Taking forward the discussion on ‘Stress’ from the previous issue, let us now elaborate for a clear understanding of this mental malady. For, stress could disorient our mind so much that we may lose sense of direction and purpose in life.
let us first figure out what stress really means. Well, it is an affective state of mind overburdened with physical, mental, or emotional pressure in a given situation, real or assumed.
How does it happenIJ If ever our aspirational urges do not get fulfilled, the sense of failure and frustration thereof puts us under pressure. Second, when we are not able to come to terms with usual trials and tribulations in life. Third, when we fail to remain true to the expectations of varying dynamics of emerging times, following which, we are left behind in the run of time.
What is the fallout of stressIJ We dissipate a considerable sum of energy unnecessarily brooding and contemplating over our frustrating experiences. Consequently, we are not left with energy needed to prove true to the expectations of our productive initiatives. Also, our mind-space gets cluttered with imprints of inconsequential and negative thoughts, mostly assumed. We, therefore, become short of the mind-space needed to objectively process fresh thoughts, which further marginalises our creative potential. In the process, often we end up mentally exhausted and physically fatigued, whence mind loses sense of direction, and with obvious consequences. Often overcharged with stress our hormonal balance gets disturbed, which in turn compounds stress. We thus get trapped into a vicious circle of our own making. And if not attended in time, eventually our thought process may become incoherent, when depression will overtake us, warranting medical intervention.
If, however, we stay alive about certain essentials of life, we can keep stress at bay to a large extent. Here, we first need to remember that it is a complex world where nothing moves to our asking. So, we are bound to face challenges arising out of competing interests of others. Even by oneself, one has to take pains to make it to one’s designated destination.
Second, change is an irreversible process of this transient world, where the callings of every emerging moments would widely vary from the past. We shall have to adapt to the expectations of changing times. The paradox, however, is that stuck to the reminiscences of the past – preconceived notions - we often resist change. Consequently, we are left behind in the run of time, leading to frustrating experiences. Also, we often become crazy about our futuristic aspirational urges, which we wish to pursue passionately. In the process, we fail to attend to the callings of the present moment. Remember, past is history and future is uncertain. But the efforts put in the present moment set the premise for the future. Should we ignore this existential truth, our efforts may get misdirected and with obvious consequences.
Third, our individual effort by itself can’t lead to success. Remember, we are all a part of a large organism necessarily set into an interdependent frame. For, individually, we are incapable of meeting all ends of a game plan in one’s own right. We have to pool in resources from somewhere, involve many others in its execution, and then make available the produce to other beneficiaries. So, we need due support from all those who may have to directly or indirectly play some part in the process. We can’t afford to leave any loose ends. We, therefore, need to behave well so as to elicit due cooperation from all those who matter. The irony, however, is that stuck to our self-centric habits and attitudes, we often ruffle the feathers of others, thus becoming subject to self-invited problems. That makes it incumbent upon us to have a lesson in interpersonal relationship skills.
Here, it also needs to be noted that given a similar situation, different people come out with varying responses. WhyIJ Well, our response is primarily guided by how we perceive an issue in hand. Remember, perception drives a being, and which varies from person-to-person, exemplifying uniqueness of each being. For, each being would have had varied experiences in the past, the thought imprints of which offer individual specific window frame of vision to measure things. If you perceive things in the right perspective, you can articulate your responses intelligently and be able to deal with issues easily. Else, with mistaken perception, one may complicate the issue further. But why varying perceptionIJ
The issue continues…
The writer is an astrologer, vastu consultant and spiritual counsellor. Write to him at G-5, Basement, Jungpura Extension, New Delhi 14
Tel: 9818037273/ 24310031 Email: pioneerqueries@bharatastro.com Website: www.bharatastro.com