LIVE BY CHOICE NOT BY CHANCE!!!!

There is a powerful saying by Gautam Buddha: “Control your mind, or it will control you.”

According to him………………….. “”To achieve good health, bring genuine happiness to one’s family, and establish peace for all, it is essential to first discipline and control one’s own mind. If a person can control their mind, they can find the path to Enlightenment, and all wisdom and virtue will naturally come to them.”

“It is not an enemy or foe, but a man’s own mind that leads him to evil ways.”

( The Story of who was Gautam Buddha and His Journey to Enlightenment)

Once upon a time, in a small kingdom called Kapilavastu, a prince named Siddhartha Gautama was born to King Suddhodana and Queen Maya. According to legend, his birth was marked by extraordinary signs, including a prediction that he would become either a great king or a revered spiritual leader.

Siddhartha was raised in luxury, surrounded by every comfort. His father, hoping to steer him towards a life of power and avoid the spiritual path, shielded him from the harsh realities of the world. He was given palaces, fine clothes, and all the pleasures of life. He married a beautiful princess, Yasodhara, and they had a son named Rahula. Despite this opulent life, Siddhartha felt an inexplicable emptiness. He was curious about the world beyond the palace walls. One day, driven by this curiosity, he ventured outside the palace in his chariot. What he saw ………… shocked him: an old man, a sick person, a dead body, and finally, a serene ascetic. These sights, known as the Four Passing Sights, profoundly affected Siddhartha. They revealed to him the inevitabilities of ageing, sickness, death, and the possibility of overcoming suffering through a spiritual path. Determined to find the truth behind human suffering, Siddhartha left his royal life. One night, he bid farewell to his sleeping wife and son and slipped out of the palace. He renounced his wealth and status, donned simple robes, and embarked on a quest for enlightenment. He sought guidance from various spiritual teachers and practised severe asceticism, depriving himself of food and comfort. However, after years of extreme hardship, he realized that neither luxury nor severe asceticism brought him closer to understanding. He adopted a Middle Way, a path of moderation away from both extremes. One fateful night, Siddhartha sat beneath a Bodhi tree which is in Bihar (India) in deep meditation, vowing not to rise until he attained enlightenment. He was confronted by Mara, the demon of illusion, who tried to distract and tempt him. Siddhartha remained steadfast, and after a night of profound meditation, he achieved a deep insight into the nature of reality. At dawn, Siddhartha attained enlightenment and became the Buddha, the Awakened One. He realized the Four Noble Truths: the reality of suffering, its cause due to desire, the possibility of its cessation, and the path leading to its cessation. This path is known as the Noble Eightfold Path, encompassing right understanding, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.

For the rest of his life, the Buddha travelled across northern India, sharing his insights and teachings with anyone who sought the path to enlightenment. He gathered a diverse community of followers, from kings and wealthy merchants to commoners and outcasts. His teachings emphasized compassion, ethical living, and mindfulness.

So Have you all………………….. ever noticed how your mind can sometimes act like an unruly roommate, constantly chattering away, bringing up worries, regrets, and random thoughts?

But the good news is we can learn to manage this mental noise.

Let’s explore how you can control our mind instead of letting it control us…………………………..!!!!!!!!!!!!!

………….. The first step in gaining control over your mind is awareness. You can’t change what you’re not aware of. So start by paying attention to your thoughts. Notice when your mind drifts into negativity or stress. Don’t judge yourself for these thoughts; just observe them. This practice is known as “mindfulness” and it can be incredibly freeing.

………….Second, Meditation………. is one of the best tools for training your mind. It’s like a gym workout for your brain. Here’s a simple way to get started:

1. Find a Quiet Spot: Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths.
2. Focus on Your Breath: Pay attention to the sensation of your breath entering and leaving your nostrils or the rise and fall of your chest.
3. Gently Bring Back Your Focus: When your mind wanders—and it will—gently bring your focus back to your breath.

Start with just 5 minutes a day and gradually increase. Meditation helps you become more aware of your thoughts and gives you the space to choose how to respond to them.

………………. It is also essential to write down your thoughts for a few minutes each day. Write about whatever comes to mind. This practice can help you identify patterns in your thinking and give you insight into what’s driving your emotions. Plus, it’s a great way to unload the mental clutter.

By practising gratitude……………

Gratitude has the power to shift our focus from what’s wrong in our lives to what’s right. Begin a gratitude journal. Each day, take a moment to write down three things you’re grateful for. They can be big or small, from a gorgeous sunset to a kind word from a friend. Practising gratitude regularly can rewire our brains to focus more on the positive aspects of our lives.

By exercising……….

Exercise isn’t just beneficial for our bodies; it’s also great for our minds. Physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a yoga session, or a gym workout, find something you enjoy and make it a regular part of your routine. It’s a fantastic way to clear our minds and boost our mental well-being. Start your day by setting a positive intention. This can be something like “Today, I will be kind to myself and others” or “I will focus on what I can control.” Setting an intention gives our minds a positive focus and can guide our actions throughout the day.

Check what you are consuming……….

Be mindful of the media you consume. The news, social media, and entertainment can all influence our moods and thoughts. Limit your exposure to negative or distressing content and choose uplifting, informative, or inspiring media instead. Your mind will thank you. Don’t underestimate the power of human connection. Talk to friends, family, or a counsellor about what’s on your mind. Sometimes just expressing your thoughts out loud can help you gain perspective and feel supported. Our minds function best when we take care of our bodies.

Proper sleep……………..

Ensure you’re getting enough sleep and eating a balanced diet. Lack of sleep and poor nutrition can exacerbate negative thinking and make it harder to manage stress.

Practising of letting go ………..

Finally, practice letting go. Understand that not every thought or emotion requires action. Some thoughts are just passing clouds in the sky of our minds. Let them float by without attaching too much importance to them.

Apart from these………………..some Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques can help you reframe negative thoughts. Here’s a simple CBT exercise:

1. Identify the Thought: Write down a negative thought you have.
2. Challenge the Thought: Ask yourself if this thought is really true. What evidence do you have for and against it?
3. Reframe the Thought: Replace the negative thought with a more balanced one. For example, change “I always mess up” to “I sometimes make mistakes, but I also learn and grow from them.”

So………….. next time when you notice your mind beginning to drift into worry or negativity, take a moment to pause and take a deep breath. Just ………… Remind yourself that you can redirect your thoughts. You are in control, and you can guide your mind back to a more positive and constructive place.

!!!!!!!!!!!!! Most important ……….. Believe in yourself, because you have the strength and resilience to overcome any challenges. Keep going !!!!!!!!!!!!!

@nandasagec MANISHA NANDAN

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