Who are We?
By Miranda Li
In the golden hues of a particular autumn morning, as I’m on my way to my classes, I witnessed a mesmerizing nature's ballet – the graceful waltzing of golden leaves carried by the whimsical breeze. Amongst them, one particular leaf pirouetted its way to my feet, prompting me to stoop and retrieve it.
Looking deeply at this seemingly insignificant leaf, I found myself contemplating the profound cycle of life and its delicate beauty. From a tiny seed, through the passage of decades, perhaps even centuries, it evolves into a towering tree that reaches for the skies. Yet, in harmony with the gentle autumn winds, these leaves embark on a journey back to their roots, completing the poetic circle of life.
Despite the enchanting natural wonder unfolding before my eyes, I couldn't help but consider the leaf's lack of consciousness regarding its purpose. Similarly, we, as a speck of dust in the universe, we don't know where we came from or where we'll go, we share a parallel dilemma. Like the leaf, we remain oblivious to the origins of our existence and the ultimate destination of our journey. The existential question of "Who are we?" undoubtedly echoes in my mind, stirring the depths of my souls.
In the silent observation of this leaf—a life form vastly simpler and smaller than our own—I found inspiration in its resilience. Freely reaching towards the sun, absorbing nutrients, and transforming every inch of its being into vibrant shades of green, it embodies the essence of vitality. Upon maturity, it gracefully surrenders to the winds, navigating the currents with the freedom to explore distant horizons, guided only by its heart. This humble leaf serves as a reminder that irrespective of our origins or the destination awaiting us, we are inherently endowed with the gift of absolute freedom.
Just like the graceful dance of migratory birds and the majestic journeys of whales through the oceanic depths. We, as humans, are gifted with the inherent capacity to wander freely across this Planet. As I marvel at the intricacies of the leaf's journey, I find myself beckoned by its silent wisdom—an answer to the question “Who are we?” We are creatures fashioned from the same celestial stardust as our fellow beings, and it is our privilege to delight in the effortless flow of our existence, joyously and freely navigating the boundless wonders of our lives.