Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a world-renowned spiritual leader, emphasized the importance of participating in a rich civic life amidst rising political tensions during a Monday Institute of Politics forum. He encouraged attendees to take active responsibility for their duties and participate in the democratic process. When asked about the current state of voter participation in the United States, Shankar was critical. He pointed out that the low voter turnout is a cause for concern and a call to action for individuals to exercise their franchise and take more responsibility for the country. “Voter participation is essential for a healthy democracy,” he said. “It is a fundamental right and a civic duty. We must all participate in the democratic process, regardless of our differences and backgrounds.”
Shankar’s message was echoed by Robert Waldinger, a psychiatrist, psychoanalyst, and professor at Harvard Medical School, who joined him in the forum. Waldinger highlighted the importance of civic engagement in promoting mental wellbeing and social cohesion. “Our brains actually evolved to pay more attention to what’s wrong, to pay more attention to what’s out there that might harm us,” Waldinger said. “This can lead to increased stress and anxiety in modern society.”
However, Shankar countered that humans have a natural capacity for calmness and relaxation, which can be developed through meditation and connection with nature. “Infants are only upset when basic needs are unmet,” Shankar said. “This suggests that our brains are wired to seek balance and harmony. We need to tap into this natural capacity for calmness and relaxation to promote mental wellbeing.”
Waldinger and Shankar also discussed the impact of stress on mental health. According to Waldinger, stress is a natural response to perceived threats, but chronic stress can have negative consequences for mental health. “When we experience chronic stress, our brains can become imbalanced, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues,” Waldinger said. Shankar agreed, citing his own research on the impact of stress on mental health. He has found that meditation and yoga can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. “Taking time to improve our perception and our expression is very essential to be successful in anything — whether it’s business or science or commerce or arts — and these meditation techniques help you to improve your perception, your observation, and your expression,” Shankar said. To cultivate a calm mindset, Shankar recommended engaging in regular meditation, connecting with nature, and practicing Sudarshan Kriya Yoga, a breathing practice he developed. “The key to a healthy and happy life is balance and harmony,” Shankar said. “By practicing Sudarshan Kriya Yoga, we can balance our breath, calm our minds, and find greater health and happiness in our lives.”
Shankar’s message was well-received by the audience, who appreciated his emphasis on the importance of participating in a rich civic life and promoting mental wellbeing through meditation and connection with nature. Key Takeaways:
• Participating in civic life is essential for a healthy democracy. • Voter participation is a fundamental right and a civic duty. • Meditation and connection with nature can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. • Sudarshan Kriya Yoga is a powerful breathing practice that can balance the breath and calm the mind. Recommendations for Cultivating a Calm Mindset:
• Engage in regular meditation to improve perception and expression. • Connect with nature to promote relaxation and balance. • Practice Sudarshan Kriya Yoga to balance the breath and calm the mind. By following these recommendations, individuals can cultivate a calm mindset and promote mental wellbeing in their communities.