Graduate from a mindset of taking to one of giving
Today, mental health has emerged as one of the biggest concerns in the world. Youth had something to look forward to in the previous generations. They explored the world and gradually discovered new things. Today, due to the internet, those experiences are available at our fingertips with little effort.
With all experiences and stimuli arriving so quickly, they feel lost and unsure of where to go. So, there is a natural seeking for happiness. The pursuit of happiness starts at a much younger age today. However, if they are not given the right direction or philosophy in life, aggression and depression can set in.
We are not taught how to handle negative emotions at school or at home. We teach dental hygiene but forget to teach mental hygiene. Stress does not go away by just talking or advising. We need to learn some techniques and tools to get rid of stress and calm the mind. This is where meditation and breathing techniques can play an important role. They are the tools that help you calm your mind and make you feel happy from within. The goal of spirituality is to bring such happiness, which nobody can take away from you.
There are two types of happiness: The first is of grabbing or taking. A child enjoys taking things. This is an infant happiness, the desire to possess. The joy of giving is much more fulfilling than the joy of receiving. Have you noticed how happy we feel when we share? For instance, when you see a good movie, you want to tell everybody about it, even recommend that they see it. The movie maker is not giving you any commission to do that; you just feel your loved ones should have the same experience. This is a mature joy that comes from giving.
Graduating from the mindset of taking to giving purifies the mind and brings immense joy. On days when you feel hopeless and low, get out of your room and ask people, ‘What can I do for you?’ The service you offer will bring a revolution within.
When you engage yourself in helping others, you realise that the Divine is taking care of you very well, and life gets filled with love and gratitude.
The willingness to share what we have and to help others without expecting anything in return is called seva. It connects us to others and dissolves barriers that separate our happiness from their happiness. Meditation and seva purify your mind and actions. They are, however, not one-time actions but are to be done repeatedly. Make it a habit. With a few minutes of daily meditation and pranayam, we can cleanse our minds of negative emotions and effectively address mental illness and depression.
Despite our meditation practices, when we feel discomfort, we should do something to bring happiness and comfort to others. We can serve others in endless ways. Serving in whatever possible way – contributing our time, donating money, or just speaking about positive things – will change our consciousness. When service becomes your life’s purpose, it eliminates fear, you experience long-term joy, and your mind finds peace.