Skip to main content

Achoring in "Here and Now" while Rediscovering the Power of Relationships

He is happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds peace in his home.

Thus said Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

In a fast-paced world where virtual connections seem to take precedence over genuine human interactions, it is sad to see many people being addicted to gadgets, finding peace outside the home environment.

They live not here and now, but somewhere else, not only now, maybe travelling to a distant past, near or remote future, with a virtual someone. Does it mean they do not find peace at home? Does it mean they are not the happiest? 

One who finds peace in his home is the happiest. When you are peaceful in a place, you are there -- your mind and your body. You have presence of mind not lingering elsewhere. It is your present to those near and dear.

Time is a limited resource. When you share your limited time and what-have-you with others outside your home, it is good as Thomas Fuller has this meaningful quotation, "Charity begins at home, but it must not end there." 

But if we delve deeper into this concept, it says that it must start at home first, before beyond. We must appreciate and value the people closest and nearest to us -- the ones who offer unwavering support particularly in times of crisis. 

It has a very powerful message of extending acts of kindness and generosity first to them. We must  show compassion and caring first for those within our own household.

The Illusion of Admiration

In today's social media-driven society, many individuals seek validation and admiration from strangers, most of the times not even met yet in person, often at the expense of neglecting those who truly matter in their lives. 

Sometimes those who are behind the profile pictures and chats are not really the real persons, or maybe the real ones but hiding their true selves behind nice photos and very good communication, which is deceptive.

They are accepted and adored by virtual admirers as they continue to show them things that could impress the latter. The pursuit of external approval can create an illusion of happiness, leaving one disconnected from the present moment and the loving relationships that surround them.

Appreciating Our Support System

Amidst the allure of the virtual world, we must learn to appreciate and cherish the people who stand by us during life's ups and downs. Our family, friends, and loved ones are our pillars of strength, offering a shoulder to lean on and a listening ears when we need them the most. 

It is crucial to recognize the value they bring to our lives and reciprocate their care and support.

The Power of Gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful practice that can transform our lives and relationships. 

When we cultivate gratitude for the blessings and love we receive at home, we shift our focus from seeking external validation to embracing the richness of our present experiences. 

By expressing gratitude to our support system, we reinforce the bonds of love and create a nurturing environment where everyone feels valued and appreciated.

Nurturing Authentic Connections

The virtual world can offer temporary gratification, but it can never replace the authenticity and depth of real-life connections. 

By fostering genuine relationships at home, we build a strong foundation for emotional well-being and personal growth. 

The ability to confide in and lean on our loved ones strengthens our resilience in the face of challenges.

Practicing Presence and Mindfulness

In the pursuit of attracting the universe, we must first ground ourselves in the present moment.

 Engaging in mindfulness practices helps us cultivate awareness of our thoughts and emotions, enabling us to break free from the constant distractions of the virtual world. 

By being fully present with our loved ones, we show them the respect and attention they deserve.

Owning the Future

While dreams and aspirations are essential, owning the future also means acknowledging the significance of our present relationships. 

The foundation of our future success lies in the love, support, and sense of belonging we nurture at home. 

By investing in meaningful connections with our family and friends, we create a future filled with harmony and fulfillment.

As we navigate through the ever-changing landscape of the virtual world, let us passionately move ourselves anchoring in the present moment, expressing gratitude and love to those who have been by our side through thick and thin.

By prioritizing our support system and nurturing authentic connections, we unlock the true essence of happiness and create a brighter, more fulfilling future together with the dear and near.

---

Image credits:  Canva

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

"Wasting of Women's Talents Must Cease"

Here I am in a four-cornered room, thinking of many things that I can do considering my talents, but I cannot utilize to the fullest due to some obstacles which are not just in the mind but real. I am woman -- I know I have a power inside me yet I feel vulnerable. There is an interesting article published in Gulf News, "In the Middle East, Momentum for Women Must Pick Up Speed" written by Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, dated 31 May 2018. Very timely, indeed, that I saw this article few minutes back. I am inspired to read similar write-ups promoting advocacy on importance of empowering women by giving them solid support. Can we quantify wasted women's talents? Maybe we can in terms of lost opportunities. Or can we enumerate wasted women's talents if we cannot quantify them? There are women who are full-time mothers and housewives, either by choice or by tradition or both. We know that being so is indeed a tiring unpaid job for many women. For some they ...

Of Ginger-Lemon Water, and A/C Off

  And so I am now again drinking a lot of hot lemon tea with ginger. It will help improve my health immunity .  WebMD.com says, " Lemon is a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants, which both have immunity-boosting properties. Ginger also has immunity-boosting properties and can guard against some bacteria." Am coughing when my back is sweating. The air conditioner is switched off again. If you are in the Gulf area, even if it is December it is still hot. There are times when it is even hotter inside my partitioned room with a window facing the sun, no building near ours to block the scorching heat -- than the actual temperature outside. I have a temperature app in my mobile phone and I regularly check it. When I switch on the air conditioner, somebody else switches it off. (I remember when we transferred to the our previous flat and I was told that the A/C was centralized, 24/7 on. I was grateful because the heat of human bodies, the lights, their gadgets -- laptops and m...

'Hotelcation' and More

My youngest daughter surprised me with the good news that she was allowed to go on Eid vacation for some days. She badly needed rest and relaxation for a work-life balance. It was very hot here in the UAE when we got blissfully reunited at 2 PM.  It was Eid so most hotels nearby were either fully booked, or if not, their room rate boards showed AED800/day +/-. My frugal daughter stepped back when she saw 'towering' figures. A I watched my Buninay eating halohalo in our meeting place, a restaurant serving Filipino foods, I held my tears back. She ordered 'mixed-with-everything' fried rice, grilled squid and  kinilaw  (raw fish with vinegar, chili and chopped onions).  Memories of her childhood flooded in my mind. How time flies! My then-baby-who-is-now-a-lady wanted to spoil me. Felt truly blessed beyond words. We hopped to Seattle's Best in the mall near the mosque. While indulging myself with my favorite Cinnabon bites and strawberry smoothies, and my ol...