The city has been hit by heavy rains in recent days. After the summer sun has been beating down on us for so long, the rains have come as a welcome relief to many, lowering temperatures and quenching the thirst of the parched earth. We are often at the mercy of the forces of nature, both literally and figuratively. Our personal lives have been on a rollercoaster ride of constant change, putting even more pressure on our already demanding professional lives.
We constantly encounter people who affect the weather in our minds. Whether it be heated exchanges with people who try to ruin our march, people who throw shade at things we hold dear, or even “White Walkers” (a Game of Thrones reference, for the uninitiated) who hurl ice swords at us every time we catch a glimpse. And unfortunately, there’s no Met Office to warn us of sudden changes in the weather. This means that if we don’t have an umbrella to protect our spirits or a jacket shield against the cold, we can be caught off guard. And a perfectly pleasant day can turn into a hailstorm in the blink of an eye.
The old cliché is true: others can influence us, but we only give them that power. In today’s unpredictable world, it is crucial to have the ability to keep your center of gravity and not succumb to unkindness. While some may argue that mental makeup is innate or conditioned, there are things you can do to strengthen your defenses. Spiritual practices can provide a good foundation, along with a broader perspective, and help you navigate situations without getting caught up in them or being influenced by them.
The ego is an essential device for self-defense, but at the same time, it is important not to take yourself too seriously all the time. You need a sense of humor and the ability to laugh off insignificant discomforts, instead of spending precious energy trying to motivate yourself and react to every stimulus, or even worse, to every reaction. This is only possible if you are comfortable with yourself and are not burdened by the need to constantly seek approval. Trying to please everyone is sure to make you unhappy.
Weather has a huge impact on our mood. Cold, dark days can make us feel depressed, but even a little bit of sunshine can lift our spirits. Wouldn’t it be magical if we could carry the weather ourselves, instead of constantly carrying jackets and umbrellas? Once you stop giving the energy vampires free reign in your mind, take a deep breath, experience the divinity that permeates within, and resolve to never get caught in a rain shower created by someone else.
Published: Saturday, June 29, 2024 6:00 AM IST
