– Surya Pillai
Many of us enjoyed the pastime of listening to music at a high volume, grooving and dancing along to the beat during our youth. Picture hearing that same music played at full blast when you are over 50 years old. How do you suppose you would feel? Driving a car at a speed of 40 and encouraging your grandchild to do the same showcases your responsible nature. However, it’s worth reminiscing about the days gone by when you used to zip along at 80 on the highways. What happened to that energy and zest for life? The vigor and excitement of our youth and teenage years appear to have faded over time.
What truly transpired with us?
We began our youth with ambitious aspirations of committing the morning to our careers and cherishing evenings and leisure moments with loved ones. Upon entering married life as a woman, I envisioned a husband who comprehended and supported me in household tasks like cooking and dishwashing. Yet, my husband, belonging to Generation X, deemed assisting his wife in domestic duties as unacceptable. This remained the norm in most traditional Indian households until about 2020. In men, factors such as office politics, meeting targets, managing utility bills, and keeping track of grocery lists can lead to hypertension. Middle-class families are also faced with the stress of providing their children with a quality education, especially in higher education. As children grow and become settled, the responsibility of parents evolves into caring for their grandchildren. This journey of life is continuous and can become overwhelming as we enter our forties.
How do menopausal symptoms interact with midlife crisis challenges?
During their early forties, many women begin to experience the symptoms of menopause. These symptoms, including hot flashes, weight gain, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating, often intensify as they navigate the additional stress of a midlife crisis.
How does practicing yoga and meditation overcome mental struggles?
Engaging in yoga and meditation, coupled with a well-balanced diet and a restful night’s sleep, has proven to be advantageous in aiding individuals in reclaiming their path to wellness. However, despite the presence of these beneficial factors, a sense of emptiness persists. Our minds often struggle to navigate through a multitude of thoughts and uncertainties that plague our daily lives.
How can mantras help relieve tension?
Scientific research shows that chanting the sound ‘Om’ creates a psychic vibration in the body, leading to decreased anxiety symptoms such as lower heart rate, blood pressure, and improved brain oxygenation. The ‘Sri Narasimha Bija Mantra,’ is one among the potent mantras that has the power to eliminate fears, instill positivity, and boost confidence.
ॐ उग्रं वीरं महाविष्णुं ज्वलन्तं सर्वतोमुखम् ।
नृसिंहं भीषणं भद्रं मृत्युमृत्युं नमाम्यहम् ॥
Om ugram viram maha-vishnum jvalantam sarvato mukham
nrisimham bhishanam bhadram mrityur mrityum namamy aham
I bow down to Lord Narasimha who is highly ferocious and brave and the emanation of Lord Maha Vishnu. He is full of effulgence, terrific and auspicious and the death of death.
The emergence of Lord Narasimha, the fourth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, was a result of extreme wrath and terror, triggered by the torment inflicted upon his devoted follower Prahlada by his own father, Hiranyakashipu. This divine birth served as a powerful message to Hiranyakashipu that Lord Vishnu transcends physical forms and can be found in pillars crafted from stone and metals, as well as in the most inconspicuous rust, illustrating His omnipresent nature.
By incorporating the sacred bija mantra of Lord Narasimha into your daily routine, you can free your mind from all fears. Make it a practice to chant this mantra 108 times a day for 21 days and see how it empowers you to overcome any fears. Next time fear tries to take hold, close your eyes and recite this mantra and experience a soothing tranquillity within yourself.
Repeat the mantras regularly, especially during challenging moments, to reinforce positive thinking and cultivate resilience during your midlife journey. Trust your journey, celebrate strengths, and stay open to possibilities. With a positive mindset and affirmations, overcome challenges for a fulfilling midlife.
The author, a seasoned freelance writer, specializes in crafting engaging content across various topics and also holds expertise in spoken English training and soft skill development.
Disclaimer: The opinions and perspectives presented in the article are the author’s own and may not necessarily reflect those of the Team Meditation affinity.