Clear your mind they say. Like a transparent river that reveals the rocks and life underneath. But is it so simple to keep your thoughts aside and focus on the present? What if the present isn't so pretty? Or the thoughts are stuck on your mind like a stubborn glue? What if you are gasping for breath and there is no help in sight? What do you do then?
#1 - Get help! Get support! Talk to someone - either a professional or someone you know who will pep up your spirits with rational positive thoughts.
Most people are used to believing that getting anyone's help or support will make them appear spineless or weak. We live in a society that prides itself on being self-reliant. While supreme dependency on another individual is never a welcome trait, asking for help when you are struggling to hold yourself together isn't a sign of weakness either. According to entrepreneur and author Sue Hollis, "It takes courage to be vulnerable. Your ability to ask for help is a gift — people treasure the chance to come to your assistance. It helps them feel valued and needed.".
In fact, it may not be a bad idea to talk to your doctor to check for underlying health issues. Our body, mind, and breath are all interconnected and influence each other. So if you feel like you are thrown in the deep end, consult your doctor.
#2 - Have compassion for yourself
It is not unusual to playback the worst-case scenarios in our minds whenever we are stressed or anxious. It is not uncommon to fret about the past and worry about the future. Just knowing that thoughts are not permanent, thoughts are not facts, and most importantly thoughts are not orders or signs from divinity, is crucial. Thoughts are just thoughts. They are endless, non-tangible, and not real. They exist only in our internal world. The sooner we get a grip on this reality, the more liberated our minds become.
#3 - Introspect
Self-awareness and self-acceptance help us understand our uniqueness. It prevents us from being hard on ourselves. It helps us develop healthy relationships. This does not mean one can run amock with bad behavior and hope for peace with self-acceptance. Kindness, compassion, empathy, and patience are never out of fashion. Self-reflection simply helps us pause, course-correct our mistakes, and act responsibly.
#4 - Meditate
Who doesn't want to feel inner joy and peace? It is vital for every human being to be at peace with himself/herself - even if there is chaos around. Some people are afraid to be alone with their thoughts. So they constantly keep distracting themselves with busy work and mindless activities. Heedless of the fact that it does little to free their minds of the pesky thoughts. In fact, they run a risk of being emotionally and physically burned out.
What if there is a way to confront your fear instead of running away from it? What if we are able to build such a degree of emotional resilience that we are okay with fear? Who wouldn't want that? A little practice of meditation in your daily routine goes a long way. Meditation does not solve your problems. According to the Art of Living Institute, meditation clears your mind of junk, gives you inner strength, and a clearer perspective to look at your problems objectively. It helps calm your mind, organize your thoughts, and tackle your issues with confidence.
#5 - Pray
Pray to whichever god, universal superpower, divinity you have faith in! Sri Sri Ravi Shankar says, "Prayer is a natural call for help or natural expression of gratefulness." Prayers have the power to heal our minds and souls. Prayers have the power to make us feel centered and grounded. Most importantly, prayers have the power to make us feel like there is a constant companion walking by our side. Once again, there is a fine line between faith and superstitiousness. Superstitiousness begets fear and doubt, whereas faith makes you stronger and connected with the universe.
To conclude, like I have often said in the past, life is a roller coaster. Where there is joy, sunshine, happiness, and peace, there will also be sadness, pain, grief, storms along the way. It is how one handles the uncomfortable emotions that will determine how colorful, rich, and vibrant their life's journey will be. So dear friend, do not give up hope. Help is always on the way...
#1 - Get help! Get support! Talk to someone - either a professional or someone you know who will pep up your spirits with rational positive thoughts.
Most people are used to believing that getting anyone's help or support will make them appear spineless or weak. We live in a society that prides itself on being self-reliant. While supreme dependency on another individual is never a welcome trait, asking for help when you are struggling to hold yourself together isn't a sign of weakness either. According to entrepreneur and author Sue Hollis, "It takes courage to be vulnerable. Your ability to ask for help is a gift — people treasure the chance to come to your assistance. It helps them feel valued and needed.".
In fact, it may not be a bad idea to talk to your doctor to check for underlying health issues. Our body, mind, and breath are all interconnected and influence each other. So if you feel like you are thrown in the deep end, consult your doctor.
#2 - Have compassion for yourself
It is not unusual to playback the worst-case scenarios in our minds whenever we are stressed or anxious. It is not uncommon to fret about the past and worry about the future. Just knowing that thoughts are not permanent, thoughts are not facts, and most importantly thoughts are not orders or signs from divinity, is crucial. Thoughts are just thoughts. They are endless, non-tangible, and not real. They exist only in our internal world. The sooner we get a grip on this reality, the more liberated our minds become.
#3 - Introspect
Self-awareness and self-acceptance help us understand our uniqueness. It prevents us from being hard on ourselves. It helps us develop healthy relationships. This does not mean one can run amock with bad behavior and hope for peace with self-acceptance. Kindness, compassion, empathy, and patience are never out of fashion. Self-reflection simply helps us pause, course-correct our mistakes, and act responsibly.
#4 - Meditate
Who doesn't want to feel inner joy and peace? It is vital for every human being to be at peace with himself/herself - even if there is chaos around. Some people are afraid to be alone with their thoughts. So they constantly keep distracting themselves with busy work and mindless activities. Heedless of the fact that it does little to free their minds of the pesky thoughts. In fact, they run a risk of being emotionally and physically burned out.
What if there is a way to confront your fear instead of running away from it? What if we are able to build such a degree of emotional resilience that we are okay with fear? Who wouldn't want that? A little practice of meditation in your daily routine goes a long way. Meditation does not solve your problems. According to the Art of Living Institute, meditation clears your mind of junk, gives you inner strength, and a clearer perspective to look at your problems objectively. It helps calm your mind, organize your thoughts, and tackle your issues with confidence.
#5 - Pray
Pray to whichever god, universal superpower, divinity you have faith in! Sri Sri Ravi Shankar says, "Prayer is a natural call for help or natural expression of gratefulness." Prayers have the power to heal our minds and souls. Prayers have the power to make us feel centered and grounded. Most importantly, prayers have the power to make us feel like there is a constant companion walking by our side. Once again, there is a fine line between faith and superstitiousness. Superstitiousness begets fear and doubt, whereas faith makes you stronger and connected with the universe.
To conclude, like I have often said in the past, life is a roller coaster. Where there is joy, sunshine, happiness, and peace, there will also be sadness, pain, grief, storms along the way. It is how one handles the uncomfortable emotions that will determine how colorful, rich, and vibrant their life's journey will be. So dear friend, do not give up hope. Help is always on the way...
2 comments:
Well written!
Thanks, Amaraja! What's your blog link?
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