A great piece!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kY2k0JcfByg&feature=related
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Soul Mates
A little dancing and some wine. People seemed like strangers around them. Eyes that met and held across the table. Stories untold.
Time spent together and away. A bond that seemed weak and strong at the same time.
The social norms - the right and the wrong. Was it being afraid of the unknown or righteousness? which of the one is a stronger trait to prevail?
Other people in their lives that held on like leaches and sucked at their blood. The mind said one thing and the heart sailed else where.
They told their reasons. Logical and senseless at the same time. People who mattered heard on and those that didn't laughed and moved on.
Life continued in their own worlds. They didn't know if it was real or unreal. Is happiness pre-defined or self-defined?
The pain and the pleasure were akin to the feeling of cold one feels right when the fire first touches the flesh. The burn lingers long after.
And they thought they were soul mates.
Is there even such a thing? Why does gender always matter?
Their paths run in the same direction - will they cross and acknowledge each other while they leap towards their finish lines?
Humor exists beyond the human race too :-)
Time spent together and away. A bond that seemed weak and strong at the same time.
The social norms - the right and the wrong. Was it being afraid of the unknown or righteousness? which of the one is a stronger trait to prevail?
Other people in their lives that held on like leaches and sucked at their blood. The mind said one thing and the heart sailed else where.
They told their reasons. Logical and senseless at the same time. People who mattered heard on and those that didn't laughed and moved on.
Life continued in their own worlds. They didn't know if it was real or unreal. Is happiness pre-defined or self-defined?
The pain and the pleasure were akin to the feeling of cold one feels right when the fire first touches the flesh. The burn lingers long after.
And they thought they were soul mates.
Is there even such a thing? Why does gender always matter?
Their paths run in the same direction - will they cross and acknowledge each other while they leap towards their finish lines?
Humor exists beyond the human race too :-)
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Curry!
Day after day and meal after meal for those of us that consume the curry, here is some good news. Following is an interesting article published by BBC - read on:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8328377.stm
An extract found in the bright yellow curry spice turmeric can kill off cancer cells, scientists have shown.
The chemical - curcumin - has long been thought to have healing powers and is already being tested as a treatment for arthritis and even dementia.
Now tests by a team at the Cork Cancer Research Centre show it can destroy gullet cancer cells in the lab.
Cancer experts said the findings in the British Journal of Cancer could help doctors find new treatments.
Dr Sharon McKenna and her team found that curcumin started to kill cancer cells within 24 hours.
'Natural' remedy
The cells also began to digest themselves, after the curcumin triggered lethal cell death signals.
Dr McKenna said: "Scientists have known for a long time that natural compounds have the potential to treat faulty cells that have become cancerous and we suspected that curcumin might have therapeutic value."
Dr Lesley Walker, director of cancer information at Cancer Research UK, said: "This is interesting research which opens up the possibility that natural chemicals found in turmeric could be developed into new treatments for oesophageal cancer.
"Rates of oesophageal cancer have gone up by more than a half since the 70s and this is thought to be linked to rising rates of obesity, alcohol intake and reflux disease so finding ways to prevent this disease is important too."
Each year around 7,800 people are diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in the UK. It is the sixth most common cause of cancer death and accounts for around five percent of all UK cancer deaths.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8328377.stm
An extract found in the bright yellow curry spice turmeric can kill off cancer cells, scientists have shown.
The chemical - curcumin - has long been thought to have healing powers and is already being tested as a treatment for arthritis and even dementia.
Now tests by a team at the Cork Cancer Research Centre show it can destroy gullet cancer cells in the lab.
Cancer experts said the findings in the British Journal of Cancer could help doctors find new treatments.
Dr Sharon McKenna and her team found that curcumin started to kill cancer cells within 24 hours.
'Natural' remedy
The cells also began to digest themselves, after the curcumin triggered lethal cell death signals.
Dr McKenna said: "Scientists have known for a long time that natural compounds have the potential to treat faulty cells that have become cancerous and we suspected that curcumin might have therapeutic value."
Dr Lesley Walker, director of cancer information at Cancer Research UK, said: "This is interesting research which opens up the possibility that natural chemicals found in turmeric could be developed into new treatments for oesophageal cancer.
"Rates of oesophageal cancer have gone up by more than a half since the 70s and this is thought to be linked to rising rates of obesity, alcohol intake and reflux disease so finding ways to prevent this disease is important too."
Each year around 7,800 people are diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in the UK. It is the sixth most common cause of cancer death and accounts for around five percent of all UK cancer deaths.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Poem For Today
Asks the Possible of the Impossible,
"Where is your dwelling-place?"
"In the dreams of the Impotent,"
comes the answer
A dewdrop is a perfect integrity
that has no filial memory of its parentage.
A mind all logic is like a knife all blade.
It makes the hand bleed that uses it.
~Rabindranath Tagore
"Where is your dwelling-place?"
"In the dreams of the Impotent,"
comes the answer
A dewdrop is a perfect integrity
that has no filial memory of its parentage.
A mind all logic is like a knife all blade.
It makes the hand bleed that uses it.
~Rabindranath Tagore
Thursday, October 15, 2009
A Great Song!
I simply can't stop humming this - pretty additictive. Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1oismHc4Es
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1oismHc4Es
Friday, October 9, 2009
Those Little Train Stations
Weather like today always reminds me of train journeys I undertook growing up. Those little stations that passed by. The smell of coffee and tea - the din, the sea of people...
I so vividly remember one of those journeys after all these years...
On a foggy cloudy late afternoon...the engine blew it's whistle and chugged out of the little train station situated on the outskirts of our quiet little town. I settled myself at the window and looked longingly at the green fields that belonged to people I knew and grew up with, all my life.
The train chugged away at a reckless speed...
Ah! The compartment. Always held a special place for me. Because I see it as a place where there are a myriad of characters that come and go. There is always a story, a drama that is happening right there. It is education I get for free! And a treat for me to simply watch...
People who seem to travel for eating - loads and packets of food is consumed. People who chat, laugh, fight and everything else. It is most interesting to get into the drama without really participating..that's the fun part :-)
I saw people busy in getting their luggage arranged. Above them was a single guy already immersed in a book - he didn't seem to care about all that happened around him. On the farther side sat a middle aged lady, and along with her sat a young girl in her mid twenties. I saw that she was average in her looks, wore glasses and had a beautiful smile. Behind those glasses I saw big brown eyes- curious, ready to smile and happy!Everyone seemed to have found their favorite spots and had settled in. Suddenly I heard a commotion, some arguing and then a thump of baggage being unloaded right next to me. I looked up and saw a fat man in his mid forties, carrying at least 3 bags and a big large suitcase - he had also managed to hold a cup of coffee with one hand. He was precariously balancing everything and he finally sat down carefully. Within 5 minutes of sitting, out came a packet of chips - he seemed such a friendly person with a very cheerful disposition. He turned to me and said "Has the ticket collector been here already ?" I nodded my head. He offered his pack of chips to everyone - I refused. He again said " what's the fun in travelling if you don't eat ?". I laughed - I hated to eat even a single bite even on the longest of my journeys! We were at least 3 hours into our journey. The young man who had buried himself in the book was alive to the world again - he had gotten down to stretch. He kept standing at the door and I noticed that he kept smoking and looking out for a long time. A thinker, a writer, an artist ? who could he be, I thought. He was unshaven, dark, tall, rugged and handsome in a very uncommon way. I shrugged - what do I care who all these people are.
An hour passed, and when I decided to get myself a coffee, I saw that the young man and the girl with the lady seemed to have gotten to know each other, and were busy chatting up. Young blood I thought - never waste a moment. Talk, talk all the time!
The guy seemed to have a good sense of humor - for everything he said, the girl seemed to be bursting into laughter. He then brought out a harmonica and played it for a while. He then set to teaching her how to play the harmonica.
