Introspection Creates Opulence & Nobility

Lively, Intensive, Vital, Earnest and 

Wise Introspection for Rejuvenation & Elevation

(This is a sequel to the blog published on 26 June 2022)

“Oh my God! Ram here in my house, in the far away woods, standing before me. It’s  a real godsend! I was just packing to travel to the city to meet you,” exclaimed Krishna. 

“I was a little concerned as I didn’t hear from you for a long time. So, instead of a phone call, I decided to travel to meet you in person and share the excitement of the launch of your new food processing venture.”

Krishna, choking back tears, said in feeble voice, “Guru, that dream has crashed, shattered. I am quitting it. I am depressed. My people say “vedyacha zataka ala”, literally that I had an attack of madness. I think I do not understand business at all.”

“Calm down, my friend! As usual, for your good, I want to be brutally frank and give you one more shock. The fact is that you do not understand yourself. You act on impulses, impetuously and thoughtlessly.”

“So you also think that I’m imbalanced and crazy. I accept that, but what do you prescribe to cure this state?”

“First of all, you are not crazy. You are like millions of impulsive, impetuous people who, on a whim change jobs, businesses and even life partners and then regret it. It’s the reason why books like, ‘How to Overcome Self-sabotaging’ and ‘Why Smart Executives Fail’ are bestsellers. 

“Ok, but is there a remedy for this widespread, calamitous malady?”

“Yes, there is. You must do introspection now, and regularly for life.”

“Now, what is this new injection?”

“It’s your biggest blind spot, the concept that we talked about the last time we met. You don’t listen. I said introspection.”

“Never heard about it. I don’t have any idea what it is. If you explain, I’m ready to do it.”

“Well, the Collins dictionary defines it as ‘examining of your thoughts, ideas and feelings’. Psychology Today magazine elaborates and says, ‘Generally, introspection involves looking inward to try to understand ourselves.’ Remember, introspection can be used to better understand our attitudes, beliefs, desires, evaluations, intentions, emotions, and sensory experiences.

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Introspective Decisions Ordain Leadership Styles

 

“When we understand ourselves better, our actions and interactions become more confident and enjoyable. We also improve as the negatives aspects reduce and our confidence rises. Character improves as we take responsibility for our actions, instead of shifting blame to others. In this context, one of Sant Kabir’s dohas is very revealing:

 “Bura jo dekhane mai chala,  bura na mila koi; jo dil khoja apna, mujhse bura na koi. It translates as - I started walking around to find a bad person but did not find any; when I looked within my heart, I found no one is as bad as me. 

“What a revelation and utterly candid admission! And, that opening of heart and looking inside is introspection. One with such crystal-clear clarity and full self-awareness becomes livewire, a magnetic personality. The benefits are enormous. It’s a complete transformation into an angelic mode. But, it’s not simple or easy.

“According to eminent researchers, most of us think more than 50,000 thoughts per day. Of these, HALF are negative ones and more than 90% are repetitive.”

“Guru, introspection sounds like an enormous task, but I’m convinced that it must be done. Are there any guidelines or steps to do introspection?” asked Krishna.

“Krishna, you are an engineer and must be looking for a process sheet, like one used in manufacturing. But, with introspection, you are minutely examining what happens in the mind which is described as mysterious, fathomless, fickle and always wandering. The initiative and the processing are the sole responsibility of the individual. Introspection is a self-motivating and self-monitored process. Of course, some general guidelines are available.

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Introspection

Ignites Novel Sources of Power and Insights to Rise and Elevate to Summit

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“Not all are from management or psychology books. One has to take a wider and common-sense approach. Here are few hints or clues for a start:

• The most significant revelation is given by the Indian saint and great poet  Sant Tukaram. He says, “mana kara re prasanna, mana sarva siddhiche karan”, which means - make the mind congenial; it is the basis of all accomplishments. So first of all, calm down and becomposed.

• Vow to do introspection sincerely, seriously and try for continuous improvement through regularly reading and listening to experts. Remember, Bill Gates and Warren Buffet read a book a day. Bill Gates has a website for Book Reviews and carries on a dialogue with his followers. 

• Have a fixed time schedule for introspection daily and make it sacrosanct.

• If you are interrupted by distractions or unable to concentrate it may be advisable to take a course in mindfulness. The Oxford dictionary defines this as a mental state achieved by focusing attention on the present moment while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s thoughts and bodily sensations.

• Avoid repetition of the same thoughts - it’s rumination and is ruinous.

• Avoid acting on the basis of instant perception. It is said ‘perception is reality’. Nothing is far from the truth. Two lovers get married with each one saying ‘I can’t live without you even for a day’. And when, in some cases, differences arise, one walks out saying ‘I can’t live with you even for a day’. The wave of resignations in the corporate world is another example 

• The best way to introspect is to ask yourself questions and answer them without judgement. Your aim is to learn from the exercise.

• It is also suggested to keep a journal to write down the observations. Writing brings more clarity and thoughtfulness. 

• If you get confused by crowding of thoughts, beliefs and emotions, it may be advisable to find a coach or a mentor who can help in the examination of the processes of the mind. 

• Deep introspection often brings out undesirable thoughts or memories and creates anxiety. If that happens, take a break and relax through exercises or listening to music or simply meeting close family and friends for a free and frank chat.

                                                       

Wizards of the World!

Spread the creed of INTROSPECTION 

and

Create Corps of Calm, Composed, Confident, Clean- Characterful, and Cheerful Champions!