IF ALONE THE FISH KNEW IT WAS A BAIT!
Pic.: Usha Prasad
Not a single moment passes by without an urge in me to
react: say something strongly to someone… That someone can be my own spouse,
son, student, relative, friend, an associate, a neighbor, or, even, a stranger…
There is this urge in me to say
something strongly…
An urge is a craving of my mind… a
compulsion… an addiction… an instinctive habit… It is my weakness. Whenever I
consciously abstain from saying what I want to say mechanically, instinctively…
yes, whenever I use my discretion, better judgment, I can sense the feeling of
self-confidence in my heart… I feel the power and strength… I feel I am in
charge…
Yes, if just holding back a few strong comments, here and there, can give me that sense of well-being… Then, imagine, if I can keep abstaining from reacting more and more and more!
Yes, if just holding back a few strong comments, here and there, can give me that sense of well-being… Then, imagine, if I can keep abstaining from reacting more and more and more!
Like everyone else, I, too, know that all my
thoughts and feelings need not be – and should not be – expressed. Similarly, all
my opinions need not be – and should not be - expressed… For, many of my thoughts and feelings
come up from my deep conditioning, my biases. Ditto for my opinions… So, when I
consciously choose to abstain from expressing them, I am in a position to get
in touch with the space from which my urges and cravings spring up…
And, yes, whenever I am able to see that, I
feel immensely strong, confident… and, even, compassionate…
With that, I have realized one more thing:
till I don’t reach that state, I am unable to deal with the reactive behavior
of those around me… You know, we cannot stop them from thinking, feeling and
reacting in a certain way. They do that from their own conditionings and
biases. But, because, I have that quiet strength now, I am in a position to
deal with their reactions…
Yes, I don’t have to react to every reaction
of others… no matter who they are, and how caustic their reactions are… I don’t’
have to express my opinion even though others think I should…
For my inner peace and confidence, I must
learn to abstain from my indulgences… of body, mind and soul…
And, the best ‘time’ to start it from is -
NOW… The best ‘place’ to start it from
is – HERE!
If alone the fish knew it was a bait!
GERALD D’CUNHA
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