The natural tendency of us normal humans is to romanticise the past and dream the future. Anything at a distance is always "greener". However, most often - good from far, is far from good! Which therefore makes our "now" reality a shattered dream. The wise one is the one that only experience of life's reality is "now" . And that by definition is a mixed bag. There are no free lunches for anyone. Fun is negotiating the "now".
Social media makes it appear that everybody else's life is a party and yours is a minefield of challenges. I always say (Hindi) - Door se dekha ubalte ande, paas aaye tho uchalthe ganje!!
There is always an other world in which we are living very happily. Sometimes it is the neighbor’s house; at others it is a vivid picture our imagination paints. We deny and cope with the perceived shortcomings of the present, to live in these greener pastures. So well said, Pras.
Actions taken to match the greener grass could be time consuming so much so that our own grass has turned yellow! Easier said than done that one needs to be happy with what they have.
On the other hand our worries are like grass. Even as we mow them they continue to grow.
The moral of the story is to enjoy the current life to its fullest as uncertainties are not in one’s hands.
Bang on, yet again! Each one of your posts has a message and there are times when I compare your posts (yes, comparison here too) and ask myself which has a better message. "Ek se badkar ek" are your posts.
Comparison begins with toys and persists so long as we are alive. आदमी अपने दुखी से इतना दुखी नही जितना वो दूसरे के सुख से दुखी है। Comparison extends to almost every aspect of our life, be it increment, promotion or even when we order food at any restaurant. Yes, you read it right. The food ordered by the guy at the adjacent table often appears to be more tasty than the one ordered by us. But, not every comparison leads to envy. In the restaurant example cited above, one doesn't envy the guy at the adjacent table.
Talking of comparison reminds me of a story.
Once upon a time, there lived a young boy who wanted to have a new pair
of shoes. The boy's parents tried their best to tell him that buying a new pair
of shoes would be a waste of money as his old shoes were still usable, but
the boy wouldn't listen. He continued to sulk and complain.
One day, on his way to school, he saw a lame boy who, let alone having no
shoes did not have legs. The boy immediately realised his mistake and
thanked God for giving him a healthy body.
Our lives are too short to count the blessings that each one of us have. So, contentment, indeed, is the greatest wealth.
I often tend to think why I can't write such interesting posts like you. So, comparison here too. But, then I tell myself [कहाँ राजा भोग (प्रसन्ना), कहाँ गंगू तेली (शंकर)]!😊
The natural tendency of us normal humans is to romanticise the past and dream the future. Anything at a distance is always "greener". However, most often - good from far, is far from good! Which therefore makes our "now" reality a shattered dream. The wise one is the one that only experience of life's reality is "now" . And that by definition is a mixed bag. There are no free lunches for anyone. Fun is negotiating the "now".
Social media makes it appear that everybody else's life is a party and yours is a minefield of challenges. I always say (Hindi) - Door se dekha ubalte ande, paas aaye tho uchalthe ganje!!
Excellent observations TK. Thank you!!
two observations, Gurugale -
1. Tongue in Cheek indeed your quip - "Tender Sure or not, one is sure to trip on the pavement and cross the street with one's heart in the mouth."
What a certificate to this quality of work carried out by our city planners and administrators!
2. Wonder how the Danes perceive Greenland as - Greener than their place or whiter? ;)
There is always an other world in which we are living very happily. Sometimes it is the neighbor’s house; at others it is a vivid picture our imagination paints. We deny and cope with the perceived shortcomings of the present, to live in these greener pastures. So well said, Pras.
Thank you Uma. Very nicely put.
Actions taken to match the greener grass could be time consuming so much so that our own grass has turned yellow! Easier said than done that one needs to be happy with what they have.
On the other hand our worries are like grass. Even as we mow them they continue to grow.
The moral of the story is to enjoy the current life to its fullest as uncertainties are not in one’s hands.
Bang on, yet again! Each one of your posts has a message and there are times when I compare your posts (yes, comparison here too) and ask myself which has a better message. "Ek se badkar ek" are your posts.
Comparison begins with toys and persists so long as we are alive. आदमी अपने दुखी से इतना दुखी नही जितना वो दूसरे के सुख से दुखी है। Comparison extends to almost every aspect of our life, be it increment, promotion or even when we order food at any restaurant. Yes, you read it right. The food ordered by the guy at the adjacent table often appears to be more tasty than the one ordered by us. But, not every comparison leads to envy. In the restaurant example cited above, one doesn't envy the guy at the adjacent table.
Talking of comparison reminds me of a story.
Once upon a time, there lived a young boy who wanted to have a new pair
of shoes. The boy's parents tried their best to tell him that buying a new pair
of shoes would be a waste of money as his old shoes were still usable, but
the boy wouldn't listen. He continued to sulk and complain.
One day, on his way to school, he saw a lame boy who, let alone having no
shoes did not have legs. The boy immediately realised his mistake and
thanked God for giving him a healthy body.
Our lives are too short to count the blessings that each one of us have. So, contentment, indeed, is the greatest wealth.
I often tend to think why I can't write such interesting posts like you. So, comparison here too. But, then I tell myself [कहाँ राजा भोग (प्रसन्ना), कहाँ गंगू तेली (शंकर)]!😊
Wow! Shankar, your comments were illuminating and amazing. Thank you!!!