To achieve a world of their dreams, the youth must learn to accept responsibilities and ensure their minds are clear, not clogged, says Pratibha Mittal
The world today has entered into a unique phase of evolution where cut-throat competition and a huge rush to reach to the top by any means possible seems to be the sole objective of everybody’s life. And as a consequence of this comes a psychological-cum-moral shift in the consciousness of the human being as he/she loses his mental peace and is always under the pressure to perform or perish. The segment of society which gets most affected is today’s youth. As stress has become an inherent part of one’s life, youngsters are searching tirelessly for peace, mental strength and inner confidence.
Unfortunately, spirituality is shown as something serious. Caring for life, uplift in life is spirituality, and by keeping it in its true spirit of celebration, joy and sincere love, youth come around to it. At the heart of each person is a longing for truth and love — and spirituality is able to open the lid that has been blocked for many years. One finds solace, strength and ability to find results effectively. Youth, in general, has a lot of energy. But unbridled energy without stability and direction is always dangerous and destructive.
Today’s youth needs to broaden their vision about life, and deepen roots in their culture, tradition and value systems. Deepening their roots, gives a sense of responsibility and ownership, while a broader vision, gives a sense of relaxation. A broader vision and deeper roots really mean responsibility with ease, calmness, and equanimity.
Taking a look into their lives, they need to see life from a bigger context and not just look into immediate short-term benefits. Whether they are in academics or vocational trainings or they are simply doing whatever they wish in their lives, if they are a little more stable, their youthful vigour and energy could be put to better use for their own and for everybody’s well-being. Otherwise, it can be destructive. So, before youth manages the country, the world and business, it is important that they learn to manage themselves.
Youth complain for lack of concentration. When do you need to concentrateIJ Do you need to concentrate when you love the subjectIJ You require concentration for something, which you don’t like to do! So just love everything you do. Only, when we transcend the thinking level, settle down, and calm the mind, do we access the richness that we are.
Youth need to realise they have huge potential and strength to achieve what they want. This is possible if they have some quiet moments with themselves! This is why meditation is important. Meditation is a journey from sound to silence, from movement to stillness. I would say that meditation is food for the soul. Music is food for emotions; knowledge is food for the intellect, entertainment is food for the mind and meditation is the food for our soul or spirit. It helps people get immense inner strength and focus to face challenges of life and manage their lives well. Meditation helps one gain self-realisation. It follows the principle that body is the temple of the spirit and good health is fundamental to personal and spiritual development. The whole process of yoga is the science of inner management. You create an inner possibility where being blissful, joyful and peaceful is of your own nature, and notbecause of something that happens around you. Now your life is no more in pursuit of happiness. Your life is an expression of your happiness. Inhibition is the biggest problem amongst youth — they worry about what the other person is going to think about them. Spirituality is about liberating you from your limitations. Young people value freedom more than anybody. What does freedom meanIJ Freedom means there is nothing restraining your life. Whether the compulsions are from inside or outside, these are nothing but bondages. One who aspires and transforms himself beyond his compulsions is a free person. One who is enslaved to his compulsions is not a free person. Which young person would not value a way and a method to become free from anythingIJ
Another problem is the tendency of the mind to cling more to the negative than the positive. To break free from this, youth need to take responsibility for themselves and ensure that their minds are clear and not clogged. All spiritual practices and celebrations lead one to a more fulfilled and joyful life — more love and care, and this is what our youth require. No matter what one’s age or occupation is, this powerful experience can create a healthier and more joyful life, and ultimately create a connection with the divine.
(The writer is a volunteer for Better India Movement and a spiritual spa expert)