Sonia's Blog

Learning To Fly

2011-09-24T05:20:00.000-07:00

We certainly are not created to fly like the birds. To climb up, people use ladders, elevators, or get on an airplane. How we as humans can also fly is very simple, it is our faith in God that can help us fly through difficult situations. The trust in God operates in us, as something that surpasses our capacity, actually something that is humanly impossible. When God comes into our lives, He brings with Him a different dimension - He is God the creator, the Almighty and can do all things, and that includes the supernatural.

Since I am talking here about learning to fly, then let us not forget the king of the air- Eagle, and if we have to learn to fly let us take the lessons from the eagle only. As we learn to trust God we are called to live beyond the obvious, beyond our human perspective and limitations. How this compares with the flight of the eagle we will discover soon. First lets try to learn a little more about the eagle. An eagle can grow to be over three feet tall and have a wingspan of 6-7 feet. It builds its nest high in the mountain. The nest is a sizable construction which can weigh over 1000 pounds. It would be big enough for a human being to lay in it.

Before the female eagle lays its eggs the eagle couple makes sure that the nest is prepared with care, is strong, secure, and has the maximum of comfort, when finally the brood of eaglets hatches the eagle parents are ready to provide everything needed for their little offspring. They watch day and night and feed them with timely precision. The routine for the eaglets is rather simple at first: sleep, open the beak to be fed, and sleep again. Life couldn’t be better. After weeks of sleeping and eating in the cozy nest, the eaglet must learn the first lesson, namely to stand on its feet.

Actually they are forced to get up. At one point mother eagle takes out of the nest all the comfort, the plumage and brings little branches and thorns instead. She even shakes the nest and forces those eaglets to stand up. It is very important that the muscles of the eaglet’s feet develop early. The eagle’s claws are very essential for its survival and need to be powerful. The next step in this learning process is an even greater surprise for these little, but growing, bundles of feathers. The eaglets need to learn how to fly.

This process now includes not only discomfort but even harshness and shock therapy. Mama eagle suddenly grabs one of her brood and soars to great heights. There she releases the eaglet on a horrendous free-fall. First paralyzed by fear the little ball of feathers goes down like a stone and would certainly dash against the rocks if father eagle wouldn’t be there flying underneath to provide a save landing on his powerful wings. Then he carries the eaglet back to the nest. Those who have studied closely the life of the eagles say that this exercise is repeated up to sixteen times until the little eagle realizes that it is created to fly and learns to use its own wings. Eaglets have no other option. They must learn how to fly.

What a tremendous spiritual lesson! Similarly God our eternal father uses in our life the discomfort and even the horrors of being thrown out of our nest and security in order to teach us to trust Him and to use our wings.

God is interested that his children learn to believe, to soar on the current of His Spirit. We can remember personally times of crisis in our life when God takes away all our securities and we feel like being on a free-fall and frankly crying in despair. Praise God that, as father eagle He is watchful, when mama eagle lets go of the little eaglet father eagle picks it up before it dashes against the rocks, similarly God comes to our rescue. God is faithful and carries us through out-most difficult times.

It is comforting to know that the shock the eaglets go through when they suddenly find themselves on a free-fall from a couple of thousand of feet is only part of the process for them to grow up.

We seem to have a choice to just stay in the comfort zone of the nest, avoiding growing up, instead of accepting God’s flying lessons. But if we desire to grow spiritually, God answers our prayers and treats us like the eagle. His purpose is not to make us feel good or comfortable, rather to make us grow and know Him better.

This truly means that our difficulties and even trials and tribulations are not necessarily something to fear and shy away from, but rather to accept as opportunities to develop trust? Yes, this is exactly right. Let us consider it pure joy, whenever we face trials of any kinds, because the testing of our faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that we may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

The key for someone to be able to have the right attitude and focus in such a situation is his/her trust in God’s wise and loving intention. It is this trust, or faith, that will enable the believer to experience God’s faithfulness and to learn to live by His power in the realm of the supernatural. Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. They would be the one who would know how to fly in the difficult times.

Manifest Positive Thoughts

2011-09-14T00:16:00.000-07:00

Many times when we think now we have become very learned and experienced after gaining so much knowledge, we start judging our present with the past experience of ours. Wearing those glasses, whatever we perceive, we think is right and best option for that situation, while we completely ignore the other possibilities which can be generated by some one else in the same situation, who would not judge the situation with our experienced parameters or glasses. We operate in the limited capacity of past experiences, knowledge of what has been. If we really want to feel as though our potential is limitless, which it is, move out of the limited past and get in touch with the Authentic self, which has solutions for any situation at the present moment. One feels less resistance, and more freedom.

Living in the Now allows us to believe in the limitless possibilities of our achievements. When we let the fear, disappointment, or negative experiences we've had in the past live in our conscious minds, we resist the abundance that we can access at any time. We have two choices when we experience disappointment: we can choose to adopt a state of struggle and victim hood, or we can release the negative emotions related to the experience and create a different future with our intentions and our focus.

It has been said that our greatest victory comes not in ever falling, but in rising each time we fall. If we don't consciously choose to release our past experiences then we end up manifesting similar experiences over and over.

We are all beings of energy, and the Universe is made up of energy packets, we are connected and our thoughts and actions create a ripple effect. It all contributes to the collective consciousness. Discover exactly HOW to create a human experience that truly reflects the divinely abundant nature of our Soul! Maybe we need to do some minor tuning to find the right frequency. The energy we send into the Universe finds a similar channel and plugs into it, like a radio receiver. To find the right channel or frequency, we have to put off vibrations that match the vibrations of our true desires.

One way to get rid of the static and find the channel we want is thinking and feeling high energy emotions like gratitude, abundance, joy. The high energy vibrations automatically plug into a frequency of the same energy level, and we begin to manifest, create, and enjoy the high energy experiences we are now able to receive.

Our past rich experience should be used to make progress in life, leading happier and more prosperous life, and in case it creates doubts or comes in the way of our happiness and progress, then we really need to stop and check. This is a very deep spiritual question related to how we interpret our experiences and how we take life's challenges and transform them into blessings. I believe this is the true meaning of alchemy; instead of turning lead into gold, however, we're turning so-called negatives into positives.

Thinking positively is simply a matter of looking for blessings and finding them, even when they're in disguise. If we pretend to be a "positive person" whether we feel positive or not, eventually, we will become a positive person. The more we can express gratitude for life, God and the people we meet, the more gratitude will become a part of our nature, and gratitude is the emotion of the highest vibration. It is synonymous with "pure, positive energy."

In every recession or depression or messed up state of affairs, while the majority is struggling and floundering, there are some who prosper. These are the positively focused individuals who are always on a hunt for blessings in disguise. It applies not only to business and economics, but to every aspect of our lives: where there is a problem, there is an opportunity. Instead of being a "problem-solver" (which is exhausting), study those people, and become an opportunity finder/creator.

Thought is the most powerful influence in our life. Life is thought, and as a man thinks, so he becomes." When we watch our thoughts closely we can see that we are making things happen. Choose happiness and love and we cannot go wrong! It is very simple, whenever encountered with a negative thought, instead of trying to fight it, simply "turn on the light," and it will vanish. Shadows can't exist in the presence of light. It means show it the truth, peace and happiness, replace the lines with more positive words.

Our attitude will not change overnight. We will have to learn to read a lot about positive thinking type books and be persistent to change how we think. Remember the ways we think did not just happen; we were conditioned to this way of thinking. We were not born with a bad attitude and self defeating thoughts.

Manifesting is the development of our souls and into a divine being which we were all born to be able to do. It is our birthright. When we were children we would daydream about whatever we wanted in our lives. As time went on we were told by our parents or society that we can not do this or that and we began to believe this and it is now a reality. We need to learn and teach ourselves how to manifest our lives all over again just like a child would daydream. This is done through positive thinking, faith and a great attitude about our life.

Like every day is fresh day, we should create fresh thoughts for these new situations, thoughts from the past are stale, they cannot bring new, fresh and better results, see good in every situation and create a better future by manifesting the right positive thoughts in the present. Combining inspired action with right thoughts allows us to make miracles happen. Happy Manifesting!

Help Yourself

2011-08-30T23:19:00.000-07:00

If one has grown up as an adult, looking back all the time for all small issues of life, for help from outside, then one has just grown old as an adult and not at all rich in experience and maturity to solve the issues of life with self- help. So much of help lies inside us- which goes totally unnoticed. Each individual has the potential and capacity to solve all the challenges which life throws at them, but every time we have to look inwards for help, there is a deep embedded knowledge, power and strength already there. But as a child we should be exposed to our this faculty, otherwise it remains dormant, but still if one takes a decision to use it at any age one has to just go ahead. Mind is like a library, full of wisdom on all layers.

We are so full of self noise inside and outside, that this wisdom gets buried beneath all this noise. If we consciously decide to stay quiet, silent, talk less, talk softly, slowly and sweetly; when we talk loud we get disconnected with the natural rhythm of this universe. Beyond this noise lot of wisdom awaits, which shall flow from our own soul, in the form of self help required for any present situation.

Soul manifests through body, it carries lot of knowledge, if we are able to quiet our own mind, creating stillness and silence inside, then we can clearly hear to the soul. Soul can help us experience blissfulness amidst any kind of confusion. But first we have to create bliss inside; we shall then attract or draw bliss from all worldly pleasures. A miserable person will attract misery from every where.

There is short inspiring story of 4- Wives, which I had read as a child in a book, I would like to share it here:

There was a rich merchant who had 4 wives. He loved the 4th wife the most and adorned her with rich robes and treated her to delicacies. He took great care of her and gave her nothing but the best. He also loved the 3rd wife very much. He was very proud of her and always wanted to show off her to his friends. However, the merchant was always in great fear that she might run away with some other men. He too, loved his 2nd wife. She was a very considerate person, always patient and in fact, merchant's confidante. When ever merchant faced any problem, he always turned to his 2nd wife and she would always help him out and tide him through difficult times. Merchant's 1st wife was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining his wealth and business as well as taking care of the household. However, the merchant did not love the first wife and although she loved him deeply, he hardly took notice of her.

One day, the merchant fell ill. Before long, he knew that he was going to die soon. He thought of his luxurious life and told himself, "Now I have 4 wives with me. But when I die, I'll be alone. How lonely I'll be!" Thus, he asked the 4th wife, "I loved you most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?" "No way!" replied the 4th wife and she walked away without another word. The answer cut like a sharp knife right into the merchant's heart. The sad merchant then asked the 3rd wife, "I have loved you so much for all my life. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?" "No!" replied the 3rd wife. "Life is so good over here! I'm going to remarry when you die!" The merchant's heart sank and turned cold.

He then asked the 2nd wife, "I always turned to you for help and you've always helped me out. Now I need your help again. When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?" "I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time!" replied the 2nd wife. "At the very most, I can only send you to your grave." The answer came like a bolt of thunder and the merchant was devastated. Then a voice called out: "I'll leave with you. I'll follow you no matter where you go." The merchant looked up and there was his first wife. She was so skinny, almost like she suffered from malnutrition. Greatly grieved, the merchant said, "I should have taken much better care of you while I could have!"

Actually, we all have 4 wives in our lives:
a. The 4th wife is our body. No matter how much time and effort we lavish in making it look good, it'll leave us when we die.
b. Our 3rd wife? - Our possessions, status and wealth. When we die, they all go to others.
c. The 2nd wife is our family and friends. No matter how close they had been there for us when we're alive, the furthest they can stay by us is up to the grave.
d. The 1st wife is in fact our soul, often neglected in our pursuit of material, wealth and sensual pleasure.
Guess what? It is actually the only thing that follows us wherever we go. Perhaps it's a good idea to cultivate and strengthen it now rather than to wait until we're on our deathbed to lament. Let us help our self right now cultivating a soulful life.

Soul has three faculties which it has to use- mind, intellect and values/ belief system. But with most of us these three faculties get so dominating, that instead of soul running and managing them, they are on their own and soul sits in when corner neglected under the clutter of our mind. If the soul is in a blissful condition, pure, peaceful and calm, it shall get the right guidance from God. We should know our role. We are like a student and God is like a teacher/ guide/ power. He can teach us, guide us, give us strength but we have to perform in the exam our self, we can prepare with His help for the exam but we have to appear in the exam our self. So learn to take help from Him and prepare your soul, but appear in exams with your own help.

If the soul is in the right condition, it shall use the mind, intellect and belief system righteously to generate the right thought, from right thought comes the right feeling, from right feeling comes the right attitude, from right attitude comes the right words/ actions, they form our habit, then personality and it constitutes our Destiny. So we can create our right Destiny from just one right thought. Help yourself to generate this right thought.

Transformation is just one thought away, not years of work. It is really worth it. By just changing ourselves, we can actually make a big difference to make the world a better place.

Freedom

2011-08-15T22:05:00.000-07:00

It is once again 15th August, and time to remember that we are free. So let us check how much our freedom meter is this year in 2011 after officially 64 years of independence. What exactly I mean is how much free we are today? Freedom means that I can easily fly through my day and flying shall be easier if I am mentally light weight. And light weight is possible if I am free. Free from the hurt of past, free from the fear of future, free from anger, jealousy and proud.

When we talk about detachment in spirituality and be free, it is actually to be detached from these vices, for our actual freedom we have to get rid of these vices, which chain us up and direct our life in a limited direction. While man is born free and in this world he is here to enjoy all the freedom. And here, it is no outsider who can chain us, as we bound our self in to our self inflicted pain. The chains of bad habits/ vices are too weak to be felt until they are too strong to be broken!!

We like victimization, in order to avoid personal responsibility. Otherwise we have to work on our self and change our earlier belief system and thought cycle. So we give our self the permission to stay in that pain, in that state of fear, anger and other vices. And when we get emotionally addicted to this pain, we are used to this as a stimulant, we feel good with this hurt as a part of life. Even when no body actually hurts us, we go ahead and find such people; we invite them and choose their actions to be perceived as hurt. Accept people and reject pain.

So this 15th August, let us LET GO our deep rooted attachments, attachments to hurt, fear of losing, insecurity, holding tight. If something belongs to you, it belongs to you, don’t hold it inside, otherwise tightness develops and only pain will result. Actually by nature we are a light, free, peaceful soul and nothing belongs to soul, when we were born what did we bring with us, which we are calling ours today. Similarly when we die what we can take with us? It is only our soul which was with us and which shall be there, so let go rest of everything and feel free today to enjoy what ever is here right now in the present with us.

When ever we are holding on to something, a person, place, possession etc, we have turned very mean and greedy because we are bothered about what will happen to me, if you will go? It is all about me and not about you. But little do we realize that detachment brings us even closer to people, as now the soul gets connected to the soul. Practice this art of let go and then we are actually FREE.

This independence day let us take a pledge together to be free from all past hurt, future fear, free from anger, greed, jealousy and proud. Forgiving but remembering the people and the situations of the past. Once our slate is clean, it is ready to create a beautiful present and future of our choice. Happy Independence Day.

Embrace Life

2011-08-03T02:59:00.000-07:00

Whatever comes in the way of life, to accept it, embrace it flow with it, rather than resisting it and wasting our energy. This is the way to progress. Life is like a hurdle race, in which hurdles shall come in the way, as they are the part of the race; we cannot stand, wait or resist the hurdles, rather we have to move across them.

Whenever there is a new hurdle on our way, we should embrace it, it has come to teach us how to jump, and there is a new lesson to be learnt. It has come to increase my tolerance and acceptance power. Hurdles are not in the way, they are in the head and the moment we create a new perception towards them, we can easily overcome it with success.

Welcome the resistance itself play with it, give in to it while remaining alert to the ways of redirecting the energy. This requires ego resiliency, the ability to respond flexibly and persistently to challenges.

If we resist and do not accept, it invites struggle. It works against us, the situation or the person gets even difficult to deal with. Struggle strengthens resistance. Let the situation or the person be hard, let me get softer, by accepting it or him/her. Like flowing water, when the stones come in its way, due to its softer nature, it crosses around it and moves ahead. Similarly this person or situation is not difficult, it is just a different situation or a different person to deal with.

By embracing resistance we are actually utilizing it. Resistance should be openly accepted, in fact graciously accepted, since it is a vitally important part of communication and often can be used as an opening into new realm of possibilities, if the energy of an opponent’s attack is not resisted or rejected, rather is welcomed as an opportunity to restore the disturbed harmony which resistance represents. The attacker’s energy is accepted with flexibility and without struggle, and redirected away from the point of attack. The attacker can find nothing to push back or resist against. To challenge resistance with rigid rejection only limits the range of potential responses and strengthens the other person's resistance. To welcome resistance with flexibility invites cooperation that can’t be resisted. Understanding and releasing resistance can create ease and efficiency where struggle and impediment exist.

Let us take an example how differently people working on the same job profile make meaning of their work. Some see what they do for a living as just a job, others view it as a career and the rest think of it as a calling. People who see their job as a calling work more hours, miss less work and report higher life satisfaction than others doing similar work. While working in the same organization, it raises the question, “How can people doing the same work, sitting next to each other in the same organization, think so differently about their jobs?” Those who see their job as a calling, talk about it in glowing terms, like what they do and describe it as needing a lot of skill. Those who see their job as just a job, on the other hand, see their work as being simple and involving no skills. This shows that people are themselves responsible to actively shape the meaning of their life's experiences.

For embracing life fully it has five components to the best of my understanding:

1. Find the meaning in life in living of each moment.
2. Passionate commitment to a way of life, to one’s purpose and one’s relationships, is the highest form of expression of one’s humanity.
3. We have freedom of choice and responsibility for our choices.
4. Openness to experience allows for the greatest possible expansion of personal expression.
5. In the ever-present face of death itself, we find the deepest commitment to life itself. (The threat of death may be seen as “a dark, unsettling presence at the rim of consciousness” or everyday awareness of death may provide the motivation to live life more immediately.)

The extent to which we are experiencing life is the extent to which we are being fully alive. When we fail to experience, by denying awareness or avoiding opportunities, we waste our potential.” Embracing of life is being fully alive, and resistance to life is any self-sabotage that denies and thwarts our potential.
The individual remains locked in resistance until he experiences them both, owns them both, and indeed embraces the totality of himself with compassionate self-acceptance. One is energy of attraction and openness to life and growth. The other is energy of withdrawal, disintegration, and resistance to life and growth.

One’s reaction is often to flee the dreaded reality by creating an inauthentic life with self-sabotaging neurotic anxiety, defenses, resistance, repression, addictions, distractions and dissociation.

At the time of conception, the spirit has the choice of fear or faith, is it a passionate and committed leap of faith from spirit into earthly life, or avoidant, ambivalent or controlling? Similarly at the time of birth, leaving behind the security and predictability of the womb again requires a monumentally trusting leap of faith. The fetus willingly surrenders itself to the unknown force that will carry it to a new infinitely expanded world. Of course, again, it can also be done unconsciously, in fear or pain or rage. The difference between these choices sets in motion influences of vast proportions on the lifespan to follow. Similarly the choice whether we are embracing or resisting a situation would set in motion the energy which shall flow with that choice.

The moment we embrace, a new power is generated inside us, to take care of that situation, then why do we want to resist, after all each and every scene in this drama is for our ultimate good and benefit, let us accept it as it is with faith and hope, putting in our best actions.

Servant Leadership- An Altruistic Approach

2011-07-23T02:55:00.000-07:00

Recently came across this word ‘Altruistic’ wanted to understand the deeper meaning of the same and its day to day relevance in our work culture. Altruistic means to show unselfish concern for the welfare of others, so an altruistic approach would be a selfless one. Now how can we apply this to our corporate world? - Is it by serving others - customers, business associates or co- employees.

Practicing altruism is the real source of compromise and cooperation; merely recognizing our need for harmony is not enough. A mind committed to compassion is like an overflowing reservoir - a constant source of energy, determination and kindness. This is like a seed; when cultivated, gives rise to many other good qualities, such as forgiveness, tolerance, inner strength and the confidence to overcome fear and insecurity. The compassionate mind is like an elixir; it is capable of transforming bad situation into beneficial ones. Therefore, we should not limit our expressions of love and compassion to our family and friends. Nor is the compassion only the responsibility of clergy, health care and social workers. It is the necessary business of every part of the human community.

For this one has to develop a spiritual temper. Pure altruism is giving without regard to reward or the benefits of recognition. The concept has a long history in philosophical and ethical thought; materialistic struggle for personal gain is no way to make the world a better place. We should try to ignore the monetary aspect and put people at the heart of what we do, concentrating on what will be of real benefit to others. And if we are serving honestly money should follow.

Many illnesses can be cured by this one medicine of love and compassion to others. These qualities are the ultimate source of human happiness, and need for them lies at the very core of every being. Unfortunately, love and compassion have been omitted from too many spheres of social interaction for too long. Usually confined to family and home, their practice in public life is considered impractical, even naive. This is tragic. The practice of compassion is the most effective way to pursue the best interest of others as well as our own.

What ever is a conflict - an altruistic approach is frequently the sole means of resolving it. At times, when a resolution seems impossible, both sides should recall the basic human nature that unites them. This will help break the impasse and, in the long run, make it easier for everyone to attain their goal. After all we have to keep in mind our interdependent nature.

We can always learn from the nature by observing small insects, ants and bees. The laws of nature dictate that bees work together in order to survive. As a result, they possess an instinctive sense of social responsibility. They have no constitution, laws, police, religion or moral training, but because of their nature they labor faithfully together. In general the whole colony survives on the basis of cooperation. Human beings, on the other hand, have constitutions, vast legal systems and police forces; we have religion, remarkable intelligence and a heart with great capacity to love. But despite our many extraordinary qualities, in actual practice we lag behind those small insects; in some ways, I feel we are poorer than the bees.

When we are unable to share, we suffer from lack of love, loneliness, for instance, millions of people live together in large cities all over the world, but despite this proximity, many are lonely. Some do not have even one human being with whom to share their deepest feelings, and live in a state of perpetual agitation. This is very sad. We are not solitary animals, if we were, why would we build large cities and towns? But even though we are social animals compelled to live together, unfortunately, we lack sense of responsibility towards our fellow humans. Does the fault lie in our social architecture? Is it our own external facilities - our machines, science and technology? Or is it just a smile away? Just away by a spontaneous feeling of empathy.

I believe that despite the rapid advances made by civilization in this century, the most immediate cause of our present dilemma is our undue emphasis on material development alone. We have become so engrossed in its pursuit that, without even knowing it, we have neglected to foster the most basic human needs of love, kindness, cooperation and caring. The development of human society is based entirely on people helping each other. Once we have lost the essential humanity that is our foundation, what is the point of pursuing only material improvement?

Servant leadership puts emphasis on serving others, whether customers, employees, or community, as the number one priority in the business. Servant leadership emphasizes increased service to others, a holistic approach to work, promoting a sense of community, and the sharing of power in decision making. At its core, servant leadership is not a quick fix or magic bullet to organizational leadership. It is, however, a transformational approach to life and work and has the potential to create positive change throughout society.

