u/Ok_Landscape9564

A school teacher asked children to write two things:

1.	What they wanted to become in life.
2.	What they did not want to become.

One child’s answer made everyone smile.

He wrote: “I don’t want to become a President, a Doctor, or a Scientist… I want to become a Senior Citizen.” 😄

When asked why, he explained:

Because Grandpa can wake up late, take naps, watch TV peacefully, sit under a tree, play chess with friends, enjoy coffee and tea, travel, laugh and live without homework, exams or pressure.

That innocent answer carries a deep truth. Sometimes elders themselves may not realize how rich life can be with freedom, wisdom, time and experience.

Recently much talked **Twisha Sharma** case in Bhopal, India, triggered controversy around mental health.
*”When a severe mental health crisis hits a family, it doesn't just impact the individual it ripples outward, testing the bonds that hold us together. The heavy reality of severe conditions reminds us that mental health is not an invisible issue; it is urgent, real, and deeply human.”*

**Understanding the Heavy Hitter Disorders**

* **Schizophrenia:** A condition involving a distorted perception of reality, hallucinations, and social withdrawal. Crucially, as highlighted in high profile advocacy cases globally, it is *not* "split personality" or "two people in one body." It is a neurobiological medical condition.

* **Bipolar Disorder:** Characterised by intense, disruptive cycles of mania and depression. When left untreated, both conditions lead to strained relationships, profound social isolation, and immense confusion for families fighting the accompanying social stigma.

**Pathways to True Stability**
Managing severe mental illness rarely has a single silver bullet. True resilience comes from an ecosystem of care:

* **Clinical Medical Treatment:** Essential first-line defenses like antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and clinical therapy.

* **Community & Compassion:** Radical empathy from family and friends to break the isolation.

* **Mindfulness & Nervous System Regulation:** Incorporating evidence based practices like yoga and targeted meditation.

Neuroscientific research from institutions like the University of Indiana and Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center has shown that dedicated mindfulness practices can significantly impact brain biology. For instance, studies on structured programs like *Inner Engineering* observed a 300% increase in Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) levels over a 90 day period.

As low BDNF is heavily linked to anxiety, depression, and emotional burnout, giving the brain this biological boost supports standard medical care beautifully.

Mental health is not a shadow to be hidden; it is a flame that needs tending. With medicine, compassion, yoga, and meditation, we can help transform despair into resilience, and broken ties into healing bonds.

"When the mind loses balance, it can shatter not only the self but also the bonds that hold us together. The tragedy of suicide and broken relationships reminds us that mental health is not invisible it is urgent, real and deeply human."

 Understanding the Disorders

• Schizophrenia: Distorted reality, hallucinations, delusions, withdrawal.

• Bipolar Disorder: Cycles of mania and depression, extreme mood swings.

• Both can lead to self harm, impulsive actions, and strained relationships if untreated

Real World Impact

• Families often face confusion, stigma, and broken trust.
• Untreated episodes may result in violence toward self or others, financial ruin, or social isolation.
• The Twisha Sharma case in India sparked concern over myths schizophrenia is not “two people in one body,” but a serious medical condition that needs care.

Pathways to Stability

• Medical treatment: Antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, therapy.

• Community support: Families, friends, and awareness campaigns break stigma and encourage treatment.

• Yoga & Meditation:

  • Calm the nervous system, reduce stress hormones.
  • Improve emotional regulation and body awareness.
  • Create inner stability that supports medical care.

Researchers done comprehensive study at the University of Indiana, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Rutgers and Florida Universities have found that with just 90 days of Inner Engineering practice, the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) levels increase by 300%.

It is an established fact that if BDNF is at a decreased level, it leads to anxiety, depression, Alzheimer's, emotional exhaustion and burnouts. So with Inner Engineering, people are able to come out of their depressive modes and anxiety situations.

"Mental health is not a shadow to be hidden; it is a flame that needs tending. With medicine, compassion, yoga and meditation, we can transform despair into resilience, and broken ties into healing bonds."

We often think of forgiveness as a gift we give to someone else a "get out of jail free" card for their bad behavior. Because of this, we hold onto our anger like a shield, believing that as long as we are furious, we are somehow exacting justice. But the reality is the exact opposite.

Every time you replay a conversation, sharpen a retort in your mind or feel that familiar heat in your chest when their name is mentioned, you are handing them the keys to your mental apartment. They don't have to pay utilities, they don't have to clean up, and they certainly aren't aware they are there. You are effectively cohabitating with your enemy.

Introspect the mechanics of the mind and how our refusal to let go creates a "poisonous" internal environment. “Forgiveness is not about being a 'good person.' It is about being a sensible person. If you do not forgive, you are only destroying yourself. If you carry the past like a heavy sack on your head, you will never be able to walk with ease. Forgiveness is for your own well-being. It is a mechanical necessity. If you want a mind that is clear, joyful, and capable of experiencing the present moment, you simply cannot afford the "clutter" of old resentments.”

