Walk alone when you need to
May 2015
It is always easy to follow a path already taken, to be submissive to existing norms and ways, it is extremely difficult to walk against the wind.
We are nurtured to follow
As normal human beings, we are always taught and expected to follow a particular way of living our lives. Like it was so well portrayed in 3 Idiots, that as soon as a child is born his fate to become a doctor or an engineer is decided. Because it is a safe bet, it is a followed path, it gives a sense of security. When any girl marries she is taught to adjust, let go of her dreams, accept the existing norms ad look for others approval. Anyone who doesn’t confirm to the existing ways is criticized and considered an out-caste. Why are honor killings so evident till date in our country, its the non-acceptance of the changing times.
Listen to your heart mind and soul, what god wants you to do
A small voice inside you will always tell you what to do. It is the voice of your soul. You, rather than immediately agreeing to what someone else expects you to do, must find out whether you want to do it or not. Nature never stops us from following our heart. Nature itself is a non-conformist. Nature follows its own path. An earthquake can occur anywhere or a barren land can find a water body. Nature never follows a set path or pattern. When you, just to please someone, and rather not to annoy anyone, never say no, you have to kill your inner voice. For example, a man may be a better househusband or stay at home parent and a woman a better bread earner, their forced roles can prove to be disastrous.
A rebel is born- an unconventional person
A rebel will not kill his intelligence. He will carve his own niche, he will walk alone but on the path chosen by him and not the conformist society. He will refuse to feel suffocated and will not have the need to please others always. A rebel need not necessarily be an outspoken lawbreaker he can be as humble as Gautam Buddha, who gave us a new religion by following his heart. Draupadi, in the Mahabharata was a rebel. She stood for her beliefs and did not repent till the end that a war so huge, happened because of her.
The very recent national award winner Kangana Ranaut left her traditional family environment and struggled in Mumbai to reach the stars.
Being a rebel would not mean breaking laws and creating ruckus. It simply means following your heart. Always confirming to society may make you happy outwards but when you will look within there will be broken dreams and a broken heart. A fragile mind who is always looking for appreciation from others. Rather than walking with everyone with a half heart walk alone with your full heart and happiness. You will see a much more genuine and better person in the mirror. How well is the song written…ekla chalo ekla chalo ekla chalo re…
This article is based on Walk Alone by Sanjiv Ranjan, published in Life Positive in September 2013.