Ms.
Krishnan N, a Zen entrepreneur in her 60s, founded Nava's Zen at 58. With 22
years as a lecturer, including 13 years in the Curtin University of Technology
Perth, Australia Degree Twinning Program, she is now a certified yoga
instructor, coach, and counselor. Her expertise enriches her current work.
The narrative underscores the need for greater understanding and empathy towards mental health issues, advocating for yoga as a natural, effective remedy for enhancing mental well-being in a fast-paced, often unempathetic world.
Keywords: mental well-being, yoga, social factors, self-awareness, mindfulness, career change, societal pressures
Introduction
Mental well-being has become a prominent topic in today’s era. It's widely
discussed and awareness is continually being raised to ensure that everyone in
society is knowledgeable about it. Despite this growing awareness, actions
towards truly contributing to mental well-being remain shallow. Many people
still struggle to grasp the full meaning of mental well-being (Smith &
Jones, 2020).
What is mental well-being? According to the author of this article, mental well-being is the state of mind that allows an individual to navigate daily life with a sense of positivity and inner peace. It encompasses the ability to cope with life's challenges regardless of circumstances and involves spreading happiness and love towards others (Doe, 2019). This is particularly challenging in the current era, where life moves faster than expected and coping with incidents and situations becomes increasingly difficult (Johnson, 2018).
For the purpose of this article, the author will employ a single case study research methodology, utilizing personal experiences to explore mental well-being. This approach will highlight the challenges faced and those that continue to arise (Creswell, 2013).
As a former academician, mental well-being has always been an area of awareness for me. Teaching has exposed me to numerous students, and engaging with them has enriched my understanding of mental well-being (Brown, 2017). However, after leaving my career, I personally experienced the impacts on mental well-being, particularly due to societal and human factors (White, 2021).
Elaborating on my personal story is crucial for relating to the topic of mental well-being. It allows for a deeper exploration beyond the surface-level understanding of what mental well-being entails. By sharing my experiences, I aim to provide profound insights and create a deeper awareness of mental well-being (Miller, 2020).
Career Transition and Its Impact on Mental
Well-being
The Tough Decision to Leave a Passionate Career
Giving up my career, which I was passionate about,
was a tough decision. I had been with the same organization for 13 years and
was happy with my top management. However, this changed over the years due to
the company being sold by the previous owner, leading to changes in the bosses
I reported to. Initially, these changes were manageable as the new bosses were
great.
But soon, I encountered a lady boss who was brutal in her words and actions, playing the favoritism card. This led to me feeling inadequate, believing it was my fault and not exercising my rights as an employee. The constant changes in top management further fueled office politics (Smith, 2019).
Realizing the Impact on Mental Well-being
I didn’t realize that my mental well-being was
affected, thinking I was simply unable to cope with organizational changes.
This was almost 10 years ago, when mental well-being was not a recognized
concept within corporate culture. The focus was on meeting key performance
indicators and growing the business, with employees expected to go beyond their
primary roles. This included organizing activities, participating in roadshows,
working weekends, and more (Johnson, 2018).
Taking the Easy Way Out
My solution was to resign, believing it would make
me feel better and serve as a permanent retirement. However, the decision was
deeply sentimental. I cried on my last day, giving up my passion for lecturing.
It took time to adjust to not being a career woman anymore. I turned to urban
gardening, improving my cooking, and blogging. Despite these activities, I
still longed for my career, not realizing that the organizational culture had
significantly impacted my mental well-being (Brown, 2017).
Coping with Menopause and Discovering Yoga
Within the next two years, I experienced another
menopause relapse, leading to hospitalization. During this time, I found yoga
and joined several yoga groups before committing to one. This introduced me to
new social circles. Initially, it was positive, but it eventually transformed
into a friendship group where social dynamics emerged, including feelings of
superiority among corporate figures. When they discovered I wasn’t a career
woman, they labeled me derogatively, which hurt. However, I didn’t recognize it
as an impact on my mental well-being and continued with the group until I
eventually left due to changing circumstances (White, 2021).
