The Touch

There is something magical about a baby’s touch

It’s so pure
It’s so gentle
It’s so soft, and yet so firm
It’s so strong, and yet so weak
It’s so dependant, and yet so independent

It teaches you the real meaning of inter-dependence

The Lure of Newness…

As long as we exist, anything new will continue to lure us. It can be a new smart phone, to a new tablet, to a newly launched motor vehicle, to the new kid on the block, to a new technology, to a new recipe, to a new invention, to a new addition in the family, to a new purchase that we made, to a new supermarket that opened near-by, to a new cuisine that we want to try, to a new program on TV, to a new movie release, to a new……………..

Many times, we probably don’t really need or want or are interested in this “new” thing…

But anything new continues to lure us
And we lust for a while
And then give in to this temptation

Just for a moment of joy
Just for a moment of wonder
Just for a moment of excitement
Just for a moment of fun
Just to beat the boredom
Just to break the monotony
Just to get the true picture
Just for something refreshing
Just because someone else has it
Just to understand what it’s all about
And just like that sometimes

But is the moment really worth it? You have to answer…

The Basics, The Foundations…

Anyone wise and who wished me well always said “Get the Basics Right”...& “Build a Strong Foundation”. But no one ever told me why? I figured this out on my own…

Why are the basics so important?

Because the basics never change – Whether it is the basics of math (arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, integration), basics of science (physics, chemistry, biology), basics of history, basics of geography, basics of economics (microeconomics, macroeconomics), basics of personal finance, basics of wealth creation, basics of human emotions, basics of investing, basics of architecture, basics of management, basics of leadership, basics of relationships, basics of cooking, basics of medicine, basics of mechanics, basics of genetics, basics of marketing, basics of learning, basics of communication, basics of design, basics of health, basics of weight loss, basics of service management, basics of process management, basics of time management, basics of politics, basics of....just about anything. You can undergo several transformations in your lifetime, but if your basics are well founded and grounded, then you are insured for life.

Because with the basics, the complexities are built – If you truly understand the basics, you can build and appreciate the complexities around you. After all, any complexity when broken down consists of the basic  blocks. And this is true for any topic under the sun – from complex mathematical algorithms to complicated macroeconomic principles to the laws of nature to advanced medical research to complex legal issues...

Because if your basics are strong, you can survive anywhere – If you are clear about the basics and can apply them for anything in life, then you can survive anywhere in the world and under any circumstances. And that’s important for anyone as we sail through life. You never know what life unfolds in front of you....

Why should you build a strong foundation?

Because this is the core, This is the root - If you have ever constructed a house, you will know why the foundation is so important. If you have ever lost money in speculation following the general mass, you will know why foundational knowledge of the investing principles is so important. If you have lasting friendships and relationships, you will know why the foundations are so important. If you have failed in your exams or job interviews, you will know why the foundations of any subject are so important. Building a strong foundation takes time, effort and perseverance. But definitely worthwhile in the journey of life...

Because you can withstand any trials in life - One never expects, plans or is always ready for every trial that unfolds in life. But if your foundations are strong, you will be able to endure and tide through the tribulations of life better...

Ending with the words of wisdom
• It’s never too late to get the basics right
• It’s never too late to build / re-build the foundations

So do get your basics right.
And do build the right foundations.
They are fundamental for a fulfilling and rich life

In some ways we end up like our parents…

• Ever wondered where you got your looks from

• Ever reflected on how you carry yourself in public

• Ever thought of how you formed your daily habits

• Ever thought of how you defined your core value system

• Ever thought who became your role models

• Ever thought about how you acquired your taste for food

• Ever pondered on how you learnt and explained the basics

• Ever wondered how you teach the difference between right and wrong

• Ever thought about how you conduct yourself in your day-to-day private life
• Ever wondered how you figured the priorities of your life
• Ever wondered how you made a tough decision
• Ever wondered how you judge anything
• Ever thought where the flexibility and agility came from
• Ever wondered how your thoughts get refined and filtered
• Ever wondered about how you communicate – the words you use, the pitch you take, the silences you make, the silences you break
• Ever caught yourself humming a lullaby and wondered when and where you learnt it
• Ever cooked a dish which you’ve probably never dished up in your entire life
• Ever reflected on how you came up with the bed time story starting “Once upon a time…”
• Ever wondered how you named the fictitious invisible character
• Ever wondered where all the courage came from
• Ever figured where all the confidence came from
• Ever pondered on where the talent came from
• Ever reflected on where the world views came from
• Ever wondered about the origin of your sympathies and empathies
• Ever thought how you formed your likes and dislikes– ranging from music, to colors, to movies, to literature, to fine art, to style….
• Ever wondered where the openness came from
• Ever pondered on your outlook towards money, personal finance and investing
• Ever thought where the religious views came from
• Ever reflected on your adaptability and its evolution
• Ever thought what defines you

If you take a moment to connect the dots, some of these can be directly attributed to your parents
And about something’s you will eventually end up like your parents….
The cycle and circle of life continues…

This blog is dedicated to my parents. Thank you Amma & Nana for everything…

Random Acts of Kindness

I am always intrigued and touched when I see or hear or read about random acts of kindness.

Random people and unknown faces
At the most random and unexpected times
Put in the most random and unanticipated circumstance
Display unimaginable acts of kindness, sensitivity and generosity

And I wonder why?......

As long as random acts of kindness exist,
There is still hope for a better tomorrow,
There is still hope for a better future,
There is still hope for a better society
There is still hope for a better humanity…

Prayers and Wishes

Got this as a mail forward today. Really liked it and hence posting on my blog.

It is surely worth making the 5 finger prayer a part of our lives.

1.Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a 'sweet duty.'

2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.

3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president,leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.

4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.

5. And lastly comes our little finger -the smallest finger of all which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, 'The least shall be the greatest among you.' Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper prospective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.

If you decide to send this to a friend, you might brighten someone's day! Pass this on to someone special... I did.

Don't tell God how big your storm is;
Tell the storm how big your God is!!!!!

Teachers

One of the most sacred relationships is that between a student and a teacher. And we’ve all had many teachers all through our lives. Starting from our parents to school to graduation to post-graduation, & of course, not to forget the many tuition teachers & and other teachers who helped us learn alternate skills like music, dancing, aerobics, skating, puppet making, pottery, baking, etc.

And like everything else in life – There are all kinds of teachers. Those who make a profound impact on your life with one statement – something which struck such a deep chord that it almost made you a different person, those whom you will never forget, those with whom you share a special bond, those that will always have a special place in your heart, those whom you will never remember, those whose learning’s you will never forget, those whose style you will never forget…………………….. and lastly, those who give a new meaning to the word “teacher”.