How do we actually reclaim that space? It starts with a shift in perspective:

1. Acknowledge the Squatter: Recognize that your anger isn't hurting them; it’s only occupying your "real estate."

2. Separate Justice from Peace: You can acknowledge that what happened was wrong without needing to "stay mad" to prove it. Justice is a social or legal process; peace is an internal one. Justice is what happens in the world, but Peace is what happens in the skin.

3. The "Sensible" Choice: View forgiveness as a selfish act of hygiene. Just as you wash dirt off your hands, you wash the resentment off your mind so you can feel better.

Evict the memories, change the locks, and reclaim your mental space for things that actually nourish your life like your passions, your growth or simply the quiet of a peaceful afternoon.

We often talk about "grinding," "leveling up," and "pushing through." But what happens when you physically cannot push anymore?

Recently, I found myself bedridden with severe back pain. I had to resign from my career, a world of high-stakes management, deadlines, and constant "doing." At first, it felt like a total collapse. My identity was tied to my productivity, and suddenly, I couldn't even stand up.

But looking back, that season of immobility was a blessing in disguise. It forced a "hard reset" that I never would have chosen for myself but desperately needed.

If you are currently in a "waiting room" of life, whether due to health, job loss, or a personal setback, here is what I learned about turning a period of stillness into a period of growth:

1. The Body Speaks When the Mind Won't Listen

In my previous life, I was the "commanding" type managing teams, managing my family, managing every outcome. When my body gave out, it was a message: You cannot control everything through sheer will. I had to trade "command and control" for "surrender and breathe."

2. Discovering the "Internal Landscape"

When you can’t move outward, you have to move inward. I began exploring mindfulness and breathwork not as a hobby, but as a survival tool. I realized that my mental state had a direct impact on my physical ease. By calming the mind, I began to heal the spirit.

3. Cultivating New Roots

As I began to recover, I turned to two things I had long neglected: Writing and Gardening.

Writing allowed me to process the "paper trail" of my life, turning old professional stresses into philosophical insights.

Gardening taught me the "Paradox of Growth." You can’t yell at a seed to grow faster. You provide the right environment, you pull the weeds, and then you wait. It’s a masterclass in patience.

4. Your Worth is Not Your Output

Resigning from my job felt like losing my armor. But in that nakedness, I found my true self. I realised I am not my job title or my bank account. I am the way I show up for my children, the way I handle a crisis with grace, and the way I tend to my plants.

The Takeaway:

If you’re facing a setback, don’t view it as a detour. View it as the destination you didn't know you needed. Sometimes we have to be planted in the dark for a while before we can finally bloom.

What is a "blessing in disguise" you've experienced recently? Let’s talk in the comments.

What are you feeding today? Inside your mind is a mental ecosystem. It’s a garden where opposing forces are constantly competing for space.

The secret? None of these emotions have power on their own. They are parasites; they only grow if you provide the nutrients.

Doubt feeds on "what happens." Confidence feeds on action. Fear feeds on anticipation. Faith feeds on possibility. Worry feeds on imagination. Joy feeds on presence.

The Watering Can is in Your Hand

You cannot grow a forest of confidence while drenching the soil in self-doubt. They cannot occupy the same territory.

If you don't like the harvest, change what you are planting.

• Starve the distraction: When a negative thought pops up, don’t argue with it. Ignore it. Without your focus, it has no fuel.

• Feed the light: Spend your energy on gratitude, small wins, and the people who make you feel capable.

Your current reality is a reflection of what you have nurtured for the last six months. Stop giving your energy to the things that make you feel small.

What is happening in your mind is not Reality; it is important to differentiate between the two-Sadhguru.

Inside your mind is a mental ecosystem. It’s a garden where opposing forces are constantly competing for a space.

The secret?

None of these emotions have power on their own. They are parasites; they only grow if you provide the nutrients.

Doubt feeds on “what will happen,” Confidence feeds on action.

Fear feeds on anticipation, Faith feeds on possibility.

Worry feeds on imagination, Joy feeds on presence.

*Watering Can is in your Hand

You cannot grow a forest of confidence when drenching the soil in self doubt. They cannot occupy the same territory.

If you don’t like the harvest, change what you are planting.

Starve the distraction: When a negative thought pops up, don’t argue with it. Ignore it, without your focus, it has no fuel.

Feed the light: Spend your energy on gratitude, small wins, and the people who make you capable.

Your current reality is a reflection of what you have nurtured for the last 6 months. Stop giving your energy to the things that make you feel small.

Whatever you feed grows, the choice is yours.

What is happening in your mind is not Reality; it is important to differentiate between the two- Sadhguru