The Elusive Quest for Peace of Mind
Every individual, regardless of gender, yearns for peace of mind, yet few can claim to have achieved a state of mental equilibrium that allows for a truly tranquil life. This universal desire often feels like a distant dream, leaving many to wonder why such serenity remains so hard to attain.
The Myth of Absolute Peace
The primary reason for this struggle lies in the human tendency to pursue an ideal, pure peace—one completely free from all disturbances or non-peace elements. However, this absolute form of peace does not exist in nature's design. To illustrate, consider the analogy of a rose: while it is a beautiful flower, every stem is accompanied by thorns. These thorns are not flaws but integral parts of the plant, serving as natural protectors. As a poet aptly noted in Urdu, translated as, 'The safety of the flower would become impossible if the thorns were silk-like.' Similarly, peaceful aspects of the mind must coexist with non-peaceful challenges to maintain their value and vitality.
The Role of Challenges in Mental Development
Psychological studies reveal that an untroubled mind can quickly become stagnant, losing its creativity and dynamism. Nature, therefore, consistently introduces challenging situations—non-peace items—that act as stimuli for the mind. These challenges ensure that a peaceful mind remains creative and alive, preventing intellectual decline. For instance, individuals born into affluence and problem-free environments often experience mental dullness over time, whereas those facing hardships tend to develop active, creative thinking and sustained intellectual growth.
A Personal Anecdote on Growth and Stagnation
A compelling example involves a politician with two sons. One son was lavished with comfort: a chosen marriage and a farmhouse for an easy life. When met, this son appeared mentally retarded, capable only of trivial jokes without wisdom. In contrast, the other son, denied such comforts, left town and struggled for years, emerging as a successful and wise individual. This story underscores that the human mind, unlike a stone, requires constant challenges to grow into a super-mind. Without such stimuli, it risks becoming stunted and underdeveloped, much like a withered plant.
Cultivating Peace Through Positivity
Peace is not a ready-made commodity but a self-managed achievement. It demands intelligence to nurture the mind along positive lines, enabling effective handling of unwanted situations. Essentially, a peaceful mind is synonymous with a positive mind—one that embraces difficulties as opportunities for sharpening intellect. As Scottish author Samuel Smiles wisely stated, 'It is not ease, but effort, not facility but difficulty that makes a man.' Ease and facility often hinder intellectual development, while effort and challenges serve as stepping stones to greater mental acuity.
In summary, true peace of mind is not about eliminating all troubles but about integrating challenges to foster resilience, creativity, and wisdom. By accepting that non-peace elements are natural and necessary, individuals can cultivate a more robust and tranquil mental state.