Servant leadership deals with a reality of power in everyday life, its legitimacy, the ethical restraints upon it and the beneficial results that can be attained through the appropriate use of power. Servant leaders are those who serve with a focus on the others, the servant leader leads and serves with an altruistic approach. This leader also empowers others, acts with humility, exhibits love, leads with service, is trusting, and is a visionary for others.

Servant Leaders help others selflessly just for the sake of helping, which involves personal sacrifice, even though there is no personal gain. The traditional view of altruism as an unselfish concern for others often involves personal sacrifices; however the servant leader gets personal pleasure in helping others. This is the true understanding of altruism.

Inner Fitness

2011-07-12T00:52:00.000-07:00

When we talk about inner fitness, it is not about any fitness regime concerned with health, we are concerned with inside calmness and inner stability, I believe that if this aspect of inner fitness is there health automatically follows. We have to make this inner stability, this peace as an integral part of our personality. This is from where the true leadership also begins.

The concept of inner fitness is directly related with spirituality and spirituality plays an important role in enhancing our professional lives. The real bottom line in business is spiritual and personal growth. As the business world becomes more complex and demanding, there is a need for a stronger foundation on which to build a professional life, job, or career. Principles that influence the quality of passionate work; how to absorb them into daily practice? Spiritual/ inner fitness increases energy, reduces absenteeism, improve sleep and mental outlook and overall health.

We live with so many wrong beliefs all of our lives, one of such beliefs I was living with was: "peaceful are those, who are weak, who are powerless. If I am calm and peaceful people will walk over me”. But this is not true it is a wrong belief, rather peace is actually for strong people, inner peace itself gives a lot of power, and rather anger depicts loss of power. In a leadership position one has to know the difference between assertiveness and submissiveness. Assertiveness indicates inner stability and putting your point straight forward, where as submissiveness creates turmoil inside and is represented with anger or fear outside. Fear paralyzes and one can not find the right solution.

There should be times when we should choose to be quiet because there is no benefit in getting angry at that situation. And if there is any task to be done, the request should be clear and straight forward. When we chose to be quiet, we shall be stable inside and can listen to the whole situation in a way finding, and solving the issue rather than messing it up further.

Now there is another wrong belief which most of us live with: “If I am quiet- I lost!” Question is what do I want to win? What is winning and losing? In the game of life we are all together we are not competing. If we have to loose something we have to loose our anger and fear; our jealousy and proud. Our life is our own choice- what we want? Then I win. I win over the illusion that life is not a race or a competition. My journey is my own, on this road of life, I am driving my own vehicle.

How do we as individuals and organizations survive and thrive amid tremendous change and transition? The key to dealing with transitions is having a changeless, principle-centered core. Learn to see change as a challenge, not as a threat. During a challenge we should learn how to develop our internal compass and use it as a source of security, guidance, wisdom and power.

Internal compass or inner fitness can be developed by following simple steps, number one is to let go of suffering, mental noise and anxiety. We miss so much when our minds are cluttered with events of the past and anticipation of the future. The energy we give to things that are not part of the present is wasted and blocks us from seeing and experiencing what is right in front of us.

When we have inner stability we can create the life we want not how others dictate or want our life to be. It is a life free from anxiety, disturbance and irritation. The right thoughts will create the right words, right words will create the right actions, and right actions will create the right harmony in our life. With right thoughts, actions and behavior we are creating a peaceful, content and happy life. Let us take out time to feel the love and support which already exists around us. Listen for the still, small voice within and be open and receptive to the answers we seek. Then the path we travel shall be filled with the fragrant sweet smell of roses.

Our peace and inner stability is checked the moment somebody shouts at us! Or the moment a challenging situation arises? How do we react at that time is the true test of all the lessons learnt, that is the true test on the scale of spirituality where we stand. In the small, small situations we face daily! Normally we shout – to attract attention, but if we show and have acceptance towards others, then why to waste our valuable energy in getting angry?

Step on the path of knowing thy SELF and we will reach greater heights of success, creativity and joy; feeling more spiritually radiant. I have heard that happiness resides within us and have believed it. I must say profound, to experience our true happiness and to find the place within us it radiates from, has nothing to do with people, places, or conditions in the external world.

When we see, and admit, our essential powerlessness to provide for ourselves what we believe can make us happy. This is a necessary stage in our spiritual development: to realize we don't have a clue how to help ourselves become whole. This discovery alone makes it possible for us to learn real patience and inner calmness.

Scenic & Spiritual Bhutan

2011-06-29T02:54:00.000-07:00

A visit to Bhutan feels like a visit to the abode of Gods; the majesty and grandeur of the natural surroundings eludes one to a special environment where communion with the divine is possible through contemplation, connection and meditation. One gets irresistibly drawn towards these remote and rugged Himalayan Mountains in a personal search for wisdom, inspiration, solitude and happiness.

Bhutan tucked in the Eastern Himalayas, has preserved and still richly intact, its traditional lifestyle. Rather the modern secular life is being influenced and permeated with the traditional cultural life style.

Gross National Happiness (GNH)has been the overarching development philosophy of Bhutan as the concept has guided the country’s development policies and programmes. GNH suggests that happiness is the ultimate objective of development. It recognizes that there are many dimensions to development other than those associated with Gross National Product (GNP), and that development needs to be understood as a process that seeks to maximize happiness rather than purely economic growth.

The country believes that for a holistic development of the individual and society, it is essential that development achieve a sustainable balance between the economic, social, emotional, spiritual and cultural needs of the people. This has led to the declared objective of viewing development as a continuous process towards achieving a balance between the material and intangible needs of individuals and society.

The concept reminds the country that the means must always be considered in terms of the end and, therefore, every step in material development and change must be measured and evaluated to ensure that it will lead to happiness, not just more development.

The four major areas as the main pillars of GNH:
1. Economic growth and development.
2. Preservation and promotion of cultural heritage.
3. Preservation and sustainable use of the environment.
4. And Good governance

Guided by the ideas of Gross National Happiness (GNH), Bhutan has been making steady progress in every sector toward the goal of modernization. Hydroelectric power, economically the most signification sector for Bhutan’s goal of self-sustaining development, has grown impressively. The education, social services and health sector have made great strides forward and continue to be the most important social components of the country’s development programme. The government‘s fiscal situation has been improving steadily. Progress has been made in the development of human resource and the legal infrastructure.

Bhutan the land of thunder dragon, nestled between India and Tibet, the exquisite mountain kingdom has been isolated and protected for centuries by mighty Himalayan peaks, with daily life rituals remaining sacred and the landscape is relatively undeveloped.

Tradition and Buddhism infuse every facet of life, from jingling brass bells of prayer wheels to ornate monasteries perched high above terraced rice paddies. Change is coming to Bhutan, but the country isn’t blindly adopting modern western culture. After all, Bhutan still defines prosperity by Gross National Happiness, measuring well being rather than consumption. This trip to Bhutan, provided a unique opportunity to see how the Bhutanese balance development and tradition, and it was enhanced by experienced local guides who proudly share their country’s culture with us. One finds something akin to Bhutan's wonders in the beauty of remote monasteries and in interactions with Bhutanese people.

Tide Of Change

2011-05-20T04:16:00.000-07:00

Recently took up a new role and responsibility with a real estate company at a new position. Real estate industry in India- the main excitement of this industry is that it is changing rapidly, and another major attraction here is of helping make although miniscule but some little contribution to the growth and infrastructure development of the nation. This made the role a terrific opportunity. Being a new company in this industry my role is more as the growth driver, the challenger, and the visionary, cultural leader, customer champion, focused on people and values, and very much the public face of the organization. The role involves execution, strategy support, growth enabling, productivity and process transformation, as well as compliance.

By the time we reach our forties we know a great deal more about life than we did when we began our careers. This wisdom and knowledge, as well as the insight into myself, was an important catalyst for this career move. When we begin our working careers most of us work with a singular drive to succeed in competitive careers that offer high wages. Yet, later in life, we develop a grasp on what really compels us to remain productive in the company. Later on the career goals are no longer driven by high wages and a certain status instead it is replaced by a desire to find passion, enjoyment and a sense of accomplishment from our work. Because of this, the challenge becomes more like an adventure as we set about developing new skills growing our self along with our work. And let us not forget that we haven't even reached the halfway point of our most productive years.

In this fast-changing times of doing business, creativity should be on top of the list of qualities of a good leader. What has been effective in the past years might not be effective tomorrow, so creative leaders tend to weigh in the methods used as well as the results obtained in the past and then try to ‘custom-fit’ it to the present situation to obtain the best possible results. I am trying to be as creative and as flexible as that.

Integrity and Influence can put us to the top but Creativity makes us stay on top. I think slowly but surely, modern managers are realizing that the complex situations they face require not only creativity, but also inquisition and even more recently a new focus on socially responsible practices to meet the increasing demands of the multifaceted customer. Another aspect here is that creativity is strongly needed to be able to lead the young ones that are no still attending school.

Change is the law of nature, and one’s growth depends a lot upon, how accepting and welcoming one can be towards this change. When we are caught up in the tide of change and there is no turning back, might as well adjust, adapt and mould ourselves as per the requirement of the situation. With this attitude if we enter into new role, success is not far away. Many opportunities await the motivated individual who wants a change.

Although in a new set up but in any business or company, it's about two things: the people and the product. Naturally, there has to be a great deal of focus on the product itself, especially in terms of making sure it's competitive with the offerings out there right now. We need to have the features that industry demands and accepts, bringing future value to our customers. Behind every great company, there are great people. My hope is to give the current staff the resources they need to be successful, and to identify new people that can take this company to the next level as we grow. I strongly believe that there is great capacity in every individual and each one has there own set of strengths and weaknesses. As a leader one has to be accepting and humble enough to this fact and curious enough to selflessly and compassionately connect with others in a desire to bring about the best in them.

The Beautiful City Of Venice, Italy

2011-04-27T22:37:00.000-07:00

Millions of people head to Venice every year for one simple reason; it is like no other city on Earth. The city offers fantastic architecture, wonderful food, unique shopping opportunities, and great historical sites. Everything in Venice is so picturesque. It is easy to get lost in this city of more than 100 islands united by over 400 bridges and many waterways. Venice is an artistic and architectural masterpiece filled with palaces from the Renaissance and the Gothic and Byzantine periods. It is known as one of the world's most extraordinary beautiful and unique cities.

Venice is a beautiful and unusual city with such breathtaking sites, smells and sounds. It's a place full of energy that everyone should experience at least once in their lives.

Some of the many outstanding attractions worth visiting in Venice include one of the first things one sees as soon as one is out from the Santa Lucia station-The San Giogio Maggiore. This is a church that was set upon the tiny island across from Venice and it's the dream work of architects everywhere. The structure is the creation of Andrea Palladio who built the church in 1566. It sports a classical design which includes a line of columns that separate the Austere Choir loft from the alter.

Another not to miss site is Saint Mark’s Basilica, which is the most renowned church in Venice. It's named such because the remains of St. Mark, who is the patron saint of the city of Venice, are kept there. The church actually sits in the eastern side of St. Mark's Square. This is the heart and soul of Venice and it's one of the most desired photo attractions for tourists in the world.

Other attractions include:

Burano, San Rocco,

Doge’s Palace,

The Grand Canal,

Santa maria dei Miracoli,

Campo Santa Margherita,

Rialto Market,

Anyone with any appreciation of history and architecture will absolutely love a visit to Venice. The city offers the kinds of memories and experiences that cannot be had anywhere else.

Among those who've seen it in person, the conclusion is unanimous: Venice is the most beautiful city in the world, and the only one that can truly be described as unique. Each building is a work of art, with their beauty enhanced when reflected on the canals that cross the city. Its magical scenery is fascinating and breathtaking at first sight, evoking the feeling of entering the setting of a real-life fairy tale. It's perhaps even unfair to all other cities to call Venice a city, as it is a place unlike any other that no other can compare to.

When one is in Venice you can walk for hours or days and you will find something different every time.Places in Venice can be difficult to find if you do not carry a map. It is easy to find the Saint Mark Ducal Palace and the Bridge of Rialto but rest of the beautiful and mysterious Venice might elude you. Get lost in the beauty of its streets and enjoy.

Florence- The most Cultured and Inspiring City

2011-04-25T00:32:00.000-07:00

Florence - A special place that has managed to preserve some of the greatest works of art and architecture of its buildings. The wonderful quality about Florence is that it is rich in culture yet unpretentious. We had come to Florence intending to stay for only a short while and then never wanted to leave. A city with historic masterpiece of architectural buildings, paintings, sculptures and natural beauty that is presented lavishly in this Italian city. The benefits from a holiday in Florence are one enjoys vacation in a city filled with historic sites. In every corner of the city, its beautiful scenery will always draw the eye. And most importantly, we can feel surrounded by historical buildings … step foot anywhere, will deal with works of art. Tour in Florence means to rotate around in the city without having to leave it.

Florence is a jewel of the Tuscany region of Italy. The beautiful surroundings contain other beautiful locations such as Siena, Pisa, Lucca and San Gimignano. The region has inspired many great artists such as Brunelleschi, Donatello, Masaccio, Botticelli, Paolo Uccello and the universal genius of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Some of the great artists of European History were given the resources and surroundings necessary to create an amazing collection of architecture, sculpture and paintings. Visiting Florence gives the ability to see an amazing collection of creations within the environment that inspired them.

Some of the premium highlights of Florence include:

• Il Duomo – Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

• Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio

• The Baptistery, Pisa

• Campanile – Bell Tower

• Ponte Vecchio Bridge

• Galleria degli Uffizi Museum

• Galleria dell’ Academia

• Boboli Garden and Pitti Palace

Florence, originally named Florentia (means “flourishing”) by Julius Caesar, who founded the city in 59 BC in the fertile valley of the Arno River to celebrate the triumphs of Rome’s veteran soldiers. Many of Florence’s great treasures are found within its churches, one really captures the vastness and spectacular intricacies of these world-renowned structures. Enjoy the Basilica di San Miniato al Monte, high on a hill overlooking Florence, and the late 13th century Basilica of Santa Croce, the burial place of Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli and Rossini. Often called “The Pantheon of Glories,” it is the largest Franciscan sanctuary in the world. Other destinations include the breathtaking dome of Tempio Maggiore – one of Europe’s most beautiful synagogues – and the weathered and angular copper roof of Florence’s central market, Mercato Centrale, home to legendary Tuscan pastas, meats and cheeses.

Siena is well preserved Medieval town located 30 miles south of Florence. It is set on three hills.
One of the main area in this town is piazza del Campo; a large scallop shaped square. It is divided in 9 segments representing the Council of the Nine that ruled Medieval Siena. In piazza del Campo a historical bareback horse race called “Palio” is held twice every year (on 2th july and 16th august). One of the palaces surrounding the square is Palazzo Pubblico; one can visit it inside. There you can see several frescoed rooms. This palace is used as town hall.

One cannot go to Florence without visiting the art museums and the Duomo. One also cannot go to Florence and not enjoy the food. And one must never, ever go to Florence without rubbing the porcellini's (little pig) nose for good luck (and promise of someday returning to Florence).

From Florence it is easy to take a regional train to Pisa, which is about an hour west of the city by train. In Pisa we saw the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. This beautiful city is a world center for art and architecture. Not only are there many museums with outstanding collections of art, but also the buildings themselves are architectural wonders. Just strolling the streets is an awe-inspiring activity.

On a more practical note, Florence is a special place for shopping. Italian designer stores abound. Clothing, leather goods, fine stationery, gold jewelry, luggage …the list is endless. Many people set aside time on their trip just to buy shoes, purses, gloves and jewelry. With many open-air markets, there are even bargains galore. There is such a high level of design that even “window shopping” is fun.

Little Is Enough

2011-03-26T05:27:00.000-07:00

Today when we see the endless ads, marketing of latest products, mobiles, electronic gadgets, cars, dresses, cosmetics……., sometimes make me wonder from where does this race starts and where does it ends? How much does a man need? Where does this greed end?

Why does even after possessing all latest materialistic pleasures one is unhappy with his/her daily routine? Why can’t we adapt a simple living instead of being inclined towards acquiring materialistic possession? How can one become Self-sufficient in this Materialistic World? Perhaps it is time to think…...

What is the bottom line? Is it this growing fixation for something which is adding no value to our peace of mind? No doubt, products do have a functional value, but being obsessed about our possessions and running after them is absurd. What happens to our quality of life when we value materialism?

In a world obsessed with materialism, entertainment, and vanity it is no wonder that many people have become unhappy with their lives. Working to pay a mortgage, car loan, and credit cards, life has lost its appeal for many. And when it seems the bank owns everything, and has trapped us in an endless cycle of working to pay the bills people seeking greater happiness must ask oneself, is it all really worth it?

It is a point of concern that we are becoming more and more materialistic with every passing day. The real issue is when this mad materialistic race distracts one from honesty and hard work. This tendency has isolated us from the actual spirit of life and has pushed it towards selfishness. The wish to become rich overnight by hook or by crook has resulted in increased crime and other issues like murders, robberies, kidnappings, bomb explosions, etc...

It is precisely a race to match to the standards of the society in which we live. It is a false belief of feeling happy after owning an expensive “thing”. There is no connection between our happiness and acquiring expensive products. We all shall comprehend the concealed fact that this happiness from possessions is really temporary, superficial, short-lived, lasts just for a while and then we start running after something else…….

Today an ordinary man is not clear and rather suffers in the darkness of these overly inflated, unrealistic ideas about the worth of wealth and possessions, ignoring true self-worth, deep satisfaction and genuine meaning of life. When we run after possessions, we continuously create goals, wants and desires in order to measure up to an ideal situation, setting up discrepancies from what we already possess. And we start living with an incomplete identity and thus decreased life satisfaction.

Once we introspect and tell our self that It’s “ONLY ME” who has the power to make myself happy; we will realize that these materialistic things won’t attract us anymore or at least we shall not bother to run after them. More is not better and in no way linked with happiness. We have to correct the underlying psychological issues that lead to such an empty pursuit which is detrimental to our well being.

The issues within us will always be there until and unless we address them. One of the core aspects of leading a fulfilling life is our self esteem. If our self esteem is high then we can go out and win over the world in any given circumstances; we don’t need expensive mobiles, cars or clothes to do that.

We as superficial materialistic society need to discover that life has much more to offer than the opportunity for shopping, shopping, and shopping. And that people shouldn't be rated by material possessions. The best things in life are still free!

Even God must be thinking that what actually He has to offer to a man to quench his thirst of desires and turn him into a happy soul!!! As all His efforts to make us happy have been futile, whatever we asked for He kept on giving us and still could not make us smile, and we still keep on asking for more and more and more, these are unending and thankless desires. And when we are all the time running after them, we fail to count and thank already existing blessings, ignoring them, taking them for granted and realizing later when we have even lost the existing blessings in the race to get more. (Health and Family are the most often, most ignored ones…)

Little is Enough, right now also we have enough to be happy and content, just look around and count the blessings and stop running after more……Enough, enough to be Happy.

Here And Now

2011-03-23T02:29:00.000-07:00

Recently when we bought a new professional camera and were busy clicking pictures of all that is beautiful and exciting around us, I realized the importance of here and now. I could actually see that the world is so beautiful just right now and just around me at this particular point in space and time. Whereas most of the time, most of us live thinking about either some gone by beautiful past or some imaginary beautiful future which is yet to come, forgetting and rather ignoring what all is so beautiful, right here right now. We prefer to live in THERE and THEN, rather than HERE and NOW. But LIFE is only HERE and NOW.

Why do so many personal development experts or 'gurus' place so much emphasis on the here and now? I realized earlier I was living in a constant state of anticipation - I was never actually enjoying the moment or savoring where I was'. Always focused on the future as present would not measure up to my idea about how I want to live my life. Life is in this present moment and if at present, we find our self in a place in our life that we want to get out of, then how shall we live and be happy in life?

Where life is, it is here right now, where you are now. Life can only be lived in the here and now. Sure, we might be striving towards future objectives, but those goals will only be achieved if we do our very best right here, right now. On the other side if we are constantly focused on the past - deeply engrossed in our 'stored knowledge' - the things that impressed us most about life THEN and we are taking most of our decisions based on that stored little knowledge, ignoring the most important facts about the PRESENT, then How can we progress?

More importantly we also develop our own self-image based on the past, our formative years. Because our obsession with the past is constant and because it happens subconsciously, we are completely unaware of this constant backward focus. And yet it is this constant obsession that is the key player in our lives. It's that 'stored knowledge' that dictates the way we feel about ourselves. It is the resultant self-image that dictates the way we act or react - and it is our behavior that determines how we relate to others, how we rise to life's challenges or how, more normally, we simply muddle through each normal day. This self-'knowledge' runs our lives. This depletes the greater part of our mental energy and as a consequence, our current behavior becomes impaired, counter-productive and even self-sabotaging.

The key point to realize is that we, as normal people, can never do our best whilst looking backwards - however, our default settings tell us to constantly look backward. Can you drive your car by looking in the rear view mirror?? Forget about driving, can we even walk looking behind? But that is how we normally drive the vehicle of our LIFE!! And when the accident occurs we are ready to blame the rest of the world around us.

Past and future and far-away places are not ultimate realities; they are instead useful concepts that help us make sense out of our present experiences. The present does not derive its importance from its place in history; instead history itself derives its importance from the present.

The future which we plan for our selves, for it to become a reality and our PRESENT, we need to live in the present taking assistance, help and guidance from God, helping us to achieve our planned future. When we are in here and now, we shall be able to see and hear the God send angels to us, whom we can meet and talk with, only in the present. It is then the miracles happen and our planned future becomes a reality. Have you ever met your God send angel? They are the people like you and me, who meet us in the PRESENT, just at the right time and right place, to make our FUTURE better.

Now how to live in the present? People might say is it a joke we are living in the present!! Of course I agree we are living in the present but we are physically living in the present mentally we are either in the past or future. So to actually live in the present we have to control our mind, our thoughts, which would again try to change the focus, and take you in THERE and THEN instead of focusing on HERE and NOW.

But imagine how much more free we shall be if we have freed our mind from the past and future. We feel much better, freer with loads of additional internal energy to perform better in the present. By focusing in HERE and NOW, I myself could enjoy my food much better, with so much more taste and flavor in it. I could breathe and feel more oxygen in the air around me. Trust me it is to be experienced, and put to the practice in order to feel the difference.

Let us not shrink our soul by limiting ourselves to the little knowledge and little world of our past, world is much more and much beyond that, let us give an opportunity to God, to send us His angels who are waiting to make our future much better and brighter. He is waiting to shower His blessings on us, we have to welcome them in our life by seeing it here right now in our PRESENT. Let us not take our present for granted.

Innocent Suffering

2011-03-15T05:11:00.000-07:00

The recent news of Japan earthquake and Tsunami, really makes one think that why God let this happen to innocent people? Why is there so much suffering in the world? Who is to be actually blamed for all these; natural disasters, terminal diseases and so much other mental and physical suffering?

With little introspection, realized we have always learnt to play the blame game, we are ready to blame everyone else including God – that they are responsible for all suffering, but we shall never owe up to ourselves and take our own little responsibility. God created this world and created us, as free spirits, giving us all the freedom in this world to do whatever we want to do, and He has also given us an ability to think and differentiate between right and wrong actions. Our own wrong actions bring suffering in this world.