Over the years, I’ve realized that if you’ve ever had a good teacher at any one time in your life, you will eventually turn out good.

Simply because a good teacher:
• Teaches you to learn by yourself
• Teaches you to asks questions
• Teaches you by example
• Teaches you to reason
• Teaches you to believe in yourself
• Teaches you about yourself – Specially, things which you are not aware of
• And lastly, encourages you to discover yourself

The ultimate reward for a teacher is to watch their students flower and flourish in life. To achieve happiness, success and fulfill their dreams.

And then some day, probably come back to say what was never said. And I’ve seen this happen through the years. Several people well into their adult life suddenly realize the impact that a special teacher had in their current stature. And, then they make significant efforts to re-connect and express their gratitude. And this is the definitive moment of satisfaction for any teacher.

And I’ve seen that the best teachers are always the most humble human beings. So unassuming that I sometimes wonder how they can influence so many lives so deeply. But then I’ve also come to believe that it is a gift. One which very few are bestowed with.

So if you’ve ever had a good teacher in your life, you are lucky. Take a moment to say Thank You.

This post is dedicated to all the teachers of my life
Specially dedicated to Mrs IJK – For believing in me and seeing something which even I could not

Cooking a large meal

All my life I have been in awe of people who can effortlessly cook a large meal. And my definition of a large meal is a wholesome hearty meal for a group of at least 8 people.

Like any large project, be it infrastructure or IT, it comes with its own set of challenges and constraints. And any time people are part of the equation, one needs to deal with varied choices, preferences, opinions, likes and dislikes. And no two people are really the same. And no two people are happy with the same substance.

Over the years, I’ve learnt the following:

Get the basics right – Basic knowledge on the number of guests, their preferences to varied cuisines, their openness to try out new stuff and their general disposition goes a long way in your pre-preparation for cooking. This is important because it gives you the vital clues for planning

Planning the menu – Planning the menu is the most important part. Usually this takes the maximum time and thought. And sometimes, it’s good to even ask your guests on what they would like to have. Once you have figured this, rest is only a matter of execution

Get the estimation right – You don’t want to really want to cook too much or too less. So get the estimates right. If you’re a novice, ask someone more experienced than you (your mom or aunt). They will usually help you get the estimates right simply by virtue of their experiences. And it’s always better to err on the side of excess. Also, when you estimate don’t look at it from an individual dish perspective – but more from the overall menu’s perspective. Your estimates will vary significantly based on the view you take

Do not experiment – It’s better not to be too experimental on the day your guests will arrive. If you really want to try something new, better to experiment a day or two before. And if you really want to experiment, then it’s better to try out only one new dish. If it turns out bad, you still have alternate options

Get the timing right – Be cognizant of the time and effort required to make a dish. And work your timing accordingly. It’s a great idea to get some work done in advance (like cutting vegetables or cooking a dish a day earlier) so that you are not rushed and stressed on the day your guests will arrive

Have a wide spread – Plan for a large number of dishes and include some really easy ones – which require very little effort or preparation time. Like salads, papad, cut fruits, popcorn, pizzas, etc.

Take help – Take all the help you need and can. Sometimes even ten extra hands seem less. So ask for help in whatever sphere you require it. And if you need to order a dish or two from outside, then so be it.

And lastly, the words of wisdom:
• If you enjoy the process of cooking, the dishes will eventually just turn out fine
• It’s fine if everything is not perfect every single time. We all have our hits and misses
• Everyone may not like every single dish; and that’s perfectly fine. Just like no two fingers are the same, no two individual’s tastes need to be the same.
• Do ensure that you do take time to enjoy the meal yourself. Most often, the people who cook are so exhausted by the process that they end up not really eating anything. It’s great to put your feet up and just relish the food you’ve made. And feel happy and proud at your little achievement
• The only way you can get better at this (like with anything else in life) is by repeated practice. So if you get it all wrong the first time, it’s normal. Remember that if you keep at it, you will only get better with time…. Till one day, someone may look at you with awe for the magic you are able to create when you cook a large meal.

So, Happy cooking ....

Push Yourself..

So many people push themselves every minute of their lives. Push themselves to wake up, to do things they love, to do things they hate, to do things for others, to live up to our own expectations, to make a mark in this world...

Broadly, there are two reasons why people push themselves:

1) By circumstances / By compulsion - It’s easy to comprehend and rationalize these actions. They are probably done in fear, under pressure, for approval, for acceptance and mostly for lack of a choice

2) By choice – This is exclusive and hard to fully comprehend. I am amazed when people push themselves – physically, mentally or emotionally by choice. I wonder why and how it is humanly possible to push yourself so much? They probably do it to test themselves, to prove a point, to reach a goal, to achieve something, or out of sheer love… And I truly admire such people.

Retirement

Retirement (like death) is inevitable. And this is well known to most people during their active professional lives. Still, retirement can be a very unnerving phase for many individuals, one which can deeply impact individuals and their families.

Why is Retirement so difficult?
• It requires change – As humans, our openness and acceptability to change reduces with time. And then retirement means a huge change in every life dimension – ranging from lack of routine, to lack of a work environment, to lack of regular financial income, to lack of a professional network, to lack of a purpose.
Typically, if a change is slow and gradual, we are able to adapt better. But in retirement, one fine day it’s all gone. However much you think you are mentally equipped to deal with it, nothing can prepare you completely for the actual experience. However much you are ready and mentally conditioned, yet many things will catch you by shock and surprise. And leave you feeling unhappy – even if this is a passing emotion.
• There’s abundance of time – Suddenly time is in abundance and there’s nothing really to do. There’s no sense of purpose. No life goal. No excitement.
• Everyone is busy in their lives – While we were working, everyone around us got busy with their own lives. And now suddenly, we can’t expect them to change gears and be available with us. And even if they are, what can we do together? We all change,We all grow, We all discover ourselves. And sometimes after retirement, we find that we don’t really have any common interests with those around us.
• There’s nothing tangible to achieve, no pressure, no deadline – Somewhere along the way we become so accustomed to associating achievement and success with tangibility and materialistic goals. And then one fine day, it’s all gone. Something which was the purpose of our life simply does not exist. There’s a deep void that needs to be filled.
• There’s no power, no one to control – And we got totally accustomed to power, to being in control and to control others around us. Suddenly, we feel out of control. And sometimes, even controlled by others. Not a very pleasant experience for many since the change is very visibile, drastic and rapid.

