1. STRESS
AND
CHOICE
DR.
SHRINIWAS
KASHALIKAR

2. One of the major causes of STRESS at individual and
global levels; is confusion or chaos in making proper
choice/s of policies, plans, programs and actions.
It is true that we had no freedom and no options in terms
choosing; race, religion, country, native place, caste,
parents, relatives etc; when we were born. In fact; we
had no choice in term of whether to get born or not! We
had no choice about our genes also, which endowed us
with different talents and capabilities; or crippled us
with deficiencies and handicaps!
We must realize that we had “no choice” and hence have
not “created our creativity” by choice! It has just been an
endowment of nature! Similarly were not responsible for
our drawbacks!
Just as we need not boast about our creativity, we need
not condemn and be apologetic about our limitations. We
are; what we are!
Apart from these issues; even small events and incidents
appear to happen beyond our will. For example, our
cells, our systems, our brain, our heart continue to
function; and literally millions of biochemical and

3. biophysical events; continue to take place; irrespective of
our will or choice; even when we are fast asleep,
unconscious or even during our embryonic state!
Having said that; it must be conceded that; accurate,
immaculate and impeccable choice is essential for getting
well equipped maternity home, proper pediatrician,
appropriate dietary measures, right doctor, and
competent lawyer; if and when required!
But; choosing correct things; is actually far more
important than; merely for success in day to day life!
Thus; the accuracy in choosing perspective, policy, plans,
programs; is extremely important for global welfare; and
precision in what we read, listen, see, understand, talk
and do at any given moment; and on long term basis; is
important for our individual fulfillment; though both are
not mutually exclusive or mutually contradictory.
The central criterion of a best choice is; it’s potential to
realize maximum happiness, for maximum time and for
maximum people! If we practice NAMASMARAN (the
core of Total Stress Management), then we can blossom
from within and in turn; use this criterion to make the

4. best choices and realize individual and global blossoming
in every respect!