What you see is not always what it is

We often see the world through the glasses of our own perception. Our rational mind judges the things it sees in the outer world and gives its own meaning using the beliefs we have accumulated over the years. We often see people smiling, laughing and having fun and we start judging their life. We think how good is their life. We think how happy and joyful their life is. And then we think about our circumstances and ponder over all the reasons for why our life is not good enough and not that happier. We tend to judge the people with their external behaviours. But sometimes you can’t even imagine what they are going through internally and what situations they have been facing all over. It could be far more beyond that we can even think about.

Let me share with you a small story. A man was driving his car through the highway and suddenly one car came from behind and overtook him in a very rash manner. It was almost like an accident, but somehow the man got through. He got very upset and decided to follow the car and to teach the other person in that car a lesson. A little way further, there was a hospital and the other person parked his car in front of the hospital gate and began to rush through the gate. The man followed him quickly and started scolding and abusing the other person to make him realise how he saved the accident. The other person kindly apologised and explained that his son was in that hospital and he was taking his last few breaths. He almost cried and said that he wanted to spend as much time as possible with his son in the hospital. Listening that, the man realised how he judged that person and how rude he got with him. The man apologised the other person and left quietly.

Our mind is a meaning making machine and we give meanings to everything that we see and experience in our life. But things are not always what we see. Sometimes the reality is completely different. We can never know the pain hidden behind the glorious smile. So, never judge anyone. Everyone is going through some kind of pain that you never know or have any idea about. Be kind with people, always. Be the reason for someone’s smile. Be compassionate with everyone. Kindness doesn’t cost you, and it can make a difference in someone else’s life.

Article Written By : Ritesh Ramrakhyani.