We cannot ignore this, we have created imbalance on this earth by our fast developing technological advances, we are little concerned about the nature and its balance. Each one of us from using of plastic bags to the making of atom and nuclear bombs is responsible in some way or the other for this imbalance on the earth. Man has himself evolved suffering to enhance and improve his own survival.

But trust me although we might have created a great mess and suffering in our life but God really knows our life and shares our hardship and suffering along with us. And with complete faith and hope in Him, we can come out of it BETTER. Without Him also we shall come out of the suffering but BITTER.

Many times suffering helps us view life in the right perspective. Suffering grabs and drags us to the place where we discover how much we need God's grace. It makes us understand that most material things aren't much of a help for the actual sufferer. We can rationalize which material things really count, which we're better off without, and which simply don't matter.

The gains come from the fact that God and, like God, we ourselves can take 'bad', 'horrible', and even 'evil' situations and make something good come from them. It's this fact that gives us real reason to hope during suffering. This 'good effect' doesn't change the nature or 'badness' of suffering; it is what it is. Garbage heap is no less filthy when there's a diamond in it.

The truth is people need real hope at the time when adversity has struck; we need to have full faith in God, that He shall give His resources to us so that we can face the suffering and make something positive come from it. He gives the direction and power to make these resources work. God gives hope, which itself creates perseverance. He gives wisdom to find the way past the suffering, and to learn from it. He works for believers, with the gifts to support and strengthen. In times of suffering, honor the Lord by trusting Him and knowing that He loves you and has a purpose for your life.

Do not yield to discouragement because of suffering. This is one of the greatest battles we will ever face - the battle to stay encouraged and joyful. PRAYER is a major key to making it through trials. If offered sincerely, in faith, to God, it will help us get out of troubles faster than anything, and we will get stronger and feel less pain in the whole process, because God dwells in the prayer of His people. When we suffer, our response is very important. We need to remember that God still loves us, and while there is life, there is hope. God is sovereign, and there are usually factors in His decisions that we have no knowledge of whatsoever. We have to trust that indeed He is "working all things together for good for those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose" God wants us to be courageous, not unbelieving or fearful. Unbelief can cause all kinds of suffering, for us and others. Unbelief keeps the blessings of God such as healing, forgiveness, fullness and freedom locked out from our lives.

God may have a greater good in mind. He may allow suffering because it somehow fits into a wider plan of things which we, as human beings, are not aware of. Since we are part of this world, we can be crushed by physical forces bigger than us. Since we are vulnerable biological systems, we are subject to disease, degeneration and decay. One day we will certainly die. We have to accept reality the way it is, and exercise our human responsibility in minimizing suffering as much as we can. It was in the suffering and struggling that hard pressed apes found the unexpected discovery of new opportunities, found the way to human intelligence. Suffering by itself does not bring progress. It only does so when it is redeemed by its being grasped as a new opportunity. Fundamentally, therefore, any person can, even under such circumstances, decide what shall become of oneself - mentally and spiritually. An exceptionally difficult external situation can give us an opportunity to grow spiritually beyond our usual self.

Let us take this as an opportunity to pray for all the suffering souls in this world, may God give them strength and courage to fight their way out gloriously from the extreme calamity they are facing.

Art Of Appreciation

2011-03-05T02:30:00.000-08:00

One of the greatest human desires is to feel important. We just want to feel special. An individual has an incessant and gnawing craving for importance. There is no exception to this psychological need. Barring our biological needs, practically all our actions are directed at satisfying this continuing need to feel important. According to William James, the deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated. We are aware of this desire in our self and continuously perform most of our actions to satisfy this need, but how many times are we aware of the same longing and desire in the other soul?

When this basic human thirst is not satisfied in the normal course, people tend to achieve this feeling of importance in varied ways. A small child would cry, shout and through tantrums, just for attention and appreciation. A teenager would wear expensive clothes or jewelry to be a notch higher than his friends. As we grow, we flaunt of our education degrees, social status, fancy designations and pay packages, just to satisfy that unending desire of being felt important by others. We drive the best and latest vehicle in an attempt to say through things: I AM IMPORTANT! Don’t ignore my presence.

People risk their lives and climb mountains, journey to the moon and expose themselves to risk because they are primarily, basically and even subconsciously, motivated by this urge to feel important, to become great and to earn appreciation. In misdirected cases, this same urge turns a few into notorious outlaws and criminals. When people fail to gain recognition, they go “insane” so that in the new world of their imagination and own making, they can obtain the importance which they have been craving for. An elderly parent often falls sick to get attention of his own busy children. However, all of these things are just covers for, most of the time, a wounded soul. From children to grown up adults, people often unknowingly hurt themselves, when this important hunger of human psyche is not satisfied.

The point which I am making here is let us be an extravagant and lavish in this, appreciating liberally and as often as possible, it shall do more good to us first and then to the others. The individual who can honestly satisfy this burning hunger for importance on the part of his fellow human beings can literally rule the world. He can motivate and influence any person, big or small, high or low, educated or uneducated, rich or poor, man or woman, provided he is capable of making the other person feel truly important. By discovering the special and particular gifts of an individual, by giving due recognition and sincere appreciation to that singular gift or talent, we can win him or her over and enhance their productivity.

This admiration and appreciation has to be sincere. If not, it will be mere flattery and a sensible person always tries to avoid a flatterer. Nobody wants counterfeits. Our appreciation has to be real and honest to evoke the desired response from the other individual and quench his thirst for importance. When we honestly admire and appreciate, be liberal and lavish. One of the most successful motivators and leaders of men, Charles Shwab, who was paid million dollars a year about four decades ago, observes that the way to develop the best that is in a man is by appreciation and encouragement. To quote him, “If I like anything I am hearty in my appreciation and lavish in my praise”.

Criticism is just the opposite of giving importance, or appreciating other individual. And how many times do we get long lasting successful results from criticism? Rather the other person gets defensive and we end up in arguments and spoiling a healthy relationship. Let us not get judgmental with others, even God judges a person for his actions and deeds, only after his death. Then why do we get judgmental with others for their day to day actions. Nobody commits a mistake deliberately, we are all humans at the end of the day, let us be accommodating towards others for their mistakes, giving them a room for improvement and better performance next time.

Even appreciate the mistake of others, after all they have tried, give them an opportunity to learn from the mistake and be a better human being and learned performer for the future.

Relationship Engineering

2011-02-28T01:31:00.000-08:00

From childhood till death, we are on this theater/ stage of the world busy playing, building and maintaining relationships. Undoubtedly relationships are the most important science on this earth, and if we can master this art, definitely we shall have a life full of progress and happiness. Seeing the intricacies involved, I am giving it the terminology of “Relationship Engineering”.

Relationships give us the biggest platform to learn the lessons of life and about our being here; if one is facing issues with any relationship in life simply means to improve and transform one’s own self, let’s work on our own self and our relationships shall be better.

Relationship is the exchange of energy between two individuals. Now we have to check what kind of energy is exchanged, is it positive or negative? With whatever thought we have in our mind, it shall trigger either positivity or negativity in others. The highest source of positive energy is good wishes for others. Each soul we come in contact, if inside we are wishing good about them, it shall trigger positivity. Here integrity of thoughts is really important, means inside and outside it should be the same. Many times inside we are thinking wrong about the other person, while the words are saying something else. In this case only negative transmission is happening, so do not expect positive results, with these kinds of thoughts internally.

The other highest source of positive energy is trust in others, when we have trust in the other person; the energy transmitted gives confidence to others, triggers the creativity in them. The third source of positive energy is respect to the other person. Even if you are giving instructions to the other person, it should not be through your power, rather to empower the other individual.

Now the case comes, when the other person commits a mistake; don’t withdraw the respect, rather he/she needs more support at this time, if we withdraw the respect or disempower the other person at this time, we shall never achieve the desired results as well. And always remember respect is for the soul and not for the job!!

We attend lot of seminars, conferences etc, on art of living, anger management etc….etc… come out of them, for few days, our words, behavior is good, then after that we are back to our individual self. Why does this happen? Because we are working on the surface level, for a temporary change, we are trying to replace the leaves of the tree to make it better, it shall not work, we have to work at the seed and the roots level, and roots and seed are the thoughts, unless we change and work at our thoughts level rest all is very superficial.

We got to have love, compassion and respect unconditionally for each soul we come in contact with, irrespective of their shortcomings. As this is not their fault, their own battery is so discharged; they are unable to view the situations and others in the right perspective. Today we all know that every day we have to charge our mobile, laptop, cameras and all such other important gadgets. But unfortunately we don’t know how to charge such an important gadget our own human body? This is only possible if we spend 15 minutes of undisturbed time with our selves generating only positive thoughts. First of all do we have even 15 minutes for our self in peace, undisturbed? Secondly even if we are able to get 15 minutes, do we know how to quiet our mind and generate positive thoughts??

Another issue which I would like to touch upon here is how to work with people with ‘anger aura’, who are like touch me not? First of all look at the them also as someone who’s own energy is depleted, he is also living in fear and insecurity. And to hide those emotions, he is always in that anger aura. To deal with such people can be very difficult, but if your own battery is charged, you can deal with love and compassion towards such souls, healing and forgiving them all the while.

And on the other side a leader should realize the difference between fear and respect. At times a leader thinks that to get respect from otters, he has to maintain his touch me not, anger aura status, but respect should come from love and not from fear. Leader is the one whom everyone should feel like meeting, discussing and sharing, rather than going away, scared away because of fear. If there shall be a good bonding in the leader and his subordinates, then only there shall be good following of the instructions.

Another challenge which we commonly face in the office is gossip/ spreading rumors about each other. Realize that it is out of fear and insecurity, the other soul is behaving like that. If I am also fearful then I need to prove otherwise, let’s have compassion towards them, their own batteries are discharged. No body’s wrong, by nature they are also loving and peaceful, right now their vision is blurred. Fill your mind with positive thoughts about them and see the difference in their behavior. Always remember your thought leads to your destiny, you are your own master. Check your thoughts; are they towards internal progression or regression? Check and do what is right for you.

We have to charge our own battery, so that we can see the soul in the others, qualities of others, have faith in others. When we are at peace, love and power with our own self then only we shall be able to transmit love and peaceful energy to others, empowering them and developing healthy relationships.

Climbing Heights

2011-02-22T02:00:00.000-08:00

Climbing heights, achieving success and rising in the ladder of corporate world, these are quite a heard of words around us. Let us examine how to rate success or achievement? Is it material prosperity like lands and buildings, stocks and shares, ornaments and armaments, cars and convertibles or is it subtle aspirations like success and recognition, power and position, knowledge and skill, relationships? Or is it the-growth within, the self enrichment, the journey from darkness to light. Definitely it is a movement towards the defined objective.

In life, value and belief systems assist in carrying on in spite of the stress placed on the character as one moves toward greater heights of success. For living successfully life should be rich in a wide variety of areas rather than having depth in only one and shallowness or emptiness in others. Bringing life into greater balance energizes us, expand opportunities for success in all areas, and lead to many exceptionally interesting and beneficial unintended consequences! Having a successful career, maintaining a successful relationship with family, conducting in a manner deserving of people’s respect, becoming a productive member of the community, and feeling satisfied all require planning, hard work, and perseverance. Success is not a static event or single goal to be met.

There will always be a higher mountain to climb. Charting the course and scaling the mountain that is our Personal Pinnacle of Success, it is a life-long process. If definitions of success and successful living evolve throughout our lifetime, we will ultimately derive a sense of satisfaction with our achievements as well as a feeling of being successful.

This is actually the secret of climbing heights and then staying in the saddle. 'Karma', the work is the means of reaching the heights of achievement in life. And 'Shama', the tranquility, it is the composed mind, calm mind, untrapped mind, uncluttered mind!!This is the means of preserving the achievement so gained in life.

In today's fast paced world, being good at what we do is not good enough to rise in the corporate hierarchy. We are expected to be good; that's what we get paid for. Being excellent will not do it either. Being excellent only means that we are filling our present place. It's no reason to be promoted or to rise on the corporate ladder.

To be noticed, to be invited to fill a higher and more rewarding position, we must be outstanding. That is where the money is. That's where the train that leads to the top starts. That's where we get the wings that will allow us to soar above the crowd and reach the rarefied air of the mountaintop of success.

Jim Rohn said it best, "Formal education will make you a living; self education will make you a fortune." It is by working every day to improve ourselves that we can acquire the competence to become outstanding and in doing so, become a magnet for opportunities and advancement.

The self-education that Jim Rohn talks about is not restricted to our area of expertise. It also encompasses the entire gamut of the disciplines covered in the self-improvement world. It's about life's philosophy, character building, communication and relationships along with the multitude of subjects being covered in the self-help movement.

Self-education is about personal growth in all its facets. It's about learning how to make finer distinctions and about taking wiser decisions. It's about better self-control and about leadership abilities. In one word, it about becoming a better and more complete person, smarter and wiser.

Greater success is the natural result of inner growth and self-actualization. Just as the tree depends on quality soil to reach maximal growth, success depends on the abundance of the intellect to bloom and flourish.

There are plenty of opportunities out there just waiting for those who have the courage and wherewithal to spend some time every day on self-improvement. Victory belongs to those who have earned it – not to those waiting for some lucky star that won't ever show up.

Valentine Special- Hold my hand

2011-02-12T04:26:00.000-08:00

I remember vividly, holding your hand years back,
You used to show me the way, when it was cloudy and dark!!
I don’t know when and how my hand slipped away from yours;
I lost the touch and contact with you,
I had forgotten you, but you always guarded me,
You always loved me and cared for me,
Although when I didn’t care for you.

Today when I feel myself lost in this meaningless crowd,
Lost in the color, light, music, pomp and show of this world!!
My vision is clouded and I can’t see, I fall quite often,
Please hold my hand, I am tired, bewildered and lost!!
Show me the way; my path is all rough and steep,
Please hold my hand for I am hurt and in pain!!
Shower your love and care; please hold my hand once again.

Personal Leadership

2011-02-10T03:52:00.000-08:00

Personal leadership represents the leadership that is beyond the ego. Ego based leadership is about power for control, prestige and personal reward; the kind we normally come up against! On the other hand Personal Leadership is about focusing on the needs and aspirations of ALL. Broadly speaking in personal leadership I will examine my knowledge of myself. How am I leading myself, before I want to lead others, whether in the family or at work or in the society?

The quality of our personal leadership beliefs will dictate how we will feel and behave. Personal leadership is leading from the inside – out. It is choosing to live from our own values, essence and sense of meaning – rather than the byproduct of life happening to us. As we change, and then become the role model for change – our environment changes as a byproduct. Old outdated behaviors like having the need to change/ control someone falls away and we become more allowing of those around us.

Successful Leaders know their Personal Leadership Philosophy and communicate it by living it passionately everyday in all they say and do. They have taken the time to determine who they are, their values and priorities. They know their course and have set their internal compass, which gives them greater self knowledge, greater self confidence, and improved effectiveness as a leader. They know how to create level and balance between work and home. Balance between physical, emotional, and intellectual needs. Not neglecting one at the expense of the others.

We all want to control the behavior of others, and thus call the outcome as leadership. How much is that a true leadership? A true leader is the one who knows to control his own behavior, let us examine how the individual’s behavior is controlled.

We all have five gross senses (eyes, ears, nostrils, tongue and skin), and we also have five acting senses (hands, legs, voice, genitals, and anus), and three subtle senses (mind, intelligence, and ego). Everything that we know and perceive is nothing but the products of the inexhaustible permutations and combination of the forms taken in through these thirteen senses. In this way our situation and behavior is carved by our perception of surroundings through these senses.

Without doubt, MIND is the most unsteady and difficult to control, the senses are the greatest source of distraction for mind. Mind is the leader and these ten senses are its employees/assistants. Mind has to control and give instructions to his assistants as a leader, and not the other way round. So next time you feel your junior assistant trying to influence and control you, first check is your mind under the influence of its assistants/ senses?? Mind is influenced by intelligence and ego, the other two subtle senses, intelligence is of-course budhi / wisdom which is positive but ego comes through stored unconscious habits of the past which is dangerous and need to be controlled.

Mind can be controlled through practice and dispassion (renunciation). To control our own mind we need to delink from the unnecessary negative thoughts from past, present and other sources on one side and on the other side we need to link the mind with God in order to get the right thoughts, to do any task or assess any situation.

One should through gradual practice attain tranquility by fixing the MIND on God, with reason controlled by steadfastness and without thinking of anything else. The application of de-linking process is based on the fact that at one moment when the MIND is engaged at one particular spot it is not linked with the other spot at the same moment. Thus if one trains oneself to disengage the MIND from the world outside it will by its own nature get directed towards the centre (the Atman). Let us look at it in another way. Our scriptures are full of description that the world is nothing, but an illusion or maayaa or dream. It has existence but is unreal. In fact, it is a creation of MIND. The same challenge is assessed and created differently by different minds, so at the end of the day it is all our mind’s creation.

If through subtle art of meditation one is able to consciously quiet the MIND, one realizes the falsehood of experience, like in dream it seems all so real but we realize it as unreal only after getting up from sleep. The reality of the Supreme presence of all pervading Paramaatman/ God becomes glorified once the false-existence of world, created by MIND is negated. Thus through the DELINKING PROCESS one can get linked with Paramatman/ God, which in fact is the REALITY and only due to ignorance one is slave of the senses and the MIND. There is need to become their master and in order to so the TAMING OF MIND, through abhyaas/ practice is to be followed by the DELINKING PROCESS. Once we have control over our own mind, we can easily get the desired results from our team members achieving effective leadership.

For personal leadership one can pray, study, listen, meditate and reflect as a regular practice, but setting aside an extended period of time for a more intensive encounter alone with God provides an incredibly rich grounding for leadership. Consistently making Him a part of our day to day activity, talking to Him and taking His guidance even on all petty issues. Keeping the following checks on a regular basis:

1. An integrity check – are we living out our stated values? Are our intentions and motivations honorable? Are we walking the talk?
2. An obedience check – are we doing what God has asked us to do? Following God’s laws and trusting His leadership? Confessing, repenting and forgiving?
3. A word check – are we able to perceive God’s truth and work it out in our own life? Can we discern God’s guidance for us personally? Being able to discern God’s guidance is a prerequisite to leading God’s people.

Those who don’t have their senses under control would have a difficult time living in the wilderness. According to Vedic philosophy, we living entities have been placed in this material world and given suitable bodies in order to fulfill our desire for sense enjoyment. Sense gratification is achieved by attempting to satisfy the aforementioned senses. However through experience, we learn that the senses actually never get satisfied. We are always hankering after something that we want, or lamenting after something that we don’t have. This cycle repeats over and over again, and through our desires and actions, we keep receiving new bodies after giving up our current ones at the time of death. True spiritual advancement only comes when we are able to subdue our senses. Connecting our minds with the Supreme Lord. By concentrating all of our activities on God, and always thinking about Him, we gradually become immune to the desires of our senses. It doesn’t require one to give up any of his activities, but simply relate them with God.

Once our internal compass is directionally oriented towards God, we shall lead in the right direction first our self and then people around us.

Real Me!!!!!

2011-01-27T22:58:00.000-08:00

Recently we were attending an event on Mata Ki Chawki, a religious get together for remembering God and offering prayers. There a friend of mine asked me two questions which really made me think. First was “Are you religious?” Second one was “Do you go to the temple?”

That was the time I realized we think ourselves to be very well educated, experienced and knowing a lot. But to be very frank I did not have the answers to these two simple questions!!! Later on after quite a soul searching on these questions whatever came to my thoughts I am sharing with all.

To be religious means following a particular religion, its beliefs, values and customs. If one is born to Hindu parents one becomes Hindu and if one is born to Muslim parents one becomes Muslim; but after twenty years of following that religion, one day your parents tell you we have adopted you from a Christian family…….then what is your true religion?? It means being a Hindu or a Christian is a label which we are carrying and viewing the world through that label.

Then I realized there are so many other labels which we carry with us, forgetting our real identity. We identify ourselves as our surname & name, another label, we identify ourselves with the degree we earn in school, college, I am B- Tech, M- Tech, Dr., B.Arch, MBA, ……. so and so, these are some more labels, then there are relationship labels, I am a son, daughter, father, mother, husband, wife, brother, sister, girl friend, boy friend………these are some of the roles we play, is this real me, these are only some more labels…..But where is the real me!!!! Who am I? Is real me the designation one holds; Head – Sales & Marketing, VP- Finance, CEO, HR- Head……….But tomorrow if one retires or lose the job, then who is the real me?

For knowing thy real self, one has to remove one by one each of these labels, know the difference between the real me and just the roles and the labels we carry. Even to perform these roles will become much more efficient, if we know our true self. We shall be much happier, content and fulfilled, if we know; Who am I? Where am I? and why am I here? If the answers to these three questions are clear in our mind, sure the life would be much easier, enjoyable and complete.

After removing all these labels we reach to our body, so am I this body, but there are people who get their sex changed, a male can become a female and vice versa, even the body parts have to be cut and removed for accidental or other reasons, then one is not this body, this is also not the real identity!!! After a lot of introspection- the real identity of everyone here is the soul, which is by nature happy, peaceful and powerful, these are the three intrinsic qualities of our basic nature that is real me. The only issue is the real me has got buried under the dust and weight of all these labels.

These roles and responsibilities will always be there but we have to consciously remember the difference between the real me and my role. Number one responsibility is of myself, and if that is being played correctly then only one can perform the rest of the roles righteously.

The real me is the soul, a conscious energy, and where am I? I am in the field of relationships, in action with other souls. Why am I here? I am here in my natural self with the qualities of being happy and peaceful, playing the various roles I have to perform, whether at home or work or society, everywhere. I am here to share the peace and love with other fellow souls, exchanging this conscious, positive energy. So the one important thing which we have to remember is that first take the responsibility of our self and our state of mind. We have to be first at love and peace with our self and then perform the role.

And when we are without the weight of all these labels, it is very easier to connect to God; one need not go to a temple and stand in all those ques and crowd to connect to God. Just by sitting in the corner of our room, with the eyes closed, one can connect with Him in the corner of his or her own heart. One can connect with Him by connecting with their fellow beings………

Happy soul searching, and in this big crowd, let us not get lost, let us find and connect to our self once again………..let us find the Real Me.

Grow A Backbone

2011-01-13T02:22:00.000-08:00

Having a backbone means to speak our mind, take risks, stand up for our self and others, be trusted, and taking a position and holding on to it. Most people think they have a backbone as physically we all do, but mentally where is it? Having a backbone mentally means to have control of our environment, one is more hopeful, empowered, enthusiastic and in turn it makes it easier to take on any type of challenges.

Do you feel as if everyone is taking advantage of your good nature? Feel disrespected and want to be able to stand for your ground without guilt or fear. If friends, family and colleagues see you as the person who’s always available to help them out or pick up the extra stuff, they’ll continue to ask favors because as far as they’re aware, you always say ‘yes’, so you must be happy to do it. And when the resentment builds up to the point where you lash out at the next person to ask you for something, they’ll be genuinely shocked. You need to realize it’s not just people taking advantage of you – you’re allowing them to, by always saying yes. Is it a fear of rejection or conflict that’s holding you back from standing up for yourself, this you only need to check? But no matter what the reason is that you always say ‘yes’, you’re actually doing the other person involved (as well as yourself) a disservice.

