This is the second in a series of four talks titled “The Mind, Mindfulness, & Me”.
Some good advice for us all is that in a heightened state of emotions, whether negative or so-called positive emotions, one should not speak, one should not make decisions, and one should not act, as it will invariably produce difficulty or suffering for myself and for others.
This is where mindfulness comes in. I need to disengage, step away and calm down. Deep breathing, meditation, a walk outside all help here. Once I am on an even keel and calm, I should consider what is in my best interest long-term and what is in the other person(s) best interest and formulate a response.
If you ride the waves of emotion you will wipe out, whether immediately or later on. This mindfulness practice of not giving in to highly emotional states and instead exercising control of the mind and emotions, is undoubtedly very challenging for us, but by gradual practice it is possible. And the outcome is brilliant.
A couple of verses from the Bhagavad-gita advise us as follows:
Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa said: O mighty-armed son of Kuntī, it is undoubtedly very difficult to curb the restless mind, but it is possible by suitable practice and by detachment. Bhagavad-gita 6.35
For one whose mind is unbridled, self-realization is difficult work. But he whose mind is controlled and who strives by appropriate means is assured of success. That is My opinion. Bhagavad-gita 6.36