Three tests to counter rumor-mongering
One of the fundamental implications of the Bhagavad Gita 16.2 directive to be averse to fault-finding is to avoid engaging in rumor-mongering. This means not [...]
Hold a mirror to ourselves and feel satisfied
If we don't hold a mirror to ourselves, we may end up having no inclination or even an aversion to holding a mirror to ourselves. [...]
Are we in charge of our inner world?
The Bhagavad Gita (6.6) warns us that our mind can be our enemy if we are not in control of it. In politics, there are [...]
Anxiety is mind’s reaction not our intention
Suppose, the temperature suddenly drops and we start feeling cold. We cannot deny the sensation of cold, but that doesn't necessarily mean we have to [...]
Anxiety – not too much nor too little
When somebody has no anxiety, say when they are doing a high-stakes activity, they might become careless and not pay attention to pertinent details. Anxiety [...]
When is a fear real & when unreal?
Fear accelerates our imagination and blurs our perception of what is real and what isn't. When we are being swept away by the power of [...]
When self-talk is constructive and when destructive
Self-talk generally refers to the talk that is going on inside the self. This can go on in two ways.: our mind inside us can [...]
The mind’s running commentary on our life
Whenever there is a running commentary of an event, say a cricket match, then the event is happening at one place and a live commentary [...]
Two ways to look at emotions
Emotions are helpful when we see them as information, but they are harmful when we see them as instruction. Whenever we feel an emotion, say [...]
When our mind weakens our connection with reality
Whenever our mind weakens our connection with reality, we need to stop, not rush forward. Suppose we are talking with someone on phone and say [...]
Intelligence means to see beyond the things that glitter
Intelligence means to see beyond the things that glitter to the things that matter. The world is filled with shiny trinkets and toys and these [...]
How to maintain humility while also having ability
Humility is the ability to remember that our ability is not actually our ability. When people have some extraordinary ability, it is very easy for [...]
When to NOT take credit
Some people take credit for things that they have not done and others take credit as a result of their planning things that have just [...]
How to identify insecure people
When a candid evaluation of others is seen simply as a series of compliments and insults, then that person is seen as unreliable and not [...]
Why people think we are disrespectful
Just because something is obvious to us doesn't mean that it has to be obvious to everyone else. To use the word 'obviously' can come [...]
Enthusiasm vs over-enthusiasm
When we find that our enthusiasm is overriding our manners, that is when our enthusiasm is becoming over-enthusiasm. We all are enthusiastic about certain things; [...]
Unnecessary inner baggage
What some people considered to be essential luggage, others considered to be dispensable baggage. When we are traveling, we often pack a lot of things [...]
Why words hurt
What some people consider friendly banter, others consider to be beastly torture. In this world, different people perceive things differently. And sometimes someone who might [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
The tension between the present me & the potential me
Inside us, there is the "present me," which refers to the person as we are right now, with our needs, cravings, comforts, and indulgences. The [...]