As a Math teacher, I have a bad habit of finding logic about every event in life, or of trying to lead my life in a consistent logical manner. But as any modern physicist finds out sooner or later, physical laws do not behave consistently as the physicist goes deeper at atomic levels. I am also discovering that life’s meanings become more and more blurred as we try to focus and zero on it harder and harder. And then, if you are someone like me who always wants to make the right decision, you would wonder at every step if what you are doing is right; whether you should follow your heart or your head or some ethical code.
“Everything is Personal Tom,” said Michael Corleone, and yes, probably he is right. But we still cannot be making decisions on personal choices all the time.
Oh well, I have realized that if we nail down the basic questions in life and work towards finding answers to them, the regular dilemmas of life do not pose such big problems. And the basic questions are the hardest- they are simplest to phrase but we really REALLY need to be completely honest to answer them correctly. Sometimes we answer them wrongly just because we are afraid to face the naked truth in life.
Here are some basic questions that you need to ask yourself. They are NOT in any particular order. And the list is also not complete. But you have to start somewhere at least. 🙂
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Do share the interesting thoughts that pop up 🙂
i started..and voted too!!
hey sanjeev u r a maths teacher…………….baap re :tremble: :tremble: :tremble: :tremble: :tremble: :tremble: :tremble: :tremble: :tremble: :tremble: ………i toh passed mushkil se in maths during school :stars: :stars: :stars: :stars: :stars: :stars: :silly: :silly: :silly: ……. 😐 😐 😐 😐
Hi Shivani,
Yes I am a Math teacher. 🙂
hmmmmmmmm……me now speak naap tol ke………. 😐 😐 😐
End term in 8 hours and I went into introspection mode!!!!! bachao.. :hypnotized: :hypnotized:
Really made me think though, maybe most of the times dissatisfaction comes because we haven’t taken the decisions for ourselves! at least in my case… well that does not mean I was forced, it was because at that point of time I didn’t really know what to do and what opportunities existed out there! :sidefrown: :sidefrown:
#PreExam#ArbitThoughts#BrainBufferOverflow!
Haha cute :P!
Congratulations on getting done! I just got done too… and know how you feel :))
Still 2 more to go!! 🙁 🙁 mine is sad sad tale!!
somehow all these thoghts come only before exams. 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆
You know what Shruti, even I’ve felt the same thing because in my growing years I’d listen to everything elders and parents say and follow it religiously without even considering what my mind wants. I wanted to become a musician and artist and I even got selected in the National Council of Drama and Art Academy, Shimla at a tender age of 11 years, but my mom dad wanted me to become an engineer. They didn’t let me go, I also followed…Anyways, now after growing up I feel that I can make better decisions myself..This has taken a bit tough toil on my life, but if you persist and succeed, no one can resist you for long!! 🙂 All the best for exams!! 😀 😀 😀
Thank You cali for the wishes and for the advise. Yeah I know, I’ll find a way to sail through! and be happy eventually! 🙂 But I don’t want to be an engineer for life.. 🙁
hehe….so much agree to this!!!!!! 🙂
Money wont solve ALL my problem but it sure would help fix some of them … after all only the rich can truly afford to say that money isnt important .. but that being said it isnt all important … late night introspection much
Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii Jahnaviiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii! :yahoo:
You on Skype??????????????
:thunder: :thunder:
J doooo :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo:
ratidooooooooooooooo :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo:
devie – me on skype 😀 or just email no 😛
J doo how have you been? where have you been? I want to know ALL> 😀 😀 😀
I was working grrrrrrr had no time to breathe … now am jobless and happily so for a few days at least 😛
Jobless? 😀 😀 you were interning no without paisa. lolll!!! Abhi what next? 😀
no no I quit the internship without paisa in feb … then got a job … now job is khattam so looking for next job 😛
Oh wowieee 😀 😀 Had fun in this job? 🙂 Now toh you can rest and totally udaao your salary . :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: You bought any new makeup oflate? 😀
hahahaha yeah I had a blast … loved every minute of it … but still havent gotten money so waiting till then to udaao it 😀 😀 😀 😀 and I bought no new makeup.. last thing I bought was siahi fluidline … otherwise ive just been splurging on bath and body stuff 😀 besides for like 2 months I hadnt stepped into a make up store … I swear my body went into withdrawal ! Then I went to see the mac kiss proof lippies but the good shades were sold out n the others were all milky n yucky 🙁
yeah J dooo I didnt like the light shades of the kissable colours.. teh brighter ones are damn pretty. 😀 I am also on a little makeup ban.. basically try to use the tons of makeup that I have hoarded is past one year. :shame: I bought feline kohl.. is amazing. I’ll get smolder once this finishes. I am in love with MAC Kohls :hypnotized:
Did you check out TBS earth lovers body washes range? Good one 😀
Sanjeev, you should catch this documentary when you have the time – http://www.quantumactivist.com/, I’m sure you’ll find it interesting.
I’m pretty happy with my life, but lately I feel like I need to make a pot of my own money to prove myself. Unfortunately, for our generation success is equated with the amount of wealth that one’s amassed. It’s a stark change from the values that I was brought up with, but I don’t want to be thought of as weak. Hopefully, I will learn to strike a balance with time, I want to be satisfied not complacent.
