Category: Stories

Motivational

Practical Strategies to Manage Anxiety in Today’s Fast-Paced World

Featured Madhumita Chakraborty1 Comment

Have you ever found yourself suddenly wanting to cry or struggling to catch your breath without any apparent reason? Have you experienced sleepless nights or palpitations even when you’re at rest? If you have, you’re not alone.

Anxiety, depression, and fear are common challenges many of us face in today’s fast-paced world. At some point in our lives, we all encounter these feelings when we’re dealing with anxiety, or depression. Sometimes, these emotions can be triggered by specific events, like workplace difficulties or worries about a loved one’s health. For others, anxiety can become a constant presence, disrupting daily life and becoming what is popularly called an anxiety disorder.

Overcoming Anxiety: A Personal Journey

I’ve personally faced anxiety multiple times in my life, and it’s lasted for days or even months, causing significant discomfort. It’s not just an abstract term to me. I’ve sought help from psychiatrists, taken medications. While these medicines provided temporary relief, they often left me feeling weakened due to their side effects. Overthinking has always been a part of my life, and my mind rarely finds peace. On the positive side, this propensity to think and analyze has helped me express myself through writing, but the negative impact on my personal well-being and social life has been undeniable. Medications offered only short-term relief, leading me to seek ways to tackle overthinking and regain control of my mind.

Before I delve into how I managed my anxiety and stress, let me share some valuable insights I gained from a psychotherapist I was fortunate to meet in my journey.

Understanding anxiety

Anxiety isn’t entirely a bad thing; it serves a purpose. For instance, think of a deer encountering a tiger. The deer’s anxiety kicks in, prompting it to run for its life. This anxiety is what triggers the deer to take action. If anxiety didn’t exist, the deer might not react and could easily become the tiger’s prey.

Anxiety has its merits, up to a point. Let’s say, on a scale of 1 to 10, a level of 5 provides the right amount of awareness. However, if your anxiety level goes beyond 5 on this scale, you’ll find yourself overly aware, overthinking, and becoming fearful of things that don’t warrant excessive attention.

Effective Strategies to Find Inner Peace and Manage Anxiety: Practical Steps for a Balanced Life

Over the years, I have discovered various techniques that have helped me manage my anxiety effectively. Here are some practical strategies to help you find inner peace and combat anxiety in your daily life:

Over the years, I have discovered various techniques that have helped me manage my anxiety effectively. Here are some practical strategies to help you find inner peace and combat anxiety in your daily life:

  1. Take Time to Relax: When anxiety strikes, give yourself some time to relax and regain composure. Sometimes, stepping back and breathing can make a significant difference.
  2. Practice Deep Breathing: Deep breaths can work wonders, especially when you’re feeling extremely nervous. Take slow, deep breaths to calm your mind and body.
  3. Mindful Acceptance: Instead of arguing with your thoughts, acknowledge them without judgment. Let them come and go naturally, without resistance.
  4. Self-Awareness and Positive Mindset: Cultivate self-awareness, which can help rewire your brain and foster a more positive mindset.
  5. Spiritual Guidance: If you’re inclined towards spirituality, consider reading a holy book daily. In my case, I find solace and moral support in texts like the Bhagavad Gita.
  6. Forgiveness: Learn to forgive others and, most importantly, forgive yourself. Forgiveness acts as a detox for your soul, freeing you from unnecessary burdens.
  7. Meditation and Physical Exercise: Embrace meditation to calm your mind and stay focused. Combine it with physical exercises and breathing exercises like Pranayama for a holistic approach.
  8. Stay Engaged: Keep yourself occupied with activities that bring you joy. Engage in hobbies, read books, or help others – distractions can often break the cycle of anxious thoughts.
  9. Acknowledge Your Success: Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Acknowledging your successes boosts your self-esteem and confidence.
  10. Disconnect and Connect: After working hours, disconnect from your work and spend quality time with your family and friends. Meaningful connections can provide emotional support and comfort.
  11. Practice Mindfulness: Stay present in every activity, whether it’s a walk outdoors or a daily task. Mindfulness can ground you in the moment and reduce anxiety.
  12. Challenge Fearful Assumptions: Don’t fear upcoming events based on assumptions. Remember that these fears are often unfounded, and challenging them can break their hold over you.
  13. Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Give yourself a metaphorical hug regularly. Self-compassion can provide the comfort and reassurance you need.
  14. Take Action: Don’t hesitate to step out of your comfort zone and take action. Taking initiative can empower you to overcome challenges.
  15. Prioritize Happiness: Engage in activities that bring you happiness and fulfilment. A positive mental state contributes to your overall well-being and radiates positivity to those around you.
  16. Seek Professional Help: Above all, don’t hesitate to seek support from qualified therapists. Therapy can provide valuable tools and insights to help you manage anxiety effectively.

