Last week, I received a video of a cat on Facebook. The cat was perched on the edge of a pond where a crocodile lurked, eyeing some chicken pieces placed on the ground. As the crocodile emerged, the cat swiftly smacked it, causing it to retreat, leading to a tense standoff. Despite repeated attempts by the crocodile, the cat continued to defend its ground until the crocodile retreated into the water. This encounter between the small cat and the formidable crocodile highlights the essence that resides within both creatures. Today, I want to delve into this essence, which defines us as individuals.
As human beings, we are well aware of our sizes and abilities to do things, but our inhibitions and insecurities are mostly related to our perceptions, which unfortunately are influenced by our education. We often undermine our nature and live our lives based on these perceptions. Just like the crocodile, we sometimes fail to see ourselves, quite literally.
When you look at yourself in the mirror, what do you see? Do you see a shell, or do you see through the eyes and connect with the entity that lives in your body? If you see only the shell, you may have been influenced by societal norms, unable to connect with your true self.
If you dislike your body due to societal standards, it’s a bigger issue than just body image. You could be unhappy despite having a perfectly functioning and healthy body, feeling ungrateful instead of appreciative. If you feel this way, remember that others may have opinions, but they should not dictate or control your life.
You are the CEO, the decision-maker, the one who balances opposing senses. Naturally, we have a sense of belonging, countered by a sense of freedom. I’ll revisit this theme because understanding it is crucial for a fulfilling life.
Imagine a triangle with you at the top and your senses on both sides at the bottom. Now, picture a pendulum hanging in the center, perfectly still, representing balance. If it swings from left to right, it can heighten whichever sense it leans towards. A little movement is natural, but if it’s out of balance, trouble arises.
If your sense of belonging is too strong, you might overspend on branded clothes or jeopardize relationships due to others’ opinions. Conversely, an excessive sense of freedom can lead to recklessness, potentially causing self-destructive behaviors.
It’s up to you to control your senses, as they can lead to serious problems if left unchecked. Just as a CEO addresses issues by delving into the core, you must delve deep into yourself.
Aware of our mortality, we seek security through connections, but this doesn’t strengthen us as individuals. Consider yourself a stone on a slanted beach. If surrounded by equally large stones, you may feel secure but remain ignorant of your personal weight or identity. Now, picture these surrounding stones as family, work, friends, or lovers. Every time one shifts, panic ensues because you’ve lost sight of yourself. However, life goes on, and new opportunities arise. The problem lies in how you perceive yourself – are you the big crocodile backing off from a little cat, or are you the cat?
Relying on external security forgets that true security lies in the uncontrollable essence of living. We die internally and from accidents, regardless of the security network we build. Overemphasizing external factors not only blinds us to ourselves but also subjects us to undue influence. Governments may encroach on individual liberties in the name of security.
As a CEO, question whether your security truly stems from the walls of control you’ve erected. Life must be lived bravely, as it’s temporary. You can either retreat like the little cat or stand firm against the big crocodile.
Insecurity breeds control, which can disrupt lives regardless of mortality. Understanding mortality can ironically lead to a happier life.
Attempting to control everything fosters a habit of control, causing stress when relinquishing control becomes necessary. Mental health issues can stem from the fear of losing control. Physical health depends on healthy thinking, so address your problems at their core. True security comes from knowing yourself, not from external influences. You are the CEO, the decision-maker, the one who calls the shots.