'Within the quiet of your mind lies the steering wheel of your destiny—grasp it firmly, and watch how you navigate toward true inner peace.'
Have you ever wondered if true happiness is something you can fully control? Most of us go through life believing that our emotions are shaped by the people around us, the events we experience, and the circumstances we face. We often hear that it’s “human nature” to feel sadness, anger, fear, and disappointment. But what if that isn’t entirely true? What if, instead of being at the mercy of external factors, you could be the one in control of your emotions—completely unshaken by what happens around you?
The ancient wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita offers profound insight into this idea. Lord Krishna teaches:
"One who is not disturbed by happiness and distress and is steady in both is certainly eligible for liberation."
(Bhagavad Gita 2.15)
This verse reminds us that true inner peace comes not from avoiding hardships, but from maintaining emotional steadiness regardless of life’s ups and downs. Yet, many people believe that such a state is either unrealistic or reserved for a select few. I used to think the same—until I experienced a shift that changed my entire approach to life.
A Realization That Changed Everything
Some time ago, I went through a phase in life where I deeply questioned why emotions like anger, fear, and sadness seemed unavoidable. I would see people around me reacting strongly to situations, feeling overwhelmed by external events, and I, too, found myself caught in that cycle. But through self-reflection and the wisdom of spiritual teachings, I started to see a pattern: our emotions are not caused by what happens outside of us but by how we choose to interpret and react to those events.
One day, a trusted friend made a simple yet powerful observation. They said, "I've noticed that you don’t seem to get angry or afraid anymore. No matter what happens, you remain calm and steady." This statement made me pause. I hadn’t consciously realized it, but it was true—I had not felt anger, fear, or sadness in years. And more importantly, I knew that I wouldn’t feel them in the future either. Not because I had numbed myself or avoided difficulties, but because I had taken back the steering wheel of my life. My emotions were now in my hands.
That realization was not a declaration of ego, nor was it meant to challenge others. It was simply an understanding that emotional mastery is possible. If I, an ordinary person, could achieve this, then so can anyone else. The secret is in understanding that our happiness is not in anyone else’s hands—it is entirely within our own control.
Taking Back the Steering Wheel of Your Life
Think of your emotions like a car. In most people’s lives, the steering wheel is given to others—someone’s words, an event, or an expectation can easily take control and drive their emotions in any direction. When someone criticizes them, they feel hurt. When something doesn’t go their way, they feel disappointed. When someone doesn’t behave as expected, they feel anger.
But what if you refused to hand over the steering wheel? What if, instead of letting external factors dictate your emotions, you chose how to respond? This is the key to emotional freedom.
The Bhagavad Gita offers guidance on this as well:
"A person who has conquered the mind is already liberated."
(Bhagavad Gita 6.7)
Mastery over the mind means no longer reacting impulsively based on emotions. It means observing situations with clarity, responding with wisdom, and maintaining peace regardless of external conditions.
But Isn’t It Natural to Feel Sad or Angry?
A common argument is, "But we are human! Isn’t it natural to feel sad, angry, or afraid?" Yes, it is common—but that does not mean it is necessary. Just because something is widespread doesn’t mean it is an absolute truth. We often mistake conditioned habits for human nature.
Imagine someone who has always driven a car with a faulty steering wheel. If they are used to the car swerving unexpectedly, they might think that’s just how driving works. But once they fix the steering and experience smooth control, they realize that the struggle was never necessary in the first place. The same is true for our emotions. We have simply been conditioned to believe that we must react a certain way to life’s events, when in reality, we have the power to choose a different response.
If I Can Do It, So Can You
I don’t share this perspective because I think I am special. Quite the opposite—I share it because I know that I am just like you. I have gone through the same struggles, experienced the same emotional challenges, and faced the same external pressures. But I also discovered that freedom from emotional turmoil is possible.
I stand before you not as someone who is different, but as living proof that this transformation is achievable. You don’t have to take my word for it—observe, reflect, and test it for yourself. If you begin to take conscious control of your emotional responses, you will see that it is possible to live without being shaken by external events.
The Power to Choose Is in Your Hands
At the end of the day, the choice is yours. You can continue letting your emotions be controlled by circumstances, or you can take back the steering wheel and drive your own life. The difference between suffering and peace is not in what happens to you, but in how you choose to experience it.
So, ask yourself: Who holds the key to your happiness? If the answer is anyone other than yourself, it’s time to take it back.
And when you do, you’ll realize that true freedom was never about controlling the world around you—it was always about mastering the world within.
- Manjushree Rathi
Director, ME Holistic Centre
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