Sri Lanka, June 17 -- In the psyche of modern society, there seems to be a lack of inter-relatedness. We may see a huge mass of humanity converging each day on our streets; going to work, or going home after. Yet we fail to recognize the need for a communality of our aims. The new vision of reality shows that all social movements are going in the same direction. We can expect the various movements to flow together and form a powerful force for social change. Yet fear hinders this flow.
Do we not see a harmonious inter-relatedness in nature? The eco systems complement and sustain each other. Humanity too, has to achieve a state of dynamic balance. The survival of our whole civilization may depend on whether we too can bring about a state of inter-relatedness.
If we look at ourselves, we see that we are comfortable only with like-minded people. Anybody having a different way of looking at things disturbs us. This would naturally give rise to fear in our hearts. Yet we are called to not entertain fear as a destructive force for what it is, but as a stepping stone to liberation. In this regard, we see politicians of all parties manifesting such fear. It is pitiable seeing them paranoid over their security. Recognizing their negative emotion however, is a stepping stone for liberating themselves from fear for social ascendancy. Having a positive attitude of wanting to touch and relate to the people on the street would bring about their own popularity.
In families we may live together with each other, yet fear of being hurt or unable to cope with demands of family members, makes us hide within ourselves and live in seclusion. We could hide behind the internet, TV or any other distractive activity. The weaker ones could take cover in various forms of addiction, drugs, liquor, sex, clubs or fashions. The struggle to interact is awakened. Moment by moment, make those little efforts to communicate and relate in family till we overcome our own fears and weaknesses for inner freedom.
Another alarming feature in our metropolis is the prevalence of high walls protecting our houses. We have lost our culture and identity of the village concept. Could it not be the psyche of fear that has crept in through haphazard and one sided economic growth at the expense of those who could not make it?
Many have lived among neighbours that they have hardly seen or spoken to. Gone are the days when private lanes were places, neighbours gathered, seated on chairs, sharing tattle, time, tea and the latest gossip.
What does inter-connectedness or communication do?
We learn skills in communication, which is sadly lacking today; emotional growth is assured, this would take care of the mental and emotional problems confronting society today; we would learn how to show interest in the other; giving rise to the other showing interest in us; slowly we develop our self confidence and trust in the other, thereby dispelling the basic fear inherent in humanity.
Therefore we see tack of relatedness causes conflict or discord. Fear and suspicion of others, is the cause of conflict. Paranoid protection of self, race, creed or religion, is the other. These could be broken by interaction, pulling down walls we built. This would give rise to one day war and conflict becoming a thing of the past. In the future humanity when it looks back, would feel ashamed and embarrassed at what made brother to kill brother, or a neighbour killing another.
Published by HT Syndication with permission from Daily Mirror Sri Lanka.
For any query with respect to this article or any other content requirement, please contact Editor at htsyndication@hindustantimes.com
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