Be positive, always think good, never let anyone get you down, only losers feel sad — such ‘pushy’ statements are thrown at those experiencing a lull in their lives.

Is it possible to feel delirious 24x7? If one is forced to be happy all the time, wouldn’t he eventually burst like a balloon filled with too much air? One cannot control happy and sad feelings, although one can manipulate one’s thoughts, and thus, feel differently. Balance, is the key then.

To feel complete, one must be willing and able to tolerate the good and the bad in a neutral manner.

Repression will surface sooner or later in some minor forms, as the grinding of teeth during sleep, unexplainable and recurring physical ailments, depression, a feeling of disjointedness from oneself, and in worst cases, when a person has repressed feelings for several years, they may exhibit personality disorders — bipolar, manic-depressive, borderline, etc. and even suicidal tendencies.

Bereavements, failures, losses, ailments, abuse, etc naturally cause one to grieve. While mourning, one goes through several stages like shock, disbelief, facing and accepting reality and moving on. All of these must be experienced wholly.

Counseling is a blessing when it renders timely guidance in the healing process to an individual who is stuck in any one stage.

The human body has a wonderful capability to heal itself with a combination of will-power, mental strength and the determination to live.

Therefore, when you are in anguish or notice someone experiencing sadness, be compassionate and allow room for them to heal themselves rather than forcing them to instantaneously shift their thoughts to ‘positive, winning, happy and buoyant’.

In conclusion, do not try to think of sadness when you’re happy. Similarly, embrace sadness wholly and let yourself heal naturally for a true holistic sense of being.

The writer is a popular actor