Hey, my dear friend
Have you ever found yourself staring at your to-do list, knowing exactly what needs to be done… yet feeling like doing none of it? Instead, you sigh, scroll Instagram for “five minutes,” and before you know it—an hour has passed, and now you’re overwhelmed and guilty.
You’re not alone. In fact, globally, over 70% of people report feeling “chronically overwhelmed.” That’s right. In a world that offers everything at your fingertips, we are somehow drowning in tasks, choices, and mental clutter.
I remember a young man once told me, “Guruji, I’m not tired because I’m doing too much, I’m tired because I’m thinking too much about doing too much.”
Ah, the trap of modern overwhelm.
Why It’s a Modern Life Problem:
You see, overwhelm is not a disease of the body—it’s a restlessness of the mind. And this restlessness is a side-effect of our over-connected, over-scheduled, and over-stimulated lives.
We live in a time where:
- You’re expected to reply to WhatsApp within 2 minutes,
- Finish your project,
- Post a story about your vacation,
- Meditate,
- AND drink 8 glasses of water.
At once.
We’re constantly reacting—never truly living. Everything is urgent. Everyone wants our attention. And we, poor souls, are trying to be superheroes with a phone as our cape.
Spiritual Wisdom: The Illusion of “Too Much”
Let me share a little Vedantic secret with you:
Nothing in the world can overwhelm you unless you allow your mind to believe in the illusion of being separate from peace.
In Advaita Vedanta, we say: “Aham Brahmasmi” — I am the Infinite Self. That means your true nature is beyond your tasks, your to-do list, your emails, or your roles. You are not the overwhelmed employee, the tired parent, or the confused student. That’s just a drama the mind plays. You are the calm presence behind it all.
Overwhelm arises not because life is too much—but because the “me” is trying to control everything.
Drop the “me,” dear one… and you drop the weight.
When you anchor into your real self, the one that is calm, spacious, untouched… overwhelm dissolves like a dream you’ve just woken up from.
Practical Daily Life Solution:
Now, let’s not just philosophize. Let’s do something about it.
Here are two simple habits you can start today:
1. Start Your Day With Silence (3 minutes only)
Before touching your phone, sit on your bed and just be. Let your breath settle. Smile gently. Remind yourself: “I am not my mind. I am peace itself.”
Just 3 minutes. No agenda. No pressure.
2. The “One Thing Now” Practice
Throughout the day, keep asking: “What’s the one thing I’m doing now?”
Not ten. Not five. Just one. When you’re brushing—just brush. When you’re working—just work. Overwhelm is born when we mentally juggle everything at once. Freedom comes from being fully here, now.
The Hard Truth About Human Behaviour:
Now here’s the spicy truth — Most people don’t want to slow down because they are addicted to feeling busy. Yes, addicted.
Busy-ness gives a false sense of importance.
We postpone silence because silence will show us who we really are. And that’s scary for the ego.
But my dear, the ego thrives on noise. The soul thrives on stillness.
So you must choose: Continue being overwhelmed to feel “in control,” or surrender the illusion and taste true freedom.
Don’t let comfort become your cage.
Insightful Closing Message:
In this vast universe, there’s a deeper rhythm, a silent music playing. When you live in tune with it, even the busiest day feels light.
Remember, you’re not here to finish everything. You’re here to experience yourself beyond everything.
So pause. Breathe. Smile.
Life is not a checklist—it’s a sacred unfolding.
Now ask yourself this:
“What am I trying to prove… and to whom?”
The answer might just set you free.
3-Point Takeaway:
- The Issue: Overwhelm is not about tasks, but about a restless, scattered mind.
- Spiritual Solution: Anchor in your true Self—peace is your natural state.
- Action Step: Do one thing at a time, and begin your day in 3 minutes of silence.
With love and light,
~ Sadhguru Ashutosh
Your companion on this beautiful, chaotic, sacred journey called life.
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