Managing Emotional Baggage

Do you often find yourself struggling with negative emotions? Do you wonder about the true meaning of emotional baggage and how to effectively deal with it? In this enlightening discourse, Pujya Gurudevshri shares profound wisdom on how to deal with emotional breakdown and take control of your emotional well-being.

“Situations may not change, but you can change your feelings by changing your thoughts.”

This powerful insight from Pujya Gurudevshri’s satsang serves as the foundation for understanding how to deal with negative emotions. Just as a steering wheel controls the direction of wheels, our thoughts direct our feelings. To transform how we feel, we must first change our thought patterns.

Cleaning Your Mind Daily

While we clean our homes and bodies regularly, how often do we clean our minds? Pujya Gurudevshri emphasizes the importance of mental cleansing:

“You clean your house, you clean your bodies, you should also clean your minds. The place you will get your happiness from, you don’t have time to clean that place?”

This daily practice of mental cleansing is essential for maintaining emotional balance. He advises closing our emotional accounts every night without exception—even if it’s just for two minutes. This practice helps prevent emotional baggage from accumulating and weighing us down.

Opening Folders with the Right Mindset

One of the most practical teachings on how to control emotions involves what Pujya Gurudevshri calls “opening folders.” Often, we open mental folders of past incidents when we’re angry, which only reinforces negative emotions. Instead, he advises:

“Become a little devotional, a little meditative, become calm and happy and then open the folder. You will release that.”

By approaching difficult situations or conversations from a place of calmness rather than reactivity, we can process them without creating more emotional turmoil. This approach helps us deal with emotional baggage effectively rather than adding to it.

Understanding the Source of Irritation

The discourse challenges a fundamental wrong belief—that others are the cause of our irritation and hurt. Pujya Gurudevshri clarifies:

“Thoughts—meaning all negative thoughts, hurt, hate, everything—don’t come from situations, they come from your beliefs.”

This shift in understanding is crucial for anyone wanting to know how to deal with negative emotions. When we recognize that we choose our reactions based on our beliefs rather than blaming external factors, we gain control over our emotional responses.

Building Emotional Immunity

Just as physical immunity protects us from illness, emotional immunity shields us from negative influences. Pujya Gurudevshri explains that our emotional distress comes not from situations themselves but from our low emotional immunity. By strengthening this immunity through right beliefs and mindset, we can remain stable even in challenging circumstances.

Rising Above Negative Energy

The discourse concludes with a beautiful metaphor about climbing to higher floors when encountering unpleasant smells on lower levels. Similarly, when faced with negative energy from others, we should elevate our inner state rather than being influenced by it.

“See that the positive energy from you influences the negative energy, be alert that the negative energy does not influence you.”

This practice involves cultivating forgiveness, friendliness, and love—moving from the “second floor” to the “third floor” of consciousness. Pujya Gurudevshri encourages learning the language of blessings and good wishes, especially toward those with whom we have difficulties.

For a more immersive experience of this transformative wisdom on how to deal with emotional breakdown, watch the complete satsang at

FAQs About Emotional Baggage

What is the meaning of emotional baggage?

Emotional baggage refers to the accumulated negative feelings and unresolved issues from past experiences that we carry with us. As Pujya Gurudevshri explains, these emotions stem from our beliefs rather than from external situations. Understanding the true source of emotional baggage is the first step toward releasing it.

How can I deal with negative emotions effectively?

To deal with negative emotions effectively, Pujya Gurudevshri recommends changing your thought patterns and beliefs. Instead of blaming others for your irritation, acknowledge that you choose your reactions. Practice “closing accounts” daily by reflecting on your emotions from a calm state of mind, and open mental “folders” only when you’re in a positive mindset.

What are some practical ways to control emotions during conflicts?

When faced with conflicts, Pujya Gurudevshri suggests elevating your inner state—moving from anger to forgiveness, and then to friendliness and love. This helps you maintain control over your emotions rather than being influenced by negative energy. Practice sending good wishes and blessings to the person you’re in conflict with, which can transform the dynamic entirely.

How do I prevent emotional breakdown in challenging situations?

Building emotional immunity is key to preventing emotional breakdown. Just as physical immunity protects against viruses, strong emotional immunity shields you from being affected by difficult situations. This involves cultivating right beliefs, practicing daily mental cleansing, and approaching challenges with a positive mindset. Remember that situations don’t cause your distress—your response to them does.