FINDING A NEW SHIP TO SAIL ON

 




“Problems are not big or small.

It is based on how big or small your understanding is.”

J. Tisa

 

The more we worry about what’s happening in others’ lives, the more we invite turmoil in our own. When I say, ‘others’, I mean not our dearest and the nearest ones. When there is turmoil in the lives of our dearest and the nearest ones, we just cannot brush it aside, saying ‘It’s their problem’. They are our own; hence, their problems bother us… weigh us down.

When ‘others’ are not our dearest and the nearest ones, well, their problems do not weigh us down. When they narrate their problems to us, we do not involve emotionally, instead, just superficially.

Not so? Disagree?

Well, I agree, that all of us may not react to others’ problems in an identical manner. But, we realize the thresholds of our limits… We realize, how much stress we are able to withstand… and, we learn what and when to let others’ problems be.

Experience teaches us this: The more we focus on others’ business and God’s business, the more stress we add to our lives. Byron Katie has a beautiful way of communicating this truth to us. Stephen Covey, too, has an equally beautiful way of communicating it to us: When we keep focusing on the areas within our influence, our power grows. On the other hand, when we keep focusing on areas outside our influence, our power shrinks.

Look at what is happening in Russia and Ukraine? Yes, every man or woman with a conscience is concerned about the situation. Similarly, we all are aware of what is happening in Sri Lanka presently, as far as their economy is concerned. But, then, except for deeply empathizing about the affected citizens of these countries, what else can you and I do? Yes, we can pray and hope… That’s all!





My young Nephew, Ritesh, after completing his marine engineering studies, was hired by a shipping company in Demark. The maiden job seemed very attractive to all of us. Naturally, we all felt proud and happy for our dear one. But, when their ship got stuck at a port in Ukraine, in the thick of war, we were all worried and anxious! 

Now,  Ritesh or none of us had brought about this situation in his life… Forces beyond our control had. So, we all prayed and hoped… and, after several weeks of uncertainty, the shipping company was able to rescue the crew from this explosive spot. 

Today, our young one is home, but the war and destruction are still raging on. Are we still anxious and worried about what is happening over there?

You know, how you and I are! “Jaan hai toh Jahan hai,” we find ourselves saying, meaning, that young Ritesh will, soon, find another vessel to sail on!





Life can never be free from problems and stress. Our worry and anxiety will keep showing up, again and again and again, in one form or another. All that you and I can do – and, I think, should do – is learn to focus on those problems which are within our control… You see, those are the problems you and I can really do something about. The rest of the problems are beyond our control. We can only pray hard for the innocent citizens in Russia, Ukraine and Sri Lanka…

Meanwhile, Life goes on… Sanity returns… Storms end!

 

GERALD D’CUNHA

Pic.: Pixabay

Videos: 1. AJ+  2. Bob Dylon/Pypy Lyr

 

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