Mind Matters

by Ms. Hem Kusum, Assistant Professor, Department of Chinese Language and Culture, Visva Bharati University, India

Post Diwali, one can feel a nip in the air. Predictably, the Gul mohar tree is again all set to bare itself in an annual ritual. As I sweep the carpet of leaves that might have swayed and swirled in the air throughout the night and finally settled down in our courtyard, I wonder if ever one could shed away debilitating beliefs, habits, and practices in a similar mechanical, ritualistic manner.

Our human mind is a discerning reader. It picks up the cues from some beliefs, some of which we hold very close to ourselves, many of which are never allowed any room inside us though we admire these in others, all because; they need new boundary lines that seem terrifying. Then, off-course, there are those beliefs we abhor wholeheartedly. After going about the ritual of picking, sieving, and aligning all our beliefs, it bakes the most delectable dessert and serves us. Voila! How innovative it is!

I can hear the garbage cart coming closer, and my mind pulls up its ante and serves me the list of the following basic steps for the HEALTHY GROWTH RITUAL this time:

1. Be mindful of what you choose to feed your mind with. INHALE.

2. Be deliberate, and exercise caution in allowing people or situations to speak to you. EXHALE.

3. Prepare your muscles to carry the burden linked with unlearning. STRETCH AND MOVE

4. Prepare yourself for growth and change. OBSERVE.

5. Work, Relax, Rejuvenate, and Repeat. ACT.

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