Are we gutters or warehouses built to store noise under the guise of entertainment?
Modern life and entertainment continuously engage and stimulate our minds, but seldom bring peace to our souls.
Humans tried to fill the world with noise to prevent feelings of emptiness and loneliness. However, the noise stayed, distorting their souls, and the emptiness persisted.
Growing up, our entertainment options were few: we listened to Vividh-Bharti and Radio Ceylon in the evenings after homework, played cricket for a designated hour, and watched censored films once a month or every two months. These types of entertainment were significant and had a positive influence on our lives because they consistently offered opportunities to learn.
In past generations, life moved at a steady pace with moments like evening terrace conversations with loved ones, meaningful rituals done with intention, and simple, fun games. Today, however, life often feels like a traffic jam, characterised by crowding, short-lived emotions, mental restlessness, and irritability.
Currently, our entertainment is akin to fast food for our emotions, offering instant gratification. Unfortunately, it provides no nourishment or health. Despite consuming so much of this entertainment, we often wake up feeling heavy and stressed, with a lingering headache and inexplicable irritation.
The big question is: who is responsible for ruining our peace of mind? Is it society, our relationships, emerging technology, politics, or the current generation?
Who bears responsibility? Blaming seldom results in peace; it merely provides a fleeting outlet for frustration. A busy marketplace offers only distractions cloaked in commerce and entertainment – it does not foster peace. True peace is cultivated in silent, unseen spaces within, rooted in personal rhythms and principles. Although loud happiness surrounds us, many have forgotten the difference between pleasure and inner peace. The constantly distracted mind gradually loses the capacity to find calm and sit quietly. Eventually, no amount of excitement can bring true serenity to life.
Where and how to find peace? Is there a clear way or simple practice to help us focus inward and cultivate mindfulness for true serenity?
* Reducing unnecessary noise — involves making conscious choices that empower you to calm your mind and find clarity amid chaos.
* Saving a few precious moments for ourselves — involves choosing a calmer path and seeking silence and solitude. It means shutting off the computer, closing the office door, setting aside the cell phone, etc. These stolen moments are divine and refreshing.
* Nourishing the mind and heart — means actively engaging in meaningful reading, listening to music that resonates, and pursuing passions that bring fulfilment amidst life’s busyness.
* Finding positivity in social gatherings — means choosing to spend time with people who enrich your mind and heart, rather than drain your energy.
* Be a creator rather than a consumer – means not to take in everything available. Focus on developing your skills and creating something that makes you feel proud and happy. Instead of just receiving, aim to give back and enrich those around you.
Remember, the world cannot offer peace—it continuously attempts to take it away. We must safeguard it as carefully as we would shield a small flame in a storm.
“Goal is not to escape the world’s entertainment – It is to stop expecting it to give what only inner balance can provide.”
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Dear Doctor Anuj,
You evoked nostalgic memories as I read through your beautiful article on PEACE. Listening to the radio, playing games, reading Books wow, where have those serene years gone.
I still go back in time as I pen my daily rhymes. You are well aware of that.
Excellent 👌👍
Yes, we all have sweet childhood memories.
regards.
Very good analysis
thanks a lot.
Very rightly said. In our bid to seek solace in clamorous amusement, candidly no body talks of inner contentment, eternal peace and real pleasure. An eyeopener article indeed.
Thank you very much, dear, for the appreciation.
regards
I think it is the convenience of submerging oneself in the noise of instant entertainment that draws people to it. To delve into one’s inner self it takes effort as well as effortless spontaneity, reviving imagination,igniting creativity, contemplation takes time and energy but at the same time grants freedom. Freedom to reach to a higher llevel of existence, freedom to make choices that enhance and enrich
Very beautifully said. It is all about this inner journey that brings peace and fulfilment. It is not an easy task like cheap entertainment. It takes ages to reach there or even feel its sanctity.
Thanks a lot for the feedback.
regards.
Yes the blog “Entertainment everywhere-Peace nowhere” certainly”, are two phases of emotions that are interdependent. There was a time when we used to listen soothing songs aired on AlR, precisely on Vividh Bharti. The basic reason was simple. Our film industry in those days had a treasure of great lyricist like Shakeel Badayuni, Hasrat Jaipuri, Khayaam, shailendra Raja Mehndi Ali Khan etc and equally expert Music composers like Naushad, Roshan, Shankar Jai Kishan, Lakshmi kant Pyarelal, SD Burman etc were gems in their own way.They used to compose evergreen and soulful songs, that not only would soothe our body but also our souls. Those songs have become evergreen and immortal and are admired by the masses even now. Singers like Rafi, Lata, Asha, Kishore, Mukesh and Manna Da were genius. They sang their heart out to give justice to those songs. That was a real entertainment. Wherever one would feel loneliness or low, would listen those songs on record player or a tape recorder. Luckily, I had a tape recorder during my college days. I had tapes of selected songs and would listen them to get solitude. These songs, in real sense, were a source of peace and serenity. All excitement and uneasiness would dissipate gradually. Now, the time has changed and the new generation called Gen Z are molded in a different frame of mind. The songs of sixties, seventies or eighties are lackadaisical and no longer a mode of serenity for them.They are fond of loud music which would entertain them. To an old melody, they will outrightly say that we have not heard it before, albeit it might be a block buster of its times. They prefer to hear Jazz, fast numbers of Sakhira with loud music on full throttle. It may provide a solace for time being, but may not provide a peace of mind. A loud music may bring an iota of satisfaction temporarily, but is likely to fade out gradually. A peace of mind is a blessing of the God,when not only body, but mind also rest and all turmoils surrounding are wiped out.That is why it is generally said to a departed soul that “May God rest his noble soul in eternal peace.” Wonderful narrative dear Anuj. Too good.
I got reminded of all the melodies I used to adore in my childhood. You are absolutely right, the essence is lost and the soul of music has gone.The moments with Binaca Geetmala are still fresh in me. Whatever said now, I care more for the peace of my mind which I try to get through my passions.
Thanks for the feedback. regards.