At the end of a long day, there is very little to say and talk about. Often times one is so overwhelmed with the passings of the day that one only seeks silence. But the mind is a strange creature. With more stimulation it becomes more active. And then slowing it down it is difficult.
There are often times when I wonder how monks manage these stimuli. They actively retreat into the monasteries and practice meditation. Maybe that is the way to tame the mind. Which is why monk mode seems to be one of the most attractive lifestyles. It is definitely a more tempting option. Spend hours in deep silence and reflection.
Own very little and eat the most basic food. Walk long distances and focus on your breath even as you walk. The meditation retreat in the Himalayas seem very tempting for this reason. Of course, I am not necessarily talking of monk mode as an escape from the real life that we lead. Maybe I am more inclined towards adapting it in the everyday.
How would that work? When you are constantly in battle mode – switching gears is difficult. But knowing when to switch gears is important. I read about Nithin Kamath’s tragic stroke and I was shocked for the entire day.
If one of the most fit founders with a disciplined lifestyle can face this, thanks to stress – then what about mere mortals like myself? How do you manage stress? I think it begins by acknowledging it first. Managing can come later. I need to ponder more on stress and the factors that contribute to stress.
But for now, I must seek some solace and escape into the food of the Tibetan monks, and at least live a part of the monk mode in this noisy corner of the garden city.