Basics are basic!

I enjoy myself conversing with my sister’s two daughters who are in their teenage.  They bring in lots of joy, childish blabber, innocent laughter, filmy jokes, surprise, mature questions, taunts, unyielding arguments for which I do not have any answers, at times. Whenever the conversation ends, my quest for their answers begin. I try to connect the dots backwards and ponder what and where is the missing link? The most intriguing part is, not just these two chirpy young girls are an exception, but every second teen share similar qualities.

Many of the times, I turn green-eyed to their sense of free-will, independent, rigid and fearless attitude. Neither me, nor my   contemporaries enjoyed such privilege, where we could question, demand and get the things done. No offences…, it might be because of uninterrupted benefits of Internet, changing times, lack of friends, shallow education and over-protective upbringing. Friends, all we need to do, is to adopt the basics of progressive living.

Family First

The term family is derived from the Latin word ‘familia’ denoting a household establishment and refers to a “group of individuals living together during important phases of their lifetime and bound to each other by biological and/or social and psychological relationship.”¹ The Indian society is “collectivistic” which means that it promotes interdependence and co-operation, with the family forming the focal point of this social structure. Most of the people forgot the truth that relationships are the roots of a family.

Parents need to inculcate the basic values into their children’s’ minds, such as, Belief in God, Love and Respect for everyone, Honesty, Kindness, Humility, Adjustment and many more.

Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam

In Sanskrit, “vasudha”, means the earth; “iva”, implies is ; and “kutumbakam”, is family. This Sanskrit phrase tells us that the whole world is one single family.The Vedic sages say that the entire world is truly just one small, tightly knit, nuclear family.The distinction “This person is mine and that one is not” is made only by the narrow-minded (i.e. the ignorant that are dual-minded).

For those of noble conduct (i.e. who know the Supreme Truth) the whole world is one family (one Unit). Though, difficult to follow, let us make it a habit to follow this thought, that truly brings inner peace. When we are peaceful inside, we can experience ecstasy around us.

Share and Care

Remember, “Sharing is multiplying…”. Practice to give, without expecting back, it might be your notes, laptop, a ride on your bike, or for that matter, love. Based on the context, start to ask, “That must have really hurt." "Are you upset?" "Do you want some of mine?" "I know how you feel."These empathetic feelings enable us to look at the social world from a larger global perspective. Try out to organize sharing and caring community projects.

Passion but not perfection

Do not crush your passion to prove to be perfect, because what is perfect to you is completely imperfect to others. Never mind to be imperfectly perfect, rather. Late Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, former President of India is a global inspiration. Let us remember him as long as possible for what he stood for, i.e., passion to teach and simplicity. He has been ridiculed for his fancy hair style, etc., but nothing put him down, but for his undaunted journey towards excellence.

References:

1. Sethi BB. Family as a potent therapeutic force. Indian J Psychiatry. 1989;31:22–30. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

Author:

Dr.Lakshmi Hymavathi.K

Former Associate Professor –Amity Business School Mumbai

Assistant Professor – IBS Hyderabad, IFHE Hyderabad

Note:Opinions expressed by authors are their own.