LISTENING TO NATURE

Listening is an acquired skill. When first I heard about it I was surprised to know.

How can something which is natural part of our five senses can be a skill. I discovered this fact while conversing with my son. As a mother I am always after my 11 year old son to listen to me all the time. Once when we were out for a family picnic I realized that spending time together, outside in natural surrounding speaks tons of joy. My son has got lot of stuff to share with me and he was radiating all the joy in this open arena. Children open their heart when we give them space. Playing with friends, quarrelling, complaining, sharing secrets, learning etc. so many topics to talk. 

My son , husband and friends were busy playing football. I was not interested in playing so I went in the lap of trees and sat under a big old peepal tree.

It was a time for me and  only my thoughts. I am a teacher by profession so it has become a part of my behaviour to expect things in the right manner. My thought usually revolve around my work and my son. I was watching my son playing in full swing involved with friends. Slowly my thoughts rolled into past. 

I was just thinking that when I say or instruct something to my son back at home he just passes without any response or shows aggressive behaviour . This made me irritable and anxious. I was just thinking of solution. When we share such things with our friends even they don't have solution as they are also travelling in the same boat. Time passed by it was getting dark so we packed our bags and drove to our house which was about ninety kilometers from the place. I was in the moment with my friends and reached home safely. Days rolled by and I was busy with my routine. Now, me and my son are involved into conversation. I found that my son has become more receptive. He is listening and responding to what I say. He started to follow a fruitful routine in terms of studies and other extra-curricular activities. I was just thinking, "Is it the post trip behaviour ?" It was a vulnerable feeling. My relation with my son became stronger and stronger. This gave rise to a question in my mind what has changed, what is it which made him listen. 

I started to research about the topic "listening". I think this one aspect has build up a beautiful bridge between mw and my son. I came up with interesting findings and facts.

Research suggest, we only remember between 25% to 50% of what we hear. That means attention to the conversation is less than half. The good news is listening can be improved that is why it is called as skill. The complete message can be communicated with increase of efficiency in listening. Finally, I realized listening is one of the most powerful tool. I hope I will continue to improve.

SEED SOWN

                                                               SEED SOWN 

To my understanding dispersal of seed in the nature is a process which give a chance to every seed which a plant has produced to flourish. Water, insects can be the carrier and the supporter in the process of spreading of seeds in all directions. Every seed is equally potential to grow into a new plant. But, here is the real test of the seed to make use of most from inside out to grow. 

If seed does not utilize the nourishment given from outside or does not recognize its own strength then it will never become a plant. On the other hand, if seed responds to all the factors, it can develop into a beautiful plant.

Similarly, there are so many living examples in the society, they are continuously inspiring, motivating and action oriented. If people of different age group they are aware and open to the new ideas and thoughts, they can also become idols for the other people. Like Sudha Murthy, she is a lady with action , she motivated me to read the books. Not only that but I started to even write actively.

Unknowingly, the seed of her thoughts dispersed I recognized it and now ready to give a full zeal to my thoughts and become a new plant. So, here I am following the foot step of lovely lady, I started to read and write.

                                                     KRISHNA SAYS

In Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta there is one knowledge key given by Shri Krishna to Arjuna.

In Hindi language it goes like this -"Karam Karo Phal Ki Chinta Mat Karo".

In English language it is said, " Do your duty without thinking about result".

This is so much relatable in today's time as well.

Before, I explain about my understanding, let me say what instigated me to write about it. I am a teacher by profession. I was just talking to one of my student about a project which he has to develop and submit it for a competition. The child at such a young age, may be eleven year old has lot of insecurities and self-doubt about the future of his project. I could understand because whenever we do something good and constructive, we are trap in the web of the result. So, I gave him certain examples to come out of fear of result (future).

I was successful in convincing the child that it is not the fear of result is important but the effort, sincerity and determination is required for a better project. He was having self-doubt about his work which made him think of other people and their projects. And their comes a list of questions in his mind-

"Whether my project will be selected or not ?"

