Control

A simple word I never thought could be applicable to so many aspects of our daily life. I am so used to relating this word to things such as driving, electronic devices, a dominant overriding person, etc. But now, I am beginning to see it in a very different light.

We are so used to the idea that we are in control of our lives. And when things do not go our way, we get upset, angry, disappointed. Why is that so? Because control leads to expectations. When we think we are in control, we desire what we are controlling to give us the outcome we want. Is this really the way the world works? Or are we conditioned to think as such. We feel good when we are empowered. When we are able to control whatever we wish and to reach our desired goals.

What if we give up this very control, and let nature take its own course? What happens? Does the world stop because we give up control? What exactly are we trying to control? In the Taoism of Lao Tzu and the classic Tai chi shcool of thought, the act of doing by not doing is the true essence of being.

An interesting simile about control comes into mind when I think about wakeboarding. I'll always remember how the instructor keeps reminding any newbie or even me when we are towed behind the boat that we do not need to control the board or anything at all. Just hang on firm to the rope, and the boat will do the rest. This couldn't be any truer for anyone with some experience in wakeboarding can attest to. Once you give up the control, everything becomes so easy. But of course, every now and then when doing certain tricks, I get back into the old habit of trying to assert control. And as always, the harder I try to control, the harder the fall will be. Isn't it interesting? Giving up control and everything just falls into place. Just go with the flow.

The world doesn't stop because we give up control. The world doesn't get messed up just because we stop trying to control and organise it. Nature has its own orders and it doesn't care if you are there or not. The river doesn't stop flowing just because we dam it, it simply flows elsewhere.

Take a step back and watch nature's wonders. Understand and accept that thats just the way it is. Then maybe we will truly see the real beauty within. The peace that comes with giving up control. When less is more.

By the way, who is it that is watching anyway? Me?