Money & the crisis of civilization

Read this intriguing article on Charityfocus. Striking, how we are now constantly growing around the concept of money so much so that everything we do or think of doing should somehow translate to generation of money. We have now done this long enough that our thinking is shunned and its dire consequences are showing in the form of global crisis we are in. We have commercialized our happiness, education, food and anything you name it. Now we are running out of ideas for things we can monetize. We have accepted that as a form of bestowed culture, as a way of life. So, beware, if you do not hold monetary value in your existence, you probably have no value in the current system!

Think for this for a minute (snippets from the article),

"Essentially, for the economy to continue growing and for the (interest-based) money system to remain viable, more and more of nature and human relationship must be monetized. For example, thirty years ago most meals were prepared at home; today some two-thirds are prepared outside, in restaurants or supermarket delis. A once unpaid function, cooking, has become a "service". And we are the richer for it. Right?"

Or

"Today we sell away the last vestiges of our divine bequeathment: our health, the biosphere and genome, even our own minds. This is the process that is culminating in our age. It is almost complete, especially in America and the "developed" world. In the developing world there still remain people who live substantially in gift cultures, where natural and social wealth is not yet the subject of property. Globalization is the process of stripping away these assets, to feed the money machine's insatiable, existential need to grow. Yet this stripmining of other lands is running up against its limits too, both because there is almost nothing left to take, and because of growing pockets of effective resistance."

There is a risk that developing countries are facing now, if they don't board this fast train of "development" they are being labeled and libeled as third world countries.

Tuesdays with Morrie

I read this book in one go! It's a wonderful read. You will agree with me if you have already read it..if not, here are few quotes by Morrie, a terminally ill professor on various facets of life:

Have you found someone to share your heart with?
Are you giving to your community?
Are you at peace with yourself?
Are you trying to be as human as you can be?


Well, for one thing, the culture we have does not make people feel good about themselves. We're teaching the wrong things. And you have to be strong enough to say if the culture doesn't work, don't buy it. Create your own. Most people can't do it.


So many people walk around with meaningless life. They seem half-asleep, even when they're busy doing things they think are important. This is because they are chasing the wrong things. The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself in loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.


You closed your eyes. That was the difference. Sometimes you cannot believe what you see, you have to believe what you feel. And if you are ever going to have other people trust you, you must feel that you can trust them, too- even when you're in the dark. Even when you're falling.


Do you take care of others or take care of your "inner child"? Return to traditional values or reject tradition as useless? Seek success or seek simplicity? Just say No or Just do it?


Love each other or perish. And its so true. Without love, we are birds with broken wings.


There is no experience like having children. That's all. There is no substitute for it. You cannot do it with a friend. You cannot do it with a lover. if you want to experience of having complete responsibility for another human being and learn how to love and bond in the deepest way, then you should have children.


I thought about how often this was needed in everyday life. How we feel lonely, sometimes to the point of tears, but we don't let those tears come because we are not supposed to cry. Or how we feel a surge of love for a partner but we don't say anything because we're frozen with a fear of what those words might do to the relationship.


I don't want to leave the world in a state of fright. I want to know what's happening, accept it, get to a peaceful place, and let go.


On Morrie working with mental patients:
Morrie observed that most of the patients there had been rejected and ignored in their lives, made to feel that they didn't exist. They also missed compassion-something that staff ran out quickly. And many of these patients were well-off, from rich families, so their wealth did not buy them happiness or contentment. It was a lesson he never forgot.


All this emphasis on youth- I don't buy it, he said. Listen, I know what a misery being young can be, so don't tell me its so great. All these kids who came to me with their struggles, their strife, their feelings of inadequacy, their sense that life was miserable, so bad they wanted to kill themselves...


Its all part of the same problem, Mitch, Morrie said, we put our values in the wrongs things. And it leads to very disillusioned lives.


We have got a form of brainwashing going on it our country. Morrie sighed. Do you know how they brainwash people? They repeat something over and over. And that's what we do in this country. Owning things is good. More money is good. More property is good. More commercialism is good. More is good.


Money is not a substitute for tenderness, and power is not substitute for tenderness.


There's a big confusion in this country over what we want versus what we need. You need food, you want a chocolate sundae. You have to be honest with yourself.


Do the kind of things that come from the heart. When you do, you won't be dissatisfied, you won't be envious, you won't be longing for somebody else's things.


We are great at small talk: What do you do? Where do you live? But really listening to someone- without trying to sell them something, pick them, recruit them, or get some kind of status in return- how often do we get this anymore?


I've learned this much about marriage, you get tested. You find out who you are, who the other person is and how you accommodate or don't.


There are few rules I know to be true about love and marriage: If you don't respect the other person, you are gonna have a lot of trouble. If you don't know how to compromise, you're gonna have lot of trouble. And if you can't talk openly about what goes on between you, you're gonna have a lot of trouble. And if you don't have common set of values in life, you're gonna have a lot of trouble.


Biggest one of those values: Your belief in the importance of your marriage.


I think marriage is a very important thing to do, and you're missing a hell of a lot if you don't try it.


Love each other or perish.


You can't get stuck on the regrets of what should have happened.


Death is as natural as life. It's part of the deal we made.


Death ends a life, not a relationship.

The Big Power Question

When two "intellectuals" ( I should actually say American Intellectuals, yes, with all the sarcasm intended) present their point of view on current political and economical issues and its outcome on America's power struggle, the tinge of self-centered thinking is hard to miss beneath the layers of intelligence. Here

Yes, I have trouble with this statement!

Zakaria: Are we going to run second in this race?

or this for that matter...

Friedman: The game is still open. I want my country to win it--I'm not sure it will.

Misled

Are we...in name of liberation/freedom? How did we ever come up with a ruthless concept of war? I am in tears & speechless after watching this documentary..!! I wanted to scream WT* and I did but it was a helpless one as these misled girls are...Who says human beings are humane?

Go Blue!

Like any other alien in US I also saw all the presidential debates including the one that took place yesterday. Now, you may ask why? Well, you don't want to be a social outcast when the whole of United States is going bonkers with analysis and over analysis of upcoming elections. Kidding! I have recently developed interest in politics. Kidding again!

Now you don't want me to write my lame reasoning of why I was disappointed with Ms.Palin and McCain's ever growing negative allegations on Obama and why I am a true-Blue democrat. But there is something about Obama's striking composure & intelligence and something very real & earthy and radiating the shine of person who has seen hardship in life.. You may agree with me more if you read his book- Audacity of Hope. Thank you Sud for insisting that I read it!

What I noticed yesterday was that Barack is a left-hander..:)..I have more reasons to be biased now. This post is soon going to turn as a whine. Why? I was born as a left-hander and since for some God forsaken reason, it was considered bad, my mom insisted me to be a right-hander. I still remember my childhood days when I used to draw on the wall with my artistic left hand.. I got scolded for both, writing on wall and with left hand. So in the process, I forced switched my hand for writing with right but rest of the work is still with left hand. I am now one of those artificial hybrids who are neither here nor there. I am not even truly ambidextrous since I cannot write with my left hand. All my sports activities are with left hand. Identity crisis, you see!

Coming back to Barack the Obama man, I read this story today, I felt that may be there is still hope for Americans after all the mess (of greed and insatiable hunger of power) that Bush has royally created for his successor for past 8 years. Now, I don't expect magical/radical changes in short time since the mess is pretty messy but there is still hope in Obama's reformative thinking.

