On Consciousness

You get up in the morning after a good sleep and armed with a good cup of coffee you feel that you have all the energy in the world to tackle the problems and challenges that come your way. Yet, how differently do you feel at night, especially when after a hard day's work the 'you' has been literally spent. All you can do is to mumble 'try me tomorrow'.

You are the one who can be aware of all your biological drives, the pull of an attractive women as well as the desire to go for that sweet in the fridge. You also are the one who perceives voices in your head, the psychological symbols that your mind entertains, the worries that depress you as well as the aspirations and desires that pump your blood faster through your body. You are pure consciousness. You are the authority who has to make a decision based on all these inputs. All these choices in the end define who you think you are.

I have seen colleagues who happen to be good-natured, yet, when faced with an onslaught of pressures, conflicts and challenges literally get worn down in the process. Where there was humor before, there is sarcasm now. Where there was gentleness there is now rough treatment. Pressure can do this to you. Perhaps we can compare the situation we are in with a lake. The water will digest a little pollution easily, bit once you hit a critical level, the lake will die.  

The ego is a psychological force. It is the voice in your head. You have the ability to listen to his logical as well as egocentric demands, but you are the one who can override all these concerns. Put yourself into an environment where you can make the choice. You don't have to be afraid of all the temptations that are out there as long as you have the energy to deal with them. Going back to the lake example, I think you can be very well aware of how much distraction your system can handle before the real 'you' loses control. Take it easy at work, spend time in environments and with people that lift you up instead. Pursue the hobbies that restore your energy. You have every reason to be proud of the authority inside you who defines who you really are. But please handle her with care!