We seek solace and direction, grappling with negative influences and internal strife
Are we running after a chimaera? Or like Rama and Lakshman are we running after a non-existent golden deer? Or like the Pandavas, (barring the righteous Yudhisthira) do we partake in water from a poisonous lake?
In all such situations, our mind is fully aware that what we are attempting is incorrect and inchoate, yet we undertake that activity like a Kamikaze pilot. There are a couple of reasons for this hara-kiri or running after the hubris.
A) We are not wakeful (not sleepy in a literal sense) as we are not focused or centred. We cannot differentiate and distinguish between choices.
B) Our mind and thoughts (a human mind on average receives 70k thoughts a day) cannonade us endlessly. Now the company we keep and the food we partake in has a significant impact on the human mind and body.
Negative company drains a person and toxic food and drink enervates and debilitates our system. I was a victim of alcoholism and realised the suffering one goes through. By adopting the techniques of Sudarshan Kriya and Pranayama, overcame the disease. It was a weak mind which fell prey to Bacchus.
C) Tools for Effective Time Management-
Try the POSEC METHOD - That is to prioritise by organising, streamlining and economising time to be effective.
“Undertake a SWOT analysis to emerge triumphant.
“We should learn to work in teams and practice the art of delegation.
“As a routine, attempt all arduous tasks first.
“Build flexibility in one’s schedule or else one would suffer from psychosomatic disorders.
“Develop hobbies and read inspirational and self-help books.
“Every morning and night while being grateful make an inventory of dos and don’ts and must-do lists. Let us learn to say ‘NO’ and to utter ‘YES’ when an oxymoron kind of situation arises. A ‘Yes mind’ makes an individual take up responsibility. And taking up responsibility can only empower a person.
Live life king-size and learn to celebrate. We can celebrate only if we can quieten our minds. These are some ways to quieten our mind and develop a relaxation room or space in our mind. For that we can do the following:
Go for long walks, talk out our problems, hug a person (perhaps someone whom we do not like), write down all our botherations, be in sync with our breath and movement, pursue a passion, be a daredevil, get out of our comfort zone, exercise vigorously (positive endorphins get released which have a soothing effect on the mind and body), have cold water baths to conquer passion and carnal instincts.
Despite practising all techniques, we may not be able to find our place in the Sun.
So, what does one do?
Just surrender to the immense power within ourselves and learn to accept.
Realise that “ham Brahmasmi”- “I am the infinite reality”, as written in Brihadaranyaka Upanishad. Our mind has that immense power. It needs to be harnessed and realised. We just need to declutter our minds.
There are several ways to channel this energy. There may be some who may practice meditation, breathing techniques and observing silence to quieten and silence the mind. There may be others who remain focused by playing a game of tennis and sweating it out.
We should feel blessed and feel abundance. Let your mind not be judgemental and complain and cling to negativities. Willy-nilly we provide the hook to hang the coat of negativity.
(The writer is the CEO of Chhattisgarh East Railway Ltd. and Chhattisgarh East West Railway Ltd. He is a faculty of the Art of Living; views are personal)