Night fell, and everyone quietly ate their dinner. The fat man next to me had been a munching machine, and must have eaten at least a few pounds of nuts, crackers, candy, chips and god knows what. He had additionally guzzled a few quarts of soda, coffee, and water. Would he finish up all the food on planet Earth if left lose I thought. I laughed at my own imagination ! I was funny - at least I made myself laugh !
I glanced at the door, and on the steps I saw them - still chatting away. The girl and the guy were busy discussing - probably the most important topics they thought they could never find time to catch up on. Did they have to resolve world issues right this night sitting in that cold on that doorstep ? Why was I so bitter ? Why did it upset me that they were having such a good time? I chided myself at those unwarranted thoughts. The soft sounds of the harmonica continued into the night.
I woke up a couple of times in the middle of the night - still could hear their quiet banter, interspersed with soft laughter. I finally sat up at about 5AM in the morning. It was my usual time to be up. I peeked outside the window and saw that the train had stopped at a big station. There was the aroma of coffee!
I saw that the guy had gotten down to get them both some coffee. Will make a good husband to some girl one day I thought! I got myself a cup and watched the sunrise through the crack of the window. Watching a sunrise and a sunset has always been very special for me - I feel very raw and primal in my gut when I see the elements of nature resplendent in it's true colors!
The friendship between the two seemed to have grown.They were very comfortable, and the girl seemed to have picked up playing the harmonica. I saw the girl's mother tell her to catch some sleep and that it was enough. She turned a deaf ear and on went their chat.
A day into the journey, I was ready to throw up at the sight of any food - my fat neighbor had done that to me !
That night I saw them talk again on the door step - everyone in the compartment was fast asleep. I had nominated myself to be the watchdog ! well, the truth was that I couldn't sleep with all the coffee in the evening.
As I watched them, I saw the guy hold her hands for a brief minute - she seemed to be listening to him - very intently. Certainly they were discussing something very important to both of them ! I wish I could move closer to hear. I then looked at her mother and thought - why can't she tell her daughter to go to bed now ?
I woke up the next morning, and found the guy ready with his bags to get down. The train was at a station. The guy and the girl were saying their good-byes almost at the top of their voices, and at the very end, there was a quiet quick exchange of glances and the guy got down.I immediately saw a couple, who seemed like his parents come to receive him.
Since the train had a long stop at that station, I got down and walked to the news stand.
The guy seemed to have forgotten his book - the one he hadn't had the time to read since the first day. He had run back to the compartment to get it, and seeing his parents standing next to me, I smiled. His mother smiled back and began a casual conversation and told me that she was so happy to see him back home. After all, he was to get married that month! It stirred up something in me.
The guy had come back by then and they left.I silently began to walk back to the train.
I went back to the train and saw the girl at the window. She was busy talking to the fat man and the old couple now. The train moved on, and another day passed before we reached our destination. I was irritated with the girl - I now wonder why ?
The girl seemed to have moved on too - she did not waste another minute getting to know the entire compartment, and had ended up eating many packets of chips with the fat man ! And that night, I saw her sit at the door step - she had the harmonica ! She began to play the notes I heard them play before. He had left his music behind for her.
She seemed happy - so, why was I not ? why was I feeling as if something beautiful that could have happened did not happen? Why the restlessness in me - someone who was only a passive by-stander?
But a few years later when I think back, I always smile and think - if it was meant to be, it would have. And I also believe that nothing can ever stop it from happening again!
Such is Life isn't it? These little journeys are always something you can smile about when you think back...
Enjoy this song for the weekend:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vo1MykK4u8U
I so vividly remember one of those journeys after all these years...
On a foggy cloudy late afternoon...the engine blew it's whistle and chugged out of the little train station situated on the outskirts of our quiet little town. I settled myself at the window and looked longingly at the green fields that belonged to people I knew and grew up with, all my life.
The train chugged away at a reckless speed...
Ah! The compartment. Always held a special place for me. Because I see it as a place where there are a myriad of characters that come and go. There is always a story, a drama that is happening right there. It is education I get for free! And a treat for me to simply watch...
People who seem to travel for eating - loads and packets of food is consumed. People who chat, laugh, fight and everything else. It is most interesting to get into the drama without really participating..that's the fun part :-)
I saw people busy in getting their luggage arranged. Above them was a single guy already immersed in a book - he didn't seem to care about all that happened around him. On the farther side sat a middle aged lady, and along with her sat a young girl in her mid twenties. I saw that she was average in her looks, wore glasses and had a beautiful smile. Behind those glasses I saw big brown eyes- curious, ready to smile and happy!Everyone seemed to have found their favorite spots and had settled in. Suddenly I heard a commotion, some arguing and then a thump of baggage being unloaded right next to me. I looked up and saw a fat man in his mid forties, carrying at least 3 bags and a big large suitcase - he had also managed to hold a cup of coffee with one hand. He was precariously balancing everything and he finally sat down carefully. Within 5 minutes of sitting, out came a packet of chips - he seemed such a friendly person with a very cheerful disposition. He turned to me and said "Has the ticket collector been here already ?" I nodded my head. He offered his pack of chips to everyone - I refused. He again said " what's the fun in travelling if you don't eat ?". I laughed - I hated to eat even a single bite even on the longest of my journeys! We were at least 3 hours into our journey. The young man who had buried himself in the book was alive to the world again - he had gotten down to stretch. He kept standing at the door and I noticed that he kept smoking and looking out for a long time. A thinker, a writer, an artist ? who could he be, I thought. He was unshaven, dark, tall, rugged and handsome in a very uncommon way. I shrugged - what do I care who all these people are.
An hour passed, and when I decided to get myself a coffee, I saw that the young man and the girl with the lady seemed to have gotten to know each other, and were busy chatting up. Young blood I thought - never waste a moment. Talk, talk all the time!
The guy seemed to have a good sense of humor - for everything he said, the girl seemed to be bursting into laughter. He then brought out a harmonica and played it for a while. He then set to teaching her how to play the harmonica.
Night fell, and everyone quietly ate their dinner. The fat man next to me had been a munching machine, and must have eaten at least a few pounds of nuts, crackers, candy, chips and god knows what. He had additionally guzzled a few quarts of soda, coffee, and water. Would he finish up all the food on planet Earth if left lose I thought. I laughed at my own imagination ! I was funny - at least I made myself laugh !
I glanced at the door, and on the steps I saw them - still chatting away. The girl and the guy were busy discussing - probably the most important topics they thought they could never find time to catch up on. Did they have to resolve world issues right this night sitting in that cold on that doorstep ? Why was I so bitter ? Why did it upset me that they were having such a good time? I chided myself at those unwarranted thoughts. The soft sounds of the harmonica continued into the night.
I woke up a couple of times in the middle of the night - still could hear their quiet banter, interspersed with soft laughter. I finally sat up at about 5AM in the morning. It was my usual time to be up. I peeked outside the window and saw that the train had stopped at a big station. There was the aroma of coffee!
I saw that the guy had gotten down to get them both some coffee. Will make a good husband to some girl one day I thought! I got myself a cup and watched the sunrise through the crack of the window. Watching a sunrise and a sunset has always been very special for me - I feel very raw and primal in my gut when I see the elements of nature resplendent in it's true colors!
The friendship between the two seemed to have grown.They were very comfortable, and the girl seemed to have picked up playing the harmonica. I saw the girl's mother tell her to catch some sleep and that it was enough. She turned a deaf ear and on went their chat.
A day into the journey, I was ready to throw up at the sight of any food - my fat neighbor had done that to me !
That night I saw them talk again on the door step - everyone in the compartment was fast asleep. I had nominated myself to be the watchdog ! well, the truth was that I couldn't sleep with all the coffee in the evening.
As I watched them, I saw the guy hold her hands for a brief minute - she seemed to be listening to him - very intently. Certainly they were discussing something very important to both of them ! I wish I could move closer to hear. I then looked at her mother and thought - why can't she tell her daughter to go to bed now ?
I woke up the next morning, and found the guy ready with his bags to get down. The train was at a station. The guy and the girl were saying their good-byes almost at the top of their voices, and at the very end, there was a quiet quick exchange of glances and the guy got down.I immediately saw a couple, who seemed like his parents come to receive him.
