The Power of Introspection
Travelling to the hospital on an early morning, the gentle breeze and the aura of spring filled me with a sense of calmness. As I listened to a ghazal by Nida Fazli, one couplet struck a chord within me:
“Jab kisi se koi gila rakhna,
Saamne apne aaina rakhna.”
(When you hold a grievance against someone,
First place a mirror before yourself)
These words made me realise the importance of introspection in our lives. We often blame others, harbour grudges, and complain about people without reflecting on our own actions.
Do we ever stop to think about where we stand? Nida Fazli’s advice to introspect, introspect, and introspect resonated deeply with me. The actions of others that trouble us may be a reaction to our own deeds. We expect people to be good, but how good are we towards them? In our society, we frequently complain about the youth going astray or students disrespecting teachers. But have we ever stopped to think about what has gone wrong? Isn’t it our upbringing and our failure to fulfill our responsibilities as a society?
As a resident doctor in psychiatry, I often see how conflicts with loved ones can lead to mental health issues. Instead of blaming others, we should look within ourselves and introspect. By doing so, we can identify what’s gone wrong and make necessary changes.
Self-correction is key to resolving conflicts. When we acknowledge our mistakes and take responsibility, we can work towards positive change. Introspection helps us understand ourselves and others better, reducing stress and improving relationships.
There is no shame in accepting our mistakes. In fact, it is a sign of strength. By embracing introspection and self-correction, we can build stronger, more meaningful relationships and improve our mental well-being.
The solution lies not in nursing grudges but in introspection. Even we doctors complain about the decline in respect and the deterioration of doctor-patient relationships. However, we need to realise that we are part of this society, and we too have forgotten the importance of introspection.
As I reached the hospital that day, the couplet continued to evoke feelings within me. I realised that I need to introspect, to go back to the basics, and by doing so, life can become more cheerful.
Nida Fazli’s words “Saamne apne aaina rakhna” serve as a reminder to all of us to look within ourselves before pointing fingers at others. By embracing introspection, we can create a more harmonious and compassionate world.
Dr Mohammad Younis Dar, Resident Doctor Department Of Psychiatry GMC, Anantnag