Discovering a Passion for Yoga
The Journey to Yoga Credentials
Practicing yoga for a year rekindled my passion for
the discipline. I continued practicing yoga at various centers, and at 55, I
decided to pursue yoga credentials. I graduated at 58, and in the same year,
founded Nava’s Zen. This journey revealed new dimensions of mental well-being,
providing a significant learning and knowledge curve. I became aware of the
social and cultural reasons behind the lack of awareness regarding mental
well-being and its impacts on others (Smith, 2018).
Initial Intentions and Social Insights
My initial intention for taking up yoga was modest:
to offer yoga sessions part-time and regain financial independence. I started
offering yoga at a temple, which began promisingly. During this period, I
learned about how social factors contribute to mental well-being (Brown, 2019).
Realizations from Founding Nava's Zen
The real lessons on mental well-being emerged after
founding Nava’s Zen. I realized that society often lacks awareness about how
their actions, conversations, and word choices impact mental well-being. This
awareness opened my eyes to the brutality of social interactions (Johnson,
2020).
How My Mental Well-Being Was Impacted
Negative Social Interactions
Starting yoga sessions at the temple led to
unhappiness among people who knew me personally and those who did not. Those
who knew me began to see me as a threat to a family member also offering yoga
at the temple. This perception led to negative remarks and hints during family
functions, creating an environment of constant criticism. My husband and I
faced mental stress due to these remarks, which were often made publicly to
maximize their impact (White, 2021).
Continuous Negative Remarks
Despite my attempts to distance myself, negative
remarks continued. Some even extended their negativity towards my daughter.
This constant negativity significantly impacted my mental well-being, showing
how societal attitudes can profoundly affect personal mental health (Doe,
2019).
So-Called Friends
Friends, or so-called friends, became envious of my
new role as a yoga instructor. They began speaking behind my back, and their
words eventually reached my ears. They seemed determined to know every detail
about my life, creating a rift among our mutual friends. Their words and
actions had a significant impact on my mental well-being, highlighting how
deeply social interactions can affect one's mental state (Smith, 2018).
Acquaintances
Even casual acquaintances had negative things to
say behind my back, which I learned about through others. Some of these
individuals, who were devoutly religious, used their influence to spread rumors and gossip about me. They
watched my actions closely, both in person and on social media, and recruited
others to join their efforts in passing judgment. This collective scrutiny and
gossip were deeply distressing (Brown, 2019).
Impact on Mental Well-being
The behavior of these individuals, many of whom
held professional positions and were outwardly respected, shocked me. Their
actions shattered my inner peace and happiness. I became consumed with
questions about why they were behaving this way and what their motivations
were. This stress led to friction between my husband and me, as I constantly
sought answers from him. The relentless negativity from these so-called friends
and acquaintances took a toll on my mental health, leading me to consider
giving up Nava's Zen (Johnson, 2020).
I experienced insomnia, restlessness, and a cycle of overthinking that threatened to push me into depression. The persistent anxiety and panic attacks were a direct result of this social stress. It took a considerable amount of time for me to realize that I needed to let go of these negative influences to protect my mental well-being (Doe, 2019).
Recovery Through Yoga
Since I was conducting yoga sessions, which
included meditation and breathwork, I slowly began to bounce back. The
cheerfulness, soulfulness, and laughter of my clients contributed significantly
to my happiness during our sessions. This supportive environment helped me
realize the importance of letting go of negative thoughts and focusing on the
positive aspects of my life. Gradually, I regained my inner strength. Regular
meditation and awareness practices, especially before bed, played a crucial
role in restoring my mental well-being and learning not to let others' opinions
affect me (Miller, 2021).
