“The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” — Alan Watts
This quote perfectly captures our recent two-day experience. It seems we took Alan Watts’ advice literally—diving headfirst into the emotional whirlpool and dancing our way through self-discovery. Moving with the rhythm of the Life Class can feel—awkward at first, but surprisingly enlightening!
While the close-knit community was incredibly nurturing, it was also emotionally intense. I’ve always felt that being part of a community has a unique power and comfort, which our facilitators, Puja Ma’am and Muskan Ma’am, truly brought to life. Their warmth and ability to create a space filled with compassion and laughter were truly remarkable.
In our tech-driven world, where distractions are relentless and productivity is often measured by constant busyness, this Life Class was a much-needed break. It provided a space to slow down and reconnect with ourselves.
Here are my key takeaways from the Life Classes:
1. We’re all chasing more—more achievements, more success, and a so-called “perfect life.” But when do we stop to question what “perfection” really means to us? While our goals may vary, at the core, we all seek similar things.
2. Embrace the space between stimulus and response. We always have a choice. Others can offer guidance and make our path clearer, but it’s up to us to walk it.
3. “Dare to do something of your own. Things will fall into place for you.”
4. The concept of the “emotional bank account” was particularly fascinating to me.
5. The realization of our finite and ephemeral existence brings with it a profound sense of both trepidation and clarity. We are undeniably constrained by the accumulation of our past experiences. Becoming conscious of these inherent limitations forces us to confront the daunting truth of our mortality. Yet, paradoxically, this very awareness can be a source of empowerment. Perhaps, for me, this realization provides comfort and motivates me to make my path more intentional.
To sum up my experience, I’m left with more questions than answers:
As human beings, we have a single body but a mind that can imagine living a hundred different lives within one lifetime. There will be moments of dissatisfaction, and it’s natural to wonder when we’ll truly figure out what’s best for us and which path will lead us to “greatness.”
We all recognize the power of free will, and each person is tested by life. So why is it that some of us struggle to fully utilize our will, even when opportunities come our way?