Become empty
June 2024
Become empty to be filled
Megha Bajaj discovers that a lot of our energy gets frittered away doing things that tire us rather than help us relax and spend quality time with our loved ones
Before writing this piece, I said to the Universe, “Whatever the readers need most, please let it flow through me.” And out of nowhere, the words seemed to flow.
Our days are filled with responsibilities. Our phones with notifications. Our mind with incessant thoughts. And we wonder, where is this thing called peace? Bliss? Purpose? Divinity?
I have come to realise, experientially, that only in a state of emptiness can the Universe ever fill us with its bounties. Only in a state of non-doing or meditation do the best ideas arise. Only when we pause do we find the energy to run further.
Somehow, all of us have become very busy.. We keep doing, often without even knowing what it is we are doing. We are bombarded by information almost every minute through WhatsApp and other forms of social media. So many of us keep taking it all in and, at some point, wonder why we are becoming almost like zombies.
Did you know that to move the thumb from left to right, almost a trillion calculations are done by the human system? Ever wondered why so many of us are tired all the time? Unconsciously, we are going on ‘doing’ something. While you feel browsing through reels on Instagram and shorts on YouTube is relaxing you, it’s actually making your system work overtime and tiring you even more.
Do you know what would really be relaxing? Closing your eyes for some time and just Be-ing. And yet, how many of us do it?
For the past few months, I realised I wasn’t at my efficient best. Yes, I delivered a baby just six months ago (and I am recouping), but still, I didn’t feel my best. Upon observing my activities during the course of one particular day, I realised there were too many useless distractions that I was indulging in, especially that of checking my phone way more than required.
Recently, we went on a family holiday to Goa, and I consciously decided to keep my phone away and only use it to make the requisite calls to family and team. When I finally got back to the WhatsApp and social media world, I realised that in all those four days, nothing that drastic had happened in my absence! The world had still maintained its equilibrium, and all was well. It made me realise how much useless browsing I was doing, and consequently, I have put a cap on it.
The result is immediate, impressive, and expected. My eyes feel rested. My mind feels so much calmer. I am listening to the whispers of Life louder. My efficiency is higher. And I am just feeling so much happier.
Wherever I am, I am completely there—without my mobile vying for my attention.
The role of technology is to make life easy, but honestly, for most of us, it has become a disease. Look around you. In the lift, even while going up or down a few floors, what are people doing? As soon as a movie ends (and even during the movie), what are people doing? As soon as a flight lands, what are people doing?
And now, a more intimate question: What do you do all day with your phone? What is the first thing and the last thing you do each day? When you are with someone, are you really with them?
I have been asking myself some tough questions and have found simple solutions. I know I need to become empty to be filled. I know I need to close my eyes for a few minutes in between meetings. I know I need to keep my phone on silent when I am with my family (try it and see; no earth-shattering events take place!).
My emptiness is my greatest strength. And I intend to claim it several times a day. You?