Identity is a quintessential part of our existence. Identity is literally how we want to identify ourselves. What is that one thing we are proud of about ourselves? Does that thought make us vain? Or does that drive us to become better human beings? For some, identity is the name we carry, for some it is the profession we are in, for some it depends on the geographical location we come from and so on. It gives meaning to our lives, gives us a sense of authentication and that of belonging, gives us and the society stability. Does it though? Does it not just restrict us within pre-determined margins? Does it not stop us from growing beyond boundaries? Does it not make us believe that we are to remain in shackles within that identity bubble? These questions transcend beyond living beings. Our Earth belongs to the family we dearly call the Solar system. Earth cannot suddenly decide to move around another star… or can it? That would result in chaos across light years causing instability.
Perception, on the other hand, echoes liberty. It manifests freedom to explore in any direction we want and engage our imagination in a space of any number of dimensions we want. It celebrates diversity, but it can also cause confusion and if stretched too far can give birth to scepticism. Ego can act as a catalyst here too. But, if we do not label our perception as the final truth, the purpose (interpretation, self-realisation, and joy of learning) will not be lost.
In the month of November 2022, I had gone to Shantiniketan with my parents. While taking a stroll late in the morning with a warm cup of tea in Sonajhuri Haat, I saw a dog comfortably entering his haven with complete ease and familiarity. After entering, the dog quickly and peacefully fell asleep within his “Universe”. This sense of comfort and ownership, the effortless sense of being, the sense of creating a niche for oneself which is not a closed system, creating his own universe is his identity. The place, where we dispose waste, is where he disposes his tiredness, his vigilance and can go to a state of complete oblivion with utmost peace.
DoubleSpeak 