“Sometimes our light goes out, but is blown again into instant flame by an encounter with another human being” – Albert Schweitzer
The other side of the shore always looks better, this has been the human tendency for ages and it’s very difficult to think otherwise. Unfortunately, this thought process has led us to a very stressful life, trying to achieve what cannot be.
After many long years, I recently decided to take the public transportation to my office. Most certainly it was not the ride I expected, and I had a difficult one-hour journey. By the time I reached my destination I was already tired and stressed with all the pushing and nudging. When I reached the office the elevator was under maintenance, I ended up taking the stairs all the way up to the 7th floor. By now I was irritated and annoyed, blaming myself for the not so great decision that morning. This had affected my productivity for the day, which in turn fuelled my annoyance. My whole day was affected by that one decision I made and I knew I failed to meet the target for that day. I just couldn’t pull myself together to work because I had already started thinking about the catching-up to do for the next day.
What seemed to be a simple and spontaneous decision turned out to be a very stressful day at work. I just couldn’t wait to get back home for a peaceful nap, and I decided to take a cab back home. As I hopped on and started my journey, the evening traffic of Bangalore city made things worse and that wasn’t enough, it started pouring. A typical work life stress I should say, just when I thought I would start getting panic attacks, I heard someone knock at my window, I looked out of the window only to see a little boy, weak and drenched, trying to sell me balloons. Like all others my natural response was to send him away but after I did, I somehow couldn’t get his innocent and helpless face off my mind. I was emotionally stirred after the encounter with this little lad. What was I complaining and stressed about all this while? Was it even worth all the attention? Why did I simply drain myself out for such a trivial matter? Can I be the agent of change? These questions flooded my mind after he left and helped me bounce back to reality.
Looking out of the window, changed my perception of life. I realised that someone as simple as this little boy could be my greatest teacher. The encounter with him was a humbling experience for me and I learnt that no matter what the situation is, I am not alone. I may have made some bad decision that morning but I was clear to make the best decision of the day that evening, ‘I will learn from anyone and anywhere’
Don’t think that you are all alone in the journey of life. Only if you are willing to look out of the window every once in a while, you will learn that anyone can be your teacher and anywhere can be your classroom.