“If an egg is broken by an outside force
Life ends
If broken by an inside force,
Life begins
Great things always begin from inside”

Understanding ourselves better

What constitutes our insides is self-realization, which lies at the core of this transformation. Free from all complexities, it is the state that defines us. To attain such a self realization, one needs to show humility. The humble person is characterised by several traits. He is more open to hearing opposing views, and admits when he is wrong. This is when we can get closer to the truth. In a way, it introduces us to reality, or the present moment. As said by the famous Saint Vincent De Paul “Humility is nothing but truth, and pride is nothing but lying”. Humility also means to be willing to change and grow. This helps one to remain open for any change or improvement. Such people are more approachable to ask for solutions and do always stand out in a crowd. Such a person is akin to a tree laden with fruits that appears stooped or bent, but in reality is rich in its bounty.

 

The cross currents

However, what comes in the way of our humility is the lust for power. Inherent in every being. This is what makes people manipulative and does not allow their humility to surface. To enable us to show our humility, we need to subdue our ego. This will make us adaptive to change and enable us to grow. Besides , we should not hurt the ego of another person either.
Thus our perspective of life circumscribes our strong sense of self consciousness, fuelled by our ego and urge for power and domination.

 

The resolution

The key to transform ourselves lies in simply changing this perspective, stop fixating on what others are seeing and doing, the money, the connections and the outward appearances. Instead, let us look inward and focus on the smallest changes that forms the groundwork for a much larger change in future. One needs to clearly differentiate between grasping an illusion and immersing oneself in reality. Let us embrace ourselves with all our faults, rather than judging ourselves for our shortcomings. That does not necessarily mean one should not strive to improve. As we all know “Good things come to those who ask for it”. Similarly, if we embrace our true selves instead of the stranger we have become because of our perception, we will truly be transformed from coal to a diamond.

 

About the authors

The article has been contributed by the following students from Our Lady Queen of the Missions School, Park Circus, Kolkata- Afiya Zabeen, Tanushree Das and Shree Ghosh.