EMPTINESS : With Purpose and for Fulfilment

Introduction:

    Life often presents a complex tapestry of emotions, psychological challenges, and spiritual journeys. These phases are sometimes beyond our control and can make us feel like marionettes, swaying in the breeze of helplessness, surrendering to passive states, and enduring temporary defeats. Emptiness, a profound sensation, can envelop us, both internally and in the world around us.

Embracing Emptiness for Growth:

    Emptiness, often seen as a negative state, can be a catalyst for personal growth and transformation. It can lead to self-discovery and the pursuit of new passions.  As someone who has grappled with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), I intimately understand the state of emptiness. In my early years, during adolescence, I deemed it a curse without rhyme or reason, often associating it with my existence as an only child and feeling profoundly alone.

    However, as time passed, I realized that emptiness often paves the way for something new. I consciously immersed myself in timeless wanderings, embracing the powerful and strongly felt vibes of the early morning sunrise and the calming dusk. My connection with Nature evolved into an obsession. In jungles, by riversides, in dense fog, and during midnight strolls, those irresistible vibrations drew me closer than ever before to the Creator.

Jullo Forest Safari, Lahore - Photo #SaalikSiddikki

Capturing the Divine:

    Connecting with nature can have a profound therapeutic effect on mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It does provide solace and healing during challenging times.  Almost fifteen years ago, I acquired my first-ever digital camera and fell in love with capturing Nature through a unique Divine lens.

    I discovered being blessed with an uncommon angle of vision that still leads me to see things, particularly Nature, and especially autumn in a very different frame perception. Wandering, mostly alone and preferably starting even before sunrise constantly gives me Goosebumps for hours and hours on and makes me feel completely relieved of all physical pains. It is so difficult to explain but that’s the only way I can describe it.

Power Healing Nature:

    During times of severe hypertension and suicidal depression, my timeless solitary wanderings and Nature photography became my lifelines, rescuing me from emotional, psychological, and physical collapses. While I couldn't fully escape BPD, I dare to claim that, by the mercy of the Creator, it couldn't obliterate me, even without psychological consultation or medication.

Discovering the Fillers:

    For anyone experiencing profound emptiness, it's essential to embark on an inward journey, seeking the hidden fillers that undoubtedly exist, waiting to be discovered. Pursuing personal passions, such as photography (like in my case), writing, travelling, hiking, painting or any other creative activity, can be a powerful way to find meaning and fulfilment, even in the midst of emptiness.  Sometimes I strongly feel and firmly believe that emptiness is as essential in life as a strong craving and hunger to satiate the real taste of our favorite foods and meals. Void is one of the strongest drives that compel us to consume the water in our half-filled glass soon to refill it again.

Conclusion:

    Emptiness, though daunting, can be a hidden blessing, guiding us toward transformative experiences and newfound purpose. Through nature's embrace and personal passions, we can emerge stronger and more resilient, finding beauty in the void. Embracing emptiness, connecting with nature, and pursuing passions are not just personal journeys but also valuable lessons for anyone navigating the complexities of life's challenges.

Saalik Siddikki