Pasted Smiles -of lives of abject despair

Many a times, everyone of us would encounter a situation in life where he/she moves around with what I would call as "pasted smiles". It’s a scenario where you know are feeling something within; and at the same time your ego doesn’t allow you to express what you feel within. At that point of time, even if you are so much overwhelmed by emotion that you would want to let out a wild outcry, what is seen on you is a smile on your face, which is completely artificial. You laugh around when there are tears flowing uncontrollably within you. You joke around when the only thing that you want is a period of solitude where you can get rid of your pains and tears. Its one of the trickiest scenarios in life. This situation of duality within you creates a whole lot of trouble within you; and makes your life extremely miserable – so much so that you ask that question to yourself; whether you deserve to go through all of these. Being in pain is one thing; but living through it as if it doesn’t exist is an entirely different cup of tea.

These "pasted smiles" phenomenon is what i am encountering often in my life all too often these days; too much for my comfort. Be it when I talk to my boss or when I converse with the security at my flatts, when I talk to relatives, strangers... It goes on.. Only that I feel that the reaction differs from person to situations. But its all the same, more reactive than expressing what I actually feel. The more I try to run away from it, it hits me at a much rapid pace that I am completely taken aback. There is an element of helplessness within me these days; which makes me get a resigned attitude though I believe I had come to terms with it as just another part of life.

At times I wounder have I forgotten to have what is called as a genuine laugh in life? Have I forgotten what it is to enjoy my life? I guess its becoming all too mechanical these days. The sense of being cynical is quickly catching up with me. Its come to an extent where I would be surprised when something good happens with me. Maybe that’s the best indicator that I am not traveling in the right direction in life. Its becoming increasingly aimless these days; its as if I am allowing myself to drift along with the strong strident waves of a rampant river. I am now struggling to give resistance to the bad things that happens within me; moreover I am starting to take it as the norm.

Its not that I am reluctant to change. But irrespective all my efforts to change the way I am, nothing seems to change. Its really troublesome; its really painful. Unfortunately I don’t find a way out. Is it that destiny has consigned me to live a life of despair riddled with pasted smiles all over? Don’t worry rest of the word; I am still smiling – even if its not exactly what I want to do at this point of time. I guess that’s what destiny has in stor for me – life of abject despair…

The Curious Case Of Fake IPL Player

The IPL is in full swing in South Africa. Apart from the cricket that is on show, something else hass captured the imagination of at least the world of bloggers. It's the blog from someone who claims himself to be part of the KKR team, giving out details about the ego clashes with-in the team, the way they prepare and react. True insider information stuff. As blogging world is completely buzzing about this, most of the readers are trying to find who this chap is. All in all, he has become one of the superstars of this IPL season. His blog www.fakeiplplayer.blogspot.com has become one of the most sought after blog page in the country now. Lots of people are following this blog; so do I. Its become some sort of an addiction. There was a pause in his posting for a day or so; and rumors started flying around saying that he could have been caught and we may not get any more blogs from him. And then he resurfaces again every night. The popularity of his blog was so much that I got five sms messages from my friends following this blog when the update happened. Guess what, the entire world is waiting...

The good part of his blog is that he is saying things with a whole lot of satire and sarcasm. One cannot help but accept the fact that people love to hate the KKR. More often than not, its got to do with the flamboyance of its owner Shah Rukh Khan. And then there is the Dada angle as well. I don't think Indian cricket ever had a more polarizing figure than Sourav Ganguly. And when he was axed from the captaincy of the KKR team, people thought of a conspiracy angle to all of that, the foreigners were conspiring against him and the team owner was hand in glove with all of that. Hence the blogging world which I consider as a small sample size of the real world was waiting for an opportunity to latch on to something rotten in the KKR setup. They had a shot in the arm when this mysterious blogger surfaced. People accepted him with open arms. Everyone hopes that he is never caught and we continue to get this never ending doze of insider information about the team. The popularity of the blog is so evident from the number of comments he gets for each of his posts. One thing is for sure; even if his cricketing career is over once he gets caught, he can definitely make a living with his writings.

The best part of his blog are the names that he uses for the players in his blog. The best one for one Indian fast bowler hailing from God's own Country , 'Appam Chutiya'. I laughed like hell when I came across this name for the first time. Man… this guy has a seriously good sense of humor. The other names include, 'Prince Charles of Patiala' for Yuvraj Singh, 'Vinnie Dildo' for team owner SRK, 'Lordie' for Sourav Ganguly, 'Little John' for Ishaant Sharma, 'Sheikh of Tweak' for Shane Warne. Wonder how his guy managed to have such a good sense of humor… Every time I read his blog, there is a big grin across my face. I am pretty sure that would be the case for almost everyone who reads this blog, except the KKR guys. If they were given a choice, they would have shot this guy off from the edge of a cliff…he he...

