09 June 2024: About stress

In recent years, I have noticed a trend, a certain trajectory in everyone around me.

Stress levels are at an all-time high among individuals.

It doesn't matter where, who, what, or how.

Everyone is stressed about something or nothing.

Take my industry, for example: real estate.

It is very demanding and challenging as it is, bringing stress to individuals almost effortlessly.

But the real question is why?

Stress, as I have understood it, is predominantly caused by two reasons:

1. Not doing what we need to do.

2. Not getting the results we want.

While the first issue can be addressed by taking action, it is the expectation that is the hardest to deal with. You can take action for something you’re stressed about, and that could reasonably bring you back to ground.

Managing expectations is challenging.

How do you cope with that?

My answer is simple: It all starts with deep acceptance. Acceptance that comes from trust, not out of frustration, which will eventually lead you back to the sour taste of not getting what you wished for.

I’m a huge fan of the “Bhagavad Gita,” and I have always tried to practice what it says about working without expecting the fruits of your labor.

When you put all your faith and trust into serving others, without even a thought of getting anything back, that is when you have mastered yourself.

Exceptionally hard though it is, if tried and meditated upon, this practice can help you cope with any form of stress.

Try this practice for a week: work without bearing the thought of the fruits in your mind.