TRAFFIC JAM OF THOUGHTS
All of us must have got stuck in a traffic jam sometime or the other, How does it feel? When the traffic jam persists for some time, one starts worrying as to how long one will remain stuck. As one is helpless to do anything, one may even become irritated or tense. This is particularly so if one is on the way to an important appointment or to catch a flight or a train. On the whole, being caught in a traffic jam is an unpleasant experience, something no one would look forward to.
Now, what effect does a traffic jam of thoughts has on us? A traffic jam in the mind is always created by wasteful or negative thoughts. These are two of the five kinds of thoughts that we create, the other being necessary thoughts, positive thoughts and elevated thoughts.
Wasteful and negative thoughts always come fast, and if not checked can grow into a storm that will send our mind into a tizzy. When we let the mind run loose, the wasteful thoughts that follow one after the other weave a web of illusion that produces feelings of distress, fear, anger, hatred or jealousy, which in turn lead to negative thoughts.
We can experience for ourselves how wasteful and negative thoughts can turn our peaceful state of mind into turmoil in a minute. In such a state of turmoil, we have little control over the thoughts that flood the mind.
What can we do to avoid such a traffic jam of thoughts and get out of it?
First, we must know that unlike the traffic jam on the road, the traffic
jam of thoughts is created by ourselves, by letting the mind run riot. To avoid creating this jam and getting stuck in it, we have to be able to realise when a jam is going to occur. The signals are always there as the wasteful or negative thoughts begin, peace of mind vanishes, and negative feelings begin to arise, making one feel uncomfortable.
As soon as one feels so, one needs to apply the brake on one’s thoughts using the intellect, which has awareness of what is happening and what needs to be done. But that may not be possible for everyone. If one has been carried away too much by one’s thoughts, one may find oneself unable to control them. If that is the case, one needs to take a diversion to avoid a jam. Instead of trying unsuccessfully to check one’s thoughts, one can turn the mind to another subject to get away from the negativity, and one will feel better in no time.
To prevent such a situation from arising, we need to observe some traffic rules for the mind. First of all, our thoughts should follow the lanes of the guidance of God – that one should always remain conscious of one’s identity as a soul and remember the Supreme Soul.
He has also said that we must never see or think about others’ faults. If at all we have to look at others, we should see their specialties and virtues. It also helps to heed the stop light of our conscience, which signals us to stop whenever we begin to think negative. Ignoring this sign can lead to a serious accident in the form of depression, aggression etc.
Another good practice is to take a minute or two off work and allow the mind to experience silence, several times during the day. This will help us remain calm and collected the whole day. Otherwise continuous work without break can tire the mind and leave one exhausted and irritable by the end of the day.
We at Brahma Kumaris teach Easy RajYoga Meditation which is the best known way to control the negative thoughts. You can practice it anytime and anywhere to calm your mind. Once you learn this art of controlling negativity, you will see how the positivity flow through your mind, body and soul. It is indeed an enriching and reviving experience, which can help you to know your true potential. You can easily learn RajYoga meditation at any of our nearest centres located all across the globe or online from the comfort of your own house by just clicking on the link given.
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