How to get rid of confusions

We get confused sometime, and this happens because of conflict. Our mind has accumulated many things that we consider right or wrong. When we are in a situation that does not agree with our values, we get confused. The problem particularly happens when what we are experiencing seems contradictory to what we hold inside us. Our prejudices make us see things through a colored lens. We do not see things as they are but as we want to see them.

So why does this happen ? The answer is variety. The world would be a dull place if we had everyone agreeing to everything. People have picked up various experiences throughout life and this pretty much dictates their outlook. One reason why we get confused is, because we don’t view things objectively. By this, I mean, seeing things the way they are. We mix our notions and preferences to all situations. Often, we see strongly opinionated people who vehemently oppose things that they disagree with. While there are other people who feel offended, at times.

The confusion applies to the world of technology also. You see, software is a set of abstractions. Layers built upon layers. If a program has to communicate with another program, both of them have to be at a particular level, to get the handshake going. For example, if say that data has to be passed between two programs, then the data should be in an agreed upon format. If they are talking through JSON (Javascript Object Notation) then both have to be able to parse JSON text. Else, if they are talking on XML (Extensible Markup Language) then both must have an XML parser. This is at the data level. At process level sharing happens through REST (Representational State Transfer), a way of communicating.

The difference between programs and human beings is that we talk at many levels at once, while a program can operate only on one instruction, at a particular time. This is the architecture of most of the processors. It’s called SIMD (Single Instruction, Multiple Data). We can fight confusion in many ways. Some of them are :

• Don’t react in any situation.
• View things objectively.
• Focus on the receiver (Gauge his/her level)
• Maintain a diary (Jot down the experience, things will start becoming clear)
• Question our values

A broad outlook on life sometimes helps. Confusions come and go. It’s all within our mind. Look at nature. Do you come across any contradictions? No. Everything has been crafted out of wit and it all works as seamlessly as possible.

Deep inside each one of us, is the answer to all questions. Access this well, and you will realize that the only thing that is stopping you from reaching that clarity is yourself. So get out of your own way.

((Rajesh Menon))