Remember, managing anxiety is a journey, and it’s different for everyone. By incorporating these strategies into your daily life, you can take significant steps toward finding inner peace and living a more balanced, fulfilling life.

Leaving some thoughts at the end.

Look at the endless sky, and try to imagine, our miniscule presence in this vast universe. We are but tiny dots, so why burden ourselves with worries that are mere fractions of a dot in the grand scheme of things?

The current concerns weighing on your mind today, might lose significance after few months or some years, say 5-6 years down the road. Time has its way to heal and resolve everything. Isn’t it?

Let us know your thoughts at contactareaderscorner@gmail.com

Kids Stories · Motivational · Mythological · Short Stories · Stories

Chetak, the Blue horse

Madhumita ChakrabortyLeave a comment

By Kritadhi Chakraborty

“Ho! Rider of the blue horse!” a familiar voice made Maharana Pratap look back. He could see only one horseman amidst the yellow dust… his brother Shakti Singh. But the sound of hoofs against the flinty rocks superseded his emotions as his savior today, none other than his beloved stallion Chetak, blazed through the mountains of Haldighati. Chetak, like his master Rana, was heavily wounded. “Hey Devi Ma!” uttered Maharana when for a few seconds (as though) time came to a standstill… Chetak was about to take a breathtaking leap over a mountain stream. As if the strength of a 100 horses has been bestowed upon him. Nobility unimaginable, will power to rescue his master whom he had borne through the day. Chetak fell along with Rana. Within a few moments Rana was back on his feet to fight back – but was relieved to find that none of his pursuers dared cross the stream.

Pratap rushed to Chetak… quickly unbuckled the harness. “Chetak! Chetak!” Rana’s voice choked in admiration of his valiant stallion as he realized that it was time to part with his guardian angel. Chetak’s expressive eyes, despite the blood dripping over it, was beaming with success and joy.

Rana took Chetak’s long face on his lap and cuddled the peacock shaped neck… far from Rakt Talai (the battlefield), Rana could only hear the breeze over his shoulders… as he recollected the happenings of the day.

The Mughal Sultan Jalal Uddin Muhammad Akbar was on his way to take Udaipur, located at the heart of Mewar. The Mewari army consisting of 20,000 soldiers were up against 80,000 Mughal troops. Maharana Pratap was holding the flower (flag) of Mewar. The Mewari army fought gallantly beside their prince who led the banner into the hottest part of the field. Rana had disguised Chetak as an elephant by putting an armor in the shape of an elephant’s trunk. Chetak charged an elephant by raising one leg upon the elephant’s trunk, giving a chance to Pratap to throw his lance at the enemy. The mahout got killed instead. In the process, the elephant’s tusk tore through Chetak’s leg and crippled him. Rana was wounded too. The battle was slowing turning into the favor of the Mughals as they rallied near Rakt Talai. The Mewari forces, that were left, had to make a tactical fall back. A camouflage had to be created to give Maharana Pratap enough time retreat.

