Celebrating Thoughts

celebrating thoughts - 30 04 2005

2010-04-30T19:52:00.000-07:00

celebrating thoughts "i dont have to search for picnic spots- am happy right here right now-i have a portable paradise-am choice-less & effortless-i am in bliss"

Celebrating thoughts - 01 05 2010

2010-04-30T19:44:00.001-07:00

"practice for an hour each day, to go beyond the world and thought till that hour extends to become a lifetime."

Truth behind the Veil

2010-02-05T20:41:00.000-08:00

Read an informative article by Farida Khanam - an associate Professor @ Jamia Milla Islamia New Delhi .Being a student of philosophy it was enlightening - though subscription to the idea is a matter of self judgement.

Some of the interesting points made be her

1.The Burqua is not a part of Islam but an element of Muslim culture and the distinction is important

2.The source of Islam is the Quran rather than the Muslim culture, Muslim culture is a social phenomenon while the quran is the Book of God as revealed to the prophet of Islam

3.Burqua in ancient times meant - a piece of clothing that was used as a protection , especially in winters
4.It becomes clear from her essay that the present ""Burqua" or ""hijab"" are not Quaranic terms ;both are part of the muslim culture and not part of the Quranic commandments.

5.Muslim tradition mayl be judged in the light of the original teachings of Islam instead of regarding the muslim culture as Islam itself.

the above are just salient parts of the article - the article can be read in the times of India edition Jan 30th 2010

- Dr Amit K Saiya

""I pledge to make my car a no phone zone "" do make the time to read it

2010-02-05T20:26:00.000-08:00

Yesterday a freak situation happened - I was driving back from my office and though I do not pick up calls when driving,there was someone important driving me nuts with their incessant calling.I decided to take the call to tell the person that I was driving -but in those few seconds I would have driven into a car flat and square - a car whose driver was also immersed on the phone and had taken a wrong turn onto a one way road.

I did not know whether to blame myself or the other person and am sure she must have also thought so - so we sheepishly smiled and made our ways .

All said and done but for the few seconds in which the accident could have happened my heart was in my mouth.

I then and there decided to make my car a No Phone Zone and

"I pledge to make my car a No Phone Zone. Beginning right now, I will do my part to help put an end to distracted driving by not texting or using my phone while I am driving. I will ask other drivers I know to do the same. I pledge to make a difference."

I request my friends on face book to do the same and just send me a message just saying "" I Do too " after having taken the pledge..

Awaiting your taking the pledge too ...

- Dr Amit K Saiya

Colour Tip for 2010 from my friend Thelma van der Werff

2010-01-14T19:09:00.000-08:00

The colour of 2010 is……YELLOW. The colour yellow is related to Focus. In numerology numbers are added together until a single number total is achieved. Each number has a special significance and as with colour and sound, numbers resonate to certain vibrations and frequencies. Creating properties to influence how we feel and develop.

The year 2010 can be added together; 2+0+1+0 to bring a total of 3. Yellow and the number 3 are related to Focus.

Yellow can help you get a clearer picture of what you want to achieve. This year make it a priority to ‘focus’ on every single task and finish each one before starting something new. Single-minded focus can have the power of a laser-beam.

2010 has the potential to bring pure joy of living, and provided you stay focussed and concentrate on whatever it is you wish to achieve, self confidence, fulfilment and enthusiasm for life.

Wear a yellow shirt or blouse, buy yellow flowers or eat yellow fruit and vegetables, use the number 3, to remind yourself to stay focussed.

the salt bath - to reduce stress and anxiety

2010-01-10T03:30:00.001-08:00

Met one of wellness care clients (patient) today.Had adviced him of a salt bath weeks ago - it really made a difference to him.He requested me to put it up on face book as it would benefit many , so am making a note of it here ...

Sea salt can help promote greater relaxation. A sea salt bath can actually help reduce your level of stress.

Take your bath an hour or so before getting ready for bed and engage in only relaxing, quiet activities from that point on. You will be amazed at how refreshed you will feel once you have incorporate this routine.

