Responding to Live Situation

When we are travelling, by car or train or an aircraft the situation around us is continuously changing. If we are piloting the craft we cannot afford not to notice it. If we are mere passengers we can shut the windows and go to sleep. Paying passengers believe they have a right to this luxury. If the pilot were to switch off and go to sleep, what then?

All of a sudden the situation gets bad. The weather turns violent. There is engine trouble or something even worse, may be a hijack. Panic is the reaction of many of us. Almost everyone is anxious and worried. Eachone worrying about his/her own safety.

Let us now see what many of us do with life. Do we live life like a pilot, as an ordinary passenger or as a paying special class passenger? Most of the time the journey is uneventful. Every thing follows a predetermined routine. We are whiling away the time watching a movie, drinking wine, chatting with our neighbour or sleeping. Some are restless even at such times and keep complaining about trivial matters. Many of us do not know how to celebrate when good fortune visits us. We celebrate by throwing(!) a party. There is a lot of food ( a lot is wasted too), a lot of booze, a lot of noise & boasting and finally a hangover. All this while people round the corner are going hungry.

When something untoward happens We try to hide the fact, hoping that the situation would some how correct itself. We put up a brave front and try to show as if everything is fine and under control. When the facade falls, anxiety, worry and panic set in. We try to dig out information which in no way would help to deal with the situation. We try to find out why it happened, with a view to crucifying someone. Many will proffer advice without being competent to do so. Many statements that I have heard people making at such times are downright bizzare.

In my understanding only two types of responses are helpful under any circumstance.

1. What can I learn from this situation and the way I have dealt with it?

2.What service can I provide at this time to ameliorate the situation?

Anything else is a waste of time and energy and is best left undone.

Ganoba