It is said that Chetak, with a mind of his own, only submitted to the Maharana; and that he was the one to choose the king, not the other way around. Critically injured Chetak refused to succumb to the pain and only on three legs helped his master flee from the battlefield, to live to fight back again.

Chetak passed away in the arms of his master Maharana Pratap.

We don’t know how much of this is real. History does not name the horse ridden by Maharana Pratap at the Battle of Haldighati on 18th June 1576, nor do they attribute any unusual feat or achievement to it. The story is recounted in court poems of Mewar from 17th century onwards. Whatever the reality may be, what is important here is that the story inspires millions of Indians over hundreds of years. This story about the nobility and valiance of an animal inspires me.

Kids Stories · Motivational · Short Stories · Stories

Reward

Madhumita ChakrabortyLeave a comment

By Kritadhi Chakraborty

When Tisha’s dad came back home after his post dinner walk, he was a bit unusual that day.

He sat on the sofa with his eyes clothes and head resting on the cushion.

Tisha, an eight-year-old, lived with her parents on the fourteenth floor of a luxury apartment.

Every night, since they had shifted about a year ago, Tisha’s mom packs rice, curry and some extras from the day for the stray dogs.

In their society, stray dogs are not allowed to enter. Feeding stray dogs anywhere near the main gate is a big “No!” from the association as that seem to cause a lot of trouble to the residents.

Tisha’s dad carries the package to a nearby low lit street. There are at least some three to four regulars for the nightly meal.

“Today I was attacked by two bike-men you know?”. Tisha’s dad started saying after having two glasses of water. Tisha’s mom was shocked, “What?? Are you okay?”

“Yes! You won’t believe how I got saved today! I reached for my wallet and was about to give all the money I had to those men. All of a sudden those dogs started barking at the bike-men and many more dogs joined in no time. Couple of them climbed on the bike. Probably thinking that they may get into trouble due to the noise made by the dogs, the bike-men fled” Tisha’s dad took a pause.

“I can’t thank God enough for sending His messengers today to save me”. Tisha could see gratefulness and joy of being rewarded in the eyes of her dad that day.

She felt for the first time what they meant by saying, “Showing kindness to animals is an act of service to God”.

Motivational · Short Stories · Stories

Don’t ask why, deal with it

Madhumita ChakrabortyLeave a comment

Yet another announcement. Now for the 3rd position. Amy looked up with hope. Awful, this time again the 10-year-old, had to clap for one more fellow competitor. Her face went pale. Her mother looked at her, gently touched her head. The 4th position was announced for a girl of some other school. Amy looked down once again. A soft voice stirred her up. “Clap Amy”. It was her father smiling at her. Amy clapped with disappointed at heart.

“The award for the 5th position goes to Amy.”

Amy’s parents were overjoyed at the announcement. A faint smile on Amy’s face.

The family returned home. It was late evening, they were tired.

Amy could not speak at dinner table. “What happened Amy?”

Gush of warm tears rolled down her cheeks. She could not reply to her mother, wept bitterly.

Her parents were silent, they could probably understand.

Amy spoke almost after 30 minutes.

“I will never participate in any competition again. I worked hard, prepared well, and delivered my best but I stood fifth. You both were wrong. I don’t think hard work is the pillar of success.” Amy burst out in tears and cried out loud in despair.

Absolute silence in the room for almost 5 minutes.

Her father, Rohan, an engineer by profession broke the silence. “Amy my dear, your performance was excellent today. You stood fifth among 200 interschool participants in the story telling competition. You are one of the top 5 participants. We are proud of you. Your hard work and perseverance were rewarded.”

Amy looked at her father, her face looked eager to hear more.

Rohan, continued, “Have you not seen your mother and me working till late hours? You need not top a competition to prove your efforts. Even after hours of hard work, all your efforts might turn futile. We must work hard to give our best to stay in the race.”

Amy’s mother, Sree was listening silently. She has seen uncertainties in her career despite all the hard work and diligence she has put through. Sree has always been strong to handle her emotions and learn through her experiences.

Sree was trying to join the dots.