4 Point Mantras for Retirement
1) Plan It – Every year (at least on your birthday) you know how many more years you have to retirement. So plan for it. The two things which one definitely needs to plan are:
a. Financial Planning – Some basic maths and a broad view on how the finances will play out to sustain and maintain the desired lifestyle is essential
b. Planning your Time – You need to discover your passion / hobbies / talents / interests – at least 3 years before retirement. And you need to set aside time and start working consciously on these so that when you actually retire, the transition will be smooth

2) Accept It – There’s a reason why retirement is mandated in most professions. So accept it. 

3) Pursue things you love - All through our working lives we postponed a zillion things saving them for retirement. Anything from reading, writing, travelling, socializing, social service, spending time with family and friends. And the only reason that one did not do this is for paucity of time, And now that time is in abundance, it is a great opportunity to do something constructive and meaningful with your time and life.

4) Give back – And there are countless ways to do this. All through our lives, there have been several people who have touched our lives and done meaningful things to propel us forward. You can reach out to them and in your own way acknowledge their contributions in your life. You can write and share anything valuable.
And by the time one retires, there’s so much you would have learnt by virtue of your experiences. Share the lessons of life – There will always be someone who will be willing to listen. And there will always be someone to whom you can make a difference. You can also invest time in social service. You can do something meaningful with the younger generation. As long as you are clear about the intent, the method will unfold itself in front of you

So embrace retirement. And enjoy the many joys it brings in your life…

New Friends

Finding, making and keeping new friends becomes a challenge as we step into the threshold of adulthood.

Why is it so hard to make new friends?
Firstly, there is limited time and an infinite list of things to do & all are high priority screaming for our attention yesterday. And friendships need time. Friendships need to be nurtured and that requires effort. So if one needs to give time and effort for new friends, it is natural to wonder whether it’s really worth all the time and effort ? Many of us have a hard time even keeping up with old friends, so where’s really the time for new ones?

Secondly, we become set in our ways and views of the world. And have pre-conditioned ourselves to what we like and what we don’t like and what kinds of people are acceptable in our lives. So it’s mighty hard to find the right fit. And we are not willing to make amendments.
Thirdly, you need to have something in common to sustain the friendships. Mostly, adults prefer to take a long term view and like to associate with people with something in similar – Could be similar interests, similar problems, similar values, similar goals, similar intellectual frequency, similar priorities….. And these are again not easy to find

But still, it’s important
It is important to make new friends as you sail through life. They can be real or in the virtual world.

One of the most important reasons is that you become aware of alternate perspectives. You become more aware of the world around you. Of other ways of life. Of alternate cultures. Of diverse traditions. Of genuine emotions. Of real thoughts.  And you need not necessarily be influenced by them, but the sheer awareness leaves you a lot more enriched. You become conscious of people’s lives – their struggles, their sorrows, their joys, their endurance…. And that’s amazing about the human spirit – It never dies!

The next important thing is to make new friends in professions apart from yours. Somewhere along the way, we make friends mostly in the same line of work. And then, we all speak the same language. After a point, there is hardly anything new or refreshing in conversations. Having friends from alternate professions broadens your horizon a zillion times over. You learn so much simply by engaging with them – even if it is small meaningless talk. Their world view is just so different.

And then, in a low moment it’s always great to have someone you can reach out to. Just to listen, to give you an alternate view, to extend a helping hand, to lend a shoulder, or to just be there when you need it the most

So make new friends
And treasure the old
As all friends are usually god-sent
And come with a heart of gold

Comfort in relationships...

I have always wondered on how comfort is built in relationships…

With a few people, you get comfortable in a few minutes
With a few others it takes forever
And with some, you will never feel comfortable

With some, time does not matter
You may not meet, or communicate for years
But then when you meet, you take off in a second – Just where you had left
And wish that time exists forever

And then with some, you meet every day
But still, every new encounter leaves you all the more uncomfortable
And hoping that time elapses real quick; & the rendezvous ends
Wishing that you can someday get a little more comfortable

Hmmm... I still wonder why?

Compliments

Giving and receiving compliments is both an art and skill.

Why do we find it so hard to give compliments?
After all, a compliment is saying something nice, something positive to others about them. And that should come naturally if it is a genuine compliment. Yet, we all fumble many times… I wonder why we find it so hard
• Can’t we find anything to compliment? – If you look you’ll find a zillion things that you can compliment others for
• Don’t we find the right words at the right moment? – Words don’t really matter if it’s a genuine compliment. It’s the underlying thought which counts. And every moment is the right moment.
• Are we shy ourselves? And feel a little inhibited? – Can’t we let-go of our shyness and inhibitions for a good cause
• Do we feel that it’s not required? And that others will understand our silence? – No. Something’s have to be expressed - Loud and Clear. And it does not matter if you have to repeat it, but then if it’s well deserved, it’s worthwhile to express. I am yet to meet anyone who has told me that they have had enough of compliments. It’s simply never enough!!!

And then I wonder why do we find it so hard to accept compliments?
Again, someone is saying nice positive and good things about us. Yet, why do we feel shy or squirm or almost feel embarrassed at the mention of compliments in our name.
• Do we feel we don’t deserve them? – Of course you do. If someone means it, then you very well deserve it. You probably don’t see things in yourselves which others do
• Don’t we like spotlight? – It’s not that we are celebrities. But then if a compliment does make us feel special and puts the spotlight on us, then great. We should learn to go with the flow and enjoy the experience while it lasts

Looking back
I think I will always cherish the best compliments that I have received because:
• They came when I least expected them
• They came from people whom I never thought could / would ever compliment me. Some because they are people I really admire, or really look up to, or are super achievers / perfectionists / epitomes of excellence in their sphere of life or are simply not the expressive type
• They were for some achievements in my life which had a deep emotional connect for me personally. And the fact that someone cared enough to observe, acknowledge and appreciate meant a lot to me
• They were honest, genuine and heart-felt. And if that’s the case, then the words and language is immaterial. The thought is always well received

In conclusion
• Compliment others if you genuinely feel they deserve it. There’s no reason to shy away or procrastinate. The moment will just pass. You may not ever get another opportunity. And it can make a difference to someone – At the very least, it will make them happy for a few moments. And that’s great!
• Accept compliments gracefully. After all, someone is saying something good, nice and positive. If you’re not the wordy expressive type, a simple acknowledgement and “Thank You” will suffice.

Many Defects, Many Deficiencies

No one is perfect. It’s part of the deal we sign up at birth. But what if you are with someone with more defects than you can ever count and imagine? With more deficiencies than normalcy’s? Then what…???

