We have all experienced being in different moods, and in fact, we often classify some people we know as moody, not knowing which way they may behave. Often we have fallen prey to our own moods and find it difficult to get out of them, and sometimes we get into a good mood inexplicably. Does it mean we have no control and our moods will determine the quality of our life? Nothing is further from the truth; our challenge is that we are unable to manage them, because we don’t understand the moods of our mind.

Moods are like seasons; they come and go. Once we understand that they are temporary in nature, it builds the understanding and confidence that if we are prudent, the mood will not last long.

A mood stays long when we give it attention, but if we get on with our life with the mood in the background, it starts losing its efficacy, and before we know it, our mood has changed. Ignoring a bad mood paves the way for a better mood to prevail. Practising this in small ways transforms us from being victims of our mood to victors, who know how to quickly change their mood.

We often focus just on our bad mood, forgetting that a very excitable and exuberant mood also carries the threat of shaking our equanimity and balance. Any mood that takes us away from our centre needs our full awareness.

Moods come from external triggers and unresolved emotions. When the mind finds idle time, it loves delving into unnecessary issues, creating inner turmoil. When we have been extremely focused and had no time to waste, we have found ourselves in a good frame of mind. Focussed action is the best antidote to our moods.

A good gardener regularly removes the weeds and doesn’t allow them to take root. He even trims flourishing trees so that they don’t grow too dangerously. Our mind is our garden, but we forget to take out a few minutes every day to clear the weeds and trim the trees. Moods reflect an unmanaged mind.

When we learn to lighten our mood because we stop taking ourselves too seriously, we experience the world differently. Heaviness has no place if we are to build a wonderful life for ourselves and others. Even the fastest bird needs light feathers.

(Picture – Udaipur)