STRESS, AND RESTLESSNESS: DR. SHRINIWAS KASHALIKAR

When we study STRESS; we find that one of the greatest enigmas of life is restlessness! The restlessness of unknown origin! More often than not, restlessness is not related to any particular want, though; it may be compounded with hunger, thirst, insecurity, sexual deprivation, and so on.

We complain (and keep on doing so) round about everything such as price rise, water shortage, load shedding of electricity and hike in bus fare. At home we keep on grumbling or complaining about almost every issue; such as children, their study, ill health, lack of attention and even climate!

But when one thing is satisfied; the complaints about new issues start erupting! We can not stop complaining and grumbling.

We may try several activities to “quench” our restlessness. But we find that; we are only temporarily satisfied and the new reasons for our complaints emerge! All in all; we get fed up; in the unavoidable cycle of restlessness, complaints, fulfillment and new reasons for restlessness and complaints!

Life becomes an unending travel of travails; and we try to escape in a variety of activities such as sports, physical exercise, athletics, gymnastics, acrobatics, swimming, crafts, music, trekking, painting, dancing, purchasing etc. But nothing whatsoever, provides lasting fulfillment to us.

We; try to socialize, gossip, share our feelings, thoughts, ideas, get involved in charity or else we get immersed in gambling, horse race, drinks. But still remain empty, hollow and restless. Our complaints continue.

What is the reason?

The reason is; restlessness is like enormous power within us; that has no direction. It agitates but does not lead! It irritates but does not help deicide. It excites but does not orchestrate. It arouses but does not channellize. It torments; but does not by itself; evolve us! Restlessness; thus; by itself; is like fire that has be channelized.

Our restlessness becomes worse when we succumb to arguments and propaganda, which provoke, promote and perpetuate contradictions and confusion. We are trapped in various ideas of morality, ethics, religions, ideologies; while the actual reality seems to uphold everything contrary.

Our restlessness is therefore aggravated and converted into anguish, agitation, rage, frustration and gets expressed into useless or counterproductive suicidal activities or gets transformed into criminal activities.

We have to understand this immense though potentially beneficial restlessness and channellize it and guide it, holistically; in every field of personal and social life!

This is why; Total Stress Management that embodies the study of; meaning, causes, dimensions, effects, mechanisms, support systems and the management of stress; is essential. It enables us to evolve global perspective, policies, plans and their implementation in all the fields such as holistic education, holistic medicine etc.

All this; coupled with the practice of NAMASMARAN; so as to bring about international laws, rules, regulations and also the fashions and conventions; conducive to individual and global blossoming; is called SWADHARMA.

Let us understand that; in absence of this; even if we are provided with the best of everything; our stress and restlessness would not subside!

In other words; restlessness, which is an enigma and a major cause of stress; can be conquered; only if we ourselves begin to undergo the metamorphosis or conscious evolutionary transformation; rather than blaming others; through NAMASMARAN, and share our convictions about Total Stress Management i.e. SWADHAMRA; with others.