Sreedhar Saraswathi

Many of us who didn’t expect this prolonged pause that we thought would be for a month or quarter or 6 months. Now that this is continuing the status quo of not having the same income or less than what we expect as a minimum required for our survival, let us see what as an individual we can do.

This is a big shock as most of us would have prepared for worst case scenario of not having proper income for a 6 months period maximum. Most of us have commitments like EMIs for our homes, vehicles, credit/medical bills and education fees to be paid etc. Many of us will be really disturbed as we think more of it.

The first & foremost thing we need to do is “accept the present situation” that is in front of us. Yes the life is not the same as it was 3 or 6 or 9 months before. The way we lived and the spends that we use to do may not be possible for now and may be for few more months to come. If we don’t accept the reality that’s with us now, we will have continuous conflict going on in our mind  which leads to “why only me?” thoughts which will in-turn pushes into depression and deteriorate the health conditions. All this resulting us in making us more aggressive or more depressed.

However, once we accept the situation, our mind naturally starts working on the possible options in front of us that will make our present situation better.

This things we need to address are 1. Our mental condition, 2. Family, 3. Finance 4. Social

1.Our mental Condition: As stated above, acceptance of the current situation and living in the present (“NOW”) is most important. Let’s not live in the past or worry about the future. Let’s see what has to be done today and now. Take a month/week/day at a time and do what is appropriate to make this day/week/month to pass smoothly.

Never ever compare with others. Each ones life is destined to be different.

I strongly suggest to cultivate a habit of Meditation for at least 30 minutes a day and increase as required.

You may join for the free courses here:

www.Buddhaceo.org / www.brahmakumaris.com / www.dhamma.org  / www.heartfulness.org /

You can also join:

www.ishayoga.org / www.artofliving.org / www.mindvalley.com / www.vethathiri.edu.in / www.anandaindia.org  / www.masterco.org

Also get into some kind of physical activity (Yoga, Sports, Exercises etc) that suites to your body.

2. Family: We have to discuss the facts to the family and make them also understand the present situation and seek their support. Family members are the most supporting for any kind of situation. They may be worried a bit initially. However, if you can explain them with a calm mind and give them confidence that together you can overcome this peacefully, they will definitely support with full heart. This is the time you will see more family bonding than ever.

3. Finance: I am not a financial expert, but I am not shy of saying, do not hesitate to withdraw the possible savings/investments to make a smooth survival. This is better than barrowing more loans. This is not the time to analyse what could have been done in the past to have more money in hand now. This is the time to survive and let this period phase out and then make money in future. Of course this is a hard lesson to all of us that we must be prepared for worse scenarios like this in future. For now, let us focus on smooth sailing through these rough waters.

Use your credit card wisely. Minimize your monthly expenditure as this period teaches you what is absolutely necessary, what is good to have and what is luxury. Focus only on what is absolutely necessary. The whole and soul purpose for now should be how to sail smoothly until you have a stabilized income.

If you have lost the job, be flexible enough to grab the job that meets your absolute necessities. Do not think about the dent in your resume as everybody understands and appreciates you for coming out of this situation once you are back into normalcy. If you are confident about your skill sets, try negotiating to have a performance based income. This way both you and the employer will win.

If you have your own business, see how expenses can be reduced and you stock the supplies only based on the orders received. Innovate the business models so that you will have less risk and more stability.

4. Social: This is where more and more people get depressed as they will constantly be thinking of being prone to be compared. My sincere advice here is, when it comes to your own survival, you and your family matters the most and nothing else. All other things can be revived and rebuilt later. The true friends will understand the situation and extend their support if they can. The others can be revived later. Do not be guilty of the situations as you are fighting the pandemic situation and not doing a crime. Spend this time to learn new things and plan for your bright future than wasting time and energy into “what you have Vs what I have” or gossips.

Your energy flows where your attention goes. Don’t waste your energy in unnecessary things. Avoid negativity as much as possible. The main source in my opinion is television and social media that spreads full of negative views of the world dooming etc., Do not watch or spread the negativity. Read lot of good books.

Associate with groups that are of more positive vibes and who are into voluntary service (Social or Spiritual). Remember your whole and soul focus now is to sail smooth and take care of yourself and your family.

You are the master of your destiny. Your thoughts, emotions and feelings will create your reality. Be blessed.

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