life
LIFE
What does life mean? Each of us may have different answers to this question, but not all of them can be true. However, defining life is quite simple if we approach it logically, based on our existence. Life can be understood as the "amount of time we survive." In other words, life is defined by the duration of our existence.
Now, let's delve into the concept of time. There are numerous scientific definitions, but with a genuine understanding, we realize that time is an illusionary scale that we have created to measure our survival periods, growth, and moments, as well as to comprehend universal patterns.
THE REASON FOR HUMAN DISASTER
If we observe the world with a clear perspective, we find that we require some basic things to survive. This includes the need to eat, drink, and maintain our health to acquire energy and convert it into other forms. However, as we progress from early ages to modern civilizations, we tend to develop numerous desires, which can lead to our downfall.
Desires, defined as the willingness to obtain something or someone, are an integral part of our lives. However, like everything else, they need to be controlled. If we fail to maintain balance, our uncontrolled desires can result in disaster. It is crucial to understand that all the patterns in the world are connected to human desires. Upon close observation, we realize that everything in the world is interconnected.
To illustrate how uncontrolled desires can be disastrous, let's consider an example. There was once a king who possessed vast wealth. However, his insatiable desire for more blinded him, leading him to kill innocent people and vulnerable kingdoms in pursuit of greater treasures. In the end, he lost everything in a war against a powerful kingdom, and even his own family was killed. Here, we can see how his uncontrolled desires became the cause of his own disaster, affecting the lives of many others. Reflecting on the history of human civilizations, billions of people have been killed and countless lives destroyed due to uncontrolled desires.
We have progressed and built civilizations, developed technologies, and unfortunately, used them destructively. We have fought and destroyed ourselves, as exemplified by the world wars. Many lives were lost due to someone's uncontrolled desires, particularly in the devastating events of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
HOW DO DESIRES IMPACT OUR PERSONAL LIFE?
Let's examine how desires can impact an individual's personal life by considering the example of a man driven by the desire to amass wealth. He becomes so engrossed in this pursuit that he neglects other aspects of his life, such as family, friends, and his health. Eventually, he falls ill, and during his last days, he longs for the presence of his family and friends. Sadly, he realizes that he has lost these relationships due to his uncontrolled desires. Looking back, he realizes that he spent his entire life without truly enjoying it, solely because of his insatiable desires.
Now, let's turn our attention to the prevalent uncontrolled desires in today's society:
- Students who desire to pursue numerous career options but end up with nothing.
- Young individuals who desire early relationships, only to face breakdowns, turmoil, and wasted time.
- People consumed by excessive sexual desires, leading to crimes, societal decay, health issues, wasted time, and mental health problems.
- Parents with overbearing desires for their children's success, resulting in ruined careers, deteriorated mental health, and disrupted lives.
- Individuals with lofty expectations in their relationships, ending up with breakups and breakdowns.
The examples mentioned above may not apply universally but represent common scenarios.
WHAT AN UNFULFILLED DESIRE CAUSES
To truly understand the consequences of an unfulfilled desire, we need to take a closer look at its effects. Just take a moment to reflect on your most recent unfulfilled desire. If you can visualize it clearly, you might notice a thought arising in your mind, and you find yourself contemplating it once again. Now, pause for a moment and think about that unfulfilled desire.
Welcome back. If you followed the steps I mentioned earlier, you might be experiencing a sense of frustration. It's a natural response that stems from unfulfilled desires. This is not something that requires explanation; it is an inherent aspect of human nature and a universally acknowledged fact. We can even observe it through practical experience.
Furthermore, unfulfilled desires can also disrupt the balance in our lives, primarily due to the frustration they generate. In every aspect, uncontrolled desires have the potential to cause harm to ourselves.
So, the question arises: how can we control and manage our desires? Is it even possible? The answer to this question is both yes and no, depending on the individual.
However, what we need to strive for is becoming the person who can answer "yes." There is nothing in this world that we cannot control, and if we can master our own minds, we can gain control over the entire world. This is because the universe we perceive is merely a reflection of the information available within our minds.
Before delving into methods for controlling our desires, let's take a moment to explore the concept of emotions and how they intertwine with our desires. Emotions and desires are closely interconnected, and if we desire to control our desires, we must also learn to regulate our emotions and gain a deeper understanding of them.
Emotions play a significant role in our desires and their control. They often act as catalysts that fuel our desires, intensifying them and driving us towards their fulfillment. When we experience positive emotions such as excitement, anticipation, or joy, our desires tend to become stronger and more compelling.
Conversely, negative emotions like frustration, disappointment, or envy can arise when our desires remain unfulfilled. These emotions can further perpetuate the cycle of uncontrolled desires, leading to a constant state of discontentment and dissatisfaction.
To gain control over our desires, we need to develop emotional intelligence. This entails understanding and managing our emotions effectively. By cultivating self-awareness, we can recognize the triggers and patterns that lead to intense desires and emotional turbulence.
Practicing mindfulness and reflection can be instrumental in this process. Taking the time to observe our thoughts and emotions without judgment allows us to gain insight into their underlying causes. It enables us to detach ourselves from the immediate grip of desires and emotions, creating space for rational thinking and decision-making.
Furthermore, it's essential to examine the motivations behind our desires. Are they driven by genuine personal values and aspirations, or are they influenced by societal pressures, comparisons, or fleeting trends? Understanding the underlying motives can help us differentiate between authentic desires that align with our true selves and superficial cravings that bring only temporary gratification.
Developing a sense of contentment and gratitude is another effective way to control desires. By appreciating and finding fulfillment in the present moment and the things we already have, we can reduce the incessant longing for more. Cultivating a mindset of sufficiency allows us to find joy in simplicity and reduces the need for constant external validation through material possessions or achievements.
Additionally, setting realistic goals and taking proactive steps towards their attainment can help channel our desires in a focused and constructive manner. When we have a clear sense of purpose and direction, we are less likely to be swayed by impulsive desires that might lead us astray.
Ultimately, controlling our desires is a lifelong journey that requires self-awareness, emotional regulation, and introspection. It is not about suppressing our desires entirely but rather understanding them, evaluating their alignment with our values, and consciously choosing which ones to pursue. By doing so, we can lead a more balanced and fulfilling life, where our desires are in harmony with our authentic selves.
