Vani fidgeted in her seat restlessly. She was appalled at the movie that she was seeing. Apart from all the gory violence and bloody scenes, the loud, brash music was grating on her nerves. The sight of the killings and murders was setting her teeth on edge, and the story line was too depressing for words. As she looked around the hall, she saw everyone munching popcorn, totally engrossed in the movie.

As she watched blood splatter for the nth time on the screen in front of her, Vani decided that enough was enough. She didn’t care if the group of friends she was with would be offended if she left. She would go for a walk in the nearby park till the movie got over. She was not going to submit her eyes and ears to this visual violation anymore. With a whispered word to her friend, she left.

How many of you, like Vani, know when to stop and let something go if it offends your sensibilities? How many of you subject your mind to the negative influences that surround you? In this course, we talked about clearing the clutter in your life and making space for things that are important to you.

The same principle applies also to your mind. Daily, your mind is subjected to a barrage of images, words, emotions and thoughts through what you see, read and feel.

Some of this has a negative impact on your mind and soul.

Have you noticed how drained and off- colour you feel if you associate with a person who makes you angry?

How certain programmes on television can disturb you?

How loud and brash music can irritate you?

Or how a book can leave you feeling uncomfortable?

Why do you allow your mind to get cluttered with things that can cause a negative impact on your health, both emotional and spiritual?

When will you learn to get up and switch off the television if the programme disturbs you?

When will you learn to tell a waiter in a hotel that the music that is playing is too loud and you want him to lower the volume?

When will learn to put down a book if it offends you instead of forcing yourself to read till the very end?

Learning to sift through information and choosing wisely what your mind should hear, see and feel is a very important step towards taking good care of yourself.

Response to challenge

It is vital to understand that your mind can absorb only a few things at a time. Crowding it with useless and unnecessary information will leave you feeling overwhelmed and off balance.

Make room in your mind for positive things. Choose with discretion. Learn to say a firm ‘No’ if something or someone offends your sensibility.

Replace negative images with positive ones. If a movie disturbs you, get up and go home. Relax with some good music.

Remember, it’s all in your hands. Simplify your mind and see your life take on a positive hue.