Lessons from the Bhagavad Gita
In the quiet hours of the night, when the house is still and the world sleeps, many women in midlife find their minds racing — replaying conversations, worrying about grown-up children, aging parents, relationships, career shifts, and what lies ahead.
Overthinking and negative thoughts can feel like an uninvited storm, disturbing our emotional peace and clouding our clarity. But this isn’t just your personal battle — it’s part of the human journey. And centuries ago, a similar inner struggle played out on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, as chronicled in the Bhagavad Gita.
In this sacred dialogue, Lord Krishna gently guides Arjuna, a mighty warrior paralyzed by doubt and anxiety, toward inner wisdom. These teachings are not only spiritual but psychological — a perfect guide for women navigating the emotional crossroads of midlife.
Let’s explore how the Bhagavad Gita can help you control overthinking and negative thoughts, and reclaim your calm, power, and purpose.
1. Understand That a Restless Mind Is Normal — But Not Permanent
In Chapter 6, Verse 34, Arjuna says:
चञ्चलं हि मन: कृष्ण प्रमाथि बलवद्दृढम् |
तस्याहं निग्रहं मन्ये वायोरिव सुदुष्करम् || 34||
“The mind is restless, turbulent, strong, and obstinate. Controlling it is like trying to control the wind.”
Can you relate?
At this stage of life, your mind might be juggling too much — health concerns, unfulfilled dreams, shifting roles, or loneliness. But Krishna assures Arjuna that with practice (Abhyasa) and detachment (Vairagya), the mind can be trained.
✨ Midlife Takeaway:
- Overthinking is not a flaw — it’s part of being human.
- But it’s also not your fate.
- Your mind is like a muscle — it becomes steadier with consistent practice and self-awareness.
2. Detach From Outcomes, Not Life
One of the most empowering lessons from the Gita is in Chapter 2, Verse 47:
कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन |
मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि || 47 ||
“You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. Never consider yourself to be the cause of the results of your activities, nor be attached to inaction.”
As women, especially in midlife, we often overthink because we carry the burden of results — whether it’s family expectations, relationships, or our own success. But Krishna teaches detachment from results, not disinterest in effort.
✨ Midlife Takeaway:
- Show up fully for your duties — as a mother, daughter, partner, professional.
- But don’t carry the emotional weight of trying to control everything.
- Freeing your mind from outcomes lightens emotional baggage and reduces anxiety.
3. Anchor Your Mind in the Present Moment
Krishna advocates the path of Karma Yoga — the practice of mindful, purposeful action in chapter 3 versa 9
यज्ञार्थात्कर्मणोऽन्यत्र लोकोऽयं कर्मबन्धनः। तदर्थं कर्म कौन्तेय मुक्तसंगः समाचर।।3.9।।
“The world is bound by actions other than those performed for the sake of sacrifice; do thou, therefore, perform actions for that sake alone, free from attachment.”
Overthinking often hijacks our peace when the mind is idle or scattered. But when you focus fully on one task — whether it’s cooking, creating, walking, or working — you automatically reduce mental noise.
✨ Midlife Takeaway:
- Your daily routines can become meditative if done with full presence.
- Practice “one thing at a time” living — it’s simple and powerful.
- Your mind can’t spiral when it’s absorbed in now.
4. Rise Above Emotional Highs and Lows
In Chapter 2, Verse 38, Krishna says:
सुखदु:खे समे कृत्वा लाभालाभौ जयाजयौ |
ततो युद्धाय युज्यस्व नैवं पापमवाप्स्यसि || 38|
“Fight for the sake of duty, treating alike happiness and distress, loss and gain, victory and defeat. Fulfilling your responsibility in this way, you will never incur sin.”
Midlife can be an emotional rollercoaster — hormonal shifts, career transitions, changing identities. The mind labels everything as good or bad, success or failure. This constant comparison creates mental chaos.
Krishna urges Arjuna to see beyond dualities — to build inner steadiness no matter the outer storm.
✨ Midlife Takeaway:
- Become the observer of your thoughts, not their prisoner.
- Ask yourself: Is this thought true? Or just a habit?
- Emotional balance is not about becoming numb — it’s about becoming centered.
5. Meditate: Create Space Between You and Your Thoughts
One of the most transformative tools Krishna shares is Dhyana Yoga — the path of meditation. In Chapter 6, Verse 5, he says:
उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत् |
आत्मैव ह्यात्मनो बन्धुरात्मैव रिपुरात्मन: || 5||
“Elevate yourself by your own mind; do not degrade yourself. The mind can be the friend and also the enemy of the self.”
Meditation doesn’t mean silencing the mind completely. It means witnessing your thoughts without judgment, and slowly gaining mastery over your mental patterns.
✨ Midlife Takeaway:
- Start small — just 10 minutes a day of breath-focused meditation.
- Thoughts will come. Let them pass like clouds.
- The more space you create inside, the calmer your outside world feels.
The Real Battlefield Is Within
When Arjuna trembled on the battlefield, Krishna didn’t ask him to escape. Instead, he changed Arjuna’s relationship with his thoughts.
As a midlife woman, your mind may feel like a battlefield — full of worries, regrets, or future fears. But within you lies the same strength, wisdom, and stillness Krishna pointed to.
You are not your thoughts.
You are the powerful witness, the timeless soul, the resilient warrior — still evolving, still growing, still glowing.
🌸 Final Reflections:
- Overthinking doesn’t define you — your awareness of it does.
- The Bhagavad Gita offers timeless wisdom, not just for ancient warriors, but for modern women on a spiritual journey.
- With daily practice, mindful detachment, and self-kindness, you can reclaim your mental peace and emotional strength.
🙏 Want More Midlife Clarity?
Follow the upcoming series this week : A week Dedicated to GURU POORNIMA:
“5 Gita-Inspired Mindset Shifts for Midlife Women”