Roots and Riwaz!

Most of the days recently I am waking up with a warm heart of gratitude and immense feeling of attachment to all that surrounds me. It's a festive season in Kerala (my niche) and alot of rituals and meaningful changes in the nature and in me, so here is to some thoughts on what makes this culture so prominent and special.

Lets talk about India!

Here culture is an invaluable possession of our society. It is one of the oldest cultures in the world. In spite of facing many ups and downs, Indian culture is shining with all its glory and splendour. Culture is the soul of a nation. On the basis of culture, we can experience the prosperity of its past and present. Culture is a collection of values of human life, which establishes it specifically and ideally separates it from other groups. Besides architectural creations, monuments, material artefacts, intellectual achievements, philosophy, treasures of knowledge, scientific inventions and discoveries are also part of heritage. In the Indian context, the contributions of Baudhayana, Aryabhatta, and Bhaskaracharya in the field of Mathematics, Astronomy and Astrology; Varahmihir in the field of Physics; Nagarjuna in the field of Chemistry; Susruta and Charak in the field of Medicines and Patanjali in the field of Yoga are profound treasures of Indian Cultural heritage. Culture is liable to change, but our heritage does not. We individuals, belonging to a culture or a particular group, may acquire or borrow certain cultural traits of other communities/cultures, but our belongingness to Indian cultural heritage will remain unchanged.

Indian culture is one of the most ancient cultures in the world. The ancient cultures of Egypt, Greece, Rome, etc. were destroyed with time and only their remnants are left. But Indian culture is alive today. Its fundamental principles are the same, as were in ancient time. One can see village panchayats, caste systems and joint family system. The teachings of Buddha, Mahavira and Lord Krishna are alive even today also and are source of inspiration.

The framework of Indian culture places human beings within a conception of the universe as a divine creation. It is not anthropo-centric (human-centric) only and considers all elements of creation, both living and non-living, as manifestations of the divine. Therefore, it respects God’s design and promotes the ideal of co-existence. This vision thus, synthesises human beings, nature and God into one integral whole. This is reflected in the idea of satyam-shivam-sundaram.

In India, tolerance and liberalism are found in all religions, castes, communities, etc. Many foreign cultures invaded India and Indian society gave every culture the opportunity to prosper. Indian society accepted and respected Shaka, Huna, Shithiyan, Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist cultures. The feeling of tolerance towards all religions is a wonderful characteristic of Indian society. Rigveda says : ‘Truth is one’, even then the scholars describe it in various forms.

A special characteristic of Indian culture is its continuous flow. Since, Indian culture is based on values, so its development is continuous. Many centuries passed by, many changes occurred, many foreign invasions were faced, but the light of Indian culture today is continuously glowing. Indian culture can be understood by looking at its present cultural standards.

Language is another source of cultural diversity as well as unity. It contributes to collective identities and even to conflicts. Twenty-two languages are recognised by Indian Constitution. All major languages have regional and dialectical variations besides several other dialects. The situation is further complicated since 179 languages and 544 dialects are recognised in India.

Indian art is inspired by religion and centres around sacred themes. However, there is nothing ascetic or self-denying about it. The eternal diversity of life and nature and the human element are all reflected in Indian art forms. The art of architecture and sculpture was well developed during the Indus valley period. India has the largest collections of folk and tribal artefacts. The popular term for music throughout India is Sangeet, which included dance as well as vocal instrumental music. The rhymes of the Rigveda and the Samveda are the earliest examples of words set to music. The oldest detailed exposition of Indian musical theory is found in Natyashastra, attributed to the sage Bharata who lived in the beginning of the Christian era. North Indian Hindustani classical music and South Indian Karnatak music are the two major forms of classical music in India. More specific schools of classical music are associated with particular gharanas.

