WOULD YOU STILL REPEAT THIS MISTAKE?

The story begins here.

It was a hot day and the sun was shining with full splendor while the people were busy in their professions and everything was going on as usual. His name was Munir and he was working as a Primary school teacher in a government primary school in one of the rural villages of Pakistan. It was his routine to nurture the talent of toddlers with his teaching skills and he was using his utmost tactics to create innovation in the innocent minds of children. He was fifty years old and had been teaching in the primary school for more than twenty years. He loved children and the children found it a fun to learn from him as he mesmerized every learner in an awesome manner to get them involved in his teaching. But, one thing he could not teach to himself during these fifty years.

One day it so happened that he was preparing to leave for his school when the maid served him breakfast and in doing so, the cup of tea slipped from her hands and ran over his neat shirt in no time. The sudden mistake proved a bolt from the blue and infuriated him so he chastised and rebuked her badly. He kept on disparaging her while going to school, until he reached his school. He marked his attendance on the register and went to the classroom in silence where he was not feeling well about what happened in the morning. Then, he received a call from district education office to visit one of the private schools in the vicinity of the village and informed the management about safety measures of Corona virus. It infuriated him and in his rage he shouted that he is not a servant to oblige and comply everyone. He lost his temper, in his anger he threatened the calling officer with grave consequences and quit the call. Now, he was feeling calm and a champion of some unseen race because his anger had vanished and nerves had forgotten the tension.

Next day, he received job suspension letter in which he was directed to appear before competent authority and explain his position for violating the norms and conduct of the office, otherwise he would be terminated. He knew that the procedure for appearing before competent authority is a humiliating experience but he had to go because it was he who invited the wrath of officers with his insane action. Now, pause this story here.

No matter where we live, what we do and which religion we follow, by and large, we experience same situation with slight difference of setting every other day and did not learn the lesson. Our emotions drive us and we commit embarrassing actions regardless of repercussions. We can manage such issues if we persuade ourselves that we are to follow some steps in each disgusting scenario.

St Thomas Aquinas, a theologian says that people who have self-control are more able to maintain a healthy life because they are well aware of the art of peaceful life. When something contrary to our expectations happens, we get nervous and negative feelings or emotions preoccupy us as a result of which we do such acts about which we feel shameful later. The question is that why do we react in same way in each disgusting situation? The answer is that we want to see life according to our vision and all those acts that go against that vision disturb us. Ridiculously, the mistakes for which we chastise others, when are committed by us, we expect that our single smile is enough to appease the bitterness of our absurdity. We become the lawyer of our mistakes and act as a judge for those of others.

Let’s come to the solution. Keep in mind that in the beginning, it will be much difficult to follow all these steps but I would strongly recommend that test these steps like a bitter pill and then assess whether you feel serene or upset after implementation. First of all, accept the problem as it is and instead of taking tension think for a while that something worst can also occur. Take a notebook and write down the whole problem calmly. Analyze the causes of problem that aroused a storm in your emotions. Noting down all these reasons and factors will enable you to identify and remember them for future because they would chase you after some days in a different settings. Negative notions will create doubts and uncertainties that you are a looser and there is no benefit of thinking over what had happened, thus, ignore the issue. Avoiding, ignoring or delaying the facts is not a permanent solution and that is why we fall a prey to these negative feelings in next unpleasant situation. So, do not underestimate your courage as lot of other do or die scenarios have already jolted us. Similarly, this issue will also pass away and you will see many more in your future, thus, think that what should be done that may bring some tranquility instead of anxiousness. Thinking will agitate you because your mind is not inclined to respond the problem in this new manner, once you think positive and take the result that benefit you incredibly, then, you find it soothing to control yourself in all disgusting circumstances. Noting the issue, pondering as well as identifying the causes of problems and finally thinking viable solutions will convert the sore taste into a sweet one. Have a firm belief that your problem is a challenge to boost your confidence and steadfastness. In this way, you will save the strength of your relationship and protect your mind from frustration.

Oh! The story of Munir is yet to finish. Munir appeared before the officer who advised him that had he changed his blotted shirt having addressed the issue to maid, he would have protected himself from uncountable anxieties. Munir had understood that self-control and patience are priceless golden coins that need to be saved to save the serenity of life.

The story Munir repeats in our own life and we become Munir. So, are you ready to repeat the mistake?