10/09/2024
September is the month when we say ‘Embrace Life’ to remind people that, despite all the ups and downs, life is valuable and we matter more than we know.
In times when people are drowning in darkness and feel totally defeated , there are two ways to bring them to shore safely.
One is to tell them how they can navigate dark currents and the other is to extend a kind helping hand. Two posts I read recently stayed with me in terms of what they communicate around these themes.
The first one is about Riptides by Sahil Bloom. He says:
A riptide is a strong ocean current that flows directly away from the shore. A swimmer caught in a riptide is pulled out into the open water. The obvious instinct is to fight the current, but it's entirely wrong. Even the best swimmers are unable to fight against that current.
The recommended course of action is to relax and let it take you out into the open water. You conserve energy by not fighting the riptide, but once the current dissipates, use your energy to return to shore once outside its grasp.
At certain times in your life, there are going to be subtle, hidden, internal and external forces conspiring against you. In these moments, your instincts will tell you to fight back and you'll breathe faster, push harder, and strain against them at no avail.
You may be caught in a dark riptide; and as you now know, the best course of action is the opposite of what your immediate instincts tell you. In these moments, when you feel the current is too strong to resist, allow it wash over you. Once it inevitably dissipates, you will have the energy and fortitude to safely navigate to your destination.
So remember, when everything seems against you and you feel trapped and defeated, just let that moment pass.
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The second story is from my friend Ninad Vengurlekar who shares a personal anecdote. He narrates:
I go to buy ladi pav (a Mumbai variety of bread) at a small bakery in Bandra. The pav are freshly made and soft. I compliment the bakery guy, who thanks me with a smile. Along with the pav, I also order 4 packs of Amul Lassi. An old lady, maybe around 70 years old was standing next to me listening to our conversation.
“How is Amul Lassi?” she asked……“Its very good Ma’am. You should try it.” I said….“Thanks. I think I will buy it soon. The pav is very good no?”…….“It is. I think today it is unusually soft.” I replied.
As we talk, it starts to drizzle outside. I have 2 carry bags in my hand. So I decide to wait for the rain to subside.
“Where do you stay son?”……..“Quite close by, about 200 m from here” I said…..“You will get wet going back home. Here, take this umbrella” she offered…..“No Ma’am. It’s a light drizzle, I will reach home quickly.”…..“Ok son. Take care. Don’t get wet. Bye.”
I didn’t know what to say to the lady. I was stumped by her kindness. I didn’t know how to react because what she said was completely illogical in the modern world.
As she started to slowly walk away from me, my mind was doing calculations…What if I had taken her umbrella? How would I have returned it? Why would she offer her umbrella to me and get wet herself? How can someone trust a stranger in Mumbai? What’s wrong with her?
Then it dawned on me that what she indulged in was a random act of kindness which doesn’t need complicated calculations. She knows that it pays back one way or another. By offering her umbrella to a stranger, she has put the onus on me to pay it forward.
This is the thing about kindness. It creates a ripple effect by encouraging others to be kind. It leads to increased feelings of happiness and contentment to the giver and the receiver, thereby creating a more compassionate society.
The true value of kindness transcends all logic and intelligence. Yet, it is the most powerful change agent in the world. It also saves lives.
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September 10th is globally recognized as World Su***de Prevention Day
EMBRACE LIFE | REACH OUT
When the going gets tough, watch for these signs.
Lack of purpose, withdrawal, sudden mood changes, increased drug or alcohol use, putting affairs in order, giving away possessions, feeling hopeless, helpless, or desperate, talking about self-harm.
If you notice any of these signs in yourself, your family or your colleagues, reach out to them and extend and kindness or helping hand.
