A Variety of Life’s Faces

We are all said to be floating like shells in a huge ocean of life, according to ancient texts. No two lives are alike even though everyone is born from the same Consciousness. As different as our lives are, they are interconnected, and everyone has something to teach us. Take five days off—just five days—to give yourself a full taste of life.

 

Visit a farmer for a full day, from daylight to night. Early in the day, accompany him to the farm and observe his activities there. Your awareness of the environment and food will increase. It is estimated that one-third of the food produced worldwide is wasted. We will be made aware of the effort and resources required to produce food by spending the day with the farmer, making us more cautious about wasting it.

 

Spend a day in prison (but without breaking the law). You’ll come to understand that the people we categorize as criminals and imprison owe their current situation to circumstance and ignorance. When someone is angry, they lose control of their behavior. Even the most experienced crook will claim, “I didn’t do it. Something suddenly overcame me, and it happened.” It will become clear that behind every villain lies a victim pleading for mercy. Your heart will begin to feel compassion. If you harbor ill will toward somebody, it will cease to exist.

 

Become a schoolteacher on the third day. The need for a guru will become clear to you. In life, there are countless people you may mentor and assist from wherever you are. It makes me feel incredibly happy inside. The ability to be a guru is not limited to people with long hair and beards. For certain people at least, anyone can take on the part. To be a guru, compassion is all you need—no particular abilities are required. You can use your compassion to help people by working as a teacher. “My student must advance,” I demand nothing. We experience this kind of unwavering affection.

 

The fourth day should be spent in a mental hospital. You won’t take whatever somebody says to you or calls you in a psychiatric hospital personally. You will gain the fortitude to take criticism in stride after a day when anyone can say anything to you. You’ll not only be resilient enough to take all criticism in stride, but you’ll also be kind to those who criticize you. We worry excessively about trivial issues. How does he or she feel about me? After being disturbed, we respond to these situations. Both giving and receiving criticism should be courageous acts on your part. Our kids will mature into strong, reliable members of society if we teach them this.

 

Spend a day at the funeral home or cemetery. You’ll feel the transience of life up close and personal. Whatever grievances you may have will go. The realization that death can strike at any time will permanently alter your view on life. Formal education alone is insufficient. To receive a comprehensive education, it is crucial to investigate various facets of life. We become focused and firmly set in our Self when we can see the various parts of life as they develop around us.