For many it is hard to stand up for what he believes in and get others to do the same. Most take the back seat while the "man in charge" delivers orders. Now it's our time to shine, our time to grow one. Stop living a spineless miserable life of a shy, under confident person, that is tired of his life and its unexpected outcomes. Now is the time to take charge and grow the spine. Start speaking the mind, losing the fear of opposition, and going to stop going with the majority. Follow these simple steps to begin growing a backbone and living a healthier life.

Stop apologizing. Many of us use the term "I'm sorry" far too frequently and often at inappropriate times. Think about when you use those two simple words. Is it a situation that you truly should be sorry for?

To develop a backbone, voice your opinion and be proud of what you have to say; people will take notice and listen. Speak up. Tell those around what you need. Assertiveness requires good communication skills. Be clear and firm with what you desire. Practice standing up for yourself by conveying your wants and desires to others. Simply communicate that you have thoughts, opinions and needs, too. Once you begin to express these better, the people around you will learn how to appreciate and respect you more, too.

The most important component of growing a backbone is being Competent. Competence means being self sufficient. You don't need anybody to take care of yourself. You can take care of your own necessities of life. Don’t always look for another shoulder to carry your load. Age does not bring self sufficiency; it is to be cultivated on daily basis. On one side there are even kids who are self sufficient, and on the other side there are adults who look for answers to their challenges outside, depending upon others.

Don’t grow a wishbone where a back bone ought to be. ~ Clementine Padford ~

Least do we realize but we spent a lifetime wishing for everything. Wishing had a newer car, a better place to live, more money, better clothes, a better body, a loving spouse, to have lots of friends, to be successful….. wished and wished. How many times a day we wish for things in our life, no idea but it sure is a lot. By just wishing and no action one feels small, no presence, rather handicapped, feeling not smart enough to survive on his own..… having no backbone. How can one possibly stand up without a backbone? Take responsibility for your own life, rather than waiting for someone else to come around and fix it for you. Instead of looking to the horizon for a knight in shining armor, need to roll up the shirtsleeves and get to work figuring out what needed to be done.

Wishbones help us know who we really are and what our dreams and aspirations are. Backbones give us the courage and resolve to make those dreams a reality. Let’s celebrate how we can use them together to fully enjoy a creative and productive life.

Our attitude is everything and impacts how other people perceive us, right through to the signals we're unconsciously sending out. Our attitude sets the tone of our voice, the quality of our thoughts, and is reflected in our facial expressions and body language.

In this modernized world, women serve as a pillars of strength—bearing the weight of so many responsibilities. From motherhood to corporate life to volunteer hours, today’s woman does it all. The days of wishing for a better tomorrow have disappeared. Today, we are empowered to make choices– to take the helm and control our path- growing our backbone.

The Bustling City of Hong Kong

2011-01-05T01:35:00.000-08:00

The unique blend of eastern and western influences matched by diverse attractions and stunning countryside, has made Hong Kong Asia's prime tourist destination. Hong Kong is a multicultural and secular city with a multiracial population living in harmony. Tolerance for the customs and traditions of all religion and ethnic groups is part of the city's cosmopolitan philosophy.

We were really amazed by the diverse contrasts and close proximity of stunning cityscapes and soaring mountains, heritage sites and extensive green countryside of Hong Kong. The real magic of Hong Kong's stunning countryside is how close it is to the city. One minute you're deep in a bamboo forest, the next minute tower blocks spring into view. The rural areas also offer an amazing variety of scenery. Lush valleys, sub-tropical forests, rugged peaks, coastal walks, and secluded beaches – these are the often neglected splendor of Hong Kong.

Victoria Peak- Another thing one”must” do in Hong Kong is to visit Victoria Peak. 396 meter high peak: one gets a great view of the city as you reach the top. Peak Tram is the best means to reach the top. The view as you get higher and higher gets better and better of course and the track is pretty steep some places (maximum of 27 degrees). On the top we got to the Peak Tower and this is the home to the viewing point, restaurants, Madame Tussaud’s, Ripley’s Believe It or Not and others. The view from the top was great. There's a reason why The Peak is one of the most popular attractions in Hong Kong: It is absolutely incredible! Looking down from The Peak one is amazed by the spectacular view of the surrounding city skyline, the world-famous Victoria Harbour and Kowloon, towering skyscrapers and peaceful green hillsides.

Getting there is an unforgettable trip. There's nothing in the world like the Peak Tram. Pulled by steel cables, the tram climbs 373 metres (about 1,200 feet). It's so steep that the buildings you pass look like they're leaning! Whether you're going up or coming down, you'll love this trip.

Magical Victoria Harbour- One of Hong Kong's greatest assets, a jewel that people marvel at. Victoria Harbour bustles with activity day and night. To experience the energy take a ride on the Star Ferry.

Here every night at 8:00 pm is “A Symphony Of Light Show”. This spectacular multimedia display, already named the "World's Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show" by Guinness World Records, has been further expanded to include more than 40 buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbour. The show creates an all-round vision of colored lights, laser beams and searchlights performing a stunning, unforgettable spectacle synchronized to music and narration that celebrates the energy, spirit and diversity of Hong Kong.

There are five main themes — Awakening, Energy, Heritage, Partnership and the finale, Celebration, taking spectators on a unique journey.

The first scene "Awakening" begins with flashes of laser lights that give life to a nucleus of light-energy which gradually illuminates participating buildings using an array of dancing lights and rainbow colour. This scene symbolizes the genesis and powerful growth of Hong Kong.

The second scene "Energy" is represented by the display of rising colour patterns and the sweeping of the lasers and searchlights energetically across the night sky, signifying the vibrant energy of Hong Kong.

In the third scene "Heritage", traditional lucky red and gold colours are displayed across buildings on both sides of the Harbour, complemented by the introduction of music using Chinese musical instruments, symbolizing Hong Kong's colourful heritage and rich cultural traditions.

The fourth scene "Partnership" features a display of laser beams and sweeping searchlights scanning across the Harbour, representing an illuminated connection with the opposite side. Beams reach out to symbolically connect the two sides of the Harbour into one greater and unified partnership.

The finale "Celebration" brings out a powerful rhythmic display of swirling, kaleidoscopic patterns of lights and beams dancing lively across the Harbour. The exciting final scene signifies the celebration of the close partnership between the two sides of the Harbour and represents an even brighter future for Asia's world city - Hong Kong.

No trip to Hong Kong would be complete without a visit to the Giant Buddha which sits serenely atop Ngong Ping plateau amid the spectacular mountain scenery of Lantau Island, to experience the natural and cultural side of Hong Kong take a day trip to Lantau Island, Hong Kong's largest island, and discover pristine beaches, traditional fishing villages, lush valleys, soaring mountains and spiritual enlightenment. Visit Po Lin Monastery, the Giant Buddha Exhibition Hall and a 5.7 kilometer cable car journey offering spectacular views of Lantau Island and the South China Sea.

The eyes, lips, incline of the head and even the right hand (raised to deliver a blessing to all); combine to lend great depth of character and dignity to this extraordinary statue. The majestic figure of the seated Buddha was cast in China and took 12 years to complete. It was unveiled in December 1993 amid deeply religious ceremonies. Visitors can climb more than 200 steps to reach the platform where the Buddha is seated.

The Po Lin Monastery is set amid spectacular mountain scenery on the Ngong Ping plateau.

HK is vast and we only got to see a bit of it. But I think that we experienced quite a lot.

Macau- city of dreams

2011-01-04T01:11:00.000-08:00

Hong Kong's sister colony on the Pearl River is about an hour’s drive in Ferry from HK. Macau, a famous destination with prosperity and peace, fashion and history, oriental and western cultures, deserves a visit and stay here really revitalizes the visitor.

What Macau is today would not have been the same without its God father Mr. Stanley Ho, the world’s 64th richest man, 89 year old today the only person in Macau allowed to have legally four wives, 19 children. There are total 33 casinos in Macau and he owns 22 of them. Macau Tower also belongs to him.

The Macau Tower, also called the Macau Sky Tower, is a tower on the southern part of the Macau peninsula. Macau Taower is 338 metres (1,109 feet) tall. There is an observation deck at the top where visitors can enjoy panoramic views. Besides for observation and entertainment, the Macau Tower is also used for telecommunications and broadcasting.

The Macau Tower the brainchild of Macau casino tycoon Stanley Ho, who was so impressed with the Sky Tower in Auckland, that he was determined to have a similar tower in Macau. The tower was designed by Beca Group, a New Zealand engineering firm, working in corporation with Gordon Moller of Craig Craig Moller architects. Construction began in 1998 and the tower was officially open on 19 December, 2001.

On 17 December, 2006, the world renowned bungee jumper AJ Hackett leaped from the tower's outer rim. At 233 metres, it was the world's highest bungee jump.

Another Landmark, the large sculpture of "Lotus Flower In Full Bloom", Standing in Lotus Square next to the Forum, presented by the State Council of China in 1999, marks the return of sovereignty of Macau.

The sculpture, made of gilded bronze and weights 6.5 tons, is 6 meters high and the diameter of the flower is 3.6 meters at maximum. The major part is composed of a stem, petals and pistil, with a total of 16 components. The base of the flower consists of 23 pieces of red granite. The lotus flower, which is in full bloom, symbolizes the everlasting prosperity of Macau. There are three layers of red granite at the base, which are in the shape of lotus leaves, signifying the Macau Peninsula, Taipa Island and Coloane Island.

Kun Iam Statue
Located on the Outer Harbour, this statue, dedicated to Goddess of Kun Iam (Goddess of Mercy) is 20 meters tall and made of special bronze. The dome shape base like a lotus flower, is an ecumenical centre where information is available on Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism.

The post on Macau is incomplete unless a mention about Venetian. It plays a crucial role in making Macao one of Asia's most exciting entertainment destinations. The Venetian Macao is a hotel and casino resort in Macau. It is a 40-story, $2.4 billion anchor for the 7 hotels on the Cotai Strip in Macau. The 10,500,000-square-foot (980,000 m2) is the largest single structure hotel building in Asia and the fifth-largest building in the world by area. Large enough to hold ninety Boeing 747 jumbo jets, nowhere else in Asia will you find such a rare combination of facilities, attractions and amenities than at this 3,000 suite flagship property.

The Grand Canal Shoppes - Asia's Most Unique and Opulent Shopping Experience. Surrounded by the world's finest brands, stroll along winding cobblestone walkways, or relax with an authentic gondola ride. Indulge in over 330 stores, offering the best in fashion, Jewellery, accessories, gifts, services and sporting goods. Then delight in one of many world class restaurants, bars and cafés.

Be enthralled by the serenading sounds of the performers and singing gondoliers who transform The Grand Canal Shoppes into the romantic sounds of old world Venice.

Not to miss is Zaia, a show by Cirque du Soleil, opened on 27 July 2008 at the dedicated Cirque du Soleil arena. The 90-minute production of 75 circus artists is directed by Neilson Vignola and Gilles Maheu. The theme is a young girl's perception of the stars and planets, space and infinity, populated by otherworldly creatures. The title, Zaia, comes from a Greek word meaning "life",

Plan a trip to Macau and Enjoy!!!!

Hong Kong Disneyland !!!!!!!

2011-01-01T04:04:00.000-08:00

Disney Castle @ Night

Most Memorable and Unforgettable experience, a place where one leaves today and enter the world of golden past, glorious future and Fantasy……. It took us a full day and more to see the park. It helped that we stayed at Disney Hollywood hotel and took a two-day pass. As the newest Disneyland in the world, Hong Kong Disneyland is a must-see because of its special attractions and the inimitable sense of Chinese culture. Walking into Hong Kong Disneyland, one feels as if you are in a wonderland. Accompanied by Mickey Mouse and other Disney friends, starts a fantastic and magical journey.

Hollywood Hotel

It’s true when they say that Disneyland is the Happiest Place on Earth. We were transported back to our happy childhood where we came face to face with our favorite Disney characters. It’s one place where you can push your adult worries aside and just enjoy to your heart’s delight.

Tomorrowland- Globe

There are four theme parks within Disneyland: Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Adventureland and Mainstreet U.S.A.

Mailand USA Street

Main Street, U.S.A: The first theme park one comes across is 'Main Street, U.S.A.'. It is traveling back in time to experience small town Americana. Think bowler hats and old-style picket fence architecture and you probably have a mental picture close-enough to the reality of Main Street, U.S.A. This introductory area of the park brings typical early 20th century American culture town to life. Listen to the singing barber shop boys or take a ride on a steam engine.

Entering Main Street, we were amazed by the delicate buildings, dim gas lamp and Paddy Wagon passing by. Antique taxicabs, Disneyland Railroad and the City Hall transports one back to America of the early 20th century. There are Chinese elements here too. Plaza Inn, the first Chinese restaurant in Main Street, complete with 19th Century Chinese table service. Market House Bakery and Main Street Corner Cafe are also good places to enjoy.

Adventureland: For those looking for something more ’adventurous’ there is Adventureland. Guided by a brave captain, Jungle River Cruise took us into the heart of hidden regions- Hippos, cobras, elephants, orangutans and startling jungle events. There are also many legacies of Disney’s timeless classics, with shows such as The Lion King and Winne The Pooh. Festival of the Lion King is so interesting that our eyes were glued on the show. Adapted from Disney's animated classic 'The Lion King', this colorful pageant of music and dance is just like a classic music drama because of its consummate performers, costumes and exotic scenery.

Traveling by raft in the Rivers of Adventure, we landed at our destination: Tarzan Island. Exploring Tarzan Island and visiting Tarzan's Treehouse reminds of the story of this human child raised by gorillas. Tahitian Terrace Restaurant and River View Cafe here makes one feel satisfied to dine in the jungle.

Fantasyland: It is a real fantasy world where we Cinderella Carrousel, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Sword in the Stone, Mad Hatter Tea Cups, Sleeping Beauty Castle, Dumbo the Flying Elephant and Snow White Grotto to make all your storybook dreams come true. At a dizzying 3-D attraction in Mickey's Philhar Magic one joins Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and many other friends. Wearing special glasses, one lies on the magic carpet with Aladdin and smell the flavor of Donald Duck soup.

The most fantastic place was The Golden Mickeys at Disney's Storybook Theater. Adapting all the Disney classics into a 25-minute musical drama, mixing acrobatics and special effects, this makes one stop blinking. In the theater, Tarzan swings quickly on the rigging, just like the fan on the ceiling. When The Little Mermaid Ariel appears, the whole theater is submerged by bubbles descending from the ceiling; one really feels that you are at sea.

Also at Fantasyland: Fantasy Gardens, where characters meet-n-greet; Snow White Grotto; and a live show, The Golden Mickeys, etc…

Tomorrowland:After leaving the fairytale wonderland perfectly content we stepped into Tomorrowland. Screaming in Space Mountain, we had no time to appreciate the sparkling stars because of the exciting roller coaster. In Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, we flew in our space capsule and fight against the aliens with our space gun. After we were weary of the breathtaking attractions, Orbitron was a good choice for us to fly above Tomorrowland and take some rest.

Orbitron

Not to miss is “Let It Snow Grand Christmas Parade”at 3:30 pm which happens daily. It showcases floats, dancers, musicians and our favorite Disney characters. The parade starts in Fantasyland and passes in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle and down Main Street USA.

When you're at Disneyland, you MUST stay until nightfall. This is when you will get to see Disney in the Stars - the FIREWORKS!!!!! It's so spectacularly brilliant that I have to say it's one of the most memorizing things I've ever seen in my life, complete with music and animation. The best spot? Right in front of The Sleeping Beauty Castle. Disney in the Stars Fireworks was indeed eye-catching & spectacular. We witnessed the sky transform into a beautiful piece of art. It’s amazing to watch colorful fireworks light up the sky to the tune of Disney’s well-loved songs. Another heart-warming moment for all of us.

Disney HK was fun.

Christmas - A Possibility

2010-12-24T02:03:00.000-08:00

It's the same time of year again; December has come and with it has brought all the joys of Christmas. The Christmas celebration is associated with different traditions but what is the real meaning of Christmas? I have tried to explore it a bit.

It is a symbol of the togetherness and also for expressing good will to others. It is a time of God showing His great love for us. It can be a time of healing and renewed strength. It is a time to express gratitude, are we generous with the gifts that have been given to us, seeing ourselves as their stewards and not their owners? Not only cleaning and lighting the corners of our house but also cleaning and lighting deep, dark corners of our hearts. To wake up and realize the gifts of love we have received, waking up to the subconscious and spiritual depths of ourselves.

Christ and his presence among us—as one of us—give us reason to live in hope: that light will shatter the darkness, that we can be liberated from our fears and prejudices, that we are never alone or abandoned.

This Christmas let us clean out our system and follow few new realms of possibility:

• Tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than on fears based on past experiences.
• Ability to enjoy each moment.
• Loss of interest in judging other people.
• Loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others.
• Loss of interest in conflict.
• Loss of the ability to worry.
• Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature.
• Frequent attacks of smiling.
• An increased susceptibility to the love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it.

Sharing some of the beautiful pictures of Christmas, and wishing you all a Blessed Christmas.

Renew This New Year

2010-12-17T04:11:00.000-08:00

With 2010 coming to an end, and 2011 at its dawn, imagine waking up this New Year morning and being the person you'd love to be and having the life you'd love to have! Creating a passionate life that is aligned with passion is the secret to a life filled with joy and fulfillment. How to change from a passionless, old mundane life to a life overflowing with passion; begins with self-reflection of our life as it is today. Whatever the reason, at some point, the time comes to reinvent our self. It may come about as a natural growth and evolution, or it may be a choice to catapult our self into a new life and a new self.

Having a passion for what we do in life overflows into all aspects of our life. We have the energy to contribute to our relationships and family. We have interesting hobbies which we love. Friends and family find us ‘fun’ to be with and life feels enjoyable, exciting, and adventurous. It improves our health. We remain young at any age.

The skill of consistent reinvention is something that anyone can learn. What works at one time in our life may be inappropriate at another time. What the world needs from us at one time may be different from the next.

Why not throw off old habits and customs and embrace new ones! Reinventing our self is never easy, as we shall be going against patterns that have been established for years. However, with determination, effort and patience; doing so is possible and the rewards will surely be positive and unexpected. Dreams do turn true, but only if we are willing to make the needed efforts. Reinvent yourself and discover ways to bring new meaning and joy to your life.

Create a new personality. Throw and flush out old behaviors, mindsets, reactions and words. With a new day, be a new creature. Make use of new words, speed up the walk, smile more, have new reactions to different things. View the world with a new eye and different vision.

Mind is the key in the process of reinventing our self and so we need to make sure that we use it in the right way. More often than not, the reason for our disappointments and failures in life is because we've programmed our subconscious mind to sabotage our best efforts!

Unintentionally we program our subconscious mind negatively by the things we regularly do, say and think. We can be our own worst enemies. Sometimes even when we think we are saying something positive, we're in fact saying something negative! But we have the power and capability to change and resolve it. We hold our self back due to self-limiting thoughts and beliefs. We process thousands of thoughts each and every minute, and we are not aware of it. When we take the time throughout the day to be aware of our thoughts, we could make a powerful mindset shift that will significantly change our lives!

There are many external influences that affect our thoughts, and identifying, limiting, and/or removing those influences is another way to re-shape our thoughts. We fall into a habitual way of thinking and once habits are created, it takes acknowledgment and commitment to shift it and change it. When we replace old habits with new behaviors, life takes on new purpose, new focus, new momentum, and our desires become reality!

Enjoy reinventing yourself and may the journey bring you much joy and lasting happiness. Just like the Phoenix rising from the ashes, you can create a whole new you.

Everything in life requires time and commitment. First of all we must adapt a mindset of renewal.
Renew is to repeat so as to reaffirm; revive; to replenish; to bring into being again, reestablish; to start over. It’s not the obstacles or challenges we face that keep us from succeeding. It’s our inability or unwillingness to learn from those things that allow us to be defeated.

Resilience is the ability to recover quickly from illness, change, or misfortune.
Reinvention is a never ending process. It’s the daily, on-going pursuit of personal growth and fulfillment – a path that ultimately leads to more rewards and greater responsibilities.

The final thought I will leave you with involves taking action. You can read and think all day every day, but it is by taking action, inspired action, that you will be able to reach a level of success greater that you ever would have imagined. This New Year let us take a pledge to be committed and focused to make sincere and honest efforts to renew ourselves.

Don’t predict the future create it. And you deserve the best!!!

Cultivate Humor

2010-12-14T01:36:00.000-08:00

Cultivating a humorous mindset helps us see our self and any situation with a suppler mind so that we are not locked into a negative view. Humor is one way to change our view intuitively—and enjoyably. What we are looking for is gentle, playful perspective that embraces humanness but never at the expense of others—or of ourselves. The goal is not to take life too seriously.

By cultivating this new trait in the personality, one can be the person that everyone likes, the person who is funny, and just drips of charisma. The “HOLY GRAIL” of not just being funny... but being interesting, witty, likable and charming as hell. Funny Conversationalist That EVERYONE Wants to Meet and Be around…... someone who people become obsessed and fascinated by, a people magnet to all, one talks to.

Study upon study shows that a sense of humor is high up on the list of traits that most people seek in others.“Humor being one of the top traits Employers look for when hiring a worker”. There is an actual science to being funny, witty, interesting and being liked by other people.

A good sense of humor does a lot of good things for a person. It makes them more likable and increases their attractiveness. Also, people with a sense of humor tend to be very natural at starting and leading a good conversation. Each and every one of us can cultivate our inner funniness to a level that people would admire.

Cultivating humor not only makes life more bearable, it makes one more attractive to others. Humor can dilute the negative emotions, eliminate frustration and suffering. Who have a sense of humor, life is full of fun, and many painful annoyances that earlier seem to matter, can be coped up with ease. Use humor to deal with troubles and conflicts, make people feel happy, harmonious, and friendly.

How to foster good humor?
• Choose to allow yourself to laugh at your own behaviors and beliefs— but not at yourself. Make that distinction clearly.
• See your life not as a distraught drama but as a romantic comedy. Recognize the inherent farce-like quality in situations.
• Creating your own funny expressions for your experiences makes you more flexible and allows you to interpret and assess reality better.

Humor is wonderful. It leads to happy thoughts and add spark to relationships. Apply it every day in life. It is a great therapy which can really lighten things up in workplace, in a relationship, and anywhere else.

“Who do not know how to joke then there is no hope”- is an old saying. In real life, humor can eliminate frustration and pain, relieve tension, bring joy and hope. Sense of humor is an important part of emotional intelligence.

Humor is a special kind of tool for people to adapt to the environment. It is the human face of adversity to reduce mental and psychological pressure.

