Second Innings. The second chance in the beloved game of cricket. But allow me to bore you with another take on second innings. It is an idea about turning back and heading homewards. For some people it may mean turning God-wards. It is inspired by Swami Vivekananda's words - "Do something. Move God-wards!" In our busy lives, most of us reach a point where we ask "Is this all?". We have tried various attempts at getting happiness from acquiring objects (a PlayStation, an iPhone-14, a luxury condo downtown, a private jet), building & nurturing relationships (spouse, children, parents, friends, colleagues, leaders network), and experiences (Bungee jumping from 20 storeys high, white-water rafting in the hills of Rishikesh, spotting a lion in the African safari or even witnessing the Northern Lights) but nothing seems to give lasting happiness. The only feeling we are left with is a feeling of emptiness. "Is this all?" This is the beginning of Second Innings - A step towards the infinite joy of Life itself! Our True Nature: Swami Vivekananda narrated the story of the Lion cub that had been separated from its mother at birth and grew up among sheep. The lion cub grew up behaving and thinking like sheep. One day an old lion saw this brilliant young lion moving among sheep and pulled him aside to tell him that he was a lion, not a sheep! But the young lion refused to believe him, until the old lion took him to a nearby pond and showed him his face in the reflection - "See you look just like me, a mighty lion!". Then the old lion roared and realizing his true nature, the young lion roared too! It's time for us to realize our true nature as well! - We are divine beings on a human journey. We are built to love, to nourish each other and to help others discover their true nature! How can we turn around and play the second-half of the game more wisely, more lovingly, more 'givingly'? This time around, we are not searching for ways to acquire - but for ways to give; Not for engaging with people to network for personal gain but for learning and growing together; Not for experiences of places and things out there but for realizing the divine space within! Interestingly, I googled the term 'Second Innings' to what else has been written about it. I found that mostly the idea of second innings is used to represent life post-retirement. While it is true that retirement may give us the conditions to channel our energy meaningfully, it is never too early to discover our life's purpose. Second Innings begins the moment we are willing to get off the non-stop 'treadmill' and look at who we are, truly. And where we are going. It's a time when we care more for quality than quantity. When speaking is less important than listening. When we can appreciate our neighbour's victory without a tinge of envy. When reading a book becomes more about 'growing' than just going through it. When 'being' is more important than 'doing'. Second Innings is a state of mind that we reach at some point in our lives. I invite you to share your comments about living your Second Innings. #secondinnings #giveback #consciousliving #coachinglife Photo by vicky adams on Unsplash
The author, Anuj Chadha, is a Life & Executive Coach, Founder of Three Circles. At Three Circles, we build a deep understanding of what it takes to navigate the challenges that life throws at us. We partner with our clients, listen to their life aspirations, and support them to break through the obstacles that seem to be holding them back. Life is too precious to be unhappy, unsure, or unfulfilled. Partner with us as you re-imagine and re-create the Life that you Love!