Are you leading an easy and equally a busy life? Surely, it is not that easy to lead such a life, but it is not that difficult either. Here easy life does not signify a less worthy or performing life and remaining busy does not mean leading an unbalanced or unorganised life. Truly speaking, life is basically simple and easy to live, but most of us make it complex and burdensome by our own doings. Lord Krishna told Arjuna during the Kurukshetra War fought between Pandavas and Kauravas, “Do your best and forget about the rest.” Just think for a moment what else is in your hand except to abide by this eternal truth of life. It is interesting that famous film actor Dev Anand was shown singing a philosophical song written by Sahir Ludhianvi in Hindi film 'Hum Dono' released in 1961, where the first two lines (Main jindagi ka saath nivaata chala gaya, har firkr ko dhuyen mein udata chala gaya) underlines the essence of living an easy life. In my opinion, the theme of the song is inspired by what Lord Krishna told Arjuna as stated hereinabove.
In this competitive and dynamic world where changes take place very frequently, you must continue to take the best of efforts to achieve your goal. If you succeed, it's fine, otherwise be wise to take it as another enriching experience of your life. But are you taking your life in this way or getting agitated or perturbed when faced with any adverse situation? Isn’t it an important point which requires your serious attention and mindful thinking? Okay. For now, just enjoy the reply of one of the greatest scientists, inventors and business leaders of the world Thomas Alva Edison to a question about his failure more than thousand times before the landmark discovery of the Electric Bulb. He said, "I have not failed. I have just tried more than a thousand ways that didn't work."
Another example of Edison was his inimitable quality of taking life easy even at a time when he was watching his own factory that was set up with huge investment burning to ashes right before his own eyes. He commented, "Whatever happens, it's good. All my shortcomings are burnt. Now, by God's grace, I can start afresh." And we know well, "God helps those who help themselves". Very interestingly, it came true when Edison invented the phonograph just after a few weeks of this fire accident. You would be thrilled to know that Edison, who had formal education of only three months in a school because of his persistent questioning to his teacher, in the end, had more than 1100 patents and fourteen companies including the famous General Electric to his credit.
Yes, some people may argue that it is easier said than practised. But if some people can practise it well, why not you? Anyway, if you look around, you will find several such geniuses who created history in respective fields of life that sometimes seem unimaginable, by following the principle of taking life easy and keeping themselves busy in a positive manner. History books are full of such amazing real life success stories which inspire millions of people throughout the world. However, many people still opt for an uneasy life leaving the simple one, knowingly or unknowingly, and in the process wasting lots of time, money and energy despite knowing pretty well that there is a direct link between uneasy living and growing stress.
Life is no doubt complex but is equally full of suspense and surprises – that makes life adventurous and guarantees it not to become insipid, stereotype and boring. Each new day starts for us with lots of hope and concludes with some success, some failures and lots of dreams. In this daily process of desire, hopes and expectations on one side and accomplishments, despairs and newer experiences on the other side, in a real sense, we could discover what life is all about.
There is no denying the fact that at times we get
perturbed, confused, disillusioned as to what to do now and what is the exit
route. In such situations, take a few moments off, close your eyes, breathe
deep for some time and also try to say to yourself: "what have you lost or
going to lose that you are grieving for. What had you brought with you (at
the time of birth) that you claim to have lost." Anyway, it is never
too late to mend. Just think over this issue and review your day’s engagements
for suitable improvements on a regular basis.
As always, I'm keen to know what you think on this subject. Hence, I request you to post your comments to share your valuable opinion. (hellomilansinha@gmail.com)
# Published in my Sunday Column of "Morning India" daily.
