We sometimes feel burdened by our problems, as if they were heavy weights on our back. And the more we obsess over them, the bigger they seem to become, till we end up feeling disheartened, deluded, drained. If we could somehow not think so much about those problems, we would feel less burdened. In effect, we would have less problems.

Does that mean we live like ostriches with our heads in the ground? No, we do need to think enough about our problems to find workable solutions. But we also need to ensure that we don’t overthink – we need to note when thinking about problems is productive and when it starts becoming counterproductive.

To prevent such counterproductive thinking, we need a positive, empowering object of thought. Gita wisdom reveals that object: Krishna. He is the supreme reality and is the source of the supreme security and the supreme serenity. If we practice bhakti-yoga diligently, our thoughts become increasingly focused on him. And that focus provides relief and rejuvenation: relief from the onslaught of negative thoughts, and rejuvenation by understanding that Krishna is bigger than our biggest problems and that he is eager to help us deal with them. Being thus relieved and rejuvenated, we will be better positioned to think constructively about the problems, thereby devising the best way ahead. Pertinently, the Gita (18.58) declares that becoming conscious of Krishna equips us to cross over all obstacles.

When problems overwhelm us, we may feel we don’t have time to do anything except solve those problems. But if we turn towards Gita wisdom, we will discover that making time to focus on Krishna will make our problems more manageable and solvable.

 

Think it over:

  • How can our thinking about our problems increase those problems?
  • How does thinking of Krishna provide us relief and rejuvenation?
  • If we feel we have no time for anything except problem-solving, what can we do?

 

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18.58  If you become conscious of Me, you will pass over all the obstacles of conditioned life by My grace. If, however, you do not work in such consciousness but act through false ego, not hearing Me, you will be lost.

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