There is a consensus that many of the human challenges could be addressed constructively if only we would have the resolve and the commitment to think outside the box, seek another path. This process of thinking outside the box seems relatively easy and possible; a middle path to be more precise. And yet, every human society struggles with this great necessity of our times that assures options and possibilities of changing the world, and essentially the conditions of our existence.
Many approaches have been attempted to bring about prophetic change, but the ideal we envision still eludes our grasp. Perhaps the answer lies in our own inability to think outside the box. Is it, therefore, surprising that world leaders are now calling for a paradigm shift based on the notion of thinking outside the box? Maybe, at long last they have come to realize that the current thought processes only reinforces the status quo, and do not allow the seeds of real transformation to take root.
The process of thinking outside the box is not mechanical nor is it linear, rather it is organic and requires leaving our comfort zones behind. Moving away from them is probably the most challenging aspect when designing new paradigms. It also requires changing our lens of how we perceive issues, adapting a new attitude and perspective towards the world around us. This paradigm shift also asks us to look deeply beyond what we can see in front of us, and understand the other person’s predicament by putting ourselves in his or her shoes, and develop empathy which also deepens our respect for others.
Indeed, we are required to look at things differently, beyond our own perspectives, positions and interests. At times, we may have to unlearn the things that we have been conditioned to accept over time; and, it could even mean accepting what was perhaps considered unacceptable at one point of time. Thinking outside the box really means developing new sensitivities, having empathy, and forming new relationships. Following a third way implies making a path which may never have been traveled before.
In a world that is fast becoming more conscious of its own diversities and the need to accept the richness of its human cultures, it is clearly apparent that one culture just cannot arbitrarily impose itself upon another. It is in the clash of cultures and worldviews that perhaps brings to light two key essentials for the future survival of human existence. Don’t let yourself be boxed in and feel backed into a corner; and there is always a third way no matter how less traveled the path it has been. While one can recognize the positive possibilities that will emerge by utilizing these approaches, it needs to be acknowledged that they are challenging to implement at a personal and subjective level.
These internal contradictions best capture the predicament of human existence and they bring to the forefront the dilemma of human behavior. While on one hand there is the unexplored wealth of possibilities for real transformation to take place by adopting a third way and thinking outside the box, on the other hand, we stand by our own positions and perceptions because it feels safe. This behavior keeps us relying on an approach that we know has failed time and time again. This describes to some extent why human societies have become insular and dogmatic. The irony is not lost, for while on one hand, seeking change is predictable, on the other, is closed to new ideas and thoughts. Ultimately, the end result supports the existing status quo.
Nagas too must begin thinking outside the box and explore the third way. How long will we continue following the old ways, how long will we cling on to our comfort zones, even when we are aware that they are limited within themselves? Perhaps we must begin by unlearning what we think we know and start approaching the world around us through new eyes that allow us to critically deconstruct our current situation. This new paradigm is for everyone as it is a place where their true aspirations can emerge together. So the question remains as to whether Nagas have the courage to step into the unknown, out of their comfort zones to seek new ways to solve old problems together.