Ode to Nusrat

It took me a while to enjoy the pure form of classical qawwali rendition/music by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. I used to indulge in a lot of poppish version of his music earlier, until someone (special) pointed to me what I was really missing. For one I was missing on the true trance feeling and it gradually grew on me. It sure did! I still struggle to understand the lyrics to most of the songs but I somewhat figure out the overall feel of it..so there is no looking back from this genre which has entered my bucket of eclectic music.

NFAK - Sanoon Bhul...

Connection between spirituality & Social action

Think about all the kindest things you have done as a result of responding to inner voice when there was smallest bit of injustice, inequality or disparity. You will soon realize the true and the most honest efforts were due to the connection of you placing in the same spot as the one who was suffering. I have to still come across a person or a medium who is truly not spiritual or compassionate and tried to work for a cause. All that superficial have often proved temporary and they dissipate before you even flutter your eyes in realization.

As Vimala Thakar says in ijourney.org "The fact of our being is that we are related, not isolated, not each a lone or lonely entity standing forlorn in this huge cosmos. We are not isolated individuals; we are organically related to the mysterious totality surrounding us."

Few things that I have tried in the past in the process to understand what it feels like to be on the receiving end of suffering. I have tried to stay hungry for couple of days. But in those struggling moments of hunger pangs I still knew that I had easy access to food whenever I felt like giving up this exercise. The thought of that ease not available is worrisome and that was a realization of my privileged life that I have and people who are forced to stay hungry.

Not buying anything for an entire year made me go through the importance of using things till they get over, recycling and reusing. I realized I have everything I need if I start looking through that I already have. There is a difference in not buying when you know you can when you want to than not able to buy even if you really need important things for survival. The whole world we have created is based on materialistic possessions and a lot of it is generated from an earnest need of that social connection. My phone, my car, my branded clothes, restaurants, movies I go to and so on. My life is a lot simpler now. I still succumb to lot of material possessions and later go through a self-questioning phase of guilt.

I have also tried staying quiet for couple of days and this was a true revelation in power I found in silence. This power enabled me to listen to my inner voice, voices of others, I was not trying to prove anything to anyone, anymore, my grudges soon disappeared, I was connecting more to people and surrounding and more importantly there was a powerful connection I found within myself and my mind.

All these that I have been experimenting have only made me realize that we need much much less than we think or are made to think from the surroundings. If we really realize all these needs and have made a conscious effort to balance amongst others as well, there will be lot more available to others. So my journey continues...

Do you trust?

Past weekend, I had an opportunity to meet with a professor, in an informal setting. Amidst a lot of din and anxious clamor, her's was the only voice that stood out in my head vividly. She made her point calmly with conviction. I have believed in expressing one's point and let people have freedom of taking or not and hence not interfering with others cognition. Somehow, thrusting or screaming one's opinion or thinking (for that matter) seems very self oriented. And, it fundamentally loses the purpose of expressing for others.

She spoke about trust and said trust essentially is an ongoing process which you are always continuously building on. So it's not a one time concretion but a dynamic combination of thinking and feeling. Human nature is to anchor amongst others with trust and faith, which however gets disturbed in the process where things do not align and the process of questioning and re-building begins. Hence, I think, need of assurance, acceptance and expressing support (at all times or from time to time) is critical. Think about it, a child is not born with mistrust and doubts. It's the process of growing up in a complex setting and assimilating social environment which can form his/her opinion in a right or not-so-right direction.

I had once shattered my faith and trust at a much deeper level and the process of restoring and healing has been hard but to what it was when the hurt was fresh, it is remarkable to see where I stand now. I surprised myself by expressing my deepest fears and insecurities to a person whom I had not even met before ever. I felt a sense of immediate trust and comfort of friendly & trustworthy bond and next thing I know I was sharing some crucial information of my life along with many other conversations that I had. Is the dark night of mistrust and broken faith over for me?

Mental workout for motivating physical workout

Been terribly busy in recent times and consequently blog baby has suffered to which most of you will agree. So, while I have conveniently nestled into the work world, I have taken advantage of ignoring a lot of favorite things. I have ignored sports, running, recently yoga and anything that used to give me excitement of a good workout. Its not that I have not tried but the efforts have always been disparate, few and not to mention inconsistent. The guilt has been traumatizing and has resulted in gain of few inches. This has resulted in paranoia and resistance in acceptance.

I am blessed with no-fat body and I look up and still thank the dude up! But off-late I realized that things are not going to stay the same without acknowledging with regular trips to calorie burnout. So I do it~and then get sucked into extra commitment of volunteer work and all the related jazz. And it consequently suffers my perfectly laid grand weekly plan. Yes, I do that a lot...:). It sounds simply terrific in plan and execution of 4 times yoga and 3 times run falls apart and I accept it graciously with a grin.

So these days, I often dream about lot of wonderfully beautiful things along with perfectly trimmed belly for which I make plans too. So today morning I saw it clearly, vividly all that is possible but only hitch was, it was after all a dream! I woke up in ghastly reality and realized there are still inches to fight...:). send me wishes that I stick to my above mentioned plan!

On a separate note, Here are couple of my favorite songs. Please note that I am not fond of the videos but lack of just the songs online, I had to dig You tube so bear with the graphical aspect of it and let me know if you have any more resources for hosting only songs.

Your body is a wonderland & Ankhiyon ke jharokhon se

Regret

To regret is
to think it was wrong

To think it was wrong
is to know it that it shouldn't have been

To know it shouldn't have
is to know what should have been

To know what should have been
is to know the unknown

To know the unknown
is that even possible?

Learn and not repeat the same mistake is probably the path I want to follow!

Serendipities

The Sun was unusually pale today
things moved surreptiously unlike other days

Few drizzles added the mystery of rain
I gazed up in unknown anticipation

The wind got droplets or two to my eyes
I was ambitious for the wet earth's smell

The breeze wrapped around me menacing my hair
as I combed my fingers through my hair tangles
pranced slower for a moment or two

I turned too to wander my gaze
I realized I miss you more on days like these!

The designers Accord

So I joined Designers Accord as an individual today and here is what they say, what it is...
"The Designers Accord is a global coalition of designers, educators, researchers, engineers, and corporate leaders, working together to create positive environmental and social impact."

In brief, here is what I say and if you go through the website, it will essentially tell you that they are asking everyone (and not just hand picked few) to live sensibly and in every possible way. Be it socially or environmentally so that we are sustainable enough in few years to come and many more for generations to come.

Here is one for Designers Accord!

The Fringe Benefits of Failure

J.K. Rowling, author of the best-selling Harry Potter book series, delivers her Commencement Address, “The Fringe Benefits of Failure, and the Importance of Imagination,” at the Annual Meeting of the Harvard Alumni Association. Here

"I would like to make it clear, in parenthesis, that I do not blame my parents for their point of view. There is an expiry date on blaming your parents for steering you in the wrong direction; the moment you are old enough to take the wheel, responsibility lies with you. What is more, I cannot criticise my parents for hoping that I would never experience poverty. They had been poor themselves, and I have since been poor, and I quite agree with them that it is not an ennobling experience. Poverty entails fear, and stress, and sometimes depression; it means a thousand petty humiliations and hardships. Climbing out of poverty by your own efforts, that is indeed something on which to pride yourself, but poverty itself is romanticised only by fools.

What I feared most for myself at your age was not poverty, but failure.

