Some people might be fighting a battle we know nothing about...
The Pen and Sword Journal - Vol 39
The Silent Battles
“Some people might be fighting a battle we know nothing about”, and "Be cautious of the things that gradually drain your spirit each day." These phrases have been echoing in my mind since the past week, ever since I lost a dear friend. He was a traveler, a seeker, someone who seemed to be on a perpetual search for something beyond the superficiality of society, beyond prejudices, beyond falsity, and beyond what we call the “rat race”. He was a lover of mythology, of the sacred, and poetry. In a way, as a friend wrote in a dedication towards him, he was in search of happiness. To the outside world, he seemed totally immersed in joy and adventure. But beneath that veneer of contentment, he was fighting a battle that none of us knew about. As they say, not all the happy pictures in social media reflect reality.
The Hidden Struggle
Some might say he was "faking happiness," but I believe he was in search of it. His travels, his adventures, his constant movement - they were all part of his journey towards finding joy. But perhaps, somewhere along the way, he lost himself. His story is a strong reminder that many people might be fighting battles we know nothing about. It's a silent struggle, hidden behind smiles and laughter, masked by the daily grind of life.
The Daily Grind
In our fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the daily grind. We chase after goals, deadlines, and milestones, often forgetting to pause and take a moment for ourselves and for others. We become so focused on our outer objectives that we risk losing ourselves in the process. But let's pause, even if it's just for a moment. Let's take a step back from our hectic lives and look within.
Looking Within and Towards Others
Looking within is not about introspection alone. It's also about looking towards others, understanding their struggles, lending a listening ear, and a helping hand. A day that might be just a break for us can be a lifeline for someone going through hard times. A simple act of kindness, a word of encouragement, a hug, or even just a listening ear can make a world of difference.
Certainly, one might argue that in such situations, nothing anyone did could have made a difference. True, we can’t know for sure. However, based on instances with clients battling depression and my own encounters, I affirm: Many people who decide to end their lives do so in a fleeting moment of profound darkness. If something or someone could reach out to them at that moment and snap them out of that state, it could buy them some time. This extra time could allow them to work on their issues, seek help, and regain their footing.
The main problem lies in our awareness of others and perhaps in our unintentionally hurtful behavior towards them.
Appreciating What We Have
In our quest for more, we often forget to appreciate what we already have. We overlook the simple joys of life - the warmth of the sun, the beauty of a sunrise, the laughter of a loved one. These are the moments that truly matter. These are some of the moments that feed our spirit and keep us going.
It's great to have dreams, goals, and ambitions, and it's important to work hard to achieve them. I often emphasize this in my posts and articles. However, it's equally important to balance these aspirations by being mindful and appreciative of the other invaluable things we often overlook.
This reminds me of the concept of “Ma”, which is a fundamental element in the storytelling of Studio Ghibli, particularly in the works of Hayao Miyazaki. “Ma” is a Japanese term that translates to “emptiness” or "negative space". It represents the intentional void or pause between actions. Miyazaki uses “Ma” to create moments of stillness and silence in his films. These moments, often filled with gratuitous motion or characters simply existing in nature, allow the audience to reflect and interpret what is happening, not only visually but emotionally. They serve as a counterbalance to non-stop action, providing a breathing space that allows the tension in the film to expand into a wider dimension. This use of “Ma” contributes to the unique rhythm and depth of Studio Ghibli’s storytelling. Above all, it is a life lesson we all must adapt in our lives, to enriched it with meaningful moments. Rather than being mere gaps, these moments of "Ma" are rich with meaning, inviting us to contemplate the beauty of simplicity, the flow of nature, and the depth of human connections.
Everything Flows
Life is a constant flow of experiences, emotions, and moments. Some are joyful, some are painful, but all are part of our journey. As we navigate through this flow, let's remember to take care of our spirit, to nurture our inner self, and to be kind to others. Because in the end, everything flows, and it's the love and kindness we share along the way that truly counts.
In memory of my friend, and out of good will towards you and the people important to you, dear reader, I advise everyone to be a little more understanding, a little more patient, and a lot more loving. Because you never know what someone is going through, and sometimes, a little kindness can make a life better. 🔥🙏
Very sorry for your loss. It seems that this is a tough time for the introspective, especially when everyone around them seems to be fighting against introspection and self-reflection in an effort to "keep busy." Letting our friends know that they're not the only ones who think about such things and giving them an outlet for their frustrations is key. As you say, you many never know just how important an interaction can be for them.
Sorry for your loss.