Finding Christmas

The festive season was in full swing. Christmas carols filled the air, colorful decorations adorned every corner, and the shopping frenzy was in overdrive. Amidst the whirlwind of parties, friend gatherings, and endless to-do lists, a quiet reflection began to stir within me. "Are we so caught up in the busyness of Christmas that we've forgotten the true meaning of the season?" I pondered, "Is it all about the decorations, the gifts, the parties, or is it about remembering Jesus, the reason for the season?"

A friend reached out, "What are you doing for Christmas?" he inquired. "Not much," I replied, "Just spending time at home with family." He suggested we hang out, and I readily agreed. This simple invitation sparked another thought: "What is the best gift we can truly give someone this Christmas?"

Expensive gifts, gadgets, and designer items flashed through my mind. But then, a realization dawned. In our hyper-connected world, time has become a precious commodity. We are constantly bombarded with distractions, glued to our devices, and caught up in the endless demands of life. In this whirlwind, genuine human connection often gets lost.

I concluded that the most meaningful gift we can offer is our time. To truly cherish those we love, to be present in their lives, to offer a listening ear and a genuine connection – that, I believe, is the greatest gift of all. And at the heart of it all, keeping Jesus Christ at the center of our celebrations, remembering the true spirit of giving and compassion – that is the essence of a truly meaningful Christmas.

A Limping Park Mishap

Long ago, when I was a young lad in grade 6, my little brother, still in grade 4, was utterly obsessed with Linkin Park. Our cousin, Chaturanga, had introduced him to their powerful music, and my brother was hooked.

One day, he pleaded with our father to buy a Linkin Park CD. In those days, we didn't have the luxury of iPods or MP3 players. Our only source of music was our old computer. Online streaming and downloading were unheard of.

My father, ever the indulgent parent, took my brother to a local CD shop in Malwatta Road, Pettah. As they browsed the shelves, my father asked the shopkeeper, "Do you have Limping Park?"

The shopkeeper, a bit puzzled, replied, "Limping Park? What's that?"

My brother, growing increasingly frustrated, corrected him, "No, no, it's Linkin Park!"

The shopkeeper, still confused, put the CD in a player and started the music. My father, listening intently, shook his head and said, "What is this noise! I don't think this is it, son."

But my brother was adamant. "No, Dad, it's Linkin Park!" he insisted.

It was a hilarious misunderstanding, one that we still laugh about today.

The Alchemy of Happiness

Life, a canvas painted with strokes of happiness and sorrow, is a beautiful journey. For me, true joy lies not in passive pleasures, but in active experiences that enrich the soul.

I vividly recall the thrill of childhood adventures - the excitement of birthday parties, the magic of losing myself in the pages of a Harry Potter book, and the camaraderie of cricket matches with friends. The pride of representing my school on the football field and the jubilation of scoring goals in university matches still echo in my heart.

Academic triumphs, like topping the MBBS exam, brought immense satisfaction. The collective joy of winning the Supreme Court case for internship registration was a testament to the power of perseverance and unity.

Travel has been another source of immense joy. The freedom of solo trips to Italy and England, and the shared laughter and experiences with friends on various journeys, have created cherished memories.

Helping others has also brought me profound happiness. The fulfillment of charitable work and the simple act of lending a hand to those in need have enriched my life in countless ways.

In contrast, the passive pleasures of binge-watching Netflix or scrolling through social media, while momentarily enjoyable, pale in comparison to the enduring joy of active experiences. The difference, I believe, lies in the neurotransmitters involved. While dopamine, associated with short-term gratification, may be triggered by these passive activities, serotonin, linked to long-lasting happiness, is stimulated by social interactions, physical activity, and acts of kindness.

To cultivate lasting happiness, it's essential to strike a balance between these two neurotransmitters. By engaging in activities that promote serotonin production, such as spending time in nature, exercising, and connecting with loved ones, we can experience a deeper and more enduring sense of well-being.

In essence, true happiness lies in a life well-lived - a life filled with meaningful experiences, acts of kindness, and a genuine connection with oneself and the world around us.

The Mysterious Case of the Numbness

During my third year of medical school, a young 18-year-old boy who was working in my mother's office came to me seeking medical advice. Although I wasn't a qualified doctor at the time, he approached me directly, expressing concern about unusual sensations in his body. He described a peculiar numbness in his right leg and a strange, wire-like feeling in his right arm. Additionally, he mentioned a noticeable lightening of his skin tone, particularly in patches. 

I was immediately concerned, as these symptoms suggested a potential neurological issue. While I couldn't provide a definitive diagnosis, I recognized the seriousness of his condition and advised him to seek immediate medical attention at the National Hospital OPD. 

At the OPD, he was referred to the skin clinic and subsequently underwent a skin biopsy. A few weeks later, he returned to inform me that he had been diagnosed with leprosy and prescribed a 12-month course of medication. He was also advised to involve his family members in his treatment and follow-up care.

I didn't see him for several years, but he eventually returned to visit my mother and me. He expressed sincere gratitude for my initial advice, which had been crucial in leading to his accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. He shared that he had since married and emigrated, and that he was doing well. Every New Year and Christmas, he sends his best wishes, acknowledging my role in helping him overcome a serious health challenge and embark on a fulfilling life. 

This experience marked my first encounter with a complex medical case, and it taught me the importance of careful observation, timely intervention, and patient empathy, even when one is still a medical student." 

A Society Divided: The Role of Gender Roles in Sri Lankan Violence

Sri Lanka, a South Asian nation, is deeply rooted in cultural, religious, and ethnic traditions. A significant aspect of these traditions involves rigid gender roles, often leading to societal expectations that can have harmful consequences.

