By: Prof. E.V. Girish
Source: The Daily Guardian  
Dated: October 19, 2024

We have programmed our minds to think in certain ways which defy logic, serve no useful purpose, and are actually harmful. One example is our outlook on life. We know that life is uncertain – no one can tell what will happen tomorrow. We can certainly hope and make plans for the future, but does worrying help in any way? When we know that there is an element of uncertainty in life, why not factor that into our calculations and live accordingly - work with the certainties, enjoy the present, make reasonable plans for the future, and hope for the best? This allows us to use our time and resources prudently, appreciate life as it unfolds, learn from the experience, and move on. This should be the natural way of living. Instead, we agonize over a past that could have been different, and what may or may not happen tomorrow. This consumes our time and mental energy, leaves us weaker, and does nothing to improve our prospects.

Fear of death is a similar phenomenon. Death is inevitable, and often unforeseeable. So why not accept that fact and live with it? Can I escape death by continually dreading it? Some people worry more about losing a loved one than about their own fate. The fear, attachment, and dependence on another person – emotional or otherwise – weaken the soul. Instead, it is better to use the present time well and live as best as we can.

One peculiarity of the human brain can help us change our life for the better. The brain cannot distinguish between what is real and what is imaginary. That is why, if we dream of being chased and bitten by a dog, the panic and the pain seem real until we wake up in a sweat and find that it was just a nightmare. Even though there is no real danger, the brain sets our pulse racing and stimulates our adrenal glands because the mind’s eye is ‘seeing’ something frightful.

If our imagination can make us experience fear, it can also help us feel peaceful, strong, and happy. But what do we do instead? The self-talk we all engage in, is mostly negative - we worry about being late, falling ill, losing money, and an endless variety of untoward incidents, all of them unreal. This makes us fearful or depressed. A large number of people live all their life with some degree of insecurity. Since childhood they have nurtured beliefs such as, “I am not good enough...”, “Everyone tries to take advantage of me…”, which make them uneasy, fainthearted, and miserable. We need not live like this.

The brain can be used to our advantage by visualising and experiencing peace, strength, success, and love. This can be done at will. Our visualisation about practical aspects of life may not always be realised, but it still helps. How? By saving us from pointless agonising, and by conserving our time, energy, and happiness. This ensures that when things do not go our way, we are in a better frame of mind to deal with the consequences. If something goes wrong, how would we like to respond: “Oh God! What will I do now?”; or, “It did not work out? No matter! I will try another way.” The latter reaction is clearly healthier.

Rajyoga meditation uses this principle to help us realise our true self and experience our eternal relationship with God. I, the soul, a tiny, sentient point of light, am an immortal being of purity, peace, and love. I am a child of the Supreme Soul, the Almighty, powerful and benevolent like my Father. When we regularly remind ourselves of these spiritual truths and visualise them, we begin to experience them. Then, the soul and God no longer remain mere concepts for us; they become a reality which we can feel at any moment. The relationship with God, forged through a mental link, fulfils the soul, removing its weaknesses. Our life is transformed from one of wanting, fearing, and disappointment, to one of giving, sustaining, and joy. It all starts with the simple step of changing our self-image and self-talk.

Prof. E.V. Girish is a meditation expert and motivational speaker.