Chapter 4 - Never Settle?

"ADHD? How did you come across such a big discovery?"

"See, I can't focus on one thing completely. When I Googled it, most answers were ADHD?"

"Everyone knows that, Yash, you don't Google your symptoms. You are lucky that worse options like cancer and sudden death didn't come".

"Well, to be honest..."

"For God's sake, Yash. Give your mind some rest".

Piyush wasn't the only one who had said this to Yash. A ruffled mind makes a restless pillow, but this is not so evident to the one with such a mind. Such was the case with Yash, a happy go lucky kid, with a mind that can even defeat a parrot in chatter.

"So what should I tell my parents? I can't just say I have trouble concentrating", Yash interjected.

"It's ok buddy. Just tell them, deal with the consequences later", Piyush reassured him, being a good friend.

"I don't know, I am just so tired of all this. It's not like I do it on purpose. My mind doesn't cooperate".

"[Muffled voice] Yash! Yash! Stand up!"

"[Voice coming near] Yash! Are you listening? Are you present in the class?"

"[Shouting nearby] YASH!"

"Yes...! Ah...! Yes ma'am!", Yash replied to the teacher who was calling his name constantly.

"Yash, It is a constant thing with you. Where does your mind get lost all the time? Not even in my subject, but every teacher tells the same story about you. I've had enough of you. Go stand outside!" teacher yelled.

Yash came out of the classroom only to find Piyush standing there in punishment.

"When did she send you out?" asked Yash.

"When I told her I forgot my homework copy at home, but you won't remember as you had more important and fun things to be lost in" taunted Piyush.

Both laughed.

"So tell me, Yash, is this true that you are not attentive in the class? And don't worry, you can share the truth, it's a safe space", asked the counsellor.

"No sir, I am attentive. I mean mostly", said Yash with hesitation.

"What do you mean mostly?"

"Well, I want to be attentive, and I like my studies too. It's just I can't concentrate in the class for a long time, even if I try really hard", replied Yash.

"Does this happen only in the class?"

"Ummm... no! It actually happens to me all the time. Even in the examination hall"

"Hmmm... I see. Since when is it happening with you?" probed the counsellor.

"[After deep thinking] A year or so".

"So when you lose your concentration, what actually do you think about?" asked the counsellor.

"I think about my problems..., expectations of my parents from me..., stuff that happens in school, and..... mostly about how I am getting bad at most things now", said Yash upon thinking.

"Ok Yash! That's it for now. I have a homework for you, and it would be pretty easy for you, as you a really good at it".

"Really? What?" asked Yash curiously.

"You have to think. And when I say think, don't worry about how much time you have been doing so or where you are. Till next week, whatever you have to do to make time for it, just do it, but think and think hard".

"Really? You want me to just think? And that's a proper homework from you? But what do I think about?"

"What you generally think about. See you next week".

"I see that you are glowing. Must be feeling good", the counsellor complimented.

"Yes! I feel terrific. But I don't understand what just happened. What was wrong with me, how did I feel nice, and what if I get lost in thoughts again?" shared Yash.

"Relax Yash! You are totally fine. You were just a bit lost between- listening to others and yourself. Your mind is like your best friend. It tells you things, gives you signals, looks out for you, and even makes you lost in itself. It does all of it for your good, but in our usual life we tend to listen to others and get influenced. It is not wrong sometimes, but when these two events clash (mind signalling and external influence), issues like being lost occurs. I call it 'Never settling'".

"Oh! So I just have to listen to myself, and things will be fine?" asked Yash.

"Well, mostly yes. You were getting lost because there was a lot of thoughts running in your head, begging to get your attention. Your mind was prioritising them from some time. There was nothing wrong with you, nor did you lose your IQ. It was simply a matter of attending your thoughts and getting clarity. Hope you would be feeling clearer and lighter", said the counsellor.

"Well yes. My mind chatter is gone, there are no thoughts bothering me, and I can concentrate in my class and not get punished for day dreaming".

"So what did we learn from this Yash?"

Yash replied, "Always listen to your thoughts!"

Yash left the counsellor's office with a broad smile. He was confident and fearless.

"The mind chatters because you don't listen to it" - J. Krishnamurti