The Mental Compass

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...

If you ask someone what they remember from last week, chances are they’ll talk about a movie scene, a viral video, or a funny reel they saw online. Rarely do we hear people mention a new scientific discovery, even though those discoveries often shape our future more than any blockbuster film. This says something about how our minds work. Entertainment captures us easily, while science asks for patience, curiosity, and effort. The imbalance between the two is not just cultural—it is psychological. The human brain is wired to seek quick rewards. A movie trailer, a song, or a meme provides instant stimulation. The colors, sounds, and emotions light up our brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine that makes us feel good right away. Science, on the other hand, demands delayed gratification. Understanding a theory, reading a research paper, or following an experiment takes time. The brain has to work harder, and the satisfaction comes much later. Naturally, our attention drifts toward what ...

On the fifth day of Navaratri, we worship Maa Skandamata, the mother of Lord Skanda (Kartikeya), the commander of the divine armies. She is depicted holding her son Skanda on her lap while seated gracefully on a lotus, her four arms carrying lotus flowers and blessings. Her image radiates tenderness and strength like a mother who protects with both love and courage. Culturally, Skandamata embodies nurturing, unconditional love, and protective energy. She represents the balance between caring for others and remaining centered in one’s own strength. In her lap rests not just a child, but the promise of resilience and continuity. From a psychological perspective,  Skandamata  resonates deeply with the themes of self-compassion and social support systems, two pillars of mental health that are often overlooked in a world obsessed with achievement and independence. The Psychology of Self-Compassion Self-compassion is the practice of treating oneself with the same kindness, unde...

On the fourth day of Navaratri, we honor Maa   Kushmanda , the goddess credited with creating the universe through her radiant smile. Her name itself reveals her essence: Ku (little), Ushma (warmth or energy), and Anda (cosmic egg). She is said to have brought light into the cosmos, transforming darkness into creation. In a Cultural aspect, Kushmanda is seen as the embodiment of creative energy, vitality, and joy. She holds a rosary and a pot of nectar, symbols of wisdom and nourishment, while her eight hands carry weapons and lotus flowers. Radiant and nurturing, she reminds us that positivity and creativity are not just luxuries they are life forces. In psychology, this day aligns with the power of creative expression and positive thinking, two elements that play a crucial role in mental health, resilience, and growth. Creativity as Healing Creativity isn’t limited to artists or writers, it exists in everyone. It is the act of making, imagining, or expressing, whether thr...

"When all you look for are red flags, you might miss the green ones." The Rise of the Red Flag Culture In recent years, relationship discussions online have shifted dramatically. Once, dating advice revolved around compatibility, shared values, and emotional connection. Now, much of the conversation focuses on identifying warning signs or what social media calls “red flags.” These may include subtle behaviors such as inconsistent communication, lack of empathy, or signs of emotional unavailability. This shift is not entirely negative because being aware of unhealthy patterns can help people avoid harmful situations. However, the growing obsession with red flags has also created a culture where suspicion can overshadow curiosity, making it harder to form genuine connections. When every new interaction is examined under a microscope for flaws, even promising relationships can be cut short before trust and understanding have the chance to develop naturally, leaving many individu...