Mind the Gap: Mastering Mental Health for Career Excellence - Episode 4: The Key to Instant Joy in Our Hectic Lives

Welcome back to our enlightening journey through "Mind the Gap," where we're delving deep into the essence of mental well-being to supercharge both our careers and personal lives! After exploring mental wellness, auditing our mind, and learning the difference between reacting and responding, today we turn our attention to a familiar foe: stress. What if, however, I told you that finding happiness instantly isn't as far-fetched as it sounds?

Learning to Accept Reality

Think about this: have you ever noticed the stark difference in how adults and children experience a delayed train ride? Adults, often occupied with ?their devices, sigh and moan at every minute lost, visibly frustrated by the disruption to their plans. In contrast, children see the same scenario through a lens of wonder and adventure. Each stop, each delay, becomes a part of their exciting journey. They're not bogged down by expectations or rigid schedules; instead, they're fully present, finding joy in the now, open to the unfolding of each moment with a sense of curiosity and openness.

This scenario perfectly encapsulates the essence of embracing reality. As adults, we're conditioned to resist anything that deviates from our plans or desires, whether it's a project going awry at work, unexpected feedback, or even personal setbacks like plans getting cancelled. Our mind refuse to accept this reality. ?Our first instinct is to push back against these realities, to resist and refuse acceptance, fueling our own cycle of stress and negative emotions.

?The Effects of Resistance

This resistance (non-acceptance), however, comes at a high cost. It breeds unhappiness, disappointment, anger, and a slew of stress-related emotions and reactions. Imagine holding onto a hot coal with the intent to throw it at someone else; the only person getting burned is you. This refusal to accept reality not only keeps us stuck but also blinds us to potential solutions or the simple peace that comes with letting go.

The Magic of Acceptance: Sweekar ka Jaadu

A Happy Thoughts book of ?Sirshree "Sweekar ka Jaadu"(SECRET OF HAPPINESS) teaches us a profound lesson: the act of accepting reality as it is can be transformative. Acceptance isn't about liking, agreeing with, or condoning the situations we face. Instead, it's about acknowledging that what is happening is happening. It's about letting go of the struggle, the fight against reality, and instead, moving with the flow of life, much like water molds itself around obstacles. This acceptance is the first step toward releasing the burdens of stress and opening our hearts to the possibility of happiness, even in the midst of chaos.

Technique of acceptance

In the book "Sweekar ka Jaadu," Sirshree shares a simple yet powerful way to help us accept things as they are, which leads to lasting happiness inside. Here's how you can do it:

Imagine a time at work when your boss unfairly blamed you for something that wasn't your fault. This situation probably made you feel really bad. Here's what you can do:

1. Make a bracket by using your thumb and index finger.
2. Then, ask yourself, "Can I accept that my boss blamed me, even though I didn't do anything wrong?"
3. Imagine this question in the bracket you made with your fingers and ask this question to your mind.
4. At first, your mind might say "no." If that happens, wait a bit and ask yourself the same question again.
5. If you keep getting a "no," try asking yourself a new question: "I can't accept that my boss blamed me for no reason. But, can I accept this un-acceptance?" You'll probably find it easier to say "yes" to this.
6. After you've accepted your feelings, try the question from 2nd point again.

If you practice this regularly then after few days, in such situations you will need to make a bracket posture only and rest of the process will be done automatically.

This might sound strange or even make you laugh, but give it a try. It can work wonders.

?EFT: A Tool for Emotional Well-being

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), also known as tapping, is a powerful ally in our quest for mental well-being. This technique involves tapping on specific points on the body, akin to acupressure, while focusing on whatever stress, anxiety, or negative emotion you're experiencing. The process helps to release the emotional blockages that keep us stuck, offering a path to emotional freedom and inner peace.

Putting It All into Practice

So, where do we start? First, by becoming aware of the situations that trigger our stress and resistance. Then, by practicing the art of acceptance: when faced with a challenge, take a deep breath and remind yourself, "This is happening." Allow yourself to feel whatever emotions arise, without judgment or resistance.

You can also ?explore the transformative power of EFT. This simple yet effective technique can be a cornerstone in your emotional toolkit, helping you navigate through the ups and downs with greater ease and resilience.

As we continue on this journey of mental resilience, remember that the goal isn't to eliminate challenges from our lives but to change how we interact with them. By embracing reality, practicing acceptance, and utilizing tools like EFT, we're not just coping; we're thriving.

P.S. Your thoughts and experiences are invaluable to our growing community. Share your journey, your challenges, and your victories in the comments below. Let's keep this conversation going and support each other in our quest for mental well-being and career excellence!

Additional Resources:

• Dive deeper into the philosophy of acceptance with "Sweekar ka Jaadu" by Sirshree.
• Learn more about EFT and how to incorporate it into your life with https://www.emofree.com/
• Enhance your practice of mindfulness and relaxation through apps like Headspace and Insight Timer.