Since the train had a long stop at that station, I got down and walked to the news stand.
The guy seemed to have forgotten his book - the one he hadn't had the time to read since the first day. He had run back to the compartment to get it, and seeing his parents standing next to me, I smiled. His mother smiled back and began a casual conversation and told me that she was so happy to see him back home. After all, he was to get married that month! It stirred up something in me.
The guy had come back by then and they left.I silently began to walk back to the train.
I went back to the train and saw the girl at the window. She was busy talking to the fat man and the old couple now. The train moved on, and another day passed before we reached our destination. I was irritated with the girl - I now wonder why ?
The girl seemed to have moved on too - she did not waste another minute getting to know the entire compartment, and had ended up eating many packets of chips with the fat man ! And that night, I saw her sit at the door step - she had the harmonica ! She began to play the notes I heard them play before. He had left his music behind for her.
She seemed happy - so, why was I not ? why was I feeling as if something beautiful that could have happened did not happen? Why the restlessness in me - someone who was only a passive by-stander?
But a few years later when I think back, I always smile and think - if it was meant to be, it would have. And I also believe that nothing can ever stop it from happening again!
Such is Life isn't it? These little journeys are always something you can smile about when you think back...
Enjoy this song for the weekend:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vo1MykK4u8U
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Audience Needed?
This evening as I drove back from work, I met a long lost friend and I simply was swept back in time.
The silly, unrealistic side of me wishes for a time wand that could erase and take one back in time to any time frame they want to be in...denial or a defense mechanism to thwart and live a bitter truth?
I don't know..but this certainly helps.
A happy moment, a sad one or simply a moment that occurs when time seems to have stood still around me - I always have felt that it is incomplete without having someone to share it with. I was telling another buddy this evening that I simply come alive in front of an audience. Just an ocean of people and me - it creates a magic for me!
As I sat eating my dinner, I thought - is it the same logic of loving an audience that extends to this feeling of wanting to be with people and sharing everything that happens? or is it plain love to have people around me kinda thought?
And there started my question to the self - should I go away from it or should I feed it?
Does everything really need an audience?
Do you need one?
The silly, unrealistic side of me wishes for a time wand that could erase and take one back in time to any time frame they want to be in...denial or a defense mechanism to thwart and live a bitter truth?
I don't know..but this certainly helps.
A happy moment, a sad one or simply a moment that occurs when time seems to have stood still around me - I always have felt that it is incomplete without having someone to share it with. I was telling another buddy this evening that I simply come alive in front of an audience. Just an ocean of people and me - it creates a magic for me!
As I sat eating my dinner, I thought - is it the same logic of loving an audience that extends to this feeling of wanting to be with people and sharing everything that happens? or is it plain love to have people around me kinda thought?
And there started my question to the self - should I go away from it or should I feed it?
Does everything really need an audience?
Do you need one?
Friday, October 2, 2009
Song For the Weekend
Love this song for the tune - enjoy and have a wonderful weekend :-)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oD16SYpgL7A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oD16SYpgL7A
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Rule(s) Of Attraction!
I was sitting there this morning sipping my coffee and thinking - what is that really makes us "like" someone?
What does all the vibes, the chemistry, the body language or even the words spoken really boil down to?
The evening comes and my little one almost every day whines..."Mumma, I don't like to play with M because she is mean..." or another day it is "Mumma, I don't think R is doing the right thing and I tried to tell mumma, and she made faces...."
And I give her a good enough explanation that tides us over for the day!
But really...what is it that makes you want to be with someone, like someone - what is that one single rule of attraction between two individuals?
Maybe different for each one of us, but I'm very tempted to say that it is all about the "make you feel good" factor. In some way. Boost your ego in some way. Agree to your ideas maybe. Age, gender and space seem meaningless in this context.
Something somewhere converges. And click!
And that's all it takes between two individuals. It exists or it doesn't. The rest I feel falls into a space I like to call "compromise". The pretense that it exists is all about borrowed time - a point that just needs a trigger to snap.
So, my reader - what works between us? Think 'bout it... :-)
What does all the vibes, the chemistry, the body language or even the words spoken really boil down to?
The evening comes and my little one almost every day whines..."Mumma, I don't like to play with M because she is mean..." or another day it is "Mumma, I don't think R is doing the right thing and I tried to tell mumma, and she made faces...."
And I give her a good enough explanation that tides us over for the day!
But really...what is it that makes you want to be with someone, like someone - what is that one single rule of attraction between two individuals?
Maybe different for each one of us, but I'm very tempted to say that it is all about the "make you feel good" factor. In some way. Boost your ego in some way. Agree to your ideas maybe. Age, gender and space seem meaningless in this context.
Something somewhere converges. And click!
And that's all it takes between two individuals. It exists or it doesn't. The rest I feel falls into a space I like to call "compromise". The pretense that it exists is all about borrowed time - a point that just needs a trigger to snap.
So, my reader - what works between us? Think 'bout it... :-)
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
The Idli Cooker!
One of those funny incidents I had to share with my readers...
I do Yoga Asanas and meditation on some mornings with my neighbor/friend Ms.G! To give you a glimpse into her personality - a very bright, active, energetic person. And also very committed to any activity/cause she picks up!
So, on one of these mornings, we did the routine set of Asanas, and moved onto doing 'Pranayam'. After doing a 'Brahmari' (where one hums like the buzzing of a bee - very powerful relaxation technique) and after all the 'M-karas' I gave instructions to slip into some minutes of silence.
At the end of it, she beams up with all the energy and with a big smile tells me - "Wow! I felt sooo good today! I could hear the hissing/vibrations long after we stopped chanting the "M" sound. I think I'm finally getting it!!!"
And I on my part was torn between telling her that it was the "Idli" cooker in the kitchen that was actually making that hissing sound, versus letting her be in that state of bliss! But, my laughter got the better of me!!!
It was hilarious :-)
I do Yoga Asanas and meditation on some mornings with my neighbor/friend Ms.G! To give you a glimpse into her personality - a very bright, active, energetic person. And also very committed to any activity/cause she picks up!
So, on one of these mornings, we did the routine set of Asanas, and moved onto doing 'Pranayam'. After doing a 'Brahmari' (where one hums like the buzzing of a bee - very powerful relaxation technique) and after all the 'M-karas' I gave instructions to slip into some minutes of silence.
At the end of it, she beams up with all the energy and with a big smile tells me - "Wow! I felt sooo good today! I could hear the hissing/vibrations long after we stopped chanting the "M" sound. I think I'm finally getting it!!!"
And I on my part was torn between telling her that it was the "Idli" cooker in the kitchen that was actually making that hissing sound, versus letting her be in that state of bliss! But, my laughter got the better of me!!!
It was hilarious :-)
Friday, September 18, 2009
The Fear Factor
The topic I write about today has been a very interesting observation for me in the recent past. An untold something that is there in most of us.
I'm part of some kind of a financial dealing in the last couple of months where the money involved is not negligible. And all the involved parties are trying to pull the rug their way! It's an interesting play of personalities, mind tricks and everything else in between. I must admit though that I have been a little flustered but amused at the same time too.
It is that fear of losing something that keeps the wheel turning - isn't that true for all of us in some space? And it is even more interesting how we humans have a very sharpened skill at sniffing out that fear in all the others around us! Then, once the existence of that fear has been established the deadly dance begins - a very fine delicate tug that pretends to not exist yet at the same time is given enough center stage lest it be mistaken as non-existent!
Why? Because it is all about how we 'leverage' this fear. Not in the self but outside of us! And in this amazing, amusing, deadly yet at the same time that which has a child-like ignorance with a tinge of innocence - the idea is to let go when the rope is taut! And then sit back and watch...watch the game crumble like a deck of cards :-)
Stripping this idea of all expression and baring it to the core - be afraid to lose and nothing can touch you! Then the tables turn, you somehow will get into a spot to call the shots. That is probably the beautiful side of 'failure'. The ugly side that is visible to the outside, but the good it does to the 'loser' on the inside! Scared for life -maybe yes. But maybe in a good way actually!