What is life without a sense of humor? Many a life has been inspired by the ability to laugh in a tough situation and smile at the miseries of life. The drudgery of life is often relieved by these little glorious moments of humor. The capacity to see the flip side of life in the day to day situations and to come out of the bottlenecks of life, with a smile is indeed a great blessing. Charlie Chaplin said that he would not have survived the greatest battles of his life without the great sense of humor he had. He could come out smiling in the hardest moments of his life. He laughed at the ironies of life, the very bitter sarcasm that life is.

Life and the drudgery of everyday living cannot be changed by crying or crimping about it. In this quest for solutions, if one can keep a cool head by being sensible and light-hearted about the situation, definitely the chances are that solutions would emerge on its own. Gloominess, depression and melancholy can only add miseries to life. But humor can brighten life, inspire the mind and spark the brain to look for way outs.

That is why sense of humor is a must for healthy living.
When the going gets tough, how does one keep a firm footing and avoid slipping and falling into an abyss of despair? There is no better tool than a sense of humor. One of the main causes of suffering and stress is a sense of helplessness, powerlessness, or lack of control. But a sense of humor can put one back in control. Genuine humor points out the weaknesses of humanity, but without contempt. It is a commentator of life, not a critic of it. Its purpose is to uplift, not tear down, and to lighten the burdens of others, not add to them. Good humor is a shock absorber that helps us get over the bumps in life. Those with a good sense of humor have a good sense of life.  

Sense of Humor detaches us from our problems and releases negative emotions; it is the best medicine. It transforms our thoughts, which in turn transforms our feelings for the better.

Know Thyself Better

2010-12-07T00:01:00.000-08:00

Most of us believe that we know ourselves very well. But in reality lot of people are strangers to themselves. Why? Not everyone is courageous enough to travel the path within to achieve a better self-understanding. For a person to have a well-lived life, it is important that he knows himself well.

Know thyself, and thou shall know the Universe and God.- Pythagoras
Learning about oneself is a lifetime process. Every day we are given new insights about our self. Maintaining the hunger to know our self better makes us more self-aware, opening up new opportunities to enrich our life.

We are born as a baby, taken care and brought up by our family, receive education by schools and colleges, and then employed by some company to earn a living. Life goes like a journey, in between platforms keep changing. The earlier we ask this question; that do I know myself, the earlier chances of leading a happy and successful life.

It is true that if we are happy with our self then only we can make anyone else happy. To make our self happy we have to know what we are and this demands some self-exploration. The best way to know our self is to be honest about our feelings and explore every new thing which God is exposing us to. Instead of being laid back always welcome anything new which is there around and never ever say no. Then only one gets more challenges and get to know the self better.

Meeting new people and making friends with them is the other way through which we can know our self better. It's always when we meet somebody new then we come across a person with new set of habits, attitude, knowledge, behavior and personality. When we interact with that person we come across so many points which are missing in us. Then we contemplate on the way we reacted with him, or went along with him. In a way we are helping our self to know in a much better way.

Learning new things in life also help in getting to know our self better. You never know while exploring something new you might come across something which excites you and reveals some new personality trait in you. Trying out a new game, hobby, food, and activity should always be welcomed in life.

Life is a wonderful journey to explore. It's up to us how we can make out the best out of this exploration. Therefore let us start exploring first!

We all possess a soul blueprint, even in basic terms, a high level of common sense. When life begins to change, the only place that we can go is within. Going within, is the only way to know our self better and going within is the only way to understand how to proceed on the journey of life change.

Knowing our self better can bring out the best in who we are, and as we are on the journey of our own discovery, be patient and be kind to yourself. Knowing yourself better, is a journey worth taking.

Do the unusual thing: When faced with a choice in daily life, step back for a minute and think. Then take the option that is and feels unusual or difficult one.
Do something new and something you wouldn’t expect from yourself. For example if you often step back from a challenge,just don’t for this one time. If you often get into arguments with people then just don’t this one time and instead just let it go or treat the other person with kindness. Do the opposite of what you usually do and see what happens (while using common sense of course).

This is fun and great way to get new experiences and to learn things about the world and about our self that we wouldn’t know if we kept going like we usually do. It’s also a great way to be surprised about life as things often turn out more positively.

Getting stuck in the same old routine until it becomes a rut can suck the life out of us. Doing the unusual thing in small and big situations, no matter how it goes, is a great way to feel alive again and to reveal aspects of our self that may have been hidden from us.

Expand the mind by becoming aware of the things we resist. We do not need to change anything. Awareness is a catalyst for true change. In its light, ignorance cannot persist.

Hurt And Forgiveness

2010-11-27T00:11:00.000-08:00

We live under an illusion that hurt is caused by another person, so he should get punished, or I have to take revenge from him. In the process we withdraw from him, stop interaction, thinking that we are giving pain to that person. He should feel bad; we can make him feel bad. Even if we forgive we show as if we have done some great favor to the other person.

Whereas the whole situation is wrongly interpreted; the reality is I have chosen to hurt myself, my mental agony is my own creation. If somebody needs to be forgiven, its me, I have to forgive myself I have to be sorry with myself, and forgive for creating hurt inside.

We might not be able to forget an incident, but it should no longer cause pain, forgiveness means to remember the incident but forget the pain associated with it. At times we choose to live with pain. We are holding on to that pain, check- pain is not holding on to you. When we accept the responsibility that whatever is happening is because of me and only me, any situation or person cannot impact me anymore. This is when we are totally liberated.

Life is under control, it is no longer in control of other people, past or situations. Whole life we try to control other people and situations and feel that our life is not in our own hands. But who has given the control outside? Our getting upset inside shows that we are trying to control things outside, other person’s behavior, other situations. But do not want to control our self and take the responsibility of our own behavior.

We cannot control anyone, neither anyone can control me. At times we do say that I have no choice, I have to do this…and feel like a victim and create hurt. Whereas the fact remains we always have a choice. The other person is just playing their role. The situation is just playing its drama. It is our choice to create fear, hurt or responsibility. Instead of feeling like a victim and saying ‘I have to’; the statement is actually I choose to…….do this.

We have to watch things carefully, how much weight and how much waste. Hurt is just extra weight and only waste we are carrying unnecessarily with us all the time. Today we know the importance of staying fit, the diseases caused by obesity, but we are unaware of extra weight on the soul, leading to the diseases of soul. We avoid eating junk food, it adds to the weight and is a waste for the body. But we keep feeding our soul with the junk of others. We enjoy gossiping and discussing others weaknesses. This adds to our weaknesses.

On the other hand if we discuss the strong points of others, their strengths, we become strong in the process. Fried food is very tasty and tempting it attracts a lot, similarly gossip attracts, it is inviting, gives pleasure, but it is harmful to the soul. Criticizing someone else creates negative energy, its waste and junk, creates weight on the soul.

Whatever hurt we are carrying with us is extra weight of the past, weaknesses of others, waste news etc… If body has extra weight cannot run or climb heights. Similarly extra weight on soul cannot rise or transform for better. If body does not release the waste in time and keep on carrying it, the whole body can become toxic and leads to sickness of various kinds. So release the waste from the soul before it gets toxic for it. Release all the past hurt, forgive the people and situations for your own benefits.

Keep soul light, it can adjust anywhere in any circumstances. Don’t overload it with any junk, be careful every day, every minute.With a lighter soul, we have improved flexibility for new challenges, transformation is much easier. When otherwise faced by a challenge it looks like a big rock, we take a hammer and start breaking it, no result. On the other hand with a lighter soul, we can rise above the rock/ challenge and jump across the hurdle, rather than fighting head on with the situation and trying to change it.

Stress And Performance

2010-11-22T04:49:00.000-08:00

In most work situation/ jobs, our stress response causes our performance to suffer. A calm, rational, controlled and sensitive approach is usually called for in dealing with most difficult problems at work: Our social inter-relationships are just too complex not to be damaged by an aggressive approach, while a passive and withdrawn response to stress means that we can fail to assert our rights when we should.

In workplaces where people are constantly afraid and insecure, employees are at risk of "numbing out" to protect themselves. We see it in the blank faces of clerks, the lack of enthusiasm by front line workers, and in the remarkably insensitive ways managers and employees treat each other. The very mechanism which allows a person to survive an emotionally painful environment also makes it difficult for them to respond sensitively and empathetically to others. The organizational conflict and customer service consequences of this are obviously very costly.

This numbing process affects far more than the interpersonal realm of organizational performance. It affects all aspects of decision-making, innovation, and safety. With the thinking impaired, people are at greater risk of causing serious mistakes and accidents. They are also obviously less likely to make wise decisions and create process improvements.

To create a high performance organization, an organization which brings out the best in its people, we need to understand how stress affects people's intellectual, emotional, and interpersonal functioning.

I recently saw a poster, in which a man was standing on a surfboard in a complex yoga posture, balanced on one leg, – on the crest of a large ocean wave. Underneath, the inscription read: “You can't stop the waves, but you can learn how to surf.” Stress emerges from believing you can control or stop the waves. Performance is about learning how to ride them.

Those in our profession who have learned how to transform stress into enhanced performance understand the foundational principle: what's important is not what's happening but how we're relating to it. We are frequently unable to control the way our cases develop or their outcomes. But we always have the ability to choose how we respond to these developments, rather than merely reacting automatically and unconsciously. If we can make conscious and skillful judgments and choices, rather than mechanically responding from habit and emotion, the results will naturally take care of themselves.

With the following equation we can understand the relationship and difference between pressure and stress (Pressure= Stress/ Resilience). Although pressure is healthy and important for completing any project, deadlines and performance commitments etc... Whereas stress is a state of mind, an experience while completing the task, which is very much within the control of an individual. And if we have unnecessary and waste thoughts while doing a job, the concentration level, decision power, performance and the focus to complete the job with details goes down drastically. Resilience is the amount of pressure an individual can handle, based on their belief system and thought process.

Through trial and error modern man has found a unique stress buster—knocking at the door of soul. When all outward sources of solace dry up it is but natural to look within, and to know, to understand the nature of the `self` and its requirements. This kind of mental orientation helps realize one`s inner potential and achieve personal growth. Spirituality, or knowing one`s `self`; and one`s relationship with God; is rapidly catching the imaginations of modern men.

In addition, leaders must learn to deal with stress, scare, worry and anxiety that disturb and destroy the 'calmness' and 'peace' of mind. It has been argued that if leaders are free from stress, they will be in their centered state and higher state of mind, as a result of which they can precisely see things as what they are, and can make the accurate and right decisions.

Stress and pressure, the way it is created today at work is through fear, and we expect that this fear shall help in motivation. Fear is a negative input, and can only result in negative output. Fear drains out energy it is not at all a motivator. Concentration suffers, and focus narrows as our brain becomes overloaded.

To remove stress from our daily lives, we have to work on the quality of thoughts. And understand that pressure shall always be there. Temporarily we all have experienced that mind is diverted when we are on a holiday, in a party, watching TV or a Movie, Shopping etc. What happens here is mind gets stimulation for a while and we feel relaxed. But stimulation is not relaxation.

For a more reliable system we have to work on our thoughts, turn them into positive, through a continuous and conscious practice of positive thinking, we are not only relaxing, but restructuring and reforming our whole personality from within. Like the mythological phoenix, we are burning the old samskaras, (impression left by previous thoughts or actions) habits and tendencies in order to be calm and serene always. This process is not only much quicker than other systems which work on an external basis only, but the results are also more reliable and permanent.

The art of resting the mind and the power of dismissing from it waste thoughts and all that creates worry is probably one of the secrets of energy in our great men.

Revolutionize Thinking

2010-11-19T23:48:00.000-08:00

A mind once stretched by a new idea can never return to its original dimensions. We see the world not as it is but as we are. The size of our life reflects the size of our thinking. Our thinking creates our reality. Our beliefs truly become our self fulfilling prophecies.

Focus and energy shifted from conceiving something good to creating something great. “You will be bold and extraordinary, just being you." We all have within us the ability to be great. I believe that we are all created perfect and complete exactly as we are. However, we experience blockages to our perfection - - and these blockages can be transformed by subtle shifts in our thinking, thus transforming our ways of being, health, actions, and our reactions.

What we are thinking now is creating our life. Stop for a moment and identify thoughts. Are they positive or negative? Recall your daily thoughts; do you focus mostly on what is wrong in life rather than creating the life you want? We build our life by the blueprint and foundation of our thoughts.

Change the consistent thought pattern. The negative thoughts racing through our mind contribute to muscle tension, high blood pressure, and various other physical ailments. Negative energy created from negative thinking is permeating the cells of our body and surrounding our physical Self. This energy is interacting with the energy around us and intermingling to create our life.

To demonstrate a change from this, switch thoughts for a few moments and feel the difference in body and energy. Think of a meadow or a beautiful landscape. Feel it completely. Now think of something that prompts a smile. When we smile, we can feel a change in energy.

Change your thoughts and you change your world. - Norman Vincent Peale

Create a shift here, don't get critical or judgmental on any situation or any person; observe this behavior for few days and see the difference. This shall help to change the present and future. The judgments and criticism are coming from the past, let us not recreate the past again, let us create better present and future, it shall become better only by better thinking. This shall help us in becoming more peaceful with inner stability. And peace is power, power to influence, whether a situation or a person.

Experts say that when we’ve repeated a new thought or practiced a new habit for about 90 days, it becomes part of the brain architecture… part of our living. Let us never make the mistake of thinking that we’ve learned all there is to learn or that we can’t possibly grow any more. As long as we never get overly satisfied with whom we are, we’ll continue to grow.

In the words of B. Copeland, “Life is now in session. Are you present?”

With this little effort, it creates an aura of strength, purity and positivity around us. A shield which protects us from the arrows of negative talks of others and negatives of any given situation, rather giving strength in order to find a workable solution.

Let us find newness in every day, every situation and person. World has changed, so have myself and so have others, how can one person or situation be compared to something else based in the past. Let us deliberately work for and find something new in everything.

On the other hand if one tries to judge things based on their random perception which is developed based on the past experiences, then it acts as a filter or glasses to view every situation. The present and the future gets affected by our past perception and we find ourselves in similar situations with similar people, without any appropriate solution to move ahead progressively.

We are creating and giving meaning to every situation and people’s behavior. There is no meaning in any situation; we drive our own meanings based on our state of mind and past experiences of life. So, let us work on to consciously shift thoughts from negative to positive.

Consciously shift focus and choose to give time and awareness to all that we’re grateful for in life, doing this immediately shifts energy field and emerges into an open, receptive place where beautiful things can begin to happen. The act of appreciation can literally transform our life. Don’t underestimate the power of focusing on blessings each day, when we do this, we find our self becoming even more abundantly blessed with each passing day. One of the most important things to remember when we face challenges or seemingly impossible situations is to recognize that reality can always shift! In every single moment of every single day, we can choose to replace our feelings of stress, fear, or anger and breathe in feelings of peace, acceptance, joy, self love, and forgiveness. The choice is with us at all times.

We are not a victim of our surroundings or our circumstances unless we choose to be! An energetic shift is always (in all ways) available. We simply have to accept that opportunity each day of our life and begin to create our life on purpose by getting in the driver’s seat of our existence and choosing the energy that we wish to radiate into the world and our surroundings each day.

Invest in Relationships

2010-11-15T22:01:00.000-08:00

People come first, let us invest in relationships. What is the point of achieving our dreams but being alone there, having no one to celebrate success with. Today we might have become well connected electronically, spending hours reading blogs, surfing internet, chatting online, doing FB, Orkut etc... but we have forgotten the importance of conversation and human touch, power of dinning and eating together with family and friends.

Let us work to build the bonds of humanity by being loving to kids and family, kind to friends, supportive to team members and customers. Relationships are most basic but most beautiful treasures of life; let us value them, realizing our own best through our relationships. Ultimately Business and life is all about forging human bonds.

Most of the time we take relationships for granted. We find it hard to say we value, love and treasure friends and families. Give the best when friends and families are around. No man is an island and we have to live in a community, in communication with others to survive and develop as a whole and complete person.

In the quest of the success, one important area which can be utilized as a feedback source for our life is human relationship. The quality and type of relationships that exists in our life can say much about our personality that we have gained over the period. Our relationship with other people mirrors our human life in different ways. We can measure the quality of our life by the quality of relationships we have with others. Having relationships that support us is probably the biggest key in becoming that grand person we envision to become.

Good relationships are central to a meaningful and fulfilling life.
For a high quality of life, a person should have relationships that bring fulfillment, stability, and contentment for life satisfaction. Quality of life really is not dependent upon one’s degree of wealth or material possessions. It is more dependent upon the relationships a person has - at work, in the family and friends, and the degree of intimacy and satisfaction they bring into a person’s life.

Healthy relationships support, encourage, inspire, and help one to improve and develop in a natural and functional manner. Healthy relationships are not just desirable, they are essential to human growth and development - satisfaction and fulfillment in life. In healthy relationships, one feels safe, valued and respected.

A great place to start improving our relationships is with our attitude: open mind and senses towards other people. If we are aware of this, and focus on improving our communication and relationships, we will begin to feel great about our self. A person with good communication skills will move swiftly towards his goals and dreams.

Loneliness is a powerful factor in our making an idol of a human relationship. It often drives us to value a human relationship for a kind of satisfaction it cannot deliver. There is always a price for the prize. Nothing is for free. However, with enough effort, focus, and determination that prize will become a reality and it will be well worth the price!

Money Is A Means To An End
We must learn this early in our life that money is only a means, a type of usefulness, an instrument. Like all instruments, it has certain purposes, but it will not do everything. One must learn how to use it, what it will do, but above all what it will not do."
Material goods are to be used and people to be loved, don’t do the other way round, loving the possessions and using the people. It is fatal for our own self.
Once we understand that money cannot purchase the emotions, relationships, or feelings that truly lead to happiness, money (and material possessions) will become much less important to us. If we do something just for the money, the love of it will soon die. If we do something we love, then the money is secondary but it will come a lot easier and it will last longer.

PEOPLE ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN THINGS.

We work hard to make more money to have more possessions, some worthy and some not so necessary. Owning a luxurious bungalow is costly but we rationalize that the family will have so much fun and great memories together. But at times to build that bungalow, the family is no longer together. Material possessions are not as important as possessing shared experiences with our family. Furnishing our home with family is our best investment.

The key here is only when one is grounded in spirituality and has started the journey of a loving relationship with one self, which leads to know and develop a loving relationship with the Supreme, can one truly reap pure love and, more importantly, bring forth that pure love into other relationships.

Know Your Own Self Worth

2010-11-09T02:47:00.000-08:00

In life one may travel a lot, may go places, have loads of experiences, good or bad, but one should never lose sight of who you are and what is the self worth.

"I am unique I am worth it and I deserve much more”.

The way forward to our own true life, is from the inside. Get to know and love yourself.

If we allow our value to be determined by others, by how useful we are to them, we may find our self constantly running around taking care of them, trying to prove our worth. We are allowing our validation to come from outside of our self. Our energy will be spent proving our worthiness to others.

We have the power completely within us to decide how to see and treat our self. If we first decide and appreciate our talent, capabilities and intelligence, it will be easier for others to see these parts of us.

It means knowing our good points and also knowing our points needing improvement. It means knowing how to take a compliment and accept a thank you. It means having pride in our accomplishments but without arrogance. Arrogance is the polar opposite of humility; it is thinking we are better than we really are.

One of the most common things people tend to base their concept of self worth on, is the job they do. OK fine, but what happens if one cannot do the job anymore?
What happens when one retires?
What happens if one becomes or was born, disabled, and all the "jobs" are no longer possible?
Now, does this mean that one no longer has any self worth?
Well, in the eyes of some people,.... But, important fact here, in your own eyes, has anything changed.

So what's my point? One’s self worth does not, or should not, depend on anything or anyone, outside of one self.

In the midst of an economy that has been slow in generating new jobs, it is dangerous to measure self-worth and the worth of others through a job title or the ability to make money. The family breadwinner who gets laid off and suddenly faces unemployment for the first time in his life, the idealist who quits an unfulfilled job to pursue a satisfying but less lucrative career or the college graduate who, has difficulty finding meaningful employment after graduation, suffer deep emotional blows if they tie their self-worth to a job.

Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."

The reality is, our self-worth is in our own eyes, who and what one really is. Not what we can do for others, or what place we hold on the social scale, it's not our job, or our status, it's you .... you as a person, what you are inside that matters.

You are worthy by the simple reason you exist, you don't have to be anything else. You live, you breathe, and as long as you do both of those things, you have the ability to use whatever resources you have, for whatever purposes you want to.

Job titles or status, are wrong. None of that has anything thing to do with who and what we are. So whatever your pathway, it's for you and you alone to decide that. Once you have decided it, and accept the reality behind it, then you have a clear inner mirror, your self-worth is rock solid, as it’s based on your own personal thoughts.

We have no say on what another thinks, but we do have a choice on how we let those thoughts affect us.

May our inner mirror be bright. The more we feel good, the more we love our self and the more we love yourself the more positive things will come our way, since we will be receptive to them.

When we start looking within and celebrating the Truth of who we truly are, then we can celebrate our unique differences instead of judging them out of fear.

Celebrating Happiness! Celebrating ONE Year of Blogging

2010-10-28T00:57:00.000-07:00

A year ago today I started blogging. I am so excited to be celebrating the first one year blogiversary!!!! I can't believe it has been a year already, it feels like I just started blogging yesterday, but at the same time I can't believe it has ONLY been a year. I feel like sooooo much has happened in just one year. My life has improved so much, and I as a person have changed, evolved and transformed even more. I have never been so much happier, never been so at peace, and never been so much in love. I am a better person because of this positive blog. I am happy constantly! It has brought so much happiness and fun to my life on one side, yet keeps me calm and grounded on the other side. I am truly discovering myself every moment with this blog.

365 days have passed since I started blogging and each and every one of these days I have only had positive creative thoughts, how to make myself as a better person, with better surroundings, creating a positive environment all around. I truly wish this kind of happiness upon everyone, I feel so blessed.

Happy blogiversary! to this positive blog! Today is my one year blogging anniversary! THANK YOU to all of my wonderful readers and supporters. You all really feel like friends to me!

Thank you so much to everyone who's taken the time to leave a nice comment- it really means a lot to me and I read and reply every single comment. I would like to thank you all who’ve helped me get this far. I look forward to an excellent 2011 and beyond with more positivity and great offerings that will continue to change the way we think.

One year ago, this blog was born! I think I’m overly excited about today, but you’ll have to forgive me, as this has been a big year for me, and creating this blog has been one of the best things I’ve ever done. Through this blog, I’ve found my passion, and I think my calling. Since its inception in one year, had more than 335 Followers all together, viewing more than 6,455 pages of the blog, crafted 61 posts over the past year.

It couldn’t have been done without you. I could write until my fingers turned raw, but if you weren’t there to read my posts, to give me feedback, to encourage me … it really wouldn’t be worth it.

So thank you, readers. This has been a wonderful year for me, and I owe that to you.
Please forgive the self-congratulatory nature of this post. But if I can’t share my joy with you guys … who can I share it with?
I can't say thank you enough!

Here I would also like to thank God, for giving me understanding and spiritual guidance, filling my heart and mind completely. His guiding Holy Spirit directs my every step. In all that I do, I acknowledge His holy presence and give thanks for the wisdom, strength, and serenity He gives me.