Devie, same case here. The only thing I want in my life right now is to do a lot of traveling. Money would help. 🙂
will see the documentary soon. 🙂
I am afraid of dying in poverty and I cannot be alone with myself….why am I scared of being alone :tremble: :tremble: :tremble: :tremble: :tremble: :tremble:
Goommooorninggggggggggg Jomol…Finally your b’day celebration got over…where were you past whole week???? 😛 😛 😛
Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii Cali……………yeah…….cant wait to get back to interact with you all……….missed you all badly :puchhi: :puchhi: :puchhi: :puchhi: :puchhi: :puchhi: :puchhi: :puchhi:
he he..welcome back..so where were you all these days? went for some vacation trip kya?
Now you are back, toh Rads has gone for vacation!!! Me also need a long vacation now!!!
same here Jomol. I marked.. I cant be alone.. :tremble: :tremble: :tremble: :tremble: :tremble:
I can aaraam se stay alone..I’ve got expertise in even scaring the ghosts away with my presence!! 😛 😛 😛 😛
me tooo rati…….so scary it is….like no one around :tremble: :tremble: :tremble: :tremble: :tremble: :tremble: :tremble: :tremble: :tremble: :tremble: :tremble: but I toh if left alone with oriflame goodies, I am happy then….. :happydance: :happydance: :happydance: :happydance: :happydance: :happydance: :happydance: :happydance:
:hypnotized: :hypnotized: :hypnotized: :hypnotized: :hypnotized: :hypnotized: :hypnotized: :hypnotized: :hypnotized: :hypnotized: :hypnotized: :hypnotized: :hypnotized: Oripremika!!!! :jaiho: :jaiho: :jaiho: :jaiho: :jaiho: :jaiho: :jaiho: :jaiho: :jaiho:
Caliiiiiiii :jiggy2: :jiggy1: :jiggy2: :jiggy1: :jiggy2: :jiggy1: :jiggy2: :jiggy1:
:jaiho: :jaiho: :jaiho: :jaiho: :jaiho: :jaiho:
Jomol,
you need to let go off your gold. You cannot be alone because you cannot bear the thought of not being able to flaunt your gold to someone. :tongue:
:lol2: :lol2: :lol2: :lol2: :lol2: :lol2: :lol2: :lol2: :lol2: :lol2: :lol2: :lol2: :lol2: Rightly said..Jomol and her gold obsession!! 😛 😛 😛
Sanjeevaaaaaaaaaaaaa :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank:
Can i borrow your mind and wit for a day, I want to scare my husband and relatives away :happydance: :happydance: :happydance: :happydance: :happydance: :happydance: :happydance: :happydance: :happydance: :happydance: :happydance: :happydance: :happydance: :happydance:
Some birdy told me that you got chocolates!! :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali:
oh yeah, Cali……I got chocos from Noopur….but the sad thing is na the horrible hyderabad heat melted the chocos and the hay in the packaging and I had to deep freeze it to a solid form……you know bechari noopur had packed it so beautifully and pressed it into various shapesssssssssssssssssss……….but heat melted part of it :(( 😯 :(( :((
Caliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii….you toh went to OOty na…..I stayed in Hyderabad only for chutti…………… :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: :hunterwali: ….yeah Rads is off on holiday too………….. :fart:
Me went to Ooty for only two days…out of which nights were gone in travelling only!! :wilt: :wilt: :wilt: :wilt: That vacation tired me more but Ooty was very refreshing!! 😀 😀 😀 Me want to go back now!!
ohhhhhhhhh…..too bad… :(( :(( We’ll ask noopur to take pics of the chocies before sending now!! 😀 😀 😀
Only TWO days :tongue: :tongue: :tongue: :tongue: :tongue: :tongue: :tongue: :tongue:
Jomol I too got chociess :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: Mine too got melted but they so yum.. I am eating dheere dheere so that they dont finish up soon . 😛
I want to borrow Sanjeev’s brain to re=write my 10th class maths exam :jiggy1: :jiggy1: :jiggy1: :jiggy1: :jiggy1: :jiggy1:
thankfully my maths was good throughout…I even wanted to become Maths professor but mom dad didn’t let me do that!! 😐 😐
Great questionnaire..Me feeling suddenly very happy after submitting the answers!! 😛 😛 😛
I hardly have answers to 2 or 3 questions 😐
Very nice article Sanjeev :)) I cant vote right now,accesing throught cell but will definitely in evening !
Sanjeev, very nice article. I am a working pro and have ambitious plans for life for myself and for my family as well, currently I am not happy with my work but cant go out of the city in search of a better job of my interest as I am supposed to be south bound for family, but I feel there is no meaning to my life if I dont achieve my aim of life, my parents’s aspirations and my dreams as well…….struggling and struggling very hard…..dont know how but I will one day do well and achieve my purpose of life…
I’ve always faced so many dilemmas in choosing and going ahead in my life that I can totally relate to what you’ve written about wondering at every step if what you are doing is right. The only thing I’ve learnt over the time till date is “Commit to what you have chosen and give it your best shot”. I don’t believe in living things half done. I might have taken some wrong decisions in my life, which have been right from my perspective but utterly wrong from other people’s point of view.
