When on a high, one still remains small, and when on a low, one is not helpless. God never abandons anyone, and there is hope for everyone, says AJIT KUMAR BISHNOI
The word ‘high’ is defined as the feeling of extreme pleasure and excitement that somebody gets from doing something enjoyable or being successful at something. And the word ‘low’ is defined as a very difficult time in somebody’s life or career. In this article, I will focus on the excitement part of the word ‘high’ and difficult time of the word ‘low’. Together they present a formidable challenge. We all are likely to be guilty of them from time to time, and it hurts.
It is no wonder that Lord Krishna has spoken of equanimity or samata in several verses of the Gita. This word is defined as a calm state of mind, which means that you do not get angry or upset or too excited, because, as stated earlier, it harms. In the verse #2.48, the Lord states that maintaining equanimity in both success and failure is called yoga — a desirable state. In the verse #5.20, the Lord asks us to neither rejoice too much having achieved something dear nor get too agitated having met something unpleasant, ie avoid highs and lows. Such a control has many benefits. The Lord goes as far as to state that a person who is not disturbed by these and is equipoised in pain and pleasure and is patient, deserves eternal life. (2.15) Maintaining equanimity in both success and failure, a person while doing work is not entangled. (4.22) And they, equipoised in all circumstances, achieve Me. (12.4)
On the other hand, if highs and lows are not dealt with properly, we hurt ourselves in many ways. Let me start with the state when someone is high. One is likely to make mistakes, sometimes big ones. This is the time when one is most vulnerable. One begins to think that one knows all, which is a patently absurd notion. Caution is likely to leave him; one may become reckless. One is likely to overreach one’s resources and may assume that he may be able to do what he cannot. He may be guilty of overconfidence. In this mood, one may do something bad, which will make him regret later, like getting angry on the slightest provocation. Elation as such is a recipe for disaster.
And what happens or is likely to happen when someone is going through lows. One is most likely to get depressed. Some people lament as if the world has turned against them, not understanding that we deserve what we get. Some seek sympathy from whoever they can get hold of. Some even become pathetic, while some others may gulp medicines to get relief.
So we must know how to deal with both these states to avoid serious harm to ourselves. I will begin with when someone is on a high. The very first thing to do is to become aware of it. This is critical. Only then corrective steps can be taken, and the first one is to pray to God for help. Keep doing so till you are peaceful. Sitting in front of a deity or a photo of God is highly effective. Music helps a lot in quietening self. If possible, go to a temple; walk a little to exhaust the excess energy; and drink plain water. One can try to enjoy something harmless like eating some fruit/snack.
The other problem is a lot more difficult to deal with. Still, it can be done. Here again praying to God for help works; take His shelter. Reduce stress as far as possible. Try not to be so sensitive. Don’t attempt any difficult task in this period. Enjoy whatever appeals as long as it does not harm, like consuming alcohol. And if you can have satsang with a spiritual person, that will really help get over the dark mood.
In conclusion, I can state that all human beings are a part of the system. Neither is one too big nor is one zero. When on a high, one still remains small, and when on a low, one does not become helpless; the system never abandons anyone. There is hope for everyone.
Bishnoi is a spiritual writer and can be reached at spiritual@ajitbishnoi.com