As I feel and experience His constant Presence in my life, God, I joyfully receive your communication, insight, and inspiration, gently guiding me on my path and making my way sure.

His guiding light illuminates my path. His voice within me gives me the understanding, insight, and spiritual guidance I need to make wise and compassionate decisions. With Your help I could create the soul of this Blog.

You, dear Father, are my Infinite Source of Peace, Love, and Wisdom. Your Holy Spirit guides and directs me. Your Love enfolds me, and Your Light illuminates me.
I am eternally grateful for your spiritual guidance, dear Father.
Thank you for always being with me.

Beauty Of Uncertainty

2010-10-25T05:54:00.000-07:00

The inherent uncertainty of life can lead to a great deal of anxiety and unhappiness, but it doesn’t have to. Oddly enough, with all the unpredictable possibilities stretching out before us—and the impossibility of preparing for even a fraction of them—there is one thing of which we can be absolutely certain and that is uncertainty itself.

“Without a measureless and perpetual uncertainty, the drama of human life would be destroyed”- Winston Churchill

We are cursed with the uncertainty of our own imaginings. Our imagination fuels our anxiety, and the only reasonable respite from this anxiety is to become comfortable with uncertainty.

Uncertainty is, after all, our constant companion, so we might as well befriend it. None of us can predict what kind of thought or memory our brain will bring to consciousness in the next moment, let alone next week. I am constantly amused by the parade of memories that my brain produces without any obvious stimulus, with no apparent purpose. “Where did that come from?” I often ask myself, and then get on with routine jobs after a moment of smiling wonder.

“Uncertainty and mystery are energies of life. Don't let them scare you unduly, for they keep boredom at bay and spark creativity.” R. I. Fitzhenry

By paying attention to the moment-to-moment surprises blossoming in our heads, we can get comfortable with the idea of not knowing what’s going to happen next. Life can become a perpetual surprise party, with each of us the honored guest.With enough practice, we can develop a very tentative attitude toward all our plans for the future, with a resulting lack of distress when they are altered by unforeseen circumstances. We may also come to find humor in our unrequited yearnings for security and certainty.

“Maturity of mind is the capacity to endure uncertainty.” John Finley

God's love is always available, especially during times of uncertainty- Happiness Lies in Trusting His Wisdom! Unpredictable, But Sure is His Grace!

When we are uncertain about which direction we should go, if we so will it, God's love will come in and guide us and direct us in all our ways. When we make mistakes and we are uncertain if we should try again, if we so will it, God's love will come in and repair our grief. If we so will it, God's love shows us we must try and try again. When we do not know what to do, if we so will it, God's love comes in and helps us decide. If we so will it, God's love shall always guide us on our path. If we so will it, God's love shall help us find our way when we get lost. If we so will it, God's love shall grasp our hand in the uncertainty of our last hour, and when God's love shall grasp our hand and take us to Heaven, we shall meet Love, He shall embrace us, and He shall welcome us home forever and ever.

The frightening levels of uncertainty that surrounds us at times may unnerve us, but if we learn to trust His Wisdom and love His uncertainty, He takes meticulous care of everything.

As we look at our chaotic world today, we may believe that God has a plan but it has gone hopelessly awry. The Divine mystery is revealed little by little, step by step. It is like an action packed thriller movie where the suspense is dispelled only after you sit through the entire movie. It is our duty to rally around Him and join hands with Him in His glorious mission.

The play is His; the role is His gift; the lines are written by Him; He directs; He decides the dress and the decor, the gesture and the tone, the entrance and the exit.

We have to act the role well and receive His applause when the curtain falls. We have to earn by our efficiency and enthusiasm to play higher and higher roles - that is the meaning and purpose of life.

Lord please hold my hand tightly as I am still in the darkness, I might lose my way and get lost in the illusions of this world. Lead me on, guide me across, let me stand, I’m tired, I’m weak, I’m alone, Through this storm, through the night, Lead me on to the light. Take my hand precious Lord and lead me home.

Uncertainty is the very condition to impel man to unfold his powers.

“Uncertainty is the only certainty there is, and knowing how to live with insecurity is the only security.” John Allen Paulos

Let us accept, however, that things will never be perfect—that we’ll gain, and lose, and grow, and regress, and smile, cry, learn, and forget—we’ll be better able to embrace the present moment. We are all ever-changing works in progress, and so are the lives we lead.

Birthday Celebrations

2010-10-22T23:06:00.000-07:00

After celebrating my birthday this month it led me to think about birthdays in general. Why do we celebrate our birthdays?

Birthdays are days of joy and happiness everywhere. Nowadays they are becoming more and more occasions for merely outer celebrations and parties, which often externalize and lower the consciousness. On the other hand they can play an important role in one's inner growth.

A birthday is a time to celebrate birth itself, the joy of life. It is also an occasion to rethink about life: How great is the disparity between what I have accomplished and what I can accomplish? Am I spending my time properly or am I involved in things that distract me from my higher calling? How can I strengthen the thread that connects my outer life and my inner life? To recall our birth is to recall a new beginning. No matter how things went yesterday, or last year, we always have the capacity to try again. Our birthday is a refresher, a chance for regeneration--not just materially, but spiritually.

The spiritual eyesight improves as the physical eyesight declines. – Plato. Although today parents and schools are ensuring to include spiritual education as a part of early education to small kids.

Every birthday is a milestone in an individual's life. It not only signifies a year of our life that has gone by, but also celebrates maturity, growth and all the achievements in the past year.

One should thank God for gifting us with the precious “human life”.
Today is the day, for whatever we are here only because of this day and that‘s today (Birthday).
Today is the day when we began our journey of life, let's pray God to give us decades of such fabulous days of today.

Today is the day of celebration, day of joy, day of desiring to make life better and better to value the precious gift given by God.

What is the meaning of one's birthday, apart from its commemorative character? How can one take advantage of this occasion? "Because of the rhythm of the universal forces, a person is supposed to have a special receptivity on his/her birthday each year. He can therefore take advantage of this receptivity by making good resolutions and fresh progress on the path of his integral development."

Let this day of our birth be an occasion to give our self a little more, a little better to the Divine. Let our consecration be more total, our devotion more ardent, and our aspiration more intense. Open our self to the New Light and walk with a joyful step on the path to self realization.

What is the deeper true significance of Birthdays? Let us try and throw an entirely new light on this subject. I hope this will help us in spending the Birthdays, in the right way and taking advantage of the occasions for making a special progress.

"It is truly a special day in one's life. It is one of those days in the year when the Supreme descends into us - or when we are face to face with the Eternal - one of those days when our soul comes in contact with the Eternal and, if we remain a little conscious, we can feel His Presence within us.

If we make a little effort on this day, we accomplish the work of many lives as in a lightning flash. It is indeed a very very special day, for it is the day of decision, the day one can unite with the Supreme Consciousness.

For the Lord lifts us on this day to the highest region possible so that our soul, which is a portion of that Eternal Flame, may be united and identified with its Origin.

This day is truly an opportunity in life…It is one of those days when the Lord Himself opens the doors wide for us. It is as though He were inviting us to rekindle more powerfully the flame of aspiration. It is one of those days which He gives us. And this - this is a real chance in life - the day of the Grace."

On our Birthdays, we feel very happy to receive gifts. But there is one major gift that we receive every year that most people forget about. And that is the gift of life. God has given each of us the gift of life! It is very easy to forget that. We become so involved with our trials and tribulations that we forget who we are and why we are here. Our birthdays are a celebration of the gift of life, given to us by the Universal Spirit. It is a time to reflect on who we are, what we have been given and what we plan to achieve. It is a time to be grateful to God for our very existence. Thank you, God!

Happy Birthday!

We must add one more positive quality to ourselves. That will give us greater happiness than any other celebration. Let us decide to add one good quality to us on our birthday and let us celebrate it.

Spirit of London

2010-10-21T01:33:00.000-07:00

London is an exciting and cosmopolitan city; home to such a wealth of attractions, a few words couldn't hope to do it justice. If one wants can write a complete book on this vibrant city, but would share few words and more pictures, to catch the essence of the city.

London is a large international and diverse cultural centre, with art and music present throughout the city. It is home to numerous museums, art galleries, theatres and cinemas. More than 300 nationalities contribute to the diversity and liveliness of London's cultural events.

The diversity of London begins with its architecture. The city features abundance of historic buildings, but at the same time keeps up with the latest trends in modern structures. However, as a tourist one is more interested in the old buildings, especially since six of London’s most significant cultural landmarks received international recognition and were given the status of World Heritage Sites: The Tower of London, Kew Gardens, St Margaret’s Church, Westminster Abbey, the Palace of Westminster and Maritime Greenwich.

Kew Gardens

The Palace of Westminster

The Tower of London, which was built in 1100 by William the Conqueror, is a fine example of the capital’s Medieval architecture. In London one finds many examples of other styles, many times right next to each other. The Gothic style is exemplified in the architecture of the Westminster Abbey, which was erected in the 13th Century during the reign of Henry III. The Tudor style is represented by the Hampton Court Palace and, to an extent, by the reconstructed Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, which was originally built in the early 1600s and represented the English Vernacular style of the day, but was slightly modified due to the renovation. In the 17th Century, Inigo Jones introduced yet another style to the British architecture − the Palladian style.

Hampton Court Palace

Globe Theatre London

St Paul’s Cathedral

In 1666, after the Great Fire of London destroyed much of the city, authorities reacted immediately and appointed Christopher Wren to design and oversee the rebuilding of the fifty-one burnt-down churches. Most of these churches, especially St Paul’s Cathedral, which was Wren's masterpiece, were built in the English Baroque style with the characteristic intricate ornamentation and curved lines. In the early 19th Century, English Baroque was replaced by the Regency style which left its trace on many a building throughout central London. Although new styles kept appearing, the old ones weren't entirely forgotten. Gothic architecture, for example, saw its revival with the construction of the Houses of Parliament.

Outside the Buckingham Palace, one can see guards dressed in their trademark bright red uniforms accompanied by bearskin hats. These guards are the bodyguards of the Queen. Every day, a new troop of thirty guards march to the palace and replace the old guards. This is called the Changing of the Guards ceremony. This ceremony was started in the year 1660, since which time the King or Queen of England have been guarded by the Household Troops.

Interiors- Buckingham Palace

To experience and understand London, One should stop by at least one of the 240 museums in the city. Among the most significant are the British Museum, with antiquities from all over the world, the Natural History Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Imperial War Museum, the Science Museum, the Museum of London and the National Maritime Museum – there's plenty to choose from! The best way to discover London!

British Museum- Egypt- Mummies

Natural History Museum

London is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. To provide an overview of London culture, we would have to define culture. Culture defines an accumulation of knowledge, experiences, beliefs, values, attitudes, meanings, hierarchies, religion, notions of time, roles, spatial relations, concepts of the universe, and material objects and possessions acquired by a group of people in the course of generations through individual and group striving.

Thus, London’s culture defines not only the patterns and traditions of the British people, but a rich history of a developed country, a significant power and the union of four countries each of which have distinct customs and symbols. The mix of cultural traditions and beliefs that add to the atmosphere of London is electrifying.

London Buses

Telephone Booths

London would not be London without its diverse mixtures of cultures under the umbrella of a strong British heritage. London could not be London, without Buckingham Palace, demonstrations in front of Houses of Parliament, Carnival, and London buses, telephone booths the Irish Pubs, parties and festivals in Hyde Park, Art exhibitions in the East End showcasing creative talent in Brick Lane or even Chelsea Flower show.

Irish Pub- Covet Garden, London

Chelsea Flower show

London culture is fluid with a continuous amalgamation of people from different countries to create a vibrant city that is open to change but upholds cultural traditions.

Navratri - A significance

2010-10-19T02:50:00.000-07:00

The whole of India is immersed in the devotional fervor of Durga Puja. What better way to begin this series than by dwelling on the spiritual significance of the Navaratri celebrations?

The demon Mahishasura represents symbolically, the vast dense mass of darkness and ignorance, puffed up with egoism and arrogance. Similarly, the other demonic forces present in the human mind are symbols of passion, anger, self-conceit and self-deprecation, impediments to spiritual growth. There is a continuous long drawn and fierce struggle that goes on within every soul between these hostile forces and the divine powers, and then there is ultimate victory of Knowledge over Ignorance.

The Navaratri is not observed merely to celebrate the destruction of mythical demons like Mahisasura by different manifestations of the Devi such as Maha Kali/ Durga, Maha Lakshmi and Maha Saraswati. Though the Goddess is one, She is represented and worshipped in three different aspects. When it is understood in the above perspective, it stands out as a practical manual describing the various obstacles an aspirant faces in our quest for Supreme Knowledge and how these obstacles can be overcome by invoking the help of the spiritual shakti/energy latent in us. Therefore, the Navaratri celebrations are of great spiritual value, not just an occasion for social gatherings.

Navratri symbolically represents the victory of good over evil – Goddess Durga slaying Demon Mahishasura and Lord Rama killing Ravana. This same struggle is constantly taking place in human hearts. Like Mahishasura, the human mind armed with ego, anger, greed, lust and envy negate the supreme force. The nine-day Navratri fast slowly annihilates the Mahishasura in us and help us to realize us that we are part of Brahman – the supreme spirit present in all animate and inanimate.

When a person gradually gains victory over evil tendencies, there is a void or emptiness. If left empty, the new found victory over evil tendencies will be lost soon. Therefore, this void should be filled with spiritual wealth. For this a devotee approaches Goddess Lakshmi, who provides all kinds of wealth. But what is real wealth? Even if we have material wealth but no self-discipline or self-control, nor the values of love, kindness, respect and sincerity, all our material wealth will be lost or destroyed. The real wealth is the inner wealth of spiritual values that we practice in our lives, by which our minds become purified. Only when we have these noble values will we be able to preserve our material wealth and make good use of it. Otherwise money itself becomes a problem.

Goddess Lakshmi should not be merely understood as goddess of wealth or gold or money. She represents– prosperity, peace, purity and serenity. For knowledge to dawn within us, we have to prepare our minds. The mind must be pure, concentrated, and single-pointed; this purification of the mind is obtained through the worship of Lakshmi Devi.

Our wealth of virtues is our true Lakshmi. As described in shastras the six forms of wealth (calmness of mind, self-control, self-withdrawal, forbearance, faith and single-point approach) that are to be cultivated to attain wisdom. These virtues are important because our goal is victory over the mind - a victory such that we do not get disturbed by every change that takes place in our lives. This victory comes only when the mind is prepared, and this mental preparation is the symbolism of the Lakshmi Puja.

But still the true knowledge is elusive - an individual has not attained true knowledge. This is because we feel Goddess Durga and Goddess Lakshmi is outside and not within. Goddess Durga and Goddess Lakshmi remain supernatural forces. This is ignorance. The supreme wisdom is still lacking. Goddess Saraswati is worshiped to gain this supreme wisdom. Victory over the mind can be gained only through knowledge, through understanding; and it is Goddess Saraswati who represents this highest knowledge of the Self.

The following tenth day is called Vijayadasami. Vijaya means "victory", the victory over our own minds that can come only when we have worshiped these three: Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. Finally, on the tenth day the supreme wisdom dawns in a devotee. He/She realizes that Goddess Durga,Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswathi are nothing but the supreme power manifested in different ways. Then the person moves a step ahead, and realizes the ultimate truth that he/she is nothing but part of Brahman and that life is a continuity.

Scientific and spiritual truths of Navaratri:
Both the Vasantik and Sharadiya Navaratris fall in the twilight period between two natural seasons. The scientific reason for this is that during the twilight period, when one season ends and the next one begins, the position of the planets and atmosphere are both very conducive for the spiritual progress of human beings. Due to the change in seasons, the chemical compositions in the human body also change. Therefore, it is most beneficial to do various spiritual observances during this time.

Thus, at Navaratri, Goddess Durga is invoked first to remove impurities from the mind. The Goddess Lakshmi is invoked to cultivate the noble values and qualities. Finally, Goddess Saraswati is invoked for gaining the highest knowledge of the Self. This is the significance of the three sets of three nights, when all these three are gained subjectively, then there is Vijayadasami, the day of true victory!
The theme of the entire Vedas is reflected in the Navaratri festival: Purify the mind and remove all negativity; cultivate positive virtues; gain spiritual knowledge and transcend limitations. This is the real victory - the dance of joy - ritualistically performed at night, to signify our spiritual awakening.

Commonwealth Games 2010- India

2010-09-28T04:43:00.000-07:00

The Commonwealth Games is the biggest sporting event after the Olympics; very few countries get the opportunity to host CWG. We are very lucky that such an event is happening in our country and our city- Delhi.

While the games may have been in the news for all the wrong reasons, even in as desperate a situation as Delhi might find itself, the attitude of its people can rise above their leaders’ failings – and create an overall positive impression. Let us ensure that the visitors carry a positive image of the games when they leave from here. Let us showcase the hospitality that is rooted in our Indian tradition.

We must remember that the Commonwealth Games do not merely show the capacity of Indian politicians and officials to handle a major international event. It is the entire city of Delhi that is on show, and all of the people contained within its walls. Let us focus on what we can do -- remain "positive". National pride is involved with the event and every effort is being made to make it a success. Let us acknowledge the hard work and dedication put by the people responsible for the event. The faceless people who have sacrificed everything – from their home, livelihood, to even their lives and those who have travelled thousands of kilometers and worked relentlessly through the rain in trying to get Delhi “ready” for the games and to save “our national pride”.

Anyone who has crossed Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium late at night would have seen laborers hard at work, dangerously balanced high on top of the stadium buildings, without any safety equipment. 128 people have suffered injuries working on the construction sites and 45 people have died working for the CWG till date.

With less than 4 days left for the games, irrespective of how the events turn out –the next time we are stuck in our cars in a traffic jam, cursing the Games, the Delhi Government, the corrupt officials etc, lets spare a thought for those who have lost more than we can imagine to make our lives a little easier in the end. Now Let us do our bit to help the event being a success. Let us believe in the people responsible for the event, let us encourage them to deliver their best, let us work as a team to make everyone more productive.

The Games shall showcase India's organizational ability to go with its rising stature on the global stage — as the spectacularly organized Beijing Olympics did for China. This event is an opportunity for India to showcase itself as a potential world leader of tomorrow. I am sure the country will deliver a good Commonwealth Games despite the controversy-marred build-up to the event. India will come out in flying colors with a good show at the CWG.

Let us pray to God together- “Dear Lord, in the struggle and conflict that goes on for the success of the Games, we don't know how to resolve it but You are our Savior. Please save and restore, and bless us all, making this event a huge success, providing security and safety of everyone involved. Please cast out the fear we feel and replace it with confidence in Your sufficiency and guide us all in making this event a huge success, bringing pride and honor to our country.”

Ganesha Chaturthi- An Insight

2010-09-25T04:19:00.000-07:00

One may install idols and worship them. But let us remember the inner significance of all worship. All external activities are necessary only to help us to get into the spirit of non-duality. Love and sacrifice are very important. Where there is pure, unsullied, selfless, sacred and sublime love there is no fear at all. Giving and not getting is the underlying principle of spiritual dedication.

On these festival days, let’s remember that God is one, and all religions uphold the same principle of "One God, who is omnipresent." One should not have contempt for any religion, as each is a pathway to God. Fostering love towards our fellow-beings, receive the noble love of the Divine. This is the goal of life.

Ganapathi should be worshiped for this purpose because he is the master of the senses and only the mastery of the senses can make man turn his mind God-ward. If we want to lead a life of happiness, free from troubles and difficulties, one should pray to Ganapathi, the remover of all obstacles. Vighneshvara (Ganesha) dwells in each one of us as our Buddhi (intelligence) and Vijnaana (wisdom). When we make proper use of our inherent intelligence and wisdom, we shall be successful in life.

The Ganesha story brings home an original message: that we must all do our own deeds out of inclination in our own world, and for our own reasons. Also, we must firmly hold to our own centre. Reason: it’s only when devotion is observed without any ulterior motive can we purify our mind and receive God’s – Grace.

The portrayal of Lord Ganesha as the blend of human and animal parts symbolizes the ideals of perfection and this form of Ganesha also symbolizes philosophical concepts of profound spiritual significance. A Ganesha idol – an indispensable element of every home – depicts a human being having in one’s persona the entire Cosmos, with all its spiritual energies and authority.

Ganesha’s head symbolizes the Atman [soul] -- the ultimate, or the supreme, reality of human existence. His human body signifies maya, or illusion – the earthly existence of human beings.

Elephant head, small mouth, and large ears: the large head of an elephant symbolizes to think BIG, --understanding, and a discriminating intellect that one must possess to attain perfection in life. The small mouth represents to talk less. The large ears signify that a perfect person is the one who possesses a great capacity to listen to others and assimilate ideas. To hear even minute sounds, hearing the glory of the Lord- is the first step in spiritual dedication for which ears should be sharp. After hearing one has to ruminate over this and put it into practice. The elephant takes the Dhuushana and Bhuushana (praise and blame) equally. When it hears something bad, it moves its body this way and that way and shakes off the unwanted things while it retains goods things quietly.

Elephant eyes: are said to possess natural deceptiveness that allows them to perceive objects to be bigger than what they really are. Thus the elephant eyes symbolize the idea that even if an individual gets "bigger and bigger" in wealth and wisdom, he should perceive others to be bigger than him; that is, surrender one's pride and attain humility.

The trunk and two tusks with the left tusk broken: the trunk epitomizes Om – the sound emblem of cosmic reality. There is no known human instrument that has an operating range as wide as that of an elephant's trunk. It can uproot a tree and yet lift a needle off the ground. Likewise, the human mind must be strong enough to face the ups and downs of the external world and yet delicate enough to explore the subtle realms of the inner world. The sweets He holds in His trunk indicate that one must discover the everlasting sweetness of the eternal Atman.

The two tusks denote the two aspects of the human personality, wisdom and emotion. The right tusk represents wisdom and the left tusk represents emotion. The broken left tusk conveys the idea that one must conquer emotions with wisdom to attain perfection.

The four arms and various objects in the four hands: the four arms indicate that the Lord is omnipresent and omnipotent. The left side of the body symbolizes emotion and the right side symbolizes reason. An axe in the upper left hand and a lotus in the upper right hand signify that in order to attain spiritual perfection, one should cut worldly attachments and conquer emotions. This enables one to live in the world without being affected by earthly temptations, just as a lotus remains in water but is not affected by it.

A human body with a big belly: the human body possesses a human heart, which is a symbol of kindness and compassion toward all. Ganesha's body is usually portrayed wearing red and yellow clothes. Yellow symbolizes purity, peace and truthfulness. Red symbolizes the activity in the world. These are the qualities of a perfect person who performs all duties in the world, with purity, peace, and truthfulness. The big belly signifies that a perfect individual must have a large capacity to peacefully digest all good and bad in life.

A mouse sitting near the feet of Ganesha and gazing at the tray of Laddus: a mouse symbolizes the ego/ desire that can nibble all that is good and noble in a person. A mouse sitting near the feet of Ganesha indicates that a perfect person is one who has conquered his (or her) ego/desire. Mouse as the vehicle indicates that one should ride and keep the ego/desire under control and don’t allow it to take you for a ride.

