Writing:
Screaming out to the heaven, Loathing in disharmony, Fuming in fathomless anger, Restless regardless of the world, Hiding, hoarding deep in the shackles of daily worldly disdainful, tasteless world. Weighing words with disgusting balance. Yelling within, peaceful ‘me’ is just a sham. Words wane the anger, disgust and fury, String of hurriedly typed words with a gush of emotion. Now a peaceful me is a picture of perfect happiness.
A I K Y A AND S M A R A N:
I took to writing this book with the aim of reaching out to people who have faced depression or immense emotional challenges. We often get hovered by spiral of negative thoughts to get pulled into depression. The force of negativity kills energy within us and replaces it with mental lethargy. Sometimes even walking a few steps to pick up a glass of water or grab a newspaper becomes a herculean task. Our will power is weak and we only see the negative aspect of life.
Only positive thinking can pull us out of this spiral. The book has poems that date back to the years when I have gone through moments of stark darkness and disappointment. And to each dark poem there is a poem reflecting the positive attitude towards life that I hold today.
This collection of poems is divided in two parts, first being Aikya: Nirvana & dispelling of negativity and second being Smaran: Fragrance of Times.
Aikya:
Aikya means unity or oneness. A spurt of laughter often wets our eyes. In humor is reflection of sorrow, and pain. A transition from sorrow to happiness and back again, is all one; a confluence of positive and negative. The dusk of negativity has to end, because, it has to be followed by a beautiful dawn. This is a disposal of negativity, which has to end and only from it will flow positivity. Ironically blended in it is all that is positive to life.
Experience a trance that is a confluence of end and start, has a scent of sorrow with fragrance of time.
Smaran:
We are all knotted in relations, which give us something special and which compels us to wish that we could live longer. Smaran is the fragrance of time that is temporal. First let us start with few thoughts that I need to share with you on how life says never give up.
Positive Sutra:
‘Oh! I’m exhausted, I am freaking out with this huge mess in my life. Nothing is working out for me. When will this end?’ Yes, it will only if you truly wish it does. You want to know how? Read on....
There comes a point in your life when you get bitterly disillusioned by everything; people and the environment around you. This is the result of excessive negative self-talk, which leads to depression. All your energy is spent in battling this immense force called ‘negativity’. You start to cut yourself from everyone around you and relations seem meaningless. You become a loner without you even realizing it. The fear of being hurt again makes you withdraw from everyone and at times you break down crying.
In reality, its force is not much, only if you back each negative thought immediately with a positive one. We have all gone through this at least once in our life. Let us be honest, no one so immensely positive that they have never gone through this phase. Is there any end at all to this?
Sure, there is. I share some Positive sutras with you that I swear by:
Connect with someone:
Stop pondering over the problem; stop discussing your life with others. Go out with some of your friends or call up someone who can spark your life with positivity.
Ignore problem seekers:
Always be away from people who add negativity to your life. You will meet people who keep highlighting the flip side of life and discourage you. In fact, you will instantly feel the negative vibe when you talk to such people. They will tell you that you won’t achieve your dreams because, they are unrealistic, you are mad to dream or you simply are not worth it. IGNORE these freaks.
Never ditch exercising:
This is one sutra you just cannot avoid. Get the hell out of your bed early in the morning. Some days you may get up late. But, that shouldn’t discourage you from going to the gym, or exercising. You can indulge in any physical activity. Go swimming, jogging, cycling, yoga or simply brisk walk. Do what you like doing the most and have fun. Just get out of your breath and pant. This keeps you rejuvenated and energized all through the day.
Hobbies: Your fun time:
I love to write that is why I have a blog, which is a platform of self-expression for me. Treasure a hobby; it may be a sport, painting, singing, dancing, etc. This keeps you busy and immensely happy.
Read inspirational literature:
Read quotes, articles, stories and blogs that inspire to get up again and fight all odds. And also, watch motivational movies and listen to music. This pulls you out of the slow pace that your body and mind has got into and peps you up. Music is a greatest healer of all times; the world of music is immensely rejuvenating. Explore various genres and fill your life with unending positivity.
Quit smoking, drinking and substance abuse:
Unfortunately, a hell lot of people turn to addiction of different kinds. Each person is sensitive because, no one is devoid of emotions. Most inspirational stories touch you because, the person has been moved by an emotional incident or event and dreamt to achieve that one impossible thing that is missing in his/ her life. So, if you are going through an emotional drool avoid going out with friends for a drink, instead introspect about what has happened and how you can work out things. Have a mentor in life who can guide you.
Alcohol or drugs aren’t an answer to anything. They kill your stamina, temporarily boost your mood, but, when the intoxication ends, your mind is back to negative thoughts and depression. This is escapism; every time you face a challenge you will gulp bottles of alcohol and feel all your worries have dissolved, but in reality, they don’t, it only makes you weak.
Avoid fatalistic views:
You will meet losers who will tell you that ‘you deserve this life’ or ‘your deeds in the present or past life have landed you in this situation’. Tell them to shut their dirty trap and ignore them completely. This is the only solution. If you start pondering on this thought you will accept the present situation and not change it.
NEVER GIVE UP, CHASE YOUR DREAM LIKE CRAZY BECAUSE, YOU’RE CRAZINESS WILL TAKE YOU LEAGUES AHEAD.
Balancing: What is it like when a psychiatric patient challenges the limits?
Sanity is always at risk when a psychiatric patient wishes to live a normal life. The challenge is not only about being accepted BUT it’s the struggle of facing hostility and lack of empathy.
It’s okay if you suffer from any physical ailment but, if you are challenged with a mental one, it’s unacceptable. You are either branded as ‘mad’ or ‘weak’ or you simply are a nuisance.
What is the real challenge?
The struggle to live a normal life calls for a conflict; if you wish to lead a normal life then don’t expect empathy from anyone for your challenge. You ought to be strong. Many a times you will collapse and won’t get the needed support. In such times give yourself time and do what you like doing the most. Taking a vacation is not always possible but, unwind. It does help.
Are you suicidal?
Yes, when challenges are immense you might even think of suicide. In a split of a second you might end your life. But, get trained to not loath in self-pity. An outburst of tears might make you feel light but, it kills your resolve and you become weak. Your body refuses to co-operate and even lifting up yourself to move becomes a challenge.
So, for a psychiatric patient it’s always a battle not against anyone but, with SELF.
Is marriage a right choice?
Such patients should marry only if they have trained or learnt through the years to pull out of negative thoughts. If you have support and understanding from your life partner things can be handled. But, as your caregiver your partner might also feel exhausted.
Education:
It is time that we start educating people around us about psychiatric challenges. Learn to accept and be empathetic. In a society where psychiatric patients are shunned it’s a tough path to walk.
Sharing:
Be careful with whom you share your challenges. Have a few friends who understand, know and accept you just the way you are. They should be available for you and help you look at the positive and practical side of life. Sometimes, when we are too sensitive our vision gets blurred and we fail to face reality. In such times do you have someone who shows you the practical and positive side of life? Build this network of well-wishers.
Counseling:
Counseling is vital. Don’t deny it. For some psychiatric patients medication is a must. Alternative therapies like meditation, Yoga and Reiki have a great effect, though it needs persistence and the effect is slow. Ayurveda and homeopathy also supplement treatment.
Of course, some people will never accept you. So, learn to ignore them. And if your resolve is strong, then everything within and around you changes. Surely, the universe will test you and ultimately co-operate with you.
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