How to better manage our emotions
Our emotions are an essential part of who we are; without them, we would be reduced to a flavorless, robotic existence. Though they add value [...]
Why all insensitivity is not equal
We all are wired differently and we may just not have certain faculties. Some people’s minds may be so geared as to have low emotional [...]
How to become more sensitive
The Bhagavad-gita (17.15) recommends increased sensitivity of speech when it urges us to speak non-agitatingly and pleasingly. How can we develop such sensitivity, which essentially [...]
When calling a spade a spade doesn’t help …
In today's politically correct climate, not many people speak candidly; they understandably fear being condemned or ‘canceled.’ Amid such an environment, those who do call [...]
Becoming emotionally sober
Becoming emotionally sober - People who get intoxicated frequently act in ways that are short-sighted, stupid or even self-sabotaging. Consequently, we readily recognize the need [...]
Two powerful motivators: desire and fear
Suppose we need to choose between paths A and B, wherein A will take us to a good place and B to a bad place. [...]
Why monitoring the mind is so important (Managing the mind series 6)
Why monitoring the mind is so important - Suppose we are piloting a plane, taking it on an important mission. Suppose further we have been [...]
Are we the fisherman or the fish? (Managing the mind 2)
Are we the fisherman or the fish? - Suppose a fisherman casts a bait in a river to catch a fish. The fisherman stands to [...]
How to use anger constructively (Anger management series 5)
We are often exhorted to avoid anger as it can make us act in ways that make our life hellish (Bhagavad-gita 16.21). Yet spiritual wisdom [...]
Pointing the finger or pointing the way? (Anger management series 4)
Pointing the finger or pointing the way? - When people point a finger, it is often to show others who is at fault. Sometimes, they [...]
Choosing our battles in dealing with anger (Anger management 3)
Choosing our battles in dealing with anger - Anger can make our life hellish (Bhagavad-gita 16.21). When dealing with anger, we often think in polar [...]
Angry about being angry? (Anger management series 2)
Angry about being angry? - We all have probably experienced that anger can make our life hellish, as warned by the Bhagavad-gita (16.21). We may [...]
Why absence of anger may not be good … (Anger management series 1)
Why absence of anger may not be good - Anger can short-circuit our intelligence and impel us to do regrettable things. Pointing to the dangerousness [...]
Handling the gun of doubt (Dealing with doubts 4)
Handling the gun of doubt - If we are traveling through a dangerous area, we need a good gun. Similarly, to function in an illusion-filled [...]
How self-doubt differs from self-appraisal (Dealing with doubts 3)
How self-doubt differs from self-appraisal - Suppose we have two acquaintances: one who gently explains to us our limitations during a mature discussion when we [...]
How doubt misleads (Dealing with doubt series 1)
How doubt misleads - Suppose we are living on some land and want to purchase some other land. Suppose further we have with us someone [...]
The process of desiring seen fragmentally and holistically (Desire management series 14
The process of desiring seen fragmentally and holistically - To manage our desires effectively, consider the components of the process of desiring: the desirer, the [...]
Can we order our desires ? (Desire management series 13)
Can we order our desires ? - The word ‘order’ can have two meanings: instruction (“You have to take medicine thrice a day — those [...]
How to tap the power of desire (Desire management series 10)
How to tap the power of desire - Desire is a power like petrol; unlike petrol however, it is not mechanical, being associated with consciousness. [...]
What we see depends on what we want to see
What we see depends on what we want to see - Suppose an alcoholic visits a new city. Though the city may have many attractive [...]
Three ways to avoid being misdirected by our mind
Three ways to avoid being misdirected by our mind - Suppose we are walking toward a destination and some passerby suggests we go somewhere else. [...]