BEING OPEN-HEARTED

I am in the humble home of Uncle Tahir, whom I met one afternoon. Uncle Tahir and his family, his children and grandchildren, are fishermen. They have been in the Gümüşlük neighborhood of Bodrum district for five generations. I think about how much I have learned from the wise people of this region about “love and open-heartedness.” Most importantly, I have discovered nothingness.

I know that in these difficult times, we need love more than ever. Perhaps love is about taking 100% responsibility for our own lives 100% of the time. I think this definition is especially important for prospective parents and parents to consider. Tahir’s granddaughter, Melek, is also a very young mother. The owner of the page I recommended to her is also very young, like Melek, but a rather angry mother.

My dear Melek and I discussed this topic today, and together we had some realizations: we thought, “Sometimes there are so many reasons around us to be angry.” I think you agree. But what about our inner selves? Could the reasons within us be playing games with us – just like we play with our children – to hide our angry faces? Like a game of hide-and-seek, for example. I think so. Because if an artificial dream world replaces real life, which requires effort, this can inevitably create significant adjustment problems for all of us. While the part of a neurotic ego that interacts with the outside world may perceive the truth, the deeper part may well tend to deny it. Thus, even though we channel our anger inward by smiling outwardly, we can imagine ourselves as famous, talented, powerful, and respected individuals who have accomplished things that will earn everyone’s admiration.

But the anger within us never sleeps. Often, hostile feelings find an outlet through this image; the victorious hero punishes, alienates, and crushes everyone who stands in his way. Worst of all, it is when a person alienates themselves by shutting down their own awareness.

But the anger within us never sleeps. Often, hostile feelings find an outlet through this image; the victorious hero punishes, alienates, and crushes everyone who stands in his way. Worst of all, it is when a person alienates themselves by shutting down their own awareness.

First and foremost, I want to thank the people of this beautiful region, the kind-hearted people in the neighborhood and village who welcomed me into their homes and shared meals with me. I believe that these stories, enriched by you, my valued readers, will shed light on our exploration of the universe of possibilities within ourselves.

Here’s to the beautiful days we’ve nurtured together by sharing love…

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

With love and respect.

Uğur Uğural