It’s so hard to live life
It’s so hard to be positive every day
It’s so hard to open your eyes in the morning
It’s so hard to push yourself every single minute
It’s so hard to protect all the defects and deficiencies
It’s so hard to cover up all the defects and deficiencies

Life will never probably be normal– unless you re-define normal. There is a definitive impact on every life dimension. After a point of time, life can become a drag.

And sometimes you just wish that by the swish of a magic wand – All the defects and deficiencies just disappear….

It requires great internal strength, phenomenal patience, perseverance, selfless service, unconditional love and countless sacrifices to even survive with such individuals.

Can you live with someone who has more defects, more deficiencies than you can handle?

Lifestyle... Liability

Four important questions that one should ask oneself are:
* As of today, is your current lifestyle a liability for you?
* As of today, is your current lifestyle a liability to those around you?
* Moving forward, do you foresee your lifestyle becoming a liability for you?
* Moving forward, do you foresee your lifestyle becoming a liability for others?

Why are these questions so important?
Because they give you a reflection of how you are living today. Are you a parasite or will you turn into one?

So what is lifestyle?
In sociology, a lifestyle is the way a person (or a group) lives. This includes patterns of social relations, consumption, entertainment, and dress. A lifestyle typically also reflects an individual's attitudes, values or worldview. [Src: http://www.wordiq.com/definition/Lifestyle ]

And the reality is that
* For most of us, our current lifestyle is a liability for us
* For most of us, our current lifestyle is a liability for those around us
* For most of us, our lifestyle will become a liability for ourselves
* For most of us, our lifestyle will become a liability for others

And can you change this?
Of course, yes. It requires awareness of how things stand today, a genuine intent to change and conscious efforts over an extended period of time

And the one word mantra to achieve this is
Detachment

In conclusion
*  Your lifestyle should never be a liability for you – After a point, it begins to drain all your energy
*  Your lifestyle should never be a liability for those around you – After a point, it begins to drain energy from those around you

Strive to make your lifestyle an asset for you and those around you
If you can reach this stage, you can be truly free and experience life for what it is

Put in a spot…

I wonder why we enjoy putting people on the spot, especially on “sensitive subjects” – Probably not sensitive to general public at large, but definitely sensitive to individuals

Most times it’s probably completely unintentional. Sometimes, it’s just for a bit of fun. Sometimes, it’s totally planned and staged. Sometimes, it’s almost as a last resort of hope.

Let me give you a few recent examples

Example 1
A happy go lucky couple is always asked about when they plan to have babies. I wonder how can anyone ask such personal questions in public? Whatever be their personal circumstances and choices, is it really right to broach this subject amidst random strangers? And expect them to give you a befitting response? Someone told me that the best answer to this question is “Tonight”. Apparently, it almost always concludes the topic!!!

Example 2
A single smart and really successful friend is always asked unpleasant queries on future wedding plans in the most inappropriate times and amidst the most random set of strangers. Sitting in the hot-seat, in the middle of a dozen people, does one really expect to receive an answer? Does one really expect to have any positive impact or influence? Does one honestly believe that they can delve deep down into another’s private zone and dole out well meaning advice?

Example 3
Someone who is severely obese and dealing everyday with the limitations of the body is constantly queried on weight and weight loss. I can see this individual cringe and see the complete discomfort all over the face every time someone mentions weight. Does one really realize how our inconsequential probes can affect another? Are we sensitive to realize how our thoughtless (& sometimes meaningless) banter can influence someone’s life?

And most of the times, people who are put in the spot respond in one of the following ways -
* They remain silent and let you do all the talking, or
* They completely zone out and simply don't even listen to what you say, or
* They become completely defensive, or
* They become aggressive, or
* They just put you right back on the spot knowing your vulnerabilities...

So, the next time you put someone on a spot… Just pause and think – “What if, just what if someone put you on the spot. Would you like it? How would you react? How would you respond?”

True Friends...

There is nothing more gratifying than spending time with “true friends”…

Who is willing to lend a ear
Who is willing to offer a hand
Who will not really judge you
Who will forgive and forget
Who will respect your privacy and personal space
Who will understand - what you say and what you don’t say

With whom you can be yourself
With whom you can shed all masks
With whom you can express yourself freely
With whom you are willing to share your life
With whom you can enjoy moments of silence
With whom you need not be guarded in your words
With whom an everyday activity turns into a pleasurable one

For whom you are willing to go that extra mile
For whom you are willing to do anything to bring a smile
For whom you always wish good in life
For whom you always hope the very best

True friends are hard to find
And are mighty precious for life

No matter

No matter what they do
No matter what they say
No matter how honest they are
No matter how much they care
No matter how much they bear
No matter how much they give
No matter how much they love
No matter how selfless they are
No matter how much they change
No matter how much they sacrifice
No matter how they open their lives in front of you

There are some people who will never ever ever find a special place in your heart…

I wonder why?

Anger

One of the most unpleasant, unnecessary and negative human emotion is anger. Anger is really a manifestation of anything / anyone not being up to our expectations – It could range from someone not returning your call, to someone missing a deadline, to someone saying something which was contradictory to your viewpoint, to … The list is almost endless…

Most of us experience anger in some form and to some extent in our day to day lives. While experienced in moderation, it can actually serve as a positive catalyst enabling one to conduct our lives better. However, anger in extreme is a very inhibiting emotion – One which influences many dimensions in our life. It has a direct impact on one’s physical health and over all well being. It also adversely influences our relationships. It can also affect our professional growth and success. Not to mention the loss in peace of mind. And then of course, the stress that it adds to your own life and the lives of those around you.

Over the past several years, I have observed several people “tame their anger”. And it has almost magical results in every sphere of life – ranging from improved health to healthy relationships to professional growth and success to an overall sense of physical, mental and emotion well-being.

Here’s what I learnt about anger and how to control anger
• It is important to re-calibrate and set realistic expectations – Both of yourself and of those around you. And it is even more important to communicate the same. Somewhere along to way, I wonder why we assume that we don’t need to express and communicate ourselves. In today’s time and age, it is all the more important to clearly articulate yourself
• Have an instant “anger mantra” – Something which you can use anywhere & at any time; and which will immediately calm you down. Use this every time you think you are getting angry. This could be anything from thinking about someone you feel very positively about, to listening to your favorite music, to deep breathing – Choose what works for you.
• When you are in a state of anger, do not say / do anything which you may regret later. So it’s better to postpone / exit whatever you were doing
• Regular physical exercise (specially the cardio work-outs like running, etc.) release pent-up emotions and energy, specially the negative ones. This will definitely aid in controlling your anger over the long term
• Regular Meditation helps in controlling the mind and thoughts
• Give yourself “Me-Time” regularly. To pursue any interest of your choice which is close to your heart
• Spending a few minutes a day in silence – in thought, in reflection and in serenity is excellent. And especially if you are very angry, it is important to be aware of what triggers the anger and what you are so angry about. Over a period of time, you will be easily able to identify the sensitive issues. Once you are cognizant of them, it is easy to take the required steps to prevent and control the same

