When the mind repeats things we don’t want to repeat …
Suppose we try to give up an unwanted habit to indulge in some unhealthy pleasure. Unfortunately, we are often undermined and even sabotaged by the [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
What boundaries can’t do — and what they can do
Boundaries, such as locks or fences or walls, are widely used as protective measures. However, some people argue that such measures are ineffective, because there [...]
How to deal with trauma
There has been an alarming increase in the number of people, especially war veterans, suffering from PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). The cause of PTSD is [...]
Feeling mad — when it’s ok and when it isn’t
Feeling mad in terms of feeling angry is a natural human emotion that arises when we see things around us going wrong or being done [...]
Might mindfulness be more than just awareness?
Mindfulness is often thought of as living in the present: being aware of the various stimuli around us and experiencing life fully. And being present [...]
Forcing ourselves to be grateful?
Cultivating an attitude of gratitude is primarily an internal endeavor, wherein we try to change the default direction of our thoughts. Still, such cultivation can [...]
A mindful autopilot mode?
We often go into an autopilot mode when the things we do during our daily routines don’t require much of our conscious attention — things [...]
Three steps to mindfulness
We may want to become mindful, but may not know clearly how to do so. Here are three tangible steps that we all can adopt [...]
Two connections between gratitude and mental health
Nowadays, there are increasing concerns about mental health. More and more people find themselves feeling internally slowed, stymied, or even sabotaged by their own emotions, [...]
How to face overwhelming problems
When we face a huge problem, we may feel overwhelmed: “How can I ever tackle this?” What makes a problem seem overwhelming? Frequently, our perception [...]
Does the world hate me? (Beyond black and white conceptions series 6)
Does the world hate me? - Suppose we greet someone at a get-together and they don’t respond. We may be taken aback. Suppose several people [...]
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 [...]
Developing a healthy relationship with our mind (Managing the mind series 4)
Developing a healthy relationship with our mind - We don’t usually realize how much our mind controls us. Nonetheless, we do get some glimpses of [...]
What’s wrong with treating the mind as an enemy (Managing the mind 3)
What’s wrong with treating the mind as an enemy - Suppose we live in a house whose accessway is controlled by a neighbor. Though they [...]
Watch your mental input (Managing the mind series 1)
Watch your mental input - Suppose we are going on tour, riding a strong swift horse. Suppose the horse catches sight of a juicy vegetable [...]
Why anger should be used sparingly … (Anger management series 7)
Why anger should be used sparingly - A great power like nuclear power can be used for deterrence and defence, but it can also be [...]
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 [...]