THE ONE-HOUR COUCH

Digitalization has put our lives on a fast-forward mode, where the next notification always takes priority over our inner voice. In this process, we’ve sacrificed our internal space for the external noise, leaving no room to sit and talk to our inner self. We are moving so fast that our emotions can’t even catch up to us. We have become masters of doing multiple things in the same hour, we have plans for not only the next day, but also for the next week. We have gained thousands of connections throughout the world but, lost the connection to ourselves.

In the constant noise of caring for the world, when did you last listen for the quiet voice of your own soul asking, 'ARE YOU OK?’ We know exactly when we sent our last text or finished our last task whether we are at home or at the workplace, but we have no idea when we last truly met ourselves. The world will always ask for more of your time, isn’t it time we stopped listening to the eternal voices and started looking for our own ONE-HOUR COUCH?

The one-hour couch is not just a piece of sofa or a bed – side corner where you are scrolling or talking to your family and friends. It is the space we all have to create for not doing anything, no cell-phone, no to-do list, only a gap between your tasks, your commitments, your meetings, your daily work-life, a space from everything and also everyone. The one-hour couch is a pause from your hectic schedule. It is not about spending 60 minutes with your own self, but it is the dedicated hour you are giving to yourself. It is not only about a silence; it is about the discovery. It is the vital window; we all need to open for ourselves.

In this rushing era, where every minute is an endless stream of demands and expectations, we must realize that time for ourselves is never simply found but it must be taken. It is a gift, only we can give to ourselves and draw a line in the sand just to prioritize our inner life. This single hour isn't a luxury to be enjoyed only when everything else is done; it is a fundamental commitment to your own existence. By doing this small act, you are sending a message to your soul; YOU ARE IMPORTANT! And that will definitely create a peace in your life, try to bring this change in your life.

FROM TRENCHES TO TIKTOK: HOW EACH GENERATION CARRIES THE WEIGHT OF WAR

Conflict, anger, sensation, trauma—and then TikTok, memes, and entertainment, these are not just random words; they represent a generational shift. They reflect how people of different age groups perceive the current state of the world, not just in Asia but globally. We are living in a time where the mindset of our parents differs significantly from ours, and the gap becomes even wider when compared to the next generation.

The word “WAR” sounds like a nightmare for our parents and grandparents because they have experienced those days and nights in past decades. They still carry the echoes of those bombings, the tears of homeless families, the sacrifices of thousands of innocent lives, and the economic devastation; they believe that conflicts and wars can never bring joy or benefit in anyone’s life. Our parents lived through the era of newspapers and radios, a time when access to information was extremely limited. Their knowledge of events like war often came solely from printed headlines or official government broadcasts. News was delayed, filtered, and scarce, offering only a brief glimpse into what was actually unfolding.

In contrast, our generation grew up during the rise of rapid technological advancement. We witnessed the shift from analog to digital, from landlines to smartphones, from traditional jobs to the gig economy. Our perception is a blend of inherited values and newfound freedoms. We find ourselves in a different position as we are witnessing both the generation of our parents and that of our younger siblings and children. The contrast in their mindsets is clearly visible. However, one conclusion remains undeniable: war is never a solution. As a global society, we must reflect on what was truly gained from the world wars and weigh it against the devastating loss of millions of innocent lives.

Despite everything, we must acknowledge that we are living in the fastest-moving technological era in history. Information from around the globe is now just a tap away, and within microseconds, we can access news and updates from virtually any country. This instant connectivity is undoubtedly a remarkable advantage, allowing people to stay informed and engaged like never before. However, it also raises a critical concern—how do we deal with the spread of misinformation?

Today, we live in an age where a single video can go viral across the globe within minutes, yet we often have no reliable way to verify whether it's real, fake, AI-generated, or simply footage from a video game. Mainstream media presents one version of events that are often filtered or selective while social media paints a completely different picture. In such a situation, it becomes increasingly difficult to find out the truth. We’ve witnessed this during past wars, and now we are experiencing it firsthand in our own region, the unsettling reality of manipulation and misinformation.

One fundamental truth we must grasp is that war is never the answer. A missile or drone cannot distinguish its target with moral clarity, it does not know who should be harmed. When one home is unsafe, its neighboring homes are also at risk. In conflict, no one remains truly untouched. It is necessary for us and especially for the younger generation to understand the importance of always praying for peace and never glorifying or wishing for war.

Conflicts, wars, and acts of terror should never be sensationalized. Speak to your parents and grandparents about what they endured during times of war; they will never advocate for it. Because in the end, those who lose their lives never return and no matter which side they're on, every loss is a heartbreak for a mother, a spouse, and a family. This is not something to be turned into a meme, take a moment to consider the families who have gone through such pain. Imagine how difficult it must be for a soldier to write what could be their final letter or make a last phone call, not knowing whether they will ever return. Just pause and truly reflect on that reality.