You need to be damn brave to be able to write something like this. You are literally putting your head on the chopping block. Be rest assured that he is going to loose the contract once he is going to get caught. And he will be caught some day. coz all good things come to an end some day. But till that day comes, the cricket buffs in the blogging world would be treated to some seriously good insider information. Just enjoy the fun as long as it lasts.

Also while he decided to reveal himself after the final days play, he then seemed to have succumbed to fear it seems as he has post a poll now to know from ppl what they want him to do. Whatever happens a serious drama is always on the cards.

Its been a long time….

Its been a long time…since i posted some musings...

Had been busy with my work… if you can call it that...But yes, i felt very bad about my time management.

I am going to start blogging again like old times…

To those few readers out there who still are longing for my pandemonic musings, I am Back 

FW: valuable vote

Do you know your VOTE value?

 

In madurai (Azhukkiri's den) its about Rs. 4000 \ Vote. I guess in chennai its about Rs.500 at some places...

 

Isn't that all we know about the value of a Vote. TOI as a part of its Lead India initiative telecasts an Ad campaign with the theme "Power Of One". Its high time ppl choose to vote rather than remaining passive and just uttering their curses on the politicians, the whole system, the infrastructure and THERE ARE PPL who complain just about everything without even bothering to raise their finger a little. They i guess are a serious threat to our democracy. (while even i have second thoughts about democracy being a social change driver, make some noise and be the change you wish to see.).

 

I feel like this has shifted to answer those few ppl. but only to tell you guyz that u ppl are too many. And thinking that you are different you have all grown alike. With those same hatred envying the grown-up's. Dont you understand that you ppl are not only spoiling yourself but the whole ppl surrounding you and which only intensifies the hatred amongst ourselves. And these i feel are the most corrupt, most opportunistic, self-opined and egoistic kinds who think of themselves as a genius but only to find that they are not. I know that being self-opined is not an issue as long as its constructive to the development of the self and the nation as a whole.

 

Now coming back to the subject, I guess Voting gives us the right to Complain. Before just sitting and complaining about the attrocities happening around you, raise your hand, Be counted and then make some noise and that will hold high the torch for others. There is no hiding the fact that we are deficient but we are not weak. we just need the drive for which we need the right people. Whoever stands as a candidate may not be the one. But the change will only come with time. The time that is in our hands. When the whole world is thriving and seeking the Change. Maybe its time we should change too. No more pep talks and blasphemys, its time to seek the change and choose to vote Now this applies to me as well.

 

I started this as a single line pretext but went on to rant an rave line by line. Sorry for that. For i know i should change too... but atleast im trying...

 

Cheers

SUBU

---

From: naraynans16 [mailto:naraynans16@gmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, April 23, 2009 11:24 PM
To: chuppandi@gmail.com
Subject: [thinks naraynan do] valuable vote

Do you know your VOTE value?

Are you aware of Section 49(o) of the Peoples' Representation Act under the Constitution of INDIA?

This section is  the real weapon in the hands of  every INDIAN citizen, if he wishes to express his choice of NOT voting any of the contestents in a Polling Booth, if he thinks that the contestants are NOT competant.

This  right is available to every electorate under our constitution, as per  the amended 1969 Act, under section49(o), that a person can go to the polling booth, confirm his identity, get his fingerprint  marked and convey to the presiding Election Officer that he doesn’t want to VOTE anyone in the voting screen!

YES such a feature is available, but obviously these provisions have never been disclosed to the electrate. 

A) Under section 49(o) if the electorate  deciding not to vote, can have  his electrol roll number duly entered in the register of voters in Form-17A and have his signature or thumb impression put  thereon as required under sud-rule (1) of rule 49L, in the event of deciding not to VOTE,  a remark to this effect shall be made against the said entry in Form 17A by the presiding officer and the signature or thumb impression of the electorate  shall be obtained against such remark.

B) Why should you go to the polling booth and say " I VOTE NONE?” In a given constituency if a candidate wins, say by 123 VOTES and that particular constituency has received Negative votes under section 49(o) which are  more than 123, then that polling will be cancelled and re-poll has to be ordered.Not only that - but also that the candidature of the previous contestants will be removed and they cannot contest the re-polling once again, since electorate  had already expressed their decision on them.

C)  This would instill  fear in the minds of the  political parties and they  would  look for genuine candidates for their parties for the election. This would bring the necessary  changes in our political system. Further, if this section 49(o) of the constitution is made public and gets Media Coverage, this will act as a deterant to all political parties from wrong choice of candidates.

