Page 49 - SANRAKSHIKA 2020 E - BOOK'

Isolation is a situation we rarely find ourselves in lately. This is in part because of the budding entertainment industry which has conveniently found its place in our homes. The various OTT (over the top) and social media platforms ensure that one is never deprived of content viewing pleasure.
Consequently, our minds are conditioned to seek out some activity to engage in at all times. Due to this tendency, the already fickle mind becomes even more so. Therefore, in a bid to avoid isolation we become victim to our worst fear, gloominess. The mind overpowers us and condemns us to become perpetually anxious.
As a result, anxiety and depression cases have risen steeply since the lockdown came into effect. Thus, it is clear that we have been unable to deal with our complexes and have been suppressing them for long. The lockdown provided an outlet for these pent-up emotions and plunged us deep into ourselves. Those of us who could not face upto their faults succumbed to gloom and despair.
The question naturally arises, “How to constructively mould ourselves such that we become mentally strong and capable?”. This happens to be an age- old dilemma, which has a wide range of solutions. I will share the one which worked for me, here goes.
The nature of the mind is to be engaged constantly, which is both an asset and a problem. It is an asset because concentration is possible only when the mind is single pointedly engaged. It is a problem if we fail to engage it single pointedly and let it run riot. Thus, it is clear to us what exactly is our disease. Now, we shall take measures to tackle this disease.
The great sage Patanjali described Yoga as ‘chitta vritti nirodha’ meaning suppression of the modifications of the mind. So, control of the mind is the foremost course of action. There are several means by which this control of the mind can be achieved, however, the common theme across all such methods is one pointed engagement of the mind or concentration. The Yogis practice concentration on their breath while Devotees practice concentration on their chosen ideal. The purport of such a practice is to still the mind and make it ‘tame’, so to speak.
The mind is often compared with the reins of a chariot driven by five horses, the five senses. If the reins are
Shweta Sharma
W/o Shri Sudhanshu Kumar, IPS IG, NS HQrs, New Delhi
handled expertly, the horses can be controlled and utilised for their respective purposes.
It has now been established that the practice of concentration is required to still the mind. The benefits of a calm mind are manifold and need not be listed here. Next, we need to address the other aspect of our psychological condition, our behaviour.
Our behaviour is a consequence of our innate nature. It is an amalgamation of our views, experiences and instincts. There is very little we can do to alter our innate nature, for we have no role in its creation. The only way we can affect our behaviour is if we exercise certain aspects of our innate nature more than others. For instance, take compassion and anger as two components of our nature. The component one uses more will reflect in one’s behaviour. A compassionate individual is not devoid of anger, he is simply not using the anger component of his nature.
Adeptness in anything is a direct result of practice. Hence, in order to cultivate the proper behaviour, one must practice the use of positive components of one’s innate nature. A lockdown situation is a perfect opportunity to develop these two facets of our individual psyche. If done properly, these two practices alone can solve most of our day to day problems including but not limited to: stress, anxiety, anger etc.
Remember to wear a mask and maintain a safe distance with others. These small precautions can deliver us from large troubles.
Finally, I wish for all a healthy and joyous future despite the trying times ahead.
Stay Safe, Stay Happy.
ADAPTING TO NEW NORMAL
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