Why relationships are so difficult
Difficulties in relationships are caused not so much by INCOMPATIBILITY as by INFLEXIBILITY. Sometimes when two people cannot get along with each other, a common [...]
How to develop deep friendships
To help someone in their moment of need is to be a friend and to make a friend for life. Sometimes we wonder: How can [...]
When to forgive but not forget
Suppose someone has done something hurtful. We may be told by others, just forgive and forget. And that is good advice if that person has [...]
Emotions: not commanded but cultivated
Even though emotions can't be commanded, they can still be cultivated. Suppose someone is feeling cold. We can't command them not to feel cold. But [...]
The difference between forgiving and trusting
The difference between forgiving and trusting is vital for us to understand if we are to not make forgiveness more difficult than what it needs [...]
When compassion discourages instead of encouraging
When we wish to be compassionate to others, we may not realize that we might be unintentionally discouraging them instead of encouraging them. How might [...]
How to share wisdom effectively
Sharing wisdom effectively is not about convincing others that we are right. It is about connecting them with the Lord in their heart, who is [...]
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 [...]
Why humility is a vital ability
Humility is the ability to ensure that our ability doesn't take over our identity. When someone possesses an extraordinary ability, they can very easily become [...]
Curiosity & humility: an empowering combination
Curiosity is often recommended and even celebrated as a great virtue for those who wish to keep learning and growing in their lives. Curiosity ensures [...]
Frustration and renunciation differentiated
Externally, frustration and renunciation may both look similar because in both a person is not endeavoring to go towards and gain and enjoy tempting sense [...]
Taking things positively vs taking things nonchalantly
Suppose something bad happens, be it due to our own mistakes or due to factors beyond our control, or due to a combination of both, [...]
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 [...]
Fearless = Shameless?
When shame is used to deter people from destructive activities, it can be considered constructive and even desirable. For instance, a few decades ago, smoking [...]
Suppressing emotions vs repressing emotions
When we are trying to discipline and elevate ourselves, we may resort to two unhealthy approaches toward emotions: suppress them or repress them. Although these [...]
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 [...]
Why the mind automates repeated actions
Our mind tends to make the repetition of frequently performed actions easier. For example, when we are learning to drive, we may be told to [...]
Two functions of the mind – and its two malfunctions
There is much mystery associated with the mind: what it exactly is and what it exactly does. The Bhagavad-gita's teachings offer us a three-level model [...]
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 [...]