Sensory Pursuits in Conflict with Inner Yearnings

Our life is a puzzle and could remain as one. We do not know where we were or where we go, if anywhere at all; it can as well be a full stop. Of course, our inner yearnings tell us it should continue at another level. Though body decays in front of our own eyes even when alive and more so when dead, the inner spirit or soul cannot die and should reach another realm. We have our own religious beliefs to mould our character, carried over from thousands of years.

Our birth is a miracle and death could also be another! But none comes back to tell the after-life tale! Maybe, it could be something beyond our comprehension to even bother them to return with the story! Once finished it is done for, and why bother those still having to fulfill their karmas or whatever we believe in. We should not, on our own accord, return sooner before our time is called; that is supported by all beliefs.

We come in ever innocent but slowly have to adjust to a world of our making! The nature is mostly inviting and benevolent. Of course, we have to spread our risks and take basic precautions. We take in the sights, the realities with gusto but soon enough faced with some harsh truths to overcome. We have to fight to stay relevant and even to live. Nothing comes easy as everyday is a challenge; that applies to all species. None shakes its legs or tails to be served forever on a platter!

Despite some bravado, we want peace to benefit one and all and to be left alone to pursue own interests. But we have to face up to certain realities and cannot shut ourselves in a cocoon. We are a social being, finding pleasure and meaning through interaction with others. Of course, conflicts are the order of the day as many want to assert their position in life; this applies also to all species. The survival of the fittest is accepted as the norm!

Our life is meant to have meaning till the last but we cannot rest on our laurels! Every five years or so, our outlook changes with the times and the experiences, some bitter to the core! We have to adjust and compromise to stay relevant till the last. Those who are steadfast and uncompromising will lead a rather lonely life; even a miserable one! The world is unforgiving and many have to swallow their pride big time! Some do while others languish on the sidelines, licking the wounds and live on past glory!

We pursue what interests us but the inner yearnings can never be trifled with! They come back with a vengeance often creating havoc in our conscience. A prudent way is to go with the crowd but to remain steadfast with those ideals that do not strain our nerves! For me, the business world is dicey to live with the hype and the greed, but I do appreciate those who pursue their goals uncompromisingly. They get great satisfaction in meeting their goals and that overrides other priorities in life. It becomes the life for them!

But for a saner life of temperance meets with lots of approval than the mad frenzy to get ahead! The times to smell the roses, feel and be part of nature at its most resplendent are the moments to savor. Those moments cool the heart and also come free! The yearnings to love each other are a basic instinct but our own inhibitions and perceived lack of time come in the way. We are mostly on all-out pursuit to satisfy our senses but reflection of our lives brings in great satisfaction and shows us the way forward. We make course corrections and reject those that prove to be our liabilities. We need to be in constant touch with our inner yearnings and make the needed sacrifices. Some will feel money can solve all our woes and more of it should be made than wasting much time to think of ways to live with a defeatist attitude. But the inner yearnings for balance, meaning and diversity should prevail. Each has own choices but the herd mentality is too tempting, not to lose out to others. The world will be a better place, if we paused and thought about the consequences of our actions than just getting overcome by emotions. Let the inner yearnings and our conscience save us from going overboard in our pursuits. Our mother earth has given us all and more; we need also to show our gratitude than finish the race with nothing much to show for it! Let us prepare ourselves for the real journey beyond!