Reality in Imitation.

In an era dominated by technology and digital facades, the distinction between reality and artifice often blurs. What is real and what is not? Do real things even exist in this pretentious and fake world? We often use the phrase “reality hits hard.” What do we mean by that? Amidst our immersion in this technologically-driven simulation called Life, we must pause to reflect on the authenticity that still surrounds us. We are so busy in this simulation which has been made a mere imitation by technology.

Humans are social animals. But the definition of social has been changed into “social media” by us humans. How much do you post on Instagram? Is it cool enough? Are you cool enough to even exist in this bloody world? These are the things that humans, so-called “social animals” are so much concerned about. This urge for societal acceptance has overshadowed the essence of genuine connection. The growing obsession with external validation has led to a surge in social anxiety. Astonishingly, recent surveys reveal that the anxiety levels among today's youth surpass those of World War II soldiers. The depression that today’s youth faces is higher than the ones who were in war situations, where it was a question of life and death, a matter of survival. This alarming reality reflects a profound disconnect from the essence of being truly social.

We Humans have forgotten the real definition of being social. Being social is having a real engagement in unguarded conversations with another person. A conversation devoid of ulterior motives, or hidden intentions. A conversation without any judgments. You should respect your own opinions because they are part of your personality and ultimately your entire existence. And your existence is the most real thing in this world. It's about cherishing your own opinions as integral facets of identity. We should re-learn what reality actually is.

Have you ever smelt the fragrance of the air you breathe? Have you ever lied down on the grass and felt the grass? Ever kept looking at the sky, clouds, or stars? Ever felt how the breeze feels like when it passes through your body? Ever looked into a random stray dog’s eyes and loved it unconditionally? Did you ever spread happiness? Ever made anyone smile? Ever made your parents proud? These are just the things that I could think of at this moment, but I feel these are the things that are real. Living in the moment and experiencing every precious moment you live in this beautiful world to the fullest. More importantly, your bond with your Family. The relationship with your parents. Is there anything that is more real than this? The unconditional Love, the sense of belonging, the respect, the feeling of home, and whatnot. We often forget to value this. This is what actually matters what we humans should understand. The time that we spend with our parents is so precious that we cannot even tell. We should understand that Life is short and it really is. So, cherish every moment you spend with your family, not just family or parents but also all your real friends, and your loved ones, because these moments are limited. And that is what gives so much worth to these moments, the limit.

Your personality, your opinions, your thinking, and your point of view are so unique in its own way. All the potential you have and all your capabilities are possessed by you for a greater purpose. It’s your moral duty to fulfill your purpose of existence. You possess these capabilities, and skills to contribute to a greater cause and you need to accomplish this. You owe it to your bloodline; you owe it to your creator. Your purpose of existence is another real thing in this fake world. Apart from this, your feelings and emotions are also very significant. You should learn to respect your own feelings and emotions and then only will others respect them. The sense of belonging you get when you are proud of the way you feel is very beautiful and is one of the best feelings. Because it makes you own your opinions and your personality and makes you feel real. We should also learn to respect our own decisions. Like If we decide something we should make sure that we get it done. Because if you do not the question arises, “Do you even respect yourself?” I would also like to mention,

David Goggins' Accountability Mirror teaches us to be real with ourselves and take ownership of our lives.

At the end of the day, we always know that where there is an end there is a beginning, where there is darkness there is light, where there is hatred there is love. So, stay real to yourself and to the people around you, not just people but also the rest of the living beings like the flora and fauna.

- Yash Marle