Mental Breakdown by a Slow Down in the Lock Down

In this high-paced age of instant gratification we all have been suddenly stranded, stopped in our tracks by a virus. All over the world people’s mental health is being tested due to the slow down in the lock down. Having to slow down in our high paced lives is a hard thing to do because we don’t know how to pass our time. It’s usually just work and home, home and work, and more work and home. But now, we feel isolated and fearful about not knowing what the future holds for each of us. Depression and anxiety are setting in. All due to a measly virus. So let’s see if we can turn this break down into a breakthrough.

In my awareness, the progression of society has gone from having huge computers that filled up entire rooms to computers that fit in the palm of our hands. From bullock carts to supersonic Concorde airplanes. We are always pressed for time and everyone seems to be in a hurry to get some place. We want everything NOW. In that demand we have forgotten to live and experience the journey. It’s come to even rushing our children to learn faster as everything is competitive and high paced.

However if we analyze nature around us we can see that going through a process is vital. Everything has a process built-in and inherent to it. Like a seed sprouts into a sapling, then a plant, and then gives flowers, fruits, and more seeds. Or like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly; it’s a beautiful process. We cannot rush nature. Similarly we are in a process of life and part of the same nature, but we have stopped living naturally. We live artificial lives in closed rooms, buildings, buses, trains or subways. We eat artificial foods which create artificial minds. Cooking for oneself is a process which has been forgotten by most. Pair this artificial lifestyle with needing to have everything now and we are in a precarious position. Our lusty desires are endless and our needs immediate. Technology has advanced in a way that fulfills this requirement by constantly feeding our dopamine centers in the brain. To feel good and to satisfy my needs is the new mantra.

But wait, a virus has stopped us in our tracks. It has put the brakes on life and we have come to a screeching halt. Many are unable to fathom what is happening and are having a mental breakdown by the slow down in the lock down.

This lock down has forced our bodies to slow down from the rat race. God has given us a chance to think about what we are actually doing in this life. To take a deep breath and reflect on who we really are and what we have become. We are actually spiritual beings having a human experience and not the other way around. In the rat race that we were in, do we ever stop to think about nourishing the soul? The slow down of the lock down has actually given us a chance to realize this. One must not waste another minute, especially seeing how fleeting and fragile life can be.

We are having a mental breakdown as we are not used to being restricted like this. We think our freedom is in grave danger here. People are protesting out on the streets to stop this lock down. But the real truth is that our soul is embodied in this cage and we never blink an eye about the freedom of the soul. The soul is eternal and can never die but it does have a destination. The soul can either come back embodied as another human, go down to the lower species of life, or rise up to the level of demigods or goddesses. But that still does not free the soul. The ultimate freedom of the soul is when we eternally situate ourselves at the lotus feet of Supreme Lord Krishna.

We are having a mental breakdown as we are fearful of the unknown. We know not where life is going. If we get the disease and die we have so much unfinished business. We are worried about those we leave behind. But this mental breakdown can actually become a mental breakthrough by simply understanding that we are a soul and not the body. Therefore we actually cannot die. We just leave this body and transmigrate to another body, be it material or spiritual. But those who take shelter of the Lord right here, right now, they already are sure of their destination so it doesn’t matter to them. They remain joyful and fearless knowing that if they die they get to meet their sweet Lord Krishna sooner than later. This understanding of the soul comes when we dedicate ourselves to reading the scriptures, which are the words spoken by the Lord or about the Lord and His devotees. We chant His holy names repeatedly as if crying to Him to give us that knowledge by which we can come to Him. Know that He is very aware of this situation that each soul is going through. He wants us to turn to Him. He wants to give us a loving hand, a hug, a smile. Know that we came alone and will go alone, but in the interim while we are here we need to take care of our soul, more so now than ever. Above all know that God loves you. It’s a reciprocal relationship, so show Him your love. Show Him you are interested in knowing Him. Take the opportunity of this lock down to slow down and use your mental energy to know the soul and Lord Krishna, both of whom are starving for attention.

This chanting is food for the soul and an expression of love for Lord Krishna.

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare