebrate only if we can silence our minds and follow the right techniques. For instance, we can go for long walks, talk out our problems, write down all our botherations, be in sync with our breath and movement, pursue a passion, get out of our comfort zone or even exercise vigorously so that positive endorphins get released which have a soothing effect on the mind and body. Despite practising all these techniques, we may not be able to find our place in the sun and remain stressed out. So, what does one do in such a situation?
Just surrender to the immense power within ourselves and learn the power of acceptance. We should just realize the potency of Aham Brahmasmi- ‘I am the infinite reality’, as per Brihadaranyaka Upanishad. The mind is so powerful that it needs to be harnessed. We just need to declutter our minds.
“Your mind is an instrument. It is there to be used for a specific task, and when the task is completed, you lay it down. As it is, I would say about 80% to 90% of most people’s thinking is not only repetitive and useless, but because of its dysfunctional and often negative nature, much of it is harmful. Observe your mind and you find this is to be true. It causes a serious leakage of vital energy,” writes Eckhart Tolle.
Incidentally, Tolle was about to snuff out his life at the age of 29, but today he is an eminent philosopher. There are several ways to channel this energy. There may be some who may practice meditation, breathing techniques and observe silence. There may be others who remain focused by playing a game of tennis and sweating it out or pursuing other passions. One must choose the path that suits one’s personality. But the aim remains to be in the present and lead a happy life to avoid stressful situations.
We need to remain grateful and feel the blessings and abundance in our lives. Let the mind not be judgmental and complain and cling to negativities. Only then humans can eliminate stress from the system. As Alice Walker said, “Look closely at the present you are constructing; it should look like the future you are dreaming.”
(The writer is a spiritual teacher at Art of Living)