The bath ritual is to fill half a bucket with warm water and add one palm of sea salt to the water and mix it into the water.Have a leisurely bath by pouring the water on your face working downwards.Then wipe yourself off with a towel. Do not use a soap.

You will feel rejuvenated and better able to cope with life’s demands, once you are no longer overwhelmed by anxiety and pressure. You will be able to concentrate better and think more
clearly,when you allow yourself to relax and unwind.

Another benefit of literally washing away the tension of the day is the ability to enjoy a more restful night’s sleep.

Wishing you a night of fitful and restful sleep.
- Dr Amit K Saiya
www.energymedicine.in

The Book : Icons Edited By Anil Dharker

2009-01-17T00:51:00.001-08:00

Sometimes we pick up a book but due to paucity of time, reading it takes a back seat.The book lies on our bookshelf for a long time. A time comes when the book reaches out to us saying - please read me .
Such a book was " Icons" which I had picked up on 14th April, last year but started reading it from the New year.
An Interesting Saga spanning several decades, the book unfolds the charisma, exceptional destinies, talents and achievements of twenty great personalities who have and continue to set extraordinary examples for India .
The essays on Justice P.N Bhagwati, Amartya Sena and Mrs.Sonia Gandhi give a new insight into their lives and their positive contribution to India's though process.
The essays on Prannoy Roy, Maqbool Fida Hussain and Salman Rushdie make for mediocre reading.
One essay made a profound influence on my life. Would strongly recommend this book to friends - even if one essay adds value to the thought process, its worth owning the book.
A line by Amartya Sen on seeing communalism first hand "the experience was devastating for me, and suddenly made me aware of the dangers of narrowly defined identities and also of the divisiveness that can lie buried in communitarian politics. It also alerted me to the remarkable fact that economic unfreedom, in the form of extreme poverty, can make a person a helpless prey in the violation of other kinds of freedom" exposed me to the depth of his thought process.
My earlier perception of Sen being overrated, changed with this one qoute - and I realise he can never be over-rated and am eager to read more of his works and life.

Article Feauturing Dr Amit K.Saiya in the Sunday Times of India 11th Jan'' 09

2009-01-10T20:29:00.000-08:00

Lessons of life in the time of recession
With the fear of pink slips gripping the corporate world, more and more professionals are looking at alternative careers and doing a reality check on what’s really important in life
Kamini Mathai | TNN

A pink slip doesn’t have to mean the end of the world. It might just be the key to a door you never bothered to unlock.

As in the case of Maya Ganesh, 34, who works with Frost and Sullivan, a consulting firm in the city, as a copywriter. Three months ago, she was a corporate trainer, running her own company specialising in communication skills and customer service. When the recession set in, the training contracts with several companies stopped and Maya was left wondering what to do. “That’s when I decided to get into writing full time. It was always a hobby of mine but because I was working as a trainer for so long it never struck me to get into writing as a career option. So in October I went back to Frost and Sullivan, a company I had worked with as a trainer, and pitched for a job as a copywriter. I’ve never been happier and if it wasn’t for the recession I probably wouldn’t have even thought of pursuing writing,” she says. Maya is also now freelancing for a magazine.

Dr Amit Saiya, a life coach in the city, says his phone has not stopped ringing since October when the first lot of pink slips found their way into the hands of many executives. He has been coaching and counselling people over the phone, through email and in person since then and is so booked up that for a one-to-one session people need to now book a week or more in advance. “I tell all the people I coach not to look at the negative side of the recession but the positive side and work on what can be done.” He says most of the people who have come to him in the last three months are afraid of losing their jobs. “They haven’t lost their jobs yet, but they live in the constant fear they too might be shown the way out. The first thing I tell them is to cross the bridge when they come to it. When you start living in fear, you won’t be able to perform well at work, which will probably result in you being downsized. So stop fearing,” he adds.

