My Ikigai
My biggest takeaway during this pandemic is a lesson in positivity. I have realised that it is only by being positive even at times of despair, that I can stay level headed and strive ahead in times of dire need and crisis. I recently read a book by Dr Joseph Murphy titled How to Unleash the Power of Your Subconscious Mind which is the ‘other version’ of his bestseller- Power of Your Subconscious Mind. This book left a profound impact on my life as I began to believe in myself more and not pay heed to the noise around. It taught me the power of positive affirmations and positive thoughts. However, I’ve realised the importance of staying positive from many unlikely sources as well.
When the pandemic began, my life circled around meetings, interacting and networking with people; taking in and sharing inter-disciplinary ideas. However, with the onset of the series of ineffective lockdowns, this life I was comfortable with seemed to fray away much like India’s food supply chain. There was a sudden appeal to staying at home that engulfed my life. A part that I couldn’t seem to get over. Not being able to leave my house, sanitising twice every hour, eating only available and healthy meals. It was a process of adaption and overcoming. When coffee wasn’t available I had to make do with tea. But, the moral I learnt here isn’t as direct.
The backseat adventure I had no choice but to live by was not a bright and sunny one at large. It was in fact stormy and overcast with frequent thundershocks and sudden downpours. During the early days itself, I had to undergo immense stress and anxiety due to cyberbullying and spam threats on various social media platforms. I did panic and lose my composure. But, I also sat upright with my eyes closed and meditate. I thought it through. The people with such negative ideas do not even know me. Why should I be bothered about their ideas? Why should their hate bring me down at all? I realised that the hate spewed at my end was purely fictional. They had no real evidence or backing to sustain. I smiled and let go of the hate in acts of what I would now consider compassion. But, it is not as if I stopped caring about their opinion, as it may seem. I rather allowed their opinion to seep into my cognitive psyche and think each idea without my inherent biases. I practised what is usually known as cognitive dissonance- a concept in psychology that helps you remain mindful, if not anything better. I internalised the hate and tried to channelise it for the better. I saw the entire incident in a positive light and learnt lessons about social media and our online identities that I otherwise would never have known. More importantly, I learnt that positivity and the law of attraction works. I’m not Rhonda Bryne, Mark Manson or Shiv Khera, I am no one well accomplished. But, it is only from the common man’s idea that positivity can be best understood.
It is because a common man’s positivity is simple. It is based on the belief that times will get better as long as we remain happy. I choose to follow this version of positivity in what otherwise is a very complex life I lead nowadays. Nowadays, I am usually struggling to keep up with my schedule which mostly comprises of writing, editing, talking to clients and design. But, at the same time, I am well ahead of the schedule I am asked to work according to. Which means I have enough time to practice my vocation, passion and chart out a mission in life. It is only when our passion, mission, vocation and profession work in balance can we achieve ikigai in life. Well, not really but such is my belief. And, this has been the most important change in me that has been greatly influenced by the pandemic this oddly unsatisfactory year.