Right foot dangling over the left foot: as stated above, the left side of the body symbolizes emotion and the right side symbolizes reason and knowledge. The right foot dangling over the left foot illustrates that in order to live a successful life one should utilize knowledge and reason to overcome emotions.

Let us celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi realizing the inner meaning of the aspects of Lord Ganesha. Let us do away with the binding worldly attachments by freeing ourselves from the illusion of discrimination and vanquish the ego by surrendering to the Lord who promises protection and attain the sweetness of bliss of spiritual enlightenment.

Cutting Edge- Ingredients of Success

2010-09-23T22:57:00.000-07:00

We have the power to create a perfect job for ourselves only when we use our choice for how we approach our work. We can make our personal and work life more fun, more creative, imaginative and rewarding, by just a little extra effort. There are ingredients of success that work for each one of us regardless of what business one is in or what kind of person he/she is. There's a certain magic in the ability to command and control the forces of life—to bring wave of dreams into reality, doing work as a form of self-expression, as a medium of joy and self-satisfaction, as an instrument of growth.

This redefinition of work from tedious drudgery into the purpose of life, or at any rate integral to it, is a paradigm shift of impressive proportions. Work is no longer separate from us; it is an important part of us. It is no longer the means to an end; it is an end in itself. Money, financial security, power, fame, and prestige shall cease to be the goal of work, they shall become it’s by products.

One can make life rich, multi-hued and dynamic, where work and self are intimately intertwined. Work derives form that we are, and in turn, it impacts on who we are. Draw strokes on society's palette that is strong, unique, and positive. In realizing perfect work, we are actually realizing ourselves.

Happiness happens when we fit with our life. When we fit so harmoniously that whatever we are doing is our joy. In other words, one should choose to enjoy the work. Being happy comes from the way we think at our very core – and that thinking shapes the work we do. Not the other way around.

Learning starts with knowing our own self. Socrates said “Know thyself” for a good reason. Feeling inadequate is stressful, but knowing we have unique gifts to contribute to the world of work provides immense satisfaction. The more one knows about the strengths, more one creates the work life of enjoyment. Let us identify our strengths so that we can redesign our job as such it becomes more meaningful and fulfilling because it capitalizes on our strengths. One understands his life’s purpose and defines himself as who he is, rather than what he does. Knowing life’s purpose allows creating a passionate work life that feels more like play than work. Expressing true self escalates self- esteem.

One should be honest to admit strengths and weaknesses. Know where to improve and do not waste time neglecting the weak aspects of personality. Instead, work at it so that they will be well-rounded to be able to adapt to different situations. When our life moves toward the direction of our focus, we receive the richest rewards when we support our strengths rather than warring against our weaknesses. When we concentrate on our most valuable talents and contributions, seen and unseen resources help us accomplish our purpose.

The key here is one is always blessed with and has that personal power within to create a meaningful, joyful and fulfilling work environment- you are the creator. You are yourself the miracle, whom you are searching and seeking for last so many years of your life. A fulfilling life doesn’t create a happy individual. A happy individual creates a fulfilling life- the cutting edge to succeed is always with you, just use it and succeed.

Irrespective of what others might have told, our personality is as flexible as that of a newborn baby. With self- awareness and clear intentions, one can reconfigure the brain as many times and in as many ways and shapes the soft clay can be molded. One has the ability and choice as to how does one respond and perceive any situation. One always has the power to mold the attitude and respond in ways that are winning.

One can anytime reprogram the neural network of the brain by carving new pathways of joy and intelligent optimism. When faced with an unpleasant situation, which cannot be altered, embrace the challenge with the curiosity of a small child- “I wonder what I shall learn this time”. Solving situations is exciting because the process would eventually produce personal and professional growth. One has to focus on how to be productive and identify what can be enjoyed in the present moment.

When we have the power to change our self, we have the power to change the world around us. With this knowledge one is free. Notice the mirror effect in action, whatever image and energy we project in it, it comes back to us multifold. When we radiate a calm accepting presence we are immediately rewarded with the kind supportive, external environment.

We are the sole commander of our attitude, emotional state, and how we react to challenges. Employees who are peaceful and fulfilled recognize that most challenges can be resolved by shifting perceptions. It is impossible for any situation to trouble us. Only our opinions of circumstances cause despair, anger and agony.

Inner turmoil is never caused by what exists. It is brought about by the desire for something different, and we resist and do not accept the reality. Pain is created by resistance to what exists. Identifying our preferences yet being detached from a specific outcome produces a profoundly beneficial state of mind, the mind is our private inner sanctuary of freedom and peace. Recognize that unpleasant situations are opportunities for growth. When we change our perceptions then the world rewards with a very different reality.

If we are to enjoy our jobs and reach our highest levels of self- actualization, it is essential that we encounter every situation as a possibility of growth and development.

Spirituality At Workplace

2010-09-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

We all are facing numerous personal and business challenges today, much because we are unable to find the meaning in our job/ work and life as a whole. Our job/ work play a significant role in our lives and it is important that we find fulfillment in what we do. Work is as much about spirit and soul as it is about salary.

Work spirituality has become a significant aspect of organizational culture in most of the business organizations today. The values of spirituality greatly enhance the sense of accomplishment in an individual, which impacts on the overall productivity and growth of the organizations. Regardless of what type of job one has and how unfulfilling it might be, one should take steps to make his/her job “more lovable.” Let us discover the steps to achieve spirituality at work place.

At the individual level, spirituality at work is a distinct, multidimensional experience characterized by cognitive, spiritual, interpersonal, and mystical dimensions. Spirit at work involves:
Engaging work characterized by a profound feeling of well-being, a belief that one is engaged in meaningful work that has a higher purpose, an awareness of alignment between one's values and beliefs and one's work, and a sense of being authentic;

A spiritual connection characterized by a sense of connection to something larger than self;

A sense of community characterized by a feeling of connectedness to others for a common purpose; and

A mystical or unitized experience characterized by a positive state of energy or vitality, a sense of perfection, transcendence, and experiences of joy and bliss. We yearn for work to be a place in which we both experience and express our deep soul and spirit.

We want to feel supported, we want respect, we want to belong and we want to evolve spiritually. Money has very little to do with any of these factors. Learning to respect and accept others helps unite us together, strengthening that universal energy that keeps us alive. What one calls this universal energy is unimportant. It is there, whether we see it, feel it or believe it. When we are in harmony with it, our lives are smoother and easier. When we fight it, we are only fighting our self.

A house divided cannot stand; a person divided cannot function fully, whether in the workplace or in our personal lives, our attitude about the world defines how our life unfolds. Make a choice today to live the fullest life possible - filled with friends and enjoyable work. The world will be a better place for all of us.

The philosophy of spirituality at the work place encourages the emotions of generous love, care, humanity, creation, inner satisfaction and self fulfillment. It is a fact in today’s dynamic business environment; organizations’ performance, productivity and competence are an exclusive outcome of leadership spirituality.

Leadership spirituality intrinsically motivates and drives an individual’s internal focus towards organizational development by aligning their personal values with the values of organizational vision and mission which creates a psychological affiliation between individual and the organization and increases the level of self fulfillment at work.

Leadership spirituality provides the essence for improving the capabilities of individuals, their productivity and growth by setting up an organizational perspective containing the values of love, care affection, affiliation, wholeness and loyalty which builds an inner connection of the individual with his organization.

Spirituality in the workplace promotes the expression of talent, brilliance and genius — talent in the sense of our Divine gifts; brilliance in terms of our intellect and the intensity of the light we have to shine; and genius not as a scarce commodity, but as something that everyone has. Our true job is to connect with that genius. And moreover, spirituality in the workplace also leads to increased self-fulfillment, contentment and a deep sense of belonging.

The orientation of leadership spirituality in organizational culture empowers an individual morally and ethically by making them bold, confident and competent, which as a result enhances their job involvement and job satisfaction. Spirituality impacts in the strong communication and interpersonal relationship among employees by setting up a culture of individual support, collaboration and intrinsic motivation of employees that subsequently leads to highly productive and satisfied work force.

The work spirituality is also found very significant in reducing the pressure, tension, anxiety and burden of work and makes the job more enjoyable. Spirituality is found extremely beneficial in reducing the feelings of tensions, anxiety as it aids the individual to cope with the burden and pressure of work.

Our work is an extension of ourselves, in ways that are personal and complex. Almost any job has some level of natural enjoyment. In strictly economic terms work that provides us with joy, work that we would do even if we weren’t paid for it, isn’t work at all. But we all need to make a living. The level of toil or natural enjoyment is a large factor in how various jobs are compensated. Many people choose jobs that they enjoy doing, even though they could earn higher wages doing something they found more toilsome.

While working with spirituality, one has to have a sense and satisfaction of being a competent and creative producer. As an employee, our spiritual self is one of the diverse strengths we bring to the table. Simply by approaching projects, goals, and interpersonal relations in the workplace with intention, one can pursue individual fulfillment while also doing our part to gently promote a holistic, healthy and harmonious working environment.

Transforming Limiting Beliefs

2010-09-16T05:34:00.000-07:00

Limiting beliefs serve as filters of our reality. We see the reality in a different way than others because we have different beliefs than the other person. The same situation is viewed differently by different people. That's why the situation that we find funny might be completely depressing to others. At times we mistakenly look at the world and think that what we see and perceive is the real world. However limiting beliefs color our lives in the way that is only true to us. It's very hard at that time to understand that the life that we perceive is only so because of our own limiting beliefs.

Here I would like to share a small childhood story, which explains how a limiting belief can influence the entire lifespan of an individual.
It goes:
Once upon a time, there was a large mountainside, where an eagle's nest rested. One day an earthquake rocked the mountain causing one of the eggs to roll down the mountain, to a chicken farm, located in the valley below. The chickens knew that they must protect and care for the eagle's egg, so an old hen volunteered to nurture and raise the large egg. One day, the egg hatched and a beautiful eagle was born.
Sadly, however, the eagle was raised to be a chicken. Soon, the eagle believed he was nothing more than a chicken. The eagle loved his home and family, but his spirit cried out for more. While playing a game on the farm one day, the eagle looked to the skies above and noticed a group of mighty eagles soaring in the skies. "Oh," the eagle cried, "I wish I could soar like those birds." The chickens roared with laughter, "You cannot soar with those birds. You are a chicken and chickens do not soar." The eagle continued staring, at his real family up above, dreaming that he could be with them.
Each time the eagle would let his dreams be known, he was told it couldn't be done. That is what the eagle learned to believe. The eagle, after time, stopped dreaming and continued to live his life like a chicken. Finally, after a long life as a chicken, the eagle passed away. The moral of the story: We become what we believe we are; so if you ever dream to become an eagle follow your dreams, not the words of a chicken.

The true source of the problem is our own unexamined thoughts and feelings. When we are willing to explore these unresolved places in ourselves, we stop projecting them onto others. We stop wanting others to change so that we feel better. We accept the fundamental reality of people and situations and respond accordingly. This approach potentially shifts the whole dynamic of a relationship. Friction fades to freedom; resistance to wise responding.

“When there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you.” African proverb

It is so important to realize that how you were treated had very little to do with you. The person who could not give you what you needed was unable to tend to their own painful emotions. Both of you were unaware of what was happening and both ill-equipped to handle it wisely. Let us work on that and check the limiting belief here.

How can we go about identifying and transforming any limiting beliefs that may be hurting our health and overall quality of life? This may not be easy to do because most limiting beliefs are subconsciously at work, and were likely acquired when we were growing up. But there are a few key steps that we can go through to shed clarity on any limiting beliefs that we may be holding on to. Remove that emotional glue to limiting belief and enjoy a life of happiness and freedom.

Any belief that is hurting, scrutinize its base find out that if it’s based on a lot of solid evidence or only a few assumptions. Examine and question assumptions. This technique involves asking first what assumptions are being made to support that belief and then questioning the validity of those assumptions.

Many of these beliefs bring painful past experiences, and reveal a lot of negative emotions. What needs to remembered is that these beliefs are not true! Don't beat yourself up for them and don't feel guilty, because we're about to change our limiting beliefs into empowering statements that will drastically change our inner and our outer worlds.

We have to actually work to let go of our limiting beliefs by focusing our energy to consciously create new and inspiring beliefs about ourself and our world.
Some of the Beliefs to live by:
I believe the following to be true and I see evidence of these statements around me all the time.
• I orchestrate my own experience of life
• Life is naturally abundant. There is enough for everyone
• Life, when lived properly, is easy and happy
• I can do anything if I apply myself in the right way
• Circumstances arrange themselves and opportunities are presented for my greatest good

Once an empowering belief is identified, stitch it into the life. Beliefs are like muscles and they become stronger with regular exercise and in the case of our beliefs, we exercise them by thinking, writing, and even talking about them.

‘The thing happens that you really believe in; and the belief in a thing makes it happen.’ Frank Lloyd Wright

We are what we think ourself to be!

We are limited only by our own thoughts!!

Let’s throw off the limits and empower ourself!!!

Delhi Rains

2010-09-13T00:14:00.000-07:00

This year rain has been really different in Delhi, in my lifetime I have not experienced this kind of rains in Delhi. Till date we have received a total 846.5 mm of rain so far during this monsoon, 45 percent above average. The month of August alone has received 455.1 mm of rainfall - almost 100 percent above the average. And In September, we received 145.3 mm of rainfall till date- almost 88 percent above average. (IANS). Altogether it has left Delhi much greener whether cleaner or dirtier is debatable. Since we have had unique rains this year, one article on rains ‘to banta hai’.

There is no doubt, in the Northern Indian planes, rains bring in a new lease of life for Nature and human beings alike. Monsoon rains have a special and magical link with the hearts of Indians. It never fails to move us. Along with the rains we experience some of the wonderful blessings of the nature like: clouds, breeze, lightening, tears and raindrops.

When it rains soft grey sky drifts to the ground, it feels as if sky has come down and wants to touch and feel the earth, it over shadows it beautifully. The rain drops falling from the sky wash away all sadness from the hearts, along with it. The fresh smell of first rain, when it touches the ground is an unforgettable one, it has its own magic, so thick, and so sweet, difficult to put it in words, as if it is the smell of God, when one rests his head on His shoulder.

The feel of the rain on the face, and the wind on the skin, the drops are chilling, and send shivers down the spine, when I close my eyes and raise my head toward the clouds, they look so young and so restless, and so full of life, so calm and collected, as if the wind speaks to me, telling me of life, and of sorrow, of love, and of joy, of many things, both amazing and sad. When one hears the lightening it sounds as if the universe is roaring and calling for the rejuvenation of the earth.

Rain represents God's blessings to us. These blessings are seasonal, since to everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the heavens. There is a time to sow and a time to reap. Sowing is in our hands, what shall be the results of that sowing depends on the rains. When this rain comes, it softens the ground, so that the resources can be utilized to the maximum.

It comes to break the fallow grounds so everything will become fruitful. Previous areas of resistance begin to give in. Second, the rain comes to "discover" sown seeds. Have you ever sown a seed which did not grow, and you had totally forgotten about these seeds, until the coming of the rains, when suddenly they sprout up much to your surprise. That is why I call rain as a blessing from the heaven, because the hard work done in the past and even forgotten can yield the result later, so keep sowing. Seed is the metaphor for any good deed done in the past and rain is the metaphor for God's Love on us.

The rain comes to REFRESH the soil. It comes to refresh our souls, our house, our families, or even our work environments begin to change. If we utilize the opportunity properly and work on our transformation at this time, move to a new work environment or move up the ladder at work, we can understand the blessing of spiritual rain in action. The diversities and the draughts change. God commands the earth to bless you.

The rain comes to increase the measure of water in the "almost dried up" rivers. One tributary joins another and the level of water increases. Rivers become stronger and stronger until the Word of God reveals.

There are lot of interpretations and imagery which can be drawn out of rains, which gives us the mystical links to this beautiful gift of nature, getting wet in the rain means that soon one shall be cleansed from troubles and problems. Rain also symbolizes fertility and renewal. Seeing and hear rain falling, symbolizes forgiveness and grace. Watching the rain from a window with open heart brings lot of spiritual ideas and insights to our awareness. It may also symbolize fortune and love. Hearing the tapping of the rain on the roof indicates spiritual ideas and blessings coming to mind. It also suggests that one will receive much joy from home life.

And if it rains too much, and you are getting too much trouble because of that, don’t forget the sun will shine soon.

Celebrating Hurdles

2010-09-08T05:16:00.000-07:00

Maturity does not come with age. There are even kids who are matured and sensible, on the other side there are adults who are immature and cannot handle their stuff appropriately. Why I am discussing maturity here is because as we grow mature we know how to celebrate our hurdles. Otherwise hurdles are like problems--problems in personal lives, in homes, and in office. Problems in these areas are caused by immaturity more than by anything else. If by just growing up, we would get matured, it would have been really simple. But we have to grow mature in order to become VICTORS instead of VICTIMS, celebrating all our hurdles. Hurdles are to spiritual maturity as the chisel is to sculpture.

"When life hands you a lemon, make lemonade!" is an old proverb. It is easier to smile at that statement than to practice it, but the basic philosophy is sound. Successful people are the ones who can turn defeat into victory and trials into triumph. We can do the same and experience success! Whether we are dealing with trials on the outside or temptations on the inside --

Hurdles, WILL COME and they tend to be unexpected and for the most part they are initially unwelcome. They are unwanted and unwelcome experiences of life that come about when we least expect them. They are common experiences. They can come from the normal flow of life; they can be allowed by God or even sent by God. But we should not respond in anger or disappointment… Because they…HAVE a PURPOSE. All hurdles work together for the good, although all things might not be good. But God will take those tests and trials then use them to shape and strengthen our faith.

Many who rise triumphantly never label what they go through as "bad" and, thus, don't agonize over it. They simply take it as a given situation– like an engineer surveying a swamp through which a road is to be built. From his perspective, the swamp is not a bad thing. It is merely something that has to be addressed in his construction plan.

Trials and tests are not to produce growing faith for God; it is to produce enduring faith in our self.The purpose is to complete us, to make us perfect… this is not about a high unachievable standard, example… if one lacks patience one can bet that some of the trials will require patience. Why? To complete oneself. If one lacks compassion one may find himself in tests that require compassion. Why? To complete oneself. If one is short on wisdom, one shall find himself in situations that require to look to God’s wisdom. Why? To complete oneself.

UNDERSTANDING HURDLES:

To UNDERSTAND how to properly REACT and GROW, we are supposed to use life, to react differently in life and to grow in it. If we moan and groan about hurdles that arise then we are telling the world that God is not wise enough to teach us how to get through the rough spots… but with God’s wisdom we see that hurdles provide us with greater opportunities, hurdles promote our spiritual maturity, hurdles prove our integrity and gives us an opportunity to celebrate. And anything worth a celebration shall not come easy.

Always remember, God did not get us, where we are today, it was always our choice, …so Don’t BLAME God for what we got our self into. This is the problem today; we would not just simply accept responsibility for our actions. It is ok to ask God why something happened… just don’t blame Him for it. The largest portion of the problem here is that we don’t want to accept a moral responsibility. Fortunately God will get us out of the mess we got our self into.

The earthly crown of life is being able to live life and enjoy, to savor it and understand that hurdles are not personal (it is not at all about you). But with God’s perspective and long reaching faith we find that living down here is not all that bad… as a matter of fact, that life is really worth living and celebrating. This is really a cool place; even we can celebrate the trials when we have God’s wisdom. All Joy???

Here is the actual hard part, putting this into practice… making it real in our lives so that we can have a joyful and happy life even in the face of the bad or trying times..

COUNT IT ALL JOY So the first step to turning trials into triumph is to: IMMEDIATELY THANK GOD AND ADOPT A JOYFUL ATTITUDE! And part of that Counting is Counting blessings. When we stop to count all the things that God has done in our life, shall remember in the midst of the test or trial that GOD PROVIDES and HE WILL DO IT AGAIN.

We are to understand that: Trials test our faith and then Faith tested can bring out the best in us! Just as fire purifies gold and just as training makes the athlete stronger with this understanding, we can have joy in trials because we know that: Testing works FOR us, not AGAINST us.

To truly turn trials into triumph, we must let "patience" do its work... Too often; we want to get our trials or difficulties over with quickly. But there are times when the best course is to bear up under the trial patiently. Instead of grumbling and complaining... patiently endure the trial, doing good despite the trial -
We get in such a rush don’t learn from our trials and we repeat mistakes again and again… for when patience has had an opportunity to work, it produces "maturity"!

If we lack wisdom, ask for it from God! He has promised to give it liberally. And he will not browbeat us for making such a request. What exactly is this "wisdom"? We should be careful to distinguish "wisdom" from "knowledge”, Knowledge involves information, facts, etc. Godly Wisdom is the ability or insight to properly use those facts in the most expeditious way or in a way that provides the best ability to overcome the hurdle. AND DON’T DOUBT GOD.

Janamashtami- Celebrating B’ Day of Lord Krishna

2010-09-06T00:31:00.000-07:00

Krishna Janmashtami is a joyous occasion which is celebrated by Hindu's all over the world; we celebrate Krishnajanmashtami to commemorate the birthday of Lord Krishna, the birth of one of our most enchanting and beloved God, Lord Krishna.

Janamashtami is a very important Hindu holy day. The festival of Krishna Janamashtami takes place during the month of Sravana, eight days after Raksha Bandhan. When I dig deep in to my memory, I am reminded of the various jhankis (exhibits) used to be part of the long winding procession that was taken out through the streets to mark the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, jhankis depicting Krishna in a novel way and in the best of attire. Till date the celebrations of the festival remains quite similar.

For two days, worshipers will not rest, but instead will dance and sing traditional Hindu songs known as bhajans. These songs are an important form of worship, used to celebrate the memory of Krishna- supreme God. It is believed that Vishnu was reincarnated as Krishna at midnight and thus it is at this hour that the Janamashtami festivities really begin.

To understand the importance of Janmashtami, one has to learn how Krishna takes birth. It is not an ordinary birth. It is Divine, Transcendental. Krishna is believed to have descended on Earth at midnight so devotees celebrate the anticipation by keeping strict fasts. Some keep a nirjala fast where nothing not even water is consumed. Many observe partial fast eating milk, fruits and nuts. Breaking of the fast usually occurs at midnight with prasadam – sanctified food offered first to Krishna. Fasting is accompanied by chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra and kirtan, as devotees join together and sing about Krishna with music and dance.

Janmashtami, the birth of Lord Krishna at midnight which is the darkest moment of the night, symbolizes that the Lord manifested Himself from the prison cell, thus vigorously illuminating the universe, dispelling the darkness of ignorance. Krishna's advent signifies the dispelling of darkness, the removal of troubles, banishing of ignorance and teaching mankind the Supreme Wisdom.

Worshipers also act out plays, which are based on scenes from Krishna's early life. Idols of Krishna are bathed and placed in cradles to the sound of ringing bells and the song of the conch shell (shankh).

