How do we overcome stress? Some people try smoking or drinking. Others seek change, a vacation. Many tend to seek various temporary escapes from tension. Some of these are tamasic or inactive such as drinking, rajasic or active such as pleasure trips and others may be sattvic or serene such as going to a spiritual retreat.
If, after the retreat, we are afraid of facing life's challenges again, it was only an escape, a diversion, which did not solve our problem. When we gain a new vision at the retreat, we should become more dynamic and fearless, ready to face all challenges. Some kinds of stress are normal; they could be called objective stress.
This is perceived when we face a challenge. When a lot of work must be accomplished in a short period of time, or we have a tight schedule of engagements, though we may be efficient, because the time is limited we feel stress.
In those situations we have to "keep cool". Figure out how work can be accomplished in a short time with efficient time management. One way of overcoming stress in the objective field is to become more disciplined and organised. Waking earlier, for example, can help make our lives smoother.
When we hurry, we try to do things quickly and often make mistakes, but with planning and discipline we can act with greater efficiency and less strain. Another kind of stress is subjective. In the outer world there are only situations; in the physical world there is no stress, no tension.
The strain that we feel, which is so exhausting, is not because of the outer situation but because of our inner reaction to that situation. When does the outer situation become a problem, a threat? Worry and anxiety arise from our inability to face a particular situation and to deal with it effectively.
This is the stress we feel in many forms and we try to relieve in many ways. Anxiety comes when we are unprepared. If a student has studied well, is the examination a problem for him? No, because he is well prepared! When there is job insecurity, strained relationships within the family, or any emotional upheaval, there is always stress.
All the time there is fear. The only certain thing about the world is that everything is uncertain. Accepting the fact that nothing is certain; that all is unstable, itself relieves tension and stress. The most effective method of avoiding subjective stress is to have faith.
You could call it faith, devotion, or surrender. Faith is the clear understanding that the Lord is taking care of us. Is He not running everything? And still we worry! That is why in Bhaja Govindam it is said, "O fool! Why worry? Is there not for you the One who ordains, rules, and commands?"
When we travel by plane, the plane flies; we only eat and sleep. We know that the pilot is taking care of us; we have faith in him. When we are seasoned travellers, we are not afraid of anything; we are relaxed. We should have the same attitude in life, remember-ing Krishna's assurance: "Rest assured. Remember Me. I will take care of you. Those who remember Me with single-pointed attention I take care of; I take care of their entire lives".
The writer is head, Chinmaya Mission.