At your age, in spite of a distinct lack of motivation at university, where I had spent far too long in the coffee bar writing stories, and far too little time at lectures, I had a knack for passing examinations, and that, for years, had been the measure of success in my life and that of my peers.

I am not dull enough to suppose that because you are young, gifted and well-educated, you have never known hardship or heartbreak. Talent and intelligence never yet inoculated anyone against the caprice of the Fates, and I do not for a moment suppose that everyone here has enjoyed an existence of unruffled privilege and contentment.

However, the fact that you are graduating from Harvard suggests that you are not very well-acquainted with failure. You might be driven by a fear of failure quite as much as a desire for success. Indeed, your conception of failure might not be too far from the average person’s idea of success, so high have you already flown academically.

Ultimately, we all have to decide for ourselves what constitutes failure, but the world is quite eager to give you a set of criteria if you let it. So I think it fair to say that by any conventional measure, a mere seven years after my graduation day, I had failed on an epic scale. An exceptionally short-lived marriage had imploded, and I was jobless, a lone parent, and as poor as it is possible to be in modern Britain, without being homeless. The fears my parents had had for me, and that I had had for myself, had both come to pass, and by every usual standard, I was the biggest failure I knew.

Now, I am not going to stand here and tell you that failure is fun. That period of my life was a dark one, and I had no idea that there was going to be what the press has since represented as a kind of fairy tale resolution. I had no idea how far the tunnel extended, and for a long time, any light at the end of it was a hope rather than a reality.

So why do I talk about the benefits of failure? Simply because failure meant a stripping away of the inessential. I stopped pretending to myself that I was anything other than what I was, and began to direct all my energy into finishing the only work that mattered to me. Had I really succeeded at anything else, I might never have found the determination to succeed in the one arena I believed I truly belonged. I was set free, because my greatest fear had already been realised, and I was still alive, and I still had a daughter whom I adored, and I had an old typewriter and a big idea. And so rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life."

Something to think about, I know I have.

When Cities Sprawl

While I look at buzzing cities and fairytale or rather sci-fi kinda eruption of almost impossible concepts taking shapes in form of buildings, my first reaction is always awe. Awe not of fantasy but awe smothered with jolt. You will wonder why? I am always surprised at how these things are missing the human element, in consideration, in their reaction or even how they will adapt to such a built atmosphere. Do we keep them in mind as end user or it's more of a monumental and expensive experimentation by architects?

So, when I stumbled on this article this morning, I thought I would express my (long stashed) sentiments on larger than life urbanization. Some quotes from the article:

"Dubai, which lays claim to some of the world's most expensive private islands, the tallest building and soon the largest theme park, has been derided as an urban tomb where the rich live walled off from the poor migrant workers who serve them."

"Climbing to the top of one of Holl's towers, I looked out through a haze of smog at the acres of luxury-housing towers that surround his own, the kind of alienating subdivisions that are so often cited as a symptom of the city's unbridled, dehumanizing development."

"But is site specificity enough? "The amount of building becomes obscene without a blueprint," Koolhaas said. "Each time you ask yourself, Do you have the right to do this much work on this scale if you don't have an opinion about what the world should be like? We really feel that. But is there time for a manifesto? I don't know."

Not to belittle the magnificent craft (backed by science) by planners, developers and architects, but the question is, is the purpose and end user kept in mind? How they react to scale, new materials, gargantuan spaces, complex transitions in buildings or environment? Has the research indicated that people are adept to adapt the changes quickly? Have we given a sincere thought on how we would avoid creating socio-economic classes due to this? Or is equality a privileged concept for comforting discussions only?

Join the global protest

Update on yesterday's action! and I love protests!!..:)

Two destroyers of the world

Two motivations, which, when wrongly led, can work towards destruction of a balanced world are money and sex. Each one, if sought beyond rationale can lead to series of actions and deeds which will hinder the balanced existence, of self and surrounding environment as well.

Desire of money (means and end) tells a lot about person's values and standards that he or she carries. If the source is corrupt and you are not questioning it, you are damning your own existence. Is it that, money is received by fraud, pandering or by lowering standards? Are you feeding the needs of people which you would personally disdain? When the means are evil, it will essentially perpetrate more evil amongst the people who were taken for a ride. It can be a vicious cycle.

When somebody tells that sex is merely a desire of body and impervious to reasoning, they are essentially deriding the whole philosophical facade, which really isn't a facade. Its within us whether we accept it or succumb to denial of its presence. The way I look at this desire is the outcome of a human being's fundamental convictions. So the choice of seeking satisfaction is truly a reflection of a person's conviction and values he or she carries. A person will always be attracted to another person who reflects his/her deepest vision (or lack of it). There is ideally no conflict between the standards of person's mind and the desire of his/her body.

My 2 cents on two most overrated concepts and destroyers...

Desiderata

I know, I know, I have posted this poem here before but sometimes things are so wonderful that they deserve reverence of repetition. So here goes to one marvelously simple poem:

written by Max Ehrmann

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy!

Peace out!

Classic spelling blunders

Being in architecture has its charm and one that cannot be alienated is the fact that you are always dealing with a lot of people at every step of the project. But thats beside the point. In my short span of work experience I came across two classic spelling fiascos.

First one, when somebody had mentioned "worehouse" instead of warehouse on the construction document set. When the set went to City official, he picked up the building code book to look for zoning for such a building type. Our perplexed office representative questioned the City about this move and he calmly explained that I want to confirm the occupancy and zoning for whorehouse. Can you imagine the humiliation that person must have gone through?!?!

Another catastrophe was when somebody in our office misspelled the client's business name from "SolFocus" to "SolFucus" on the drawings. Imagine its not mind fucked, thinking fucked but it's the soul fucked. There is nothing left beyond that. Its the ultimate disaster. You are pretty much screwed for life if that happens! Of course we had a good laugh on these incidences and still do reminiscing.

So next time, just run a spell check or just briefly glance over to what you type. It may save you a lot of fun and possible embarrassment. Be safe and less adventurous with alphabets.

Power Paradox

Bumped into this absolutely fabulous article on what the true power should be and actually is. It is an attempt to blow the myth of what the power has been understood and what has been taught and being perpetrated which still is grossly faulty.

My favorite point in the article:

"A major reason why Machiavellians fail is that they fall victim to a third myth about power. They mistakenly believe that power is acquired strategically in deceptive gamesmanship and by pitting others against one another. Here Machiavelli failed to appreciate an important fact in the evolution of human hierarchies: that with increasing social intelligence, subordinates can form powerful alliances and constrain the actions of those in power. Power increasingly has come to rest on the actions and judgments of other group members. A person's power is only as strong as the status given to that person by others."

How I wish people spent more time on cultivating social intelligence rather than acquiring blanket powerless powers which can be dynamited anytime.

You can be the Change!

Here is your chance to see, feel and contribute towards something meaningful. I always appeal folks to not just contribute money but participate and volunteer their time for the organization. Understand the problems, question and seek answers. If you are convinced with the cause then monetary contribution will follow.

What has been possible in the past? Some few things, still significant! What can we do in the future? Its up to us! If we grow big in our efforts, we can make the problems smaller. I believe in it! My simple request is to take action on the things you feel need a fix. No action is as big a sin as wrong action.

