Can’t hold the mind still?
Even if we can't hold our mind still, we can still hold ourselves still. Suppose a mother is trying to get her child to sit [...]
What is emotional maturity?
Sometimes when a person starts crying or lamenting or wallowing in self-pity when something goes wrong with them, when something they need or want doesn't [...]
Fight today’s battles not yesterday’s battles
Life in this world is characterized by constant change. Functioning effectively in such a world, therefore, demands a dynamic approach to life. The need for [...]
The difference between cleverness and wisdom
When we interact with others, we often like to be perceived as lively and witty. Accordingly, we may aspire to come up with clever comments [...]
Effective education: what to NOT focus on
Education requires a dynamic awareness of the level of those being educated. Suppose a math teacher with a triple PhD in calculus is teaching children [...]
Taking responsibility for the effects of our speech
When a doctor gives a medicine to a patient, the doctor's intent may be good: to help the patient heal. Though the doctor may carefully [...]
Why sensitivity in speech is especially needed in the internet age
The Bhagavad-gita (17.15) urges us to speak the truth sensitively — that is, in a manner which is non-agitating at the very least and pleasing [...]
Sensitivity in communicating superiority
Whenever we share a spiritual message with others, we may naturally feel inspired to emphasize the things that inspire us the most. Such an emphasis [...]
Whom NOT to turn to for processing our emotions
When someone behaves outrageously and triggers within us strong emotions such as revengefulness or resentfulness, it is essential that we find a balance between expressing [...]
The transformative power of deep listening
When we are conversing with someone about a subject close to their heart, we can connect better with them through deep listening. Such listening enables [...]
Is this relationship healthy or unhealthy?
When we are trying to develop a closer relationship with someone, we may naturally ask ourselves: Is this relationship healthy or unhealthy? To answer, we [...]
The price for becoming wise
When we have some questions, we may hesitate to ask them thinking that others may consider us foolish for having those questions. Such a fear [...]
How to speak more effectively: Cross or Across?
Whenever we have a difference of opinion with someone, wherein despite our best attempts to persuade them, they just don't seem to get our point, [...]
What differentiates spiritualists from fanatics? — 2
The differences between them arise from differing priorities. Fanatics value certainty above all things, whereas spiritualists value curiosity above all things. Let’s see how these [...]
What differentiates spiritualists from fanatics? — 1
Let’s explore what differentiates the two so that we can detect and reject any fanatical tendencies that may be lurking in our heart. Approach to [...]
When winning an argument backfires …
Suppose we come to know that an acquaintance has a harmful misconception. To protect them, we try to counter that misconception, and an argument ensues. [...]
The cause of fights — a deeper examination
Whenever fighting breaks out between two sides, we may naturally ask: “What is the cause?” While a particular issue may be stated as the cause, [...]
Is seeking social acceptance leading us to self-rejection?
As we are social creatures, we long to belong — we seek some group where we are welcomed, valued and respected. Unfortunately, this longing to [...]
Why imposing our spirituality on others is wrong
Suppose a boy proposes to a girl. Suppose further that she refuses — and he reacts by threatening her with a gun, thus compelling her [...]
Is our need to nurture aiding or impeding those whom we nurture?
We living beings have a deep need to nurture. That noble need is what inspires us to become parents, even if caring for infants sometimes involves sleepless [...]
Be not holier-than-thou
During a pandemic, suppose someone has succeeded in avoiding infection by adopting preventive measures such as vaccination. Suppose further that they become proud and deliberately [...]