One of the people Saiya coached – Saima Khan – works as legal director for a financial investment company in the Middle East. She says that the existing scenario in the region has created a feeling of utter hopelessness, fear and uncertainty in her. “Even though I am one of the fortunate ones to have not lost my job, the conditions have made me realise it’s time for a reality check. I started looking at all the positive things that I had in hand and worked on them instead of fearing the unknown and sulking over my problems. This situation has made me realise the importance of saving and living within my means. This has given me a feeling of contentment, making me value what I have in hand.”

Dr E S Krishnamoorthy, director, Institute of Neurological Sciences VHS Medical Centre, feels that the ‘mystified bust’ is actually the same as the ‘mystified boom’. “Both are perceptions. People perceived there was a boom and therefore took risks, spent money, lived a lavish life. Today, they perceive a bust and are panicking and doing everything in the reverse. Neither situation was a reflection of reality. The people who come to me are taking the recession in two ways – there is the lot who are despondent and there is other group who are thinking of ways to work around the situation. One of my patients is an IT professional who has started a food business on the side. It’s something he likes doing and is making him feel more confident about the recession,” he says.

Dr Krishnamoorthy explains that in animal research there is something called ‘learned helplessness’. “It’s a scientific experiment where you give a rat two compartments to live in, letting him move freely between the two. Then you start giving electric shocks to the rat every time he enters one of the compartments. You will find that in a while, he learns to live within the other compartment. This is exactly what is happening today,” surmises Dr Krishnamoorthy. “Organise your desk, organise your closet and most importantly organise your life. Stop chasing the American dream. There’s nothing better than what you have,” says Dr Saiya.

REALITY CHECK
If you have lost your job, take another look at your resume. Is the profile of your last job what you really liked doing? Maybe it wasn’t or maybe you weren’t the right person for it and that’s why you were the first to be downsized. Wear a shoe that fits.
Stop worrying if you have not been fired. Cross the bridge when you come to it.
Trim your expenses and start saving.
Drop the ego. Stop peeping over to see what your neighbours have bought. Live within your means.
Do not make decisions in fear — such as leaving your company even though there is no downsizing.
This is a good time to update on your qualifications; learn a new skill set, identify new areas of opportunity.
Be solution-oriented. Talk about possible solutions, not the problems at hand.

Article Featuring Dr Amit K.Saiya in Todays "Indulge" Supplement - The New India Express January 9th 2009

2009-01-08T21:45:00.000-08:00

feauture

To sharpen your memory, you need to decide what's worth remembering

2008-10-27T00:29:00.000-07:00

Am turning 40 soon and sometimes wonder if my memory is sharp as it should be .

Most of the information that comes at us every day is, frankly, not worth remembering.A daily overload of information often makes us think our memory is declining and we have memory loss when in fact it's simply glutted with too much useless data making remembering instantly or making immediate decisions difficult. A fit brain will efficiently screen out and discard worthless or meaningless data so it can remember what's important.

To get around this I have thought myself to remember more of what cannot be put down or read without a reference and the rest either I put a reminder on my mobile or put a post it note at home - showroom or clinic and then forget about it till reminded by sight or by mobile reminder tone .

My brain has now learnt to edit out the info clutter and is now free to do important things like doing a quick recall or make instant decisions instead of being a memory bank with search software slowed down by an overload.

Portion Distortion - An interesting Article by a family friend Ms.Vandana Sheth

2008-07-11T23:03:00.000-07:00

VANDANA SHETH, Jun 25, 2008

Have you heard the term “portion distortion?” Simply put, portion distortion is our level of acceptance of larger portions of foods as the norm. Today, one serving of a product on the grocery shelf is actually 2-3 times bigger than when it was first introduced in the market. According to the National Heart, Lung, Blood Institute’s Obesity Education Initiative, (NHLBI) portion sizes have significantly increased over the last three or four decades.