Next time try it with yourself with the various parameters that exist in your life today. Maybe you'll agree with me! Just let it go. Will be scary at first, but you'll survive...
Sharing anothe fav. with you for the weekend :-)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VKpKkGnl0k
I'm part of some kind of a financial dealing in the last couple of months where the money involved is not negligible. And all the involved parties are trying to pull the rug their way! It's an interesting play of personalities, mind tricks and everything else in between. I must admit though that I have been a little flustered but amused at the same time too.
It is that fear of losing something that keeps the wheel turning - isn't that true for all of us in some space? And it is even more interesting how we humans have a very sharpened skill at sniffing out that fear in all the others around us! Then, once the existence of that fear has been established the deadly dance begins - a very fine delicate tug that pretends to not exist yet at the same time is given enough center stage lest it be mistaken as non-existent!
Why? Because it is all about how we 'leverage' this fear. Not in the self but outside of us! And in this amazing, amusing, deadly yet at the same time that which has a child-like ignorance with a tinge of innocence - the idea is to let go when the rope is taut! And then sit back and watch...watch the game crumble like a deck of cards :-)
Stripping this idea of all expression and baring it to the core - be afraid to lose and nothing can touch you! Then the tables turn, you somehow will get into a spot to call the shots. That is probably the beautiful side of 'failure'. The ugly side that is visible to the outside, but the good it does to the 'loser' on the inside! Scared for life -maybe yes. But maybe in a good way actually!
Next time try it with yourself with the various parameters that exist in your life today. Maybe you'll agree with me! Just let it go. Will be scary at first, but you'll survive...
Sharing anothe fav. with you for the weekend :-)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VKpKkGnl0k
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
A Special Date
Today is a special date being 09/09/09 and turned out to be a special day too...
It's one of those days that seems to be a figment of your imagination, all coming alive!
A day where things seem to flow the way you want them to, and the sunshine, the food, people - all seems great!
A great song to go with it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ibl6YKyyYU
It's one of those days that seems to be a figment of your imagination, all coming alive!
A day where things seem to flow the way you want them to, and the sunshine, the food, people - all seems great!
A great song to go with it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ibl6YKyyYU
Monday, September 7, 2009
Those Feel Good Factors!
A great song, those high notes or just watching some kind of expression of a talent on a stage gives me a super high! I'm sure all of you have one such song that puts you back there!
Meeting some people, listening to something or simply reading a book has pockets of that high hidden! I always wonder if this 'high' can be generalized on a common plane only to differ under a given set of circumstances - or is this 'high' factor different in itself for each of us? where does it differ at an individual level?
Blogging like this with my laptop on the counter top while I cook some Red Beans is one of my many other highs ;-)
A cool song I'm listening to as I write this - here's for you to enjoy :-)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hM8ZEYnXyPg
Meeting some people, listening to something or simply reading a book has pockets of that high hidden! I always wonder if this 'high' can be generalized on a common plane only to differ under a given set of circumstances - or is this 'high' factor different in itself for each of us? where does it differ at an individual level?
Blogging like this with my laptop on the counter top while I cook some Red Beans is one of my many other highs ;-)
A cool song I'm listening to as I write this - here's for you to enjoy :-)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hM8ZEYnXyPg
Monday, August 31, 2009
For Once
Day after day
Night after night
as I brave all that life throws at me...
Week after week
Month after month
as I survive just for that moment...
The insults I bear
The hostility I survive
When all that one gets is ridiculed
When all I look forward to is a good word
The moment that is pivotal to this existence
comes and seems to standstill
A moment shrouded in silence
A moment where I pick those pearls of love
A moment where I shed those thorns that have pierced my flesh
A moment where I look for those little words that give me the strength
My heart questions me then
What do I mean to you?
An empty space...
A void that exists between real and the unreal
What do I mean to you?
I know what I know from all that is unspoken...
But, I live to hear those little whispers
And I on my part will wait a lifetime
to hear...
For once let me know
What I mean to you...
Night after night
as I brave all that life throws at me...
Week after week
Month after month
as I survive just for that moment...
The insults I bear
The hostility I survive
When all that one gets is ridiculed
When all I look forward to is a good word
The moment that is pivotal to this existence
comes and seems to standstill
A moment shrouded in silence
A moment where I pick those pearls of love
A moment where I shed those thorns that have pierced my flesh
A moment where I look for those little words that give me the strength
My heart questions me then
What do I mean to you?
An empty space...
A void that exists between real and the unreal
What do I mean to you?
I know what I know from all that is unspoken...
But, I live to hear those little whispers
And I on my part will wait a lifetime
to hear...
For once let me know
What I mean to you...
Friday, August 28, 2009
Song For the weekend
A mellow mood in sharp contrast to the hectic weekend seems to be defiantly creeping in ..
Enjoy the song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvG7kBeRrJ0&feature=PlayList&p=D0DC0B207B42B43D&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=9
Enjoy the song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvG7kBeRrJ0&feature=PlayList&p=D0DC0B207B42B43D&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=9
Monday, August 24, 2009
On Being Tired
An article I recently read - written by Sri Sri...
If you are not tired, you will never reach home. Only if you're tired, will you ever rest. Everything in the world will tire you. Only one thing does not tire you. That is love.
Love does not tire you because that is the end, the home. It is not possible to be tired in love.
In fact, enjoyment brings tiredness! Tiredness is a shadow of enjoyment. What puts you on the road is your desire to enjoy. What brings you home is being in love. In your life, you move from one place to another in search of enjoyment. Wherever you saw joy and reached for it, you found that it was further away, somewhere else. So you had to move on and that moving is tiring.
Look at your whole life. A child gets tired of playing with toys and wants new toys. Tired of playing with new toys, they want people to play with, they want new friends. They grow a little older. Their games change. The object of the game changes. They want something more. So it's like moving from one type of tiredness to another type of tiredness.
As a teenager you looked for something else, not toys. Which is the new movie? What is the new fashion? You want to have the best match for you. You are married. You make a very good couple. Then what? You want to have your own home, children. Those who are single think that married people are better off. Those who are married think that single people are better off.
Some think that people with children are happier. People with children wish everyday that their child grows up quickly so that they can be free. They wait for someone to give them a break, to take care of their children. Everything is tiring.
You move from one spiritual path to another spiritual path, from one practice to another. Sometimes people say, "Oh, I have meditated for 20 years. I am sick of meditation now. Please don't tell me to do another meditation. Enough is enough." It's boring. People have no time. They find it boring to meditate. What to do? Where to go? When is that rest? That solace? That peace? When is that love that is so comforting, so eternal, so blissful? And you cannot rest until you reach home.
You may sit in the path here and there but you cannot be there forever. You may take a break. On the motorway, there is some rest place. On the way, you stop your car, use the restroom, stay a while and stretch. But that is all. You cannot rest there, or be at peace there. At the back of the mind the drive is there - move on. There is no fulfillment.
It is the desire that tires you - the 'want' in the mind. Your mind tires you more than the physical work. If you are willing to do some work, even 15 hours at a stretch, it will not tire you. However if you are not willing and you have to work even for four hours, it will tire you.
You have a party at home or you are arranging Christmas decorations. So you may work many late hours but still not feel tired. You feel good about it. But you work in some place you don't like, you'd like to have four coffee or tea breaks and even then you feel it's tiring! Do not do any work at all. Just sit and go on thinking. You'll be terribly exhausted. For many people, the tiredness and exhaustion comes from thinking and worrying, not by working.
Thinking you need rest makes you restless.
Thinking you have to work hard makes you tired.
Thinking you have worked hard brings self-pity.
There is a place to rest. That is the Divine, that is surrender and that is love. And you can't do it unless you get really tired, unless you get sick of everything. You drop down. That is called surrender.
