Know Thyself

We are social animals. We were conditioned to socialise and meet people, have conversations with them, share our thoughts and opinions.

It is indeed a great exercise. We make possible frequent meetings with our closest and dearest friends, have a heart-to-heart talk with. And it does make you feel lighter and happier. This is truly rejuvenating.

Yet, we forget to spend the time with that one person whom we need the most. Our very own selves. There is some kind of awkwardness that descends when we are all alone. We squirm and feel jittery to be in our own companies. At most, we can stay still for a few minutes. This gives way to the temptation of grabbing our phones or the television remote to keep our minds entertained.

The art of enjoying our selves is slowly diminishing. There is this constant thirst to keep talking and keep our minds occupied. What are we running away from?

Our thoughts.

Yes, you may deny it, but that’s the truth. We are too scared to listen to what we want to tell ourselves that we find ways to shut it off. Through external stimuli.

But why? Why is it that we fear ourselves? Why is it that we choose to ignore what we think and go by what others think for us?

This may seem really silly at first. But if we find a few minutes each day (or even once a week) to sit quietly and listen to our inner voices, a lot of what is happening in our lives will be crystal clear. And while at it, we need to make sure that we are just listening and not judging our thoughts. No matter how bizarre they are, all we need to do is listen to them, without putting any tags.

Easier said than done, I know. I am making a conscious effort myself this year to spend some quality time alone. Doing what I like to do. Sometimes write and sometimes just sit silently. Trust me, it is hard. Do not take this as discouraging. We need to give it time. We need to give ourselves time.

All that I do know is that the outcome of this activity will be good. Good for the mind. Good for the soul.

It is said that we need to get out of our comfort zone. The first thought that pops up in our mind when we hear “comfort zone” is facing our fear of heights or water or such other “external” fears.

Rather than all of that, why don’t we ever think about facing our thoughts? Now isn’t that getting out of your comfort zone?

So, try it out. It does not matter how long it takes for you to get comfortable. Just keep going.
Kyunki darr ke aagey jeet hai! 😄

Until next time, stay blessed!

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