D) Thus, expressing your desire not to vote for anybody, is even more powerful than VOTING… So don’t miss your chance!

Courtesy:

Ghansham Ojha,

F&P IYSO Team INDIA,

--
Posted By naraynans16 to thinks naraynan do at 4/22/2009 11:24:00 AM

You're not chicken, are you?

There once was a chicken farmer who was a keen rock climber.  One day, climbing a particularly challenging rock face, he came upon a wide ledge.

 

On the ledge was a big nest and in the nest there were three large eggs.  Eagle eggs.

 

He knew it was very un-ecological and definitely illegal, however temptation got the better of him and he discreetly put one of the eagle eggs in his rucksack.

 

Then he climbed down and went back to his ranch, and put the egg in the hen house.

 

That night the mother hen sat on the huge egg, the proudest chicken you've ever seen (and the cock seemed pretty pleased with himself as well!).

 

In the fullness of time the egg hatched and the baby eagling emerged. It looked around and saw the mother hen.

 

"Mama!" it squawked.

 

As time passed the eagle grew up with its brother and sister chicks. It learnt to do all the things that chickens do.

 

It clucked and cackled, it scratched in the dirt for worms, flapping its wings furiously, and flying a few feet into the air before crashing to earth in a pile of dust and feathers.

 

And believing above all things that it was totally a chicken.

 

Year after year passed, until one bright sunny day the eagle-who-thought-it-was-a-chicken, looked up into the sky.

 

High overhead, soaring majestically on the thermal currents, flying effortlessly with scarcely a beat of its powerful golden wings, was an eagle.

 

"What's that?" said the eagle-who-thought-it-was-a-chicken in awe to a farmyard neighbour.

 

"Its magnificent. So much power and grace.  Poetry in motion."

 

"That's an eagle," said the chicken. "That's the King of the Birds. It's a bird of the air. However we, we're only chickens, we're birds of the earth."

 

And so it was, the eagle lived and died a chicken, because that's all it thought it was. 

 

Now there are very few soaring eagles in this world.

 

Most people listen and look to other chickens and follow their lead.

 

You can never attain the heights of success by having unsuccessful role-models. And following the general flock can only end up in mediocrity.

 

Something to think about.

 

 

The first step to becoming an eagle is choosing the RIGHT role-models for what you want to become.

 

What are your desires?

 

Who have you seen or heard about, who has successfully attained similar desires?

 

If you want their success you'll want to start doing the things they do to achieve that success.

 

No matter what you want to do.

 

Write a novel. Run for office. Get better grades. Climb Mount Everest. Change your diet. Learn another language. Run a billion dollar company....

 

Or whatever your heart desires.

 

Everything could be achieved

 

Be Soaring Eagle rather than whining Chicken……….

What U Deserve ??!! think over it

It was quarter to one at night when I hit the door bell. My wife opened the door. She had been awake as usual. Waiting for me had become a daily routine for her. Unlike I expected, the house looked normal. I put my laptop on the recliner and went straight into my bedroom, freshened up and got busy with the book - "An autobiography of a yogi."

My wife came in with a piece of cake in her hand. "We waited for you till 9. But it was getting late and your parents pushed to carry on and finish", she said handing over that cake to me. Something stung me deeply for it was my daughter's first birthday. I had almost forgotten that I had a daughter and a feeling of guilt told me that I did not deserve that piece of cake; it felt heavy when the first bite went down my throat.

"Karthik," she used to call me by name, "look at me", she said. I turned my gaze away from the book onto her face. I saw tears in her eyes. "Have I, in the last two years, ever asked you why you come home late every day? Have I ever asked you to take me out with you, even to the temple that you go alone every weekend? Have I ever told you how it feels to attend family functions without you?" I turned back to the book. "Karthik, please look at me, will you? I need an answer today."

I always knew that I would have to face this sometime. "No, you wouldn't understand even if I tell", I replied. "Really? What is it? Please tell me. I know that you agreed to our marriage only because you did not want to disappoint your parents. I know that I'm your wife only for the sake of it. But why should Gaargi suffer because of all this? Doesn't she deserve to be called your daughter? What is her fault?" my wife asked with tears running down. She had never cried in front of me. I looked at my one year old daughter; Gaargi was special to me, for her name reminded me of a very special person in my life.

