Emotional maturity is very simply the ability to postpone one’s gratification. It means not to rush or speak and act under surge of emotions, but to wait and delay until the urge has settled into a quiet place. The reason is that during the surge one believes that the felt emotion is as if the only truth. It colours and overrides everything. Therefore, one should allow the wave to pass, to settle down so as to be able to see clearly and speak and act rightly.ย
Emotional maturity also implies understanding the other person’s emotional needs, to learn to give even as one takes and not just take alone.ย
At a still deeper level, emotional maturity is to be able to love without demands and expectations, selflessly, for the joy of loving and nothing else, as the flower blooms in the sun and gives its fragrance to all without wanting anything in return.
Affectionately
Alok Da