There was a king, an emperor. He attained all that he wanted to in the world, all the wealth, the whole continent was under his control. He thought that this is his world. Thousands of people were under his command, all the wealth at his disposal, all the pleasures at his beck and call. He could snap his finger and get anything he wanted. But that couldn't get him home. It made him more and more tired.
Then he went looking for some spiritual knowledge. He went from place to place, collecting things here and there, but nothing worked. Everything seemed to work for a while. Finally, he got so tired that he renounced everything. That also didn't work. Being an emperor didn't work. Renouncing everything didn't work.
One day he fell near a tree. He was exhausted of looking for, but not finding, a real master. It's not easy to find a master. Even if one finds a master, it is difficult to recognize and let go. So, he finally dropped under a tree and at that moment a dry leaf fell down from the tree.
He was looking at the leaf and that leaf flew to the east when the wind blew east and it flew to the north when the wind blew north. Looking at that, something in him suddenly snapped - the "doership" - The 'want' simply dropped from him. The very moment he realized that that moment is so eternal and he came back home.
Make life that way - become like a dry leaf - agree with what the Divine has provided for you, float with the moment. Do not regret the past, do not anticipate the future. That is what all the enlightened masters say, "Keep practicing on your own. When you feel you can't do any more, that it's all so tiring, then come and rest." That's why the places of enlightened masters are called 'ashrama', where you come and get rid of your tiredness. 'Shrama' means effort. Ashrama means the place where all the efforts loosen up. All tiredness, both mental and physical, vanishes. Even spiritual, you don't have to strive for it.
Just sit there. There is a candle, a light burning for you. You only have to sit under its light. You're lit. You don't have to do anything. It's burning for you. You only have to connect, sit there and feel the presence. Be a part of the divinity, then you will find that nothing can tire you in the world. You will become the source of love. You are the home. Things cannot irritate you.
When you are tired, small little things can irritate you, push your button, can throw you off balance. Our peace is so fragile that anything, even a phone call, can blow it off. Our peace will be in hundred pieces - just a few words from someone. Fragile peace is of no use. The peace and love in our life should be so solid, like a diamond. Nothing should shake or move it.
Desire, awareness of the Self and action all are manifestation of the same energy that is you. Among these three, one of them dominates at a time. When you have lots of desires, you are not aware of the Self. When desire dominates, self-awareness will be at its lowest, and that's why all the philosophers around the world have always advocated renunciation and dropping of desires.
When the awareness is dominant, then happiness dawns. When desire dominates, stress and sorrow result. When actions dominate, restlessness and disease is the result. When your actions and desires are sincerely directed to the Divine or to the welfare of society, then the consciousness is automatically elevated, and self-knowledge is sure to be attained.
You cannot rest when you have to do something that you cannot. And you cannot rest when you feel you have to be someone whom you are not. You are not required to do what you cannot. You will not be asked to give what you cannot give. Nothing is expected of you that you cannot do.
If you are not tired, you will never reach home. Only if you're tired, will you ever rest. Everything in the world will tire you. Only one thing does not tire you. That is love.
Love does not tire you because that is the end, the home. It is not possible to be tired in love.
In fact, enjoyment brings tiredness! Tiredness is a shadow of enjoyment. What puts you on the road is your desire to enjoy. What brings you home is being in love. In your life, you move from one place to another in search of enjoyment. Wherever you saw joy and reached for it, you found that it was further away, somewhere else. So you had to move on and that moving is tiring.
Look at your whole life. A child gets tired of playing with toys and wants new toys. Tired of playing with new toys, they want people to play with, they want new friends. They grow a little older. Their games change. The object of the game changes. They want something more. So it's like moving from one type of tiredness to another type of tiredness.
As a teenager you looked for something else, not toys. Which is the new movie? What is the new fashion? You want to have the best match for you. You are married. You make a very good couple. Then what? You want to have your own home, children. Those who are single think that married people are better off. Those who are married think that single people are better off.
Some think that people with children are happier. People with children wish everyday that their child grows up quickly so that they can be free. They wait for someone to give them a break, to take care of their children. Everything is tiring.
You move from one spiritual path to another spiritual path, from one practice to another. Sometimes people say, "Oh, I have meditated for 20 years. I am sick of meditation now. Please don't tell me to do another meditation. Enough is enough." It's boring. People have no time. They find it boring to meditate. What to do? Where to go? When is that rest? That solace? That peace? When is that love that is so comforting, so eternal, so blissful? And you cannot rest until you reach home.
You may sit in the path here and there but you cannot be there forever. You may take a break. On the motorway, there is some rest place. On the way, you stop your car, use the restroom, stay a while and stretch. But that is all. You cannot rest there, or be at peace there. At the back of the mind the drive is there - move on. There is no fulfillment.
It is the desire that tires you - the 'want' in the mind. Your mind tires you more than the physical work. If you are willing to do some work, even 15 hours at a stretch, it will not tire you. However if you are not willing and you have to work even for four hours, it will tire you.
You have a party at home or you are arranging Christmas decorations. So you may work many late hours but still not feel tired. You feel good about it. But you work in some place you don't like, you'd like to have four coffee or tea breaks and even then you feel it's tiring! Do not do any work at all. Just sit and go on thinking. You'll be terribly exhausted. For many people, the tiredness and exhaustion comes from thinking and worrying, not by working.
Thinking you need rest makes you restless.
Thinking you have to work hard makes you tired.
Thinking you have worked hard brings self-pity.
There is a place to rest. That is the Divine, that is surrender and that is love. And you can't do it unless you get really tired, unless you get sick of everything. You drop down. That is called surrender.
There was a king, an emperor. He attained all that he wanted to in the world, all the wealth, the whole continent was under his control. He thought that this is his world. Thousands of people were under his command, all the wealth at his disposal, all the pleasures at his beck and call. He could snap his finger and get anything he wanted. But that couldn't get him home. It made him more and more tired.
Then he went looking for some spiritual knowledge. He went from place to place, collecting things here and there, but nothing worked. Everything seemed to work for a while. Finally, he got so tired that he renounced everything. That also didn't work. Being an emperor didn't work. Renouncing everything didn't work.
One day he fell near a tree. He was exhausted of looking for, but not finding, a real master. It's not easy to find a master. Even if one finds a master, it is difficult to recognize and let go. So, he finally dropped under a tree and at that moment a dry leaf fell down from the tree.
He was looking at the leaf and that leaf flew to the east when the wind blew east and it flew to the north when the wind blew north. Looking at that, something in him suddenly snapped - the "doership" - The 'want' simply dropped from him. The very moment he realized that that moment is so eternal and he came back home.
Make life that way - become like a dry leaf - agree with what the Divine has provided for you, float with the moment. Do not regret the past, do not anticipate the future. That is what all the enlightened masters say, "Keep practicing on your own. When you feel you can't do any more, that it's all so tiring, then come and rest." That's why the places of enlightened masters are called 'ashrama', where you come and get rid of your tiredness. 'Shrama' means effort. Ashrama means the place where all the efforts loosen up. All tiredness, both mental and physical, vanishes. Even spiritual, you don't have to strive for it.
Just sit there. There is a candle, a light burning for you. You only have to sit under its light. You're lit. You don't have to do anything. It's burning for you. You only have to connect, sit there and feel the presence. Be a part of the divinity, then you will find that nothing can tire you in the world. You will become the source of love. You are the home. Things cannot irritate you.
When you are tired, small little things can irritate you, push your button, can throw you off balance. Our peace is so fragile that anything, even a phone call, can blow it off. Our peace will be in hundred pieces - just a few words from someone. Fragile peace is of no use. The peace and love in our life should be so solid, like a diamond. Nothing should shake or move it.
Desire, awareness of the Self and action all are manifestation of the same energy that is you. Among these three, one of them dominates at a time. When you have lots of desires, you are not aware of the Self. When desire dominates, self-awareness will be at its lowest, and that's why all the philosophers around the world have always advocated renunciation and dropping of desires.