I usually aim at seeing how much my actions are gonna effect them. If there are no physical, social or emotional injuries, except for ego problems, I go ahead with what my mind and heart says. Making a choice is not a difficult task, but sticking to it is!!! 🙂
er..I mean “Leaving” things half done..I need :coffee: now!! 😛
You are right Cali, making a choice is not difficult but living with it is difficult….I made some utterly wrong choices with my career, and now fighting hard to re-write the history…infact I never had choices when I started off, as I come from a small town…
Even I come from small town Akhila and in my family if you are not an engineer or doctor or professor you are “nothing” ..lol…Anyways, there are always certain things that can be changed in your life, no matter what stage you are into. If not, you can still find ways to enjoy things you are doing…you just need to think and bring that twist yourself!! 🙂 🙂 I wish you all the best for your endeavors!
Thanks Cali, I am seeking ways to change my career and want to know where all can I get with my current education levels, I really need some career counseling
fantastic questions!! on a monday morning I am suddenly in thinking mode which s usually quite the opposite cos i come into working eesh!! another week but am all wide and awake now but jokes apart really neat questions. For me its about not accepting myself the way I am (but too lazy also to change so thats a completely diff problem). when another more confident person comes to me and tells me the way they are even though they might be copletely wrong somehow I will feel that i am the one who is not being the right way..you know whatI mean? but overall happy..i suppose thats the most important..
but good going Sanjeev. its a pleasure to read your articles..i love this type of introspecting (spelling??? :))
It used to happen with me too Aruna, long time back…but now I seldom give a damn to what other people are doing and how they compare with me…no matter how much beautiful or successful they are in their lives….One thing is for sure..they are not leading my life so can’t judge me no matter what!! 😛 😛 …and that gives me peace of mind. My life is my own and I am the only one responsible for it whatsoever!! 😀 😀 😀
ya honestly Cali. thats so true. thats what I mean you know. i know these selfish people who just think about themselves and just control everyone around and in all modesty i am not like that (to a large extent atleast :)) and then the way they talk oh my god you would think thats the way one is supposed to be..but i am learning..slowly but surely.
yeah..the best thing I’ve learnt all my life till date is to “Learn to ignore” and “Stay stable” 😀 😀 😀 😀 😀 😀
‘No’ to majority of the questions… I really need to a hold of myself now… How ? I have no idea :worship:
Good morning Naina..first have some :coffee: ..Nothing can beat the first cup of hot and steaming :coffee:, to make my day 🙂 🙂 🙂
i answered and good morning all.!
happy a smiling day!
:yelo:
good morning flygirl..you look all chirpy..
he he arunaaaaa what can i sayyyyyy!!!
its monday and sunny and i just had tea 😉
all the things that make me happy another day,some chai and news and imbb and studyng schedule 😉
love life
lol
Good Morning FG, what are you studying?
🙂 ya IMBB right there at the top with that first cup of coffee. have a fabulous day!!!
alooo akhila how uuuuuu??
he he!!!
am studyng some english literature for now.
thats all!
ill follow them with reading lajja by taslima nasreen 😉
then my mum will return from offic and i would cook with her 😉
he he
happy day!
i study by distance learning so have all the time in the world.
and i will also write reviews aaj ;)and will go to fab India sham ko as i told u
hope yalll haveeeeee a lovelly dayyyyy :yelo: :yelo: :yelo:
your routine made me smile!! 😀 😀 😀 😀 Have an awesome day ahead!! 🙂 🙂 :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo:
hii sanjeev..good morning :)) i did vote to all d abv mentiond questions..as a child i grew up in a very confused state..my thought process n everything was conflicting, and it still conflicts :-/ , wid i think majority of people including my parents..and it made me realize hw can dat be possible?? is der problem in my thinking , thats y der is dis alwayz conflicting n counter questioning mode prevailing btwn me n oders ?:) i grew up in various country worldwide , but i think its this tym (MBA,Office lyf), in which i can say i found my grounding..i met sum interesting ppl sanjeev, who r really les in numbers, but whom i can proudly say r my confidants n frndz (as if of now though.. :-/ )..and sanjeev,i i have this issue in trusting aswell..as many tyms i was being cheated emotionally..which has made me a bit of cynical n afraid of trusting oders..so ya i can still say i m still searching for a n answer to a question dat i really do not knw..
sorry for all this ramblings sanjeev ji :-/ ..me got bit emotional aftr seeing this article of urs.. 🙂
ha ha kimi chalo mein kuch to kam ayi
he he he
:yelo: :yelo: :yelo: :yelo:
cali:ditto
calicoaster May 9, 2011 at 9:39 am
Even I come from small town Akhila and in my family if you are not an engineer or doctor or professor you are “nothing” ..lol…Anyways, there are always certain things that can be changed in your life, no matter what stage you are into. :jaiho: :jaiho: :jaiho: :jaiho:
sachiii! ditto!
and am amongst the nothings coz i opted for sumthng which is not ususal.
all my cousins are enginers and 2 r doctors!
and am NOTHING CATEGORY COZ AM DISTANCE LEARNING A REGULAR COURC! 😆 😆 😆 😆
AM THE BLACK SHEEP OF MY PHAMILYY
BUT U KNW WAT!
