Say goodbye to complexity, keep it simple

In our race to seek out the complex, it becomes an arduous task to return to simplicity.

Exchange of ideas. Photo: N. Sridharan

Under an open sky, two little girls sit across each other, playing a game with nothing more than five stones. Their laughter echoes the rhythm of an easy banter and the wind carries their voices easily. Barefoot, they are not clothed in any recognisable branded wear and their faces break into spontaneous smiles. There is something in this scenario that touches one’s very essence and resonates within. It is something that we in the complicated adult world have temporarily lost! It is the ability to just keep it simple

Under a tree

One of the simplest joys of teaching is in entering that space where there is an exchange of ideas and interaction with young minds. This has now been replaced by a frenzied race to finish endless administrative tasks, syllabuses, conduct repeated testing and a struggle to meet the ever-increasing demands of parental aspirations. It is a vicious cycle, and the harassed teacher is bound to translate this energy creating a classroom that is waiting to explode!

Many colleagues who had entered the profession for the pure joy of being in a classroom find that they have very little time or energy left to teach. “Smart boards are a welcome change, but I wish I could just take my students outside, sit under a tree and read some poetry once in a while,” a colleague confessed. It was a pleasure to watch a senior teacher of thirty years’ experience work with a six-year-old. She was so attuned to the child that just watching them interact was a direct lesson in simplicity. Her years of experience had not translated into an intellectual arrogance or defensiveness but a willingness to follow the child’s learning by listening and guiding at appropriate points. It was simplicity in action.

Art, music, sport…hyper?

It is always an inspiration to meet students who are remarkably gifted in their individual areas. In today’s scenarios, students have plenty of opportunity to explore their area of interest. However, talent is a double-edged sword, and, often, a talent spotted immediately results in a hyper overdrive to “succeed.”

Endless coaching classes, participation in tournaments, medals and prizes take over the simple joy of painting a picture, solving a mathematical problem, composing a tune just for the pure joy of engaging in it completely. Not everyone is a Sachin or a Vishwanathan Anand but the drive to be that (for many who may not even have that ability) completely overshadows the beauty of the process and the journey.

A friend who was musically gifted and considered a child prodigy recalls the day she gave up singing. “Somewhere, I could not find the joy anymore and completely shut down,” she said. Twenty years later, she takes her children for music classes and is rekindling her joy for just listening to music. She says that being young she “had thrown the baby out with the bathwater,” and it took years of being away from something she really loved to rediscover is true beauty.

Complexity

Our minds love to seek out the complex, and it is an arduous journey to go back to the simple. Often, this translates into unintended humour. A student of mine came rushing in asking me how to be compassionate and sensitive, as his continuous assessment was grading him on this! Words like “Compassion,” “Forgiveness” and “Responsibility” can be so far removed from what they simply mean, and, ironically, those of us who keep using these words practise it the least!

Many years ago we were attending a workshop on “sensitivity awareness” and psychological theories were being discussed endlessly. During lunchtime, none of the theories were applied in the rush towards the buffet, and the callous way the waiters were treated added to the mayhem! While inside we were expounding theories, we lacked the simple awareness of what being sensitive really meant.

Everyday life offers a multitude of opportunities to be simple. Taking a moment to watch two puppies frolic in the sun.

Offering tea (from the heart) to a tired guest or just being kind to the one person we are most judgmental with — ourselves. For one moment just breathe in and enjoy who you really are — with all your strengths, weaknesses and quirks. To be simply human!

Enjoy your simple and beautiful journey.

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