*Mocha with steamed milk and mocha syrup

The table above lists examples of how typical American food portions have increased in size and caloric count through the years. One of the reasons for the large food portions has been the large sizes of American serveware. I still recall the shock I felt when I first arrived here, and started using plates, bowls, and utensils made for the American kitchen. The utensils were much larger than what we used in India. But, amazingly enough, we do get accustomed to larger serveware and portion sizes too. Now, when I visit family and friends in India, I am shocked at the small serving bowls and platters set out for a group of 8-10 family members. The same sizes would often be what we use to serve a family of four here.

How about the traditional cup of chai? Did you know that a typical teacup in India is 4 oz. vs. the typical American mug that holds anywhere from 10-24 oz.? Do you remember the traditional thali with small bowls (katoris) used for dals and vegetables and even smaller ones used to serve chutneys or dips? You may be surprised to know that foods served in those katoris can easily meet your daily nutrient needs without adding excess calories.

Rampant portion distortion has become a major factor in the supersizing of America including among the Indian-American population. While there is a great deal of diversity in the health concerns of the Indian-American community, there are many chronic health concerns that affect all of us. Diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and other complications are common. Obesity and excess weight significantly increases our risk for developing these problems. Research shows that just a 5-10% reduction in excess weight can produce positive results in terms of cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes. Portion control can make a difference in our effort to lose excess weight and gain better control of our health.

A traditional Indian diet is high in complex carbohydrates such as whole grains and high in fiber, but it can also be high in fat, especially saturated fat. With our busy lifestyles, convenience foods have become an integral part of our lives. Whether it is stopping by at a fast food joint or a local Indian restaurant, beware of the serving size.

Do you often load up on shelf-stable Indian entrees or frozen entrees? Take a look at the Nutrition Facts labeland you may be surprised at what is considered a serving. It is important to realize that the serving size is not necessarily the entire package. Often, the serving size may be ½ - of a packet, meaning the entire packet is supposed to have 2-3 servings. Eating out in a restaurant can be an eye-opener in terms of portion distortion as well. For instance, restaurants offer value meals, adding to our already fat and calorie laden food choices.

Supersize deals may seem like a great value monetarily but in the long run can cost us our health. All you can eat buffets including Indian restaurants that have a full, mouthwatering array of tasty foods, can add to our growing waistlines and health complications.

So, how do we become more portion conscious? First, we need to educate ourselves on recommended serving sizes of different food groups.

Given below is a list of food groups with the amount given for one serving size in each food group.

Breads/Cereals/Grains

1 roti/phulka 6”diameter
cup cooked rice
Vegetables
½ cup cooked vegetables
1 cup raw vegetables
Fruits
1 small-medium sized whole fruit
½ - cup cut fruit
cup juice
Milk
1 cup milk or yogurt
Meat/Protein
½ cup cooked beans
¼ cup paneer
2-3 oz. lean meat, poultry or fish
Fat
1 tsp. oil

Tips to promote Portion Control

• Become nutrition savvy by reading labels and staying within appropriate serving sizes.

• Order a la carte at a restaurant rather than the buffet.
• Enjoy an appetizer as an entrée, or share an entrée with a friend.
• Enjoy individually packaged products versus eating out of a large box/bag.
• Indulge in treats/desserts in moderation.

Remember that portion control is the key. You can curb the negatives of portion distortion and supersizing by becoming a savvy, health-conscious consumer.

Vandana Sheth is a registered dietitian and nutrition educator in Southern California. Her nutritional counseling philosophy is based on behavior and lifestyle modification based on evidence-based guidelines, not fad dieting. She can be reached at nutritioneducator@gmail.com

An Italian Osteria in Chennai

2008-06-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

Received a phone call from an old friend from yesteryears.I was pleasantly surprised to hear that he had along with his nephew started a Italian wine and dine restaurant at the Deccan Plaza at Chennai .

Did visit the Osteria last sunday and discovered some really tasty country italian food with an indian touch .The food was simple and original something different.

What added value was a seperate section in the menu which had a few mexican food which I could order for the kids like Nachos .

