KARACHI:
According to poet John Milton, our mind can make a hell out of heaven and a heaven out of hell. Very true, if you think about it. An idle mind is after all a devil’s workshop. Invariably, when our minds are not occupied we tend to indulge in overthinking which results in problems like stress, anxiety and depression. Keeping the mind constructively occupied is quite a formidable task, especially when your body becomes too weak and feeble. Cultivating hobbies or constructive past times become even more important as you grow older.
The current pandemic, however, has made life even more miserable especially for the elderly who are stuck in one-bedroom apartments or studio flats and are forced to stay indoors because of the health risks that this pandemic poses to them. It seems that loneliness might kill them before the deadly virus. We do not necessarily have to die in order to experience heaven or hell; some of us experience one or both in this world because there is a phenomenon known as divine retribution. Living in sub-zero temperatures in studio apartments alone would be a hellish experience for sure, especially if you face health issues. It all lies within the mind. Positivity, a strong circle of friends and a constructive hobby to occupy your mind can bring about much-needed change in people’s lives.
Life can be heaven or hell; it all depends on how you view it. No man is an island; we all need loyal friends and strong relationships to help us weather the storms of life. The mind has to be trained to be positive and optimistic. Individuals who tend to see the silver lining in every cloud lead happier, more fulfilling and productive lives. They tend not to crib or complain about what there isn’t but make the best of what there is. How you view life and how well you adjust to change sometimes is the difference between whether your life becomes heaven or hell. Sow and nurture the seeds of positivity, be optimistic and do not burden yourself or other people with unrealistic expectations. Make the best of what there is and you will see the change within and around you.
Gaitee Ara Siddiqi
Lahore
Published in The Express Tribune, April 11th, 2021.
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