Tangible need versus intangible wish

When we talk of introspection, we often mean we are questioning our own mind, to elicit certain answers, which in turn would justify our own actions. But to quote the lexicon verbatim, it is realization of one’s thoughts or feelings, which is not possible without getting the heart involved. Introspection, though the simplest path to the final stage of Maslow’s hierarchy, often results in a tug of war between the heart and the mind.

To put it poetically,

My heart says “I wish love surrounds me!”
But my mind says “Oh! Let it be…
…be sensitive, not a sentimental fool;
this world someday, the mind will rule!”

But in real life, do we really listen to our mind? If that was so, why would a child touch a hot plate even after being warned by the mother? Or why would we do anything wrong? Our mind knows what is right or wrong. Then why are we unable to determine what’s right for us and what’s not? This gives rise to a debatable question – What’s better to be applied - the ‘MIND’ or the ‘HEART’?

If I say, thinking is better than feeling, would the possibility be nullified that there would be no wars? I say so because the human mind, from the time of the Mahabharata, has been the sole cause of destruction. But, at the same time, saying that feeling is better than thinking doesn’t guarantee that peace will prevail. Because, the heart has reasons that reasons do not know of. Which means, if feelings are hurt, it can easily spur up anger, which in turn might result in thinking (of revenge), ultimately resulting in a war-like situation.

You must be thinking, whether, peace or war is all-encompassing. Well, it is not. There is definitely more to thinking and feeling – feeling at times, retards thinking. If I feel I love a man, it would make me believe that I really do, even if I don’t. For all you know, it could be a mere infatuation or a crush. It might still affect my thinking so much that I might just start thinking that this is true love and in the bargain fall in love in reality. Just because I’m feeling, I’ll cease to think what repercussion the feeling might have on my life and continue in my quest for the virtual love.

Though my intonation might have been slightly weighed down on thinking, sans feeling, this world would not survive. All I mean is a strong emotional and practical balance is needed in order to resurrect us out of the daily mechanical grind of our lives. Else, survival could become a challenge for this highly stressed species.

Let’s not think what tangibles we need in life. Let’s try to feel the need to wish for the intangibles in life.

Think (or feel) about it.