Get off the slippery slope of random inner desires
To get into a desire is far more difficult than getting out of a desire. Better to exercise our intelligence to decide whether to get [...]
Arm wrestling secret for fighting temptation
To resist temptation, one thing that we need to remember is that temptation does not attack us with the same strength all the time. When [...]
Channeling the need to be different (02.69 Gita analyzed 7 — Human level)
This Bhagavad-gita verse conveys that spiritual seekers need the courage to be different from the world. While being different requires fearlessness, it can also induce [...]
Stand apart — together (Gita 02.69 analyzed 3 — Book level)
The readiness to stand apart from the world, as conveyed in this Bhagavad-gita verse (02.69), is central to the Gita’s practical application. The Gita’s message [...]
Be ready to stand apart from the world (Gita 02.69 analyzed 2 – Chapter level)
The Bhagavad-gita’s second chapter is essentially Krishna’s summary answer to Arjuna’s central question in the Gita (02.07): what is dharma, the right thing to do? [...]
Why focusing on relapse prevention can be unhelpful
When we seek self-transformation by giving up an unhealthy habit, we often assess our progress based on whether we can prevent relapses. However, such an [...]
When we can’t give up an unhealthy habit …
If an unhealthy habit keeps recurring despite our best efforts, how can we progress in self-transformation? By changing our attitude toward that habit: we can [...]
Going beyond counting our blessings
Going beyond counting our blessings - Counting our blessings is an oft-recommended activity for cultivating gratitude and positivity: When we count our blessings, we learn [...]
Why counting our blessings is so transformational
Why counting our blessings is so transformational - Count your blessings – this oft-repeated exhortation can seem cliched. To appreciate its potency, let’s consider two [...]
Three ways to live more effectively
Three ways to live more effectively - Suppose we are driving a car. If our car map is unclear, if a distracting partner is sitting [...]
Why we need to transform pain
Why we need to transform pain - Suppose we catch an infection. If we aren’t careful, we will transmit it to others. While we are [...]
The courage to take a hard look at ourselves
The courage to take a hard look at ourselves - A mirror helps us see how we look, or more specifically, see whether how we [...]