Here is a promise of thousand volunteers at AID:

"One for India (OFI) is the year-end fundraiser of Association for India's Development (AID). This year we aim to raise $250,000 to support our initiatives in 2008, and to make the community aware of AID's activities. Donate to AID and we promise that your ONE contribution" will count and make a positive difference in India. "

I can use some heavy-duty Gandhi quote here to make a bigger impact but I will save that for ultimate final appeal..:).

Touched by a Star

It was a crispy, wintry evening yesterday when I was heading home. My calmness was vapidly replaced with tension barged in by fire truck’s noise trying to save the remains of a gutted motel near my apartment. But I had plans. I couldn’t spend more time on this incident. Little did I know that I will be spending rest of my evening sobbing helplessly and not on the real fire!

I am usually pathetic at keeping track of movies unless I hear multiple mentions. Tare Zameen Par was registered in my mind for a reason. I had once dismissed it thinking it’s a kid’s movie (By no means it is!). I went for it and was speechless during and after the movie except for the initial giggle on the animated part of credits. Movie is about a dyslexic, 8 year old child who is facing the severity of education of regular mainstream system…:(. His trauma was evident in quiet gestures of withdrawals from almost everything what the regular kids do. His screaming dilemma was not heard by any teacher. Added to his misery were failed attempts by his parents to understand and then push him to behave and become a winner like other kids. They were so focused on making him win that the real problem of the child was ignored. Why not? Our society is custom made only for winners and its best to tailor a child from the beginning and if it doesn’t happen naturally then just force it. We don’t keep spaces for losers in our perfect society. Right?

It’s a beautiful movie nurtured carefully with mature acting and direction. Aamir’s sensitivity and sensibility is spotless and he has handled the subject brilliantly. Needless to say that the child's acting is truly amazing.The movie raises several important issues about the social system we consciously or unconsciously play part in and probably is one of the noteworthy efforts in mainstream/popular Indian cinema. All power to him! He is my star...This is one movie I will probably take few days to get over.

I have several rants about the education system we have generated, teaching techniques and the pressure of studying (mind you, not learning) the pre-defined way or even existence of boarding schools or even parenting where child gets beaten or not carefully looked after. But probably that’s for another day!

This is a beautiful song from the movie.

Maa - Taare Zameen...

.......

MERA SAYA .mp3

Beautiful lyrics!!

I have a problem with "Women empowerment"!

I have some serious concern with the term "women empowerment," in the way it is used is not just illogical but unfair too. Just before I get misconstrued, I must state, I am all for gender equality but when we say women empowerment we are essentially accepting the deep rooted disease of inequality against women. We are accepting the premise that one is strong enough to empower the other. why? Why should there be suppression and later an attempt to uplift the suppressed?
We grew up with gender biases. You will be surprised that even the most "progressive" social set-up can still have traces which are faulty with gender inequality. Think about these for a moment:
Guy should make a living (almost all the times), it is still optional for many women. Guy should (by all means) make more money than the girl. She can decide to stay home after marriage but for a guy, hell no or he runs a risk of being called a wuss. Guy should take the lead in a relationship or has all the rights to propose. Guy should be taller than her or at least as tall or its not a perfect/ideal match. Guy should have a higher degree than the girl. I can go on ranting but I must move on!
But please look carefully if these (degrees, money etc.) are all cosmetic additions as part of growing up or they define your life from then on? I abhor labeling. Yes I do!
We like to say we are "progressing" (whatever joy that term holds) without any hiccups and consciously ignoring that there is section of society still constantly getting abused, bought, burned, killed. Its a shame! But without getting dramatic here lets look at it logically. Do you see that male dominated society is still trying to define the role for its female counterpart? If not then how come we have broken world records of trafficking, sexual abuse & buying and selling like a commodity. Ask only ten affected women if this is by their choice. Anyway read this article which presents a scary scenario resulting from age long abuse of women in India and who knows it might just be true in coming days.
Here is something I read a while ago and found it really amusing but consider those times when it was true.

Integral part of life

So when you unexpectedly end up taking off a day from work, you suddenly realize how empty your life can appear! Well of course, you have around 8 to 10 hours extra in a day. So, you sit back relax and reflect what all the joy you terribly miss not going to work. List is long and the joy is pure.
You miss bitter, steaming cup of coffee which can be so bitter that even a corpse can wake up. No wonder our office is chirping at as early as 630/700 am. Cheap trick. Sigh! You sit at your desk look outside the giant window and feel caged and how everyone appears like a free bird enjoying the sunshine and you turn and look at your dark side of your tasks list. You miss bluffing your boss about how you do not surf internet at all. You miss banging your phone after every phone call from clients, contractors and consultants. You also miss the joy of abusing after a loud bang. You miss dreaming with your eyes open staring at your computer. You miss all the fake laughing at your boss's jokes no matter how stupid they are. You miss learning all those cool abuses from co-workers like: "kiss-my-butt" for instance!
You miss the office gossip about all new and old employees including the bosses which can be as trivial as who threw whose lunch from the refrigerator ( Yes, Robbie I don't care. Next time at least get me some juicy gossip!). Anyway, minus such exciting work environment can leave your days empty and aimless...:).
Hear this song which I stumbled on couple of days back and never thought a movie named "namaste london" can have a decent song. Biases can be bad! The singer is rahet fateh ali khan i think, not very sure!

NAMASTE LONDON - ...

Humbleness

Its been a while that I have posted anything sensible here. I tried to dodge the readers by some random posts but the trick fell flat..:). Not sure if this will make perfect sense but nevertheless (disclaiming works wonders), here we go!

Of late my mighty interest has been hovering about humbleness and its presence or absence in our lives. I fail to understand (but I haven't given up) about how and when the arrogance or rudeness penetrates so much so that it gives certain kind of sinister pleasure when we prove someone wrong or criticize only to prove unrivaled victory. Isn't it more of a mind game? Gandhi points out very lucidly, "It is unwise to be too sure of one's own wisdom. It is healthy to be reminded that strongest might weaken and the wisest might err." I am not questioning the strength of the strong but to be strong in a way which will never take you towards failure. Redefine the failed or failure. Lets question being moneyed, high-degree holders, having opulent, materialistic lifestyle as successful. Lets discover the joy of being compassionate, sensitive, may be that is the winning element. May be!

Yes, may be because I am sure for it but not sure enough that I can preach others to adopt it. I never believed in thrusting my ideologies or beliefs on anyone. Because then I am taking responsibility for other's mind. But I urge everyone to question the simple and available or simplistically available. At least question at the very basic. Rest will follow..:).

May the force be with you!!

Which one is more human, there's thought, now you decide?

When superstars and cannonballs are running through your head
And television freak show cops and robbers everywhere
Subway makes me nervous, people pushing me too far
I've got to break away
So take my hand now

'Cause I want to live like animals
Careless and free like animals
I want to live I want to run through the jungle
With wind in my hair and the sand at my feet

I don't have any difficulties keeping to myself
Feelings and emotions better left up on the shelf
Animals and children tell the truth, they never lie
Which one is more human
There's a thought, now you decide

Compassion in the jungle
Compassion in your hands, yeah
Would you like to make a run for it
Would you like to take my hand, yeah

Sometimes this life can get you down
It's so confusing
There's so many rules to follow
And I feel it
'Cause I just run away in my mind

Superstars and cannonballs running through your head
Television freak show cops and robbers everywhere
Animals and children tell the truth, they never lie
Which one is more human
There's a thought, now you decide

Compassion in the jungle
Compassion in your hands, yeah
Would you like to make a run for it
Would you like to take my hand, yeah!