AM HAPPY BEING THIS!
ATLST I DID WAT I WANTED TO!
Thats the best feeling…..to achieve and succeed in something you want from your heart!! 🙂 🙂 🙂
haha flygirl. 😀 .me also think me also black sheep of maa family..hum donno same same :handshake: :handshake:
nice to know you are happy and studying / working the way you want to….I wanted to go to the IIMs or study in the ISB……I am to be blamed for my past as I could not convince my parents good enuf to let me study there, or I was not confident enuf to take the step myself ….. after years, I still find myself in the same state of mind………I have to do something………
You can still prepare and give the exams na? they have this Executive MBA programs I guess..Just check the details…
akhila
ITS NEVER TOO LATE
critisim would come even if u wana cross the road .
a small thing like that
and specially in teh country and society we stay in.
but
JUST REMBR ITS NEVER TOO LATE!
:yes:
thanks Sweets, Yes I will do something about it…I MUST DO IT now.
I am in transition between “dont like what I am doing” and “clueless what I am supposed to be doing”
🙂 given a choice I’d be painting or designing something..like clothes maybe but this job is where the money is at..the bills and all other things nice come from this paycheck..my job is crisis management btw 🙂
There is a job…crisis management?? I didn’t know…hehehee..learned something new today 🙂
hehhe..ya. I have making a living out of it for the past 10 years..but in corporate terms its Business Continuity/Disaster Recovery. I lead the global operations for my company .
Am I good at something — hmmmmm…I voted yes..but I would like to be “really goood” at something…like I should look at really good examples of something and say hmmm..yes I could do that too….
Hi Radsssssss!! 😀 😀 Howz your vacation going on?? 😛
Not bad..but have loads of other stuff to finish up…like you know things around the house…things I have been ignoring cos I was working kinds…sighhhh 😀 Got a haircut..so that’s one thing less…but became a bit too short i think…but my hair grows out too fast..
You vacationing at home??? 😐 😐 😐 😐
Hehehheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee ya 😀
:jaiho: :jaiho: :jaiho: :jaiho: :jaiho: :jaiho: :jaiho: Me want to see your new haircut now..posttttttttt!! 😀 😀 😀 😀
Is same haircut only..just shorter…like a trim 🙂
It feels so good o get a hircut na. 😀 😀 😀
yeah!! 😀 😀 But hubby doesn’t let me get my hair short!! 😐 😐 😐 ..he likes my long curls…weirdest thing is he doesn’t want me to even comb my hair…says he likes my natural locks!! Me soon will become aadivaasi baba!!! :headbang: if me follow what he wants religiously!!! :wilt:
My usually quiet dad said “What a wonderful haircut you got…people will think we are taking our maid around with us..” My mom said I look paagal :toothygrin:
Gee, please DO post photees… now, I’m all excited to see your haircut :toothygrin:
:violinbash: I didn’t want to bother with getting a haircut for another 6-7 months…and the girl seemed very happy when I told her ohhh just cut off all the thinner hair… :toothygrin: :toothygrin: :toothygrin:
Your wife sleeping? We have been giving each other missed calls…I call her…she says she busy…she call me ..I never hear the call 😐
Lol, yeah she is sleeping. I made her watch a movie that she said she liked but I guess she was a little bored. :toothygrin:
‘All the president’s men’ was the movie’s name 🙂
I checked on wiki – is absolutely my hubby kind of movie…me like brainless comedies only 😀 I see you busy stirring up a storm with that tehelka article ka link 😛 😛 😛 Me watch with interest…:P 😛
I do want to add though, there was a time when I was superdepressed and going bonkers. Chicken Soup for the Soul series were quite lifesaving. So maybe people go to these institutes similar way – the lectures help them look at things a different way and help overcome their problems…not really overcome, but sometimes when you are depressed you can’t think straight and someone else telling it to you helps – be it a book or a person.
That apart, I mostly agree with most things that article said 🙂 Oh and I have to add a bit about Amma. My sis studied in one of her colleges. We all were very skeptical about her going there. It’s quite normal actually, pretty disciplined, and the teachers there are so sincere and genuine. They don’t seem to teach just for the sake of teaching – they really adore their job and the students (at least the teachers my sis got). And my sis didn’t pay a donation – just the regular fees. I do know another person though, who paid tons of cash and joined. Didnt have the brains to clear their entrance test, so took up a management seat. So it’s not like everybody who joins there pays a lot of cash. If you are dumb and cant clear their entrance test, ya you buy a seat then 😀 😀 😀 And just to clarify, no I don’t think it’s okay to put a photo of Amma and worship her, but if she has done something good for someone and they respect her for that, who am I to argue against that?
