Flowing river or stagnant pool

 

Sangam, Badami, Karnataka

There is a peculiar phenomenon which happens to me. Occasionally, I remember with utmost clarity some experiences which may have happened long back in the past as if it happened just now. It is like something getting pulled out of the archive and replayed right now right here in front of my eyes. During this replay, my attention goes to what I was experiencing and thinking when the incident happened. After the screening is over, it becomes an interesting exercise to analyze the past experiences and thoughts in light of the knowledge of how things actually unfolded over the years.

Sounds abstract and abstruse?

No worries. It will be all clear with examples.

1. I "judged" other students in school and college as good/bad students. After decades, I see all of them doing well in life and I'm proud of them.
Takeaway: Life has a plan for everyone and makes things happen in its own way and at its own pace. Point in time judgements have only point in time validity.

2. I "judged" people for their spiritual (un)awareness. After decades, I hear the same person speak spiritual truths out of personal experience and not as bookish knowledge.
I feel on top of the world to have spiritual deep dives with the same person.
Takeaway: It may not stay the same way forever. Sometimes the transformation can stun you to the core. Life can be unbelievably magical.

3. I wanted to pursue law and become a lawyer. My mom didn't let that happen and wanted to make me an engineer. I thought I became an engineer because my mom forced me to.
Many decades later I know how much I love engineering and technology. I become like a kid (amazed and overjoyed) when I'm into it.
Takeaway: Are likes/dislikes, passions, values written in stone such that they will never change?

4. As a kid, I liked a lots of things I saw in shops - stationery, dress, toys and other things and wanted to buy them but my family didn't have money.
Decades later I can afford things and do buy them when I feel like it but more importantly, I don't feel like buying things which I can easily afford. I'm happy with little or less.
Takeaway: Life manifests differently at different points in time. Life can give you not only resources you desire but valuable abilities you explicitly didn't seek.

5. Decades ago when I wanted electronics components for my projects, I had to struggle a lot to get them. I used to wonder if I could get them with less effort. Today, I pick up the smartphone and after a few clicks it is delivered home in a day or two. It is mind-blowing to imagine what all goes behind the scenes to make this experience possible for a customer.
Takeaway: All of life and everyone in it is working to make your desires come true and make your life comfortable. Pay it back by working to make the desires of others come true and make others' life comfortable.

PS. Originally published on September 17, 2017 on Facebook.