The world is a complex tapestry, encompassing both the good and the bad, coexisting simultaneously. Yet, as humans, we often struggle to embrace this duality and tend to categorise things as either good or bad — days, people, and even our own self-image.
When you venture into the mountains, a captivating experience awaits you. The crisp air fills your lungs, rewarding you for pushing beyond your limits. The thrill of conquering a challenge lingers as you eagerly anticipate the next adventure. Along the way, rivers flow serenely, and birds sing merrily. Lost in the moment, your thoughts fade away as you focus on catching your breath and taking that next step, even when exhaustion sets in. Ultimately, you remember this journey as a beautiful experience, cherishing the gift of life itself.
However, the chaotic hustle of traffic paints a different picture. Even amidst the cacophony, the birds continue their melodic tunes. Yet, their sweet melodies get drowned out on narrow streets where incessant honking fills the air, creating a stagnant, frustrating atmosphere. The day begins late, and blame is cast upon the world.
While trapped in your car, there are countless things to observe. The birds still sing, but their melody competes with the desperate pleas of a fellow citizen seeking spare change. Their hardship seems to surpass your own, leaving you to wonder if fate could have placed you in their shoes. The truth is, it easily could have been you.
The citizen, devoid of a car, can only imagine the frustrations of traffic. Instead, they find solace in the fact that cars have come to a halt, allowing them to knock on windows, seeking help. Some drivers respond with anger, gesturing for them to move along. Yet, the citizen understands that not everyone will assist them, so they remain hopeful, moving on to the next car. Amidst the misery of a bleak day, some compassionate drivers offer their spare change, wishing the citizen well. It is on such days that the citizen collects more than when only the birds sing.
Motivated by an inherent survival instinct, we carry on with our day, leaving behind both the good and the bad. We receive both blessings and hardships, and we experience both joy and sorrow.
If we seek an escape from our chosen reality, our self-imposed prison, we find solace in the mountains, listening to the birds’ harmonies. If we desire to reach our destination at our preferred time, along the route of our choosing, we accept the limitations of our inability to fly. And if we find ourselves in need of some spare change, we knock on people’s doors when they're most likely to offer it, harbouring hope and resilience simultaneously.