My parents would love to visit the Osteria as it has an all vegetarian menu.Was satiated with the food.I have a weak stomach and the taste was just subtle to suit the taste buds without irritating the stomach.

Interview on colour therapy published in ET Plus on 12.04.2008 Economic Times -Supplement

2008-04-22T23:48:00.000-07:00

RAINBOW PARADE
Colour Code
WITH SUN APPROACHING ITS ZENITH, TRY THESE COLOURS TO HELP YOU KEEP THE MERCURY LEVELS DOWN…
prachi sibal

Feel stressed? Depressed? Ever thought your body could be deficient of a 'Colour'? It is perhaps 'colour therapy’ you are looking for. "Every form of medicine is energy related, it is ultimately the transfer of energy to restore balance. Colour therapy works in a similar way", says Dr. Saiya, Dean and Director, Energy medicine Research Foundation. "Every colour has a particular frequency and wavelength, and reflects energy accordingly", he adds.
Colour therapy is used for curing ailments and for general well- being by providing calmness and soothing the body by regulating energy balance. "Colour is absorbed by the eyes, skin, skull and our aura. Every cell of the body needs light energy, thus colour energy has widespread effects on the whole body. Colour is like a Vitamin, its deficiency calls for an intake of the specific colour, and an excess a decrease in intake".
Each colour has a particular effect on the body and the mind. With summer advancing by the minute, colour therapy comes in handy to make one feel cooler and better. Summer is usually associated with light and pastel colours as they reflect heat. "While pastel colours help feel cool, it is not just about temperatures, summer has a certain lethargy attached to it. The colours for summer are orange and blue - while orange is associated with a lot of cheerfulness, blue is calming to the eyes. The other colours for summer are greens and violet/ indigo. Green, called the colour of life makes you feel good in both summer and winter; it promotes absorption almost as much as Chlorophyll. Violets make you feel regal amongst all the sultry lethargy the season brings with itself, " explains Dr Saiya. These colours can be used not just in the form of what you wear but also what stays around you, your environment, fruits you eat. Natural colours influence you in their own ways.
Colours have more to them than just being appealing to the eye - you need to lose weight? Wear more blue. Do you get migraine headaches? Use more reds or indigo in your life. Depressed? A lot of indigo it i! In fact, the more colours one sees, the more cheerful one is likely to be.
So, this summer get all those oranges and blues out of your wardrobe and give those colours a little more than the usual glance. It's for you to decide how you want to feel and hopefully it's a cheerful summer coming around!

Found this article at the Life Academy Web site which adds a new perception to my earlier article on How flower essences work.

2008-04-06T02:20:00.000-07:00

Did you know that mind states alter body chemistry?

Flower essences are natural health elixirs derived from flowers. They come from nature and have proven to be health generating in many areas of life including physical, mental and spiritual. Flower essences work by unlocking the inner wisdom (conscious, subconscious and unconscious) innate within every human being. Faulty attitudes, with the consequent negative reactions to life situations, can cause physical disease, unpleasant mental states and are obstructive in the fulfilment of our desired goals.

Medical science now recognises that stress and negative mind states can alter body chemistry and create physical disease. For instance, recent medical studies prove that depression is a greater cause of heart disease than smoking. Researchers found that in depressed people the blood platelets became more sticky, clogging arteries and veins. Depressed people lose hope, they view life from a negative perspective, lacking optimism and positivity.

ImageFlower essences are the proverbial healing message in a bottle. Each species of flowering plant has developed unique characteristics to enhance its ability to survive and thrive. The inner wisdom or blueprint for the forming of these characteristics is found in the flower. A flower essence contains these unique life enhancing concepts as messages . These messages have been found to be as beneficial to humans and animals as they are to the parent plant. When a human has a negative or faulty message running through their system, the right flower essence can encourage the healthy message being reinstated and strengthened.

Flower essences are gentle but effective for both physical symptoms and their causes. They will not overpower the will of a person like drugs do, and do no harm, as the body will only take up messages that are appropriate. They will work effectively when used correctly and prescribed correctly, on any person or animal, of any age.