Yes Castor, even Gollum did some good, and so did wormtail 🙂
I don’t know about Gollum so much cos I cannnnnnnot read those books….is just too much work for my teeny brains…but Wormtail…hmmmmph
Radssssss..me want to see your haircut!! 😀 😀 😀
Do I think Money would solve all my problems – No…but having it around would help solve a lot of problems really fast, would ensure that I live a happier life and have a few less things to worry about…and NO WAYYYYYY I want to die in poverty…I want to die comfortable and happy…!
Fortunately, I am not plagued with many questions, most of them have been sorted out. I have always been busy in doing something or the other which I love- guitar, literature, reading, writing, bridge, teaching, TG, and now IMBB. Some of the things I have learnt are these:
1. Success is necessary. The process involved in achieving success changes you a lot as a person. The glow and confidence of success can keep you warm for long.
2. Money is not related to happiness even if it solves many of your problems. Rati and I shared the happiest of times when we were struggling and had little money.
3. Life is completely random. All those Zen, Buddhism, Krishna consciousness, art of living, etc. are purely bullshit. If you want to stay happy daily, it’s better to join a gym.
4. Chase your dreams. Always be busy chasing your dreams. Even if you are living in worst of conditions (happened to me once) you would be the happiest.
5. If you don’t have a dream, find one. This is THE MOST important thing in life.
I agree to all the points :haanji: :haanji: :haanji: :haanji: Especially chasing your dream…Nothing can be more fun than that!!! Living life with passion..and live it up to the best….
Agree to everything Sanjeev. Having dreams is so important. Its what keeps you going..’living’ rather than just ‘existing’. Right now my struggle is to make my parents understand that I have dreams. i’ve always been the good kid, first in class and now in IIT, but now I want to pursue Art and they are not able to accept that.
Ankita l’lI would say is that sometimes you have to fight for things in your life. Depends on how badly you want some thing in your life.
I know Rati. Thanks 🙂 I guess you’ve already gone through it…going against your parents..it seems a little hard sometimes cos my parents are very nice simple and loving people and I’ve never gone against them before. But I really believe in this..”Nothing thats worthwhile is ever easy”.
No I didn’t go against them. I manaooed them and made them understand my point of view. It was tough but now when I look back, it was well worth it. :))
I loved your Grace Kelly pic A LOT!
I come from a small town Ankita and my parents are really simple and that’s why I had such a tough going . :))
and teh CAT is damn cute.. The eyes are so expressive :cat2: 😀
Thank you so much Rati :))
hey rati.. :-* me send u my haul post ..plz do chk n plz plz doo help me with the pics rati..it seems dey r not showing in post ..so have send it seprately..plz do chk it.. :-* and :thanks: in advance..
Hey Ankita, me in such a same situation!! First in class, IIT and to tell you a something, I am from Bhopal too :)))
And now I want to leave all this comp sci engg to teach primary school kids, I love them! But you know whats stopping me, right?
:handshake: I understand Shruti. Which IIT are you in and where are you from in Bhopal?
Me in IITR…and I live in Gulmohar in Bhopal! 🙂 u?
me in IITB n i stay in chunabhatti, near char imli 🙂
I know chunabhatti! All the best with you endeavors 🙂
:waytogo: :waytogo: sanjeev ji..nice points..n i totally agree wid ur Point # 3 as nwr dayz only GYM wud help me n make me happy happy gurl.. 😛 :-/
have to disagree with you on the Zen, Buddhism one..I think along with happiness it is also peace of mind and the Zen thing works for some, dosent for some. so eventually as long as it dosent brain wash ppl I think any routine is a good thing. gym certainly helps but what one gets out of Art of living they might not get out of the gym..:0 just my 2 cents..
I totally agree with the rest of the points you have made. today a lot of us can afford many luxuries in life but I bet for many of us we are happier eating that chaat or drinking that cutting chai in the rains..a 5 star hotel coudnt beat the thrill out of that!!
Hi Aruna ji,
I had actually included peace of mind in happiness only. And I apologize for my strong reaction. Let me explain:
I sincerely believe that these things don’t work. But a lot of brainwashing goes on to make people believe that these things are working. Most people who join these organizations are someway ‘broken’ inside; they are either going through something emotionally painful or proving to be socially maladjusted without friends. So they seek relief or a social circle. These organizations then just prey on these people’s needs and function exactly as Amway’s multi-level-marketing does- brainwashing people though meetings, seminars, selling tapes and books, and in turn asking them to spread the word. In the end, whatever is promised to these gullible ones- be it peace, success in life, or god- eludes them and they end up making these organizations richer.
The worst of all is that these people lose a lot of time which can never come back. Time they could have utilized to fix themselves and get ahead in life.
Aruna-ji ah? 🙂
i think its what you take away from these types of heeling. Btw, I personally havent done any of these sessions myself so i am talking more from a 3rd person angle. A lot of these sessions involve learning the art and techniques of mediation, breathing, being positive and most of all the importance of not giving up. There are ppl who come to who already have some problems and are looking for solutions whereas some ppl just want another avenue to relieve their stress instead of popping pills or going to counsellors. thats why I said some of these methods do work. I did do one session on color therapy and at the end of that class (5 classes of 45 mins each), she just taught me the right way to breathing and to be calm. that was probably my biggest take away from those sessions. These honestly help. infact they are part of yoga as well so obviously some truth to it?
