We have all heard about the circle of life. It is symbolic of birth, survival, and death. There is no end, and the circle goes on. Circles have no beginning or end, and so we exist. In that circle, we try to achieve, build, learn, unlearn, forget, and collect things and memories. Life is often represented by the symbol of a circle. It is one of the oldest shapes observed, and naturally so, because the moon is our constant companion, no matter which part of the world we are from. Sometimes, the circle overlaps with other circles, as life becomes entangled with other lives. At times, these intersections create clutter and confusion, while at other times, they form beautiful floral patterns. Circles also remind us of unity and focus, much like when players come together to plan their next strategy during a game. When these overlapping circles of lives support each other, we see the flower of life emerge. It makes us wonder: should we carefully plan the people we include in our lives, or should we simply go with the flow? Sometimes, circles disappear from our lives. Depending on where you are in your own circle, you learn to cope, overcome the loss, and manage the gap left by absence. Elton John’s hit song, Circle of Life, beautifully captures this concept:
"It's the wheel of fortune
It's the leap of faith
It's the band of hope
'Til we find our place
On the path unwinding
In the circle, the circle of life..."
It is a song that encourages us to view life realistically. Some soar to the stars, some are left on the wayside, some sail through troubles, and others bear the scars—but the circle continues. That is what we must remember: we simply have to rise and try again. Recently, I had the opportunity to witness a circle of happiness. It was at an event called the 'Village of Happiness', organised to celebrate the Day for Persons with Disabilities. As the sun set and the festivities continued, a unique sound emerged: giggling, laughter, and the tinkling of bangles and bracelets, all in a delightful rhythm. There were no spoken words, but the conversation seemed long and animated. Following the direction of the sound, I came across a beautiful sight—one that will stay with me forever. Oblivious to their surroundings, a group of teenagers was engrossed in a conversation using sign language. Their wide, focused eyes were fixed on whoever was signing, and they smiled and laughed in an otherwise wordless exchange. They formed a circle—a natural and functional one. The circle gave each participant a clear view of the others, enabling their fingers to voice every thought and expression. It was a circle of happiness. Another such experience was a performance by U Theatre at the Royal Opera House Muscat. This Taiwanese group presented Sword of Wisdom, a production that used drums to communicate, except for a few chanting voices and brief dialogues. Their immense energy depicted the awakening of the lion within, while the choreography emphasised meditation's role in self-awareness. The significance of the sword was clear: it was aimed at oneself, symbolising inner reflection. Interestingly, the United Nations General Assembly has recently declared a World Day of Meditation, adding another layer of relevance to this performance.
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