Nowadays, there is a new, widespread psychological phenomenon called FOMO- ‘Fear of missing out’- where people often fear missing out on various engagements, gatherings, entertainment circles, and similar enjoyable experiences. This has become prominent in the new age of social media, leading to anxiety, guilt, stress, and regret among those suffering from this malady.
They are anxious about ‘missing out’ on the so-called- pleasurable experiences offered by the world, leading to a compulsive need to participate in every opportunity for enjoyment. This makes for a very distracted life, a disrupted routine, and a disturbed mindset for the sufferer. In the current age of social media, practically everyone is ailing from this unique illness.
NOTHING TO SEE HERE
Bhagavad Gita and other wisdom literature describe how this world is a temporary, illusory place—full of struggles, miseries, and troubled times for the soul. Jeevas (souls) here struggle with a multitude of external circumstances and internal challenges. The physical world is inadequate and incapable of fulfilling their desires of ultimate freedom, meaningful happiness, and everlasting love.
Therefore, this ‘Fear of missing out’ is actually misdirected as there is nothing substantial or consequential to ‘see’ or ‘miss’ here. It is, after all, a perverted reflection of the real world (the ultimate home of Jeeva, wherein lies the promise of real bliss and profound satisfaction).
CHEWING THE CHEWED
Despite the complex struggles of life, souls do not tire of these endless, frivolous pleasures and continue to strive hard to derive pleasure in this world. They return over and over again to enjoy the same old attractions and temptations granted by this world, like a cow chewing its cud—which is already chewed—to extract more taste from it.
The greed to enjoy this world is a deeply rooted desire and extremely difficult to eliminate. But the seemingly colorful flavors gradually become pale and stale. Yet, those hopeful of extracting some more taste continue to cud that which has already been chewed.
A FOOL’S PARADISE
The world will never be enough for us- it falls short of our expectations as we are spiritual beings meant for much greater pleasures. Therefore, the world is forced to devise newer and newer ways to entertain and excite us. The disillusioned souls continue to create fresh engagements and amusements to occupy their senses, minds, intelligence, time, and energies. In this way, they never feel disenchanted by the entertainments offered by the world.
Thus, precious human lives and their valuable resources are wasted in creating or enjoying the superficial and temporary frivolities of the world. Humans that are too concerned with such goings-on invest their priceless assets (time, energy, human faculties) in these wasteful endeavors and become deeply entangled in the world. They ultimately become the victims of this 'enjoyer mentality ', a mindset that constantly seeks new sources of pleasure and fears missing out on such opportunities for enjoyment.
The world produces the illusion that such activities and opportunities are ‘too good to miss.’ However, the promise of bliss, pleasure, and freedom falls short, causing disappointment and frustration.
IS IT REALLY TOO GOOD TO MISS?
Therefore, wise people have understood the futility of excessive engagements in this world. They have surmised that one should carefully pick and choose one’s activities, cautiously guard, and wisely invest one's valuable assets. Not every activity in this world deserves our attention. This wisdom empowers us to take control of our lives and focus on what truly matters.
Self-realized souls warn us of the dangers of getting distracted by the temporary allurements of this physical world, which lead to entanglement and degradation of the soul. It is easy enough to make a wrong turn and end up in the dark alleys of this dangerous, shadowy world of fallacies and delusions.
DO NOT MISS OUT ON THE REAL THING
Therefore, we are well advised to invest our time wisely in self-growth, introspection, reflection, and spiritual pursuits. These activities generate long-term returns that are eternally beneficial for the soul and not mere entertainment ventures for the body.
In this flickering physical world, there is no better pursuit for the soul than to invest its time wisely and make arrangements to return home to the spiritual world. Hankering for frivolous adventures and fickle entertainment in this world is distracting at best and dangerous at worst.
So, please exercise the integrity and courage to stay on the course toward your goals and true beliefs. Keep your head down, stay grounded, stay true to your path, and travel the road back home. The ‘fear of missing out’ is misplaced as there is really nothing to ‘miss out.’ Thus, one is recommended to stay aloof from the false enchantments of this so-called ‘joyride’ of the world and not yield to this modern phenomenon of -
'FOMO’
Another wonderful article! We are so enchanted by the things of the world even tthough they will never give us permenent happiness and while we are focusing on these little sense pleasures we are missing out on the real thing,
FOMO for the material world leads to misery while FOMO of the spiritual world leads to eternal bliss ! Thanks for sharing this wonderful thought.
Much needed message in this day and age !