Elevate Your Energy: A Lesson from a Tomato Tree
Have you ever felt the fear of missing out (FOMO)? That uneasy feeling when you hear people laughing, enjoying, and celebrating, and you wonder if you are missing something important? Most of us have experienced this at some point. But what if I told you that overcoming FOMO can lead you to a far deeper and more fulfilling joy—one that does not depend on external events?
The practice of Pratyahara, as explained in the Bhagavad Gita and yogic philosophy, is the key to achieving this inner peace. Let us explore how.
The Tomato Incident: A Lesson in Awareness
A few days ago, my neighbor Meera told me about an incident that made me reflect deeply.
Our society members had celebrated a New Year's Eve party on our building terrace, where I had planted some plants. Meera mentioned that only one small tomato had grown on one of the plants. When someone in the group noticed it, she jokingly said,
"देखो, टमाटर आया है, इसे तोड़कर सब्जी बनाएंगे और मिलकर सभी खाएंगे।"
The entire group laughed.
When Meera asked me whether I had planted a tomato plant, I was surprised because I had no recollection of doing so. But when I went to check the next day, I found that indeed a small tomato had grown unexpectedly.
This incident may seem trivial, but it holds a deeper truth. Often, when people are in a group, someone makes a casual remark, and everyone laughs—sometimes at the expense of others. This is how much of society functions—engaging in meaningless conversations, superficial entertainment, and passing time without awareness.
This made me realize the power of Pratyahara—the ability to withdraw from external distractions and focus inward.
From FOMO to True Joy
There was a time when I was attached to the society members, and as I stayed alone, I had a need to socialize too. But because of other important things in my life and my choice to focus on them, I kept elevating.
Sometimes, during the earlier days, I would hear people in my society gathering, laughing, and enjoying themselves. I felt a strong sense of FOMO—the Fear of Missing Out. I did not know this term at the time, but I definitely knew the feeling. I felt like I was missing out on something fun, something that I should have been a part of.
But I had chosen not to involve myself, known as Pratyahara in yogic language. Initially, it made me feel a bit of FOMO, but not now. Now, I am writing this for others who may benefit from it. It may be that you choose to stay away or it may be that they dont invite you to be a part of their activities. The only reason is because your energies, vibrations and frequencies dont match and you are not meant to be a part there and instead something much more important and much more divine and greater is waiting for you.
Today, when I hear our society people laugh and speak loudly, I feel immense happiness—not because I am with them, but because I am not a part of that group anymore.
Why?
Because I now realize that they are still living at a superficial level, caught up in fleeting pleasures, indulging in gossip, and laughing at jokes that often come at someone else's expense. I, on the other hand, have experienced real happiness—a joy that is far superior to this kind of enjoyment.
But let me be clear—I am not against enjoyment. I am not telling you to avoid celebrations or fun. Those who are in close association with me will tell you that I enjoy every moment. Life is meant to be enjoyed.
My point is simple—whatever is in your life right now is what is meant to be, but if you consciously walk on the right path, you will be entitled to even higher, more meaningful joys.
Understanding Pratyahara: Withdrawing to Elevate
In the path of yoga, there is a practice called Pratyahara—the withdrawal of the senses from distractions and external influences. It is not about suppression or isolation, but about consciously choosing where to invest your energy.
भगवद्गीता में भगवान श्रीकृष्ण ने अध्याय ३, श्लोक ४२ में यह ज्ञान दिया है -
"इन्द्रियाणि पराण्याहुरिन्द्रियेभ्यः परं मनः।मनसस्तु परा बुद्धिर्यो बुद्धेः परतस्तु सः॥"
Indriyāṇi parāṇy āhur indriyebhyaḥ paraṁ manaḥ,Manasas tu parā buddhir yo buddheḥ paratas tu saḥ.
Meaning: The senses are superior to the body, the mind is superior to the senses, the intellect is superior to the mind, and the soul is even higher than the intellect.
This verse helps us understand that physical pleasures are at the lowest level of existence. Above them are the senses, then the mind, then the intellect, and at the highest level is the soul.
When we are stuck at the level of the senses, we crave external pleasures—parties, gossip, and the approval of others. This is why we experience FOMO. But when we detach ourselves from these distractions and focus on higher values, we move towards true fulfillment.
How to Overcome FOMO?
1. Ask Yourself – Am I Really Missing Something Valuable?
In the tomato incident, the people in my society were just indulging in momentary laughter. Was I really missing something meaningful? No. This is the first step—realizing that what we fear missing out on is often not truly valuable.
2. Shift from External Pleasure to Inner Fulfillment
If your happiness depends entirely on external things, you will always feel FOMO. But if you invest time in self-growth, meditation, reading, and meaningful activities, you will experience joy from within, which does not depend on anyone else.
3. Choose the Right Company
Surround yourself with people who uplift your energy. If a group spends time gossiping and engaging in negativity, it is better to distance yourself.
"जैसी करनी वैसी भरनी।""Jaisi Karni Waisi Bharni" – As you sow, so shall you reap.
If you choose the right company, your thoughts and energy will also be elevated.
4. Trust the Universal Laws
In Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 4, Verse 17, Lord Krishna says:
"कर्मणो ह्यपि बोद्धव्यं बोद्धव्यं च विकर्मणः।अकर्मणश्च बोद्धव्यं गहना कर्मणो गतिः॥"
Karmaṇo hy api boddhavyaṁ boddhavyaṁ cha vikarmaṇaḥ,Akarmaṇaś cha boddhavyaṁ gahanā karmaṇo gatiḥ.
Meaning: One must understand what action is, what forbidden action is, and what inaction is. The path of karma is deep and mysterious.
This means that everything in life follows certain laws. If you constantly chase external pleasures, you will always feel unfulfilled. But if you focus on self-realization, you will attain true joy, which is everlasting.
True Happiness vs. External Fun
External Fun
Brings temporary happiness.
Depends on others' approval.
True Happiness
Is deep and lasting.
Comes from self-realization.
Now the choice is yours—do you want to keep chasing fleeting pleasures, or do you want to move towards true joy?
Final Thoughts: Your Path, Your Karma
The next time you feel FOMO, ask yourself –
Am I really missing something important?
Is this momentary fun helping me grow or pulling me down?
Am I investing my energy in the right place?
Your life is shaped by your choices and your karma.
"जैसी करनी वैसी भरनी।"
So, choose wisely, focus on self-growth, and embrace true happiness.
Be blessed by the divine.
Manjushree RathiDirector, ME Holistic Centrewww.meHolisticCentre.com
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