The Refraction theory

As a kid, I was always fascinated by rainbows. I saw them as a promise of better days to come, a reminder that things will get better and the future is bright. Growing up in Goa, my siblings and I would get excited spotting a rainbow in the sky after the rains. Monsoons weren't so bad after all! Rainbows have always amazed me.

In the 10th standard, however, this phenomenon gave me a new lens to look at life and myself. As my science teacher taught us how rainbows are formed after the rain through the refraction of light, a philosophical interpretation popped up in my head. While my classmates listened, some doodling in their textbooks, I couldn't help but draw inspiration from the rainbow. All I could think about the whole time and perhaps the entire day was how, if one simple ray of sunlight can refract into seven beautiful colors, then won't I, being human, too have unimaginable capacity, potential, and talent? How could we limit ourselves or others to specific categories or boxes?

This idea resonated deeply with me and helped me get through many doubts. It also planted in me a desire to try and explore different things, to do things out of sheer curiosity about what I can do and what I'm capable of. Sometimes I needed an extra push, a nudge, some words of encouragement. But over time, I got a good list of things to look back at.

You don't have to engage in risky behavior or do things that make you uncomfortable in a bad way when thinking about this idea. Instead, try something simple like exploring possible hobbies such as pottery, clay work, painting, stitching, dancing, cooking, and so much more. Let yourself do all those things you've withheld yourself from doing because you think or believe you will never be able to do them right. This refraction theory can be as simple as that.

Whenever you face a challenge and the only reason you don't want to take it is that you think you lack the ability, remember this: you are a walking, talking, breathing ray of light, and every opportunity is a chance to refract, express, and know yourself. And remember, rainbows are not always full, not always perfect. Sometimes some colors show more than others, and sometimes your location and ability to see affect the way one perceives it. So, yeah, like rainbows, we'll never be perfect. And that, honestly, is the best news – you DON'T have to be perfect.

–Alloysha Dias

***************************************************************