I regularly go to the gym which do doubt gets me all enthu and energy and the stamina levels have increased many times over (touch wood) ever since I started using the gym.
while these alternative methods might not be the beginning and end of all problems, I think there is some quite bit which one can take away from it..good health is eventually a combination of gym + breathing+ mediatation+ being positive etc
Aruna,
I can take away things about meditation much better from a yoga class. If I teach about meditation and breathing in my Math class and students feel that THAT is the take away, there is a problem with my Math class.
So gym + breathing + meditation + being positive is NOT the takeaway from Zen, Buddhism etc.
well i did mention positive thinking, not giving, etc..my point was just that we cannot discount something completely..and btw i am in complete agreement with your point abt the breathing and the Math class funda..
I believe in all points above but no. 3…….I personally have not attended any of what you have mentioned, but from time to time, I go to Svadhyay….which is more a study on Veda, Hinduism, Gita and philosophy flowing from all of them. For me….it just opens a different box of thinking…..and when I feel really down, gives me strength to bear it and bear it with a smile. I also go to gym regularly and it definately helps….but sometimes you need external force to push you forward in life…..and explain to you that things happen…..just learn to move on. Often questions are raised….that why people do this? why are people attracted to these institutions or beliefs…..its similar to what you mentioned….to exercise your problems away…..people go to gym in their 30’s and keep health problems to minimum in your 40’s and 50’s and beyond…..same way…you join something you like, you derive inspiration from, to learn whats right from wrong….in your 30’s and you can prevent major life problems in your 40’s, 50’s and beyond……
Nia ji,
I can comment on Svadhyay if you can tell me how it functions- how it gives you inspiration and teaches you right from wrong. 🙂
There is one hour lecture (video) from Pandurang Shastri….and reciting of shlokas…mostly evening prayers and morning prayers….and aarti…this is basic every Sunday. And the lectures are mostly on different topics taken from Gita, Hindu culture…our festivals…our rituals and Veda…..I enjoy to learn what I dont already know. They have different classes for Kids….to learn about the same, but in structured approach…..through stories and concepts taken from Mahabharat and Ramayan.
One example I can recall is…..My husband has been travelling extensively past couple of years due to business and it falls on me to take care of kids, their tanturms, their activities on top of managing home, job and food. I was feeling down one particular weekend, that why do I have to go through this alone? And was have so many negative thoughts as to why my life is so hard….why we have to live separate….and then I reluctantly just sat throught the lecture…..I didnt even feel like hearing it….and that particular day…the lecture was about “Ram and Sita and what they went through”…..and I was like…”my troubles are just a tiny pinch compared to what they supposedly went through, 13 yrs in exile and then separation from each other due to society”…….so just to say that others have far worse troubles….and they overcome it….and I was instantly inspired….I took my kids to their fav. restaurant, we watched movie at home ( their choice) and then I finally overcame my small depression…..
Umm… do not want to belittle your experience but wouldn’t you have derived the same inspiration from a miserable beggar on the street? Please don’t be offended but I wanted to point out only one thing in my original comment- I am not questioning the occasional benefits of joining an institution but the main ‘reward’ that their program is offering. If an institution tries to sell me god, healing, happiness or success, I would stay away from it.
God is the biggest business in India. People such as Deepak Chopra or Ravishankar refined it further in their own way and made millions out of it. Osho had ninety-six Rolls Royces by the way.
What are they offering that you cannot derive from a beggar on the street?
Please do read this when you have time-
http://www.tehelka.com/story_main31.asp?filename=Ne300607Business_Of_the.asp
First of all…..a beggar wouldnt have inspired me that way…..yeah I would have pity on him……but not uplifted my spirits.
I also tend to stay away from anything that “sells” what you mentioned above…..We dont pay any money for Svadhyay….no fees……nothing. It is basically self-education and most people volunteer to help.
What is makeup then? Women do it to look better…..to feel confident….why cant one do same looking at an ugly person?
I think there is a thin line in between all this……I am really mad at undue advantage and waste of time……I rather do “Manav Seva”……but meanwhile…right now one hour each Sunday helps…..may be down the lane, I may find something to help back to the society.
Hmmm… my point about the beggar was, that someone could have learnt the same thing by looking at him. And there could have been another woman in the same circumstances as yours who would not have felt inspired by the Ramayan story and would have kept feeling miserable. That is because the institution’s main product is not inspiration. This is just your experience and your take away. It’s just like kids going to school- the main program offered is the study, and making friends or not is incidental. Rating a school based on how many friends one made there is not logical.
Yes its a possiblity that other woman would not have felt that way…but you always chose what works for you….you dont go looking for what is working for everybody else. I read your article that you attached……money is necessary for expansion and thats where donation starts. It is part of the game. If someone gives you lottery for happiness, you will be inclined to reward him by money…..its conscience…..
For your school comment….kids go to school precisely to learn study…other things are by products…..
