Determining The Value: Tangible Aspects Of An Intangible Life ‣ The International Prism

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Life and values as we see them today have undergone a drastic change.
Picture Credits@ Umesh Soni

Since historical times, one of the most challenging questions has been determining the value and importance of something vis-a-vis life.

Of course, the parameters were different back then. Its utility, novelty and happiness quotient were the prime factors.

Moreover, the value and importance of something these days, whether tangible or intangible, is determined by different parameters.

Among them, the following factors score the most:

Firstly, how expensive something is (the materialistic aspects). Secondly, how much weight it has in the market and society(the exhibitionist) and lastly, what dividends can it generate (The monetary scenario).

Is to be Humane- to be weak?

Compassion is the virtue of strong.
Picture Credits@ Dave lowe

Hence, there is a high probability that the main reason for the degradation and erosion of the most fundamental intangible pillars of life and society are these new parameters.

Love, affection, and humanity are long lost, while apathy has become the norm today.

Those who promote love are seen as meek, helpless, and face ridicule -Yes, it might sound harsh to you, like a bitter pill, but that’s the new normal.

Although some still believe in the virtue and power of love, most consider it an unusual, strange feeling that is a waste and hard to comprehend.

Similarly, the attributes of being humane are synonymous with loss in the fast-moving world, where happiness is synonym with how much society envies your lifestyle.

There have been debates and discussions for years to determine the driving force of society. Some claims it was the currency, others practise and preach spirituality while many blindly follow and limit themselves to religion.

Moreover, in contrast, some even argue that the hierarchical structure (the power and dominance theory) maintains balance and good character in society.

My observation- few minutes of Life

Adults strive for happiness forgetting that humans are born with it.
Picture Credits@ Mi Pham

Nonetheless, being a part of this society for quite some time, I have witnessed society’s transition through my lenses.

Therefore, my knowledgeable guess states that the feeling of love, affection, and compassion always guides the community and ensures its balance.

Nevertheless, one often neglects the attributes of compassion in today’s world. Forgetting that the way for all living things to recognize the meaning and value of life passes through compassion.

These emotions of love and empathy are the genesis and origin of all other emotions and behavioural aspects that keep humanity alive. Satisfy the human soul, and connect our lives and society.

However, the funny thing is that it costs nothing except it can be for a few minutes of our lives that otherwise wouldn’t have made much of a difference.

A few seconds to spare that’s all one asks for, that’s all one needs.
Picture Credits@ Ben White

But, sadly, this thread that holds our society weakens day by day and therefore breaks from time to time. No matter how many knots we make, it will not find its way back to its original strength.

As it holds actual – hard work never goes in vain. Similarly, the love and affection you portray always gives you a similar experience that you make others experience with your compassion and kindness.

Trio of life: love-compassion-kindness

The essential trio changes your outlook towards life.
Picture Credits@ Anton Jauregui

The best thing about these universal attributes of life, love-compassion-kindness, is that you cannot fake them. Even if you can pretend them somehow, sustaining them for long is a challenge as their positive and joyful effects will not return to you.

So, if you possess these characteristics of being compassionate and helpful by default, cherish them by your heart.

At times, you will not even realize that you are someone in need. Who is just helping someone else without even realizing that they need help.

For you, it would be just another part of your routine. I have friends who give away their comfort and personal time to overcome their adversity to experience a moment of happiness so that someone somewhere knows what satisfaction is.

The graffiti of Mother Teresa says it all one seeks is love which makes life more fulfilling.
Picture Credits@ Jon Tyson

Questions might cross your mind at this instance. What is the point of being so generous and kind? if it doesn’t help you anyway.

I was so naive and young, not that I am too wise now, but then I could never understand the deep meaning and value of such acts of compassion and kindness. But the unique thing about such intangibles is that it is contagious.

Thus, it influences me and makes me feel more poise, helpful, and content while helping someone in need (essential to nurturing our soul). But that’s the easiest part, developing an inclination to be more humane.

Challenges that lie ahead

Don’t lose focus- Challenges are meant to be won.
Picture Credits@ Ahmed Odeh

The most challenging part is to remain humane and compassionate even when the odds are against and when the chips are down. It is then when the litmus test of your will to be caring and understanding is done.

Believe me, passing that test is the most beautiful and satisfying thing you would ever encounter.

What you just need is, to hold on for that one particular decisive moment, for that one second. Then, when your heart and mind tussle to let logic or compassion prevail, don’t give up during that one second of your life.

Trust me later, you would feel proud of yourself and always.
(this doesn’t mean that being compassionate is illogical)

All it takes is a few minutes of our so-called busy life, an intention of goodwill. A transparent heart that feels the pain of the sufferer, that’s all it takes. It’s not too much to ask of us.

Be the light

Kindness passes itself from being to being.
Picture Credits@ Mei Ling

Yet, this trivial effort could bring about noticeable and conspicuous changes in someone’s life. So be that ray of light for them to alleviate the pain and suffering.

You will definitely feel proud after seeing a bright smile on their face. As I mentioned and I think such acts are contagious. Luckily I would love to let such things sink in you.

I’m sure you will want the same to share the world’s joys by helping someone in need.

Special Issue

Insights By: Krishna Kumar Shukla

KRISHNA IS A SERVING INDIAN ARMY OFFICER WHO WAS DESTINED FOR IT SINCE HIS SCHOOL DAYS. HE HAS FIRE IN HIS HEART AND PASSION IN THE BELLY TO LEARN, IMPROVE AND GROW. HE FELL IN LOVE WITH READING AT A TENDER AGE WHICH MOTIVATED HIM TO REGULARLY PEN DOWN HIS THOUGHTS. HE KEPT HIS PASSION FOR READING AND WRITING ALIVE EVEN DURING TRAINING DAYS.

HE AUTHORED TWO BOOKS. “THE LOST FRIEND” IN 2012 AND A HINDI SHORT STORY TITLED “MAA NE KAHA THA” WAS AWARDED DURING HIS NDA TRAINING DAYS. KRISHNA LOVES TO EXPRESS HIMSELF THROUGH SHORT STORIES IN HINDI. YET FEELS HIS MUNDANE DUTY TO OPINE ABOUT THE ISSUES ON LIFE, SOCIETY, AND GEOPOLITICAL ISSUES APART FROM HAVING A STRONGHOLD OVER MILITARY AFFAIRS

PHOTOGRAPHY AND COOKING ARE ALSO HIS AREAS OF INTEREST. RECENTLY HE HAS BEEN TRYING HIS HAND IN PAINTING AND SKETCHING. HIS WORDS ARE BLUNTLY SUGAR-COATED TO CONVEY THE MEANING IN THE MOST DECENT POSSIBLE WAY.