Classical Indian dance is a beautiful and significant symbol of the spiritual and artistic approach of the Indian mind. Traditional Indian scriptures contain many references to nritta (music) and nata (drama). Dance and music are present at every stage of domestic life in India. Our country has a rich tradition of folklores, legends and myths, which combine with songs and dances into composite art forms. Adaptability has a great contribution in making Indian culture immortal. It is an essential element of longevity of any culture. Indian culture has a unique property of adjustment, as a result of which, it is maintained till today. Indian family, caste, religion and institutions have changed themselves with time. Due to adaptability and co-ordination of Indian culture, its continuity, utility and activity still in vogue. Receptivity is an important characteristic of Indian culture. It has always accepted the good of the invading cultures. It is like an ocean, in which many rivers come and meet. In the same way all castes succumbed to the Indian culture and very rapidly they dissolved in the Hindutva. Indian culture has always adjusted with other cultures, its ability to maintain unity amongst the diversities of all is the best. The reliability, which developed in this culture due to this receptivity, is a boon for this world and is appreciated by all. We have always adopted the properties of various cultures. Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is the soul of Indian culture. Spirituality is the soul of Indian culture. Here the existence of soul is accepted. Therefore, the ultimate aim of man is not physical comforts but is self-realisation. Nation became culture and culture became nation. Country took the form of Spiritual World, beyond the physical world. When Indian culture originated in the times of Rigveda, then it spread with time to Saptasindhu, Bramhavarta, Aryavarta, Jumbudweepa, Bharata Varsha or India. Because of its strength, it reached beyond the borders of India and established there also. Religion has a central place in Indian culture. Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, Mahabharata, Gita, Agama, Tripitak, Quran and Bible influence the people of Indian culture. These books have developed optimism, theism, sacrifice, penance, restraints, good conduct, truthfulness, compassion, authenticity, friendliness, forgiveness, etc. The concept of Karma (action) and Reincarnation have special importance in Indian culture. It is believed that one gains virtue during good action and takes birth in higher order in his next birth and spends a comfortable life. While one doing bad action takes birth in lower order in his next birth and suffers pain and leads a miserable life.

Indian culture lays emphasis on dharma or moral duty. It is believed that performance of one’s duty is more important than asserting one’s right. It also emphasizes the complementariness between one’s own duty and other’s rights. Thus, through the emphasis on community or family obligations, Indian culture promotes interdependence rather than independence and autonomy of the individual.

At the level of marriage, there is a lot of plurality in India. At the level of family, however, there is a striking similarity. For example, the ideal or norm of joint family is upheld by almost every Indian. Every person may not live in a joint household but the system of joint family is still favoured. The family is the defining feature of Indian culture. Although we differentiate between individual identity and family identity, the Western type of individualism is rare in Indian culture. Another characteristic of Indian culture is social stratification. In every region of India, there are about 200 castes. The social structure is made of thousands of those castes and sub-castes, which decide the social status of a person on the basis of birth. By fulfilling duties, a person can follow his religion while living in physical comforts and thus can gain salvation. Fulfilling duties is a characteristic of Indian culture. Four goals or duties are dharma (religion), Arth (money), Kama (lust) and Moksha (salvation). Religion is related to the fulfilment of moral duties. Money is related to the fulfilment of all needs. Lust is associated with pleasures in life. Salvation is the last goal. If India’s culture tended to become tolerant, accommodating, open-minded, deeply but not ostensibly spiritual and concerned with the common human welfare, then it is due to the great and relentless efforts of our great ancestors and leaders. Thanks to them our country has achieved a common culture, despite a staggering pluralistic society. And I feel proud to be a part and parcel of this rich heritage and culture.

-Love

Lekshmi

Flow With Life

Life is life!

Because you expect too much. Most expectations you hold are not part of reality, you only assumed them to be real. Reality is not built upon your fantasies, The reason this question is raised in your mind is that you’re probably living a life filled with ideologies. Filling your life with ideologies is what everyone does. These ideologies you have been told are not necessarily truthful. You’ve been brainwashed, this explained why your brain creates expectations naturally.

To see what the reality is, you need to strip yourself of those ideologies. Then the nature of reality will reveal itself to you.

If you don’t want to strip yourself, you could learn to embrace it. The mystery is what makes life exciting. Let us assume we have two boxes kept side by side. 