Judgment

I am astounded when I find individuals passing baseless judgment about anything under the sky – It could range from one’s character, to one’s capabilities, to one’s life decisions, to one’s priorities, to one’s choices, to one’s talent, to one’s creativity, to one’s food, to one’s sense of style, to one’s preferences, to one’s lifestyle, to one’s appearance…………………… The list continues

Hmmm…. I was wondering
* Are we equipped and qualified to pass judgment?
* Do we have the right to judge? If yes, who gave us this right?
* Why is it so important for us to pass judgment? And that too, at the pace of lightning?
* Do we have all the base data to actually analyze and pass judgment based on logic?
* Do we take a minute to take a holistic view, ponder and reflect before we pass the judgment?
* Are we an embodiment of righteous that we can say “What’s right?” and “What’s wrong?”
* Do we really know and understand the difference between good and bad (in whatever is the reference context), to say confidently that “This is good” or “This is bad”
* Are we mature enough to introspect on how to articulate our judgment, especially if it is in public?
* Do we really take a minute to think about the implications of passing judgment, especially if it is in public?

On reflection, I realized that many times we have no underlying data and conclusive logic to pass a judgment, but we still do. Also we don’t realize the complete implications of any judgment that we pass on others…

And hence subscribe to the following:
• Many times, there’s possibly no need to pass a judgment
• Sometimes it’s better to reserve your judgment to yourself – It will probably not do any good to the recipient
• Think before you pass a judgment

Fantasies

In the recent past, I've probably read and heard the craziest, wierdest, whackiest, classiest, amazing, unimaginable, unthinkable, beautiful, awesome fantasies of people...

And I don't know why?
But I seem to have been the proud recipient to the disclosure of many peoples private fantasies...
Something which they would probably never really speak about...
Something which they have shared with me in strict confidence...
And something which they hold very close to their heart...

But here's what I do know?
We all have our fantasies - Absolutely no bars for anyone or anything to fantasize about...
Its just so wonderful to know what people fantasize about...
And one can be just so creative in their fantasies
And just so specific and just so vague...

But then what happens when the fantasy turns into a reality?
There is unimaginable joy, disbelief, thrill, sheer wonder on how it all happened, excitement, a great high and pure exhilaration...

And then
What's even more important is to then re-discover a new fantasy
To live with,
 To pine for,
To hope for,
To yearn for,
To dream about,
And, To die for...

Spend time to fantasize
Nurture your fantasies
And watch them turn into reality
And then look for the next fantasy...

The Reek of Selfishness

Most human thoughts, actions and deeds are a manifestation of selfishness..

Every where I go
Any where I look
All things that I hear
Every one I know
Has selfishness at display

And even if you are truly selfless ; or have a bone of selflessness within you
Its hard not to get influenced by the selfishness of those around you
And even if its effect is not lasting
Its so easy to get swayed into an occasional moment of selfishness
Pure unadulterated selfishness....

I wonder when and where and how selfishness was born?
Is it our lack of faith?
Is it our lack of hope?
Is it our concern for our loved ones?
Is it our unrelenting thirst for success?
Is it our unconditional love for ourselves?
Is it our underlying beliefs on limited resources?
Is it our past experiences - losses, hurts, misses?
Is it our blindness from reality or vision of reality?
Is it our quest for happiness, and our inherent conviction that happiness is somehow linked to our selfish motives in life?

What is it? 

Ice Skating

One of the sports which I love to watch (both live or recorded) is ice skating. It simply never ceases to please me. Simply because there is something so magical,so perfect, so artistic about it.

Hmm... Why is it so appealing?
* The whiteness of ice is so pure, expansive and almost eternal
* The dresses worn by the artists even for their day to day practice are so pretty and colorful. The colors so beautifully complement the whitness of ice and it is a real treat to watch. On a performance day, the dresses are really classy, elegant, beautiful and take your breath away
* The skill exhibited by the artists is amazing - The sense of balance, strength, agility and above all perfection is awesome
* The music accompanying each performance is so beautifully synergized with the performance - Mostly this is light instrumental classics. Its a treat for the ears and eyes

Knives in the Kitchen

I read somewhere that for Indian vegetarian cooking approximately 60% - 70% of the time goes in cutting vegetables. And hence a good knife or rather the right knife can make all the difference in the kitchen.

Over the past few days, I have realized the difference that knife can make in cooking.

In my experience, the following can make a phenomenal difference:
• The shape of the knife
• The sharpness of the knife
• The size of the knife
• The weight of the knife

The impact can be felt across the following dimensions:
• Speed of the cutting process
• Effort required for cutting
• Consistency

What is important to understand is
• The different parts of a knife
• How to hold a knife
• The amount of pressure that should be applied
• Which knife to be used for what vegetable? (For e.g.: There is a knife for cutting lemon, a knife for hard vegetables like carrots, a knife for the medium to soft vegetables, a general purpose knife)

A good link explaining basics of knives: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kitchen_knife#Nomenclature

Most people I know...

Most people I know (mostly friends) are:
* In their 30’s
* Have had a professional work experience of 7 – 12 years
* Have something to do with IT (Either they are in the IT industry, or are married to folks in the IT industry or use IT as a part of their professional work requirements)
* Have travelled the globe, lived in other countries, experienced diverse cultures and lifestyles
* Are all “settled” in the so called societal definition (Car; House; Bank Balance; Investments including shares, real estate, gold, etc; Latest home gadgets from plasma TV’s to iPAD’s to iPOD’s to Microwaves to Washing Machines, etc, – All the material settlements)
* Seem to be going through an “unsettled phase” of life – Possibly an identity crisis / mid-life crisis / lack of purpose / aimlessness…..
* And appear to be in one of the following categories:
   i) Happily single by choice – Either because they love themselves, their life, their lifestyle, their freedom and their dreams; and are simply not willing to give it all up for anyone OR they met the right someone and decided that he / she was not so right after all
   ii) Single by lack of choice – Simply because they are yet to meet the right someone. Most of these people / their families are on a desperate hunt for their life partners
   iii) Married & as a Twosome – And will probably continue this way for their life time by mutual consent. They have ample time to pursue individual and common hobbies and interests
   iv) Married with a Family – Expansion and promotion to a three / four some. This category is busy as ever trying to find the balance between the demanding family life, competitive professional demands, others expectations of them and their own self-expectations

What is INR?