"Srishti, I am really very sorry. I don't know how to tell all this and I'm not sure how you'll take it. You are not my first love. I had never liked any girl in my life until I met a very nice person who, I decided, would not only be my first love but also the only love in my entire life", my eyes started to fill up, "I can never imagine my life without…" "Your mother told me. I know everything but I wanted you to tell", she interrupted. I wasn’t surprised; two years is a very long time for a secret to be kept in a family. It looked like she wanted me to somehow raise this and then she started.

"Karthik, have I ever made you feel that I had been betrayed by someone who I thought would be the only person in my life?" Her question confused me for a moment, 'Is she talking about me?' I asked myself. "He, not you, was the first man in my life and I too had dreamt that he will be the only one ever. But our relationship collapsed after 5 months of our engagement when I came to know that he was already married. My parents were more than broken when they found this out, for they were the ones who had found this person through some marriage bureau. I went into depression and had attempted suicide twice, but somehow survived. See, even God does not want me. So I decided to live on as life takes me, although I knew that I will not be able to forget any bit of it."

It took some time for all this to sink in. I was perplexed.

"Karthik, I know that you too had given all the love of your life to her. I also know that she never reciprocated your love and that she was never ready to accept you as her man even though you were ready to sacrifice yourself for her. But don't you think it should always flow both ways? Don't you think that it is not worth crying over someone who cannot feel your love? Is it fair on your part to ignore someone who is craving for your love and actually deserves it? Look into my eyes. Don't you see anything which suggests that I deserve to be loved by you? I know Karthik, I know that there's some space in your heart that has been made for me. I can see it in your eyes too. When I look into them I do not feel sad that there's a lot of pain in it. Instead I see that part of it which tells me that I'm not completely unwanted. So I ask you the same thing that you had asked her, 'Please give me a chance'. Don't tell me that you cannot love me even a little. I know you do and Gaargi is the proof."

I could not speak more. Srishti too could not. She rested her head on my shoulder. For the first time I kissed on her forehead.

I guess that is what one has to learn. First love is very special. It is something to be remembered for a lifetime but not something for which an entire life can be wasted in grieving over it.  

Sometimes you get what you want...
Sometimes you get what you need...
But you're always gonna get what you DESERVE !!!

 

---

Yenna kodumai saravanan ithu  

 

- Chuppandi

FW: [Trainers Forum] A Violinist in the Metro

This is a fabulous piece! Imagine, what all we miss in our 'hurried & harried' lives ... like William Henry Davies puts it in 'Leisure':

 

Leisure

What is this life if, full of care,    
We have no time to stand and stare.    

No time to stand beneath the boughs    
And stare as long as sheep or cows.    

No time to see, when woods we pass,    
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.    

No time to see, in broad daylight,    
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.    

No time to turn at Beauty's glance,    
And watch her feet, how they can dance.    

No time to wait till her mouth can    
Enrich that smile her eyes began.    

A poor life this if, full of care,    
We have no time to stand and stare.

William Henry Davies

___

 

A man sat at a metro station in Washington DC and started to play the violin; it was a cold January morning. He played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, since it was rush hour, it was calculated that thousand of people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.

Three minutes went by and a middle aged man noticed there was musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried up to meet his schedule.

A minute later, the violinist received his first dollar tip: a woman threw the money in the till and without stopping continued to walk.
A few minutes later, someone leaned against the wall to listen to him, but the man looked at his watch and started to walk again. Clearly he was late for work.

The one who paid the most attention was a 3 year old boy. His mother tagged him along, hurried but the kid stopped to look at the violinist. Finally the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. All the parents, without exception, forced them to move on.

In the 45 minutes the musician played, only 6 people stopped and stayed for a while. About 20 gave him money but continued to walk their normal pace. He collected $32. When he finished playing and silence took over, no one noticed it. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.

No one knew this but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the best musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written with a violin worth 3.5 million dollars.

Two days before his playing in the subway, Joshua Bell sold out at a theater in Boston and the seats average $100.

This is a real story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of an social experiment about perception, taste and priorities of people. The outlines were: in a commonplace environment at an inappropriate hour: Do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize the talent in an unexpected context?

One of the possible conclusions from this experience could be:

If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world playing the best music ever written, how many other things are we missing?

Retirement Dinner

Retirement Dinner

A priest was being honored at his retirement dinner after 25 years in the parish. A leading local politician and member of the congregation were chosen to make the presentation and give a little speech at the dinner. He was delayed, so the priest decided to say his own few words while they waited.

"I got my first impression of the parish from the first confession I heard here. I thought I had been assigned to a terrible place. The very first person who entered my confessional told me he had stolen a television set and, when questioned by the police, was able to lie his way out of it. He had stolen money from his parents, embezzled from his employer, had an affair with his boss's wife, and taken illegal drugs. I was appalled. But as the days went on I knew that my people were not all like that and I had, indeed, come to a fine parish full of good and loving people.".....

