Good morning to all
The average person dreams for about one to two hours each night, according to scientists (Kelsey, Morton T. 1991)
“Reach high, for stars lie hidden in your soul. Dream deep, for every dream, precedes the goal.”
These words come from St. Theresa, one of the greatest missionaries of the 20th century. At an early age, the Nobel peace prize laureate left Albania and her people for the dream that woke her from a deep sleep.
It has been said by APJ Abdul Kalam, former President of India, that a dream doesn't allow you to sleep any further, a dream will awaken your senses.
"Dream is not what you see in sleep, Dream is something which doesn't let you sleep."
Tani Harris wrote in her blog on 4th June 2021, ‘Where do my dreams come from?’ The article discusses the interpretations of dreams in an excellent way.
In her blog, Harris claims that dreams typically come to us in three ways: directly, from God, or from the spirit world. A study found that people showing signs of mental illness when they're stopped from dreaming (Kelsey,p.188).
She further quotes; “No one who does not know himself can know others. And in each of us, there is another whom we do not know. He speaks to us in dreams and tells us how differently he sees us from the way we see ourselves.”(Kelsey, p.177)
We, humans, are particular in certain things; we give due importance to love, recognition, respect, etc. From a philosophical perspective, all minds are worlds, filled with dreams, blue skies, deep waters, mountains, valleys, heavens, sorrows, depression, jealousy, anger, worldly entanglements, etc.
Each mind is a world, and we must treat each one as such. Every individual has unique characteristics and features. In every mind, there are plenty of possibilities that can be accessed by the creator. You should never underestimate the capabilities of any individual.
When a teacher entered the class, he used to bow down to the students before beginning to lecture. To his colleague, it was a surprise, so he replied that they weren't sure who they would be tomorrow. So, I bow down to the infinite possibilities hidden in them.
In the Indian ethos, this great concept is expressed by the word 'Namaste, which means the divinity in me salutes the divinity in you. Respect and love cannot be demanded from people. Giving and taking are always part of the deal.
The other words of St. Teresa are also worthy of taking into our dreams; “Do ordinary things with extraordinary love.” and “If you are humble nothing will touch you, neither praise nor disgrace, because you know what you are.”
I had the chance to hear our Bishop Dr. Joseph Mar Dionysus class last Sunday (25/7/2021). This concept of ‘respect’ has been beautifully summarised by His Grace.
Further, His Grace spoke of three dimensions(3D) of respect that which every person encounters at some point or another in their lives;
Demanding Respect,
Deserving Due Respect, and
Denying Respect.
It is often our expectation that others will show us respect and love. Due to the virtue of the post one holds, automatically respect is demanded. When we move from the post respect also diminished.
But for certain people, beyond the virtue of the post they hold, their respect will carry forward, which may last with them forever. Legends are in this category. There are living examples around us. Let us cherish their memories.
Some people are simply worthy of respect. Possibly they are simple people who live humble and pious life. Perhaps a sadhu, a monk, a real leader who lives for others are in this category. They may not be rich in wealth, but their wealth is their love, care, concern, simplicity, humbleness, etc. My humble Namaste to them.
One smile, one touch can sometimes change the course of another's life. In the words of Mother Teresa: “We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do.”
People who deny respect fall into the third category. In the modern world, finding such people may be challenging. Everybody wants to be famous and successful. There is a growing trend among political leaders and religious leaders for respect.
Despite this, the world does not lose hope. There are people in this category as well. Saint Teresa of Kolkata was one of them. It was never her intention to demand respect from others. Even though millions of people around the world revered her for her life and love, she denied all glory and lived a simple loving motherly life. She lived among the poor and downtrodden people of Kolkata till death. She will ever live like a golden star in the minds of generations.
Let us keep these memories in our hearts and our dreams. Let's not just carry forward their great messages, but also introduce them to little angels and little scientists.
Have a blessed day
God bless you all.
Fr.Dr.P.S.Varghese
Principal, MGM College, Dimapur.
psvargheseachen@gmail.com