Well I didn't pen all this, but something I have always liked. One of my favorite song and has always made me think, "which one is more human?" The video is splendid and the rebel in it, is hard to miss. Be it half painted lips, carefree laughter or hitting the wedding dress! It has always made me smile..:). And its also one my favorite song for running!

Candlelight Vigil in Tempe

My experiments with simplicity

My experiments with simple living began sometime last year while I was trying to work for a cause for not so privileged people. My realization took a different understanding that while a lot is to be done for the poor and the marginalized but it’s no less than what I could do with myself. My thinking, lifestyle choices, actions are all can be simplified. It is by no means a simple task where we have practiced the art of acquiring fast and fumbled things. The less we take from anywhere (only what is required) the more will be available for others. Idea is to have a conscious thinking involved. The disparity is the name of disease and we all play a role in it at some level.
Things I have or been trying to do this are many but may not be enough, but I try. I speak less and try to listen more. I try to listen more to weak voices. I have stopped comparing myself with others. I do not buy things unless they are really required and more essentially stopped duplicating. I do not feel bad when I miss the latest movies,sports or fashion. I have not bought a new single thing in past 10 months ranging from clothes, shoes, bags. I wanted to see if I can do this for an entire year. And I am just two more months to go and I am not desperately waiting for this time to pass. I just don’t feel like buying unless its justified in my head. I eat out less I always calculate the benefit it can have with even that small amount if I just put it for a cause. I use my time more wisely and try to incorporate good reading in some part of the day. I have stopped arguing altogether. I speak truthfully and care genuinely. I make my point quietly and justifiably and then let it go. My biggest challenge was controlling anger when I saw something wrong or dishonest. I have done really well in past few months while doing so and it’s become remarkably less.
While my journey continues I will keep collecting these wonderful results and will share as and when I can. Till then try simplicity and stay simple! These days I am trying to write in Hindi (Susha font) on computer and I tried this absolute wonderful song (which you might have heard before) and its translation in my way. Its totally cool!

vaOSnava jana toa tonao kihyao
pIr prayaI jaanao ro.
A true human being is one
who understands someone else’s pain.

pr duKo ]pkar kro taoe
mana AiBamaana naa Aanoa ro.
While doing good to others,
There is no pride entered in his/her mind.

sakla laaok maana sahunao vando
inanda naa kro konaI ro.
A true human being praises others,
And does not carp about anyone.

vaaca kaca mana inaYCla raKI
Qana Qana janaina tonaI ro.
He/she keeps words and actions immaculate,
And the person’s mother is blessed.

sama idRYiT nao tRYnaa tyaaiga
pr st`I/ jaonao maat ro.
A true human being never embraces greed and avarice
Considers else’s husband or wife with respect.

ijavha qaaik Asa\\tyaa naa baaolao
pr Qana nava JaalaI haqa ro.
The tongue never gets tired of speaking of truth
And never touches someone else’s money.

maaoh maayaa vyaapa nahI jaonao
dRD vaOragya jaonaa mana maana ro.
A simple person never gets attached to worldly attachments,
He/she devotes the life to staunch simplicity of actions and thoughts.

rama rama SaUna talI laaIga
sakla tIrqa tonaa tna maana ro.
A true person obtains peace in God’s name
And all the pilgrimages happen in the mind.


vana laaoBaI nao kpT riht Co:
kama kRaoQa inavaa’yaa ro.
One who has given up greed and deceit,
And also all kinds of anger and lust along with it.

Banao narsaOyaao tonauna drYana krta
kula ekaotor taryaa ro.
Everyone else will be happy to meet such a person,
By virtue of whose presence the entire surrounding will get purer.

Did we learn the right way?

I can recall a small anecdote which later urged me to dissect and understand the way we learn and teach others about trust. It happened a few months back as I was driving back from some place I don't recall now. I was few blocks away from the apartment and couldn't miss noticing few Indian students (FOB) carrying heavily loaded grocery bags and walking in the same direction as me. The very first reaction for me was to reminisce my own school days of hardship. Second, was of urge to help and think I might just give them a ride and it will save them from the plight full of hot weather and heavy duty grocery lugging. So not thinking much further, I went ahead and turned right and pulled over. I went out and asked them, I can give you girls a ride? Their reaction was instantaneous and a no, (but thanks)! I should have known. I first thought, did I offend them? I put myself in their shoes and realized I would have done the exact same thing.
We are brought up learning not to trust strangers. In due set of experience in life we learn to not believe/trust very easily. This could be based plainly on experiences of our own or others close to our surrounding. This is not to deny that there isn't anything bad out there but what really happens in the process? We suspect more and trust less and the even the pure good has to go through the test of time. If someone is being really nice you question their intentions and motives. We often think that so much goodness cannot be selfless. How do you judge or sift through other people's actions or you don't? Should we live the cautious, defensive way? Society is often a reflection of our own distilled thoughts and actions and if we want the utopian society(if such is a possibility) possible where and how should we begin?

Real or surreal?

There wasn't anything unusual about the day. Woke up really early today and without arguing too much in my head, I just followed the mundane routine and went to work. Drive was beautiful and thanks to AZ weather of late. Its been blessed with some overcast, thunderstorms and rains, unlike the usual cruel sunshine.
Wasn't too hungry during lunch so ended up doing some aimless browsing instead of eating. I heard a thud and just overlooked it as somebody loitering outside the huge office window which faces a busy road, till I heard a person in my office screaming , "oh my God!'. I casually turned to glance the cars, but little beyond that there was huge mass of black smoke engulfing fierce fire flames. I saw the fire growing touching the heights of the adjacent building. What did just happen? I couldn't move my eyes after that...there were cop cars siren restlessly running to reach the spot. The panic was disturbing. Everything else came to a standstill. But what really happened? Two news choppers collided, while covering a car chase by cops, above my office building and finally fell in a park across the road. Four people died in it.
Hearing or reading leaves a very different impact on our minds. It was horrifying and I felt some nervousness in my head and some inexplicable restlessness. My stillness and numbness was real. I was thinking of our small presence in grand scheme of things. We are so minuscule in the system and yet we run for power driven by need to get more. I was trying to imagine the aftermath of 9/11 and how atrocious it must have been for people who witnessed it. Life takes over us within a blink. Yet we still condition ourselves to run, to fight, to compete, to beat and sometimes forgetting the important "why"? I was trying to evaluate the worthiness of reporters attempt to get a coverage on the chase.
While walking to the garage after work I saw two cops standing around where a helicopter slice had fallen and they were collecting all the possible debris for the post analysis. I walked away with a heavy heart and a debating mind on series of emotions. I made home after a long struggle with jams. But here I am, still hurt with what I saw and pray for people who lost their loved ones. I wanted to go the gym today but I think I won't be able to!

Degrees of cleanliness

I think I was the extreme, neurotic, clean freak psycho. Hence I look at the matter of cleanliness and clean surroundings very closely. I would be lying if I said I dont have my internal grading system for clean places and it applies to people as well. The grading is more critical when it comes to females. I give little bit of laxity to guys since its not just them to be neurotic about cleanliness. I am pretty ruthless when it comes to matter of messy spaces. Although, its become much less severe and I am decently tolerant, nowadays. This was not by choice but a realization that some people will be and they can have the right to be grossly messy just like I am the opposite. Based on my experience with all kinds of species. For convenience, I have developed my own scale from 0 to 3.

