Cultivating Right Thinking: Making Better Decisions in Life

To make the right decisions in life, it's essential to cultivate a right thinking process. Understanding a situation from all angles helps build a stronger mental and moral fabric, enabling you to handle stress and challenges more effectively. Stress and challenges can make us stronger unless they exceed our tolerance capacity. Yoga, mindfulness meditation, and other mental wellness practices aim to fortify our resilience against life's ups and downs.

Harmonizing Heart and Mind

Mental illness often stems from a polarization between the heart and mind, where the heart says one thing and the mind says another. This internal conflict can extend to relationships, such as between a husband and wife or a boss and subordinate, creating friction and tension. To address this, strive for greater understanding between all parties involved, including between your own heart and mind.

Postponing Reactions

One practical strategy is to postpone your immediate reactions. Instead of retaliating in the heat of the moment, pause and reflect on the situation. The best time for this reflection is at bedtime, allowing you to peacefully consider where you might have misunderstood the situation. If you find you were wrong, have the courage to apologize the next day. This approach fosters harmony, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression.

Addressing Hopelessness

Hopelessness often leads to extreme actions like suicide. When hope is challenged, people may feel there are no alternatives. It's crucial to address hopelessness before it escalates. Meditation, especially meditation of mindfulness,  can help, but if practiced in isolation, an anxious or depressed mind may struggle to focus on the object of meditation. Early intervention is key to managing stress and preventing the escalation of mental health issues.

Morning Routine for a Peaceful Day

1. Start with Reflection: Begin your day by reflecting on your goals and intentions. Consider what you aim to achieve and how you plan to approach your tasks.
2. Meditation: Incorporate a morning meditation routine. This practice helps calm the mind, align the heart and mind, and prepare you for the day ahead.
3. Physical Activity: Engage in yoga or a physical exercise routine. This helps manage stress and builds mental and physical resilience.
4. Balanced Breakfast: Eat a nutritious breakfast to fuel your body and mind.
5. Plan Your Day: Organize your tasks and set priorities, ensuring a balanced approach to work and personal life.

Evening Reflection and Meditation

At the end of the day, reflect on your interactions and decisions. If you faced conflicts or misunderstandings, consider where things went wrong and how you can improve. Practice Anta Suddhi Karan, a specific yogic meditation technique, to cleanse your mind and prepare for restful interactions with family members. Spend 10-15 minutes in this meditation to feel refreshed and lighter.