"Who are participating in the competition ?"

"My project may not be selected ?" And list of questions goes on.

So, I was thinking that being a teacher though i motivated him but don't we as adult do the same thing many a time.

My understanding by this has made me understand the knowledge key better. Do your duty without expectation of result. The key was given thousands of years age. But still generation we are possibly lacking the understanding and importance of it. That is why in this 21st century also when we talk to the younger generation their focus is on result not the process. I am not saying that we should not think of results. Here, the fear of result overpowers so much that we don't enjoy the process.

My understanding of " Karam karo phal ki chinta mat karo" is that focus on the process, whether we get expected results or not. I feel that if one is not worried about the results and immersed into the process then one is already successful. More than the result it is the "action" which makes us strong, experience and a better person. I think it the ultimate aim of life. The result of life is DEATH. This is known to everyone. Then why to worry. Let us enjoy the process. I never thought that such a small incident will make me realize such a beautiful lesson once again.

Therefore, being a teacher, I feel that student- teacher relation is not limited only to the result. But it is the whole searching learning process which is of utmost importance.

" The purpose of our life is to happy " - DALAI LAMA 

KEEP SIMPLE - THE RULES OF LIFE

 It sometimes so happen in order to fit into every venture of life, we make things very complicated. When we set our priorities, then we should work on to it. In order to progress in our path, we have to set certain rules in order to have a smooth journey. If we try to go on follow number of things at a time then chances are we get stuck into unwanted things.

Whether at home or work place if we know that how much to stretch oneself then we will keep things in simple manner.

On the other hand, we will be happy and fulfilled with what we do.

Nowadays, I realize that if l follow simple and reliable rules then my life becomes easy. One can involve in multi-tasking but rules to complete that should be simple....

Here I know definition of simple will be different for different people. But, important is that be on that path where you are satisfied. Otherwise,one can always then end up in chaos, irritation,time waste etc.

Live life with such simplicity that you can dissolve all the sweatness around.

Why do we say children are like clay ?

 I feel that clay can be moulded in whichever way we want when it is wet that is why we say so. But on the other hand we mould ourselves continuously in order to adapt to the surrounding.Then, moulding is not only in context of a child but it is equally applicable for adults.

We think that children are easy to mould because they listen to us and they absorb everything easily whatever we say or do. But as adults we develop some kind of perception which may allow us to mould the way we want.

If we can recogize our strength and weaknesses then I think we will able to evolve in a better way. When it comes to children we only have to give them the right environment and they will mould themselves in the best way. 

Here is an interesting quote which speaks all that which is required to blossom.

"DON'T BE PUSHED AROUND BY FEARS IN YOUR MIND. BE LED BY THE DREAMS IN YOUR HEART."

- Roy T. Bennett

I feel we always have a chance to mould ourselves in the best possible way.

All the best 

SITTING IN THE SUNLIGHT

 My son studying in the sunlight.

It is beautiful to sit in the sunlight and study. I was also reading a wonderful book. Just after sitting for 10 minutes I realized that my shoulder pain was gone.It was miraculous.I was having pain in my shoulder since last two days.I was applying all sorts of ointment and doing exercise but it was persistant.And my pain went off just by sitting under hot sun.Now-a-days, most of the time we are infront of electronic gadgets. We are living a stagnant life in our house.So,we usually prefer to sit in ÀC.24/7 we are inside house.Though,mentally we are involved into few things but physically we are not so active.So,we can face the problem of body ache, headache, mood swing,dizziness,depressed etc.Today after sitting for 20minutes in the sun I recollected so many memories of childhood.When most of the time we were playing in the sun.I realised that I should encourage my son too to sit in the sunlight.Once again it is the nature which is offering so much to us and we are sitting inside the four walls all the time.Sunrays can heal our physical and mental well being.We can get a good sound sleep at night ,if, we sit for 15-20minutes in sunlight.It can elevate our mood.In the present condition if we cannot go out then why not take out some time and sit out ,it may be lawn, balcony or terrace.Serotonin is relealsed in our body when we are exposed to sunlight.It is one of the 'happy hormone' which our body produces.So,I think it is a good idea to enjoy nature and its benifits. We need to capture these moments in our life and make these days memorable.All thanks to lovely sunlight .

