“When a bubble is rising from the bottom of the lake, we do not see it… it’s only when it bursts and makes a ripple that we know it is there. We shall only be successful in grappling with the waves when we can get a hold of them in their fine causes… To control our passions, we have to control them at their very roots; then alone shall we be able to burn their very seeds. As fried seeds thrown into the ground will never come up, so these passions will never arise.”
— Swami Vivekananda
If someone is mean to us, if we don’t get the object of our desire, or if we have to focus heavily on a task, we give in to our impulses and emotions. Later, we feel guilty because we know we should have done better. To cover up this guilt, we blame people or circumstances for our behavior.
But just like a ship cannot sink until water enters it, you cannot get affected by circumstances until you let them. You have the power to restrain yourself, conquer your impulses, and control your emotions. Exercise it.
Set aside time to reflect on your actions each day. Ask yourself: Who was in control—me or my impulses? Keep working to reign in unwanted passions. When they no longer have power over you, you will be able to do what’s right by default.
Don’t let the current smash you against the rocks. Hold yourself steady like a ship.