“Amy dear”, Sree spoke tenderly. “Don’t be upset. There are situations in our life which are beyond our control. The kids who ranked the top four might or might not have done as much as hard work you did. Even the ones who were among the bottom few ranks might have tried harder than you did and might be more capable than the toppers. There are multiple factors that determine success.”

Amy looked at her mother with curiosity.

“Amy, provided you did not work so hard, you would not have presented so well. Even the position you secured would have been far from reach. The performance of other competitors, the experience and understanding of the judges, your delivery on the moment, your content and many more such aspects play deterministic role in a competition. You have successfully performed well.”

Sree paused for a while and looked at her daughter’ glowing face.

“Success is not determined by a rank or by immediate gains. You have successfully gained experiences and have learnt several new concepts. Hard work makes you active at mind and helps you learn better. You must look forward and prepare for upcoming challenges. Life is full of twists and turns, and you must gracefully adapt to every situation in life.”

Sree smiled.

“You should know how to tackle each moment life unfolds to you. Remember Amy don’t just ask why but try to deal with every situation.”

Amy smiled. She was listening carefully until this time. That day indeed changed her life.

Amy is now in her late thirties and works for an MNC. Life has shown her how to stay confident and how to accept the uncertain turns.

Today, when Amy received her promotion letter on email, she was overjoyed. I could see her eyes glittered. She is my roommate; you may also call her my soulmate.

I found her speaking to her parents on a phone call.

In the afternoon we were sitting in the balcony of our hostel room. When I congratulated her, Amy narrated the story of the 10-year-old Amy. She smiled and said, “I have faced wins and failures in multiple competitions, have experienced multiple instabilities in my education and profession, have confronted moments of separations, but have always tried not to just ask why, not to just give up, but deal with the unfavourable situations and to embrace the favourable ones.”

I was thrilled. “Your promotion is just one more experience and life wants you to deal with it.” Amy smiled.

Poems · Spiritual

Growing wise

Madhumita ChakrabortyLeave a comment

Dreams shattered,
Sweet memories poisoned.
Achy heart
Stopped to hurt.
As days advance
My visions dance,
My dewy eyes
Growing wise
The new self
Feels complacent.
A better me
I get to see,
Can recollect those days,
The wonderful, sweet moments
Now diving into spiritual rays
A nascent untasted phase…

Kids Poems · Poems

My heart you steal

Madhumita ChakrabortyLeave a comment

Oh, my little baby!
You are so cutie.

When you touch me
My soul glows with glee.

Innocent is your smile,
Unique is your style.

Divine I do feel.
My heart you steal.

You are just priceless,
To you bow the jewels

I love you much.
My heart you touch…

Motivational · Mythological · Spiritual

Devi Bhairavi

Chanchal Chandra BhattacharyyaLeave a comment

Devi Bhairavi is the fifth great power of Das Mahavidya and is one of the supreme controllers of the eternal cosmic function of this universe.

Devi Bhairavi is a fierce and popular Goddess and is the Goddess of Decay. Bhairavi means ’Terrifying’. Mata Bhairavi is also known as Tripura Bhairavi and her consort is Bhairav the fierce form of Lord Siva. Devi Bhairavi is the supreme terror of the three worlds- Swarga, Martya, Patal. According to Parasurama’s ‘Kalpasutra’, the name Bhairavi is originated from the combination of three root words – ‘bha’,‘ra’ ,‘va’. In this ‘bha’ means preservation, ‘ra’ denotes Ramana means divine activities of creation, ‘va’ derived from Vamana means relaxation in certain activities.

Devi Bhairavi has many qualities like Goddess Kali. She is the Goddess of transformation, and the power connected to destruction of evil forces.

She is the goddess of destruction. Destruction here is not considered a negative force, but essential to maintain continuity in the great cycle of death and birth in the world. Mata Bhairavi is also popularly known as ‘Tripura Bhairavi’ where ‘tri ’means three, ‘pura’ means castles and cities. Hence Tripura Bhairavi indicates three levels of consciousness active-dream-sleep.

