In a world gone crazy on action and reaction, motion and commotion – the fortitude required to do ‘nothing’ is often lost on our younger generations. As we swim in an ever-changing ocean of thoughts, feelings, regrets, fears - may we find solace in the knowledge that sometimes, the greatest act is not doing anything at all.
Interesting read Anuj. Its always a challenge to listen to your instincts and do nothing when the world around you is going mad. Especially challenging to explain to investors in today's FOMO world.
Thanks Suparna for your feedback. Yes the juggernaut of daily sirens lulls one into believing that movement is the only form of success. Lets hope we all find more joy in being still when no action is needed.
Thanks for your kind words Pia. I had to read your comment three times to fully grasp it... clearly my english needs more work... how well you describe your thoughts...
In medicine we call it “masterly inactivity”, nature heals itself very often. Looking forward to many more articles, i love your writing style and well thought out research.
Well in investing we call is 'sloth'... ;-) But yes - the ability to wait for things rather than rush to get an outcome is a dying skill. I will always be mesmerized by your skills on the piano and in an OT. You are the OG for an amazing left and right brain combo. That I pass the high bar in your eyes means a lot. thanks!
A highly contemplative piece by a most layered mind. Fabulous!!
You are quite right when you say that important and vital information gets lost in a din of “got too’s and have too’s”…oh and SALE, no trigger like SALE, engineered to spend your children’s or your own inheritance. Spend a certain amount and get a free gift, something you are tricked into desiring and never knew existed.
We are peppered every moment by visuals and voices telling us to keep up “appreances”. We are forced to silence the voices of rational and better judgement(if you are left with that option at all). You are convinced that you NEED that car, that handbag, that holiday, that address….. that body, so gym membership or plastic surgeon, always a tough choice that one.
It’s ceaseless. The fear of being judged forces us to act. Mind games have the same effect on someone incapable of deciphering the intent of the planted thought, sometimes to a detrimental end. Much like the brainwashing in heavily patrolled states around the world.
It takes a secure mind to silence these “calls to action”. Petrov had the presence of mind and conviction to avoid a predetermined, knee jerk reaction at the risk of loosing his position and harsh punishment, a life of the undead in a Russian gulag perhaps.
In his head at that moment he decided not to react he was alone, alone with his thoughts, a series of them I imagine which led him to trust his gut preventing cataclysmic events from taking place.
People are afraid of being alone. They want to out do, out shine but never alone even if it seems that way. It’s the root cause of most action unfortunately.
BRAVO BRAVO ANUJ DIDWANIA, is there anything you can’t do? I would stand in a line a mile long to have your big book signed.
P.S. You brought out the writer in me, that’s your action!
Nino.... you have so beautifully captured the challenge of the times we live in. The default setting in society today is to keep moving... almost for the sake of movement alone. The ability to stop and re-assess the chaos around us is where stillness is most needed. Thank you for your kind and generous words and I hope that we meet in stillness someday soon.
Superb Anuj! The decision to not respond to what turned out to be a false positive by Officer Petrov, saved the planet. His discipline and guts to go against instructions and listen to his guts bears repeating. Thanks for writing!
We seldom recognize or appreciate the things that are 'not' done. Avoiding action also has its merits. And also understanding that technology is good and great... but human instinct also has its place.
Interesting read Anuj. Its always a challenge to listen to your instincts and do nothing when the world around you is going mad. Especially challenging to explain to investors in today's FOMO world.
True That Aarti... investors always feel that advisors should 'do something' to earn their fee.... Thanks for reading and your kind words!
Very very interesting. The “audacious decision of not acting” … holding steady, staying still - we need to reflect more on this
Thanks Suparna for your feedback. Yes the juggernaut of daily sirens lulls one into believing that movement is the only form of success. Lets hope we all find more joy in being still when no action is needed.
So enjoyed reading this Anuj. Thought provoking yet a sense of calm and instinctive faithfulness in the prose.
Thanks for your kind words Pia. I had to read your comment three times to fully grasp it... clearly my english needs more work... how well you describe your thoughts...
Excellent work!
In medicine we call it “masterly inactivity”, nature heals itself very often. Looking forward to many more articles, i love your writing style and well thought out research.
Well in investing we call is 'sloth'... ;-) But yes - the ability to wait for things rather than rush to get an outcome is a dying skill. I will always be mesmerized by your skills on the piano and in an OT. You are the OG for an amazing left and right brain combo. That I pass the high bar in your eyes means a lot. thanks!
Fantastic piece Anuj! Love the style and tenor. Looking forward to reading more of your insightful thoughts...Cheers
Thanks Faiz... much appreciate your words of support.
Thought provoking! Well written, Anuj! 😊👏
Thank you Atul... your feedback is much appreciated!
A highly contemplative piece by a most layered mind. Fabulous!!
You are quite right when you say that important and vital information gets lost in a din of “got too’s and have too’s”…oh and SALE, no trigger like SALE, engineered to spend your children’s or your own inheritance. Spend a certain amount and get a free gift, something you are tricked into desiring and never knew existed.
We are peppered every moment by visuals and voices telling us to keep up “appreances”. We are forced to silence the voices of rational and better judgement(if you are left with that option at all). You are convinced that you NEED that car, that handbag, that holiday, that address….. that body, so gym membership or plastic surgeon, always a tough choice that one.
It’s ceaseless. The fear of being judged forces us to act. Mind games have the same effect on someone incapable of deciphering the intent of the planted thought, sometimes to a detrimental end. Much like the brainwashing in heavily patrolled states around the world.
It takes a secure mind to silence these “calls to action”. Petrov had the presence of mind and conviction to avoid a predetermined, knee jerk reaction at the risk of loosing his position and harsh punishment, a life of the undead in a Russian gulag perhaps.
In his head at that moment he decided not to react he was alone, alone with his thoughts, a series of them I imagine which led him to trust his gut preventing cataclysmic events from taking place.
People are afraid of being alone. They want to out do, out shine but never alone even if it seems that way. It’s the root cause of most action unfortunately.
BRAVO BRAVO ANUJ DIDWANIA, is there anything you can’t do? I would stand in a line a mile long to have your big book signed.
P.S. You brought out the writer in me, that’s your action!
Nino.... you have so beautifully captured the challenge of the times we live in. The default setting in society today is to keep moving... almost for the sake of movement alone. The ability to stop and re-assess the chaos around us is where stillness is most needed. Thank you for your kind and generous words and I hope that we meet in stillness someday soon.
Superb Anuj! The decision to not respond to what turned out to be a false positive by Officer Petrov, saved the planet. His discipline and guts to go against instructions and listen to his guts bears repeating. Thanks for writing!
We seldom recognize or appreciate the things that are 'not' done. Avoiding action also has its merits. And also understanding that technology is good and great... but human instinct also has its place.