No, this is not the Indian Rupees. But a medical term.

INR stands for Internationational Normalized Ratio. It is used to determine the clotting tendency of blood. A high INR level indicates a higher chance of bleeding and a low INR level indicates a high chance of having a clot.

It is one of the mandatory blood tests which is performed before an Angio.

More Info in the following links:
http://www.hrsonline.org/uploaddocs/inr_final.pdf
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prothrombin_time#Normal_range

Compiled from public sources
Special Thanks to Dr.Latha (A cardiology intern) for explaining this to me

Medical Degrees

Every time I am waiting to visit a doctor, I am intrigued by all the jargon that is suffixed after their names. With all due respect to their long tenure as students and the well deserved degrees which gives them these titles, I guess a lay person probably gets intimidated just by looking at these jargons.

So in an effort to de-mystify these jargons, I did some research on what all of it meant.

A medical degree is, broadly defined, any academic degree which places its holder in a position to engage in the practice of medicine

Title	Meaning	Additional Notes
MBBS	The MBBS degree represents the level of training required to be licensed as a physicians	In India
MD	Higher post graduate degree, representative of specialty training	Training is obtained in medical disciplines which are of non surgical nature
MS	Master of Surgery
DNB	Diplomate of National Board – Is considered equivalent to the MD & MS degrees	Obtained by passing the exam conducted by the National Board of Examinations
DM	Doctorate in Medicine	Can be obtained after the first postgraduate degree – MD
MCH	Magister Chirurgiae	Can be obtained after the first postgraduate degree – MS
DNB (Super speciality)	Diplomate of National Board	Can be obtained after the first postgraduate degree – DNB
FRCS	Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons	Is a professional qualification to practice as a surgeon in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland
FRCP	Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians	Is a professional qualification to practice as a physician in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland
MRCP	Member of the Royal College of Physician	In UK. The three Royal Colleges of Physicians of the United Kingdom share a common membership examination in general medicine: this is the examination for the Diploma of Membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the United Kingdom.

For now, I will end this post. And, every time I come across a new one I will add to this list.

Compiled from public sources
Special Thanks to Dr. Mohan for taking the time to patiently explain this to me

Photography

Photography seems to be a hot passion / favorite hobby of every second person I know. And the others appear to be on their way to learning from their friends or buying the best cameras or experimenting with existing gadgets. I was wondering why it is gaining so much popularity.

Top Reasons below:
• Enables one to capture moments / life experiences
• Gives you an opportunity to re-live some of these moments / memories
• There is truth in “A picture is worth a zillion words”
• If you have nothing else to do, it is a great leisure pursuit
• It’s a great reason (& excuse) to explore the world with a lens  – To travel anywhere from the local vegetable market to the weekly flower market to the Himalayas
• You can re-connect with your creative side
• It brings you closer to reality, to nature, to life
• If you are really good, you can make some additional money. Not to mention the truck loads of compliments every time someone sees the pictures
• If you have nothing really to say in your orkut / facebook account / blog / mail, just upload a picture / send an attachment. So much is said!!
• You get a chance to spend all the money in your bank account by upgrading to new cameras and buying additional accessories
• And many of the guys say that it makes the women in their lives happy :). Apparently, the women don't really complain about this hobby / passion / obsession as long as an occasional picture of theirs is taken... Bah!!!

If there's an additional reason on why photography is great, leave a comment...

Zitar

* Zitar is a five stringed electric sitar
* Created by Niladri Kumar (Official Website : http://www.niladrikumar.com/)
* Unlike sitar, which works on physics of resonance created by the sympathetic strings, in Zitar there are no such sympathetic strings
* Just like an electric guitar, the pick up on the Zitar helps amplify the sound.
* In summary, the zitar is the miniature or travelling sitar and with some changes to turn it into an electric instrument

Bio -> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niladri_Kumar
Niladri's Interview on the Zitar -> http://www.radioandmusic.com/content/editorial/news-releases/exclusive-niladri-kumar-the-zitar-revealed#story

Compiled from public sources

Thyagaraja Music Festival

• Thyagaraja music festival, as the name suggests, is celebrated in the memory of the great saint cum musician Thyagraja.
• It is held on an annual basis in Thiruvaiyaru, Tamilnadu, where Thyagraja spent his whole lifetime and also attained Samadhi
• The festivity is an eight day long musical show
• Event is graced by the leading Carnatic singers and musicians from all parts of the country.
• Thyagaraja musical festival is usually hosted in the month of January.
• The main attraction of the Thyagaraja music festival is the group performance by the prominent musicians of the Pancharathna Krithis. To honor the works and pay homage to the great saint Thyagraja, what can be a better idea than the performance of Pancharathna Krithis, his five compositions that came to be popularly known as the five gems. Thyagraja is admired for his five gems even today. He is and will remain the role model for all those associated with Carnatic music

Compiled from public sources

Jaipur Literature Festival

• The DSC Jaipur Literature Festival considered Asia-Pacific’s leading literature event is a celebration of national and international writers and encompasses a range of activities including poetry, music & dance, debates, readings, impassioned panel discussions and workshops
• The Directors of the DSC Jaipur Literature Festival are William Dalrymple and Namita Gokhale and the festival is produced by Sanjoy K. Roy, Sheuli Sethi and Teamwork Productions.
• It is held every year for 5 days from 21 – 25 January in Jaipur, India.
• Entry is free
• The DSC Jaipur Literature Festival was originally an initiative of the Jaipur Virasat Foundation, an NGO that works with Rajasthan’s musicians and craftspeople to preserve skills and promote economic livelihoods while protecting heritage

Official website http://jaipurliteraturefestival.org/

Compiled from public sources

Shree Baba Harivallabh Sangeet Sammelan

· Is the oldest festival of Indian Classical Music in the world
· Conducted in Jalandhar, Punjab
· It shall complete 136 Years on 28th December 2011
· The Government of India has recognized this festival as one of the National Festivals of Music
· The festival attracts around 40,000 music lovers from all over the India and abroad every year. This number is increasing year after year
· Entry to the Harivallabh Sangeet Sammelan is Free.
· The present cost of organizing the Annual Mega Event is around Rs. 25 Lacs. Major expenses are met out of voluntary donations made by public and private organizations

Anyone who has attended this event has vouched that it is an event that one must attend if you are a fan of any music, and more so if you love Hindustani Classical Music. Apparently the sheer energy, diversity of talent, vibrancy in air and the rendition of soulful music is completely worth it!!!

Refer: http://harballabh.org/ for more details

Compiled from public sources

Solitary Confinement...

