STAND UP ........

A simple toy in a child’s hand carried a lesson that generations often spend a life time understanding. A grandfather and grandson were enjoying their time in a toy store when the little boy noticed an inflatable punching bag shaped like a man. Every time he punched it, the figure fell and immediately bounced back.

The grandfather asked his grandson “why does it keep Standing Up”. The child thought and replied “I don’t know”. The grandfather smiled and explained. “Because it Stands Up Inside.” 

The secret is not in the fall it is in the foundation. The heavy base kept it grounded and the air inside gave it strength to rise again. Life works the same way. Our external circumstances may push us down, but our inner values decide whether we remain fallen or stand up again.

The two then walked into MacDonalds and they continued their conversation. Grandfather holding his grandsons hand tells him, listen carefully to how my parents explained the inflatable man. They said the inflatable man does so because “he stands up inside well”.  In order to be ‘all in’ we need to ‘stand up inside’ come what may.

The phrase "stand up" shifts meanings dramatically depending on context, but one version right from childhood to be inculcated is to “stand up for virtues.” The inflatable man’s base was reflecting– values principles inner grounding. The air inside- meant faith hope divine connection. The falling forward– challenges of life, finally the return upright reflecting resilience.

Grandfather with a smile then said, these concepts stood with us all our life and the actions we conducted reflected; Courage- standing up for what is right, even in the face of pressure. Justice- ensuring that our thoughts and actions result in the common good.  Wisdom- taking a moment to consider the consequences of your decisions before acting or speaking.

As you will grow old grandson you will realise, it requires the courage to speak out against wrong doings beginning in your friend circle at school, at work, at almost everywhere in the society.

The teaching and learning environment at home in those days made young minds Stand Up to Spiritual context too. Grandfather explained how its core practices had them involved: self-sovereignty an active choice to prioritize one’s well-being, keeping yourself vibrant and joyful instead of turning against yourself during difficult times. Speaking Truth- expressing one’s beliefs and boundaries with compassion, honesty, and clarity. This requires removing the ego and fear to reveal hidden truths and pierce through illusions. Holding Ground- maintaining one’s inner peace and ethical stance when the world is chaotic. It meant standing firm on moral convictions without yielding to societal pressures. Inner Battle- as in many traditions, it refers to committing to the internal "fight " against negative habits, doubts, and ego-driven behaviour’s using the spiritual tools and strength available.

My father was advised by his father, who then shared with me, I shared with your father and as his substitute, I am sharing with you, expecting you do it with your children. Generations that continue to interpret the 'Stand-Up’ inflatable man to growing young minds, will have to deal less with uncomfortable rights – careless speech, calling evil good and good evil, craving poor liberties of mine and only me. The hands that hang down often will rise in prayers for Divine’s grace.

Being less religious and more spiritual can surely make any one ‘Stand Up’ easy.

Growing up entirely online can provide Gen Z unique digital skills but it needs to adopt hard earned wisdom of older generations to keep their resilience, patience, and offline focus.

Grandfather concluded with a mantra for all generation- “Stand Up for Virtues even if you stand alone and remember– you discover one’s own strength only when you help another ‘Stand Up.”