Yesterday, while walking
on the Corniche in Abu Dhabi, I met an old acquaintance. We discussed the
current recession in the market and hard to find opportunities. He advised, “Don’t
give up looking for opportunities.” Almost spontaneously, I said, “I won’t give
up until Nature gives up on me.”
Later, I started
reflecting on my involuntary response. Nature, indeed, is the toughest task
master. Every atom has a place and purpose in the nature. Nothing can survive
against nature’s wish. And, if I am kept alive by the nature, then surely there
is some task of the nature yet to be performed through me. Even with the best
of my abilities, I cannot see what nature can see. Why not, then, let nature
guide me and show the way? Whatever is designed for me would appear before me
at the right time and right place. And, who am I to take the decision? Nature
would dictate her decision through me. After all, it is nature’s responsibility
to complete what she has planned. My worrying about the future is meaningless. I
simply need to remain available and receptive (both physically and mentally) for
her signals.
Nature’s signals can
come from anywhere, anytime, at any place and in any form. It may come in a flash
of idea, or in a random message, or in an idle conversation with a friend, or
through a set-back, or from an adversary’s mean action, or while watching TV,
or while reading a book, and so on. The list is endless. I shouldn’t disregard
anything without subjecting it to due diligence. Thirty seven years ago, I
disregarded the interview call from ADNOC while working in Oil India Limited,
Assam (India), as I didn’t like the role being offered. Some close friends
persuaded me to attend the interview in Delhi, despite my great reluctance.
This trip paved the way for my future in Abu Dhabi. Many such life-changing
incidents have taught me to remain open and receptive to all signals, including
those I dislike.
