Sunday 28 August 2011

Death

Death comes with the craving to steal moments one never had.

Death of a loved one comes with so many regrets. It's those moments which will never be shared again, or one wishes could be shared. There is no ultimate satisfaction in death, the result concludes with an endless wish list- of if only and I wish.

Today I received condolence message;to a factor I was oblivious to and not part of an equation to until this point. As I stood at the train station platform; I read the message on my social website page- RIP. Initially, I read the message with dis-engagement, as though it was a message for someone else, or this tragic incident had afflicted someone else. I stood there trying to accept every self knowing decision chosen up to this point. For it was I who made the choice on the level of social engagement with the now deceased person.

Up this point the person was alive and there was plenty of time to engage with them.

What right did I have now to cry and weep?
I should be content right?

For I had fulfilled my choices in the level of contact with this beloved person- who now had died?

Stood there thinking, I am not entitled to cry for a time lost. I had made decisions which eventually would lead up to this point.

My day surpassed through a roller coster of surreal moments, feelings of denial, to flashing images and finally explosive crushing pain.

In the end it turns out mistaken identity the condolences were meant for someone else.. What a cruel and intense awakening to self.

So I now have enough time, to make wiser choices with full ownership on the level of personal engagement. It's as though this crushing wave of emotions was an awakening. I have been given a second change to make the right choices with no hopefully no regrets.

The pain that came with this level of awakening is undescribable.

Does death come with selfishness/self-gratitude? For one starts to think, if only I;I wish;I had. The focus becomes more on self rather than the deceased. So is death an actualisation of our own self satisfaction in the end?

A wish to fulfill things which will never be achieved. It is because in death, we have no free will, as it's been taken away beyond our control? The wish list after death becomes much longer.

So what about when the person we so loved was or is alive, what stops us from fulfilling this wish list?
Why is it much easier in death to create a long wish list?
What stops us from making the right choices on our level of social engagement?

Time is in our hands, yet we choose to stop time when we have all the given opportunities. What we take for granted is time and our choices. We become lazy in the comfort and belief of an endless life.

Afterall we have all the time in the world right?

Today,  I've woken up with two awakenings.
  • First, I have been given a second chance to rebuild a relationship which I thought was lost to death.
  • Second- nature's phenomenon of earthquakes & hurricanes this week, has woken me up to a heightened level, which nudges me deeply and says 'value the time you've got, for time is limited.'

If we valued life 100%- death would not be filled with regrets. Rather we would become united with the deceased, in knowing we lived jointly through proactive & affective choices of full engagement. For each day we lived would be an ultimate day, with the thought that the person (loved one), may not be here to tomorrow.

I am still trying to actualise this heightened level of parting with death on a high conscious level of full ownership prior to death.  Of knowing we are only passer bys. So if I lived a fulfilled life with a loved one, will I reach a level of pleasure- in knowing we both lived?

Love life, rejoice in death knowing that you both lived as should have.

Although the time is ours to maneuver it can be easily taken away in a second.

Wednesday 10 August 2011

Effects and consequences of Globalisation

"Globalisation is not a new phenomenon but the world has never before been subject to global forces that are characterised by such extensity, intensity, velocity and impact. Modern technology and communications effectively compress human time and space and to unification. One outcome of this has been greater contact with the ‘Cultural Other’. No longer can we think of ‘strangers and the strange’ as dislocated entities that are peripheral to our own lives1. For this to be a
positive experience for all parties, there are some shortcomings to acknowledge and some hurdles to overcome. Concisely, we have been inconsistent in our efforts to connect with the Cultural Other. Furthermore, current neo-liberal globalisation agendas would not seem to augur well for improving on this record. perspective and introduces the idea of the ‘fear of the unknown’ as a foundation of our
difficulty in accepting Otherness. It also offers a way forward by means of the internationalisation of the self."
Existentialism, Globalisation, Cultural Other, ‘Known Unknown’, Internationalisation
 by Gavin Sanderson

Moral of the story- globalisation= easy access to social networking sites= mass movement on emotive acts such as the recent demonstrations of misguided youths in the UK.. Globalisation is an opportune monument to stand up tall for all the right reasons, & steer the globe into an equal efficient and effective machine. A shift with the right movement, which  creates an equilibrium between the rich and poor, re-distributes wealth - the basis such as water, food, medication, electricity all things which some of us the fortunate take for granted. Rather we aim to destroy our neighbours possessions & hurt our neighbours. While others take the pleasure living one extra day, having gone to bed with no food.

Tuesday 9 August 2011

Without enemies around us, we grow lazy.

Democracy for the past two days was tossed like garbage. Goes to show what people value the most. Our ancestors have gone to great lengths to fight for the ground we stand on. Woken up with the urge and need to ship some youths to African & Arabic countries, in order for them to see the lengths people go to gain social justice. So when given the opportunity youths of today, in a democratic country decide to fight for their rights by burning down their own neighborhood. Where is the social justice in that, but yet another route to life imprisonment on so many levels, as these consequences emotionally affect masses. Surely, there are better ways to stand up tall and be heard. Lets not forget the things we take for granted_ there are millions of people to whom water, electricity, food the basics of which they are dying for.

The one's who believe can change the world, do change the world. They do this in their etiquette and gravitas, which shifts & changes minds for decades to come.

