How does one construct the memories of yesterday which is the past; how does one engage with today that is the present; and how does one prepare to stand face to the mysteries of tomorrow? Perhaps the underpinning predicament lies in defining the purpose of existence and how one decides to involve in fulfilling that purpose. After all, any encounter with reality should essentially enhance and reflect one’s dignified relevance. It is here, that one is demanded by conditions of history to transform and renew their relevance in the continuum of creation.
Wanton selfish alteration of the world is disrupting the balance of all relations. The entrenching comfort zones has stunt the growth to be fully human. Conditioned by historical experiences of entrenchment, patterns of set thinking and living are woven to unconsciously create the image of the ‘other.’ The inclination to accept without question strengthens the tendency of ‘feelings’ to dominate the ‘will’ and ‘thoughts.’ Consequently, the distinction between right and wrong gets blurred. It is not surprising that one becomes reactive and judgmental to ideas that compel action and reflection. Unwillingness to look beyond the self polarizes opinions and prevents space for reasoning and understanding. The resistance to change contradicts the very rationale of creation.
People of faith have said that ‘will,’ ‘feelings’ and ‘thoughts’ are the guiding pillars of human functions. It can be also said that ‘feelings’ often get the better of ‘will’ and ‘thoughts.’ Inevitably, ‘feelings’ without reason and understanding results in actions that lacks burden of self-criticism, serious historical analysis and no sense of collective responsibility. This intensifies the already confused situation and contentious language. It inevitably raises idealistic arguments to unreality.
The challenge of renewal seeks to establish new ways of life through purposeful self-criticism. It depends on the existence of consciousness about life and the realities that surround the being. The consciousness which must begin with the individual. Without consciousness of reality, there is no knowledge; without knowledge there is no freedom, no creativity, no completion and no contentment. Based on consciousness about himself or herself and the world, an individual determines the ‘will’ for purpose of existence. The opportunities for transformation arise during the moment when contradicting and uniting forces of ‘emotion and feeling’ with ‘reason and common sense’ blend together in temporary harmony to provide direction.
The change that emerges out of consciousness and self-criticism is probably one answer to the problem of human solidarity and human community. Renewal demands looking beyond the self and its comfort zone and to allow vulnerability to seep in by opening opportunities to look at events, narratives and issues from the perspective of the ‘other.’ After all is it not in the shelter of each other that we find life? Is it not in your presence that I discover my name?
