The saying “familiarity breeds contempt” suggests that repeated exposure can lead to complacency. When faced with déjà vu, we might think, “I’ve seen it all before.” Overcoming this mindset requires determined and disciplined efforts.
Sometimes, people think they are better off alone as that gives them more space and independence. However, one shouldn’t isolate because of their unwillingness to collaborate and must be overcome with enthusiastic social and quality emotional exchanges.
A lack of self-belief can lead to discomfort, guilt, and frustration. Overcoming hopelessness requires surrounding oneself with positive, optimistic people, reading inspiring case studies, and engaging in practices like mantra meditation and a nourishing diet.
We get diverted from the goal and focus on addressing the external factors. If we are averse to change and tend to look at the world outside to change, that’s living in denial. It’s important to understand that we need to adapt and that the world will not adapt with us.
In Snakes & Ladders, reaching the 99th square can quickly lead to falling back due to a snake. Similarly, achieving fame and success may lead to pride, which can undermine our journey. To overcome pride, we should focus on sincere service to others.
There are times when we tend to think ‘Am I missing out on something?’ The social media parlance is FOMO. We should accept our life journey without comparing it with others.
In continuation to the FOMO, an extension of it is dithering. Such fickle thoughts make us waver. If we are spiritually weak, we get easily influenced by the temptations of the world. Dilemma can be overcome by meditating on the gifts we have received with gratitude.
Fear can amplify doubts and lead to hopelessness. Remembering why we started can inspire perseverance. We can overcome fear by meditating on and accepting the divine will, trusting that events unfold for our benefit, even if they seem unclear.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches that anger leads to delusion, which clouds memory and obscures intelligence, causing one to fall back into material desires. Since anger is just one letter short of danger, it can be overcome by purifying desires and accepting reality with grace.
Lust is the desire to satisfy one's senses. When unfulfilled, it turns into anger, and when fulfilled, it leads to greed. Overcoming lust involves tolerating temptations, minimising provocative situations, and adopting the mindset of being a trustee and instrument rather than the enjoyer or controller.
Gauranga Das Prabhu