All this chaos: how to not make it yours?

MentalHealth

• AIESEC Sri Lanka, blog, Leadership, Lifestyle, Membership, MentalHealth, Youth

All this chaos: how to not make it yours?

All this chaos: how to not make it yours?

No matter what or where your priorities in life lay, you will come to a time where you must turn with the winds than resist it. The fast paced business world is closing in on us and consumerism is at its peak; with this capitalism will revolve around you. A situation of absolute whirlwind of chaos with deadlines, mental demands, midnight business call links, constant travels to places you’d dread that make you snuck out your soft bed in the morning and make you late for dinner! Yet as apophatic philosophy tells you, it’s via negativa to reach the ends of peace. 

Let me take Lord of the Rings to elaborate.  Frodo and his fellow hobbits take the road through the old forest to evade the pursuit of Black Riders. They are nearly killed by the angry tree called Old Man Willow, but are saved at the last moment by Tom Bombadil. The forest is known for its dangers but its crossing is essential for its journey. Similarly in medieval times, the heroic journey comprised of horrors and impending doom constantly shadow king over them, but nevertheless, there was the journey. 

Now what’s different in the contemporary context is that instead of the vivid lush greens of the Middle Earth, there is AC, bland wall colours along with far less styled and might I add, quite uneventful use of language. Yet circumstances remain the same. The situations around you may not align with your set of values and faith, but in rebellion and immersion, you are given the space to question and living in the cognitive dissonance of it all. Cognitive dissonance as widely defined on the WWW refers to the state of having inconsistent thoughts, beliefs, or attitudes, especially as relating to behavioral decisions and attitude change. But in simpler words, it is the discord you feel when your thoughts and that of the world around you does not align. Humans are naturally conformist, hence, they will always try to work their way into belonging. Recently through a series of decisions, I caved into a decision that didn’t seem mine at all. Instead it was a series of why’s that followed it instead of a pat on my back. Yet it is here I try to justify that anger may not be a bad thing. It reestablishes one’s purpose in things. My values were challenged and through my anger, I was able to build them back with greater strongholds defending them. Even beyond the capitalist ventures of the corporate lands, you find such discord in far more important places such as religious institutions, primary and secondary education providers, the very core of state governance and so on. The value of via negativa is then a smart mindset to adapt. It is far more embedded in learning of controlling the controllable (i.e. your mind) than controlling the uncontrollable forces (i.e. the external world). In strengthening your mind to exist without internalizing the situations around you, you are naturally pushed to a realm where you are unswayed by the chaos. This reiterates the phrase- journey over destination. 

In all essence, thereby, one must aspire to be a leader of oneself where the eye of the hurricane is embodied, where amidst the chaos, you stand still in peace. 

Thisandi Weerasinghe

AIESEC in University of Peradeniya

Does AIESEC truly transform personalities as it promises?

What Do You Do When the Chaos of Life Surrounds You?

 

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• AIESEC Sri Lanka, blog, Leadership, Lifestyle, Membership, MentalHealth, Youth

The Power of Intention: Shaping Your Life with an Unseen Force

The Power of Intention: Shaping Your Life with an Unseen Force

 

People with strong wills who won’t let anything stand in the way of fulfilling their inner desires are said to be motivated by intention. You are someone who has intention if you are one of those individuals who has a never-give-up mentality along with an internal vision that drives you towards realizing your goals. “A force that exists in the universe is intent. There is no end to the things sorcerers can accomplish because when they call forth intent, it comes to them and prepares the road for attainment. Rather than being something you do, intention is a force that permeates the cosmos and manifests as an unseen field of energy!

The field of intention is an invisible stream of energy that exists outside the confines of our daily routines. It existed prior to our actual conception. We can draw this energy to ourselves and open ourselves up to new and exciting experiences in life. Some well-known scientists contend that rather than being ideas or components of our brains, our intellect, creativity, and imagination interact with the energy field of intention.

The response to the question “Where is this intention field?” Is that everything in the universe has aim ingrained in it, thus there is nowhere where it isn’t. No matter what kind of life it is—a mountain, a rose shrub, or a wildebeest—this holds true. There is purpose ingrained in the development and existence of a mosquito. An inviable field of intention can be found in a little acorn that lacks the ability to think or plan for the future.

Imagine the possibility of an all-pervasive force. You cannot go anywhere that it isn’t. It permeates all you see and touch and is undividable. the boundless expanse that is outside of the realm of shapes and sizes. There is an endless invisible energy that permeates both the nonphysical and the physical realms. Intention establishes the course of your physical form, growth, and ageing from the moment of conception. It also initiates the non-physical elements of you, such as your disposition, ideas, and emotions. In this case, intention is the endless potential that makes you manifest both not physically and physically on Earth.

 

Intention is a powerful force that shapes our lives, both physically and mentally. It is an invisible energy that has existed since before conception and can be harnessed to open doors to new experiences. Scientists suggest that our intellect, creativity, and imagination interact with this energy field, shaping our thoughts, emotions, and disposition. Intention is omnipresent, guiding the development of all living and non-living things and establishing our existence from conception. Understanding and aligning with this force can lead to achieving goals, navigating life, and embarking on a journey of self-discovery and fulfillment.

 

Change the way you look at things and
The thing you look at will change.

Shamyudha Ravindran

AIESEC in University of Peradeniya

Harness the power of intention

Unleashing the Mulan spirit: Striving for gender equality

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• AIESEC Sri Lanka, blog, Leadership, Lifestyle, Membership, MentalHealth, Youth

Unleashing the Mulan Spirit: Striving for Gender Equality

Unleashing the Mulan Spirit: Striving for Gender Equality

 

Drawing inspiration from the timeless story of Mulan, just as Mulan defined society’s limits to prove herself, women today seek equal rights and opportunities. We explore the importance of understanding and respecting diverse gender identities in the fight for true equality, where a small spark of encouragement can ignite profound changes.

