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.