Get serious about not taking yourself too seriously

People who are too stuck-up, standoffish, finicky are told, “Lighten up. Don’t take things so seriously.” Such people who take themselves too seriously make small things big, subjecting themselves to unnecessary pressure.

Of course, there’s danger at the other extreme too: we may be frivolous and not take things seriously enough. Certainly, we have many responsibilities that need to be taken seriously. But paradoxically, only by taking some things lightly can we take other things seriously.

Our present existence is bi-level: material and spiritual. Our many worldly attachments make us take material things too seriously. We expect, even insist, that the world work according to our plans – and if it doesn’t, that will be the end of the world.

With Gita wisdom, we understand that whatever happens at the material level, no matter how big and threatening it seems, is temporary. Further, the understanding that we as spiritual beings are indestructible brings solace. Moreover, we are not God, but are his parts meant to serve him in whatever situation come our way. The Bhagavad-gita (02.15) assures that those who stay equipoised in happiness and distress attain the eternal.

When we take seriously the truth that we are not the controllers – and don’t have to be – we become progressively enriched with many precious insights: Our present life is just one flash in an existence that endures for eternity; we are just tiny beings in a vast cosmos, wherein we have been taken care of for many lifetimes by something far bigger than ourselves; that higher reality will take care of us henceforth too. These insights usher calmness and clarity, thereby enabling us to focus seriously on that which matters most: our relationship of loving service with Krishna. Therein, we contribute our best and ultimately achieve the best: life and love eternal with Krishna.