Type 0- I-really-dont-know-whats'-the-big-deal types. Yuckiest and the filthiest in the classification. Everything belongs to the floor. May it be food, book, shoes, money. Various spaces have no meaning. Grime is part of everything in use. The concept of cleaning is alien to them and under forced circumstances attempt cleaning, once a year or unless they are moving out and want to save their face. These types are prone to pests, always!

Type 1- I -would-love-to-but-then types. These ones have little shame and would act that it hurts them and support the cause while others do the cleaning. Cleaning intervals happen during festivals and some random strict guests appearances. Maintenance is zero so getting back to the riot mess is quick. These type act on unnecessary appearance of pests and would like them to be under control under manageable efforts or else blame it on life's tragedy and lack of time.

Type 2- Occasional-cleaning-does-not-hurt-me types. They will do periodic cleaning like any other things in life. Its mundane and makes me and others feel good. They are not the social outcast, which reminds me that type 0 should be...:). These type maintain somewhat logical order and follow a sane organization of things. I like these types.

Type 3- Everything-must-be-squeaky-clean types. Untidiness depresses them and they lose sense of direction in regular life if things are disarrayed. Everything has a spot and cleanliness is a religion they follow. They look down on people who keep them or their place dirty. Occasionally, they will have outburst of swallowed anger and frustration and will whine to who ever is willing to listen. They clean no matter what! Immaterial of the need to do so. They cannot sleep if things are not in order. They take pride in listening to compliments and pretend like oh so, its no big deal.

I think I used belonged to type 3 and have now somewhere moved to between 2 and 3. I am less paranoid and comfortable which probably is a good thing. It keeps me calm to maintain my serenity..:).

Vicious Generalization

Nasty argument with a co-worker led to this reflection. I was trying to explain him that there is no "western" or "eastern" philosophy and strictly "one nation" does not constitute all of western and seriously there are more nations to western bit than America to it. I did tell him "get over it, ownership of nation's success leads to stumping of personal growth." In fact, we are now marching, however slow, towards a global correct way of thinking movement. This need to own and grab is the first step towards devastation. Everything good is western or all western is good is a faulty expression. We have realized this with time. The boundaries of such demarcation are dissolving every minute. If converse was true, I would have been sitting on land of consummate, blissful nation. We all know that it may not be true. The nature and magnitude of problems vary in every scenario but they do exist in every nation.

Anyway, here is something I have believed or come to realize for a while is being reinforced by Tony Robbins in his talk here. With all the histrionics attached in his presentation he is still making some valid points and not to miss the interesting need of contributing.

Like always I astray, here is something interesting and sweet I read somewhere...

" You can imagine, then how he must have felt that soft purple twilight when his eyes first fell upon this strange creature, who seemed so quiet and gentle, yet in some way so strong, but most of all- so deep, not shallow. She gazed at him intently, not seductively or flirtatiously like all the other (girls), but clearly....and unafraid...until he felt lost in cool, green water. He returned her gaze and something happened. Later, neither of them was quite sure just what it was. They just knew it had happened."

So is money the evil?

The question is if money is evil or the excessive want of it is? Is it really bad if its treated just like a tool? It can take a person places but will not provide the drive to do it. It will provide the means to satisfaction but it will never provide the true honest desires for happiness. Money never provides happiness to a man who is unsure of what he wants. It will not facilitate code of values if he/she has skipped the learning curve of what to value. Money doesn't buy intelligence for dumb, admiration for coward/cheaters or even true respect for incompetent.

Money in its basic sense will remain an effect and will never be able to replace it for a cause. Money is produced out of virtue but never gives virtue to redeem the vices in us. does it?

Moving on to something lighter! I have been smitten by thai food for a while now and hence it reached my experiment lab of food. So I tried yellow curry straight from the recipe here. Minor adjustments, I did to match my non-vulture taste and hence replaced meat with tofu, potatoes and green bell pepper. Rest is all the same with very little tweaking. It turned out pretty decent and here is a proof of it...image quality is not the best since its taken by a phone camera but nevertheless!

Rant raving

Looks like I made it back and so did my ranting. Been out for the longest time from the blogging world and reason was health Tsunami hit me (needless to say it was the worst hit of my life). My health freak ego was hurt and took me few days to even accept it. However, some of the bloggers checked on me and I was surprised how we make connections, just about anywhere. Thanks for all the concerns!

I rarely talk too much because I am always thinking, rationalizing and pondering about the why and how. Some people misunderstand this as me being secretive. I am quiet but I am always reading, understanding and justifying the actions of mine or others. Talking of rationalizing, I have noticed that fewer people do so. Most of the time they evade to an extent beyond reality and this fear to face leads to somewhat dangerous mode of life. The harm is not always crystal clear and immediate. Having said that, to judge based on principles is not an easy task and cannot be based on hunches, feelings and finite instincts. Although we do it many times. It has to be dealt with moral ruthless rules. It is easy to state but awfully difficult to apply when it involves a character of another real person.

On a different note, I realized if we live in a world of redundancy? For example, how many of us innocently say: ATM machine..:)?

Roadrunner lifestyle

Need for speed, more work in less time, super packed days or being ultra busy are the bromides that have trickled into our regular day to day lives and we find it ubercool to use them without a second thought. So much so that someone had to notice it and write a book on it's effects that our generation is finding almost impossible to even stop and think. Well how can we, when we have trained our mind, body and soul for years to be a fit in this machine age. I, myself spend close to 15/16 hours a day in front of a computer. First thing I do when I wake up or the last thing before I hit the sack is religiously use my laptop.
Carl Honore delivered this masterpiece on his book In praise of Slowness where he is investigating this roadrunner culture which we all got sucked into. I think its good time to ask if we have the right pace or rather right quality to our lives. An eye opener may be.
Often times, during yoga class my instructors emphasize to forget the tension, worries and all kind of external concerns outside the room and just be in the (torture chamber..:)) room for 90 minutes and concentrating on your breathing and form and only yourself. Its hard sometimes. Another point they always stress is not to practice yoga for some quick results and leave all kind of performance based expectations and judgement outside. Just be at peace with yourself. It doesnt come very easily.

What can we all really do?

We ask this question a several times whenever we are hit with the frustration of current state of things as they stand and really would like to correct if possible. Sometimes muting your thinking is in most cases a breeding ground for problems. So staying clear is not the wisest thing and you have subconciously consented for playing a part in the ongoing epidemic. Its nothing but people's graceful decline to see the malaise and grope for some mystical fantasy. But for the one who is honestly seeking answers is the pure intellectual and not to get confounded with a pseudo who is just trying to get accepted in the intellegentsia. Isn't it sorry feeling that such a term even exists where right thinking is everyone's right and probably the rightful thing to do? Today, major chunk of people are acutely aware of their cultural-speculative vacuum, and yes constantly anxious, confused and groping for answers. Merely by intellectual honesty which is nothing but knowing what one knows and forever expanding knowledge and not failing to correct a contradiction/discrepancy. I see your convictions getting formed through this and once this is set in conscious and neat way and only then you are ready to communicate to others. The sincere point I make here is that do not hesitate to state that "I do not agree" if you don't. This is simply because if the person is innocent, it will help him grow but if the person is guilty it will undercut his/her confidence a great deal for the next event/action and in a way you have done your part of goodness. But do not keep silent when your ideology or values are being attacked. But my biggest concern that surfaces is to do this with all the humbleness (and I mean it) and not just to prove or win. Victory is a very transient commodity, it vaporizes before you even realize.