When the awareness is dominant, then happiness dawns. When desire dominates, stress and sorrow result. When actions dominate, restlessness and disease is the result. When your actions and desires are sincerely directed to the Divine or to the welfare of society, then the consciousness is automatically elevated, and self-knowledge is sure to be attained.
You cannot rest when you have to do something that you cannot. And you cannot rest when you feel you have to be someone whom you are not. You are not required to do what you cannot. You will not be asked to give what you cannot give. Nothing is expected of you that you cannot do.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
When The Stars Align...
My mom's voice over the phone "Please pick a Muhurtham that is good for your Nakshatram (star sign)...remember to tell the Pujari (priest) to...."
A hundred phone calls and a million instructions later, I set the date to move to the new place.
My friends have been teasing me about how miserable I have been to move away from my cozy little old home.I have been having sleepless nights and wake up at 4:00 AM and sit there all by myself. It is so painful to move away from here...it is not just a house, but has been a home with a zillion memories, all of which I have tightly wrapped in my fists and have shut them tight lest they escape...
Trips to the Indian grocery store, to the American grocery stores - collecting fruits, flowers and a ton of other Indian Pooja specific tid-bits, rendered me exhausted with a terrible back ache and unable to even stand up just before the day of the pooja!
The evening before, I did all that was expected of me...string the flowers, set up everything, soak the right ingredients to make the Prasadam (offering to God) the next day etc. etc. And that night - very late in the night something happened that changed the entire plan.
Mother nature had her own way of showing me how minuscule we were in the entire bigger game plan! A simple change at one point made the entire thing collapse like a deck of cards, pieces in a game of Dominoes.
Over and out- that's it! The whole thing changed. It was almost as if my un-willingness to let go of this home was turning to a reality.
Anyway, I geared up again the next week and this time around did what my instinct told me to do. It became a simple task of signifying an event that would mark a change, a happening and a move! It turned into a moment where positive thoughts pervaded, a moment where beautiful memories presented me reasons to smile about...all of this was no where on the plan.
And not ruled by the stars!
And when those stars align the next time, I know deep in my heart that they will bring with them a million reasons that will make me want to smile, a zillion reasons that will make me want to live all over again...and an infinite other reasons that will help me make someone other than me happy! Selflessly happy!
Till then I'll gaze at those twinkling, celestial objects...night after night...
A hundred phone calls and a million instructions later, I set the date to move to the new place.
My friends have been teasing me about how miserable I have been to move away from my cozy little old home.I have been having sleepless nights and wake up at 4:00 AM and sit there all by myself. It is so painful to move away from here...it is not just a house, but has been a home with a zillion memories, all of which I have tightly wrapped in my fists and have shut them tight lest they escape...
Trips to the Indian grocery store, to the American grocery stores - collecting fruits, flowers and a ton of other Indian Pooja specific tid-bits, rendered me exhausted with a terrible back ache and unable to even stand up just before the day of the pooja!
The evening before, I did all that was expected of me...string the flowers, set up everything, soak the right ingredients to make the Prasadam (offering to God) the next day etc. etc. And that night - very late in the night something happened that changed the entire plan.
Mother nature had her own way of showing me how minuscule we were in the entire bigger game plan! A simple change at one point made the entire thing collapse like a deck of cards, pieces in a game of Dominoes.
Over and out- that's it! The whole thing changed. It was almost as if my un-willingness to let go of this home was turning to a reality.
Anyway, I geared up again the next week and this time around did what my instinct told me to do. It became a simple task of signifying an event that would mark a change, a happening and a move! It turned into a moment where positive thoughts pervaded, a moment where beautiful memories presented me reasons to smile about...all of this was no where on the plan.
And not ruled by the stars!
And when those stars align the next time, I know deep in my heart that they will bring with them a million reasons that will make me want to smile, a zillion reasons that will make me want to live all over again...and an infinite other reasons that will help me make someone other than me happy! Selflessly happy!
Till then I'll gaze at those twinkling, celestial objects...night after night...
Friday, August 7, 2009
What Rules?
We've all grown up hearing to "Do this, don't do that", "This is good, that is bad", "Don't say it this way, and do it that way" kind of rules. And I'm sure as very young kids we followed them, a few years later rebelled against them, a few more years later accepted them and so the cycle continues. They may be the same set of rules - which we accept and defy depending on various set of parameters governing that moment in time.
A very close buddy of mine is one of those people who thinks "rules? what rules?" for any given rule that crosses her path. A total rebel at that! There is another family member who thinks rules are rules and breaking them is complete blasphemy! And what do I think? I totally think every rule has an exception (too cliched perhaps!) and is so totally meant to be broken :-) I think they are made for convenience, created out of a necessity and hence can be modified for convenience - so that they serve the purpose of their existence! Aye? Nay?
I have had very heated discussions with very close friends of mine in the past - my point was always that if one believed in something and if rules were meant to be broken, then they simply had to be done. There is nothing that is right or wrong. It all lies within our perspective. It is all about how much one is willing to give..Aye? Nay? What say?
Can rules give us happiness? What use are those rules if they hurt you and those who live for you? And who made these rules in the first place? Isn't every rule an "interpretation" of sorts by you and thus rendering it a modification at some level by you?
Isn't it all about being afraid? Afraid to lose something? Then who are we calling cowards? Those that openly show it? or us who safely play the game by the rules, but would like to talk tall and heckle the cowards, who actually have the courage to be what they are out in the open? Ofcourse, they live by the rules...
It's all about being happy - so whatever works for each of us should be good! Yeah? :-) Like I always say - play the field with your own rules. There is nothing that is wrong or right.
The past is to be remembered fondly, bad happenings are meant to be purged, every hug and smile to be cherished - in the end live it in a way that makes you and those who love you happy!
Take care of yourself this weekend...you maybe precious to someone too.
This song is for you...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ViOwA3vKVY
A very close buddy of mine is one of those people who thinks "rules? what rules?" for any given rule that crosses her path. A total rebel at that! There is another family member who thinks rules are rules and breaking them is complete blasphemy! And what do I think? I totally think every rule has an exception (too cliched perhaps!) and is so totally meant to be broken :-) I think they are made for convenience, created out of a necessity and hence can be modified for convenience - so that they serve the purpose of their existence! Aye? Nay?
I have had very heated discussions with very close friends of mine in the past - my point was always that if one believed in something and if rules were meant to be broken, then they simply had to be done. There is nothing that is right or wrong. It all lies within our perspective. It is all about how much one is willing to give..Aye? Nay? What say?
Can rules give us happiness? What use are those rules if they hurt you and those who live for you? And who made these rules in the first place? Isn't every rule an "interpretation" of sorts by you and thus rendering it a modification at some level by you?
Isn't it all about being afraid? Afraid to lose something? Then who are we calling cowards? Those that openly show it? or us who safely play the game by the rules, but would like to talk tall and heckle the cowards, who actually have the courage to be what they are out in the open? Ofcourse, they live by the rules...
It's all about being happy - so whatever works for each of us should be good! Yeah? :-) Like I always say - play the field with your own rules. There is nothing that is wrong or right.
The past is to be remembered fondly, bad happenings are meant to be purged, every hug and smile to be cherished - in the end live it in a way that makes you and those who love you happy!
Take care of yourself this weekend...you maybe precious to someone too.
This song is for you...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ViOwA3vKVY
Monday, August 3, 2009
Feels Like Home - A Great Song
Ah! A song that has driven me crazy for the past three days! Cant stop humming :-) Listen on:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJjhGZwAJik
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJjhGZwAJik
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Very Inspiring - Team Hoyt
I was so inspired to read this story...made me realize yet another time that there is nothing impossible as long as you set your heart and your mind to it!
The athletic phenomenon that is known as Team Hoyt began one spring day in 1977. Rick was 15 at the time and came home from school asking his dad if they could run a five-mile road race together in their town of Westfield, Massachusetts, to benefit a local college athlete who'd been paralyzed in an auto accident. It was a strange request considering Rick's situation.
