Monday 27 August 2012

Independence by Benjamin Rajendra Dass

          
          Come to think of it, everyone has their own way or has had experienced in cutting themselves loose from bondage, whether it be physical or emotional. A certain type of satisfaction, or others may say 'eternal happiness that kills', is achieved when that certain stumbling block, which stopped and hindered ones progress since the rock of ages, is finally leaped over. Relief beyond degree oozes out from every pore making one feels as though he or she is untouchable and the term 'infinity' does not mean a thing but just another stone.
          Independence. Just one word that gives a deep meaning to those who cherish yet understands it. Many people take independence as something revolving around chaos, machine guns, the adrenaline of warfare and bloodshed. Is that the true meaning of independence? Or does the underlying meaning is only apparent to those limited and selected? Or it is something of a secretive meaning hiding and awaiting to be discovered? Only those who have gone through it will truly understand this simple concept, said most, but is that reality or is that just a myth?
     One thing is for sure, it is not easy to obtain it but once gained, it is owned for life. At least, that is what John thought as he looked, day after day, dreading attending school. John had nothing happening in his life. His family; a stranger he is felt, his class; an enemy he is seen. Innocence was just a stage, and a fool he felt, being on it acting all his way through life. Continuously, he thought of how he could escape everyone and everything. What is seen is a sore to his eyes, what is felt is an ache to his heart, a striking spear that pierced the core of his being? Because of his parents distrust towards him, he paid for his tuition fees leaving nothing to himself. Getting tricked and deceived by siblings was what he felt, abandoned and alienated, he had to make his own decisions and fend for himself. No matter how hard he struggles, his seemed blissful life dragged him down, over and over, again.
          What is he to do? He firstly opts to re-try; accompanies by his two best friends, he tries to pick up the pieces but defenseless he feels and again, falls until he hits rock bottom. Luck was soon at his side when he stumbles upon his old tuition teacher who pulls him to the surface.
          Then, this particular old tuition teacher had actually noticed and detected John's suffering, plastered over his naive face, reading him like an opened book. However, no action was taken, no deed was done, to ease John's burden and to alleviate John's troubles. He did not want to impose and pry as to what had brought this young boy to be in this rut that he was in. He thought that if the boy needed his assistance, the boy would come to him. Unfortunately, the boy he had just seen had changed considerably. The battered soul was now evident from his appearance; a hunched back, a shambled walk and a wrinkled face, depicting years beyond his true age. He approached John in his free will, pleading John to accept his assistance. John, in turn, was out of his wits, opened up his trust to this man whom he saw 'from another world', and embraced the offered help. Among the aids extended, this man left him with a phrase of his own, 'Dear John, do seek your own selfish longing'. John was left to ponder and understand what this means and what would his life be if he executed the true meaning of this powerful phrase.
          Ergo, John picked up the pieces and continued with his life. Holding a stable job and a steady income, he was much appreciated of life and what revolved around him. Is this still considered independence? If it is then, in what term is it considered? It all started from the moment he decided to change, the moment he said, 'No more!' That very moment when he started to not just walk, but run, competing with the speed of light, that very moment he wanted to trash down the bonds of unhappiness. So, is holding a secured job not satisfying enough? It is definitely better than a poor soul being lost forever, in itself, being defined as, independence.
          




Sunday 12 August 2012

Changes


Some people prefer to spend their lives doing the same things and avoid changes. Others, however, think that change is always a good thing. Discuss both views and give your own opinions.
The pleasure of sitting down on a bench early in the morning, watching the sun’s rays breaking through the chilled air, listening to birds chirping and humming about, feeling the wet air touches soft tender skin and breathing the fresh air. Picturing it with closed eyes oozes feelings of desire and as the day prolongs, wishful thinking fills our imagination with great humble. One could wake up to that every single morning for the rest of their lives, whereas, some would beg to differ.
Some people are just hungry for adventure. Even 30 minutes of the same thing could either make or break their day. Being monotonous in the signature of life for them would mean not progressing. Some would go to extends of risking their lives in the name of adventure. People, like of those, look at changes as something of a good guilty pleasure that they feed and thrive on. For example, early morning coffee and miraculously change their day. How? With excess milk added to the coffee, different patterns are made to please the drinkers. So, as the drinker indulges in it, a little smile breaks up apart from its strong, awakening smell. Change has never been bad but to the extreme, it could be lethal.
Others would rather stick to their main routine, day by day, and would be content on that. Eating the same food in the same coffee shop every morning for the rest of their slothful lives would be of extreme delight to them. They prefer monotonous compared to melodious thundering with rhythm as change was never their taste. To be cooped up in their own little world is of delight to the them. To do what they love, to do what seems important to them. Change for them means disaster or in other words, bad luck! With the routine they have, they do not feel it is important to change to change what gives them constant happiness because change would have a probability of either making someone exploded with happiness and a sense of accomplishment, or it could just be a complete disaster and bitter sadness as things may not have worked out for the best. Indifference is sometimes good but of constant, it can destroy a person mentally.
In my opinion, a bit of both cakes is lovely enough. Having a large chunk of one would lead to being bored of the same taste or having a large chunk of the other would bring about migraines and of others as it is too rich and colorful, rest is needed. Sometimes doing the same thing and avoiding changes in certain aspects does create tender, self-indulged happiness. It is something cherished and looked forward for, day after day, for example, meeting your best friend at a coffee stand and chatting for an hour everyday can change the total mindset of the day. A little of change is also good in its own way. For example, when working out different muscle groups, knowing that every day, different muscle are being trained bringing about a total development bursts enthusiasm, where one can’t wait for the next workout.
Different people have different liking based on variety of personalities existing. Both, to be monotonous and to be as water, shape-shifting every time is good in it is own way altogether. What is most important that adapting and progressing mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually should be taken care of? Moderation in everything is important and vital and an extreme in anything is always of danger.
Benjamin Dass
Assalam. It has been many donkey months since I have up dated my blog. So much has happened during my absence. Allah's will has determined. I am only a follower...