A mind conditioned by preconceptions finds itself entangled in the dance between internal longings and external influences. This constant struggle obscures our ability to distinguish between what we truly desire and what is morally right. We fail to question the worthiness of our desires and overlook our own capabilities to pursue them to their fullest extent. Often, we neglect to envision the obstacles that opposing circumstances may present, leaving us unprepared to confront them intelligently. Consequently, we struggle to determine whether our aspirations are within our grasp. Despite this uncertainty, we succumb to the allure of making these desires our ultimate goals, eagerly pursuing them without considering the potential consequences. And so, these desires persistently chase after us, forever lingering within the depths of our minds.
Once the destination of our desires is determined, our attention naturally shifts towards the potential outcomes we hope to achieve. We enter a state of dreaming, and there is nothing inherently wrong with nurturing such dreams, as they provide us with a sense of anticipation and purpose. Moreover, they serve as a driving force, inspiring us to tirelessly pursue our goals—a productive endeavour that can involve and positively impact others. However, complications arise when we begin speculating about the anticipated rewards and the level of comfort we might attain. This leads to unnecessary rumination and overthinking, accompanied by unfounded fears such as “What if it doesn’t happen?” Consequently, we squander our vital energy on these imagined scenarios, allowing our minds to become clouded with unnecessary concerns. As a result, we find ourselves depleted, lacking the necessary clarity and mental capacity to objectively assess our aspirations and devise intelligent strategies. Consequently, our efforts towards our desired destination become fragmented and less effective, yielding obvious consequences.
In the aftermath of failing to reach our cherished dream destination, we frequently find ourselves questioning our abilities, wondering, “Why did it happen to me? I’ve given it my all.” Rarely do we realize that our perception of our best effort is often subjective, based on our self-imposed standards. Ensnared in this quandary, we fail to recognize that our endeavours may fall short of the level of excellence required. When we are unable to find a plausible answer, we often seek solace in the notion of destiny.
We often overlook the fact that our expectations are shattered only when we fail to exert ourselves adequately and utilize our inherent abilities and resources to their fullest extent. Mere physical exertion is insufficient; we must strive for quality efforts. Our failures tend to disturb our emotional equilibrium, leading us to excessively ruminate on the issue. We prolong our contemplation far beyond its necessary duration, resulting in further clouding of our mental space and depletion of our energy. As a consequence, we often find ourselves mentally and physically exhausted, causing us to lose our composure.
The unprepared, especially those lacking resilience, find themselves unable to endure the weight of mental pressure. This burden takes a toll on them, subjecting them to immense suffering in terms of their mental, emotional, and overall well-being. Some individuals become ensnared in a negative spiral, fostering pessimism, eroding their self-esteem, and diminishing their confidence. Consequently, they experience heightened levels of stress and succumb to the grasp of depression.
In recent times, the escalating expectations of individuals have led to a rampant increase in stress and depression, sparing no one, regardless of age. Once overwhelmed by stress, rationality takes a backseat, and people begin to act without mindfulness. The intricacies of society have become so intricate that only a fortunate few are exempt from stress, while a significant majority grapples with mental distress. Unfortunately, most individuals fail to recognize the need for remedial intervention. If left unaddressed, this affliction can escalate to a critical stage where coherent thinking becomes impaired, necessitating medical assistance. Even more concerning is the impact on school-going children, who are typically expected to be carefree and joyful. The immense pressure placed on them to excel academically leaves little time for play, a vital component of their holistic development.
The Bhagavad Gita wisely advises us to wholeheartedly dedicate ourselves to our endeavours while detaching ourselves from the outcomes. This guidance encourages us to consciously avoid squandering our energy and cluttering our minds with excessive speculation about the future and its potential rewards.