I have been close ( same wall) neighbour to I will not name here…..one of the descendants of Vallabhacharya….he had throngs and throngs of people coming to him……and so many followers……..even my grandmother was his staunch follower….we always questioned all this……we to have seen “him” more as a human, more as a neighbour……but they have this gift…..of calming people, of inspiring people, they have “vaani”…..that is filled with literature and they have deep knowledge probably passed through generations…..its impossible not to be impressed. They have abundant energy…..and halo of “specialness” when they speak…..
I agree wholeheartedly about the person you are talking about. I have read and reread about two such persons- Gandhi and Vivekanand. But I think that both these persons were trying to find out life and truth for themselves and people following them and flocking to them was just incidental. And neither of them tried to make any money out of it. I believe same was the case with Buddha or Rama or any such persons that you are inspired with. That they were trying to do good in their lives (and not trying to make money out of it) and people started following them.
When I talk about expansion I am talking about business. But if Gandhi, Rama, Buddha, or Vivekanand tried to create their franchises offering salvation, I would have disowned them.
It was good talk Sanjeev! :yes:
🙂
Also Sanjeev…jeeeeee…..I am an Accountant….which is to say I tend to breakdown everything and for me everything should be logical….sequential events etc……. 😉 Bas koi bhi transaction karo….its always a debit or credit…..aur woh jeevan ke balance sheet pe dikhta hi hai……p&l pe jo bhi lafda karo……but a true reconciler ( in this case your heart)….knows where you stand. :whistle:
I know perfect answers to all the questions above…..and I am happy where I am. I am because I have chosen to be where I am. I do not regret any choice that I have made. In fact they wrong ones ( that I thought were wrong) taught me a lesson, and right ones lead me to better ones.
you know, strangely now I don’t want life to be logical or sequential, although this seed of logic won’t leave me. Like you, I cannot help making sense of everything. And sometimes I hate this habit of mine. Logical is, quite frankly, too predictable and boring. I would want my life to be a crazy madhouse. I wouldn’t mind if I don’t know where I am, what I’m doing there, and what is my purpose. :idk: :idk:
Yes…it should be Thoda sa Magic too…..beleive me life can never be too predictible…..it always throws you challenges……
why dont u like paint part time?
or start designing from home?
open up a room boutique
i knw paying the bills is important but you could always squeeze in 1 hour everyday for that little something special 😉
just give it a shot and let it out.!
go where your heart wnats to take you and see how you can breatheeeeee :bravo: :bravo: :bravo: :bravo:
Same thing..I love to paint..I paint!! 😀 😀 he he..though occasionally..I love to play piano..I bought one when I was in US and spent all weekends playing it….was so passionate about it that I even got it Fed Exed to India!! 😛 😛 ….even though the price of shipping was 4 times the price of the keyboard…but me got lucky..he he..my landlady’s daughter was a Fed Ex employee and she gets 80% discount on all Fed Ex shipping!! 😛 😛 …when you pursue your dream, the universe works in getting it to you….I love Alchemist and now want to read it again!! 😐 😐 😐
Cali, I agree with you, when you pursue your dreams the Universe works for you and in your favor………….thats sooooooooo true !!!
Hi Cali, I love painting too! In fact that is all I want to do for the rest of my life. And I loved reading Alchemist too 🙂 Have a look at my artwork if you want.. http://community.how-to-draw-and-paint.com/photo/photo/listForContributor?screenName=1t1gg1g6zmcj9&exposeKeys=&xg_pw=&xgsi=&groupUrl=&xgi=&groupId=&page=1
Lovely paintings Ankita!!!! :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: You are very talented..you learnt it somewhere? I wanted to learn it from Kala kiran but my dad’s frequent transfers to all forest areas never led me…. :(( So Now I paint from whatever I know myself..he he he..your paintings are very very professional looking…Awesome artwork!!!! :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
Thank you so much Cali 🙂 No I’m self taught, have been learning and practicing myself from past 1.5 years..though I haven’t done anything in past 4 months. Thanks for appreciating O:)
Lovelyyyyyyyyyy…You must pursue your art work..They are simply amazing!!!!!!!!!! ….I’ve so many themes pending on my computer folder now…I’d make one painting for sure in next couple of days now!! 😛 😛 😛 😛 Me uploaded just a couple of my paintings here…
http://www.artbreak.com/calicoaster
Rest all are at home…and right now I am banned from there!!
I like your paintings..esp the last sketch is really good 🙂 Its ok..your parents will come around in some time..n then you can share the other works too.
he he..thanks!! 😀 😀
Well Ankita, You’d be our next Paul Gauguin, who left his well-settled life as a stockbroker at the age of 37 in order to paint. 🙂
Thank you Sanjeev 🙂 But I don’t want to wait till I’m older to start doing what I really want to do. I know right now what I want and if I wait 10-15 years gearing myself up to finally have the courage to start, I’ll regret the years I wasted! I always get advise from people around me that I should pick up a job and wait for 5-7 years till I’m settled n then leave the job to pursue this. 😐
Errr… no, I wasn’t asking you to wait or join a job. Go right ahead 🙂
I know 🙂 I was just saying. Thanks.
