Sunday, April 3, 2011

On Sensitivity

I was driving with a friend one day when we came across a strange spectacle. By the roadside, we saw a person seemingly crazy or drunk, throwing rubbish on passing cars. When our car neared her, she threw some garbage on our car too. Although our windows were rolled up, we instinctively ducked. Then, my friend got worked up and started scolding the mad woman from inside the car. I did not stop the car and drove on.

Later, my friend, in a pensive mood said "I was stupid to react. Knowing fully well that the person was not in her senses and that there was no point in trying to reform her, I should have been more cool."

This is a common occurrence in our lives. Whatever we do or don't, there are always people criticising us. Some will be constructive while some will be downright lies or false allegations. Why should we let this this ruffle us? It will be foolish to expect nothing but praise from others. There are many who relish rubbishing others and imagine that it makes them superior. If we have a clear conscience and heart, nothing should disturb our equilibrium. We should learn the art of avoiding being too sensitive.

Why do we tend to deem it necessary to react to every provocation, every comment, every thing that disturbs us? In a way, we are trying to do the impossible here - to change the world to suit us. In a way, we are showing our insecurities and our lack of confidence in ourselves when we feel upset or sensitive to things that hurt us.

We display maturity when we allow others to criticise or comment negatively without getting upset.

4 comments:

KParthasarathi said...

Your last line says it all.Nice post

Sonal Raisinghani said...

My take back from this post :
There are always people criticising us... Why should we let this ruffle us ?
If we have a clear conscience and heart, nothing should disturb us. It is not necessary to react to every provocation, every comment, everything that disturbs us..
And Finally the concluding line..

Rakesh Vanamali said...

Wonderful post!

I've realized, in life, one faces criticism irrespective of beging good or bad! What it really means is that one has no control over what others perceive and project and hence it is a sheer waste of time trying to counter any criticism that one may face!

but having said that, it takes a great deal of maturity to remain stoic in the face of adversity and that really is the test of character!

Pramoda Meduri said...

Well said vish.. I'm actually working out on this part of my attitude :)