Mata Bhairavi in images and idols are found to be seated on a Lotus with four hands- with book in one hand, rosary bead in another, in another one Abhaya mudra and in the other hand displaying Varada mudra. She is wearing red clothes and a garland of severed heads on her neck. She has three eyes (Trinayan) and a crescent moon on her crown. In tantric form of the Devi, we find her sitting on Lord Siva, her one hand with a sword and a cup of blood in another one, her other two hands are with Abhaya and Varada mudras, respectively.

It is stated that Devi Tripura Bhairavi resides in Muladhar Chakra, and her mantra consists of three alphabets (letter) forming an inverted triangle in the centre of Muladhar chakra as ‘kamrupa’, representing the Universe. Devi Bhairavi is the creator of this Muladhar Chakra.

In Tantra, a female adept in Kundalini system is also known as Bhairavi, yogini. Sometimes she prefers to be with her Bhairav, the male partner, at the time of meditation and devotion, called yoga. In Tantra, Bhairavi has been defined as the divine queen closely associated with Devi Rajarajeswari or Tripura Sundari. Hope you loved reading. To share your thoughts, please email at contactareaderscorner@gmail.com

Kids Poems

A little angel

Madhumita ChakrabortyLeave a comment

Hello my dear
Don’t you fear
To see me here
I am the peace bearer

Me a little angel
In the heaven I dwell
Me being spiritual
Have come to bless you all

It’s Christmas time
The bright stars shine
In the orchard in the vine
In the church the bells chime

I love to give good news
I guided the 3 wise Jews
To meet the son of God whose
Birth ended the blues

Me your angel every year
Come to earth to draw you near
Bless you with bright future
Take you forward with the light I bear

Merry Christmas

Motivational · Mythological · Spiritual · Stories

Devi Bhuvaneshwari

Chanchal Chandra BhattacharyyaLeave a comment

Devi Bhuvaneshwari Is the fourth Shakti form of the Das Mahavidya after Kali, Tara and Shodashi. She is also known as Adi Shakti Parvati or Parashakti.  Mahadev Tryambak is her consort. The name Bhuvaneshwari is originated of the two words Bhuvana (universe/world) and Ishwari (Goddess/Devi/ protector/Queen) that means Queen of the World or Queen of the Universe. She is the Mother of the Earth, the Atmosphere, and the Heavens.

Based on legend, all the three regions earth, atmosphere, and heavens, are created by Devi Bhuvaneshwari. After creation of world Maa Bhuvaneshwari made all the living creatures. She has given them eternal shape. To maintain and nourish her creations, she created Brahma, Vishnu, and Rudra. There after she distributed her energy and supreme power, and as Saraswati joined Brahma, as Laxmi partnered Vishnu, and as Kali partnered Rudra, These three devas were entitled the task to create, to sustain and protect, and to destroy respectively.

Brahma with the help of Devi Saraswati has created all living beings. Vishnu with Laxmi is engaged to sustain a portion of the creation and Rudra with Kali is in a process to annihilate other portion of the creation to maintain balance in the universe. Thus, there is a continuous cycle of birth and death.

Devi Bhuvaneshwari and Mahadev Bhuvaneshwar in images and idols are found seated on Panchapretashana where Sadashiva, Ishwar, Vishnu, Rudra, and Brahma are shown as five legs and several yoginis are seen busy in serving them.

Goddess Bhuvaneshwari controls this universe. She is the Almighty. She considers all the living beings as her children and protects them always. She loves each of her creation and is a part of every creature. She fulfils the desire of every individual coming to her refuge.

Devi Bhuvaneshwari is red complexioned and three eyed (Trinayan). She has four hands, has braided hair, and found wearing red ornaments. As weapon she holds a goad and a noose in left hands, in right hands she is with Abhaya and Baroda. She is ornamented with crescent moon on her head.