 

Just as the priest finished his talk, the politician arrived full of apologies at being late. He immediately began to make the presentation and gave his talk. "I'll never forget the first day our parish priest arrived," said the politician. "In fact, I had the honor of being the first one to go to him in confession."

 Moral: NEVER, NEVER, NEVER BE LATE!! 

The story is simply Great!!!

Guys, read this story

 

Once a king called upon all of his wise men and asked them,

 

"Is there a mantra or suggestion which works in every situation, in every circumstance,

 

in every place and in every time.

 

Something which can help me when none of you is available to advise me.

 

Tell me is there any mantra?"

 

  All wise men got puzzled by King's question.

 

One answer for all question? Something that works everywhere, in every situation, in every joy, every sorrow, every defeat and every victory?

 

They thought and thought.

   

After a lengthy discussion, an old man suggested something which appealed to all of them. They went to the king and gave him something written on paper. But the condition was that king was not to see it out of curiosity. Only in extreme danger, when the King finds himself alone and there seems to be no way, only then he'll have to see it.

 

The King put the papers under his Diamond ring.

 

After a few days, the neighbors attacked the Kingdom.

 

It was a collective surprise attack of the King's enemies.

 

King and his army fought bravely but lost the battle.

 

King had to fled on his horse. The enemies were following him.

 

His horse took him far away in the Jungle.

 

He could hear many troops of horses following him and the noise was coming closer and closer.

 

Suddenly the King found himself standing at the end of the road - that road was not going anywhere.

 

Underneath there was a rocky valley thousand feet deep.

 

If he jumped into it, he would be finished…and he could not return because it was a small road…

 

The sound of enemy's horses was approaching fast. King became restless. There seemed to be no way.

 

Then suddenly he saw the Diamond in his ring shining in the sun, and

 

he remembered the message hidden in the ring.

 

He opened the diamond and read the message. The message was very small but very great.

 

The message was - "Even this shall  pass away."

 

The King read it. Again read it. Suddenly something struck him- Yes! it too will pass. Only a few days ago, I was enjoying my kingdom. I was the mightiest of all the Kings. Yet today, the Kingdom and all his pleasure have gone.

 

I am here trying to escape from enemies.

 

However when those days of luxuries have gone, this day of danger too will pass. Calm come on his face.

 

He kept standing there.

 

The place where he was standing was full of natural beauty. He had never known that such a beautiful place was also a part of his Kingdom. The revelation of the message had a great effect on him. He relaxed and forgot about those following him. After a few minutes he realized that the noise of the horses and the enemy coming was receding. They moved into some other part of the mountains and were not on that path.

 

The King was very brave. He reorganized his army and fought again. He defeated the enemy and regained his lost empire. When he returned to his empire after victory, he was received with much fan fare at the door. The whole capital was rejoicing in the victory. Everyone was in a festive mood.

 

Flowers were being thrown on the King from every house, from every corner. People were dancing and singing. For a moment King said to himself," I am one of the bravest and greatest King. It is not easy to defeat me".

 

With all the reception and celebration he saw an ego emerging in him.

 

Suddenly the Diamond of his ring flashed in the sunlight and reminded him of the message. He open it and read it again:

"Even this shall  pass away."

 

He became silent. His face went through a total change - from the egoist he moved to a state of utter humbleness.

 

If this too is going to pass, it is not yours. The defeat was not yours, the victory is not yours. You are just a watcher. Everything passes by we are witness of all this. We are the perceiver.

 

 

 

Life comes and goes.

 

Happiness comes and goes. Sorrow comes and goes.

 

Now as you have read this story, just sit silently and evaluate your own life. Think of the moments of joy and victory in your life. Think of the moment of Sorrow and defeat. Are they permanent? They all come and pass away. Life just passes away.

 

There were friends in the past. They have gone.

There are friends today. They too will go.

There will be new friends tomorrow. They too will go.

 

There were enemies in the past. They have gone.

There may be enemies in the present. They too will go.

There will be new enemies tomorrow and……they too will go.

 

There is nothing permanent in this world. Everything changes except the law of change. Think over it from your own perspective. You have seen all the changes. You have survived all setbacks, all defeats and all sorrows.

 

All have passed away. If there are problems in the present, they too will pass away. Because nothing remains forever.

 

 

Joy and sorrow are the two faces of the same coin. They both will pass away.

 

Who are you in reality? Know your real face. Your face is not your true face. It will change with the time. However, there is something in you, which will not change. It will remain unchanged.  What is that unchangeable?

