Ever wonder how many people want to leave their well-paid jobs and venture out into the unknown? Although the thought is not uncommon, very few actually take the first step.
It is always said that we are one decision away from a completely different life. Don't you agree? If you could take out all the responsibilities, societal pressure, and most importantly self-doubt, what would you actually do in your life?
It is about those unsatisfied souls who feel something lacking in their lives. Life has much to offer and most of us barely scratch the surface. And this is what the book “Dream Beyond Shadows” has made me realize all over again.
A Journey to Discover Oneself
In Dream Beyond Shadows, the author, Kartikeya Ladha takes us on a journey. A journey of finding himself, his life’s purpose. Part one of the book, Complete Surrender starts with him following his heart’s desire. After leaving his well-paid job in the US, our protagonist travels to Peru in search of the true meaning of life. It was not a random decision but a well thought one.
Yes, people were surprised by this decision. But then, why wouldn't they be? It was opposite to everything that they have been taught or ever thought of. The decision wasn’t an easy one for our author too. Isolating himself completely to think clearly without any interference shows how distractions can affect our decisions.
Flouting the norms set by our society has always been a challenge. Every time anyone did anything out of the order would be subjected to doubt, ridicule, and much more. But when the same person emerges victorious, that person is raised to a pedestal and named as someone high and mighty.
The Spiritual Understanding
Our scientific minds looking for facts and logic often ignore the unexplored world of spirituality. Many indigenous tribes around the world still hold on to these practices of getting in touch with your inner-self.
The Ayahuasca ceremony of the natives in the middle of the Amazon jungle is believed to purge out all the inner evils and bring you closer to your true self. If you tell this to a random person, you may face ridicule. I guess we deliberately forgot the Indian history that has endless instances of people attaining enlightenment and knowledge of the spiritual world through years of austere practices and meditation. Our constricted minds refuse to leave any space for the unknown.
But when you are at crossroads and decide to listen to your spiritual calling, you just go with the flow. Undertaking that arduous journey is a part of the process of getting to know yourself better. The culmination of all the experiences and your own determination will lead you to your true purpose, your rebirth.
Being a Traveler
Most of us love to travel. Everyone has their own way of traveling and each experience is unique. A travelogue, Dream Beyond shadows depicts his journey beyond the realm of comfort. From Villa El Salvador to Miraflores, from the downtrodden to the affluent, the book presents two sides of the society among which our author oscillates.
The life lessons that travel can teach you have the potential to turn you into a different person. There are many things that we take for granted while living in our own bubble. Take yourself out, put yourself out in the open, it is then you start to understand the value of every single thing.
Throughout his journey, Kartikeya met a lot of beautiful souls. In all his ephemeral encounters the constant parts were Hello and Goodbyes. That is life in its true essence. We meet so many people throughout our lives. Everyone has their own duration. The thrill of Hello and the pain of goodbye teaches us to value the time we have in between, the present.
Overview
Dream Beyond Shadows is a well-written book that will make you think about the importance of giving something back to this society, doing something meaningful for the people, and being at peace with yourself.