The search for calm is similar to our endless search for happiness. We all have it in us. If calmness is a reward for living a peaceful life, so is happiness - a veritable canvas that spreads optimism. When you learn to find them in the present-moment, you'll attain quietude and also a sense of personal stillness
It is a paraphernalia of the routine. It is also clockwork. From the time we get up in the morning until the time we go to bed each night, we are like a parched mop. We are constantly taking in just too much information than required, thanks to the glut of information out there. Sixty-five per cent of our information, for the most part, is absorbed by our eyes and brain; 25 per cent from sound; and, the residual 10 per cent from flavour, feeling and smell. Our mind is flooded, just as much, during wakeful hours, with sensory information. The flow is so enormous that we can't think clearly at times. Call it our 'sensory overload' - yet, the best part is just 'too' much information and nerve-racking multi-tasking patterns present themselves as our ego's best billboard. The outcome is mental fatigue, or burnout - a term customarily used for top-notch tennis players.
It is paradoxical that enough is not enough for our information surplus, which is a part of our frenzied pace of change, where you are living your life, or career, at excess speed. You have only two options - fasten your seat belt and ride the information shuttle at the speed of thought, or walk out of such entrapped sensory stimuli to give your mind a well-deserved rest. It is a thin dividing line, indeed - from hectic activity to balance and inner peace. While most corporates pontificate that you ought to maintain work-life balance, they do not often encourage us to do so. The irony also is, most of us are not conscious that we have a choice - although some of us know that we should 'unplug' ourselves from the outside world and calm the turbulence in our mind, while reconnecting with our deepest self that is 'begging' us for conscious attention.
Despite ground-breaking advances in science and technology, a dividing wall continues to confront philosophers and mind researchers about the foundations of our active mind and functioning brain. Most mind scientists articulate the view that the mind is more than a corollary of brain functioning, what with a multitude of neurochemicals responsible for each thought and feeling - albeit new advances in consciousness suggest that the mind and consciousness are independent of the brain.
While we all agree that the brain is our key organ of reference, new developments in brain research suggest that every cell in your body has its own sense of conscious awareness. This is the reason why all of us concur that surplus sensory stimulation can lead to sloppy focus, mental exhaustion, abridged decision making, warped communication skills and, possibly, hyperactivity in children, while triggering a stressful state. The only way you'd help balance your mind, body and soul is by taking regular pauses, like moving away from your desk, and preventing mental fatigue, reduced productivity, or creativity.
You'd do well to think of your mind as a TV signal, with each of your five senses functioning like specific TV channels on the remote. What does this signify? That too much of TV viewing can lead to mental inertia like excess information. This can twist your thinking abilities, while affecting your best intentions, thoughts and behaviour. The best way to seek a balance between this frantic state and the serene world of inner peace is to enter stillness every day and allow serenity to fill your mind. This can be achieved by setting aside a little time each day - and, disengaging from our 'automated' world. In other words, you'd turn off your TV, cell phone and computer, for a while, each day. This is not a mindboggling act, but 'mindful awakening.'
You are composed when you appreciate yourself as a caringly evolved being. The reason is simple. When you understand yourself and others, you also cultivate the power to value everyone's sensibilities; also, sensitivities. You'll recognise clearly the interconnectedness of things - their actions, cause and also effect. You'll not grumble, erupt, fuss, or deplore.
When you are calm, you will govern yourself - you will also be in control. You'll know how to adapt, adjust and revere your spiritual calling. You will connect with the divine and feel that you can learn from all things, big and small. The calmer you are, the greater your success, influence and acceptance. Your sense of equanimity is what makes people to like and respect you; they will also prefer to transact with you, because they find your behaviour affable.
A calm person is like a shade-giving tree, an umbrella-like canopy during monsoon. You'd call this quietude too - the first lesson of civilisation, the blooming of the soul. It's as precious as wisdom and, perhaps, much more valuable than gold. A life of calm is much better than all the riches in the world - because it brings to you a life that resides in the nest of truth, underneath the calm waves, beyond the reach of thunder, and in perpetual serenity.
The search for calm is similar to our endless search for happiness. We all have it in us - not outside of us. If calmness is a reward for living a peaceful life, so is happiness - a veritable canvas that spreads optimism. Calmness and happiness reflect our future; also, purpose. When you learn to find them in the present-moment, you'll attain quietude and also a sense of personal stillness.
Humanity is at loggerheads with itself, today. Witness - unrestrained fury, bigotry, profanity, hate, or angst. You need to be a sage, if your thoughts are controlled and purified. You ought to be an ascetic to lure the tempests of your soul to obey your thoughts. Or, so you would think. This is erroneous. Each of us can bring tranquillity into our life in little ways, because tiny nuggets of wisdom quieten our turbulent minds - more so, when we are uneasy, jittery, or frantic.
Nidamboor is a wellness physician, independent researcher and author