 

It is nothing but your true self. You are just a witness of change.

 

Experience it, understand it…

 

True Colors - Bjorn Borg - Love for all

Afterthought:

1. A friend shared this advertisement with me earlier today.

2. I like advertisements, especially those that get you talking or those that generally leave you feeling positive about the world we live in. This is one of them. It's also one of those advertisements that really keeps you guessing till the end. How you react at the end will probably be an indication of your own values, personality and outlook.

3. The Swedish company behind this advertisement, Bjorn Borg, comes across as a socially responsible entity. I am also not sure if the brand has anything to do with the tennis star of the same name. Nevertheless, it reminds me of other positive brands like The Body Shop. Unfortunately, the company doesn't have a presence in Asia so it's really hard to tell.

Life, what is it but a dream?

I would like to share with you one of my favourite poems by a poet who, I've always felt, did not get the accolades he deserved simply because of his phenomenal success as a writer of children's books - Lewis Carroll. The success of Alice in Wonderland overshadowed his poetry - despite the fact that many of his poems actually feature in his prose writings as an integral part of the story. As a writer of humorous verse and nonsense verse he has few peers. Unfortunately, as in prose so in poetry, humorous writers tend not to be taken seriously when the talk veers round to literary greatness.This is a poem in a different, dreamier, mood. Whenever I find myself exasperated by people talking about the feverish pace of modern life this poem springs to mind , especially the last five lines.

A Boat, beneath a sunny sky

Lingering onward dreamily

In an evening of July -

Children three that nestle near,

Eager eye and willing ear,

Pleased a simple tale to hear-

Long has paled that sunny sky:

Echoes fade and memories die:

Autmun frosts have slain July.

Still she haunts me, phantomwise.

Alice moving under skies

Never seen by waking eyes.

Children yet, the tale to hear,

Eager eye and willing ear,

Lovingly shall nestle near.

In a Wonderland they lie,

Dreaming as the days go by,

Dreaming as the summers die:

Ever drifting down the stream -

Lingering in a golden gleam -

Life, what is it but a dream?

[The initial letters of this poem when read downward give the full name of the original Alice (in Wonderland) - Alice Pleasance Liddell]

Apropos of what I've written above , I remain deeply sceptical about whether life has really become fast-paced. I'm often tempted to tell these 'fast-paced' people the story of the donkey chasing a carrot dangling in front of him, tantalisingly out of reach, unable to understand that it's dangling from a stick tied to his own body and that he's never going to be able reach it. The Promised Land is always going to be 'just around the next corner'. No, we've simply lost the ability to slow down, relax, introspect, to think of something other than the 'rat race'. Are we increasinly losing touch with our inner selves, with nature, with the finer things in life, things which cannot be measured in money? W.H.Davies had it right :

What is this life if, full of care,

We have no time to stand and stare.

No time to stand beneath the boughs

And stare as long as sheep or cows.

No time to see, when woods we pass,

Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.

No time to see, in broad daylight,

Streams full of stars, like skies at night.

No time to turn at Beauty's glance,

And watch her feet, how they can dance.

No time to wait till her mouth can

Enrich that smile her eyes began.

A poor life this if, full of care,

We have no time to stand and stare.

I've often been accused of being impractical and out of touch with the times. There was a time when I would be ready to argue the point spiritedly but these days, I just smile and let it go. Why give myself hypertension and ulcers? As for me, I'd rather be

Dreaming as the days go by,

Dreaming as the summers die:

Ever drifting down the stream -

Lingering in a golden gleam

After all Life, what is it but a dream???

Surely You're joking Mr. Feynman

When I was at my graduate school, I must've read this book more than 10 times. It was that good.  Its now almost 5 years since I last read it, but I still remember some of the funny stuff that I read. It just leaves an everlasting impression in you comparing to others whose effects are ephemeral. He just leaves a mark on you without any seriousness and the way he does it is something better read than me saying it.... 

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• What is great about Richard Feynman is his refusal to take anything too seriously. Rather, he refused to take anything too seriously because he was damn serious. When you think of it, only people who are not really serious appear to be serious. Seriousness in appearance is different from seriousness in essence. While its hilarious in one side, its also serious on the other side.
  
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• A staff (also a good friend of mine) at that time used to do tutor for students who wanted to do well in other competitive entrance exams. She used to make the students read excerpts from Surely you're joking, Mr. Feynman. She said the pupil liked the chapter on how to become friendly with women. Now, that was funny, with Richard Feynman trying out the instructions of the bar master, almost failing, but then sticking to his gun, and finally getting the reward. If you scratch your head and don't know what it is all about as you read this blog, then you should definitely read this book. I assure you that you would be laughing like mad before long.
  
