The Mental Compass

  The Rise of Bite Sized Narratives In the past, storytelling was often associated with books, films, and long conversations. These formats demanded time, patience, and attention. In today’s digital era, however, a new form of storytelling has emerged that reshapes how people communicate and share experiences. Platforms like Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and TikTok have created a space where sixty second videos dominate cultural expression. This transformation shows how powerful short form storytelling has become, not only for entertainment but also for learning, marketing, and self expression. The Appeal of Short Form Content The primary reason behind the rise of short form storytelling is attention span. With information constantly competing for focus, audiences prefer content that delivers value quickly. A sixty second video fits perfectly into modern routines. It can be consumed during a break, on a commute, or while scrolling in bed. Short videos also engage emotions rapidl...

As Navaratri culminates, we celebrate Dussehra (Vijayadashami) the day when Goddess Durga triumphed over the buffalo demon, Mahishasura. It is one of the most powerful stories in Indian mythology: the tale of good overcoming evil, light dispelling darkness, and courage defeating arrogance. Across India, Dussehra is marked with vibrant rituals and offering prayers to Durga in her victorious form. But beyond the cultural celebrations lies a universal truth: Dussehra is not only about the goddess slaying an external demon, it is also about us confronting and conquering the inner Mahishasuras that live within. The Story and Its Symbolism Mahishasura, the buffalo demon, represents uncontrolled desires, ignorance, and arrogance. Empowered by a boon, he believed no force could defeat him. The gods, unable to withstand his tyranny, combined their energies to give rise to Durga, the divine feminine power. For nine nights she fought him, and on the tenth day, she destroyed him, restoring ...

The Rise of Profanity in Online Content YouTube has transformed the way we consume entertainment and information, offering creators a platform to connect with millions of viewers worldwide. With this reach comes the responsibility of maintaining content that is both engaging and respectful. However, the increasing use of profanity by YouTubers has raised questions about where the line should be drawn between expressive language and abuse. Profanity can be a tool for humor, emphasis, or relatability, but excessive or targeted use may cross ethical and social boundaries. Many creators argue that occasional strong language makes their content feel authentic and uncensored. The informal and conversational tone resonates with audiences seeking a sense of realism and spontaneity. Yet, repeated or aggressive use of offensive words can normalize verbal aggression, particularly for younger viewers who are highly impressionable. Research in media psychology suggests that exposure to repeated pro...

In recent years, Nepal has witnessed waves of youth-led protests that surprised many observers. What made these gatherings stand out was not only their size but also their character. The protesters were young, educated, and socially aware, often belonging to Generation Z—the group born roughly between the mid-1990s and early 2010s. Unlike earlier movements driven by political parties or ideological agendas, these protests carried a distinctly psychological flavor. They revealed their frustration, mo... At the core of these movements lies the psychology of moral outrage. When corruption, injustice, or inequality becomes visible, people often feel an emotional spark that goes beyond rational thought. For Gen Z in Nepal, growing up with digital access has meant constant exposure to such realities. They see corruption scandals on social media, hear stories of unemployment, and compare their own lives with those of peers in other countries. This creates what psychologists call relative depr...

The ninth day of Navaratri is dedicated to Goddess Siddhidatri , the bestower of siddhis (spiritual powers) and ultimate fulfillment. Seated on a lotus, holding a mace, discus, conch, and lotus flower, she symbolizes the culmination of the journey where discipline, courage, compassion, and clarity converge into wholeness. She is the goddess who grants both material well-being and spiritual enlightenment, embodying the harmony of outer success and inner peace. Psychologically, Siddhidatri represents the human aspiration for self-actualization  a concept introduced by Abraham Maslow in his hierarchy of needs. After fulfilling basic survival needs and building security, love, esteem, and belonging, we reach the highest level: the pursuit of purpose, creativity, and inner fulfillment. The Psychology of Fulfillment Self-actualization is not about perfection or achieving everything on a checklist. Instead, it is about realizing your fullest potential and living authentically. People...

On the eighth day of Navaratri, we worship Goddess Mahagauri , the serene and radiant form of Durga. Clad in white and riding a bull, she represents purity, peace, and calmness. Her very presence is said to cleanse the mind of confusion and grant clarity to seekers. Mahagauri is the embodiment of stillness after the storm, a reminder that even after struggle and chaos, serenity is possible. In psychological terms, Mahagauri resonates deeply with our pursuit of inner peace and mental clarity . In a world filled with noise, endless choices, and constant pressures, our minds often resemble crowded marketplaces i.e. busy, restless, and overwhelmed. The goddess teaches us that clarity is not found in more noise, but in learning to quiet the mind. The Psychology of Inner Calm Inner peace doesn’t mean the absence of problems, it means cultivating resilience so that external chaos doesn’t control our inner state. This is often described through the practice of mindfulness -  the ability...

On the seventh day of Navaratri, devotees worship Goddess Kalaratri , the fiercest and most fearsome form of Durga. With her dark complexion, disheveled hair, and blazing eyes, she embodies the destruction of evil and ignorance. Despite her terrifying form, she is known as the remover of darkness i.e.   granting courage, protection, and liberation. In many traditions, she is seen as the goddess who burns away negativity so that light and clarity may emerge. From a psychological lens, Kalaratri represents an inner process we all need: the courage to confront and release negative thoughts, beliefs, and emotions that keep us bound . The Psychology of Negativity Negativity often shows up as self-doubt, guilt, fear, or resentment. While occasional negative emotions are natural, when they dominate, they distort reality and keep us trapped in cycles of stress, anxiety, or even depression. This can be often explained through cognitive distortions which are irrational thought patter...

The question of whether talent is something we are born with or something we develop over time has fascinated psychologists, scientists, educators, and parents for centuries. This debate is often framed as nature versus nurture, with “nature” representing genetic inheritance and innate potential, and “nurture” representing environment, experience, practice, and learning. Understanding this interplay not only shapes education and parenting but also influences how individuals perceive their own growth and possibilities. Some argue that talent is largely genetic. Certain abilities, such as musical aptitude, athletic coordination, or mathematical reasoning, appear to run in families. Consider musical prodigies like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who displayed extraordinary ability as a child, composing and performing before many could even read sheet music. Similarly, athletes often inherit body types or physical attributes that give them an early advantage in speed, endurance, or coordination. ...

On the sixth day of Navaratri, Goddess Katyayani is honored - a fierce warrior form of Durga, born from the combined energy of the gods to defeat the demon Mahishasura. She represents courage, righteousness, and the ability to stand up for what is just. In temples across India, devotees pray to her for strength, determination, and clarity. In the cultural imagination, Katyayani is not merely a goddess of battle, but a symbol of unwavering conviction of knowing when to say no , and when to fiercely protect one’s values. This symbolism beautifully mirrors an essential psychological skill: assertiveness and boundary-setting . The Psychology of Boundaries Boundaries are invisible lines that define where we end and others begin. They protect our time, energy, emotions, and values. Without boundaries, relationships can become suffocating, toxic, or exploitative. Psychologists often emphasize that healthy boundaries are neither rigid walls nor open doors, they are flexible gates that prote...