Is Your Mind so Deeply Anchored that You can’t ‘Unclamp’?
When problems confront us, we must remember there is ‘almost always’ another way of doing things; or maybe many more ways to solve it.
All we must do is look for it.
At each step in life, there is a need for decision-making, isn’t it?
All of us have the ‘freedom of choice’.
As simple and straight forward as it sounds, this is one of the most nerve-wracking things to do, applying our freedom of choice.
Aren’t we always worried about the consequences of our decision-making? Of course we are.
Let us remember that for every decision we are required to take, there is always another way around. So how do we decide — or rather how do we decide that we are taking the right decision?
Bhagavad Gita: There are no dictated choices , but merely paths which are surer and it is safer to follow one’s inherent inclination dictated by one’s own inherent capabilities than following another’s, which may be relevant for someone else.
Here are some unpretentious yet effective ways to live life.
Keep it simple
There is always a choice — we can complicate matters, bringing in varied perspectives, most of which can be unnecessary, looking for opinions, believing we are being objective, and so on - or just look at it very simply. Often, we tend to give diverse dimensions to everything — then get into messy situations. The simpler the better, keep it that way.
Analyze — but try not to set expectations
When we make decisions, we do scan through all possible outcomes. That’s okay. But do not have fixed expectations — we can then also expect disappointments. Simply stop doubting and over thinking — both can be harmful.
Bhagavad Gita: Neither in this world nor elsewhere is there any happiness in store for him who always doubts.
Stay satisfied and in self-control
Lots happen around us. Something is always happening. We cannot be involved in everything. Yes, we are all entitled to our opinions, go ahead have them.
If we can do good, let’s do it — let’s stop there — stay in self-control and stay content — engage where we can add value, stay out when we cannot.
Let not ego be a driving factor
Ego is an over-rated word. We know it is a Latin word for ‘I’, to put it simply it’s just one’s self-worth. Honestly, a little ego does good for us, doesn’t it? Let us not let it overpower us — this is where self-control plays an important role. Feel happy over small wins, success does not come easily, so enjoy it and why not? We just need to be aware to draw that fine line between ego and that pompous sense of self-worth.
Get introspective — it’s worth those few seconds — it helps us identify what is ‘not the right thing to do’.
Practice compassion
As humans, we all have compassion — of course we do. Blame it on the competitive world, the rat race, or your circumstances — yes, all of it can impact a person; but do not give up on being compassionate. More importantly, begin with self-compassion. We’ve heard this often — choose compassion over judgement. Make that effort not to judge yourself and others — that’s the easiest thing to do; instead have compassion. It builds your personality
Bhagavad Gita: Cherish compassion not just as a position or an emotion, but as a foundation.
Learning comes in little capsules every day. It is good to stay in appreciation of life and take small steps to just become better, each step ahead.