Flower essences have been used since ancient times in cultures around the world. In many cultures the subtle use of flowers, the flower essence, has come and gone, and now has come again.

How do flower essences work?

2008-04-05T22:50:00.000-07:00

To understand how flower essences work requires a recognition that the human being is more than a physical body, but also incorporates a "body" of life energy, "body" of sensitivity and feelings, and a spiritual essence or Self.Flower essences are energetic imprints of the life force of plants which interact with these subtle bodies of the human being, and evoke specific qualities within us. We can say that they work in a similar way to inspirational music or art, which carry meaning through the vehicle of sound or light, while the flower essences work through the medium of water.
Modern physics has known for nearly a century that matter and consciousness are intertwined. However, medical science still generally works with a nineteenth century model of the human being as a mechanism in a world of machines. We expect that in the coming century medical science will develop ways of studying the impact of consciousness on health, and we will learn more about the ways in which flower essences work. However, empirical research, which consists of the collection of case studies and practitioner reports, will remain the primary source of knowledge about how flower essences work.
Flower essences work by a principle of resonance. They will be most effective and noticeable when they actually match the core mental or emotional challenges you face. The Flower Essences do not cause side-effects or aggravations, but it may be that the essences are stirring up repressed feelings that need to be cleansed before complete healing can be achieved. In any event, the essences will not themselves cause any symptoms or problems that are not already in you and are entirely beneficent in their effects
Taking Flower essences will help you to feel more alive and in touch with your goals, values, and creativity. However, the essences do not create euphoria, nor do they banish pain and conflict. They work by stimulating awareness of our conflicts and challenges, and they strengthen our ability to work through the obstacles to our health and growth. Thus, taking flower essences may at times stimulate some discomfort and awareness of pain or conflict. This is a normal part of the journey towards wellness, and can lead to a much more complete state of health than the suppression of pain, or artificial stimulation of feelings through bio-chemical intervention.

The New questions to ask your physician

2008-04-02T04:30:00.000-07:00

When ever i went to my Physician I would always feel the need to ask these questions.Asking these questions would give me more insight into my health Problems and help me treat myself as there is more to treatment than just medicine.

1. If I don't have any symptoms, how are you going to keep me healthy?
2. How would you treat me if you didn't have your prescription pad?
3. How are you going to find and treat the cause of my disease, not just the symptoms?
4. Will changing my food habits and life style contribute to healing me faster?
5. Do you keep records of the treatment prescribed you to me ?

Ponder over the above these questions ,i am sure that you will realize that these were the questions you always wanted to ask but never did.So do ask them the next time you visit a Physician or a therapist.

I always encourage people coming to me for holistic treatment to ask these questions

Illness is a journey - by Debra Hayes

2008-04-01T00:48:00.000-07:00

Debra Hayes an amazing Healer and colleague has written this in her blog :Bridging the Divide and Healing the World.Was touched by the depth of the words and the amazing thought process.Am sure you will feel the same.Do visit her blog http://healingworlds.blogspot.com/

Reproducing her words below

Anyone who has ever faced a long-chronic and/or life threatening illness through personal experience or close relations with someone affected, perhaps, knows this best.

Challenged by life alterations and accommodations, one looks into life's mirror and asks many questions. For some, illness seems like a betrayal. For others it is a fact of life. For some, it seems like punishment and for others it is a gift-- an opportunity to open to life, to love, courage, acceptance, a chance to grow, to explore, to be.

In my 39+ years I have learned

2008-01-22T22:17:00.001-08:00

I turned 40 a few weeks back . So I thought I’d take the opportunity here to list a few things I’ve learned in 39 years—truths gleaned from experience and the words of others that guide, inspire and sometimes haunt me:

It’s better to sing off key than not to sing at all.

Promptness shows respect.

You can’t avoid offending people from time to time. When you don’t mean it, apologize. When you do mean it, accept the consequences.