One is open and the other is closed. The open one is full of treasure and no one knows what is in the closed one. Believe me, most people will have the curiosity to know what is inside and it invites more attraction than the box of treasure. In the same way, we look forward because we have no idea about tomorrow. There is no fun in solving a puzzle after knowing the solution beforehand. It is curiosity that makes it worth loving.

                                "Flow with it, this moment is beautiful"

Each person is an enigma. You're a puzzle not only to yourself but also to everyone else, and the great mystery of our time is how we penetrate this puzzle.—Theodore Zeldin

A mystery is defined as something that is a secret, something where there is no clear explanation, something difficult to understand or explain, or something unexplainable or unsolvable. Here fits LIFE correctly.

A myriad of things is made to happen. Impossible events are brought into reality. The unexpected phenomenon takes place at any given time. Faulty notions are made to be right. Simple scenarios are made to be complicated. Easy problems find complex remedies. Misunderstanding locks people in dispute. A rational and radical man argues with a simple-minded fellow. Conversations may lead to deception. A minor conflict can end up in war. Simple promises are compromised. Simple words lead to misconception. Yet, some of us are very apathetic towards what’s happening around us. No matter what it takes, no matter how impossible it looks, no matter how narrow the road is, as long as they want it, they’ll do it.

The world has become very complex and tormenting. How can we dwell in this stead freely? How can we enjoy life with such teasing, messy minds of mankind? How can we enjoy the things that we labored for? How can we deal with things with so many onlookers minding our work? How can we fulfill our promises if we always have them compromised? If we will do well, people criticize us. If we do bad, people will despise us. What are we going to do then?

Is this really what we want? To live in a hostile world? A world where duplicity and hypocrisy lie? A world where adversities are ample? This world is definitely not ours. We’re just tenants here. It is supposed to be a world of peace but it turns out to be a world of lies and evils. Why? Because we are making it so. We are all accountable for all corruption, exploitation, terrorism, discrimination, and other misfortunes.

Everything starts within us and must end within us too. Yes, it may sound blaming, but life is a mystery. Life is like that.

Hope, faith, and beliefs can exist only if life is mysterious and unexpected.

 

-Love <3

  Lekshmi 

 

The Long Pause

All of us have the pleasure of understanding how things take a turn in our lives, most of the time unexpected and uncertain. Certainly, very few of us get to see life in a way we expect it to be. Does it matter? because most of the time the most beautiful destinations are unforeseen.

The reality is in different frequencies all of our lives take a pause, a sweet time for itself to revive. That's when most of us give up. This period is when you meet the wrong people, you do bizarre deeds, you fall in mess and fall apart. But the understanding that it's all going to be fine is tough to digest until the hormones settle, after all that we feel is merely a play of a few hormones and chemicals within. 

It took me time to understand we need not give the power to these hormones to decide on how miserable we should feel. It should be as easy as to realize this fact and then go do the next awful deed. Unless it's not hurting anyone else you can definitely use the badass attitude to explore to how much ever extent you want to. Life as understood is pretty cool a journey if we can tame ourselves to be there and take things that way, all you got to do is to understand your limits, values, wants, and needs and serve accordingly. It was my 26th birthday 3 days before and I have always anticipated my birthdays to be a bad event until this year and definitely, something or the other came up bad, unsatisfied or hurtful but for a change this year I manifested goodness, happiness, simplicity, and love, touchwood I feel light-hearted, peaceful and blessed for all that has happened and in-store.

The times when life takes a pause, you got to shine a little extra with all the energy because nobody stays, nobody can make a change in your life, it's just you for you. In every moment of your day and life, there is positivity.  There is always a silver lining to every situation and moment.  You just need to look for them.

It may seem impossible when things are going bad.  Whether you are battling cancer, going through a divorce, losing your job, etc there is STILL always a silver lining.  You need to look for it in little things.  If you are having a hard time seeing the positive from your negative then start small.  It may be the sound of a bird chirping, the feeling of your sheets when you slip into bed after a long day, a bite of your favorite food, a day without any bills in the mail.  You need to find things that bring joy, even if little things, to you.

