Nov. 9, 2012 - inspiration from a road trip
It’s quite interesting how a shift in perspective can
provide for such a different experience in something you’ve already been
through. The view outside the car window as we pass through the towns that lie
between Rishidwar and Delhi have more or less displayed the same reality the
five times I’ve travelled to and from; however,
this time something is different. And if it isn’t what my eyes are seeing then
it has to be how my eyes are seeing. Yes the side of the roads are still
littered with garbage and small heaps of the trash is burning as the poisonous
flames are being fumed in by those in close vicinity. The starving ‘holy’ cows
fester on the left overs that haven’t already been snatched up by the stray
dogs which in most cases are plastic bags. And of course there are the usual
slums and begging children. But this time something is completely different. I don’t
see these scenes as sad scenarios that have happened to people by an
unfortunate set of circumstances. No. We did this. You, me, each one of us. We
as a human race have put ourselves here in this mess. We’re so afraid. We’re
afraid we’ll get left behind, we’re so afraid that if we let go and believe in
a higher, greater good, we’ll get thrown under and our neighbour who didn’t get
trapped by this so called ‘higher’ thinking will be one step ahead and closer
to winning this apparent race we’re in. We’re all trying so hard to keep
pushing forward without knowing what the destination is. The old Puja wants to cry. The one that used
to hurt for these souls, the one who used to see the pain in the eyes of a
crippled beggar and pray she could make it all better. But not Me. I know I can
never do enough in this physical world for these people. I can’t take away
their pain permanently. Sure I can hand them rupees and perhaps make them smile
for a little longer that day but that’s not going lift them up. A few extra
rupees from my hand to theirs will only confirm a reality they’ve become so
accustomed to. No. What I used to perceive as ‘helping’ isn’t helping. What I
used to believe as ‘selfish’ is actually the only thing each of us can and
should do. Be you and you 100%. Step up. Don’t quietly step into the position
you think you’re meant to be in, the place you’re so convinced you’re supposed
to be in, the situation you assume you should be in. Don’t accept the truth of
what others tell you as the only one, don’t shy away from your own strength
which can create or destroy anything. Don’t fear your own power, your own
godliness. You, just you, have the power to change the world. Accept that
truth. Don’t play in this world as though you’ve stepped into someone else’s
sandbox. Your job is to build your own playground, build it any which way you
like. Rip it up and make a mess, this world is yours to dance up a storm in. So
stop being a wallflower, blast your own music and dance to your own rhythm and
it may just be then that your neighbour will flow suite, crank his stereo and
start busting a move. Dance folks, fucking dance your ASS OFF!!!!
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