The word, “Krishna” means, “one who is always in the transport of joy”. Let us understand the meaning of the term Krishna. The word has three meanings. One is: "Krishyathi iti Krishnah" (The one who cultivates is Krishna). What is it that has to be cultivated? The Hridayakshetra (field of the heart). Krishna cultivates the field of our hearts by removing the weeds of bad qualities, watering it with love, ploughing it with the use of sadhana, and sowing the seeds of devotion. This is how Krishna cultivates out hearts.

Krishna is known by many other names according to the characteristics he had and the feats he accomplished. He is known as “Makhan Chor” as he was fond of makhan (butter) and used to steal it with his friends. The incident of lifting Govardhan Mountain to save the people from rain made him famous as Girdhari. Also known as Banwari - the one staying in the groves of Vrindavan.

Today when we are celebrating the Birthday of Krishna, we are attaching importance to His body, but not to His teachings. We can celebrate Krishna's Birthday in the true spirit of the term only when we put His teachings into practice. Remembering few of the lessons taught by Krishna:

All the actions that we undertake must be sacred. There should be harmony in your thought, word and deed. The proper study of mankind is man. "Work is Worship", "Duty is God". This was the teaching of our ancient seers. Consider all activities as an offering to God and all work as God's work. Just as two wings are essential for a bird to soar high in the sky, two wheels for a cycle to move, Prema (Love) and Seva (service) are essential for man to reach his destination. No benefit accrues from rendering service devoid of love. Do not expect any returns for the acts of service. The satisfaction which one derives from rendering service is itself a reward.

Never lose your song – Krishna’s flute and his ability to attract people by music were legendary. Many times, when we become focused on our careers or family, we lose sight of our hobbies and real interests and this makes life drudgery! Krishna taught us to put music into life and life into music!

Work sharper not just harder – Krishna always worked sharper rather than harder! There were many times during the Mahabharata war, where it was his intelligence that helped to defeat powerful adversaries. Brute strength is ok, but brain strength is far superior!

Happy Janmashtami to all, and may the blessings of Krishna bless all of us.

Consummate Exactitude- Importance of Precision

2010-08-30T02:07:00.000-07:00

To be successful in life “Consummate Exactitude” is another personality trait which should be inculcated in life. It focuses on to be complete or perfect; supremely skilled; superb, it is a quality of being exact- exactness; preciseness; and accuracy. “Consummate Exactitude” is what makes an ordinary product turn into an extraordinary brand and an ordinary human being into an extraordinary achiever.

It is the key to tap our maximum potential that lies within us to achieve all the great things we desire? Most people fail to tap into their maximum potential because they do not know how to make full use of themselves. Brain is the most powerful tool created by higher power.

Every successful person uses their brain to help them achieve amazing results in their life and anyone who wants to be successful, should learn how to do this. Once we know exactly what we want to achieve in our life, we can then focus on all our potential toward a single direction just like a laser beam that will cut through all the obstacles in front of it. Successful people know exactly what they want in their lives, where they are going and what is their destination in life, they fully believe that it is possible to achieve that goal. If one does not believe that he can be successful, then how will he put in his full potential to make things happen?

Let us always keep our goals and our dreams in our mind. Successful people think about what they want to accomplish in their lives all the time. They can talk, walk and dream about it the whole day. Whenever we focus and think about what we want, we condition that thought into our subconscious and this allows us to act automatically to do what it takes to achieve what we want.

When we fully believe in something, we will do whatever it takes to achieve it. To make the full use of our potential, we must be 100% committed and willing to take action. The lack of action is one of the top killers of all successes. Most people will put things off and procrastinate and this is what causing them to fail in their lives. Therefore, decide to put in 100% commitment right now to achieve what you really desire in your life.

Now whatever action we have to take is with Consummate Exactitude, means preciseness, exactness; rigid nicety; excessive regard to forms or rules; rigid formality." Precision is the state of being precise as to meaning; preciseness; exactness; accuracy." This is the Fundamental building blocks for success.
To many people, the application of precision in their lives is related to their words and actions. We have precise speech, precise time keeping and the precision of a military drill.

The application of precision, as noted above, is part and parcel of being civilized. It is the discipline and order that is necessary for civilization to function successfully. Most people will never actually create objects to a high precision. It is understandable, therefore, that they overlook this important aspect of a civilization's infrastructure. To laypersons, precision is an abstract concept. This is not a criticism. If someone has not had precision manufacturing experience, either professionally or as a hobby, an understanding of the concept of precision is academic.

We are end users of powerful precision technologies that fuel our civilization and make our lives easier. Without manufacturing precision, cars and computers would not run, planes would not fly and CDs would not play. The precision we create is born out of necessity. A small mistake in precision can cause devastating casualties.

To achieve success means to become master in all aspects of living. Being successful for most people means having a loving marriage, working at a task that they love which is of real value to society and which supports them financially, knowing plenty of genuine friends, and belonging to a loving extended family. Success in all these areas leads to abundant living. But none of them is actually possible unless we get to details of precision.

For precision one needs vision and vision comes from passion and the end result comes from patience and determination to see the final outcome. This is in a nut shell what Consummate Exactitude is.

When the going gets rough, there can be times when the only thing that keeps us on track to success is our vision, patience, passion and determination that what we are doing is the right choice- so don’t stop keep moving with Consummate Exactitude.

Raksha Bandhan - Bond of Protection

2010-08-24T05:22:00.000-07:00

Relationships are the essence of any festivity and it holds true for any Indian festival. Each occasion brings the family together which calls for a celebration. Raksha Bandhan is a celebration of one such relation - that of a brother and a sister. It is one of the widely celebrated Indian festivals. The term 'Raksha' means 'protection' and 'Bandhan' means, 'bond'. The underlying essence of the Hindu ideals of love and harmony is portrayed in all the festivals which are reminders of the oneness in all beings- and so very much in this one. With my brother sitting thousands of miles away, I am exploring the meaning of this festival, I am sure all my love and blessings are reaching him there too.

Raksha Bandhan, also known as 'Rakhi' is celebrating the divine bond of love between brother & sister. Sisters tie a delicate cord/ thread of 'Rakhi' on their brother's wrist, pulsating with sublime sentiment and pray for his long life. Brothers, in turn, give them enticing rakhi gifts and vows to protect and care for them lifelong. Thus, the affectionate festivity of Raksha Bandhan becomes a token of blessings, wishes, enthusiasm & love.

Sister shows respect to the brother in the form of adoration or worship. The sacred thread tied on a brother's wrist by the affectionate sister, is the ceremonial expression of her pious hope and wish that her brother be guided by spiritual vision. This symbolic thread is a token of remembrance and inspiration for the brother. Rakhi symbolizes the sacred relationship between a brother and his sister. Just as the brother gets the thread tied in order denote his promise to protect his sister, similarly, the sister prays to God for the protection of her brother. The greater the sister's spiritual emotion, devotion, her yearning towards God, the greater is the effect of her prayers on her brother's well being and his spiritual progress.

This ritual not only strengthens the bond of love between brothers and sisters, but also transcends the confines of the family. The celebration of Raksha Bandhan has its origin in religion and stretches further beyond its boundaries for a broader view of universal brotherhood which paves way for universal oneness. Love is the underlying essence of every religion. Unconditional love for all beings can be realized when one understands his true self, the spiritual self or the 'Atman' which is the same in all beings and which stretches beyond all seeming disparities. Spiritual oneness, is the ultimate end of observing rituals and festivals and same is recognized by the observance of Raksha Bandhan.

Raksha Bandhan thus serves as a reminder of our true nature, the real self which is lost in the apparent differences. So let us observe the rituals of the festival and celebrate it keeping in mind its essence, its true spiritual import. The spiritual significance of Raksha Bandhan is when one takes a sacred divine vow of purity with the God, to live a life of purity in thoughts, words and actions. Rakhi, tied on the right hand, is only symbolic and it is a gentle reminder that we must protect ourselves spiritually from the vices less we commit spiritual suicide in bondage of materialism.

This life of purity and the freedom from material bondage elevates the soul to its original pure religion of peace and silence. Raksha Bandhan is not an isolated festival, but it is an activity in a major event in the world cycle, for the purification of all souls as well as the elements.

It is important to protect our elevated conscience or divine intellect by not coming under the influence of anger, greed, arrogance, lust and attachment. When need turns into greed, believe it or not, one is on the highway to hell.

To cheat, deceive or steal are sinful acts and are opposite divinity. To pledge a life of purity and live a life of sin is to commit suicide. One may deceive others and maybe oneself, but one cannot fool the God. The wages of sin accumulate hundredfold if one is knowledgeable compared to that of being ignorant of the consequences.

On this auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan, August 24, 2010, let us take a moment for deep spiritual introspection and free ourselves from the bondage of greed, the lust for power and a slave of promiscuity and make God our eternal companion for true peace, happiness and prosperity.

Freedom n Boundary

2010-08-21T05:11:00.000-07:00

As a small child I remember attending a debate on the topic; “Man is Born Free but everywhere he is in chains”. There was ‘for’ and ‘against’ discussion on this topic. As a child I don’t remember much on the discussion or whether ‘for’ was correct or ‘against’. But this phrase pondered my mind many times at different phases of my life. Let us try and analyze what exactly is freedom and what are these chains or boundaries.

There are few society bound chains on all of us, from our family, education, values, culture etc. These are healthy chains and are actually required for our overall growth and benefits.

But there are few chains which we put ourselves more often than others do. We try to conform to certain ideas, thoughts and when we do so, we are in fact slaves to those ideas and thoughts. Thoughts/Chains of resentment and guilt. These are the two emotions we keep holding. Forgiveness has power. Think about the chains which bound us when we fail to forgive: retaliation, isolation, revenge, retribution, reprisal, vindictiveness. Holding on to resentment calls for maintaining a constant supply of energy to the chains of defensiveness, suspicion, and anger.

Doing so takes up a lot of physical and emotional energy. We nurture our resentments like cherished pets. To be actually free, one has to break free from these chains. Forgiving yourself or someone else for the guilt or mistakes, but it does not mean one gets an opportunity to do the same mistake once again. Rather one should take it as an opportunity to correct oneself and become a better person, this is the best apology for the wrong deeds done in the past.

Freedom is the yearning of every heart. It is the quest of the human spirit. From the beginning of time, man has always searched for freedom in life. It is as if the seed of freedom is planted in the heart and soul. Every adventure of man has been the expression of this freedom; it has been the desire for, or the expression of his state of freedom.

Owning thousands of things doesn’t really make us free. Quite on the contrary, each object we own takes up not just physical but also mental space! And thus creates chains of attachment to materialistic goods. If one has to become truly free to travel in life and also have the internal capacity for creative thinking, declutter your life! This is one of the important ways to become free. Try it out today: Look at your cupboards, shelves and rooms and take note of all the things you hardly use but are still occupying some space. Start by giving these things away, either to relatives, charitable organizations, or to maids, drivers or sweepers, there are enough poor people in this country. It’s simple: The more we give, the lighter we feel from the chains of attachment to goods- and free we are.

“Your freedom ends where my nose begins”- is an old proverb. Our freedom guarantees us to do what is right, but not to throw mud on others or hurt them. Our freedom should not be hindrance in others freedom...freedom does not mean to do whatsoever I feel good, while it means live and let others live. These are the few chains, which we should respect and honor.

One can never truly be free because freedom has a price to pay and the price is giving up some of our freedom. But one can work to be free from all kinds of negative thoughts and emotions like, sorrow, grief, anger, greed and jealousy, as they are all illusions. These emotions are ephemeral. All the beings are bonded due to lack of knowledge but they get free and achieve liberation once they realize that the world is nothing but illusion. One who can surrender to Lord, and free himself form attachments to living and non living objects, can experience freedom. Once we get His unconditional support we gain freedom from fear, worry and despair.

On this independence day let us give off the chains that have bound us to the ordinary. We deserve the best and we shall get the best.

Friendship – Bond of Trust

2010-08-05T00:41:00.000-07:00

This being the friendship week, I could not miss writing something on it. And here comes my small understanding of this big word.

One cannot choose his or her family but one can definitely choose friends, having great friends is a blessing. Choose your friends wisely; take time in making someone your best friend. Friend is a person who inspires us, who listens to us and is available when we need him or her. We know him more than any other in the whole world and when we are down or when we are shattered, we know to count on the friend for the ultimate guidance and knowledge. Friend can lift our spirits up and encourage us to continue with our efforts. A true friend will always stand by our side and he or she will help us out. And once friends it is like an asset for a lifetime. Not everyone is blessed with good friends.

Starting a friendship is very easy but keeping it for a lifetime requires a lot of work with this beautiful relationship. That shall only be possible if there is complete trust and faith in our friend. True friendship is all about care and trust. Friends are life no two views about it. There are many bonding that exist in the world, yet friendship is the most pleasant relationship.

Friendship is a bond of innocent feelings. For friendship to remain healthy, fresh, beautiful and cherish able, it needs to grow every day. This does not mean that you start planning for friendship holidays right away. But just like any other relationship, one really needs a fair amount of time to keep friendship vital. One has to work on this bond to flourish, it shall not happen automatically.

Wait! Never impose friendship, also think whether the other person finds your company pleasurable. If there is a positive wavelength between both, then of course it is a lifetime bond. Another enemy of friendship is possessiveness, it hinders the healthy growth of friendship. Never demand your friend to share all their personal issues with you.

When we wish to possess we don’t treat the person as human being but like an object, as if he or she is a personal property or belonging, and we wish to make that object become a part of our physical self, but because it is not possible to do this physically, then one does this by exercising a sense of physical right over that object or that person. The more we lack within, the more we wish to possess of our external. It is interesting to learn about areas of possessiveness. What do you wish to possess the most of and most often? That is the area of emptiness within that we wish to fill by its external manifestation. If one is empty of self-love? Then he is possessive in all his ‘love’ relationships. If one is ‘poor’ within? Then he clings on to all things material. Are you desperately seeking to run away from your own hole of ignorance and true self-knowledge? Then you possessively cling on to books and other such sources of external knowledge. Are you possessive of friends? Then, is it not that you have never found a friend in yourself? Be aware that good friendship is not about owning your friend. This is most likely the most frequently encountered problem. The things that can really damage friendship are jealousy and over-protectiveness. Get rid of these feelings - if you have them - or soon your friendship will have a sad ending.

Of course, in some cases you will need to end the friendship because the friendship had already been damaged beyond repair. To avoid such a stage in a relationship follow simple steps.

The first relationship has to be with one’s own self. We must have a very clear relationship with our self, knowing why we feel the way we do, why we think in a particular way and so on. The first step is to be aware of our own self. Then only we can have good relationship with anyone else in life, friendship or any other.

Second important thing is we should be very clear on our WHY? Why do we want a relationship? Is it for happiness, for security? If that is so, the best source of what we call happiness and security is the Divine. So establish a relationship with the Divine. What is Divinity? Divinity is present everywhere, also in those we consider close to us. And having a close relationship with our own psyche can give us everything we need, first when we are complete with our self then only we can have a good friendship with another person.

In daily life, how do we find divinity in our friend, spouse or companion, for instance? Be sincere and faithful. The key is to give without expectation. These things are possible if our understanding is healthy, if our consciousness is full of light and brightness. Fill the self with happiness first then give it your friends and have a blessed relationship for rest of your life. Enjoy friendship today and everyday of your life.

Once we have learned to be friends with our self and enjoy with other good friends, we can find a good friend in every relationship and make it really beautiful. Friend in mother, father, siblings, spouse, daughter, son, colleagues, boss, neighbor; imagine how wonderful the life shall be. Happy Friendship with all.

Outweigh Fears

2010-07-29T02:03:00.000-07:00

Fear of failure is one of the greatest fears people have. Fear of failure is closely related to fear of criticism and fear of rejection. Successful people overcome their fear of failure. Fear incapacitates unsuccessful people. Most people self-limit themselves. Most people do not achieve a fraction of what they are capable of achieving because they are afraid to try because they are afraid they will fail. Take steps to outweigh fear and move forward to getting the desired result.

Faith is a very important ingredient in our life and the best method to outweigh any type of fear. Now, the humanistic view is to have faith in our self. The providential view is to have faith in circumstances. The brotherhood view is to have faith in our fellowman. The problem is that all of these will sooner or later fail. However, there is a type of faith that never fails because it is based upon someone who never fails. And that is God himself, and when we have that undying faith in Him, it brings security and prosperity. It enables us to work the works of God. The faith that proceeds from God causes God to intervene in our lives in a supernatural way as we receive it and act upon it.

Fill the mind with such a large quantity of faith that fears will actually be flooded away. By this method God’s power does for us, what we cannot do for our self. Our part is simply to believe, trust and surrender to this power. Let His tremendous strength lift us above fear. You are not alone for He is with you. Your friend, your support, He is always with you. No fear on earth is greater than this fact. Use the power of prayer to heal fear. When we really pray with powerful intensity of belief and earnestness, we can turn out our insecurity and fear gaining new confidence. When an individual is close to God, in harmony with God, then his weakness, his self doubts and his fears disintegrate.

Fear is like a devil inside, it is our enemy and still we give space to this enemy and at times welcome it in our thoughts. And in the process become a victim of doubt and fear. Immediately command them to leave and the soul shall be flooded with joy and peace. Get the power and authority over fear. Here are few Action Steps:

It may not be possible at first go, but let us use the displacement and substitutionary method of eliminating it. Accentuate the positive. To turn the mind away from fear, enlist pleasant thoughts and memories. When tempted to start dwelling on something negative, replace it with something that's good and true.

Take action. Face fear head on. Action gives the power to change the circumstances. Overcome the inertia by doing something. A fear faced is often a fear defeated. An old saying goes, "Boats are safe anchored in the harbor, but that's not what boats are made for. One might be fearful but take action anyways. DO SOMETHING NOW.

Persist. Successful people just don’t give up. They keep trying different approaches to achieve their outcomes until they finally get the results they want. Unsuccessful people try one thing that doesn’t work and then give up.

Failure is not personal. Failure is about behavior, outcomes, and results. Failure is not a personality characteristic. Because you made a mistake, doesn’t mean that you are a failure. Making mistakes is healthy, it gives an opportunity to learn and be better. Go ahead and make mistakes this is the formula for success, learn from them and move again.

Although we all make mistakes, fear of failure doesn’t have to cripple you. Fear is a reality of life. It is true for believers and anyone else. However, those who are grounded in faith and spirituality, find that they have God to lean back on when the going gets tough. We don't have to let fear defeat us. We can triumph over it and feel safe. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Do things differently. There is an old saying, “if you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you always got.” If you’re not getting the results you want, then you must do something different.

Faith and fear both come from our believing. Wrong believing brings fear. Right believing brings faith. Keep spirituality strong. Pay attention to spiritual life. It will help tide over the difficult times. Keep up regularly on prayer, worship, fellowship, and service.

Fear is inversely proportional to faith. The more faith one has less fear would exist, and even vice verse. If one gets disturbed and bothered by small things, (small and big is individual perception to it) means the faith in Lord is less. Increase your faith in God and keep on increasing till the fear vanishes.

A lot of our insecurities come from an unspoken awareness that we've veered off the path from God or from our inner fear that we're not living as we're called to live. So if one has to be scared or fearful, fear your own bad deeds, your own negative thoughts. Avoid these and become spiritually strong, being strong spiritually, means that we feel that we are walking where we are meant to walk, and that we are being watched and protected by God. There's enormous security in that feeling and it shall outweigh any fear.

Rehabilitation Of Thoughts

2010-07-22T03:22:00.000-07:00

People involved in self-improvement have long known that their thoughts and beliefs affect every area of their life; the universal Law of Attraction tells us that we attract and create our life with our mind, our thoughts. One can rehabilitate thoughts for prosperity through personal spiritual growth, renew faith and revamp belief system and watch the life change! Mind is a powerful instrument and potent tool. Once we truly comprehend who we really are and how abundant the universe truly is, we can begin to develop faith in the law of attraction process. Our body is an instrument to attract whatever we need. The electrical system in our body contains enormous electricity and potential. If we look at our life now, realize that anything incredible that we have attracted into our life is because we were on an incredible vibration.

Many people go through their lives without understanding why they make the same mistakes again and again, follow the same patterns, and live in the same ruts. They aren't happy with their present situation, but they seem to be unable to make any lasting changes. If we keep thinking in the same pattern, the same issues shall repeat, if we want some major difference, then we shall have to rehabilitate our own thoughts. It requires a conscious effort.

On the other side remembering a negative past is equally a concern. To remember is to think, which is to create. So if we remember problems from your past, we simply recreate those problems in the present. The best thing you can do with a painful past is to either forget it or reinterpret it in a positive light. Again, the solution is to create a discontinuity by exercising imagination. Stop observing the past and the present which you don’t like, and spend more time cultivating a better reality in imagination until it starts to feel even more real to than the present external circumstances. Eventually external reality will shift to align itself with the imagination.

Perhaps you've attend seminars, read books, and taken courses, but, in the end, fallen back into the same dysfunctional patterns you've always followed! Why does it always turn out this way? We struggle to make permanent changes in our lives because we input information only into our conscious mind. Here's the problem: conscious mind is not what directs behaviors and belief system. To change behavior, one must first reprogram the hard-wired center of mind: the subconscious mind.
How Does Subconscious Mind Work?

The subconscious is the largest part of our mind. It contains all the messages we've received throughout our lives. It holds millions and millions of thoughts grouped into clusters that form beliefs, mindsets and character traits.

The relationship between the conscious and subconscious minds is like an iceberg. The conscious mind is represented by the visible tip of the iceberg, while the subconscious is represented by the gigantic lower portion of the iceberg hidden from view. We can't see the subconscious in action, but it certainly has a major impact on the voyage we take in your life.

The subconscious is the place where all of our learned behaviors reside. Once we learn to walk, we don't need to consider how to lift and place each foot to take the next step, do you? Of course not! Your subconscious mind automatically controls your steps.

Subconscious learns behavior through repetition and practice. Just as it learned to control our footsteps when we learned to walk, it also controls our footsteps in our life's journey based on what you've reinforced throughout your life.

The good news is we can reprogram our subconscious mind by inputting and reinforcing new thoughts and actions! This is rehabilitation of thoughts. There are several different techniques one can use to tap into the subconscious mind and reprogram how it works.

Here are some techniques to use to rehabilitate thoughts and improve life:

1. Affirmations work to change subconscious mind; by using positive, personal, present tense statements to override the embedded negative thinking. Repeat these positive thoughts and create new pathways in subconscious, giving it new attitudes.

2. Visualization is the act of creating detailed mental pictures that depict a desired outcome so see success for yourself. These images stimulate the subconscious into accepting them as reality, which then directs behavior accordingly. Top athletes around the world use this technique.

3. Some types of therapy work with the subconscious mind, including Meditation. Meditation works by easing you into a state of extreme relaxation. Once you're in this state, the conscious mind releases its grip, and the subconscious mind is easier to access, it's much easier to reprogram the subconscious into accepting new thoughts as reality.

Imagine the freedom of living life without the automatic dysfunctional behaviors driving for years! When we transform our negative outlook into a positive one, we can accomplish so much more. In doing so, our mind is released from negative programming, allowing excelling and succeeding throughout our life.