Brig Naseem Akhtar Khan (R)
LIFE can be summed up in three words,
“It goes on….”.It seems that the day is
finally showing up. Voices from different parts of the world, worst hit by Coronavirus, suggest that people have started talking about pandemic ending and life returning to normal. Similarly, positive indicators from other parts of the world, where uncertainty persists, also strengthen the hope that COVID-19 beating is about to end, In Sha’ Allah. However, as an aftermath, fair assessment predicts far reaching and wide-ranging changes in many societies, political systems and economies. While, it will be beyond the scope of this write-up to contemplate these consequences in a larger spectrum, this article is basically aimed at highlighting the need for all of us to carry out a well thought-out self-examination based on our experience during this crisis and reform ourselves to be able to contribute positively in post corona re-building of a stronger social culture.
Although, introspection/self-reflection is a kind of self-development and need to start small and gradually build in as habit, certain events during this crisis did indicate certain areas that require a timely re-look and self-improvement. While, some scary reactions, lack of self-discipline, and looking for short-cut solutions were some of the grey areas identified, failure to hold on to correct relationships, emotional instability creating some gaps in our social infrastructure and disconnected educational systems, are a few additional areas that also require a timely re-examination, without being judgmental. The holy month of Ramadan, which by itself, is considered as a month of self-accountability/purifying of our lives, presents an ideal time to carry out such a fruitful exercise of introspection/self-reflection.
Introspection/self-reflection is not just looking inwards, examining own ideas, thoughts and feelings, we need to combine it with looking outwards, as well. It is all about getting to know ourselves at core, uncovering our values and then deciding on what is the best action to take. We must remember that it is in our darkest hours only that we discover the true strength of our character and discover the actual face of our relationships and the society, we live in. We are here today where our thoughts have brought us; we will be tomorrow where our thoughts take us.
Introspection/self-reflection needs to be multi-fold. At personal level, we need to cool headedly evaluate our own self and with that, it will be equally important to have a deeper look at the relationships we possess (family, friendships and acquaintances) and finally the social structure, we live in. While, we examine our personal character traits, we must aim to be authentic, inspiring, courageous to face risks, character-driven to stand the tests of the time, tolerant to uncertainties and accepting the change. Purpose is to live within and maintain the social structure at its best. Once we are through with this exercise of self-examination, we will be in much better position to evaluate the relationships that we maintain and gradually the social structure, we live in. Our relationships are like our personal baggage that we carry along during our life journey. While the blood relationships come to us as an integral part of our life, like “checked-in baggage”, the remaining, we keep adding at will, during various stages in our life time. The most important aspects in relationships are trust, respect and love.
While retaining the self-identity and freedom to disagree, we should be able to act as a well-knit team with mutual understanding and acceptance. Within the family, we must understand that every relationship has a purpose and value. Maintaining correct family relationships is essential, but we must have the ability to live life at our own. We need to be very choosy in developing friendships and must ensure that we have friends with shared values and who can bring a balance in areas where we are weaker. After all, friends impact not just the quality of our life but perhaps the length of it, as well.
Evident changes are expected how we socially interact at home and at work. Educational systems may also find a re-alignment. The role of relationships and the societies in general are also likely to change to commensurate with the environment. To build up an effective social structure, we will have to place emphasis on emotional intelligence amongst the communities, a culture of introspection and a fair and honest governance at the grass-root level. In nutshell, when it comes to a challenge, if everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.
— The writer is Security Management Professional, based in the UAE.
