KNOW THE DISTANCE

 A Thought A Story - Know the distance

Maybe a Lesson
Dinesh K Kapila
In life and in any profession we have to have a sense of direction. A plan, a back up, a way forward, but always with a sense of purpose. The objective, how so ever nebulous, has to be there and then follows the execution. The long term objective, even if nebulous, can always be planned for by having short term and medium term objectives. Even if it’s not ideal to have a concrete plan, after all life can be full of surprises, but we need to have an intended goal at least.
The objective or goal has to be executed too, where comes in the realistic process of self assessment and analysis. We must know ourselves, plain and simple, and with no delusions. This should include the ability to stay the course and to have what it takes to stay the course. Not that it assures any positive results always but it does impart a certainty to the pathway. After all, I once counselled a young officer who appeared for the civil services no less than nine times but never went past the first stage. He had spoilt his current career and did not make the next too. Realistically he should have acknowledged his own limitations.
Know your ability and the inherent capabilities required as also which can be imbibed to push ahead. This has to be supplemented by a feeling of positivity and a recognition that a certain time period has to be undergone and felt through to move on the pathway to the objective. If you cannot assess yourself do look for a confidante who can put you wise.
And retain your humility. Always. Life has many a lesson and adventure to dish out and that too unexpectedly. Even if we cannot factor it in, it’s reality has to be somewhere in the mind, so that we can face it with equanimity.
I would like to supplement this by a short story. A person was returning to his village after many many years. He had left for a better life but after twenty odd years away, he felt the need to recharge himself. By again reaching for his roots. As is life, we think we know the way but at times we don’t.
The middle aged man realised he had to walk a long way from the road to reach his village. He was suddenly confronted with the thought if he was actually on the right path and the distance just eluded him. The years had made him forget the distance and time required. Evening was approaching and he had to make haste. His mental confusion was impacting his judgment.
He then saw from the pathway, where it bifurcated, a man working intently in the fields. He decided to approach him for assistance. The farmer was so intent and focused on his work that he did not notice the now city bred guy till he was near him.
The man asked the farmer the way to his village and more importantly the time to be taken to reach it. He got no response. Surprised, he asked again and though he could make out the aged farmer was listening, but still there was no answer. Perplexed and annoyed and fearful of dusk approaching he shouted out his question. Annoyed at still no response, he walked away with a swift pace without looking back.
Suddenly, after a few minutes, he realised he was being called out too. Looking back he was surprised to see the same aged farmer. Coming within earshot the aged farmer stated, you are on the right path and if you keep walking with this pace and without resting, you will certainly reach your village within an hour.
The man was relieved to hear this but just had to ask as to why he was not answered too earlier. The farmer responded that until I could see your pace of walking and the strength in your legs and the intent, how could I tell you the time to be taken to reach your village.
This is probably fictional. But it does teach us. Know yourself and know the distance, that is your objective, always. At every field, that is to say, at every level you achieve, assess and prepare yourself again.
A lesson, maybe, maybe not.
DKK
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