If we dare look closely into our daily social behaviour and actions, it is easy to notice that something is sinister, amiss or peculiar.  It is more as if one operates on auto- pilot, and there is very little thinking or consideration required. It is a simple indication that somehow, some way, one is closely getting to nothing more than a machine.

What is more surprising is that when one starts to become aware of this tendency, they happen to get occasional a-ha moments. These are moments when one catches themselves in a subconscious action. In retrospect, one realises that there is a certain circular pattern or routine.  One may even realise that although there are many routes to a certain place, they find themselves only taking the same route all the time.

The question then is: How many of us move about this awareness? Because for sure, this is the first step to many more possible mystifying epiphanies.  It is just one simple step that makes a great difference, and even take one’s life into a whole new and different direction.

The fact is that it is not easy.  That is why even if one may try to create this awareness, not many will be interested.  This is because it would be strange and unfamiliar, and because of the human preference for comfort, it will be countered with some considerable level of resistance.

Somehow though, this explains it all.  That for one not to easily notice the visible deception, be it by the self or other forces, there must be some level of social hypnosis. There must be some level of strategic covert preoccupation to desensitise one from even basic things as introspection and self-evaluation.  Of course, some of these things are easier done when the focus is on external aspects like self-evaluation on one’s job performance or skills. If it can make so much of a difference in that aspect, one can just imagine the great impact it would have if applied inwardly. 

As much as a lot can be said about this human condition, one thing is for sure: As humans, we are constantly under a spell and if we are willing to see it, we need to look no further than at ourselves.  All we need to look at are the things we find ourselves preoccupied with, especially in our leisure time. Be it the television, newspapers, magazines or entertainment; they are all nothing but hypnosis and sleeping pills to our consciousness.

E-mail: karlsimbumusic@gmail.com

Uncommon Sense is published every Friday in the New Era newspaper with contributions from Karlos Naimwhaka