The Paradox of Control
When I thought about doing my homework
or cleaning my room,
I suddenly lost interest as soon as my mom told me to.
When my siblings, friends, or partner gave me orders,
it would hurt my pride, lightly and seriously.
Knowing well that being told what to do is never pleasant,
I ironically find myself doing the same to others at times.
Through meditation, reflecting on that mind,
I think I understand why -
it is because we want to have control over ourselves.
However, I belong to neither my parents,
my partner, nor even myself.
When we realize that we are representations
of the infinite universe's emptiness,
coming from it and returning to it,
we will stop trying to claim control over the 'self',
let alone others,
and instead try to live absent of the 'self'.
By letting go of the 'self' through meditation,
we can live in harmony as the universe itself,
focusing on a greater vision
rather than wasting emotional energy
in struggles for control.
