“Simply, we are just asking you to realize what you experience.”
This phrase is from the Water Drop Lotus Leaf book that I blogged about before. Recently, I commented to a close good knowing advisor that although the intention to teach is well meant and I acknowledge the need to make good use of whatever time one has to convey the message, the recipient must be ready.
The reply I received was the sense of urgency and I was told that even during the Buddha's time, he never wasted any time in teaching the Dhamma. In fact, in one particular case (if I recall correctly), there was a monastic member who had only a matter of minutes to live, and the Buddha had to make use of what ever time he has left, to teach him the Dhamma.
I will blog about this in two parts. First, the sense of urgency and then, the readiness of the recipient.
The Modern Society
Sense of urgency is prevalent in the modern society. And it is a constantly reinforced notion.
But is it a genuine necessity or a manufactured pressure?
In the workplace; deadlines loom large. Online social media; instant responses are expected. The accelerated pace of technological advancements amplifies the urgency, fostering a constant need for immediacy.
Our very existence, is underscored by a perpetual rush.
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Time management becomes a paramount skill, and multitasking is lauded as a virtue. Even in our personal lives, technology inundates us with notifications, creating a perpetual state of alertness. [Multitask itself is a concept that is already disproven, why I still hear many proponents of multitask, is probably something I will blog about in another post]
But is this sense of outer urgency a genuine response to the demands of our environment, or has it become an ingrained habit, a societal expectation that we unquestioningly adopt?
Sense of urgency is not entirely unwholesome, but it can indeed serve as a double edged sword. Urgency, when appropriately channeled, can be a driving force for positive action and productivity.
In a fast paced world, urgency prompts individuals to prioritize tasks, make decisions [efficiently], and accomplish goals in a timely manner for heightened productivity, adaptability, and stimulate creativity. It is not uncommon for people to claim that they can only perform under the right amount of pressure , whatever that may be.
This modern urgency also extends to shaping our inner mindset and emotional well-being.
Along with that, perhaps working against an inner sense of urgency within: in understanding the fleeting nature of experiences, and a clear awareness our very own existence, experience, reactions and responses that transcends the superficial demands of the external world.
Then, how can we neither succumb to the hurried pace of the modern world nor retreat into a state of inertia?
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| societal inertia implies a condition of inactivity, stagnation, or a lack of forward movement and can manifest in various aspects of social, economic, or cultural life. |
The society is made up of individuals.
For every individual, we first need to look within and watch ourselves.
Do we realize how we are reacting to our external encounters through our six sense bases?
Do we realize how we are affected by our reactions to the external stimuli through our six sense bases?
Do we have the right knowledge, tools and capabilities to deal with these as they arise?
How can we respond thoughtfully instead of react impulsively?
Cultivating a sense of urgency is about aligning our mindset and actions with our goals and aspirations.
What goals and what aspirations?
The Individual Sense of Urgency
When we are unconditioned, we are unaffected.
The innate tendency of the mind to cling to experiences and proliferate thoughts is rooted in a desire for permanence and stability craved by the "I". This clinging is the foundation of our anxieties and stress.
By observing the arising and passing away of thoughts and emotions without judgement,one can gradually unravel the layers of clinging.
This process liberates one from the burdensome cycle of incessant desire and aversion, giving rise to a state of equanimity and tranquility.
If we each take care of our inner urgency, the outer urgency will take care of itself.
Why do I say so?
First, the sense of urgency relates to the ridding of unnecessary burdens that we tend to cling on to.
Relieved from the burden, one will be able to work with clarity and a clear sense of objective. Procrastination will gradually be reduced, and distractions minimized while the sense of commitment is enhanced.
This creates a healthy mindset and a proactive approach to learning and improvement leading to self actualization.
By anchoring the purpose of "simply we are asking you to realize what you are experiencing" into the strategies for nurturing a sense of urgency, a cohesive framework for personal development that emphasizes mindfulness, self-awareness, and purposeful action emerges.
This integration supports a balanced and meaningful approach to goal realization in both personal and professional contexts.
Reference
- Analayo, A. (2023) Water Drop on Lotus Leaf. Paramita Publications
Disclaimer
The content shared on MindPsyche reflects my personal thoughts, experiences, and the discoveries I've made along my own path. It is important to note that they are subjective and may not resonate with everyone. What works for me may not necessarily align with everyone's beliefs or experiences.
If at any point you find the need for clarification or wish to share your own insights, I welcome your thoughts. Feel free to reach out to me through any of the provided contact links below