Handling the Arjuna Syndrome

May 8, 2020

Picture courtesy- Wikimedia

I think most of us would have read/heard of the great epic Mahabharata! Conflict of Pandavas vs
Kauravas being the focal point! We all know about Arjuna the great archer and Nemesis for Kauravas who could go solo and fight them at ease and win them both hands down!
*Tip- Arjuna also had a nick name “Shabyashachi”. Wondering why? Yes, we will see why!

But the climax of this entire conflict was the epic 18-day battle between Pandavas and Kauravas in which
millions were killed on both sides for the cause of upholding Dharma!
Did you also know that Arjuna declined to fight Kauravas and was in a state of self-doubt? It took Lord  Krishna 18 chapters of Bhagavad Gita that had around 400 verses / shlokas to answer Arjuna’s, doubts inhibitions etc… and make him actually fight the war!
When choices are tough to make and options are very less we too get into the mood of Arjuna. When there is self-doubt we restrict ourselves to fewer choices and entire world looks impossible to conquer or even survive! This is exactly the “Arjuna Syndrome” we are facing today in times of Covid-19.
So how do we come out of this “Arjuna Syndrome”? Let us see!
1. Make positive affirmations: We all are glued to our mobiles and laptops sitting at home and end
up looking at stats and news on COVID-19 all the time that could be very stressful. Yes, Knowledge
is power but then too much of relaying causes ourselves to get into a cocoon of negativity that can
damaging to our daily activities and handling this critical health pandemic. So, take a piece of paper
and write down positive affirmations like “I am enjoying WFH”; “This pandemic is going to end
sooner!”; “My family and friends are SAFE”; “INDIA will win this BIO war” etc… This would help fill in
a sense of belonging and positivity towards our family, friends and nation as a whole! When we look
around we can feel the positive vibes that would boost our faculties to concentrate on the work in
hand and not get bogged down by the saddening news of Pandemic spreading even though that
might be true!

2. Be Open: Have an open mind set to accept new routines and habits that we need to cope with.
Take it as a new learning. For example, spend early mornings with your family/kids by having
breakfast, take a small exercise regime with them, gardening etc. that could help make you feel
more refreshed to start your day! Learn to adjust to your surroundings and bring in design
innovations to your desk/table with items that would create an office atmosphere. Be open to
experiment and see what works best and can keep you motivated

3. All is Well: Most importantly learn to relax and not take small slip-ups too serious. Enjoy the new
way of working and as much possible dress up nice and attend video calls to feel more connected!
Did you know that Anand Mahindra confessed on Twitter very recently that in some of his video
conferences from home he was actually wearing a Lungi !!  Don’t worry too much and have this
assertion that “All is Well” and do not get worked up for small idiosyncrasies around you. Enjoy the
journey and learn to let go some things that is beyond your control
Finally learn to be a “Shabhyashachi”  Well it just means someone who is deft with both hands to shoot
arrows! Arjuna was a pro at this skill! So start learning new skills and ensure you balance work with personal daily chores at home that would help you unwind and unravel the “NEW YOU”  