The most valuable thing to have is a good reputation, and it’s neither hard nor expensive to acquire one: Be fair. Be honest. Be trustworthy. Be generous. Respect others.

Don’t be bothered when people don’t share your tastes in music, sports, literature, food and fashion. Be glad. You’d never get tickets to anything otherwise.

Empathy is the greatest virtue. From it, all virtues flow. Without it, all virtues are an act.

Keeping perspective is the greatest key to happiness. From a distance, even a bumpy road looks smooth.

It’s not “political correctness” that dictates that we try not to insult others’ beliefs and identities. It’s common decency.

It may not feel like it, but it’s good luck when you have people at home and at work who aren’t afraid to tell you when you’re wrong.

It’s 10 times easier to fall in love than to stay in love. And no matter what the sad songs say about romance, broken hearts do mend.

Don’t waste your breath proclaiming what’s really important to you. How you spend your time says it all.

It’s never a shame when you admit you don’t know something, and often a shame when you assume that you do.

Wounds heal faster under bandages than they do in the open air.

Fear of failure is a ticket to mediocrity. If you’re not failing from time to time, you’re not pushing yourself. And if you’re not pushing yourself, you’re coasting.

Anyone who judges you by the kind of car you drive or shoes you wear isn’t someone worth impressing.

Grudges are poison. The only antidote is to let them go.

If you’re in a conversation and you’re not asking questions, then it’s not a conversation, it’s a monologue.

In everyday life, most “talent” is simply hard work in disguise.

Great parents can have rotten kids and rotten parents can have great kids. But even though biology plays a huge role in destiny, that’s no excuse to give up or stop trying.

Two cheap, easy self-improvement projects: Develop a strong handshake and start smiling when you answer the phone.

Physical attraction is nice, but shared values and a shared sense of humor are the real keys to lasting love.

The 10-minute jump start is the best way to get going on a big task you’ve been avoiding. Set a timer and begin, promising yourself that you’ll quit after 10 minutes and do something else. The momentum will carry you forward.

Candor is overrated. It’s hard to unsay what you’ve said in anger and almost impossible to take back what you’ve written.

Goals that you keep to yourself are just castles on the beach. If you’re determined to achieve something, tell people about it and ask them to help you stick with it.

Mental illness is as real as diabetes, arthritis or any other disease, and no more disgraceful. It’s the stigma that’s disgraceful.

In crisis or conflict, always think and act strategically. Take time to figure out what the “winning” outcome is for you, then work toward it.

All the stuff you have lying around that you’ll never want, need, wear or look at again? It just makes it harder to find what you do want, need or intend to wear. File it, donate it or throw it out.

Exercise does not take time. Exercise creates time.

Almost no one stretches, flosses or gives compliments often enough.

It pays to keep handy a list that includes a trusted plumber, electrician, locksmith, appliance repair specialist and heating contractor. When you really need one is no time to start looking.

When you mess up, ’fess up. It’s the fastest way, if there is one, to forgiveness.

When you’re not the worst-dressed person at a social event, you have nothing to worry about.

Be truthful or be quiet. Lies are hard to keep track of.

Your education isn’t complete until you’ve learned to take a hint.

There’s a good reason to be secretive about your age. People tend to assume things when they know how old you are. “Oh, he’s turning 40,” they might say, for example, “probably full of cranky self-lacerating aphorisms that he thinks qualify as wisdom.”

Whatever your passion, pursue it as though your days were numbered. Because they are.

Simple instructions for life from a nepalese mantra

2007-12-31T00:42:00.000-08:00

1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
2. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.
3. Follow the three Rs: Respect for self, Respect for others, Responsibility for all your actions.
4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.
6. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
7. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
8. Spend some time alone.
9. Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.
10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
11. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll be able to enjoy it a second time.
12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life. Do all you can to create a tranquil, harmonious home.
13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don't bring up the past.
14. Share your knowledge. It's a way to achieve immortality.
15. Be gentle with the earth.
16. Once a year, go someplace you've never been before.
17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.
18. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.
19. Call your mother.
20. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon

Two pair socks

2007-12-29T04:58:00.000-08:00

I was born with flat feet ,and flat feet grow real long .I now wear size 14 shoes for the length, but with a slim foot there was a lot of sliding of the foot , though the length was right the girth of the shoe left a lot of space to be filled .Due to the sliding movement the feet would hurt .

