Managing the flow of life

Managing the flow of life


Our true, original rhythm is like the quiet and gentle yet powerful and relentless existence of Nature which, unhindered by external events, maintains its equipoise always. Life, too, is a flow of energy. Our thoughts, actions and speech, all create energy and when the 'free flow' (of energy) is hindered we are uncomfortable and face problems.

Problems faced in life are an obstacle, a puzzle or an entanglement. Problems as obstacles have more to do with the act of living in this world; they are blocks in the path that obstruct progress. Puzzles are about situations and persons, where one is confused because of lack of understanding. Entanglements are about the mind and its complications; that is, the mind getting into a particular 'vritti', a compulsive spiral of thoughts.

In case of an obstacle, what is required is an objective assessment about the current skills of an individual and the nature of obstacle. Next step would be to assess what skills are required to overcome the obstacle. The most crucial decision comes after the assessment and that is whether one goes to acquire those skills or the obstacle can be simply bypassed so that we can continue with the flow of life. We all have, at some time or other, enjoyed the music which a river makes as it flows. The river makes music even as it lives with rocks (obstacles) that hinder its path. The river bypasses them, caresses them continuously and in the process smoothens their rough edges and in the meantime also makes music as it gurgles away towards its destination.

When confronted with a puzzle, what is required is a simple yet profound act of stepping back to reflect calmly. Doing so helps us clear cobwebs in the mind and vaporise delusions and illusions. I have a friend who, when unable to decode or decide, takes a journey (in thought) to a hilltop from where he can look at the problem, the various dramatis personae and their actions and thoughts and motivations behind those actions. This trip, almost at all times unravels the puzzle he is confronted with. Other ways to handle a puzzle is to seek guidance of a guru or a teacher in whom one has faith.

The most difficult problem to handle is the one related to entanglement, as it relates to the mind which is unable to disentangle itself from compulsive obsessive thinking.

Entanglements of the mind in the modern world are often about managing relationships. The emotionally stressful and enervating relationships which sap your energy can be put in perspective through reflection but that does not bring the mind out of the negative spiral. The way to counter this negative emotion is to create a counter-force.

Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati of Satyananda Yoga says, emotion is energy in motion, and to manage this energy and keep it in positive mode you can chant mantras. If you wish to pull yourself out of a negative spiral, the way out is to chant mantras.

Mantra is a strong positive energy. Chanting transforms the state of an individual and creates positive vibrations at subconscious level. They are like rays of light in a dark room which become brighter and brighter - similarly with repeated chanting you can break the shackles of negative energy holding you back. You will then be set free.

Finally, if nothing works, just step aside and let the Divine take care of your problem. For that, you have to surrender.