Keep the freshness in you alive

There is infinite spontaneity and creativity unfolding every moment in nature. Every day the sun rises but every sunrise is uniquely beautiful. This is true for our experiences as we go through life as well - everything is the same and yet everything is different.

Though change is a constant factor in the universe, certain changes leave a permanent impression on the human psyche. Whether positive or negative, these impressions rule our life. To be free from them and act from there is true awakening. These moments of awakening have not left anyone's life untouched, although they occur frequently for some and rarely for others.

Revising events of the past once in a while has two benefits – One, it reinforces your understanding and wisdom and second, it releases unwanted traits, which influence your thinking and behaviour sub-consciously.

Looking back, the fear and anxiety that has gripped our world in the past few months is due to terrorism. Asia, Africa, Europe and even America have suffered on this account to a great extent. Under the circumstances, it is imperative for us not to let these memories colour our thinking and lead us down the path of paranoia and prejudice.

Often when a challenge or crisis arises in society, we have a tendency to slip into a cave and say, "It is not my problem. Someone else should solve it." In the current global scenario, we are left with no choice but to take responsibility for the whole planet.

In the middle ages, when a problem in one part of the world, the other part did not even know about it. Today, with technology the comfort zone and conflict zone are not very far apart.

Our part of the world also is not unaffected by developments there. The last year saw a huge boogieman created out of the issue of intolerance. I would say India is too complacent and does need more intolerance but towards inequality, injustice and corruption.

Both tolerance and intolerance when misplaced are equally bad. Tolerance need not be complacency and intolerance need not be aggression.

Any issue or conflict becomes much easier to deal with and solve, when we are willing to stretch our hand first. Earlier last year, we were able to reach out to Colombia's biggest rebel group, which resulted in a ceasefire, ending a 50-year old conflict with their government.

This is the era of unprecedented interdependence. We need to come out of our isolated shells and become a part of something bigger and more beautiful, both individually and globally.

The love and warmth that everybody carries within just needs the right environment to be brought out. Coming together in spirit itself creates an atmosphere of celebration.

Life is a very fine balance of learning and unlearning, of being involved and being detached. Finding this delicate balance keeps the freshness alive and that is the Art of Living. When you move in life with a big vision, your connection with Nature is re-established.

Though situations are the same, you are ever fresh and different. You no longer watch Nature's spontaneity unfolding from a distance, you become an expression of it.

— Sri Sri Ravi Shankar