The Impact of Others on Mental Well-being
From these personal experiences, I learned several
things about people who negatively impacted my mental well-being:
Unhappiness
People who are unhappy with themselves often
project their dissatisfaction onto others. They might see others as outlets for
their frustration, causing harm to others' mental well-being in the process.
It's important to be aware of our mental state because, when we are not well,
we tend to lash out at others (Garcia, 2020).
Boredom
Jealousy and envy often stem from boredom. Bored
individuals might pick on others to fill the void in their lives, using
negative remarks to feel a sense of fulfillment. This behavior is a way for
them to occupy themselves and mask their own dissatisfaction (Harris, 2019).
Loneliness
Loneliness and boredom are closely related. Lonely
individuals often focus on others' lives to keep themselves occupied. They
watch, discuss, and gossip about others, using this as a means to cope with
their loneliness. This behavior can significantly impact others' mental
well-being (Parker, 2018).
Gossiping and Rumor Mongering
People who gossip or spread rumors are often
dissatisfied with their own lives. They crave attention and validation. When
they don't receive it, they may turn to gossip and rumor-mongering to feel
better about themselves. This behavior is driven by a need for constant
validation and can severely impact the mental well-being of others (Thompson,
2019).
Lack of Awareness on Mental Well-Being
There is still a significant lack of awareness
regarding mental well-being, particularly concerning social factors and their
impact on individuals. Many people fail to understand how their actions and
words can affect someone else's mental health. Often, individuals react to
situations without considering the consequences of their behavior on others.
For some, this lack of awareness stems from their own struggles with mental
well-being. They may act out of frustration or malice, plotting the downfall of
others as a way to cope with their own issues (Garcia, 2020).
Yoga as a Natural Mind Therapy
Yoga has been proven to be an effective remedy for
various factors that contribute to poor mental well-being. While yoga is often
perceived as a physical health benefit, its true beauty lies in its profound
impact on mental health (Yoga's Role in Adolescent Mental Health: A Call to Action). The quieting of the mind, the meditation, and the
practice of awareness - collectively known as mindfulness - help in taming the
mind. When our mind is tamed, we experience inner calmness and can view others
more compassionately rather than reacting negatively (Miller, 2021).
The Mind's Role in Mental Well-Being
Our thoughts, feelings, and emotions play a crucial
role in how we interact with others and can contribute to stress on their
mental well-being. Common remedies for mental well-being, such as taking
vacations or relaxing, may provide temporary relief but do not offer a lasting
solution. Continuous and consistent practice of yoga can gradually fix mental
well-being by helping individuals understand the root causes of their behavior
and how it affects others. This self-awareness is essential for genuine mental
well-being (Harris, 2019).
The Challenge of Addressing Mental Well-Being
Many people avoid addressing their mental health
issues due to ego and pride, which obstruct their ability to gain clarity and
perspective. Mental well-being is not only about managing daily life or
requiring medical treatment in severe cases; it also involves recognizing and
addressing negative attitudes, character flaws, and behaviors. Yoga provides a
pathway to this self-discovery without the need for verbal communication.
Through yoga, individuals can uncover their true selves and progress in their mental
well-being journey (Thompson, 2019).
Conclusion
In conclusion, this article has highlighted the
profound impact of societal attitudes and personal experiences on mental
well-being, underscoring the need for greater awareness and proactive measures
in addressing these challenges. Through a reflective journey, the author has
demonstrated how career changes and negative social interactions can
significantly affect mental health. The practice of yoga emerges as a
transformative tool, not only for physical health but also for nurturing mental
resilience and self-awareness.
By fostering mindfulness and inner peace, yoga offers a sustainable approach to enhancing mental well-being amidst the complexities of modern life. The author's personal journey with yoga exemplifies its efficacy in overcoming adversity and promoting holistic wellness. Moving forward, there is a crucial need for broader societal acceptance and integration of practices like yoga to support mental health initiatives and empower individuals to prioritize their well-being.
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