Brain Storm

Monsoon magic has created the spectacle of silver-lined clouds in an overcast sky. So what should one focus on? The pessimist may opt for inky black storm clouds in the foreground, while the optimist may rave about the electrifying radiance of the rim. For a balanced holistic view, both perspectives would be necessary.


Both complement one another and can be used, therapists say, to construct creative coping strategies. Potentially stormy obsessions can be converted into productive ones, say psychotherapist and creative coach Eric and Ann Maisel in Brainstorm: Harnessing the Power of Creative Obsessions.

Your state of mind is more malleable than you may believe.

With persistent mindfulness, one can learn to discard even the heaviest of psychic fetters. That’s the way to renew your motivation and to keep feeling inspired when things seemingly start to fall apart.

Nor is creativity automatic, the Maisels advise, one has to challenge and stretch oneself, “Expect the emotional equivalent of aches and pains (in life).” It was depression, for example, that led to the creation of two great psychic salves of Indian tradition. The Bhagavad Gita was Sri Krishna’s response to his anguished acolyte Arjuna’s loss of nerve on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.

Likewise, the Yoga Vashishta was Sage Vashishta’s spiritually enlightening response to dejected Prince Ram’s angst in Ayodhya. The former praises enlightened action without attachment; the latter goes deeper down to the illusory nature of reality and causal connections and offers liberation through parables and stories.