accept

Once we accept who we are, authenticity comes by default. I know we are living in a world where life hacking is a new hobby. We are going into the details of every daily activity. But in quest of achieving it, we are giving away our authenticity. I see people on keto, intermittent fasting and, other diets and punishing themselves. The same applies to hitting the gym, yoga or running, etc.

At what cost are we trying to get better? Also, is this right for our body and mind? The peer pressure to look good, be well distributed via social media influencers and stupid YouTubers. Why are we torturing ourselves? We have to know ourself, be honest with our like and dislike.

I am not saying we should not have a good or healthy life. All I am saying is that it should come from within, not outside.

We don’t have to join any movement or cult because of social pressure and FOMO.

noise

We are living in noise. Everyone around us has something to say; everyone needs our attention. Each one has different expertise and experience.

As a builder or any rational human, it is necessary to keep a filter. It keeps us focussed and aligned to the long-term vision. Falling into the noise will lose our focus and, in some cases our identity. We know our DNA, the circle of competence.

These noises can throw us in a whirlpool and, having an affirmation helps.

faceless

I am everywhere. I deliver your groceries; I help you when you want a ride. I am there to serve food for you. I am the one who takes care of your dumpster every morning. I ensure to deliver condoms, flowers, cake at wee hours so that you celebrate.

I also exist; I am part of the same race. I also have to feed myself. I need love, empathy as well. I also get sick; I also pay for the child’s school fees. I also have aging parents to take care of.

Please do not write me off; I also exist; there are millions of others like me. We are also angry, unhappy with everything happening around us. Some of us are more literate than you. It’s where we were born, decided our fate. Some of us will climb the ladder of society and compete for head-on with you all.

Treat us with dignity and respect; we are no beggars; we work equally hard to make our living.

think

We are how we think, what we see as a world. We can be miserable focusing on the atrocities around us. We can get angry, go mad, or sad. We can on the other hand spend time doing your side in fixing it.

We complain about climate change but are we driving cars without AC or buy dinner without plastic containers. These are little changes we can do.

We know that the world is not a perfect place, that should give us more reason to fix it. The world is more within us. We don’t have to look outside, books, Twitter for inspiration. We are little kings or worriers in our own little world or in the eyes of loved ones.

I think, therefore I am.

René Descartes

suffer

Why some of us suffer more than most others? Is it because of their mental ailments or the way their mind works?

Philosophers and sages have told us long back that We have to live in “accordance with our nature”; what does this mean? How do we know more about our nature? It all leads to internalizing, asking questions with self.

Many centuries ago, Marcus Aurelius wrote his daily note while fighting Gauls, a Germanic tribe. The richest man on the planet was in deep pain and, he devised a method to suffer less. The core was to accept things as they, understand how people are and, knowing what’s in his control and what is not. After his death, the collection got published as his meditation.

If you suffer distress because of some external cause, it is not the thing itself that troubles you but your judgement about it, and it is within your power to cancel that judgement at any moment. (Med. 8.47)

Book: Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

past

“Learning from the past”: In most instances, it’s about not repeating mistakes from the past.

We forget about the past that had all good memories of growing up, making friends, seeing the world with innocent eyes and pious hearts.

We, humans, are a collection of our experiences. Most of it comes from the past and the relationships we build in the journey. Just learning from past mistakes is not wise. We should also treasure the joyful memories.

like

It is not necessary to be liked by everyone in the universe because your universe is half a dozen people on your IM and Phone book with recent calls/msgs. If you have that, you have a universe.

We cannot control what others think about us. We don’t have to be liked by everyone. We cannot please everyone.

identity

There is a race for showcasing our identity. What should be our identity? An animal with consciousness, genes of homo sapiens, or domesticated animals living in the dogmas of society?

Every new generation brings its own identity with a curse: religion, caste, color, gender, rich or poor. One section of society benefits from this and, most of us suffer.

How much should our identity matter to us? Are we not in the end humans?

network

I keep hearing about how you should build your network. We should nurture it for a good life and future. My limited learning has been that it cannot be artificial or totally on materialistic grounds.

Your network requires authentic relationships, commitment, and contribution. The center of it begins with people, trust, and bonding. It requires more giving and less expecting. It goes against the human nature of our ego. It requires more listening, being empathetic.

listen

We have something to share with our peers, loved ones, or friends. The emergence of social media has amplified the creative persona within us.

The downside of this is that we are left with very few listeners around us. Nobody has time to listen or help console. It is like we are all moving, running, and pacing. It is like we are over-breathing, not taking a break to rejuvenate, talk, listen, share happiness, or miseries.

The pipal tree in my village is still intact: a limited bunch of oldies sits talk over hookah, laugh, and spread joy. Sometimes we would sit next to them and hear those giggles or passively enjoy chillum smoke.

The tsunami of digitalization and mass migration to metros is rewriting humanity and society at large.

When everyone is talking, who will listen? Aah: therapists, pay to them.