Life - Time to Reflect....

We have been blessed bountifully with so many things but the recent weeks have shown us how much we have been taking everything for granted. No celebrations, no gatherings, no events no travel etc. We do not appreciate the value of it so much because these things just ‘exist’ or it is a way of life. Our life too is become so routine doing the same things again and again that we never take a pause to think. We too are become like clocks continuously ticking never realizing how the day begins and finishes at the blink of the eye. We come to work go home and this is how days, months and years passed by. Our life is become like a rat race struggling with work pressures, meeting deadlines not realizing that we are missing on our lives and little moments of happiness. We were so used to traveling without fear, people coughed, sneezed and we did not bother, but how alert we have become of late with the fear of Covid 19. 

It made me to think too. We become so busy with our work that we did not press the pause and watch button? But the past couple of days made me realize a lot of things. We are passing through the most difficult phase of our life. The virus has brought with it a lot of panic and fear. While some are able to understand the gravity, some still seem to be ignorant of what’s going around. We cant shake hands, we cant hug somebody. The personal touch being lost but we still extend our hands out to shake of habit not realizing that that same handshake is now become a hazard.

I am still trying to digest the fact that we have to even keep safe distance from Gods and the place of worship. Itne bure din ayege kabhie sapne mein nahi socha tha. With the junta curfew and being under house arrest made me realize that how lightly I took my freedom for granted instead of cherishing it. I just cant even step out of the house. No malls, theaters, no shopping. Here it was not my choice and I had no choice. Many can’t image such a day in their life. But thanks to the 11 days at vipassana that I attended in September, I guess it was god sent and it did come to my rescue as I learnt to disconnect from everything and still survive connecting with my inner self. Life coming to a standstill is unimaginable. But thanks to the technology, we could stay connected with family and friends on voice and video calls across the globe. Abraham Lincoln captured it best when he said that “Freedom is the last, best hope for earth”. 

The virus has put speed breaker in our lives. It has made me aware that making plans can be difficult but you never can be absolutely sure that these so called ‘plans’ will go ahead or it feels like our concept of ‘future’ has changed. In these changing and testing times we all need to trust and depend on others. That is what makes us feel safe and secure. We need to be with people who do what they say and won’t be blindsided or betrayed. So spend time with people and friends who you feel you can count on, those that you are comfortable with and who bring out the best of you. I will leave you with some thought provoking questions to think over that given how unpredictable times and life is becoming.

Think over when was the last time I was truly happy or when I laughed my heart out?

What is it that truly makes me happy?

Am I living a happy or compromised life that is pleasing to others? Life is yours so is your choice. 

Choose wisely and live freely. Coz time is fleeting.