Too much of Analysis is a paralysis

Fifty years back there was a scene in a Tamil movie in which the brother of the bride imagines that his sister’s saree catches fire in the sacred lamp( kuththu vilakku)resulting in her death immediately.I had an impression that an exception had been generalised in the film.

But today,I feel that many people are over anxious about everything deeming it to be a sign of great responsibility.They are lost so much in their negative thoughts that victory never touches even their imagination,and happiness is too far.Even the happy people worry that they have nothing to worry about.

“What will happen if I faint and die now?
The train/bus/car I travel may get involved in a major accident.
The plane I take may crash.
The documents of the house I have purchased may prove to be fake.
My children may score very poor marks in the examination.
The lift may fall down off the connecting links.”
There is an endless list of such imaginary misfortunes.
“ Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows but only empties today of its strength”(Charles Spurgeon)
Such unnecessary thoughts are resting inside the brain as rent free tenants with pricking as their prime duty.These thoughts roll over one another resulting in giddiness and excess breath and make the person imagine of a serious health problem-one more worry added to the list..

Some of them become too much upset on learning about devastating predictions made by the astrologers.I know a lady who became totally depressed when she was informed that her son would meet his end at the age of seven.When the child had to be accidentally admitted to the hospital for some minor ailment,the mother’s health took a critical turn.Nothing could save her other than a blatant lie from the psychiatrist that her son had passed away,as predetermined by destiny.The truth was revealed after a few days after she became normal,much to her surprise.

It appears that an end with horror is more satisfying than a terror with an unknown end.

Some people start worrying well in advance,think only about assured failure even before appearing for the examination,worry about the consequences of divorce before getting married.
Some women fear about horrors of labour,termination of pregnancies, premature deliveries-all negative aspects before planning for the progeny. Instances are not uncommon where parents with single child,turn out to be too protective,always worrying about the inevitable happening to the child.In today's world,many parents have single child only.

For people who are trapped in such thoughts,deadly diseases and cremation ghats are too proximate to their hearts.

I am reminded of a Chinese proverb-“That the birds of worry and care fly over your head,you cannot change.But that they build nests in your hair ,you can prevent”.

This too much brooding over is more common among the educated intellectuals of the middle/upper class of the society.”People get more attached to their burdens sometimes more than the burdens are attached to them”said Bernard Shaw.

They have the special aptitude for making simple things more complex and converting the easy normal events into complex painful episodes. They seem to be particular in snatching the defeat wantonly from the clutches of success.They are experts in looking for unintended meaning from simple expressions.

‘Hope for the best and prepare for the worst’-only the latter half is well taken care of by such individuals.

They don’t require any outsider to spoil their goals.They are specialists in the art of self destruction.They gather bundles of sticks to build a bridge they never have to cross.
Do these people find it satiating to anticipate trouble and want to experience all the sorrows of life which they may never come across?Is there any secret pleasure about it?

It is a matter of concern that many doctors including those practising psychiatry, and teachers who are well reputed too are victims of this malady.However they justify that their pessimimism enables them to face disppointments.Strange indeed!

Simple minded uneducated people are very practical.They don’t think;but face the challenges and come out unhurt.
Though over confidence is bad and may lead to disppointment and depression,dearth of confidence may not allow you to take a single step.Too much precautions, too much brooding over security may land us in a sudden halt.


Intellectuals try to over analyse everything,become victims of unwanted fears and fierce imaginations,thanks to the wonderful support received from the internet that adds fuel to the fire(fear)..
Our family doctor has specifically warned us to avoid internet information about 'symptoms of diseases' and not to read the scan or Test results with the aid of internet guide.

" Cross the bridge when you come near it. Don't make arrangements to build the bridge for a non existing river.


Too much ANALYSIS turns into PARALYSIS.

Jayasala 42

 

Dear VaniVyas,
Thank you for the response.When you don't want to think about an issue, the mind tends to think only about it. Only solution seems to keep yourself engaged in lighter activities-listening to music, gardening or no problem, even if you see one or two TV serials.
There is nothing wrong in planning, but don't brood over next...next.
I think as age advances you may realise better.
Jayasala 42

 

Dear Pushpa,
Well said. Too much brooding over never helps, though some planning is always essential.But it is human to worry about things that may never happen at all.
jayasala 42

 

Dear Google glass,
We have heard that a person was advised not to think of a monkey before taking a medicine. But the first thought would be about the monkey only.
To get immersed in thoughts is a common, yet severe problem.Only experience and maturity should make us desist from such negative thoughts.
Jayasala 42

 

Dear God2014,
The last line is telling.I was reminded of a saying'Don't trouble the trouble, until the trouble troubles you."Certain problems may never surface at all. Certain diseases may never affect at all.Why bother?
Jayasala 42