Brief moments of life, stored in our psyches – The underwear miracle!

A projection of patterns!

Whether it is about making sexist remarks at somebody, or holding prejudices against all sexes, the pattern of the conditioning, forces us to judge the imagery perception of a man walking into a shop, buying a pack of condoms or clothes or anything. Every mannerism of any conscious being visible is prone to judgement, till we don’t realize the neutral state of mind. And, even if he does, he is not supposed to speak about it with his male or female friends! What is the eternal factor of the mind which conditions us into a pattern of – must do, and must not do. Becoming thoughtless does not mean, non-existence of thought. It simply means reaching out to the absolute state of the consciousness which is free of thinking. All of us need a thought to allow universal consciousness to express itself through finite medium – but in the end – the expression itself is infinite, whether visible or invisible.

Are we truly growing and evolving in the liberal manner?, is something none of us would want to reflect nor, bother to give an ear to a voice lent voluntarily. Even if it may be a case of men and women facing each other regarding contraceptives, or, inner wear, I have often had the experience when it comes to facing a man, being a man myself, many succumb to unease. The funniest incident I noticed recently was when I was talking to my friend, who owns a garment shop. Just like any usual customer, I noticed a man, aged between 22-24, ride down and park his bike outside the shop. But, the most concerning bit was the expression he was carrying on his face. He looked totally shy, and uncomfortable, distorted expression with his mouth crouched sideways, unable to raise his eyes or hold his chin up, suffering from low self-esteem, wondering people may make fun of him, if they got to know he was there to purchase pairs of underwear.

The minute he walked in, he was totally ashamed of himself, looked sideways and avoiding our gaze. Feeling totally embarrassed, he whispered, “Uncle! Give me underwear (in, Hindi)!”… Realizing, he was uncomfortable to face it with the world, that he needs to buy underwear, I stepped outside for a smoke, to allow him some space with my friend. But he didn’t seem comfortable at all.. even after he was done with his shopping. He walked out in a couple of minutes, got on his bike, observing me with all curiosity, if I wasn’t finding him weird or shameful, as if he questioned me, “Aren’t you feeling strange to be present especially when people have something personal to lookout for?”.

In the midst of these experiences, we practice yoga, meditation, spirituality, and read all kinds of books, watch movies, listen to music.. and of course, we never stop making and meeting friends. 

Brief moments of life, stored in our psyches

A proper perception?

I cannot understand my own body needs, regarding when it may need food, water, or sex… apart from longing for companionship, and social visits, or even the need for appreciation whenever I step out into the world. But, every moment, when a need arises, there is either a hesitation – whether I should go for the choice, prodded by desire, or if I should remain content with what I already am provided with, and step back from the thought which is pushing me with a relevant amount of temptation.

I cannot even realize if I have a desire to have sex with a woman, or not.. but at the very slightest glimpse of this energy in me, and of course…. admiring a beautiful woman is what I enjoy!,.. but apart from that – eternity guides along, to voice the search of the neutral perception of every minute, which may introduce us to anything unforeseen and unexpected. But was that the reason for me to decide, I should buy condoms?

Situation Embarrassing?

I decided to enter this shop, full of women, and the lady at the door had the usual expression of any shopkeeper, “Yes.. please?”. And, I spoke in a slightly husky tone, “Contraceptives?”.. and, she just gestured smiling, asking me to step forward towards the counter. I was amused, and unaware.. who I was supposed to approach next.. and, there were was one girl at the cash desk, and another standing by the shelves..! I looked at both of them and mentioned in the same husky tone, “Contraceptives?”.. and none of them were willing to say a word or do anything about drawing out a pack of condoms.. and were pretending to hear nothing!

Awareness of AIDS!!! Hearing.. or not?? The woman in the alley, gestured her friend to speak up or do something.. and that lady.. at the counter.. simply aghast.. raised eyebrows, shocked.. uneasy.. and uncomfortable.. raised her hands sideways.. with her mouth wide open..  with an inexplicable charade – “I can’t” – which I had to listen to, without my hearing aids.. which I’d never bought.. and probably.. my eardrums were too sensitive that day.

I simply smirked..  and felt so amused at their behaviour, wondered – which part of the 21st Century, am I living in? You operate a health, and cosmetic shop, and find it embarrassing to hand me a box of contraceptives? This is a reputed chain of stores, where even men are employed.

The psyche!,.. didn’t ask you to have sex and I didn’t walk in with a high libido.. and they weren’t asked to stand naked either..!

Are we truly neutral and non-judgmental about the sexist views we carry in our heads or portray?

to be contd..