Power of One

 “A great human revolution in just a single individual will help achieve a change in the destiny of a nation and, further, will enable a change in the destiny of all humankind.” – Dr. Daisaku Ikeda

“You must be the change you want to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Here are two powerful thoughts, coming from two different individuals (One Japanese the other Indian), converging on the same idea - the power of ‘one’ individual to effect change in society; the fact that when one person changes and decides to stand up then the impossible can be achieved; Change happens when one individual rises with great determination and others follow. Change begins with each one of us.

This isn’t a new idea I introduce to you. We have all heard this before and yet interestingly very few of us actually believe in the power of one individual; Least of all in our own power and ability to bring about change. We lack the conviction to believe that any of us, ordinary human beings can make a difference to society. We feel too small and insignificant to achieve anything worthwhile. And yet history is fraught with examples of one individual rising with courage and making a huge difference. What we do not realise is that ‘one’ individual can be you or me. Yes any of us – the common man. Even if we do realise this we wait for others to change and then think of changing ourselves. That doesn’t work. It is certainly the other way round - when we change; things around us begin to change too.

The two names I mentioned above are people who did exactly that. They were ordinary people like us who went on to achieve the extraordinary. They faced their share of struggle but turned every obstacle into opportunity for growth. And not only did they do it for themselves, but worked to uplift a whole cross-section of society. They imparted hope and courage to countless individuals. What really sets them apart from us? One word answer – their determination to change things.

If they could do it, then surely any of us can do it too. Like I said, what we need is single minded determination and the desire to take up responsibility. Why leave it up to others when indeed each one of us can contribute in our own unique ways – Taking the example of the most pressing issue making headlines every other day – Anna Hazare’s fast to get a green signal for the Jan Lokpal Bill. While I am not totally convinced by his methodology for doing this (I do not want to get into the reasons for it here) I do support him in the sense that he has drawn attention to an important issue and placed it on the table for discussion. I do give the man credit for doing that. But I still have my concern - Even if the Jan Lokpal Bill is cleared things will certainly not change unless each one of us resolves to end corruption at whatever level we might be practising it. Only then will we have a corruption free society. This is just one example where each one of us can make a difference.

The list is huge – if each one of us stops littering the streets, we will be living in a cleaner and greener country. If we stop wasting water, it will definitely quench the thirst of many others. (Ditto with food) If we save electricity, it will light up the homes of others who are still waiting for a bulb to illuminate their homes. These are areas each one of us can contribute towards. All it needs is a little thoughtfulness towards those who are deprived of the things we take for granted.

It is high time we stop passing the buck, blaming the government and everyone else for all the chaos we see around us today. We need to change ourselves and then awaken each individual to the power and potential inherent within their lives. This can be the only solution towards a better, happier and peaceful world. The power of one will then ultimately encompass the power of many.

Sharing Joy and Sorrow

Over my years of existence, I have observed a certain trait in human behaviour – that we are all quick to divulge details about all the ‘good’ things happening in our lives; the latest gadget we have bought, or the loving relationship with spouse or the handsome salary package and so on and so forth. But it isn’t the same with all the ‘bad’ things that happen to us. Or let’s say those that make us miserable and bring on suffering. This part of our lives is best left unsaid or if it all shared with very few. There is hesitation and discomfort in sharing our painful struggles. Ever thought about it? The reason to my mind is the fear of making the personal public. The fear of how others will react to it and then that persistently lingering question ‘what will they think of me and my situation?’ But does living in denial help in any way? In fact talking about it takes a great deal of courage and in the long run we benefit ourselves and others too.

I used to belong to the league of people who would keep their problems to themselves until the day I was inspired by someone else’s story of battling problems similar to mine. It gave me tremendous hope and assurance that I too could work around my situation. I realised that difficulties are part and parcel of each individual’s life and sharing them with each other is cathartic and can unknowingly encourage another.  Since then I have been a lot more vocal about my problems and without meaning to sound boastful I have actually inspired a few with my example. At this point I must mention that the intention behind sharing the problem is very important. Doing it with the intention to ridicule another or sympathise with oneself is quite futile. It will result in nothing but meaningless gossip and of course no one stands to gain from it. But done with the intention to seek guidance or help another take a lesson from it, the result is quite unimaginable. And this is what I am talking about.

 If you really think of it then you would come to realise that we all go through challenges every single day. So then why live in denial, pretending all is well when we should ideally be applauding and learning from each other’s struggles. To us our own problem seems the biggest. We cannot look beyond it. But it is only when you open up and talk about it, that you will inevitably realise that there is someone out there who is facing similar circumstances. After all the cause of human suffering or misery lies in a handful of problems – ill health, financial disturbances, troubled relationships, death of a loved one, job stress etc. Each one of us has been plagued by one or more of these at some point in our lives. Each of us has suffered. So then why should we be afraid of sharing our painful journey with each other? Why restrain our conversations to the good happenings of our lives and overlook the other aspect as if it never existed?

I have certainly worked on this trait in my behaviour and I find it much easier to reach out to others now. I have learnt to be more empathetic and respectful, more tolerant and caring. Through guidance from others I have crossed many a hurdle that has come my way. And through encouragement I have imparted hope and courage to others. Do you belong to either side – recipient or giver?