Went to many a orthopedics ,but did not get life changing advice other than pain killers, hot fermentation and that I had to loose weight .A lot of contemplation and inquisitiveness led to me wearing two pairs of socks , a light thin inner sock and then a cotton thick sock.The shoe got filled out ,got more support ,my gait changed leading to the pain disappearing in a week.

It was a life changing moment ......just wanted to share this so that it would add value to someone with a similar complaint .

The Insurance Company will not pay up

2007-12-28T02:33:00.000-08:00

If person having a a life - insurance policy with a private company,is murdered or death happens by a terrorist act to murder , the insurance company will not pay up to his / her assignee as it is a preplanned - premeditated act .

Do check with your insurance agent ,regarding the terms and conditions of your policy

Vote under Section "49-O"

2007-12-28T02:11:00.000-08:00

Did you know that there is a system in our constitution, as per
the 1969 act, in section "49-O" that a person can go to the
polling booth, confirm his identity, get his finger marked and
convey the presiding election officer that he doesn't want to vote
anyone !!!!

Yes, such a feature is available, but obviously these seemingly
notorious leaders have never disclosed it. This is called
"49-O".

Why should you go and say "I VOTE NOBODY"... because, in a
ward, if a candidate wins, say by 123 votes, and that
particular ward has received "49-O" votes more than 123, then
that polling will be cancelled and will have to be re-polled. Not
only that, but the candidature of the contestants will be
removed and they cannot contest the re-polling, since people had
already expressed their decision on them.

This would bring fear into parties and hence look for genuine
candidates for their parties for election. This would change
the way, of our whole political system... it is seemingly
surprising why, and election commission has not revealed such a
feature to the public.... please spread this news to as many as
you know... Seems to be a wonderful weapon against corrupt parties
in India ... show your power, expressing your desire not to vote
anybody, is even more powerful than voting... so don't miss your
chance. So
either vote, or vote not to vote (vote 49-O) and pass this info on...

The "Pressing Clothes Meditation"

2007-11-21T21:31:00.000-08:00

I press my clothes with a steam iron on a daily basis. I started this when I found that the “mobile ironing man” a permanent on any Indian street was not upto it. The pressing quality would depend on his moods. In the beginning, it was a chore. After a few days, I realized that I looked forward to it. Contemplating on it, I realized that it gave me quality time with my own self. I would actually plan my day or would just meditate on an issue facing me, standing there pressing my clothes. It would just give me enough time to sort things out as would take time to press a pant and a shirt. Found myself taking quick decisions in that given time. I have now started calling it my “Pressing clothes meditation”.

Memories to Cherish

2007-11-21T02:46:00.000-08:00

On a recent flight I struck up an interesting conversation on "Energy Medicine" with a co- traveller.During the conversation he mentioned a magazine "LIFE POSITIVE" and showed me a copy .

Browsing through, I read an article "The spiritual and the mundane" by Suma Varghese .The article was simple but thought provoking .Brought back memories of a time when Ms.Suma was the Editor of the magazine "Society" .At that time there were very few good magazines around .I used to look forward very much to reading the Editorial note by Ms.Suma in "Society" and on its basis would decide what to read in the magazine.Browsing through the book i was pleasantly surprised to note that she was at present the Editor of "Life Positive".Her editorial notes still carry amazing energies.

Ms.Suma's email id was mentioned at the end of the article and i wrote her a small email expressing my pleasant surprise at knowing she was the editor and the memories of the magazine "society" under her leadership.

Received a warm reply as would from a close friend.Will cherish this memory too.