Political

Current times requires us to be extremely aware of what we think, how we think and what we say – as words are going to be judged and evaluated. There are a 100 things that one is forced to think just to state a simple fact or even express a simple feeling about something or just share an observation. Indeed, qualities of discussing, sharing, empathizing, understanding, listening are becoming rare as days go by. All above tendencies were nonjudgmental by their nature and offered a solace for the person who wanted to say something. These tendencies lets a person who he or she is, helps the person to accept his/her tendency and helps him/her to define life for himself/herself at his/her own terms and pace.

These tendencies are becoming replaced by competition, accuracy, efficiency; fast pace of time, sole importance to intellect, optimization, planning, perfection – all a result of isolation and individualism. The emphasis is to shout, be loud and clear and to confirm or objectify or to take a stand as soon as possible. One is required to confirm to something – an idea, a process, or a product. Have people lost their ability to accept anything that doesn’t fall into the known rules? If the digital age was required to bring about freedom to thoughts, then it can also bring about more chains to thoughts.

Sociology maybe about the study of human behavior, but by slotting them into parameters of age, gender, language, ethnicity, colour (and other forms of discrimination or power equations), what we end up is a belief that thought is just political by its origin and therefore, will end up discriminating something and the only way to destabilize power is to target the social constructs that create such power structures. In the end, power just gets displaced, but doesn’t vanish all together from the system of existence.

To experience freedom then, is to think, feel, do and say without any kind of a burden about the past or the future or any kind of social construct or any political intent. I wish to say something, because I feel like saying something – not because I am required to do so. I wish to remain silent without offering any explanations should be felt as natural an instinct as the flowering of petals.

There are many factors that endanger the experience of remaining natural to our heart. Lack of time (and therefore introspection) is related to it. Changes at phenomenal rates, identification with thoughts and irrational emotions and beliefs - all contribute to this burden.

The basic burden to be kept aside is the identification with the phenomenon and causes of body and mind. Fear, being blown up to all forms of political equations. Whatever one does, one acts or says or runs around or tries to be busy – one cannot fool oneself, if one is operating from fear (or any intent for that matter).

Therefore, what is your intent of operating? Intent needs to grow to an awareness of universal empathy, compassion, focus, patience, time, gratitude, hope, courage, common good. By practicing in our thoughts, processes and actions, we will hopefully be as simple as is required.