In the midst of our troubles and dark times, it is often hard to see the light side of life. Not because there is no light or is invisible, but simply because we tend to choose not to see it. 

Often, this happens because in the darkness, we are likely to get some attention and validation. Sometimes we choose to focus on and magnify our troubles, albeit there are possible alternatives with the potential to strengthen rather than weaken us.

It seems like it is in human nature to easily dwell in and pursue the difficult and painful path. This could also be that in our lifetime obsession with fear of loss and hitting rock bottom, we ended up believing that good only comes from enduring pain and hardship. 

This may also simply be because of the fact that it is what we have propagated over centuries. This is understandable though, because it seems like we have been thrown into this world with no manual or compass, although this may not necessarily be the case.

What if not everything has to be earned or begotten the hard way? What if there is already a completely inherent way to manifest whatever our wishes are? What if our beliefs and theories we amassed over the years have become our own fork in the road, and that we have completely missed the point, and never paid attention to the voice that constantly screams at us in vain? Have we ever wondered why some people seem to easily have things their way? And if we may think or believe it is by luck, have we ever wondered whether there is some way in which they have created their own luck?

Of course, these questions are rhetorical, but worth pondering on. What is even more interesting is that even after so many help books have been published and read, we still get moments of deep existential self-interrogation. Surely, that means something, if not a lot. Firstly, and most importantly, it may be pointing to the fact that no matter how far we have come, we may still have a long way to go. 

Not that it is how it should be, but simply because we have become addicted to complexity. Often, we do this by trying to prove we are smarter and more intelligent than the source. At some point, after we have had some superficial achievements, we dangerously think we can do anything. Sometimes, this can be so extreme that we may not realise that we are only heading to self-destruction.

In the midst of our self-constructed complexity, we miss it all. We miss the simplicity of the flow of life because of our impatience. In trying to exert power over others, events and outcomes, we only lose our true power. 

It may only be in our later years that we may reflect on our yesteryears, only to realise what a mess we have been. It is only at this point that we notice that maybe we should have just taken moments to look at our ridiculous self, and laugh at ourselves like “ha ha ha, only if I knew.”

*Uncommon Sense is published bi-weekly in the New Era with contributions from Karlos Naimwhaka. YouTube channel: Karlos Lokos

– karlsimbumusic@gmail.com