Often in the worldly affairs, willingly or unwillingly, we have occasions to discuss a variety of mutual concerns with many people, friends or relatives. During such discussions and arguments, anxieties and pride as well as friction with personalities cause us to forget our real relationships and objects of discussion. We get confused after a lot of discussion and after hearing many opinions. Our mind can't think of any clear cut solution. Thoughts, opinions, situations, locations, environments and personalities can overpower our thoughts or goals. We may even become despondent, forgetting our constructive nature, habits and capabilities to act and solve a given problem.

Under such adverse situations, we must stop talking, shouting or arguing about a given issue. We must forget everything for a moment and take our mind out of the whirlpool. If we can be completely quiet mentally for a few moments, we may be able to think afresh. We should probably pray for a minute or two or leave the room for a breath of fresh air, take a short walk around the garden or just look at flowers. During these moments we may strike on a new thought and remember the basic purpose of the discussion, the goal and related matters. By turning inward during confusion we can realize the great help available to us from the intuitive powers we all possess. When we quiet down a little, communication becomes simpler and easier than during hot, angry discussions.

If we stay balanced during such unexpected occasions, there is nothing we cannot solve to the best of our abilities. We will not be carried away by our emotions on that occasion. When we are angry, hopeless, frustrated or become depressed, it is a sign of a lost battle. To be always peaceful is a sign of victory even though things may not turn out our way. In any condition, we must never lose courage and never forget to turn inward.

Let us resolve from today that when others confuse us or take us to task, we will not forget our inner strength. We will always call upon a Shloka or two from Gita, strengthen ourselves and think freely again for a just solution to the existing dilemma.

-- Swami Radhanandaji