A PEACE OF MIND or ‘A PIECE’ OF MIND???
What is an irritant? An irritant is one that does not deserve attention, but cannot be denied attention. A simple example is that insignificant particle, caught between your sole and the shoes. There are far greater issues that deserve your attention than that insignificant particle. But, till it gets the required attention, it will keep irritating you. It will live up to its definition of being an irritant. Usually, we suffer an irritant long enough, and finally give it the attention required. But, why finally? Why not immediately? Won't it save you from all that unwanted disturbance?
In the midst of a very important conversation the hand phone rings. You will continue the conversation, trying to overlook the ring tone, but eventually you will pick up the call and utter the mobile mantra, “Can I call you back?” But, why eventually? Why not give it the momentary attention required and free yourself of the lasting disturbance. Get done with this one call, and then switch off the phone.
What is disturbing us on a day-to-day basis are seldom the major issues. Our day is punctuated with irritants that don't deserve attention, but cannot be denied attention. The driver coming late, the maid not turning up, the dress not ironed properly, lunch box not closed properly, a phone from a call centre, people telling us the history of watch making when we had asked for the time, having to explain ourselves to those who should be trusting us the most, a vehicle parked in front of our gate, power cut, chewing gum in the armrest, spam mails, irrelevant forwards, unnecessary SMSs, a co-passenger with bad breath, ever-complaining colleague, a non-factual judgement about you, etc…
What deserves to be only a punctuation should never become the script. What's supposed to be fleeting should never become the permanent. Your peace deserves greater attention than the factors that invade to disturb your peace. But, the fact is that you cannot turn away from the assault of irritants. What cannot be avoided must be faced. It is the delay in giving the irritant the needed attention that actually causes the entire disturbance. Simply give the irritant that momentary attention; give it immediately; and give it without allowing it to disturb you. Get done with it and move on. Now, you can focus on what you want to focus on.
Those who don't learn to deal with the irritants of their life, eventually become an irritant in the lives of others.
You are bigger than everything you face. Your peace is more important than anything that passes by you. Leave small things small. And, focus on the bigger things of life. Learn to let go :) Let Live :)
Till next time,
With Love,
Karthik :)