By starting to look for and notice the little things in life, not only will you begin to appreciate life more, you will also start to see larger things and how they connect.  You will start to slow down and notice life around you.  It is a big key to life.  You will open up your heart and mind by simply stopping to notice all the good around you.  And by thinking about and focusing on the positive you will notice that you start to feel better.  What you focus on and think about is what you bring about.  So focus and think about the good in life and you will bring good to your life.

Because every pause resumes, and you got to hold on until your time comes. Because when it comes you are the one to decide whether to burn or shine!

-Love Lekshmi

WHAT REMAINS?

Did you ever think about what really matters in life? Even though few of us do know the sour truth do we acknowledge it?  

That's because we live in a culture that places a high premium on external measures of success. As a society, we value appearances that fall within our unrealistic standards of beauty, pride ourselves on being constantly busy, and seem to be constantly striving to make more money or have nicer things. There is nothing wrong with being ambitious-but often I think that we mistakenly equate some of these external achievements with experiencing greater happiness.

We are into “hedonic adaptation,” where people quickly become used to external changes (good or bad) and return to their basic state of happiness. We have all experienced this on reaching an external goal-only to realize that once we have achieved a goal, often we simply move on to the next one or raise the benchmark of how we define success. The same is with love as well, we keep camouflaging our interests and ways of life to make spouse happier, wherein you ultimately forget what you really use to enjoy before.  Because like success, love also comes with its baggage of expectations. But both are very essentially a beautiful part of your life, so once you can pave ur success story be wise enough to choose with whom you need to share your love story.  And don't confuse between love, because it's a variant phenomenon find your mate not out of any need,  hold him tight if you both are heading to the same greatness in life. 

It all comes down to the last day of your journey when you will recall your so-called life. It’s important to note that none of these regrets of the dying focus on external achievements, such as having a six-pack, making more money, or the number of Facebook followers-rather they touch on values that truly matter, such as vulnerability, balanced living, having meaningful relationships, and authenticity.

Often we are so caught up in the pursuit of these external measures of success, that we forget about the values that really matter. For instance, picture a woman who has decided to go on a strict diet to lose weight. This is problematic for many reasons. Aside from the fact that diets do not work in regards to long-term weight control, going on a diet is also shown to contribute to individuals being obsessed and preoccupied with thoughts of food. This makes sense evolutionarily. Your body did not want to starve death-therefore when faced with the threat of starvation it was evolutionarily adaptive for you to notice any potential food sources in the surrounding environment.

Even if somehow they were able to maintain a suppressed weight, this would probably not

 make them any happier in the long term. Obsessing about food, weight, and exercise, keeps

 people away from the things in life that truly matter such as having healthy and fulfilling

 relationships with friends and family. Do you really think at the end of your life, you will be

 sitting around saying, “you know I really wish I had been thinner?” 

We often like to think that we have unlimited time, but all that we can truly count on is this moment. Practicing gratitude for all that you do have, allowing yourself to be vulnerable with the people who matter, doing random acts of kindness, and not being afraid to show others your authentic, imperfect, and beautiful self is what we should all be striving for.

We are given this one life, and I encourage you to dig deep and think about how you want to spend your time and energy. I don’t know about you, but while I’m here I want to go on more adventures, learn new things, connect with people in an authentic and meaningful way, build the kinds of relationships that I deserve, taste delicious foods, travel, help others who are struggling, and let myself experience and feel every emotion-pleasant and unpleasant.

I used to be caught up in external benchmarks of success-and admittedly it is something I still sometimes focus on. After all, there is nothing wrong with wanting to strive for your "dream job" (although, I would say that trying to meet the idealized standard of beauty is a fruitless and meaningless battle). However, I think that it is important to put the idea of achieving external goals into perspective. When you become all-consumed and measure your sense of self-worth in terms of something external-that is when this drive becomes problematic. 

This week and beyond, I would urge you to think about what your values are. If you are living a life that is not in accordance with your true values-it may be time to be courageous and to start making some changes. Make it a dream for anyone who watches. 

Lekshmi SP

CHEERS TO ADULTING!!!

It's a rainy day today also, I am traveling back from Hyderabad post a memorable trip with my best friend, we have been planning this forever and made it happen now and it's the most content feeling to spend life with your best friends, I had a trial of it. This blog has been in my mind ever since we started traveling, so it's my story, sorry it's our story. The story of 3 broken, weird, proud and headstrong women.

