Sharing Ideas Sharing Thoughts

 To grow we need intellectual curiosity, a bias for action and a method to avoid repeating our mistakes. However, most of us are in self-destruct and self-paralysis mode. We all know what needs to be done and yet we fail to do it. This makes us feel miserable.  But why do we let ourselves suffer? Is it fear? Is it laziness? Or is it lack of will-power? Great people on the other hand go through the following virtuous cycle -  Curiosity -> Learn -> Action -> Mistakes -> Reflect -> Learn.  Successful people are a learning machine. They understand that taking action and not repeating the same mistakes are essential for moving forward. They have strong will and exceptional awareness. They may not have the highest IQ but they have good concentration and a very high EQ.  Therefore, the question is - what can someone who struggles with 'growth' do? Obviously good intentions are not sufficient. We need something more. I think the following may help: 1. Cho...

Where in this spectrum does the young generation fall (age 15-30)? I'd argue that many people from this age group are not as mentally strong as their parents. They have a sense of entitlement and they lack gratitude.  There has been too much of "entitlement talk" for this generation and therefore let's try and break this down and see if it is true for this group of youngsters.   A sense of entitlement refers to the belief that one deserves certain privileges, benefits, or special treatment, without necessarily having earned them. This can manifest in different ways, such as expecting others to cater to one's needs, feeling deserving of success or recognition without putting in the necessary effort, or feeling that the rules don't apply to oneself. A person with a sense of entitlement may feel that they are entitled to certain opportunities, resources, or advantages, simply because of who they are, rather than because of their skills, qualifications, or hard ...

It happens to the best. From successful sportsmen to the average Joe.  We literally imagine things and punish ourselves. Somehow we are very creative in this pursuit.  Our rational mind may be telling us to stop imagining and start acting and yet we procrastinate and undermine ourselves. And that leads to self-paralysis (and in many cases partial self-destruction). We lose valuable time and self-esteem. And this weighs us down. It challenges our ability to see clearly our path forward and we may ask - "How can I know the right course of action, let alone peace of mind".  There is a simple way out 1. Take deep breaths. Do this often when you feel nervous. 2. Set small goals.  3. Force yourself to take action. This is the most important part.  4. Reward yourself. Please remember that there is no rescue boat. Nobody can / will come to save you. We have to fight and win this mental battle. 

Just close your eyes and ask - How many people feel that you are a good person? That you are not just thinking about yourself but about others too. That your heart is in the right place. Do these people think that you are a person of integrity. That you have empathy & compassion.  And do you think you are a 'kind' person? What do you think your values are? What is your true identity? This self-enquiry may perhaps help us understand what is important. Are we becoming the person we wish to become.  Because deep down we all are good. Sometimes we get scared about our future and start following the herd blindly. And we make the wrong choices. 

I am proud to say that today marks the 11th straight year of unbroken 11 years of daily practice of meditation and exercise. This is my personal best.  On March 09th, 2012, I decided to start meditation. Obviously I couldn't see this far then. And I wasn't sure about how long will I be able to continue. But God has been kind and I am going strong. I meditate twice a day (morning & evening) and I also do freehand exercises twice daily for 15 minutes. And I have not missed a single practice of meditation or exercise (that is twice daily) since last 11 years. I consider this a great personal achievement. As Paramhansa Yogananda said, "Meditation is concentration on God". Just like when we concentrate on our work, sports, reading, driving and so many things, when we concentrate on God and keep the distractions away then that activity is called meditation. Of course, peace is a by-product. It is not the target.  Is it hard? Yes and no! Depending upon your level of conc...

Whatever we do everyday in our life; the work we do, the places we go to, the people we meet, the food we eat, the routine we keep,  - it should all be meaningful. It should be intentional. We should be living consciously.  Our thoughts & action should not only be a means of our self expression but should also help us grow into what we intend to be.  Often we make choices that do not truly reflect our identity. Sometimes we are too afraid. Sometimes, we don't make choices we'd like to. Instead we settle for something 'safe'.  How about living an authentic life? A life of purpose and meaning.  Let's live an inspiring life with creative variations.  Lets discover and pursue what we personally find meaningful. Let's embark on a journey of hope & transformation. Of learning & growth. Of adventure.