Randomness

Random just because I am jotting down all the random happenings in my life currently. I overcame a big giant size fear today morning and I feel like a rockstar. I paid a long overdue visit to a dentist for my root canal. It wasn't bad and I survived but its not over yet. Will have few more visits in coming days but the truth is I am not afraid and I have dealt with it very strongly. I was trying to be funny with my wisecracks just to shield my inner fear. I told the doctor, " be nice to me and I will give you candies." Not bad at all than the last time when I had sobbed and told the doctor to leave me alone. They gave me four shots as I laid down there humble and laughing.
Last Monday I finished my 8-week long Bikram Yoga challenge and guess what! I got a certificate of perseverance, solid focus and discipline from the Studio with few other gifts and of course a big round of applause from my fellow yogis.
My mind is troubled right now and I find encouraging solace in reading this speech by Steve Jobs. If you too lazy to read then hear it here but don't miss it. Sometimes, when you are honest, humble and genuine to your feelings don't let things bog you down. If need be go away and take a break to refuel and reflect in your silence. When I say genuine I mean it, because I know no other way.
I have to catch up on some reading and hence bought few books and am currently reading: Globalization and its Discontents by Joseph E. Stiglitz and looks very intriguing so far. More on the book and author here. The whole mental atmosphere is very conducive to writing a poem but I am fearing and resisting it. If I am not able to then you all will have it as next entry on blog. But yeah, this is something I coined recently:
"Just because you have it, doesnt give you the right to waste it."

Skewed definition

I always thought when you are called poor I just assumed that it's having less or no money. I was mistaken (so wrong). Money is never a constant possession and it changes hands with time. I have a different perception of poverty. To me person is poor who lacks honesty, hope, humor, passion, dedication and affection and all those good things in life. I mean if only money could do you good all the wealthy people would have been the happiest takers in this. I clearly recall the incidence of one my colleague turning millionaire overnight (lottery worth 3 million dollars). He was one of the most obnoxious soul around. He had no sense of sensibility, decorum, professionalism and people were excited that now since he has enough money he would leave. How poor is that?
It sure buys you lot of tangibles to keep the excitement of life in equilibrium but that too wears off if its not coupled with the intangibles (accomplishments, winning after a struggle, honest joys). Pretentious joys are often a burst of human tendency of seeking approval and acceptance. Paper money will come and go but its the genuine person you have turned into in this process is the only remain you have for keepsake.

Anyway,
Here is a piece of ghazal by jagjit singh (album saher):

" tere bare mein jab socha nahie tha,
main tanha tha magar itna nahie tha.
manane roothne ke khel mein hum,
bichad jayenge ye socha nahie tha."

Tail Story

I have had fairly short hair for sweet amount of time now and it has worked out just fine so far. Its low maintenance except for the fact that I have to visit the salon like once in 4/5 weeks. This time I have kinda crossed 6 weeks and my hair appears really long to me..:) and bet out of shape. So I ended up tying a pony tail kinda thing today to work and bammmm..people are asking me if I am ok? Yeahh!! I am perfectly fine (but in my head I am thinking, Supercuts here I come).. One boss came and even patted my head. I would have loved to illustrate with a pic here but I am at work and no easy access to camera you see, which also reminds me that I shouldn't be blogging at work but I have been a rebel of a sort but only once in a while.
People are not very easily susceptible to change. We condition ourselves to routine things and reach that comfortable spot where even a slight misfit creates a perturbation. Some changes come easily and some not so easily and there is this one category of changes which are just not welcome. Change is a constant variable and it shall and must happen. Life controls us or we control life is good question to ask here. At least poeple like to believe that they are controlling every aspect of it. We try this to boost our ego and reiterate to our mind for reassurance. I mean if we really controlled eachie in our life then whats' the explanation for our failures, miseries or even falling in love. Somethings you cannot plan (for everything else there is MasterCard..sorry bad joke). On the contrary, we are constantly just changing/adapting to our social, physical and emotional environment. Some reactionary instant reflex and some are purely acknowledged and rationally justified. Point here is that change does happen, some gracefully accepted with time and some are just forced for its calamitous (prob. not the best word here) disposition.
OK, I really have to go now and do my weekly work load..:). Till then stay simple and stay tuned for more.. and listen to: tere bina from Guru or patience by Gun n Roses or may be humsafar by Silk Route...

Reformists relegating religion

They have taken up this made-up issue and trying to reform society and retain the religious heritage by restraining indians from celebrating the day for lovers. Although I haven't understood about the fascination that you need a hyped up special day to tell someone what he/she means to you. The day's over glorification is partly because of the media and marketing in its shoddiest form. Although love has been the constant cultural occurence and let's not go that path to figure out if it is really so.
The point I came here to make is why such fatal fanaticism and fear and insecurity that it will sweep away the rich religion that we proudly possess. Sometimes I feel its more to do with making their presence felt. I also wonder if forcing such kind of ideology will be a long term result that handful are trying to achieve. Belief system is best in its form when it is self-dictated. We are already facing the brunt of another level of religious irrational zeal and it has not failed to reverberate time and again. We have more serious societal issues to concern ourselves with and darn wonder why aren't we channeling our energy towards real problems. Trust me there are quite a few.
Anyway,
Tough and funny and a little bit kind: that is as near to perfection as a human being can be. ~Mignon McLaughlin

Brocolli Pav bhaji

My obsession with healthy food hasn't withered as yet and hence all the experiments of the sorts described below are just one of the regular things that I keep doing. Before I go ahead and give away my latest experiment just want to let you all know that I am done with 18 days of 30 days of Bikram Yoga. I am actually very excited about it and really want to finish it. First two days were hard and I was shocked with the heat and humidity..:) but I have made peace with it..:). I dont reach out for the water or the towel in desparation and postures are just improving.
So here is the recipe for healthy pav bhaji.

Ingredients:
Brocolli, beet root, spinach, carrots, tomatoes, capsicum, onion, chillies, coriander, small quantity of pototoes, pav bhaji masala, salt, fresh lemon juice, olive oil. (Note there is no butter).
Take all the fresh (not frozen) vegetables except onion, tomatoes, chillies and coriander dice them and boil them. Once fully boiled mash them properly. Now in a separate pan take dash of olive oil and saute chopped onion, chillies once they look soft add pav bhaji masala and chopped tomatoes. Cook it for 5/7 minutes and add all the mashed veggies. Garnish it with coriander, onion and lemon and done..:).. Eat it with any kind of bread you like. I am not a big big fan of bread any more and have given up eating on regular basis for a long long time except for special occasions like these.