So how does it feel like to be understood without even explaining properly? How does it feel like to get attention without even putting in any effort? How does it feel like to be blunt and frank without the thought of what will anybody think? How does it feel to be foolish, stupid and illogical, and mostly dumb still make you feel safe and sane? Don't you like to be with such people who can care for you without any expectations, who would love you without any milestones, and who will fight for you? who will hold you tight no matter what? 


Lemme take you through 2 most important such people in my life, It was a rainy day during the monsoon of  2009 and it was the messiest day of that time, I had a friend named prasida during that time, so its that time when you feel that the non-local friends are cooler than the natives. So I am a Malayali and from the state capital Thiruvananthapuram. I am a sports enthusiast and was never inclined to table tennis but that's the twist, Prasida was good in TT and she introduced me to Reshma. That's the start of an everlasting sisterhood and I have no clue where Prasida is but Reshma, she is there anywhere I go. We had a huge long distance in our relationship she was in Bangalore for her UG and then she flew to London for her PG by the time I came for my PG in Bangalore. Now that we both are in the neighboring states we are making sure we won't miss out on any opportunities.

Let me take a pause from her now, so here is remembering the worst 2 years of my life which started with 4am tuition classes and ended with 8pm tuition classes during 2012 -14, It was the first day of Higher secondary education and like every other Indian family my parents dropped me with a lot of expectations and all I wanted

was a good friend so that I can cry with her because I never knew what I really wanted to do. Well like a surprise Athira came into my life, I still remember for a 6-foot tall girl like me getting a tall girlfriend was like a blessing and there I saw a thin tall girl swirling like a tourist in her new school. My school was pretty famous hence all toppers join us for 11th and 12th. I was flipped seeing her, we connected pretty well and long-distance seems to be my thing because she went to repeat and joined Medical school. Though we were in the same city we never really met often but... I had her always because while I started working she was a senior and was having a good time together.

Well since the introduction is done right let me tell you why these people and the decade-long friendship/Sisterhood are so important to me. I am a simple person, so bloody simple that most people feel I am complicated (haha), Like any other girl for me, also constant communication and nonjudgemental zones to vibe were very important. I can't even imagine how I would have lived without these 2 souls in my life. From movies to television shows to that girl from your high school who constantly said, “I’m only friends with guys because girls are just too much drama,” there’s a common misconception that female friendships are catty, mean, and petty. Often, women are paralyzed with the internalized idea that female friendships are filled with heartbreak, which leads them away from fulfilling female friendships with women who could bring a lot to their lives.

However, female friendships can do so much. They offer a real sense of support and comradery, especially when you allow yourself to truly trust your friends and lean on one another. In this modern age, people need their friends more than ever — especially women.

Whether you have a few besties or a whole goddess crew, your female friendships enhance your life in so many ways you might not even understand. No matter how strong you may be, everybody needs some sisters to lean on.

1. Uplifting One Another

Female friends are sure to have your back — they’re your wing women, your cheerleaders, and your hype men. Whether you need a pick-me-up on a bad day or you’re feeling wonderful, your girls will be there to celebrate with and uplift you. While male friends can do this, too, there is a sense of understanding within female friendships that can make the exchange extra special.

When you uplift your girlfriends, they uplift you. It becomes a radical cycle of positivity and happiness.

2. A Safe Space

Contrary to popular belief, sensitivity is not a bad thing. In fact, sensitivity is a strength, especially when it comes to being there for your friends. One of the great things about having close female friends is that they can be a judgment-free zone where you can come with problems and struggles. Your friends will hear you, give advice, or sometimes offer a shoulder to cry on.

Female friends are more likely to explore their feelings and dive deeper into your troubles and struggle with you — or perhaps they’ll pop open a bottle of wine and let you cry it out.

3. One Person Can’t Do It All

One of the reasons people — especially women — disappear from friendships and cast them aside is prioritizing romantic relationships. In a lot of ways, this is totally normal. If you have a significant other, you probably want to spend as much time with them as possible. They’re a big part of your life, so this makes sense.

