The essential art of nonchalance
We grew up listening to stories about having a ‘drive’, a ‘passion’, and a ‘goal’. We have gone through hours of being told off by our parents and teachers whenever we were slacking off. The sheer desperacy to hold on to something and go behind it. Could be being an achiever in academics, or self development through extra cirricular activities, or boosting self confidence by taking public speaking classes or debates.
Yes, we all grew up learning the importance of passion, a guided energy source that will bring light and meaning to life. Finding passions became our goal when we were little. The kids who did not have this goal were considered outcastes of sorts. Parents were disappointed, and peers stayed away. It was almost unimagineable, not knowing where you want life to go, and what you want to do with it.
Adulthood and nonchalance
Nonchalance is defined as ‘the state of being casually calm and relaxed, without any anxiety, interest or enthusiasm’, by the Oxford Dictionary.
When we mature through adolescence, we slowly understand that nonchalance is as important as being passionate and having a drive. Balance is the key. It is easy to go overboard while following passions. The high that we get after doing something we are passionate about is inexplicable. For a mom who loves to cook, her utmost joy lies in feeding the family. For a teenager who loves to play videogames, his utmost joy lies in binge playing for hours.
Ignoring the highs and the peak of joy- even that is nonchalance. A sort of balance. The art of being nonchalant really helps in bringing sanity. Because passions can become obsessions. Passions can spoil relationships. Passions can even deprive inner happiness, when there is no peace of mind from within. Passions should be there, but they should not steer life by the neck all the time. This brings stress, and the disappointment of meeting expectations, or inadequacy which is completely self inflicted! There is no meaning of having passions, if a degree of nonchalance is absent.
An attitude of being calm in adverse situations, not having anxiety and even having less enthusiasm sometimes is a good thing. Nonchalance is not always negative, when you think about it. When was the last time you got upset over something someone said, while you were happily doing something you love? Getting high over passions is a dangerous thing. Tread carefully, and practice nonchalance. You will not regret the calm that comes with it. And the quiet of the solitude, as the summer breeze whistles by.
