GREETINGS

Swamiji:

The world today is so consumerist that people have started “using others” like they use things. There is one thing to know, when you feel being manipulated, also understand someone is “celebrating your vulnerability”. No one can manipulate you, if you are not vulnerable. The difficult part is, this vulnerability is often masked as love, responsibility, commitment, obligation, loyalty, fidelity etc. by the manipulator and the poor “prey” keeps himself in the cage, not knowing how to get out. If anything you do for another person makes to feel pressured or tortured, start thinking if I am being manipulated? Am I doing a favor or what is my gain in this game? Am I doing this out of my free will or because I enjoy it. If you feel the answer to these questions is a NO, you have to be bold to tell the manipulator that I am not doing it. The moment he does not get what he wants from you, he will become upset and start getting angry /hate you. Then the next level will be indirect threats to keep you under control. At that point, you have to move away from that person. Anyone can use you only if you allow them to…..so the solution is also in your hands. Hari Om.