Is Kala Kiran an institute? I’m sorry my knowledge abt this is pretty nil..
yeah..They teach art and painting..I’ve seen so many of my friends who didn’t even know how to handle brush properly, becoming artists there!! 😛 😛 ….
Ok. I’m not very fond of art schools..no doubt they are helpful..but I enjoy the process of learning on your own..gets very slow and tough sometimes but i think its more fun!
Ankita, there’s one thing I have learnt during my guitaring days and during my gymming- A teacher (or teachers) is (are) important. It is necessary to have someone to push us beyond our limits. Self-practise often leads to complacency, slow pace, or with less results. A teacher, if he/ she is a good teacher, can help us get there faster.
Also, in an art school you’d be pitched against like-minded persons and you’d REALLY get to know if you have a potential or you are just charmed by this whole art thing.
And to save yourself from the worst part of schools- killing your creativity- just take whatever you think is necessary and ignore everything else. 🙂
I agree…I usually feared joining the art school because I thought it might mar my creativity and I might be exposed to certain harsh realities of my art work which I might not be able to take…but now, I am really open to learn and take whatever I want to and ignore the rest!! 😀 😀 😀
Schools take away the fun and interesting part of the subjects when they draft it into a curriculum…And from 3 years in this place I can say one thing for sure(and from what my seniors tell me) whatever they teach in the classroom is hardly useful once you go out. And moreover they make is sooo dull while they do it. I’m not saying that art school is also like that. i agree about the presence of a good teacher helping you push your limits but other than that..I quite prefer learning on my own cos you learn so much more about yourself on the way.
That is so true…I have read the book….and its special to me……such simply written….
i assume that comment was for me 🙂 i have that drawing book right next to my bed and somehow every free time i get i am cleaning or doing something else. i am too restless to sit down calmly and do somehting. But i did start designing clothes a few weeks back and have promised a friend of mine I’d do something for her ..an indo-western outfit..but now that I am chatting about I honestly dont know why I am not following thru’ with it enough..
aww cali the pianoooo!!!!!!!
voila
my mum played sitar and she did her ma bed in music :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo:
he he!
i wana get her a sitar once i get a job and see her play again!
now am off!
loveeeee
:plane:
I have learnt Sitar too… 😀 😀 In my college days!! 🙂 But couldn’t give the exam after learning for full one year..Got typhoid at that time!! :weep:
are wahhhhh!!!!!!
😀 😀 😀 😀 But me love piano more!! 😛 😛 Bachpan ka pyaar hai…have been playing it since I was in nursery!! :toothygrin: :toothygrin: :toothygrin: :toothygrin: :toothygrin: :toothygrin:
As much as i find the questions simple…I would state that many of them if had a answer as ‘Maybe’ i would chose it…as Sanjeev has a logical background (being a math teacher) it might be reasonable to choose between yes or no…
But i am a complex issue O:) and I think that there is always something in between, be it evil or good, ambition and satisfaction, love and hate..and not everything is black or white and at having colors we have many hues of each shade and i think that also applies to many aspects of life…
However I also think that cutting down our options to only 2 acceptable answers, and a very old saying that goes ‘ there is no 2 ways of doing the right thing’ I would say given the context in the questions above, you are making people linger a little longer and think a little harder to answer them a proper Yes or a No, so in conclusion you are a goddamn good teacher :vampire:
Deb, I have learnt that ‘maybe’ is an escape route. Unless someone takes a stand in ‘yes’ or ‘no,’ he/she would not force himself/ herself to move. 🙂
that’s subjective and humanity isnt that simple, maybe and doubts is what brings self knowledge in the long term as long as you are willing to…there is no possibility to growth if you are not open to let yourself doubt sometimes…that is just not human, otherwise we wouldnt have religiong, society, laws…it goes against what make ourselves unique….
I know that sometimes doubt can be destructive, but to consider it evil is not the way to go
deb ur articles lovely!
oh why? thank you O:)
Deb I just read your post……..its very shameful to know ppl and their attitude towards life….DOWRY what a concept and how ppl shamelessly implement it….
Thanks for the prestige girls 🙂 if you want to keep up with the convo, pls drop a word in the comments session :-*
sanjeev ji i disagree with you a little on ur views.
the people who join these institues are no nescrly broken
when i joined art of living i was no way broken but i wa sjust 16 and loved every bit of it.
not every bit if these things are sham
some really help you discover new things about life as such!
but thats just my view.
you may keep your if it helps you
:toothygrin: :toothygrin:
ah my point exactly..there is no one universal methods. depending on how ppl are different methods work. while some cannot go the gym, they probably find yoga a better way to lose weight. also while gym focuses on weight loss, stamina etc, yoga or some of these other methods help with the mind which is equally important to a person’s health. I am not in any way undermining the importance of the gym cos I go regularly and i have never felt better physically actually but still I know I need to do that 15 mins of breathing and pranayam..some of the learnings are really valuable.
would not discount something completely.:)
just rea dthrough ur link.touchy!
great quiz sanjeev!!! :waytogo: :waytogo: :waytogo:
very introspective!!! 😀 Answering the questions made me realize at what a happy juncture in life i am in 🙂
thank you 😀