From birth, individuals are assigned a gender based on biological sex. As they grow, societal norms dictate adherence to specific gender roles. Men are generally expected to be breadwinners, strong, and emotionally restrained, serving as primary caregivers and decision-makers within families. Conversely, women are often confined to domestic roles, expected to be emotionally expressive and submissive.

These societal norms carry serious repercussions. Men, burdened by the expectation to remain strong and stoic, often struggle to express their emotions, leading to higher rates of mental health issues and suicide. This is evident in numerous cases of men taking their own lives due to personal or professional failures.

Women face significant challenges, particularly domestic violence, which remains prevalent in Sri Lankan society. According to the Women’s Wellbeing Survey, one in five women has experienced physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. Cultural expectations of female submission frequently result in physical and emotional abuse.

Gender-based violence (GBV) often goes underreported in Sri Lanka, particularly in cases of domestic and dating violence. When incidents are reported, the focus tends to shift towards victim-blaming rather than supporting survivors. Intimate partner violence often includes physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. 

In recent years, incidents of dating violence have surged, including cases where individuals have lost their lives due to disputes during courtship. Additionally, workplace-related gender-based violence is a persistent issue, with women frequently facing discrimination, harassment, and even assault from male colleagues or superiors.

Healthcare professionals play a vital role in addressing GBV. Victims may present with a wide range of symptoms, including unexplained bodily pain, somatic complaints, bowel irregularities, frequent clinic visits, and visible signs of trauma such as bruises or injuries. Psychological symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns, are also common.

To combat GBV effectively, healthcare providers must be sensitive and proactive. By asking open-ended questions, creating a safe and non-judgmental environment, and referring patients to appropriate support services, they can help break the cycle of violence and promote gender equality.

It is crucial to empathize with victims and provide them with comprehensive support. At the same time, holding perpetrators accountable and stigmatizing abusive behavior is essential. Encouraging reporting and fostering societal accountability are critical steps toward preventing future incidents of gender-based violence.

Boredom and the Screen

I've been incredibly bored lately, especially during long lectures. It's tough to sit through hours of back-to-back classes without getting distracted. I've tried to resist the urge to check my phone by installing apps that limit screen time, but it's still a constant battle. I often take refuge in Facebook, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Gmail and even the EspnCricinfo! 

Even in short breaks between lectures, I find myself mindlessly scrolling through social media, just to stay awake and engaged. It's a habit that's hard to break. Sometimes, I wonder how people used to stay focused before smartphones.

I remember one time, a friend even took a picture of me sleeping during a lecture. It was embarrassing, but it also highlighted how difficult it is to stay alert in such monotonous settings.

I can't help but think about other students around the world who are facing similar challenges. We're all trying to balance our academic responsibilities with the constant distractions of technology.

It's a sad reality that we've become so reliant on our phones to fill the gaps in our lives. Whether we're waiting for a bus, a coffee, or a meal, we instinctively reach for our devices. 

I often wonder what it would be like to experience moments of boredom and solitude without the constant distraction of technology. Could we learn to appreciate the quiet and embrace boredom or would we simply feel lost and empty?

Paying it Forward

True help is given without expectation of reward. When we help others, we're not engaging in a transaction but rather acting out of compassion and empathy. While business and commerce are essential for survival, the most meaningful aspects of life often transcend material value.

As human beings, we are inherently social creatures. From birth to death, we rely on each other. As newborns, we depend on caregivers to provide basic needs like food, shelter, and love. As we grow, we rely on teachers, mentors, and colleagues to guide and support us. Even in our daily routines, we depend on countless individuals, from farmers to factory workers, to provide the goods and services we consume.

As Muhammad Ali wisely said, ‘Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.’ By helping others, we not only contribute to their well-being but also enrich our own lives. When we give back to our communities, we're essentially paying it forward, ensuring that future generations have the support they need to thrive.

The Bible also encourages us to practice selfless love: ‘Love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.’ (Luke 6:35-36)

Let's strive to embody this spirit of compassion and generosity, recognizing that we are all interconnected and indebted to one another.

A Dose of Childhood Nostalgia

Today, I had a blast playing indoor cricket with my neighborhood friends. It was a delightful throwback to my childhood, filled with the same energy and enthusiasm. I realized how much I've been missing this simple joy since I graduated and embarked on my career as a doctor.

This experience made me reflect on my life. I've become overly serious, perhaps due to the complexities of medical science, the immense responsibility of being a doctor and a specialist, and the constant pressure to meet expectations. I've worried about my finances, my future, and even the idea of marriage.

In contrast, as a child, I lived a carefree life, simply studying, enjoying, and embracing life's simple pleasures. I collected stamps, watched cartoons, read books like the Famous Five, Secret Seven, Hardy Boys, and Harry Potter. I was passionate about cricket, collecting pictures, newspaper clippings, and chocolate stickers. I loved playing video games and indulging in art.

I wonder why I lost touch with this carefree spirit. Was it fear, judgment, or the belief that such interests were childish? Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" (Matthew 19:14). This resonates with me. We often complicate life, overthinking and worrying. We forget to rely on God and trust in His plan.

It's time to rekindle that childlike wonder and joy. I'll strive to live a simpler life, focusing on what truly matters. By letting go of unnecessary worries and embracing a more playful approach to life, I hope to rediscover the happiness and fulfillment I once knew.

Father I thank you for your goodness.

You show yourself to children.

And in my life I see you leading me

Into my childhood once again.

Under the shadow of your guiding hand

I walk the journey of my life.

Across the years I see you leading me;

And I am young again.

(Frank Anderson)