Exploring Possibilities: Locked But Not Down!

Yatha Drishti, Tatha Srishti - means that if we change our drishti, that is the way we look at it, we can actually change the world. So the kind of world we create, gets its first manifestation inside us. Our agony or ecstasy is not outside, rather it originates inside. That is why, it is said that there is no problem bigger than the human mind.

Let take up the problem of mental trauma in lockdown. It’s like some powerful emergency brakes have been applied on our lives which otherwise was going at an express speed. We are all at standstill. Perplexed as to what to do next.

Can we utilize our mind her, which is more powerful than any problem? To do that we need to respond consciously and intelligently to the situation. Let’s break the problem into three sub problems and address each one separately and see if we can find the peace and solace even in turbulent times.

First and the foremost issue we face during a lockdown is “solitude”. One starts to feel gloomy and pensive. On an average day, apart from the family members, an individual meet approximately nine other individuals in a day, but during the lockdown we get restricted to the family members only, hence we feel lonely.

We can get the solution to it, if we observe the sunflowers closely. Sunflowers orient themselves as per the position of the sun. In other words, they “chase the light.” You might already know this, but there is another fact that you probably do not know. Have you ever wondered what happens on cloudy and rainy days when the sun is completely covered by clouds? Perhaps you think the sunflower withers or turns its head towards the ground. Is this what crossed your mind?

Well, that’s incorrect! They turn towards each other to share their energy. Nature’s perfection is amazing. Now let’s apply this reflection to our lives. Many people may become low-spirited, and the most vulnerable ones, sometimes, become depressed. How about following the example of the beautiful sunflowers, i.e. “Supporting and empowering each other”?. Let us connect with our social groups, relatives, friends, associates on virtual platforms. Also at least have one meal of the day together with the family. It's said that a family that eats together lives together.

Second problem we face is being idle. Suddenly we discover that there is nothing much to do. Hectic routine is abruptly converted to idle. Nature of life is such that there are things in our control as well as beyond our control. We need to accept this aspect that there are going to be few things, on which we have no control. Let’s not fight it back. Thinking that everything is in our hands, can disappoint us and frustrate us.

Gaur Gopal Das ji explains this with an electric bulb analogy. Lots of electric bulbs are there in the go down of electrical goods. When they will get a chance to shine is not in their hand. There are also bulbs which are shining and lighting up the rooms and studios. Beauty of life is no bulb has lasted forever and no bulb will last forever.

Everyone has their time and day and even that day does not last forever. This basically means that the bulb which is in go-down will definitely get the chance to shine one day. Question is as to how to continue till we get the opportunity to rise and shine. The parameter or principle that helps here is hope. It’s the element of hope that gives us the energy, and remember, there is nothing worse than getting an opportunity and you are not prepared for it. So prepare for the future and try to grow yourself.

Create a to do list accordingly. Once you have created the things to do list, divide your day into hours and create a time table and follow it. Remember your school days, timetable was the tool which helped you to complete seven subjects in a day. That tool is effective even today, it's only we, who don’t follow it.

Third problem which we need to counter is negativity. Social media, newspapers, electronic media all are serving us with gory details, distressing news and disturbing data. This circulates negativity in the system. Best way to get out of it is to have an attitude of gratitude. We must count our many blessings and name them one by one, it shall surprise you what the Lord has done for us. Maintain a gratitude journal.

Write down five things or people you are grateful about. The feeling of gratitude opens life to receive more. Remember, gratitude is the attitude, which gives us the fortitude to deal with the toughest times. These are not the concepts derived from a book, but are the proven and tested tasks which have given desired results to many, including me. If this has helped me, then it can help any and everyone else to explore further possibilities…..

(The author is a Certified Designed Thinking Master practitioner and Clifton Certified Strength Finder Coach, Corporate Trainer and a Leadership coach. He is based in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, India.)