BEYOND LIMITS: Living with nature

BEYOND LIMITS: Living with nature: It is now five months since we are facing covid-19 pandamic in India. I feel that this has made us think about our existence on this planet....

Living with nature

It is now five months since we are facing covid-19 pandamic in India. I feel that this has made us think about our existence on this planet.The purpose of life is so simple but with the advancement of our lifestyle we are going into the deep well of greed and ignorance. WE have forgotten the concept of simple living and high thinking.Our minds are trapped into small mean thoughts of aquiring wealth only for our benifit. Let us reconnect ourselves to the surrounding nature.Invest some time to think that how can we contribute towards nature. I always think that one way to connect is to grow plants. I think we can donate plantlets of trees in every house.This is the time when greenary flourish everywhere.The natural conditions are supportive to grow more and more plants. As a human being we must involve ourselves to bring the best for nature. I think this will bring out best in us. Today living in this concrete jungle has made our mind also like concrete.We are not flexible in thinking. I MEAN, when it comes to help humanity it does'nt mean only giving money. I feel that it should become part of our life to heal nature. This will definitly heal us.As the mental baggage is increasing day by day.I feel that we can be free from it only if we heal our surrounding, our nature. Let us take a pledge to think of some good ideas to live close to nature. AND FOLLOW THE QUOTE

Heal nature to heal ourself, heal surrounding, heal world.☺☺☺☺ ...

Love you nature....

God has always a bigger plan than we could imagine

It is often said, "God has always a bigger plan we could imagine". Usually, people say to sympathize with each other.But when one goes through a difficult time, this line seems to be like a mirage in the desert.
                                                                                One question arises, if god has a bigger plan, then, why do we face trouble ?
When we go on a roller coaster ride, what is in our mind ? It is just one thought - to enjoy and feel the excitement of the ride.If we can imagine our life is like a roller coaster ride,then would our prospective to see life change. We have faith in the swing, that once, it will go down, then, will come up again.
                           This incredible faith is missing when we question GOD. We feel troubles are pulling us down.But that is the god's plan to bring out the best in us.This is the process which we sometimes fail to realize.From time to time, we find ourselves standing, on the midway, where we have to decide which way to go.After choosing the path, if we face unfavourable result, then we question again.
                                                                                                                              When I face such a situation in my life, I strongly believe, that, this will make me strong and better person.I FEEL this is what we call to evolve or to develop.It comes by faith. This unwavering belief brings out strength and determination in our life.So, always pull out yourself from the point, where, you are suffocating yourself.Have the trust and move on.
One more thing, which is very important is our intention. If, it is with the good intention then it acts as a catalyst to pave the way for a bigger plan.You become focused and gain strength to do more.This is I call god's bigger plan.As in the words of OPRAH WINFREY--
 
" Every single thing that has happened in your life is preparing you for the moment that is to come."

RAISE YOUR STANDARD

When you face a downfall in your life, what is your response to it, determines your inner strength.We all face at some time, such a phase, where we are in a turmoil. There are ample number of examples which help to realize to have a strong base.
                              If a building is built on a strong foundation, with all the necessary precautions, it can stand for years. A farmer before putting seeds in the land, takes care of soil quality. As he knows that a better quality seed may also deteriorate, if the soil is not good.
                                                                                             Similarly, if our values are not strong then it can damage the next generations. With time, few things fade and some pop-up.This is we need to realize, that, what we should reap to raise the standard.Here I am not saying in terms of promotion in a job or getting a new car.My notion is to stay connected with the supreme, inner core.
                                                                                                                   One should not tremble down and feel helpless in the trouble. Rather, one should always get inspired and motivated to flutter in the tempest.