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• Here is a review of the same it toolbox i thought it'd be better if you read a review than my usual musings....

Mood: Lack of sleep 

There is a question, somewhere deep in my head: Is it possible that Leonardo da Vinci has bored just once per whole civilization? Is there truely no place nowadays for real "renaissance person", who has some achievement in more than two,three disciplines? The book is the answer for the question: definitely there is at least one such a person - Mr. Feynman.

The book describes the incredible life of open-minded person, who can during one life do the following:

• learn to repair radio as a thirtenn years old child
  
• how to learnd italian quickly :D
  
• take a part in Manhattan project (atom bomb) - surprisngly he writes the most about how the life in Los Alamos looked like, than about his real work. It seemes like he worked more in nearby factory in Oak Ridge, than in Los Alamos ;)
  
• open locker, wardrobes and safes (I need to remember 25-0-25 and 50-25-50)
  
• how to make impression on women in bars (do not pay for them silly)
  
• how to earn money in Las Vegas
  
• how to be friend of big fish in Las Vegas
  
• try to repair Brazilian schollar system
  
• play on pandeiro and frigideira (whatever it is) and took a part in Carnival celebration as the samba school member. Hotel boy screaming - "O PROFESSOR!"
  
• learn why you should not earn too much
  
• paint
  
• why to be in touch with people from other disciplines and not to go for the interdisciplinar conferences discussing general topics
  
• get Nobel prize (it sounded like the ceremony was the worest challenge)go through the hell of scroing US school books
  
• how to play hald-professionaly on the drum for the ballet
  

So when you read the list there may be the following feelings in your head.

Did he really do these things? Yes.

Is he a megaloman? A little.

Why I hear the surname for the first time? I was surprised as well :)

As you can see making the extract from the book, which is the extract from such a rich life, like the Feymann's one, gives the odd results. Nevertheless what was the most inspring in this all - Feynman has always very pratical approach and even when he speaks about VERY complicated things (including philosophy), everything is served in straightforward way (without a single formula).

You can not be the professor Mr. Feynman.

Why?

Because I understand everything what you are saying.

On the other hand the book is simply SMART. It contains plenty of tips&tricks including not only "uncommon integration" (how you can gain from possesing the other toolkit), but also "how to cut massive number of string beans" or "how to deal wit a women". What is truely inspring it desribes the things AS-THEY-ARE and not with rounded words, so you can find even once a crossword on f, when he speaks about the government :D

He was also the one, who reminded me that if you want to achieve something in long term, you need to be honest in front of yourself and when you present the results of your work you must present ups and downs.

And at least, but not at last - the book is hilarious, so you enjoy reading it. It will be definitely well spent 11$.

Score: 6/6 (very good)

Now i'll give you another opportunity to read if you feel its not worth spending....

Here is a link for the same as PDF i request you guys to read this for serious inspiration - Mr. Feynman's way...

Surely You'Re Joking_Mr Feynman.pdf

How to Find Your Life's Purpose

Millions of people have asked the question "Why am I here?" and "What is the purpose of this Life?" Here are some ways to find your purpose and passion in life and some guidance on how to live the answer to this age old questions.

A WikiHow article...

Steps

• Make a list of the things you do for fun, or that you really enjoy. Include in the list the parts of your job that you really like, the things you volunteer for, sports, the arts, reading, etc. Imagine you're a billionaire with no worries about money, how would you choose to spend your time? Add those things to the list, even if you don't do them now. This list is of your passions; the things that you love to do, or would do simply for the pleasure they bring you.
• Write down the names of people that you admire, and why you admire them. For example, you might admire Patch Adams for choosing to step out of the traditional role of medicine and creating new ways of healing and connecting with his patients while also having fun. You might admire the band Green Day for living out loud and on purpose, creating the music that they love and speaking their minds. You might admire Oprah Winfrey for choosing to reveal her truth, at a time when concealing is the norm. Name as many as you can think of. When you're done, look at the list and know that what you appreciate about others, is also in you. You are attracted to these qualities, because they speak to you, and they speak to you, because they are a part of your path. If this was your list, Stepping out of the box, telling the truth, and living out loud would be action steps that would take you toward your purpose. Adopt these admirations of others as a way for you to show up in the world. These are your actions.
• Make a list of the things you do naturally without even thinking about it. (You may want to ask others for feedback, as it's common for them to see talents in us that we don't see ourselves) Such natural talents may be: an eye for detail, a great sense of humor, a nurturing side, the ability to focus intently, or being playful. (Consider also, the things you've done that have gotten you into trouble--oftentimes if you turn them around and look at the positive aspects of it, you'll find a gem of a natural talent that you previously hadn't appreciated) These are your genius. Genius comes easily and profoundly, without needing to expend a lot of energy. Some people are geniuses at math or music; but there are lots of other types of genius as well. There are genius mothers, genius teachers, genius listeners, and genius independent thinkers. We are meant to use our genius in service of our Life Purpose.
• Look at your Passions, Actions, and Genius lists, and spend 10 minutes each morning doing something from one of the lists. Draw, sing, dance, tell the truth about something you've been concealing, organize a drawer, thank someone you've been appreciating silently, take a risk and call that girl.
• Notice how you feel. By definition, if you're living your life purpose, you'll feel exhilarated, excited, happy, and alive. If you're not feeling these things, go back to your lists, and see if there's anything you forgot to write down, or do the one you've been avoiding because it's so scary.
• Feel your fear and do it anyway! It's normal and natural to feel scared when stepping into your life purpose. Fritz Perls said, "Fear is really just excitement without the breath." So, keep breathing, and take the next step. If it's worth doing, you're probably going to feel a little scared doing it. Just think of the fear as the energy you need to take the next step.