Cerebral palsy is a debilitating condition often caused by complications during pregnancy or at birth. In Rick's case, the umbilical cord got tangled around his neck, cutting off the oxygen supply to his brain and causing irreparable damage. His muscles chronically contract, hence the need for muscle relaxants...
At the time Rick asked to run that race, Dick was a 40-year-old nonrunner. When he and Rick got to the event, organizers saw the wheelchair, the disabled son, and the middle-aged dad and gave them a look that said, "You two won't make it past the first corner." They didn't know Dick.
Read the full story at the following link:
http://www.runnersworld.com/events/boston06/Mag_hoyt.html
The athletic phenomenon that is known as Team Hoyt began one spring day in 1977. Rick was 15 at the time and came home from school asking his dad if they could run a five-mile road race together in their town of Westfield, Massachusetts, to benefit a local college athlete who'd been paralyzed in an auto accident. It was a strange request considering Rick's situation.
Cerebral palsy is a debilitating condition often caused by complications during pregnancy or at birth. In Rick's case, the umbilical cord got tangled around his neck, cutting off the oxygen supply to his brain and causing irreparable damage. His muscles chronically contract, hence the need for muscle relaxants...
At the time Rick asked to run that race, Dick was a 40-year-old nonrunner. When he and Rick got to the event, organizers saw the wheelchair, the disabled son, and the middle-aged dad and gave them a look that said, "You two won't make it past the first corner." They didn't know Dick.
Read the full story at the following link:
http://www.runnersworld.com/events/boston06/Mag_hoyt.html
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
This is All It Takes
A warm smile
A tight hug
A glance that melts my heart
Moments when your silence speaks a thousand words
Little gestures that say and mean so much
Is this all it takes?
to make me want to live?
make me want to smile my widest smile?
make me want to be my best?
make me feel like I own the world?
Is this all it takes?
It makes me want to tell you that
You mean the world to me
You always did
and you always will - for as long as I breathe
And who are you to me?
of course my baby...
Thank you for being born..
A tight hug
A glance that melts my heart
Moments when your silence speaks a thousand words
Little gestures that say and mean so much
Is this all it takes?
to make me want to live?
make me want to smile my widest smile?
make me want to be my best?
make me feel like I own the world?
Is this all it takes?
It makes me want to tell you that
You mean the world to me
You always did
and you always will - for as long as I breathe
And who are you to me?
of course my baby...
Thank you for being born..
Monday, July 27, 2009
Some Wonderful Thoughts!
Somethings I recently read by Sri Sri. Thought they were a wonderful read. Here goes....
On Being Judgemental
Judgements are so subtle that you are not even aware of their existence. Judging or labeling someone as judgmental is also a judgement. Only in the state of Being when you are full of love and compassion can you ever be free from all judgements!
The More You Know
Purpose of words is to create silence. Does every word you speak create silence in others or does it create turbulence in their minds? Purpose of knowledge is to make you feel that you don’t know! If the knowledge makes you feel that you know it all, then it has not fulfilled its goal. The more you know, the more you become aware of the unknown. Knowing is just pushing the brick a little further towards ignorance.
Love and Surrender
Surrender and love are synonymous. Whomsoever you love, you surrender to them. It's not a doing but a state of being when the mind is free of doubts and troubles.
Words
If you manipulate words, it is a lie; If you play on words, it is a joke; If you rely on words, it is ignorance;If you transcend words, it is wisdom.
On Being Judgemental
Judgements are so subtle that you are not even aware of their existence. Judging or labeling someone as judgmental is also a judgement. Only in the state of Being when you are full of love and compassion can you ever be free from all judgements!
The More You Know
Purpose of words is to create silence. Does every word you speak create silence in others or does it create turbulence in their minds? Purpose of knowledge is to make you feel that you don’t know! If the knowledge makes you feel that you know it all, then it has not fulfilled its goal. The more you know, the more you become aware of the unknown. Knowing is just pushing the brick a little further towards ignorance.
Love and Surrender
Surrender and love are synonymous. Whomsoever you love, you surrender to them. It's not a doing but a state of being when the mind is free of doubts and troubles.
Words
If you manipulate words, it is a lie; If you play on words, it is a joke; If you rely on words, it is ignorance;If you transcend words, it is wisdom.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Better Late Than Never
This is where I open my heart out to..a blank page that has all the patience to listen to me, my feelings, my outbursts, my anger, my joy and everything else that happens in between. I have no fear of it judging me, of ridiculing me - it simply waits for me to tell to it all that I want to - ever so patiently. I sometimes kid myself that some day soon it will grow hands to cradle my head on it's shoulders :-)
It is on one of these last days of July many many years ago that I lost my little brother to an accident. Life was wonderful, protected and complete up until that point.
It was about 5:30 in the evening - he came home from school and I was in the backyard doing something with the plants. My mom gave him a snack that was his favorite and he was in a rush to run off to play with the other kids nearby. I heard her call after him to come back soon before it got too dark. I peaked in too to shout a bye, but he was off. So, I just kept quiet not making a big deal of it...
I never realized that I'll never ever get a chance again to say that bye...for he never came back home. He was simply gone. That's all.
Life from that point on has never been the same to say the least - and I realize it more and more as my own stress and loneliness in life seems to grow along with me...
I have been told to forget the past, move on, be happy and so many more things - all in good intention I admit. How is it possible when I have never been given a chance to mourn? I haven't even begun to shed my tears in peace - for I always have had to hold onto them just for that one more time and for when I would be done taking care of something or someone who needed me more at that moment...
I have also been accused of trying to fill that void with other people, other relationships - well, what choices does a hungry, homeless, beggar really have? He takes whatever comes his way and lovingly treasures it. Am I any different?
Again who needs sympathy.Expecting a little love from this world was asking way too much for it - so why burden these poor souls is what I learnt. They have nothing to offer in return...but, you know what? The world is still a beautiful place, full of wonderful people - they are like innocent children who take what they want from you with both their hands, not waiting for any formalities. It is the thought that they think that you belong to them that is important and is the beauty of it! That is enough happiness I think..
Among many other emotions that come and go, one related thought is about "Acceptance". It is a simple word that is easy to preach, but extremely difficult to practice. To be able to close your eyes, trust and accept a person, a something and all that comes your way is probably the final truth that goes beyond all religion, all sentiments and everything else that is bigger than life itself.
My litle whisper - love those little moments, those people, honor those sentiments and treasure everything between "now" and "after" - there maybe no tomorrow isn't it?
Each wound has it's own grave and a compartment...one can still be happy. General bliss and happiness can live along with all the pain.
But when it comes to burying it, seems to raise it's head - visible only to the one who wants to go away from it - strange isn't it?
After all these years - a very simple thought crosses my mind. A truth that I should have realized for all these years - When you laugh, you laugh with people who you think are a part of your life in some way...but when you cry, you cry alone....all alone.
This does not belittle those around us, it is also not because there is no one ready to cry with you, but because those tears don't have the same meaning when shed by anyone other than you...the very meaning gets changed...
You and only you can feel it, live it and let it go. It's most dignified thing to do.
This was all there was to it wasn't it? So simple..yet so elusive...took a lifetime to get here and will take another to live it.
Better late than never...
It is on one of these last days of July many many years ago that I lost my little brother to an accident. Life was wonderful, protected and complete up until that point.
It was about 5:30 in the evening - he came home from school and I was in the backyard doing something with the plants. My mom gave him a snack that was his favorite and he was in a rush to run off to play with the other kids nearby. I heard her call after him to come back soon before it got too dark. I peaked in too to shout a bye, but he was off. So, I just kept quiet not making a big deal of it...
I never realized that I'll never ever get a chance again to say that bye...for he never came back home. He was simply gone. That's all.
Life from that point on has never been the same to say the least - and I realize it more and more as my own stress and loneliness in life seems to grow along with me...
