Mind Games

During our life journey we are perpetually accompanied by the “voice within”. Yes, we’ve all experienced it - the devil on one shoulder and the angel on the other, each giving their words of wisdom to the confused person in-between. The mind is that voice; essentially a storehouse of memories and experiences that offers live options to the individual. While many identify themselves with the mind, the Bhagavad-gita defines
it as a subtle instrument at our disposal – an instrument which needs to be strictly controlled and eventually befriended. Why?

The Mind creates reality: everything starts in our heads - thoughts to words to actions to habits to a character, which ultimately designs our destiny. What we contemplate, consider and generate conviction in through the thinking process, will determine what we practically strive for in life.

The Mind translates reality: all of the situations and interactions (that we have created) are then translated by the mind. Depending on our state of mind, we experience a proportionate amount happiness, growth and contentment in response to the rollercoaster journey of life.

An uncontrolled mind will agitate, misguide and implicate the soul, forcing us to glide down to the lower nature of lust, anger and greed. That mindset emphasizes problems in every opportunity, dissatisfied with the present and perpetually hankering for a better future. The controlled mind, however, acts as a friend on our spiritual journey, helping us to make progressive and healthy choices which create wellbeing on all levels. That mindset is able to identify opportunities in every problem, ever-satisfied come what may. Now it makes sense: it’s all in the mind.
 

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Choose Life

It’s easy to (often subconsciously) separate our spiritual life from our day-to-day routine. A student can easily mistake their academic endeavours as being unrelated to their divine pursuit. A worker may view their everyday profession as a means of survival; a call of duty which adds little value to their internal development. We may conduct our worldly relationships on the basis of ‘getting things done’, unaware that every interaction leaves a mark on our consciousness. It’s clear that our core spiritual practices and focused times of reflection bolster our spiritual consciousness, but could the things we do outside of those times be just as influential?

If a student is undisciplined, lackadaisical, and irresponsible in their academic life, that mentality could possibly carry over to their spiritual practices. If a worker is dishonest, exploitative and avaricious in their worldly affairs, they may well see the same proclivities haunting their spiritual endeavours. If one is inconsiderate, judgmental and impersonal with family, friends, and the average Jo, they might begin treating their spiritual associates in the same way. As we learn of the spiritual reality it’s easy to begin neglecting what we may see as temporary, mundane and inconsequential social intercourse. We may consider such things to be unimportant in relation to the ‘bigger picture.’

The Bhagavad-gita offers the perfect balance: remain rooted in eternal truths, and simultaneously inject a healthy amount of care and attention in the 'worldly' aspects of life. Yoga is the art of connecting all of our activities, responsibilities and relationships to God. It’s easy to perpetually see these things as an obstacle, distraction and diversion from our real calling. Unfortunately, such an approach usually ends up in frustration, confusion and stagnation. More progressive is to understand that all such aspects of life have the potential to add spiritual value. The best recourse, therefore, is to choose life, accept life and make the best of life. After all, what’s on the inside is what really counts.

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