A quiet mind is the garden of grace

“A man’s mind may be likened to a garden, which may be intelligently cultivated or allowed to run wild; but whether cultivated or neglected, it must, and will, bring forth. If no useful seeds are put into it, then an abundance of useless weed seeds will fall therein, and will continue to produce their kind.”
― James Allen, As a Man Thinketh

For commemorating 75 years of India’s independence, we conducted a poll. We asked people, ‘This Independence Day what do you want freedom from?’

The biggest concern was ‘troubling thoughts’ (76%), followed by ‘social media bingeing’ (18%) and then ‘anger’ (6%).

Unsurprisingly, these options are all closely connected. When the mind is troubled or disturbed, it searches for ways to distract itself. Social media is the easiest option. When the mind is unable to express these troubling thoughts or other unmet needs, it expresses anger.

So how do we address this annoying and persistent problem?

We at Sthir, in the course of our work on mental health concerns, have realized that the entire edifice of positive mental health can be built on the foundation of a strong, resilient, and healthy mind.

In our endeavor to find sustainable & holistic solutions, we revisited the Indian philosophical systems, and we found the answer to this question has been addressed by great thinkers and in easy and accessible ways!

The YogaSutras by Maharishi Patanjali address the meaning of ‘Yoga’ with simplicity and eloquence. The very first sutra of the compilation of 196 sutras says: Yoga Chitta Vritti Nirodha

Translation: Yoga is the cessation of the modifications of the chitta (mind) 

Maharishi Patanjali defines yoga as chitta vritti nirodhah — the stilling of the fluctuations of the mind. By calming mental chatter, we can begin to cultivate the natural union within ourselves so that we realise true peace and bliss.

Yoga thus, is a method for developing this wholeness and connecting with our personal truth. Yoga is much more than a system of physical movements; it is a deeper practice which allows us to get in touch with ourselves beneath the layers of the body and mind.

We at Sthir, base our interventions in mental health on these enduring concepts from Yoga Psychology derived from the Yoga Sutras.

These interventions range from the individual to the group and extend to the community.