I have been told to forget the past, move on, be happy and so many more things - all in good intention I admit. How is it possible when I have never been given a chance to mourn? I haven't even begun to shed my tears in peace - for I always have had to hold onto them just for that one more time and for when I would be done taking care of something or someone who needed me more at that moment...
I have also been accused of trying to fill that void with other people, other relationships - well, what choices does a hungry, homeless, beggar really have? He takes whatever comes his way and lovingly treasures it. Am I any different?
Again who needs sympathy.Expecting a little love from this world was asking way too much for it - so why burden these poor souls is what I learnt. They have nothing to offer in return...but, you know what? The world is still a beautiful place, full of wonderful people - they are like innocent children who take what they want from you with both their hands, not waiting for any formalities. It is the thought that they think that you belong to them that is important and is the beauty of it! That is enough happiness I think..
Among many other emotions that come and go, one related thought is about "Acceptance". It is a simple word that is easy to preach, but extremely difficult to practice. To be able to close your eyes, trust and accept a person, a something and all that comes your way is probably the final truth that goes beyond all religion, all sentiments and everything else that is bigger than life itself.
My litle whisper - love those little moments, those people, honor those sentiments and treasure everything between "now" and "after" - there maybe no tomorrow isn't it?
Each wound has it's own grave and a compartment...one can still be happy. General bliss and happiness can live along with all the pain.
But when it comes to burying it, seems to raise it's head - visible only to the one who wants to go away from it - strange isn't it?
After all these years - a very simple thought crosses my mind. A truth that I should have realized for all these years - When you laugh, you laugh with people who you think are a part of your life in some way...but when you cry, you cry alone....all alone.
This does not belittle those around us, it is also not because there is no one ready to cry with you, but because those tears don't have the same meaning when shed by anyone other than you...the very meaning gets changed...
You and only you can feel it, live it and let it go. It's most dignified thing to do.
This was all there was to it wasn't it? So simple..yet so elusive...took a lifetime to get here and will take another to live it.
Better late than never...
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Pari Hoon Mein
Monday, July 20, 2009
Hard To Say Good-Bye
A time comes in everyone's lives to say good bye - to a place, a thing, a person. I'm sure you have said your own at some point...
Saying good-bye has always been very tough for me. Back home I never went to a railway station to drop off friends, relatives or even my parents if they ever went out of town! My cousins who visited me always took offense that I played and had fun with them, but when it came to seeing them off I always went missing :-)
I so clearly remember an occasion when we were living in Delhi. It was about 4:30 AM in the morning. I heard some noises and woke up. We lived on the second floor and had an enclosed balcony that overlooked a busy street - well, every street in a city like Delhi is a busy street :-)
Coming to the balcony, I saw that my neighbour's newly wedded daughter was being seen off to her in-laws'home along with her husband of 2 days...
I sat there and watched the whole 'Bidai' program for the next 45 minutes, sobbing along...
I was the subject of many jokes related to this incident for a long long time!
Selling off a less used car - I wondered that night how my car would be doing in a remote place with strangers as it's new owners.
Such have been my sentiments about saying good-bye even to lifeless objects. It hurts even to think that we will see even those strangers for the last time...
friends you make during a train journey, a short bus ride, a flight to another country always end on a sad note of having to say that good-bye...
And I have been made fun of too -by family and friends for being so, but well this is me!
And now - I've to move! To a newer place. Away from this one that holds a million memories...and it simply tears me to think of moving away from all of those too...
But, well there is no option either - and yes, I have the confidence that a greater force that has watched over for all this while will continue to do so...
Saying good-bye has always been very tough for me. Back home I never went to a railway station to drop off friends, relatives or even my parents if they ever went out of town! My cousins who visited me always took offense that I played and had fun with them, but when it came to seeing them off I always went missing :-)
I so clearly remember an occasion when we were living in Delhi. It was about 4:30 AM in the morning. I heard some noises and woke up. We lived on the second floor and had an enclosed balcony that overlooked a busy street - well, every street in a city like Delhi is a busy street :-)
Coming to the balcony, I saw that my neighbour's newly wedded daughter was being seen off to her in-laws'home along with her husband of 2 days...
I sat there and watched the whole 'Bidai' program for the next 45 minutes, sobbing along...
I was the subject of many jokes related to this incident for a long long time!
Selling off a less used car - I wondered that night how my car would be doing in a remote place with strangers as it's new owners.
Such have been my sentiments about saying good-bye even to lifeless objects. It hurts even to think that we will see even those strangers for the last time...
friends you make during a train journey, a short bus ride, a flight to another country always end on a sad note of having to say that good-bye...
And I have been made fun of too -by family and friends for being so, but well this is me!
And now - I've to move! To a newer place. Away from this one that holds a million memories...and it simply tears me to think of moving away from all of those too...
But, well there is no option either - and yes, I have the confidence that a greater force that has watched over for all this while will continue to do so...
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
A Year Later
A whole year has again gone by - from the last significant day in my life to this one.
Last evening I was reflecting on what a year it has been - incredible was the word that came to me! The events - both good and bad, the people I've met, the opportunities I have been presented with, the tears I've flown - for joy and sorrow and all that I've learnt - incredible! The person I've become and grown up into wouldn't have been possible without all of these...
I'm grateful - and grateful that it has come round a full circle. That's the feeling I'll sleep with tonight and also start the year tomorrow too...
This song when I heard felt very appropriate given where I stand at this very significant juncture of my life - life as it pivots on that single point of strength, happiness and inspiration - so sharing it here for you my reader to listen to!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZNDhPCc2Wo
Last evening I was reflecting on what a year it has been - incredible was the word that came to me! The events - both good and bad, the people I've met, the opportunities I have been presented with, the tears I've flown - for joy and sorrow and all that I've learnt - incredible! The person I've become and grown up into wouldn't have been possible without all of these...
I'm grateful - and grateful that it has come round a full circle. That's the feeling I'll sleep with tonight and also start the year tomorrow too...
This song when I heard felt very appropriate given where I stand at this very significant juncture of my life - life as it pivots on that single point of strength, happiness and inspiration - so sharing it here for you my reader to listen to!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZNDhPCc2Wo
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Ulysses
I happened to chance upon this poem again at the library a few days ago. During my college days, the following excerpt from Ulysses by Lord Tennyson was my favourite.
Sharing this with you my reader - enjoy!
It may be that the gulfs will wash us down:
It may be we shall touch the Happy Isles,
And see the great Achilles, whom we knew.
Tho’ much is taken, much abides; and tho’
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.
Sharing this with you my reader - enjoy!
It may be that the gulfs will wash us down:
It may be we shall touch the Happy Isles,
And see the great Achilles, whom we knew.
Tho’ much is taken, much abides; and tho’
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Turn Around
There's so much to write - but, I'm trying to pick a topic...it's one of those days when I'm trying to overcome my anger, my urge to do so many things.
But no - I have tasted the power of controlling those thoughts and emotions - so I tell myself that I have to try them all out and turn around at this point...
Then I wonder - is it really possible to change one's innate nature totally? The basic instinct totally? I doubt it. It is not about masking those raw emotions with anything, but it maybe about finding an alternative energy to balance them out.
How can you gauge the intensity of those when every time they hit you, they are all new and have never occurred before? What happens to the theory of handling them and balancing them out? Shouldn't everything be negated with an equal and opposite force?
Or maybe one learns to build that intelligence into self to build it better and stronger for the next time it occurs...maybe that's what learning is all about...who knows.
But no - I have tasted the power of controlling those thoughts and emotions - so I tell myself that I have to try them all out and turn around at this point...
Then I wonder - is it really possible to change one's innate nature totally? The basic instinct totally? I doubt it. It is not about masking those raw emotions with anything, but it maybe about finding an alternative energy to balance them out.
How can you gauge the intensity of those when every time they hit you, they are all new and have never occurred before? What happens to the theory of handling them and balancing them out? Shouldn't everything be negated with an equal and opposite force?
Or maybe one learns to build that intelligence into self to build it better and stronger for the next time it occurs...maybe that's what learning is all about...who knows.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
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