Friday, 2 October 2015

Peace

PEACE
   Peace is a relative term, if you ask me, just like justice. For some people, peace is when everyone and everything in the world seem to be at harmony- an idealistic thought, no doubt, for it is seemingly impossible to see such a thing. For some, peace is simply absence of violence. For some, peace is more than that- absence of tension, absence of aggression, absence of even passive aggressiveness in thought and speech.
   For me, peace is simply when everyone is happy. I am perfectly aware that this is an idealistic thought. It is never possible for every single person and creature in the world to remain happy all the time. However, the time one spends being happy can be increased. This certainly needs to be adopted today, among a population of Homo sapiens that are becoming unhappier and unhappier with the world around them (caused by their own actions, of course). Like the very plague that spread across Europe, depression is plaguing the people. There are hundreds of people feeling unsatisfied with their lives and succumbing to long, drawn out periods of wallowing in sadness and self-pity. Depression is a kind of mental ailment, and it is no less serious than the plague itself, however, unlike the plague it is not contagious from one person to another. Like most other diseases, it can be prevented. How? By staying happy.
   What is happiness, then? Are you ever really happy? Isn’t there always some worry or the other nagging you at the back of your simple-complex minds? We cannot take simply smiling as a sign of happiness anymore- that is no more than a mechanical reflex action these days. People hide their emotions as skillfully as an actor. We could all become quite successful actors if we tried! But we need to expel that poison, that sadness, anger and frustration or whatever negative feelings we have, from within us.
   “The glass is half full, not half empty.” That should be our thinking. Be optimistic! Look at the brighter side of things! You’ll find yourself cheer up pretty soon once you realize the positive outcomes of an event. Think of good times, happy times, jokes and fun! Drown yourself in another world- books, anime, TV shows, movies, take your pick! And always remember: Where you are NOW does not, and will never, be the same place you will be in a few years. But whether you are in a better place or a worse one is entirely up to you and only you.
   Angry? Take a deep breath. Take five more. Does this really matter? Do you have to let them know you’re angry? Will it change anything? Ask yourself these questions. Do not speak. Find a place alone. If you don’t find one immediately, wait till you do. By then, if your anger has not cooled down, proceed to write out your emotions and their reasons on a piece of paper. When you’re done, read it. If it still means something to let your feelings be known, express it politely. If not, crumple it up and throw it away. Simple as that.
   Taking steps towards peace is merely each individual taking steps toward maintaining happiness. It all starts with you. And this way, you are creating a better life for yourself while changing the world. Two ups, no downs! Could you ask for a better bargain?

   Keep on smiling! Peace!

No comments:

Post a Comment