The time we spent together in the last few months was unique. It was undoubtedly challenging for many, but my intention with this article is to highlight the special possibilities I discovered even in such moments.
Due to special measures implemented worldwide, many were physically isolated from each other for a long time. Although this necessity forced many of us to withdraw physically from the crowd, it was also a rare opportunity to do the same with our thoughts, to discover our own authentic ideas. In solitude, there may be a possibility of encountering oneself and the opportunity to ask ourselves: Am I satisfied with the way I have lived so far? What is important to me from different aspects of my life? What meaning do I want to give to my life?
When we are surrounded by news from the media and conditioned by the opinion of the majority, it is easy to forget to listen to our own inner voice. It is easy to fall under influence, to reduce ourselves to a herd mentality, and not recognize that sometimes we think automati We often conform and behave like everyone else, even though it doesn’t make us happy. Amidst various roles and responsibilities we have, it may seem like we never have enough time to contemplate the truthfulness of our own beliefs. But with the introduction of special measures worldwide, Mr. Time suddenly appeared at our doorstep and we could no longer blame the lack of time. We had enough time and solitude to start asking ourselves these important questions. By using them wisely, they could have been a special opportunity for us to get to the root of our authentic ideas and thoughts, without fearing being different, disapproval from others, or feeling insecure about the possibility of rejection by peers or colleagues. It could have been a time to reconsider whether our past actions reflect our internal ideas and a moment to redirect our future.
Some may have discovered that they want to continue living in the same way, while others may have realized the need for internal and external changes. In any case, the break and solitude provided us with an opportunity to reassess and align our lives with a fresh perspective. In Gandhi’s words, “True happiness is when what we think, feel, and do are in harmony.”
Personally, I realized that in the past, many of my decisions were influenced by a desire for personal comfort, at all levels, at the cost of not following what I knew in my heart was right. This resulted in dissatisfaction and mediocrity. I have come to the conclusion that life is too short to waste time, and now is the right moment to step out of my comfort zone, renew the pursuit of what I do not know, and change direction in certain areas.
I experienced, perhaps for the first time, that there is nothing inside me that I should fear. Unique circumstances made it easier for me to achieve mental clarity in order to determine the right direction for my life, one that would be meaningful.
On the other hand, like me, many fortunate individuals were confined with their immediate family and had little external interaction. Influenced by various external factors, it is natural that they could go through various emotions: frustration, irritation, mood swings, etc. But we had a wonderful opportunity to discover that by developing our inner virtues, we can harmonize differences by overcoming our own weaknesses and supporting each other to experience unity. As many have perhaps realized themselves, harmony is not achieved by everyone listening to me as a family dictator. On the contrary, it is about learning to accept differences and, through expanding understanding, finding creative ways to be happy together. Harmony is not attained when everyone sings the same note; it is created when different notes come together to complement each other.
I would like to note that this practically meant that every individual, in order to bring harmony to the family, had to broaden their perspective and bring in more understanding and patience; they had to think of what is right for everyone, not just themselves; set aside personal comfort and offer help when needed. We needed to listen more and speak when appropriate. In short, it was necessary to show empathy and sometimes sacrifice our ego in order to help each other.
These moments also allowed us to realistically assess our own suffering in relation to others’. After all, we all faced similar circumstances; our neighbors, the people who work for us, the people we work for, etc. Amidst helplessness, fear, and anxiety that we collectively experienced, there was an opportunity for compassion and sensitivity towards the fact that there are others who are struggling, perhaps even more than us. Everyone needed love, encouragement, and support. Sometimes, even the smallest gesture was enough to touch someone’s heart and positively impact their life. Small acts of kindness, a smile, a message, or a listening ear were sufficient in many cases; gigantic efforts were not necessary to make a difference.
Thus, these moments may have revealed to us a glimpse of the brilliance and possibilities of our altruism and compassion. Perhaps this is our natural About the situation. And perhaps it is in such a state that we are most satisfied and happy. Although there are many things that are beyond our control, special measures have helped me discover my own freedom in choosing harmony over discord, in giving preference to giving instead of taking, to practice altruism instead of egoism; to seek unity over separation and discover that true happiness lies in it.
We dare to live in harmony by allowing our authentic inner voice to guide each of our future actions. With our clear and confident inner direction, we make it easier for ourselves to step into an uncertain future with confidence in ourselves. Our virtues will serve as a tool for maneuvering through bright and stormy times. Let us be united and take responsibility, individually and collectively, for rebuilding a society based on goodness and truth.