Tips

• Look at ways to incorporate your Passions, Actions, and Genius more and more into your life. As you do, your life purpose will begin to unfold. Could you bring your attention to detail into your job? How about spending your lunch hour writing an article teaching someone else how to do something you love to do?
• As you increase the amount of time spent fulfilling your life's purpose, you'll notice it's easy to make decisions in life as you ask the question "Does this opportunity fit in with my passions, actions, and genius?" Over time, you'll spend more and more of your days living your life's purpose, and you'll feel happier and healthier than ever before.
• We often look at our Purpose as a way to answer everything right now or something that can only be fulfilled way into the Future. While one's life purpose may ultimately be fulfilled far into the future, find ways to start NOW: is it a side project, is it one of many aspects of your current job, can your purpose be expressed in the way you interact with current relationships.
• Keep in mind that often times, we find our purpose along the way. It is often stated after one's life has ended that they had a purpose, based on the events and choices of one's life.

Life is about correcting mistakes - A wonderful Story

A gud story amidst the fwd's i get... Read it guys if u find time and u can digest this .... :) 

 

Monica married Hitesh this day. At the end of the wedding party, Monica's mother gave her a newly opened bank saving passbook. With Rs.1000 deposit amount.

Mother: 'Monica, take this passbook. Keep it as a record of your marriage life. When there's something happy and memorable happened in your new life, put some money in. Write down what it's about next to the line. The more memorable the event is, the more money you can put in. I've done the first one for you today. Do the others with Hitesh.  When you look back after years, you can know how much happiness you've had.'

Monica shared this with Hitesh when getting home. They both thought it was a great idea and were anxious to know when the second deposit can be made.

This was what they did after certain time:

- 7 Feb: Rs.100, first birthday celebration for Hitesh after marriage

- 1 Mar: Rs.300, salary raise for Monica

- 20 Mar: Rs.200, vacation trip to Bali

- 15 Apr: Rs.2000, Monica got pregnant

- 1 Jun: Rs.1000, Hitesh got promoted ..... and so on...

However, after years, they started fighting and arguing for trivial things.They didn't talk much. They regretted that they had married the most nasty people in the world.... no more love...Kind of typical nowadays, huh?

One day Monica talked to her Mother:

'Mom, we can't stand it anymore. We agree to divorce. I can't imagine how I decided to marry this guy!!!'

Mother: 'Sure, girl, that's no big deal. Just do whatever you want if you really can't stand it. But before that, do one thing first. Remember the saving passbook I gave you on your wedding day? Take out all money and spend it first. You shouldn't keep any record of such a poor marriage.' Monica thought it was true. So she went to the bank, waiting at the queue and planning to cancel the account.

While she was waiting, she took a look at the passbook record. She looked, and looked, and looked. Then the memory of all the previous joy and happiness just came up her mind. Her eyes were then filled with tears. She left and went home.

When she was home, she handed the passbook to Hitesh, asked him to spend the money before getting divorce.

The next day, Hitesh gave the passbook back to Monica. She found a new deposit of Rs.5000. And a line next to the record: 'This is the day I notice how much I've loved you thru out all these years. How much happiness you've brought me.'

They hugged and cried, putting the passbook back to the safe. Do you know how much money they had saved when they retired? I did not ask.I believe the money did not matter any more after they had gone thru all the good years in their life.

"When you fall, in any way, Don't see the place where you fell, Instead see the place from where you slipped. Life is about correcting mistakes!"