Have we endured transformation like that of the caterpillar
to a butterfly? An epiphany of sorts, altering the persona in incredible and inexplicable ways?
Or an astounding change we observed in another, enough to pronounce: ‘Look at him! A while ago, he had given up
on life. Wanting to slaughter all existence of himself end everything that
connected him to reality; see him now, what a miraculous makeover!’ How did that transition
take place? How does one grow (not merely with age and in size) but in character,
ability and performance?
Everyone goes through life-changing events where the halo crowns
one to reform thought and action in inconceivable ways. In Maslow’s hierarchy,
attaining the goal is a lower step; actualization occurs when one gives up the need
for achievement and is endowed with enlightenment to desire not a better life,
but better living. However there are no guarantees as to when this illumination
occurs. There is no exact date or precise moment. There is no Bodhi tree in
each one’s garden for all to be enlightened as Buddha was.
Change: for the better
There is pressing need to change, alter thinking processes, rework
perceptions, modify routines, and reform actions. Presumably each one knows
what is good, what’s right and what is just. Everyone can make the right
choices. However the comfort of inertia does only turns into annoyance when
challenges come up and coax one into action. As much as one pushes the task,
one eventually gets into the corner oneself. Action is the only key to survival
then.
We have no time to stand and stare
Everyone is on the run. No one has the time to delve into the
negative thoughts, perceive harmful feelings and identify personal limitations,
leave alone overcome them. Whilst aiming high and nurturing one’s need for
achievement and self-exploration, it is worthwhile identifying the shortcomings
that may interfere with the leap to the target. No hurdles are insurmountable. It
just indicates that there depths in each one that one must fathom, abilities
that need to be nurtured and cultivated. It makes sense to take the time out to
stand and stare. At the green meadows as well as the mirror that reflects the
person you are; within as well as outside.
Unveiling process
Each one is garbed in a self-woven veil of ignorance. It
masks the greatest potencies and disallows soul searching. Fear of water
prevents one from enjoying the soothing calm of the ocean, little aware that
the ability to swim will keep you afloat allowing you to bask in its
pleasantness. Truly tea’s strength can NEVER be known without dropping the
leaves it in boiling water. Introspection allows for identification of fillable
deficiencies. The introvert will not know the pleasures of friendships unless
he or she breaks the walls of anxiety and reaches out, communicates, and
expresses. No single individual can have all deficiencies just as much as no
one can be perfect. The unveiling process is imperative to expose weaknesses,
which can then be easily overcome with help.
We absolutely love defending ourselves, after all who wants
a beating? So, we manipulate, we lie, and we deny; we distort reality, offer excuses
for our own shortcomings. We enjoy playing games with people. We shy away from
help, evade mature behavior and wish we never grew up. When our faults are
provoked, we retaliate with anger, frustration and envy; or we just give up. We
usually forego challenges, avoid dispute and shun learning experiences if they
are dissonant from our mundane functioning. Defenses cannot protect you when
they are hollow themselves. Anger is sham. It's a mask to cover inadequacy. It
should be substituted with the will to accept and agree to change.
The tea bag
Drop yourself in hot water and see your abilities squeezed
out of you. It’s never worth being uptight and avoiding thrill in life. Only
when you let loose can you allow the breeze to touch you. Don't allow
commonality of sluggishness to make you believe in its normality. Life is about
change, life is about betterment, life is about growth. When you cease to
evolve, you no longer exist…
With contributions by Ms.Nikita Vyas
Psychology Intern at MINDFRAMES
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