MY HAPPY TRYBE

A tale of the the twins who live within us

If you have observed a child less than 5 years old, closely or remember being that young yourself, you would recall what it means to be “childlike”.

Relaxed, undoubting and entirely immersed in whatever task is at hand. The nature of the task does not matter, even if an adult might find them insignificant.

He will be lost to the world, until he hears his Mumma call him for lunch or reminds him it’s time for bed!

As we grow up, we find it impossible to focus on anything for a while. Our brains almost always seem to be on an overdrive.

We are constantly multi-tasking

• Driving + calls
• Workout + podcast
• Walking + calls
• Working + eating
• Putting kiddo to sleep + responding to emails
• Working + emails
• Research + lunch

By the end of the day, you just feel so dead tired!

Why do we find it so difficult to slow down?? Why are we not able to create and stay in the state of calm and deep focus like a child?

Here’s my theory based on the many books/podcasts/gurus I have been listening to

Each individual is born with a twin. The twins live inside the head. In the beginning, the two are exactly the same. Like a baby, they are both curious. From the time they wake up, to the time they pass out, they are busy exploring whatever is in front of them. Cry when hungry, fall asleep when the body is too tired, but rest of the time – basically explore and wonder and experience anything and everything.

With each experience, one of the two twins is quick to realise – “hey am I fed if I cry”, “If I step on something wet, I slip”, “The red thing is hot”, “that taste was yuck”.
This one starts to associate experiences and ‘remembers’ them. Let’s call her Mohini.

The other twin meanwhile continues to explore, burn, fall and hurt. Let’s call her Rohini.

As years pass, Mohini begins to realise “Hey, the world is not a simple place. I will have to get smart if I want something.” Gradually while both twins are growing up, Mohini grows up at double the pace. She is picking up notions from her environment and experience at rapid pace, while Rohini remains the playful and carefree self.

Rohini age 2, Mohini age 8

Rohini age 6, Mohini age 10

Rohini age 12, Mohini age 16

Rohini age 18, Mohini age 28

Rohini age 30, Mohini age 45

Mohini has now been an ‘adult’ so long that Rohini is just a loved and protected but insignificant child. There is no space or time for free thinking, slow pace, carefree living and so there is hardly any creative or inspired thought.

To keep them both functioning in the ‘real’ world, Mohini has to take charge and keep at it. Work on hyper-alert, hyper active, multi-tasking state of efficiency.

The constant chatter, staying on the toes, finally leaves the body and the brain in a state of burnout.

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So how about we identify the existence of the two inside us and accept them lovingly. While the child likes to play, he does need the loving protection of a parent figure.

How about we let the parent tell us what needs to be done and then let the child have their time to get it done without any interruptions.

Let Mohini take charge few times a day, when she needs to plan, schedule, beware etc and then let Rohini take over and have fun, be creative, be focussed in this safe environment that was created for her.