Any creative individual will vouch for the fact that the best work of art is produced in solitary confinement. Not really in the physical sense, though this is also extremely important. But more so in the spiritual sense. When one is truly confined, or rather in other words, truly connected.

Its been an amazing week [15 - 22 Jan 2011]

This week has been an amazing week. Everything just went by perfect.

Key Highlights
* My Blog - Got phenomenal response and interesting propositions- some which I would have never imagined or dreamt of. Everyone from my primary school classmate to my IIMB professors seemed to enjoy reading it. The only downside is that (in spite of everything I have done), I have not been able to get A, C, S & U to read my blog. They come up with the most creative excuses on why they won't read it :(
* After ages, I got ample time for myself and simply loved every minute. And I did exactly what I wanted, when I wanted & how I wanted!!! This is bliss
* Spent lots of time with N. Every day I fall in love with her again and again and again. I love her hearty laugh - Its just so pure!!!
* Been cooking lots of dishes and they all turned out just superb - Matar Paneer, Bisi bele bath, Macaroni, Chinese noodles, Gobi manchurian, Corriander chutney, Corriander powder, Pesarettu, White Puri, Authentic S Indian meal - Carrot / Beans with coconut curry, Dal, Rasam
* Got a new coffee maker - Tastes superb!!!
* Spoke & Spent time with my favorite people - friends and family

Just Try It...

Over the years, I have realized that it is extremely important to Try Out things - Things which we have never done, Things which we usually avoid, Things which are new, Things which we always wanted to do, but just never got down to doing it...

After an age and phase of life, one becomes very "closed" to trying anything new. Simply because we become very accepting of ourselves and have conditioned ourselves to conduct life in a particular way. Anything which takes us away from the comfort zone and to unfamiliar territory is simply unwelcome...

What kind of stuff should one try will probably be the next question? Try anything - from a new cuisine, to new literature, to new movies, to new channel on TV, to new clothes, to a new look, to a new recipe, to a new routine (one in which you don't live your stereotype life), to staying away from your laptop / mobile for a day, to typing with your left hand only, to talking to someone you don't usually talk to, to smiling at a stranger........... - Essentially stuff which you would not usually do

There is a sense of excitement, of euphoria, of satisfaction in simply trying - Irrespective of the outcome...

So, Just Try It...

No Simplicity… We choose Complexity…

What is it with humans and their inherent need for complexity?

We seem to love complex multi-layered personalities; even though in our day-to-day lives all that we yearn for is simple uncomplicated individuals

We seem to love to read complicated books and literature; even though the same message we probably learnt sometime in school

We seem to love complex gadgets; even though we don’t need or understand them

We seem to love it when the doctor rattles complex incomprehensible names of diseases (and also view him / her in high esteem) and almost disappointed when we hear familiar names; even though it is mighty precious to be healthy and well

We seem to love to be entrusted with complex problems, even though they take all our energy and time and away from where we really want to head; and are sometimes probably just not worth solving

We seem to love ourselves when we are able to speak of complex issues in a convoluted manner much to the dismay, discomfort and confusion of others; even though the same message can be relayed using the simplest of words (provided we have full comprehension and control of the subject at hand & can spend a minute in constructing the right string of words)

Hmmmmm….. I wonder why?

Because with every complexity, there is pride
Because with every complexity, there is thrill
Because with every complexity, there is novelty
Because with every complexity, there is intrigue
Because with every complexity, there is triumph
Because with every complexity, there is grandeur
Because with every complexity, there is mysticism
Because with every complexity, there is realization

House Maintenance… Arrgggghhhhhhh!!!

One of the most mundane and dreaded activities in daily life is house maintenance. It involves a zillion things which never get over and seem to take forever.

What is house maintenance? – Basic Definition
Any task / activity that is required to sustain / protect / preserve / uphold / continue / control / obliterate (as required) all functions of the house and all residents of the house (ranging from humans to reptiles to dogs to aquatic bodies to rodents to feline creatures to microorganisms like bacteria / virus to gadgets to rations …..)

Key Characteristics
• Its a perpetuity; and haunts you for life [as long as you live in a house!!! – May be that’s why the wise went off to live in the mountains :) ]
• There are continuous additions on the list of things to be done, hardly any deletions (ever)
• It is a never ending job – There will always always always be things to be done
• It only gets more complex and complicated with time – There will only be additions in terms of people or materialistic objects [Unless you consciously make an attempt to dispose something old for something new]
• It is a thankless job
• It is probably one of the most boring and monotonous job [Of course, it gives you an opportunity to listen to music and get a little exercise while at it]

But then, on the upside:
• There are times and unexpected moments when you come across some old memories - old books, old clothes, old photos, old junk from the past, etc.; & you get a chance to re-live these moments
• It is a good way to kill time – if you have nothing else to do
• You get to live in a clean, neat and well organized environment
• There is a sense of pride when someone gives you a compliment
• There is a sense of satisfaction when you put your feet up
• You get the opportunity to unleash your creativity ; And can be as creative as you want within the four walls

I don’t know when and where and how. But historically, it appears that somewhere along the way women earned the “exclusive rights” to house maintenance. However much they want to share this responsibility, there are no willing contenders. Of course, there are supporters, sympathesizers, helpers, etc. – but the primary ownership and accountability rests with women.

I do really wish that everything about house maintenance could be automated and controlled on the click of a button… And do believe that there is a strong business case for “complete outsourcing of house maintenance” – provided it comes at an affordable price and with a guarantee of trust!!!

Which industries are dying due to the nuclear family set-up???

One of the essay type questions in the recently conducted CA (2010) exams was “Which industries are dying due to the nuclear family set-up?”

 I ran through a whole range of industries – Agriculture, Education (both formal and supporting like tuitions), Travel & Tourism, Banking & Financial Services, Technology, Food & Beverages, Restaurant / Hotel, Telecom, Healthcare & Medicine, Services (from domestic help to drivers to financial advisory), Real Estate, Baby Care, Apparels, Insurance, Alternate Medicine, Airline, Health and Wellness Centers, Recreation facilities (from movies, to amusement parks, etc. etc), Retail, Transportation, Arts & Crafts, Automobiles, Music, Gas & Fuel, Home products (from mixies to lights to home decor)……. The list seems to continue…

And looks like they are all only flourishing by the nuclear family set-up.

Yet to zero-in on a satisfying answer……

Noooooooooooooooo………..

There is something about the word “No” which makes it sound almost negative and people tend to take it personally. I wonder why?

Is it because we think someone disagrees with us? – But then, it’s OK if someone disagrees with you. As long as you can be mature, respect each other’s viewpoint and conclude by agreeing to disagree

Is it because we think someone challenges us? – But then, it’s OK to be challenged. How else can you get further clarity on your thoughts and express your solid point of view?