"If you want to change your life you have to raise your standard " - Tony Robbins

                     That is why it is so important to build a strong foundation for a child - physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually too. As it is like a seed, which has to face hardships of the world, still rise above.
What will make him strong, are the "values".So, whenever he face any challenge, he anchors itself to the core values.This will help him to overcome any hurdle in life.
                                                                                  Therefore, going towards wrong track, which is like going down; instead, one can hold the strong rope of ethics and moral values, to raise the standard.

" Love yourself enough to never lower your standards for anyone " - Unknown

BECOME LIGHT - KEEP CLUTTER OUT

Apart from useful things, we gather few things which become useless as time flows. Gradually, the pile of waste and unused things increases.Then we face shortage of space and we are not able to find things when required.Many corners remain untouched for days as they are full.

                                                                                                  I am talking about house space.Today, why I am thinking about it ? I realized that the clutter in the house blocks the energy of the house.So, apart from regular cleaning we should throw out the unnecessary things in the house.In the same manner our mind too need the cleaning. How often do we do that ? Do we really clean it ? Had we ever thought that we are carrying so many impressions in our mind.
                                                              First, let us find out what is clutter for our mind.Clutter is like useless baggage which we carry in our mind.It is past regret, negative thought, painful memory etc.So, all these block the way for new ideas, innovation and creativity.
                                                                                        When we observe a child, we always find them enthusiastic, loving, enjoying, innocent and enriched with fresh energy.Why is it so? Because he does not have unnecessary thoughts.He gradually absorbs the environment around.It can be either negative or positive depending on people's thought around him.
                                               If you want to have the same energy as a child has then empty your mind.There are various ways by which one can be free from non-essential things.One method is to fill it with positive attitude which will remove the clutter and fill you with only creativity.Find your ways to remove the clutter and feel the lightness in your mind.
                                    BECOME LIGHT - TO BECOME CREATIVE
'' Whatever is bringing you down, get rid of it.You don't need that negativity in your life"----Alex Morgan

BEYOND LIMITS: WE ARE THE MIRACLE

BEYOND LIMITS: WE ARE THE MIRACLE: I truly believe that we are the miracle. We live on the planet earth which is full of colours and variety.Have you observed any particular...

WE ARE THE MIRACLE

I truly believe that we are the miracle.
We live on the planet earth which is full of colours and variety.Have you observed any particular pattern ?
YES, there is a pattern that one who is born will die and again the new life will be reproduced.
From the smallest living organism to the largest, we can see each has :-
* Survival instinct
* Can sense the surrounding
* Self healing mechanism
* Capacity to reproduce
These are the basis of all creation.
HENRY MILLER says-
"Don't look for miracles.You yourself are the miracle"
For example - When someone is in pain, if we can feel, then, that is a miracle.
It is also said that - Sometimes miracles are just good people with kind hearts.
Science has shown that everything in this universe is energy.Everything around us vibrate with a particular frequency.This includes plants,animals,people, mountain, river, rock etc; even our thoughts and feelings.
Those who are at high frequency level, they have high energy. When energy level is high we create a large positive energy circle (aura) around us. Then whatever we think and say come to reality.This is how miracles take place.
Now, question arises how to raise frequency level.I am suggesting ten ways, which are universally well known.By bringing these into practice,can definitely help you.
1) Walk in fresh air.Feel the breath.
2) Physical exercise/ Yoga / Pranayam
3) Meditation (most important)
4) Trust in the supreme power.
5) Be in silence for some time in a day.
6) Avoid negative talks and people.
7) Surround yourself with people discussing positive and creative ideas.
8) You should do what you love to do.
9) Act of kindness
10) Serve humanity
Be consistent in all of  these points.If you can manifest these in your life, then, you can observe - We are the miracle.

" Miracles start to happen when you give as much energy to your dreams as you do to your fear"- By Richard Wilkins