THE THINKING MIND IS A RESTLESS ENTITY

THE MIND RESEMBLES THE INTRICATE STRUCTURE OF THIS FLOWER!

this is one flower. from our backyard.It is called more pankhi(the,peacock feather)

Off and on, inwardly, doubts, uncertainties and allied dilemmas of everyday living overwhelm the mind. Retrospection and introspection give no relief. The internal upheaval whisks away repose and happiness.The passage of time does not heal the pain of muted hurts. Regrets also now and then ruffle the mind. Negativity homes in with a defeatist attitude and snubs drive and enthusiasm.  Most of the times, the thinking mind’s inner voice butts in at the opportune time and stops the onslaught of jumbled and incoherent thoughts. It goes for a middle path between subjectivity and rationality.

Thereafter the realization dawns, about the futility of digging the past or crying over spilt milk. Slowly the flow of the stream of consciousness wakes up to the  reality of the present, for health and well-being.

Ironically, thinking beings keep wrestling with such emotional phases occasionally.  Our inherent sensitivities dare to walk over the razor’s edge and bleed easily in the process.

Now in my golden years, mind’s machete stabs me into the awareness of emptiness of life. This brings unease and boredom. The danger of becoming self-centric looms large. Further deliberations; boil down to the need of finding some definite and fulfilling purpose in life.   Many questions and many responses strike the grey matter. Invariably the answer comes - You have played your innings as best as you could. Why have any regrets? Yes, true, If only I could rein in the basic premise epitomized in-   “I think therefore I am” ‘Cogito ergo sum.’ Everybody knows how merciless this psychic state is. The thinking wand of the mind leaves no escape route.  The internal critic, your conscience deprives you of the bliss of ignorance.

Slowly, the inner soliloquy -the voice of sanity resurrects the buried good sense. It takes center stage. It reminds you to be proactive and keep at bay the satanic hold of the absurd, melancholia and cynicism.  This entails determination to ensure mental and physical wellness. Moreover, only discipline and sense of purpose lead to a path of healthy self- renewal. 

For me it lies in pursuing my writing passion. Paradoxically it gives me the thrill of an enduring purpose and the bittersweet pain of ensuring flow of inspiration. It is like, you take it or you leave it. It is rocky but you enjoy it. It defines you in your own mind. It makes you feel empowered to articulate your worldview in the blogosphere. When it is derailed, that is the time when misgivings and annoying pricks intrude.   The only alternative is to stop feeding the bug and be mired in nothingness. What an option! Ha ha ha! Can one do it? Obviously not. Here one sweats but there are joys and rainbow moments too.

“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.”
― Eleanor Roosevelt

BTW don't you agree that the beauty of the above flower has the power to dispel all doubts?

BLUEPRINT FOR THE NEW YEAR

Google image

In the run up to the New Year, I am reaffirming some general principles for meaningful living, which I propose to follow diligently and sincerely.  My commitment is based on due deliberations, experiences, observations and intellectual journey over the years. More or less, I had always been a votary of these beliefs.  However, sometimes life’s boat faces rocky patches and things stare at you menacingly. Well, human memory needs refreshing periodically for direction and focus.

One confession I have to make at the outset. Listen ladies! Now I believe more than ever the adage, “Behind every successful woman is herself.”

The following principles/ suggestions are universal and have classic appeal: They are simply reminders, lest we forget.

Count your blessings at least once a day. Thank God for   your good fortune, a loving family, good friends and the material comforts to enjoy life fully.

Be grateful to your parents for their unconditional love and support. Acknowledge the contribution of your siblings in your growing up years. Give a moment of thought to your colleagues and friends who stood by you in difficult times.

Live in the moment. Feel the joy of being alive. Stop whining about minor irritations of life. Make the most of your present and set achievable goals. 

Be strong and kind to yourself. Try to forget the hurts (though very difficult) and emotional wounds of life and move forward.

Have a positive attitude. It imparts confidence, develops resilience and promotes good health.

Remain honest to yourself. Learn to say ‘no’ to something, which is against the core of your personality.

Try to remind yourself of the legacy of a value system ingrained in your mental makeup. Listen to your inner voice in life’s testing times.

Go with the flow of life. Don’t try to jump the gun. Patience and trust will sort out things for you.

Practice mindfulness, the ability to concentrate on the work at hand. Learn to meditate and do good Karma.

     
    Hone your creative skills. Set a purpose and focus on it assiduously.

Develop the ability to visualize success in your particular field and work whole heartedly to achieve it.

Be friends with nature. It is our ally in all seasons. It is a great stress buster. Enjoy the sight of a flitting butterfly, a chirping bird and a frolicking squirrel. Look at the lark with a worm in its beak, a dove cooing on overhead wires, a pair of parakeets sprinting above and a woodpecker busy pecking in your freshly mown lawn. Listen to cuckoo’s melodious ditties on a rainy day in summer.

Smell a rose and strike a conversation with the flowers beaming in the soft breeze. Watch the swirl and swing of the newly sprouted twigs in the spring. Wonder at the sight of a dew droplet hanging precariously on the blade of grass and pause to watch the glow of the glowworm on dark moist nights. Can one ask for more?

Follow an exercise regimen of your choice. Anyway, go for a walk and savor the activity around. Focus on breathing. Be conscious of the inhalation and exhalation process. Feel the movement of your limbs as you take steps.

Sitting in your verandah, soak in relaxation in your body and mind. Practice spiritual abandons. Let wind caress your face and blow your hair and allow it to steal in and rub against your body.  Forget yourself and be in a joyful reverie.

Don’t take life too seriously. Laugh and make others laugh. Spread cheer. It is said, “He who laughs lasts.”

In short, the process of inventing and reinventing oneself is life- long. Thank God for that. This is essential if we wish to lead a happy, purposeful life.

