Maintaining Sanity in a Seemingly Insane World
By: Mark Friedman
I won’t bore you with a litany of what is stressing many of us these days. Suffice it to say that every day brings news about our planet’s changing climate, social, economic, and humanitarian crises, and utterances and actions from so-called leaders that could easily drive a non-drinker like me to drink.
As a long-time meditation and yoga practitioner, I have an extremely valuable tool kit that helps me to focus on a spiritual goal and an optimistic long view imparted by the founder of Prout, P.R. Sarkar.
That said, it’s a struggle not to get overwhelmed by creeping anxiety about what the world will be like for my grandchildren and future generations. In order to cope, I’m trying to apply some physical, mental, political, social, creative, and spiritual practices that so far are keeping the hell hounds of stress and despair at bay.
I’m sharing some of those practices and approaches in the hope you might find them helpful.
Stay Physically Active
I’m staying extremely active with regular yoga asanas and exercise. Every day, I do at least one of the following: hike in nature, ride a bike, work out on an elliptical machine, take a vigorous walk, or play tennis. Besides the physical and mental benefits, all of these activities keep my mind from focusing on the negative. Staying physically active energizes us and also aids a good night’s sleep, which is needed to stay healthy and mentally sharp.
Think Positively
Now more than ever, it is essential to direct our thoughts in a positive, life-affirming and spiritual direction. As you think, so you become. So, I practice conscious compartmentalization and avoid dwelling on that orange-headed guy and his daily insane edicts and rants. I never watch TV news unless there is a critical disaster where help could be needed, and I NEVER listen to one minute of that guy talking. If I’m watching him, I’m thinking of him, and he is not the one I want to become. I believe in staying informed, but I also want to limit my intake of madness and my emotional reaction to it. However, I do like some of his impersonators, like JL Cauvin. The old saying about laughing just to keep from crying applies.
Engage Politically
I’ve attended local anti-oligarchy and pro-democracy demonstrations, and they seem to make me and my fellow protestors feel better. I doubt they have any impact on geo-political happenings, but sometimes you have to express yourself. . More useful for me has been stepping up my work to establish Prout and create a world that reflects the wonderful vision of love, justice, equity, and neo-humanism that Sarkar propounded. The results of our Prout work may not manifest soon, but Prout represents the only progressive, spiritual, socio-economic framework that makes total sense to me.
Stay Connected
In times of trouble, we need to surround ourselves with people who share our values and are working on themselves and on this world. Spiritual satsaunga (fellowship) and ties to our loved ones and community are an essential lifeline. We must carve out time for loving relationships and having fun with fellow humans.
Also, I try to pay attention to and appreciate all the great servants of humanity in our midst. Serving those in need by volunteering or contributing is an essential element of our journey and a way to honor the divinity within us all.
Get Creative
I get a lot of inspiration and learning from practicing and appreciating the creative arts, including poetry, literature, listening to music, the visual arts, film, humor, singing, and chanting. I’m constantly reminded that creativity is integral to being human. Remembering that the same misguided ingenuity that has led to so many problems can be turned around by creative problem-solving brings me great comfort.
Pursue Spirituality
Last, but certainly not least, I’ve stepped up my spiritual practices, which includes not only meditation but studying timeless wisdom. This reinforces my sense of peace and optimism that, as Sarkar repeatedly told us, the future of humanity is bright. This drama (liila) can look bleak, but inside us and all around us is the tantalizing allure of unity and love. The more I remember and experience that wonder, the more I can face the challenges. To paraphrase singer Carole King, I can “get up every morning with a smile on my face and show the world all the love in my heart!” And I want that for you too.
Mark Friedman is a long-time Proutist living in California.