Even in the past society of China women were bound by some limits. They were not allowed to learn swordsmanship or horse riding just because they were women as Mulan learned them all secretly with her father’s guidance. She was able to serve in the military and receive an award for her excellent skills and service which proves that if women are given a chance as men anywhere they can work strongly as men. With this concept of ‘gender inequality’ women are seeking the same rights as men, to be in the same position as men, to be in the equal position as men regardless of their gender. It is also not to question them but to applaud them when they achieve something labeled as only men can achieve as Mulan did.

Throughout this protest of seeking gender equality women are hoping to have the same opportunities as men do. In the present society, women are bound by some stereotypic concepts about their physical ability as well as mental ability which should not be judged based just by looking. In modern society, it is not swordsmanship or horse riding that are prohibited, but rather the job opportunities and independence of women. But in the above story, Mulan proved that women can also do better if they were given an opportunity to prove themselves which should be understood by society.

Furthermore, what we should understand is only a little spark is needed to make that change in this society. Even in this story of Mulan her father believed in her and what his daughter is capable of and taught her how to fight for others and as well as herself. But that small act was able to provide a notable example to the world, demonstrating how unjust this discrimination is. Just like that, a little encouragement from society could make a bigger difference. While we are addressing this gender inequality problem it is important to notice that addressing it in modern society involves understanding and acknowledging the diversity of gender identities beyond the traditional binary understanding of male and female. To effectively address this problem we need to include the individuals who identify as transgender or non-binary in this discussion. At that point, while educating society and individuals about gender diversity, it is essential to acknowledge the challenges faced by individuals who do not identify within the traditional gender binary.

It all begins with showing understanding and respect for every individual, regardless of their gender identity. Every individual has a unique identity, which contributes to the diversity in our society. And we must respect this diversity in order to create opportunities that are open to anyone.

So why not light up a spark for equality in every heart making it into an ignite shine forever to guide lost souls?

Dakshika Jayaweera

AIESEC in University of Perdaeniya

United Nations: Gender Equality and women’s empowerment

The Essence of Leadership

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• AIESEC Sri Lanka, Leadership, Lifestyle, Membership, MentalHealth, Youth

Inspiring Acts of Kindness: How Small Actions Can Make a Big Difference

Inspiring Acts of Kindness: How Small Actions Can Make a Big Difference

 

Acts of kindness, no matter how small, possess the power to transform the world into a better place. It could be a simple smile, a thoughtful gesture, or lending a helping hand that can brighten someone’s day and lift their spirit. It is like the beauty lies within the simplicity. Every simple but great act of kindness has a profound impact on both the giver and the receiver.

 

Small acts of kindness are effortless but have an everlasting impact. Showing empathy to someone in need or offering a compliment costs nothing but can mean everything to the person on the receiving end. What is beautiful is these acts can often set off a chain reaction. They inspire others to pay it forward and spread communication throughout their communities.

 

In this world, we can choose to be anything, but choosing to be kind is a beacon of hope. If good is to be last in this ever changing world we need that beacon in every heart. The world was never pure as a pearl and it never will be, the world has its flows, but within these flows there lie stars who shine brightly to cover up those flaws with kindness. So kindness is a hope that gives strength to do good deeds.

 

No matter how cruel your summer is, and how frosty your winter is, a little act of kindness can give you the embrace of sunset in your summer and be an ember of comfort in your winter.

Dakshika Jayaweera

AIESEC in University of Peradeniya

Make a big difference : One small act of kindness at a time

J.K. Rowling: The author who conquered challenges and inspired generations

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• Leadership, Membership, MentalHealth, Volunteer, Youth

J.K. Rowling: The Author Who Conquered Challenges and Inspired Generations

J.K. Rowling: The Author Who Conquered Challenges and Inspired Generations

 

J.K. Rowling, she is the renowned author of the Harry Potter series, stands as a beacon of inspiration to aspiring writers and individuals facing challenges. Her journey to become a writer is remarkable, starting with struggles to make ends to become one of the world’s most successful authors is a testament to the power of consistency, creativity, and strong belief in oneself.

 

Rowling’s early life was full of financial difficulties and personal hardships. She faced a series of challenges as a single mother, living on government benefits while fighting depression and the loss of her mother. However, breaking through these struggles, she found her passion in writing. She used this as a way of expressing her emotions and experiences and created a magical world, giving birth to the beloved character Harry Potter.

 

The Harry Potter series, first got rejected by many publishers, ultimately found home and captured the hearts of millions in the world. Her story teaches us the value of resilience and determination in the face of rejection. She didn’t give up, her character didn’t give up and her determination paid exponentially. Giving the world proof that success often follows persistence and effort.

 

Beyond her literary achievements, she has been a philanthropic force. The charitable organisation “Lumos’’ ‘focused on improving the lives of disadvantaged children worldwide was established by Rowling. She is trying to use her success to make a positive impact on the world and she is being an influence for everyone worldwide for greater good.

 

Her journey is an inspiration for individuals and younger generations to embrace their unique experiences. Rowling’s story reminds us that our challenges and setbacks can be stepping stones to greatness if we believe in ourselves and our dreams.

Dakshika Jayaweera

AIESEC in University of Peradeniya

 

J.K.Rowling

Leading with care: Exploring the impact of social relationships

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