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Motivational · Mythological · Spiritual · Stories

Devi Shodashi

Chanchal Chandra BhattacharyyaLeave a comment

In Hinduism, Devi Shodashi, also known as Tripura Sundari, is the third form of power among the Das Mahavidya after Goddess Kali and Goddess Tara. The word ‘Tripura’ in Sanskrit is combination of two words ‘tri’ or traya meaning three and ‘pura’ means city. Tripura thus refers to three cities built of gold, silver, and iron in the sky, air and earth by Maya and burnt by Shiva. Goddess Shodashi is also popularly known as Lalita (‘she who plays) and Rajarajeswari (‘Queen of the Queens’). She is also worshipped as Shri Yantra.

Goddess Shodashi is the most beautiful form in the three worlds (swargaloka, bhuloka and patalaloka). In Mahavidya she is defined as Goddess Parvati and as Tantric Parvati. Mata Shodashi is worshipped in the form of a sixteen-year-old girl and is believed that she fulfils sixteen types of desire of her devotees. She is worshiped by chanting a mantra of sixteen syllables. It is said that she has the collective powers of Brahma, Vishnu, and Rudra expressed as Brahmani, Vaishnabi And Rudrani. She has the charm of Goddess Durga and determination of Goddess Kali.

A devotee who completely surrenders to mother Shodashi is always blessed beyond expectation by the mother. The divine Mother appears calm and looks bold and charming as an innocent and a sweet sixteen-year-old girl and she is dressed in bright red costume and ornaments. Goddess Shodashi is the Goddess of love and family welfare.

Goddess Shodashi is red or golden complexioned and seated on a lotus placed on a golden throne. The idols and images of Maa Shodashi, is found to appear on a lotus on supine body of Lord Shiva lying in a peaceful position on a plank which is upheld by Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra, Ishana and Sadashiva. Goddess Shodashi has a third eye on her forehead. Her four hands carry a noose, a goad, a sugarcane as a bow, and five arrows in each, respectively. Here, noose represents attachment or to bind, goad represents repulsion or to drive away, bow indicates mind and desires, and arrows indicates five senses.

In connection to Goddess Shodashi there is a beautiful story. Once Lord Shiva referred his consort as Kali by name, in the presence of some beautiful and fair complexioned Apsaras of Heaven. Kali means black and unattractive. Goddess Kali was shocked and angered at Lord Shiva’s behaviour and felt disappointed with her own dark complexion. Feeling insulted she left Shiva and started meditation to get rid of her black complexion at an unknown place. When Devarshi Narad visited Lord Shiva he found the Lord alone. When he got to know from Lord Shiva about Goddess Kali’s exit, then Narad being a great sage could locate the Devi through meditation. Lord Brahma, by that time, being pleased with her meditation granted Lord Kali a boon to be fair complexioned. Devarshi Narad met Goddess Kali in the north of Sumeru Parvat and requested her to go back home. He played a trick and told her that Lord Siva had decided to marry someone else. Goddess Kali, however, was not aware that her complexion was changed.

Goddess Kali returned Kailash, the abode of Lord Siva. She could see the image of a fair complexioned beautiful young girl in his heart. The Devi did not realize that it was the reflexion of the Devi herself and this enraged her.

Lord Siva smiled and told her to look back at the image. At this she could realize that it was the reflection of herself. Her happiness knew no bound. She felt overjoyed to see her new look. Lord Siva named her ‘Shodashi’ respecting her new appearance and announced that Goddess Shodashi would be worshipped by all the three worlds with devotion.

Hope you loved the story. This is just a narration based on legend and I would prefer to derive from the story that outward appearance has nothing to do in our life. When through meditation and through spiritual practices, our mind comes to control, we get rid of all the disappointments and anger and we calm down, get determined, become strong internally and feel uplifted. This however reflects on our face and gives a positive appearance.

Let the blessings of the Devi enrich your life. To share your thoughts please email us at contactareaderscorner@gmail.com