In Greek mythology, the Sirens are creatures with the head of a female and the body of a bird. They lived on an island and with the irresistible charm of their song they lured mariners to their destruction on the rocks surrounding their island. The lure of their song was such that no man ever sailed through the island could listen to -- and still resist the temptation to go to Sirens. The beach was full of bones of people who got attracted to the Siren’s Song and eventually killed there.
In “The Odyssey”, Homer’s epic poem (written in 800 B.C.E), the hero – Odysseus’s ship has to pass through this island. To save their life, Homer had all the six sailors put wax in their ears, so that they will not hear the song. Odysseus was not willing to put wax in his ears as he wanted to enjoy that beautiful songs. But at the same time he did not want to die. So what is the solution? He tied himself to the ship and asked the sailors not to release him, no matter how hard he begs, until they are at a safe distance from the island. The Sirens sang when they approached, their words even more enticing than the melody. They would give knowledge to every man who came to them, they said, ripe wisdom and a quickening of the spirit. Odysseys' heart ran with longing but the ropes held him and the ship quickly sailed to safer waters.
Do you know what your Siren’s Song is? In our daily life, we too are influenced by negative temptations – the Siren’s Songs. We all have negative behavior patterns of some size, shape or personality. For some it is gossip, while for others it is just wasting time. It could be food, the internet, sarcasm, or worthless jokes.
While in real life we do not have a constructive solution like Odysseus had, never forget that we are blessed with the power of choice, a super entity that separates the faculty of human beings from the kingdom of animals. Before you respond favorably to a negative trait, try to consider the alternatives too – or simply ask yourself “Is it possible for me to respond in a better way?”
Merry X’Mas & Happy New Year to All!