Still, one person can’t meet all of your needs. Putting that pressure on somebody may be too much for your partner, and it won’t satisfy you completely, either. Female friendships are a part of the collective that helps to fill your life with joy and support. Just like your romantic partner or family wants to love and support you, your friends will, too.

4. Harnessing Your Feminine Energy

If you’re into energies and engaging with your spirituality throughout your life, tapping into your feminine energy might be of interest to you. Exploring this side of yourself can help you feel more comfortable and connected in your identity as a woman, especially in a society where masculine traits are valued so highly.

Part of harnessing your feminine energy is being open and ready to receive, which you can do by surrounding yourself with powerful women you admire. When you surround yourself with women who have strong, beautiful feminine energy all around them, you’ll start to see it in yourself, too. 

5. Having a Little Fun

Although the other stuff is wildly important, there’s something to be said for letting loose and having a little fun with your girls. Sure, friendships offer support when times are tough and encouragement through uncertainty, but on a basic level, friendship is also about finding people who you like spending time. You enjoy being in their presence, and you like doing things together.

Spending time with the people you love is part of what makes life beautiful, so get on board! Kick back with your girlfriends. Life is short you should all have a bit of fun.

Besties Forever

Female friendships are important and beneficial for every woman. They have the potential to bring so much positive change and happiness to your life. Whether you have one or two besties or a whole group of friends, you deserve positive, fulfilling exchanges with like-minded women, and you have the power to find them.

Also, there are so many amazing women in my life that make me feel content and the time I have had with them is never enough. starting from my mom, sister to a handful of quality bonds, all of you ladies are my rock!

 

 - Love Lekshmi

 

 

 

THE SILVER LININGS

 Let's talk?

Think about our day-to-day lives.

We are surrounded by beautiful and wonderful people, places, and events that can impact us and the life we live every single moment of the day.  To understand the reasons to keep searching for that silver lining, one must first understand what the silver lining actually is.

A silver lining is a viewpoint in life, an outlook of positivity.

Sometimes, the silver lining is easy to see.  It can be a positive action, event, or moment that stands out.  Some of these moments we may not fully understand until they are over, but once we acknowledge them, they can continue to impact us on a positive level, well, forever.

Silver linings are all around us, we just have to open our eyes, ears, and hearts to receiving them and accepting them. 

Always find your silver linings

Sometimes, that silver lining isn’t obvious- you have to really look for it.If you are struggling with a really depressing moment or time in your life, stop and look at what you are focusing on.

Take a look at yourself and your life.

Do you choose to focus on the silver linings that you have or do you prefer to rely on those moments to filter in from other people? 

If you can reflect on your life and events over the past month, do the silver lining moments stand out to you in a way that is helpful in moving forward?

 Ask yourself

While some silver linings are evident, other times we have to dig deep to recognize them. Having trouble sorting those silver linings out from the pack?  It can be difficult, but important.

Don’t. Give. Up. 

We often don't realise that things which we are searching for are mostly nearby, but we don't really have the framework to understand simple things but definitely complicated, Agree?

Always find reasons to keep searching.  If struggling on where to start, I would start with these 8 simple thoughts which came for my help.

1. Remember That You Are Loved

The very first way to find the silver lining is to remind yourself that you are loved.

You are loved by your parents, siblings, spouse, friends, kids, and so many more people.

What better gift could one ask for in life?

The major silver lining moment is for those who choose to reflect on this each and every day.  A great reason to be happy!

2. Always Move Forward

Silver linings can actually help you move forward in life. Keep thinking ahead, stop looking back

Instead of dwelling on things people have told you or mistakes you made, look ahead at all the possibilities that are in your future.

3. Go Out And Experience Life

Another way to see the silver lining is to get up and do something and don’t be afraid to fail.

If you gave something a go, and it ended up turning into a no-go…learn from it.  You haven’t lost anything from that experience if you allow yourself to learn from it as well.

4. Start Fresh

Leave yesterday behind, and embrace the fresh new start.  Allowing yourself to wallow in the negatives of the past will only prohibit any future growth for yourself in the future.  It is an amazing and comforting feeling knowing that if today wasn’t your day, you have another go at it tomorrow…and the next day…and the next day.