Is it because we associate it with something which is not in favor? – But then, it’s OK if everything is not always in our favor

Is it because we relate it to something / someone which was unpleasant? – But then, that’s OK. We can’t always have everything pleasant with everyone

Is it because it reminds us of our parents who kept saying “No” all through childhood? – But then, that’s OK too as they probably said it in our best interest

Some tips / advice / suggestions on usage of “No”:
• Every time you find yourself going to say “No”, just pause for a minute and reflect on how you want to communicate your message
• Try not to start a sentence with “No…”. Majority of the times, I’ve seen that a listener will lose interest / shut off / get defensive / get offensive. Use alternates instead. For e.g.: “I have an alternate point of view…”. You are more likely to get a hearing.
• Be aware of the associated non-verbal language that you use when you say “No” – Your facial expression, body language – They tend to give away more than you want to many times
• Be firm, but yet polite when you say “No”
• And then if there is a time that you simply have to use the word “NO” – big, loud and clear, then just use it!!

Why not to read?

Off late I have been a mute witness as many people were ranting about why they do not read. The most interesting, creative and innovative list of reasons (& excuses)…

Read on..
1) I don’t have time
2) I don’t have interest
3) I don’t have money (?????!!!!)
4) I don’t know what to read
5) It puts me to sleep
6) It’s so boring
7) I feel secluded / isolated (????!!!!)
8) I don’t know English
9) I have to sit in one place
10) Its such a monotonous activity
11) X told me not to read
12) I don’t like the fonts of most books (????!!!!)
13) I have a poor vocabulary & poor grammar; & can’t understand
14) My mother did not tell me to read (Ah! Mama’s boy ????!!!!!)
15) I don’t like black and white (& most books / reading material / print is in these colors)
16) It strains my eyes (like TV & movies does not)
17) I get stressed (What stress? Guess I should coin a new word called “reading stress”)
18) I don’t want to infect and inject myself with global garbage (Ah? By some weird proprietary logic, this individual felt that only frustrated souls write; and did not want to be victim of their frustrations – loosely called garbage)

If you’re reading this, I’m hoping you don’t really need the above…
But if ever you do, feel free to pick one of your choice…

And if you have heard / read something worth mentioning and want to add to this list, leave a comment…

Why does one write?

Take a minute to pause and reflect on why does one write?

Here’s the view of many writers:
To share their knowledge
To share their opinions / view-points, etc.
To share their experiences – observations / learning’s, etc.
To make you think / ponder / reflect
To make you dream / imagine

And then those which many of my friends seem to vouch for these days:
To make money
To kill their time
To kill your time
To put you to sleep :)
To go to sleep themselves :)
And lastly, To achieve name and fame

But then again as a reader, you can choose what you want to read based on your sensibilities. That choice no one can take away from you.

My Favorite Definitions of Spirituality

* Spirituality is not about perfection or even accepting imperfection - it is about our ability to experience worldly imperfection, perfectly - Unknown


* Dissolution of “I”, Resurgence of “i”, and Convergence with “I” (one) – Nischala Murthy

Biorythm

What is Biorythm?
Biorhythm is an attempt to predict various aspects of a person's life through simple mathematical cycles.

According to believers in biorhythms, a person's life is affected by rhythmic biological cycles which affect one's ability in various domains, such as mental, physical, and emotional activity.

These cycles begin at birth and oscillate in a steady sine wave fashion throughout life; thus, by modeling them mathematically, a person's level of ability in each of these domains can be predicted from day to day.

Most biorhythm models use three cycles: a 23-day "physical" cycle, a 28-day "emotional" cycle, and a 33-day "intellectual" cycle.
[ Src: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biorhythm ]

Biorythm CalculationThe equations for the cycles are:
• physical: sin(2πt / 23),
• emotional: sin(2πt / 28),
• intellectual: sin(2πt / 33),
• intuitive: sin(2πt / 38),
where t indicates the number of days since birth
[ Src: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biorhythm ]

Why I find this topic interesting?
The ability to predict and control human behavior has always fascinated me. If one could be consciously aware of times / moments when one is going to be in a high / low state (either physically, mentally, emotionally and intuitively), then one could definitely avoid / defer OR plan some decisions / experiences to co-incide with these times / moments.

Personally, I have observed that this is true. Not that I have experimented on myself for years. But having been consciously observing my state and energy levels over a few months, I would tend to agree that there are cycles of highs and lows; and these are periodic.

Thanks to Wg Cdr SPK for introducing me to this topic; & taking the time to patiently explain this.

Do you mean what you say? Do you say what you mean?

“I’ll call you back” – But the call never happens
“I’ll send you a note” – But the note is never sent
“Meet you in 30 minutes” – 30 minutes extends to eternity, and the meeting never happens
“If you need help, call me” – When the call is made, the call is unanswered
“I will complete this by tomorrow” – Many tomorrows pass by, and the task is simply undone

Why do we say what we do? – Do we mean what we say? And do we say what we mean?

In the recent past, I have observed so many times when people say so many things – which they probably don’t mean and which they probably will never do.

I don’t know why someone does not keep their word (or rather makes a word in the first place) – If it is once in a way then it is completely understandable and acceptable. But if it is a repeated practice and they continuously do it. Then???.... May be they have just conditioned themselves this way.

But here’s what I do know:
·   If you mean what you say, and say what you mean you will earn others respect over a period of time
·   If you value others time, they will value yours in return
·   If you value others emotions, they will value yours in return
·   If you are cognizant of others expectations, they will reciprocate

So……
 “Do you mean what you say?”
“Do you say what you mean?”

Procrastination – Is it a boon or bane?

The easiest way to complete a task for the day is to put it off for later – tomorrow, day after, next week, next month, next year?... And while there’s so much said and written on the banes of procrastination, there are some definite boons as well… 

For whatever reason,
If something has not happened, then probably it was not meant to happen & may be this is good
If something was undone, then probably it was not meant to be done & may be this is good
If something was not said, then probably it was not meant to be said & may be this is good

And I am not saying that you should procrastinate – There are things that we got to do within a fixed timeline and there also could be implications if we endlessly procrastinate.

But if you do procrastinate – They may be there is a reason to it. Something which you will probably realize only sometime later in life.

Over the past few years, there have been so many things in my life which I did not do or did not say or which did not happen. And looking back, I do find that it’s all for the good. Sometimes we realize the reason for many things only later in life. And when I do spend a quiet moment in trying to connect the dots of life, I do believe that procrastination has indeed been a big BOON!!!