Psycology - The Most Undervalued Aspect of Human Life

One of the most unappreciated fields of study in our practical lives is psycology. Nope, its not that they don't teach it, but its true potential remains unrealized in practical human life, and rarely finds application in it.

Psycology is straightforward, very direct in its purpose. It is the  scientific study of human mind and behaviour. Hence, it's like cheat codes to life!

From greatest of world leaders, diplomats, athletes, business tycoons - The thing common in all of them is how efficiently they've handled their nerves.

For a minute, let's blur out the gifts and blows life gives to each individual. The thing that we do have in our control is our response to what's in our table, isn't it? Look closely, herein is the real art, that is to rise against all odds that life has to offer, and achieve the desired.

And hence I conclude the significance of psycology by quoting Viktor Frankl's one of my all time favorite quotes,

"Forces beyond your control can take away everything you possess except one thing, your freedom to choose how you will respond to the situation."

Now obviously each one of us has to deeply reflect inside our lives and evaluate the behavioural changes we need to maximise progress.

But there some general behavioural habits to begin with, following which you'll instantly feel the power of psycology.

1. You are not your body, not your thoughts

Literally an entire philosophy of Vedanta is based upon the simple truth I've written above. Its a fact we all need to realise in order to caste off our imaginary pains and apparent fears.

We can right now notice that our body is just a tool to act. Similarly, we have to realise that even our mind is a tool, only helping us, the consciousness to think. Our mind is nothing but a subtler part of our body.

The yogis say that it is because of repeatedly clogged thoughts, we have assumed that we humans live as thoughts. What are you, but a voice inside your head? Here is the issue. You are not that voice. Even thoughts can stop, and you can still exist without them.

Hence, realise that 'you' are the master, the controller of your mind, thoughts, and hence actions, but are still independent of it. By will, you should learn to drop off all thoughts, and control them.

Swami Vivekananda says,

All these senses, external and internal, must be under the disciple’s control. By hard practice he has to arrive at the stage where he can assert his mind against the senses, against the commands of nature. He should be able to say to his mind, “You are mine; I order you, do not see or hear anything”, and the mind will not see or hear anything — no form or sound will react on the mind.

Meditation means the mind is turned back upon itself. The mind stops all the thought-waves and the world stops. Your consciousness expands. Every time you meditate you will keep your growth.

The mind uncontrolled and unguided will drag us down, down, for ever—rend us, kill us; and the mind controlled and guided will save us, free us. So it must be controlled, and psychology teaches us how to do it.

2. Avoid being reactive. Be in charge of the senses.

This is a thing I've felt myself again and again.

Whenever I let a bit loose, and be a thoughtless creature, I end up messing my tasks due to excitement and emotional overflowing.

To immediately feel a sense of power and focusedness - we need to learn to speak less and be far less reactive. It instantly makes our thoughts consciousness and enhanced.

To cite some examples, take the case of our EAM S Jaishankar. I feel so inspired by him, how calculated his words are, how restricted his reactions are and how controlled his character is. That type of control really gives a superhuman calmness and stability.

I also notice it in Subhash Chandra Bose's character. In his life story, we see a lot of instances where he was seen a real master of his senses. His bravery and confidence are direct consequence of his inner calmness and natural control over mind and thoughts.

3. Be a staunch observer. Take best inputs from surroundings.

I included this point because an insight by Sadhguru really gives clarity.

He says that while even normally watching with eyes, our minds are constantly processing thoughts, painting the reality.

How can we truly observe anything if we impose our past-processed thoughts to it?

Sadhguru here meant that its not necessary that everytime we see anything, we interpret it in our minds. Because that way we try to fit it inside the limitations of our own puny little understandings. Essence of observation is lost here.

Hence, in this blog I tried to talk about the remarkable part Psycology has in our lives.

Thanks,

Daksh Parekh.