5. Create Positivity

From negativity, one can create positivity. When you create positivity from situations around you, you are seeing the silver linings in life.

This is the one that took me the longest to fully comprehend. It’s times where so much negativity can crowd our judgment that we tend to miss out out these small moments of breaking through.

You can have control over turning that frown upside down.  Feeling down in the dumps does happen, but try not to let it linger if possible.  Take control in turning that thought into a positive outlook. You may be surprised how it helps in improving your overall goals and attitudes as well.

6. Keep Trying

Allow your failure to be the base for new goals and ideas. Let the silver linings propel you forward through the times you fall down. Did you try something that failed?  Yep, that can hurt… or more like SUCK.

Instead of letting it continue to grow in negative emotions, take control and set a new goal on how to overcome and make it better.

7. Stress Less

Optimistic people tend to stress less.

I try. I try every day because this one still gives me hope. But let’s think about it.

By seeing the silver lining, you may actually be improving your health and well-being too.  Don’t waste time stressing.

8. Find Your Value

You are valued by a wide range of people. It isn’t difficult to find the silver lining in life on a daily basis, but it does take an effort to turn it into a habit.

When you change your outlook on life, you have the power to make real changes in other parts of your life too.

Each day, when you wake up, think of something that you are thankful for and makes you happy.

Immediately, your mind is filled with those thoughts of positivity that can help you stay on track to embrace all those silver lining moments of the day!  In my opinion, we are all the masters of our own silver linings and finding ways to make them work well for us and our goals!

Where’s the silver lining in your life?

SECOND WAVE

It was the last day of my 1st year MBA and like every chirpy kid, I had plans too. But life had a different plan. 

This blog is no life education, it's my views to you.

“Experience is not what happens to you; it’s what you do with what happens to you.”

Things are happening to us and around us all the time. Some of them are clearly of our own making 

– we can see our direct role in creating the circumstance or situation. Others seem to be beyond our direct control 

– we feel caught up in situations created by outside forces.

When things are beyond our control, we may not be able to change the circumstance or the unfolding of events right away, but we can choose who and how we will “be” with what is happening. We can choose our response.

Granted, when things catch us by surprise, our initial reaction or thought maybe reflexive, influenced by prior conditioning. At that moment, it doesn’t feel like we “choose” our reaction – it feels automatic.

However, we can choose our second thought. From the moment that we recognize our initial reaction, we can begin making conscious choices about how to proceed. We can choose how we interpret what is happening or the meaning we give to it, the “story” we are telling ourselves about it. And this is critically important because it’s the story that we tell ourselves that creates our experience. Whatever is happening is just an event. How we interpret that event determines our experience of the event.

Taking responsibility for how we interpret events and situations, how we respond, and the ways in which we choose to engage can transform our relationships, our work, and our experience of everyday living. Just as the surfer can’t control the wave yet can be in command of how she rides the wave, so can we also be in command of how we surf the waves of life.

A simple two-step process can help you learn to be more in command of how you respond to life’s surprises:

Pay attention to what is happening around you and within you all the time. Recognize that there are often many layers to situations and circumstances, and practice being aware of multiple layers at once. At the same time, notice how you are responding to what is happening in your thoughts, feelings, and emotions.

Remind yourself that what is happening and your experience of what is happening are two different things. You may not be able to change what is happening at the moment, but you can choose who you will be within the situation and what role you will play. So who do you choose to be? 

How do you choose to respond?

As these two steps become habits, notice how your experience of daily life shifts. Notice the impact of your words, both on yourself and on others, when you speak with clear intention. Notice the impact of your actions when you come from a place of greater awareness. Become proactive in your choices. Make conscious choices about how you will engage with what is happening. Learn to surf the waves of life. It will make a difference.

P.S. If you found this post helpful, interesting, or thought-provoking, write a comment below and let’s get a conversation going. By sharing insights and perspectives, we all stretch our awareness and understanding.

Between how many of you had to change your plans because you tested positive for Covid?(well my life is no more private :P)