Like everyone from my generation, I have grown up watching the funny, rib-tickling animation series Tom and Jerry. I loved watching it as a child and I love watching it even today, as an adult. It’s fun regardless of what age one is.
There were a lot of things that I did as a child, but eventually grew out of. But not Tom and Jerry. I never grew over it. And I often wondered – why?
I kept asking myself until I realised that Tom and Jerry are both a part of me, and in fact a part of each one of us, deep within. They are never ever going to leave us. Tom represents our ego. He’s big in size and appears even bigger with his large scary eyes. One look is powerful enough to terrify us. And he’s always contemplating, always thinking how to rise again.
Jerry represents our spirit. A tiny mouse but quick-witted and swift.
Tom is always conspiring and strategizing to get a hold of Jerry and to over power him. At times, Tom even attempts to inflate himself in size. Jerry, on the other hand, is simply being who he is and staying in the present moment. Jerry’s presence of mind is such that he has the capability to get away from any planned attack that Tom attempts.
Jerry, although knowing that Tom is after him all the time, doesn’t believe in defenses. He doesn’t need to know how and when Tom is going to attack. Jerry knows that no matter what, he is there to stay. No Tom could diminish his being. And Jerry just makes the best use of whatever is around him to keep being who he is.
Although, Tom’s roar is certainly terrifying and in such times of turbulence and fear, Jerry gives out a tiny squeak. If we can simply be aware of Jerry’s tiny little squeak and listen to it and act without questioning, it’s just a matter of time before we see Jerry’s swiftness taking us to a place where we can simply be who we are, without the fear of Tom coming back ever again.
There are several such moments when I come to realise that Tom and Jerry are creating havoc inside of me; there is a war within. The question is – whose voice do I succumb to?