Friends, what do you think of the above discourse? Pl. suggest your own perspective about New Year resolutions.

VISUALS CLICKED THROUGH THE AEROPLANE WINDOW

Here is the Ariel view captured by my camera from the moving plane…

the plane is above the  ocean of clouds. Part of the right wing is visible.

I’m back at Patiala after four months of stay in the U.S. It was a very rewarding experience in terms of hitherto unexplored treasure trove of unbounded natural beauty and many more eye-opening experiences. I had been to the U.S. many times before, and I visited capital city Washington DC and most of its tourist attractions. Most memorable had been the visits to Disneyland and Hollywood Studios in Los Angeles. However, unluckily I was not a blogger then and experiences remained unrecorded and faded from memory in due course of time.

Zurich's green patches and surrounding areas. The red cross sign on the wing.The red cross movement originated from Switzerland.

Now for the last couple of years I’m a part of the blogosphere and my perceptions and insights are deeply sensitized and propel me to decide what to chronicle. I only need a trigger point, that is.

The architectural design of Zurich city and mountains in the far end.

We had chosen Swiss international as our air carrier this time. We boarded the plane from Chicago for Zurich and boarded another flight from the same company from Zurich to Delhi. As the plane started to take off from Zurich, I chanced to look out of the window. Oh what an eerie display of the mystery of the skyline it was! I immediately pried out my camera from the bulging pockets of my purse, got glued to the window for capturing the rare scenes above the clouds. As the plane was slowly gaining height, I took pictures of the breathtaking scenes below. It brought into focus the charismatic paradigm of the view below. The boundless expanse embellished with pneumatic looking surface created by the moving clouds made my jaw drop in sheer amazement. Actually, these are the miracles, which go unnoticed. The sight was so awe inspiring and humbling. One bows in awe at the magnificence, which looked surreal and real at the same time.

the open spaces away from human habitation.

Switzerland is a beautiful country with gigantic mountains-Alps in South and Jura in North West- dotting its skyline. Zurich and Geneva are its global cities. It is a peace loving and safe country. It has a perfect banking system. (Remember all the money stashed in its banks from all over the world.) 

Further up,mountains engulfed in snow. Only tops visible.

Friends:Pl. zoom in for better viewing.

TREADING ON THE TREADMILL

ONE OF MY WONDERFUL EXPERIENCES IN THE U.S.

walk in progress

For the last couple of days, weather has turned ice-cold outside. The region experienced an early snowfall too. The temperature fluctuates daily. Undoubtedly, winter has stepped in, though somewhat prematurely. It may be sunny but the wind chills the bones. As a result, my regular going out for a walk has ended.

from left elliptical,stationary bike and treadmill

What to do then?  Exercise is a must. For the last so many years, a stipulated and timed walk had been a basic component of my lifestyle.  Minus this ritual, I feel sick, lose my appetite, and become lethargic to boot. I become a dry well for creativity. After engaging myself in exercise, I feel perked up and proactive. I tend to think better and become more productive and happy with myself. Ideas for my blog posts take birth. Therefore, I had to think of a substitute. And that I did.

My son’s basement has most of the paraphernalia of a mini gym. There is a treadmill, a stationary bike, elliptical contraption and all weights. Additionally, there is a table tennis table and air hockey game.  Here in the U.S. most of the young professionals have installed all these gadgets in the basement of their houses. Therefore, I said to myself- let me a make a beginning by walking on the treadmill. I needed to be cautious, for it was my first time. There is something else too. As I gain in years, I keep losing in physical courage. I get easily scared. I am mortally afraid of falls. (My mother fractured her femur after a fall and never recovered) To visualize the aftermath of a nasty fall is terrible.  I shudder to think of being immobile ever. Frankly, I dread that.  I’ve dreams, yet to be realized.

 Well, while all these thoughts churned in my head, I mechanically put on my running shoes. Then consciously made my way to the basement. Turned on a few lights. Examined the contraption. Read the warnings. Switched on the machine. Stepped on the belt and touched the number one speed square. The belt started moving very slowly. I felt okay, touched the next speed square, and found it comfortable for a beginner.  I held the handles for safety and balance. I had a successful walk (not run) for about half an hour. Finally, I got over my fear. I felt so much better. My spirits soared. I slept well that night.

The treadmill is great for 'in home' exercising. Ours has twelve speeds. Every speed has ten notches. You start from the lowest and gradually increase the speed as your endurance level improves over a period. The front panel displays speed, time, distance, pace, calories burnt and Pulse. The controls are easy to operate. It provides smooth walking or running for all age groups. You can do it in the privacy of your home at your own convenience. For vigorous workouts, you have the incline feature and can experience the feeling of going up a hill.

Aerobic exercise on the treadmill is ideal for weight loss. Reportedly, it burns more calories than other aerobic exercises. I've no worry on that count,

though. 

There are enough safety features too.

  

 There are other multiple benefits:

1. It is relaxing as well as energizing. It busts mild depression, anxiety and stress.

2. It facilitates better functioning of the cardiovascular system.

3. It promotes bone health and tones up muscles. It eases stiffness of limbs and takes care of minor aches and pains.

4. It whets appetite and improves the digestive system.

5. It helps the diabetics to stabilize their insulin levels.

6. It promotes overall wellness and reduces visits to the physician.

Moral: Let’s take the first step for achieving a goal which has the potential of rich dividends in any which way? While taking necessary precautions, go for any exercise regimen regularly, and receive tons of healthful gains. It comes out to be the best decision one can make.

 Most of us are wary of trying something new. However, we're like that. Once we muster up courage to make a start, the result is always remarkable. As they say- dar ke aage jeet hai

Einstein has said," Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving."

Friends, I’m enjoying this newly found interest. What do you think?