Sunday 7 August 2011

Echoes of Loneliness: Embracing Great Expectations in the Emptiness of Connection

This week has been a tumultuous journey through the depths of emotions, where the paradox of being surrounded by others yet feeling profoundly alone in the world has taken center stage. The yearning for a genuine emotional connection has become the ultimate craving—a desire for someone to reach into the core of my being and engage with the rawness of my emotions.

In this pursuit, what am I expecting? It goes beyond mere interactions; it's a quest for a deeper understanding and a connection that provides the reassurance that it's okay to release the emotional weight carried within. There's an expectation that the other party will delicately handle my words, creating a secure space infused with reassurance.

Lately, it seems that our engagements have become entangled in the threads of nothingness, a hurried atmosphere devoid of substance or profound meaning. The apparent distance in emotional re-connection reflects a society either too fearful or too consumed by personal issues to authentically engage with one another.

The result is the paradox of being among many yet feeling a profound emptiness inside. The great expectation lingers—a hope that someone will extend a hand, truly see, and hear the depths of my heart's content.

There's a profound freedom in letting go, a sense of being intricately intertwined with the essence of others. Imagine an opportune moment to release one's deepest fears through heartfelt sobs, followed by the reassuring embrace that letting go is not only acceptable but also safe. How liberating and transformative would that experience be?

As the echoes of loneliness reverberate, this exploration of great expectations delves into the complex interplay between yearning for connection and the stark reality of emotional distance. It invites reflection on the nature of human engagement, the expectations we carry, and the transformative power of genuine emotional connection. As the journey unfolds, may we find solace in the recognition that, in the vast landscape of human experience, the pursuit of authentic connection is a shared and often elusive quest.

Tuesday 2 August 2011

Navigating Grief: An Existentialist Perspective on Sudden Loss

In the unfathomable realm of sudden death, where the air is thick with deep, shallow sadness, navigating through emotions can feel akin to wandering through an unfamiliar aisle or procession. The unsettling feelings refuse to sit comfortably, echoing a sense of unfairness, betrayal, and a profound injustice. How does one reconcile with the stark reality of losing a vibrant individual in their prime, someone in their 30s brimming with zest and a passion for embracing life to the fullest?

The journey through grief takes on the form of a tumultuous roller coaster, marked by anger, annoyance, and tear-jerking moments. It's a turbulent ride that prompts existential questions about the very essence of life. In moments of despair, one can't help but question the purpose of making an effort. Is there a point, and if so, what is it?

Loss, by its very nature, should be a catalyst for motivation, a wake-up call to the fragility and impermanence of life. It should, in theory, spur an urgency to become something, to appreciate existence and embrace the fleeting moments.

From an existentialist perspective, grief becomes a profound confrontation with the meaning of one's own existence. It challenges us to grapple with the absurdity of life, where the certainty of death contrasts sharply with the unpredictability of how and when it will strike. The sudden departure of a young soul forces us to confront the arbitrariness of our mortality, highlighting the need to find meaning and purpose in the face of life's inherent uncertainties.

The deep sadness that accompanies loss serves as a catalyst for an existential awakening—an urgency to be somebody and to be proactive in appreciating one's existence. It's a reminder that life is fleeting and, in its brevity, demands our active engagement. The existential imperative becomes clear: in the face of mortality, we are compelled to create meaning, find purpose, and embrace the richness of our existence.

So, how does one prepare for sudden death? The answer lies in embracing an existential mindset—one that acknowledges the inevitability of death while recognizing the profound impact it can have on the way we live. In navigating grief, we find solace in the existential call to live authentically, appreciating the preciousness of each moment and creating a meaningful narrative out of life's unpredictable and often heart-wrenching events.

Navigating the Game Culture: Existential Insights on Workplace Redundancies

In the intricate tapestry of modern workplaces, a palpable shift has occurred, steering us into a culture that resembles a complex game. The era of mutual collaboration and support has seemingly given way to a more individualistic approach, particularly when the specter of "possible redundancies" casts its shadow. It's an atmosphere where the mantra becomes "each to their own."

The dynamics of this game culture prompt us to ponder the extent to which individuals are willing to engage in game-playing and backstabbing to secure an advantage over their colleagues. This raises crucial questions: Are we playing the right game? And at what cost, particularly when it comes at the expense of our colleagues' well-being?

One significant aspect that often bears the brunt of this game-like atmosphere is employee morale. As whispers of potential redundancies circulate, an undercurrent of uncertainty permeates the workplace. The fear of losing one's job can create an environment of heightened stress, affecting not only individual employees but the collective morale of the entire team.

Consider the case of Sarah, a dedicated team member known for her exceptional contributions. The announcement of possible redundancies has left her grappling with anxiety about the security of her position. The once vibrant and collaborative team now faces the challenge of maintaining its positive morale amidst the uncertainty. The pervasive stress stemming from this game of job security infiltrates every aspect of the workplace, impacting productivity and fostering an atmosphere of distrust.

Existentialism, with its emphasis on individual responsibility and purpose, offers profound insights into these workplace dynamics. It encourages us to reflect on the ethical considerations of our actions within this game culture. Are we sacrificing the well-being of our colleagues for personal gain? Are we, as individuals, contributing to a toxic work environment in the pursuit of professional survival?

In essence, the game culture of workplace redundancies forces us to confront not only the immediate consequences on morale and stress but also the deeper existential questions about our roles, responsibilities, and ethical choices in the professional realm. As we navigate this complex game, let us consider the impact of our actions on both ourselves and our colleagues, fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes collaboration, empathy, and shared success over individual victories in the game of work.