We are living in very interesting times. Developments in science and technology have made our lives interesting and full of choices. We now earn more money than earlier times. As medical science has provided so many cures, people now live longer. The flip side is that we now suffer more from lifestyle diseases, because economic development means we need to move our limbs less to earn more. Every day, after reading in the newspapers about tragedies, politics, war-mongering and now Covid-19, we long for simpler, less turbulent times.
There is so much to achieve in terms of careers and so much to own and possess. Children have so many choices in education that it has led to confusion. We have multiple choices in everything, from eating to new consumer products. If someone lacks the means to possess them, then it can lead to corrupt ways of getting them. Too many choices can lead to conflicts as well as disappointments for some.
The ‘interesting times’ that we witness today can be a boon to some and a curse for others. Interesting times could also mean times of change ― which can be good or bad, depending on whether one benefits from them or is a loser. Changes can bring progress or upheavals. But which of these two it will be, it is difficult to tell.
But shouldn’t we welcome change rather than fear it? Sometimes change seems chaotic, but over time, chaos leads to a new order once things settle down. The industrial revolution, the Russian and French revolutions, all seemed so chaotic, but after the upheavals, came calm and then progress. After all, these revolutions resulted in a more inclusive and equal society with protection of rights for every individual.
The age of technology brought in excitement into our lives with new inventions that made our life easier and more comfortable. When computers came, people were scared that many people would lose their jobs, because manual keeping of records generated employment opportunities. But all those fears have been dispelled and today we find many more people employed because of computers.
We are living in interesting times because of the changes technology has brought into our lives. However, we need to guard against becoming complacent, for the same comfort that technology brings can become a curse. We already face the problem of people facing many health issues because of inactive lifestyles. Globalisation, for instance, brought the whole world together in so many ways that now the whole world is suffering together because of the Covid-19 pandemic. We are now living the curse of interesting times, but I am sure, some order will finally emerge out of this suffering, too. Nature is recouping and rejuvenating. The speed at which our glaciers were melting has reduced, we are breathing purer air, and our rivers are free of filth. Our world will be better for the future generation.
We all know our desires are insatiable. One desire being fulfilled leads to another want. One gets into the race without knowing where it is going to end. Live is not static, we all know. It is dynamic and thrives on the chase. Let’s be positive and hope to find peace and happiness in life. Happiness is the goal for most humans, but erroneously we are looking for happiness in objects of possession and desire.
Everyone is running after their dreams in the hope that they can relax and enjoy when they fulfil their dreams, but we all know happiness keeps eluding us in the material world. This understanding often comes after more than half our life is gone. Chasing your dreams is a never-ending process and often leads to disillusionment. So, in a way, it can be a curse.
However, if we have the right attitude and intelligence to know when to pause or stop, a curse can be like a blessing in disguise. It is very necessary to get our children to be more conscious about what is good and bad, to make the right choices, and develop a proper attitude towards life and people, so that they find success in the right place and in the right things. It is important for them to live a meaningful life and be smart enough to learn from their mistakes and that of others. We have to learn how to live in gratitude for what we have rather than cry for what we don’t have. Stop living a life of comparison with others. Let’s make the most of what we have with our own efforts rather than being forever dissatisfied thinking of what we do not have.
Covid-19 has made us pause, literally stop in our tracks. The time has come to redefine our goals, take care of nature and not abuse our natural resources. We need to build a more inclusive and equal society. Our Dharma should be service of humanity ― which should be our guiding light.
In these changing times, let us look at the positives ― the brighter side of life.
Nita Agarwal is an ex-Table Tennis State player, qualified teacher, self-taught budding painter, a successful blogger, who writes about her observations of life and people; and most importantly, a working housewife.
Honest reflections.
Time is ever changing. It changes abruptly. Change is its dharma.
And if you go back cautiously, you shall find it had remained interesting all the times. Though the flavor was always different, yet it was interesting always.
When I look at my childhood, my college days, my earlier professional life, my married life, birth of my children, then middle age and now, every portion was interesting. Interesting in its own way.
Yes now there was plenty of material choices, every thing has a cost, it is really difficult to manage both the points.
Everyone is not earning more now. A good chocolate costs 200.00
The material growth has consciously eroded human value. Families have been cut to size. Nucleus family style has reduced compassion and love in human mind. Yes it has remained interesting, with a huge bundle of desires, a much bigger weighing greed and tsunamis of moha. Money has dried humanity.
In these background we are facing the challenge of covid 19.
This pandemic shattered our dream. In a way it brought us back to senses. We had forgotten how timid and helpless we are. It has brought an alive awareness in the world. We are refining ourselves.
Now there is a chance of refinement, interesting refinements. There is an opportunity to dispense with illusion. I see this beautiful positivity of today’s changing times.
Nice reflection teacher jee.
Well said Manasji. Some changes can have negative influence. Need is for those in better position to be more compassionate.
Yes humanity has gone down in the age of technology because survival of the fittest has become the norm. But humanity is not dead as we see so many people came out to help in labour migration time.
Covid has definitely made us pause and reflect and realise that we, humans are not invincible. We have to pay the price of being reckless behaviour. Hopefully a new order and more inclusive society will be it’s final outcome.
Well written blog Nita didi. Yes we need to accept the change, not just because we have no other option than accepting but also to experience how life goes on when so many things have been stopped suddenly, without prior notice and we needed to manage and live happily. We have to go out of our comfort zone and discover new ways and slowly that become new normal.
Thanks for enlightening write up
Regards???
Thanks Shashi and agree with what you have written.
Pleasure reading your articles