Have you ever thought why some people age in failing health and sadness, while others grow old gracefully with vitality and happiness? Who you become is shaped by the choices you make, how you think, how you manage your life, and the ways you take care of yourself - not just when you are 65 but right from younger age.
I have already spoken about the importance of healthy nourishment and the need for efficient time management. Let me now turn to strengthening oneself with clear thinking and healthy attitudes.
Suggestion # 3 Develop Clear Thinking and Healthy Attitudes
Success or failure is often caused more by faulty mental attitudes than by mental capacities. Some people just refuse to see the benefits of developing open-minded attitudes. As an old saying goes -One can drag a horse to a pond but cannot make it drink. Do we not see people around us who have inflexible attitudes and closed views about many things in life? In contrast, look at young kids in the age group of 2-5. In general, they have carefree and open minds with curiosity to learn things. I feel delighted to watch the kids and love to learn from them. Believe me, there is more to living than just physical health. A combination of healthy functioning of your mind and healthy attitudes is a key ingredient to effective self-management.
Around us, there are millions things that can lure us to wrong paths, confuse us and upset our mental balance. One has to always remain alert and develop clear thinking. A strong body can be well utilized when it has a strong mind within.
One should have dreams and goals in life. A life without purpose is like a ship without a rudder. Your mind will work toward achievement only when it has a goal. Establish a goal worth working for. Your goal will keep you going in tough times.
Do what you can do well, and do well whatever you can do. In Sanskrit, there is a word called "Shraddha". I am not sure of it's exact equivalent word in English. Shraddha means a sincere interest that includes many things such as aptitude, attitude, application, ability and assimilation as well. A verse in Sanskrit reads -"Shraddhavan labhate jnanam; Shraddhavan labhate jayam; Shraddhavan labhate sarvam; Shraddhavan labhate moksham". It is only by Shraddha one can have knowledge, wealth, strength, success and everything including self-realisation. A-shradda or disinterest could lead to failures.
Surround yourself with positive-minded, enthusiastic friends and relatives - avoid the whiners. Develop positive attitudes. Whenever you start a new activity with a purpose in mind, do not ever think of failure. Think of success, plan and work hard towards your goal.
In life, one cannot avoid problems and failures. The ability to face the problems and take appropriate corrective actions is the first benefit of mental strength. It is not the fall that matters. What matters is how you get up after the fall and work again towards success. People who have a "can do" attitude and who engage themselves in various activities as they grow older are far more likely to retain their mental abilities.
We have a lot to learn about positive thinking from our ancient scriptures, especially the Upanishads. Read them with meanings to the Sanskrit verses. The popular Shanti Mantra says "Sanno Astu Dvipade, Sanchatushpate" meaning "Let the bipeds (human beings) and the quadrapeds (four-legged animals) be well". Another example is "Lokah Samasta Sukino Bhavantu" that means 'Let everybody in the world be happy'. Wishing others well is a way to look at life positively!
No comments:
Post a Comment