Value: Mindfulness - August 2025

Second Week: Keep the mind

It is well known that every relationship requires maintenance. Just like a house or a personal vehicle needs care and upkeep, our minds also need attention to stay sharp. Mindfulness is not just about preventing the mind from wandering; it's also about ensuring that it remains alert and accessible when we need it.

Reduce the noise of 'opinions'

Every TV channel presents strong opinions on economic, political, and social issues occurring around the world. Viewers often form their own opinions based on what they watch. This constant stream of opinions can overwhelm our minds, making it difficult to find peace and quiet. It's important to remember that we don't need to judge or form opinions about everything we see or hear. A simple question to ask yourself is: Do my opinions, or those of others, change the ongoing situation?

You may have noticed that traditional Indian music artists often begin their performances with a calm prayer before gradually increasing the intensity of the music. This initial moment of quietude is essential for tuning both their own minds and the minds of the audience. The same principle applies to us. When we are about to engage in any activity that requires our full attention, we should actively work to reduce the inner noise in our minds.

One Japanese surgeon has made it his regular practice to remain quiet for a few moments along with his fellow surgeons and nurses before every surgical operation. He noticed that he and others could mindfully engage in the surgery whenever he practised it. Why not try this when you pick up any important task that needs full attention?

Cut down the unhealthy habit of wool-gathering

The mind serves as a storehouse of energy, driving our senses to engage in various activities. When our senses become disengaged, the mind becomes more active. A mind that conserves its energy should focus on positive thinking or spiritual contemplation. However, if we fail to direct our thoughts properly, the mind may fall into the habit of daydreaming, also known as wool-gathering. Even more detrimental is the tendency to worry.

How can we overcome this unhealthy habit? First, recognize that thoughts can lead to more thoughts, whether they originate from your memory or external sources. Second, understand that you have the power to stop the momentum of these thoughts. Third, be cautious; using substances to block thoughts can lead to addiction. Lastly, avoid lethargy or excessive sleep when trying to reduce your thought flow.

One effective spiritual practice is japa or deep contemplation on verses from sacred texts, ideally under the guidance of a qualified teacher. Additionally, listening to the chanting of the Vedas or reciting Vedic mantras and stotrams can be very beneficial in overcoming both worry and the habit of daydreaming.

 

Value: Mindfulness - August 2025

First Week: Find the mind

We often hear the phrase "never mind!" used when someone is unconcerned about a situation. However, many of us may not be aware of where our minds truly are. We are not referring to a state of swoon or unconsciousness; rather, it is the predicament where the mind is lost and never to be found.

Typically, teenagers are seen as preoccupied with video games and chat rooms, but adults are not exempt from this behavior either. When our minds are not present, how can we engage in any meaningful spiritual practice?

Find out where the mind gets trapped

To catch birds alive, a hunter uses a net. Similarly, our minds can become trapped on the internet! What is this trap? Our minds are overloaded with information, much of which is irrelevant to our personal growth. Children, in particular, are filled with information that they often repeat without fully processing or understanding it.

We are mind-full rather than mindful in our daily lives. While engaging in one task, we frequently allow ourselves to be distracted by multiple other tasks that demand our attention simultaneously. Many people experience FOMO (fear of missing out), even while on vacation. We walk, drive, and even sleep with our mobile phones in hand! The Upanishads warn us: "शब्दजालं महारण्यं चित्तभ्रमाणकारणम्" – The net of words (sounds) is a vast forest that causes the bewilderment of the mind.

Quietly observe where your mind is getting trapped. Every day, spend some time staying away from the regular routine of life, and see if you can remain free from being oppressed by the world around you.

Be alert about the negative influence

It is one thing to lose ourselves in the busyness of daily life, leaving no space for reflection and tranquility; it is quite another to allow negative thoughts and prejudiced views to cloud our minds. We must intentionally expose ourselves to positive influences to build resilience against negativity.

A well-known scientist was once asked if anyone had ever positively influenced him. He replied affirmatively, "Yes, my servant did!" He explained, "One winter, I was sitting near the heater and felt very warm. I called my servant to lower the heat, but he smiled and said, 'Instead of asking me to reduce the heat, why don't you move your chair a little farther away from the heater? That would solve the problem!' He taught me an invaluable lesson: whenever you feel deprived of something in life, mentally distance yourself from it, and you will feel relieved immediately!"

Even if you cannot avoid the company of those who have only negative thoughts and opinions, try to mentally distance yourself, like the way Lord Shiva drank the poison: he neither swallowed to pollute Himself, nor did He threw up to endanger others!