Abstruse vs absolute

Before I go deeper into confusing people I am suddenly very conscious of my blogging. Why? I sinned browsing my blog at home on my vacation. It left footprints on history of browser. And my not-so-geeky {at least thats what I thought..:)} sis-in-law found the link and now she is actively following my blog and so is the whole family, gosh. She checks the blog everyday, "no Shilpa I do not blog everyday..:). " Shilpa is one of the super cool person I have ever known. She is my best friend, sister, mother, fashion guru {though now we have switched spots.:)}, music guru all rolled into ONE. I am glad I have you!! And remember the rules, you don't tell daddy what I blog about and do not post any comments..:).
So moving on to something interesting that I have been thinking about.
"God grant me the serenity to accept things I cannot change, courage to change things I can, and wisdom to know the difference." The statement is fancy and its simplicity charming but to really fathom it, involves metaphysical moral issues. Lets' begin with the first part, few questions, Who is God? Going by my perception, if its that supernatural power behind all your actions (remember I did not say right or wrong) has the power to grant something like that? And accepting things you cannot change, so why did you want to change in first place (coz you sensed something wrong) and if you just accepting all the wrongs?? Doesn't sound logical to me and merely to seek escape from reality.
If you look closely there is a philosophical premise implicitly embedded in it. If there are things that man can change, it means he possesses the power of choice which is nothing but self volition. Not to miss his/her own actions and charateristics, like courage and also lack of it. Human being's volition is an characteristic of his/her consciousness (rationality) and consumes choice to percieve existence or to evade it. Once this is established, man is able to learn how things can be changed to serve his/her needs.
Something to chew on-
"The use or misuse of his congnitive faculty determines a man's choice of values, which determine his emotions and his character. It is in this sense that man is a being of self-made soul"-AR

Cut loose

It was not a conscious self made decision. I was talked into it. And now everyone involved with it are thrilled simply coz it wasn't anything bad to begin with. My friend at work has been actively into yoga. So actively into it, that she went for the certified training for it (hats off to you woman!) and ever since her return she has been convincing me. I did bluff her, like I use to about 4 months back too, with innovative responses like, too busy, work is killing me, its tough to manage, blah, blah...But her perseverance paid off at last when she offered a 30 day challenge (without missing a day) from Bikram Yoga. I simply couldn't resist and here I am doing it..with 10% completion and yes I am so going to do this folks. Its' challenging but I love it. Its 90 minutes of yoga work-out in a heated room, bout 105 degree F and killing humidity of 40%. I was unsure (like anything new you begin with) but great thing is that I could do all the postures close to perfection. I am so sore right now and negative thing is I will have to give my running a break on weekdays. But I will try and run at least once/twice a week (weekends na). The coolest thing about the 90 minute work-out is the feeling you get after finishing, it's pure bliss!! I have 27 more days to go and on an average I drink about 2.5 litres of water mainly including other fluids. Which will amount to approx. 70 litres of water intake in coming days..:)....wohhh!
Anyway, moving on to something which I haven't understood in a while, is why do people like to gossip, backbite so much so that if they do not have anything interesting in facts they like add and twist for their sensation. Its so sad they have failed to make their own life interesting so they go encroach on to other people's space. They will generate every bit of excitement (disregarding the truth) just so to prove that they have something to say at least. Its amusing to watch how two people bond due to common interest on gossip. Two very important things people should know in life: if you do not know everything bout a person doesn't naturally label him/her bad just to personify your gossip, its good to give people their space and its really really "OK" to keep quiet if do not have anything well behaved to say. More so if its just an effort for attention seeking. I tend to withdraw myself and try and have least absolutely required communication. This is only because I just do not know how to handle such people. Anything I say, do or even not say or think is portrayed and propogated in their own convenient twisted format. Been part of such damn things and its pretty low for my value system. Its a beautiful life so please do not trash it. People who do such things are complete losers for me. I really respect those people who have handled things a lot maturely than I have at times and deeply regret losing some special freinds. I just couldn't keep up to explaining and proving my honesty and loyalty of true person.

Will poverty ever become part of history?

Just before I ventured out for my mind feed, realized blogger upgraded a few things and integrated it with gmail account. Life did become bit simple. Or at least was a pretentious attempt for a momentary relief. But what would really be cool, a mind publisher kind of tool, where no manual typing is required. And will save us from carpal tunnel syndrome. Before I wander too far aimlessly, here is a really nifty gadget- iphone. Nothing less than stunning. I had grand plans of not oggling at gadgets. But its simply irresistible and I am not to be blamed. Go take a peek at it yourself if you don't trust me.
Anyway, what I really wanted to understand or know if poverty be marrying history ever. Or is it always going to be a mere oh so current battle by a handful for the marginalized. Interesting questions to ask would be "is it because it's always a small set of folks who see it and actually do/doing something about it?" or "why hasn't it become a mass movement?" Well on a less philanthropic quest have we ever tried to find what is poverty, what are its causes, who are the players and when we provide so called sustainable solutions, do we measure their successes. To me the successful solution would be when they will be part of production system of goods (tangible and intangible) which are useful to general mass not just the elite class who is using it as a favor. It has to go beyond favor to a solution which is scalable without missing the social and financial benefits for the investors or the "poor people." My point here being that philanthropic funds will be required to initiate the movement but it won't be the only thing. Enterprising solutions like hole in the wall or grameen for that matter where the end users are putting the thinking cap and finding the solutions on their own and not merely provided with set solutions to follow.

Leavin on a Jet Plane

All those who visit here often and generously leave comments and make this space lively. This blog shop will be closed for a vacation for a short time. The blogger is on vacation for few days. I will be back soon and till then...

Be brave, expressive and communicative rather than being a

wuss and non-communicative. Reach out!!

And of course listen to the song Leavin on a jet plane by (no not John Denver) Chantal Kreviazuk version, its a lot better.

Snack Thingie

I wanted to make some snack. I decided to make sabuddee vadai! Yeah I know, its sabudana but I prefer calling sabuddee ( I have my reasons..). I dunno why it was so funny for some people when I said I am gonna cook. So funny that they chuckled and had some strong reactions. Anyway, here is a picture of it as a proof ! And if thats not enuf I wish they had tasted some of it. Well life is full of regrets..:). I guess some people are better off only prod%^@!*# HW or something to that effect..:P.



Anyway, moving on, I discovered this song called Bin tere kya jeena from the movie Guru. All I can say is that its totally blown and I am awe struck. Its the Rehman effect which makes it completely worth it. I have been listening to it for a long time now or at least it seems like or at least I want to feel like that..:). So the point is I strongly recommend this one since it definitely belongs to the goosebumpy category of songs.
So hum along and enjoy this marvel:

O humdum bin tere kya jeena..
tere bina beswadi beswadi ratiya oh sajana ho
rukhi re rukhi kato re kate na ratiya
tere bina beswadi beswadi ratiya
ho ho ho o o o
bhigi bhigi beswadi ratiya o sajana
tere bina kya jeena
tere bina tere bina
chand ka sona khota re
tere bina sona peetal tere sang peetar peepal
aaja kate na ratiya o humdum!!

I know these are not the complete lyrics but I put together the lines which I liked!!

Rambling, yet again

Its not that I have to pen something here but sometimes I want to even though I have no specific direction. At this very moment too I have series of mixed feelings going on in my mind. Its' a mixed bag of achievement, satisfaction, peace, enthusiasm, reasoning, restlessness, longing and loss. But my guess would be it's not something unique thing for only me or least I would like to feel that I have company. But again its just me and its just a guess. I can be wrong. I stumbled on this poem by Max Ehrmann, read it and its simplicity will sweep you off your feet:

Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass. (Its so true!)

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
-------------------------
Did it? Stunning! Anyway, I have been listening to Melissa Etheridge lately and she is just so marvelous! Current favorite:

Come on baby lets get out of this town
I got a full tank of gas with the top rolled down
Theres a chill in my bones
I dont want to be left alone
So baby you can sleep while I drive
Ill pack my bag and load up my guitar
In my pocket Ill carry my harp
I got some money I saved
Enough to get underway
And baby you can sleep while I drive

and so on.......