There are times we experience an internal breakdown. It could be for a few hours, a day or a longer period. It comes unannounced even as things seem to be going well for us. And we find ourselves in a frame of mind where we are unable to cope with things.
We must realise that breakdowns don’t happen at random. Every effect has a cause. And when the situation is conducive and limits reached, things give way.
Allowing the pressure build within without a release, leads to a breakdown. A pressure cooker has a release ‘whistle’ which lets off steam. But if there was no safety release, there would be an explosion. Our system is similar. On a daily basis pressure builds within. And it builds in small amounts which in absolute doesn’t seems like a big deal. But when this pressure accumulates and reaches a critical point, if we have not learnt the art of release, we face a breakdown.
And there is always something that needs our attention. The problem is we tend to carry the issue with us all the time. It is like stretching out our hand and holding a glass of water. For a few seconds it seems effortless. After a minute we feel uncomfortable and if we don’t put it down, the pain in our arm will be unbearable. Carrying the burden of our troubles all the time leads to breakdown.
And there will always be something not going right. If we keep focussing on that, we keep feeding ourselves negative energy of anger, fear and worry. These emotions weaken us internally and at the smallest trigger we feel a breakdown.
Constant work without adequate rest and nourishment depletes us. A weakened system is vulnerable and we collapse even under the pressure of what is otherwise normal load for us.
But breakdowns need not happen if we equip ourselves. Not just once in a way, but daily.
Daily exercise and adequate sleep builds our immunity. Daily practice of sitting in silence allows our inner voice give us the subtle strength and guidance to cope. Daily reviews end of the day, helps give the emotions a perspective and prevents a silent build-up without us realising. Daily prayer, of not asking, but giving gratitude for what is in place connects us to our infinite potential. Daily time for doing something we enjoy for ourselves refreshes the mind to attend better to challenges when needed. Daily commitment of doing one thing for someone else, no matter how small, taps into our spirit of love and service, a force that keeps us optimistic and enthusiastic. Daily study prepares us.
And when life throws its challenges at us, our daily preparation allows us to bounce back like a rubber ball and move higher. We were born to create and build, not break down.
Vivek, I appreciate your reflection on breakdowns as today, with all that is going on around us, we need to ensure the space for reflection and routine activities or rituals are a source of comfort.
Wishing you an insightful day. Véronique