The Far and the Near … A self-inquiry
Deepa Mahesh
I enable leaders and teams to transform through self-mastery || Leadership Coach (ICF PCC) || TedX Speaker
As I was enjoying the environment at night from my terrace, I saw the shinning lights at a distance. Specifics weren’t visible, the scene was twinkling like a diamond studded necklace.
Suddenly, my attention drifted to the closest sight where, in contrast. there was bright light illuminating the object(building walls). The details were specific and clear .
Far, Shimmer, Distant ------------------------- Close, Clear, Specific
My attention drifted to the next frame, as if I was seeing a movie, to the dark night sky as the backdrop, against which the specifics and illumination stood out.
It was interesting to see the whole scene frame by frame and then see it as an integrated whole - the darkness of the sky as the backdrop with the lights on earth in the foreground.
My mind drifted yet again to the next frame, the contrast of this night sky with the bright sky (I held in my imagination) and my inquiry progressed.
I was wondering :
- Is everything in relationship with another phenomenon?
- That this phenomenon exists is TRUTH, yet comparison with another gives another data point. Interesting.
- How does this apply to my life?
The inquiry has now turned inward from the observation of the outer phenomenon.
- Distant sorrow appears bearable, sadness that I am currently undergoing feels unbearable due to the specifics I remember all the time.
- When In life’s journey, there’s a storm, the sun sets, light vanishes and night dawns, then sorrow – both near and distant, becomes pronounced.
- When I am experiencing my life right now, I often see it in comparison with the glorious past (sunlight) and see the contrast with today's sorrows. I have the choice to either accept it and without resisting take it in my stride (difficult) or wallow in self pity and sorrow (it automatic and needs practice to stop this) . Ultimately, the present moment is the only TRUTH.
- For me Sunrise and Joy is as true and real as Sunset and Sorrow. Never forget the The Universal principle - After day will be night again and following that a new day will dawn!
There is a higher power that is orchestrating all this, beyond the control of my mind and might. Let go and Trust. Surrender. THE HIGHEST WILL PREVAIL.
What is happening right now is best for me at this point. That I am watching this beautiful night sky is a gift to myself.
And finally I told myself
"INTENTION, ATTENTION AND ACTION TOWARDS THE HIGHEST GOOD FOR SELF AND OTHERS IS A FLAME I HOLD WITHIN MYSELF".
What an eventful half hour of sky gazing!
Your sky gazing looks like it was not only eventful, but very insightful. We can neither hold the Bright sky nor the dark, irrespective of our preferences it would change. The only choice is to rejoice like you did, and acknowledge and be aware of preferences. Lovely writinig