Alphabet of Happiness...(Shared)

Alphabet of Happiness...

 

A--Accept
Accept others for who they are and for the choices they've made even if you have difficulty understanding their beliefs, motives, or actions.

 

B--Break Away
Break away from everything that stands in the way of what you hope to accomplish with your life.

 

C--Create
Create a family of friends whom you can share your hopes, dreams, sorrows, and happiness with.

 

D--Decide
Decide that you'll be successful and happy come what may, and good things will find you. The roadblocks are only minor obstacles along the way.

 

E--Explore
Explore and experiment. The world has much to offer, and you have much to give. And every time you try something new, you'll learn more about yourself.

 

F--Forgive
Forgive and forget. Grudges only weigh you down and inspire unhappiness and grief. Soar above it, and remember that everyone makes mistakes.

 

G--Grow
Grow up leave the childhood monsters behind. They can no longer hurt you or stand in your way.

 

H--Hope
Hope for the best and never forget that anything is possible as long as you remain dedicated to the task.

 

I--Ignore
Ignore the negative voice inside your head. Focus instead on your goals and remember your accomplishments. Your past success is only a small inkling of what the future holds.

 

J--Journey
Journey to new worlds, new possibilities, by remaining open-minded. Try to learn something new every day, and you'll grow.

 

K--Know
Know that no matter how bad things seem, they'll always get better. The warmth of spring always follows the harshest winter.

L--Love
Let love fill your heart instead of hate. When hate is in your heart, there's room for nothing else, but when love is in your heart, there's room for endless happiness.

 

M--Manage
Manage your time and your expenses wisely, and you'll suffer less stress and worry. Then you'll be able to focus on the important things in life.

 

N--Never
Never ignore the poor, infirm, helpless, weak, or suffering. Offer your assistance when possible, and always your kindness and understanding.

 

O--Open
Open your eyes and take in all the beauty around you. Even during the worst of times, there's still much to be thankful for.

 

P--Play 
Play,never forget to have fun along the way. Success means nothing without happiness.

 

Q--Question 
Ask many questions, because you're here to learn.

 

R--Refuse
Refuse to let worry and stress rule your life, and remember that things always have a way of working out in the end.

 

S--Share 
Share your talent, skills, knowledge, and time with others. Everything that you invest in others will return to you many times over.

 

T--Try 
Try anyway,even when your dreams seem impossible to reach.You'll be amazed by what you can accomplish.

 

U--Use 
Use your gifts to your best ability. Talent that's wasted has no value. Talent that's used will bring unexpected rewards.

 

V--Value 
Value family members and the friends  who've supported and encouraged you, and be there for them as well.

 

W--Work 
Work hard every day to be the best person you can be, but never feel guilty if you fall short of your goals. Every sunrise offers a second chance.

 

X--X-Ray 
Look deep inside like X-Ray in the hearts of those around you and you'll see the goodness and beauty within.

 

Y--Yield 
Yield to commitment. If you stay on track and remain dedicated, you'll find success at the end of the road.

 

Z--Zoom 
Zoom to a happy place when bad memories or sorrow rears its ugly head. Let nothing interfere with your goals. Instead, focus on your abilities, your dreams, and a brighter tomorrow. 

Housewife in general and Indian Housewife in particular! (Shared)

An excellent  tribute to all House Wives and particularly to Indian Housewives. Must be read by all House Wives!

Ode to the Indian Housewife (written in prose!!)

An article was recently in circulation that had appeared in The Hindu Newspaper on the Marriage Caterers and how they could be an apt case study for the IIMs on their excellent Management skills.

Just like Businesses calls for qualified IIMs and the like for running the show, has anyone thought of Home Management particularly of a traditional Indian household ?

Has anyone thought of the Conventional middle-class Indian Housewife?  Is she not the best Manager that could ever have set foot on this earth - in real life???

Is ever get thought of or appreciated ?  She is the "unsung heroine",  her services always taken for granted.

Although many are of the opinion that women are relegated to mundane household functions, has anyone ever thought of the activities that she carries out 24 x 7?

Most management skills that are taught of which the IIMs boast and for which they are highly paid, are also essential for running a traditional home.

The Indian traditional middle-class housewife is the CEO here. 

The husband is  mostly a (literally) sleeping partner - only financing the requirements.  He comes into the picture mostly as a Consultant or for major Project Planning needs like Purchasing a house or for children's marriage.

Let us look at some major skill sets:

Planning:

The housewife plans all daily/weekly/monthly/yearly actions for the benefit of the household / her family

All her plans are her "MIND"  - mind that.

Forget a Business's Annual Plans and Long Range Plans - everything relating to the future requirement of the family is already well thought out in her mind and she goes about executing it with her meager resources, including all course corrections.

Organizing:

She is the best organizer that you could ever come across not only for the day to day cores for her and her family, but also for the future actions

Directing:

She directs all actions relating to the household every day

Staffing:

Whether she has servants or not, whether other family members help her or not. whether her finances would help her have additional hands or not, all daily needs of the household are met without fail - thanks to her.

Coordinating:

She is the main center-pin for coordinating for all the actions of the family - for getting things done, for complaints resolution etc. Everything/everyone revolves round her.

Controls:

Very rarely does the husband ever know or get involved in controlling things at home - it is the wife who is the monarch of all that she surveys - directly or indirectly

Time Management:

She could probably be the best Time Manager. Her duty hours are 24 x 7 all the year round & life long. She does not get Casual Leave or Sick Leave or Annual Leave nor does she get paid for Overtime.

Budgeting:

She manages the finances, all the expenses & ensures that the monthly requirements are met. Whatever her husband gives her, she manages the entire show within that. She also creates reserves for the future major expenses like education/marriage/medical etc 

She might not be educated but her cash flow management is always exemplary.

Manpower Management:

Every housewife could be an example of an excellent Man Manager  - she has to tolerate her husband and his office worries that he carries home, her children's problems, her in-laws' etc., resolving all issues without any demur and to the satisfaction of all.

She could beat any HR Manager hands down in Human Relations

Sense of belonging:

Who can ever dispute her selfless dedication to the well being of her family ? She is "there" always partaking in everything whether it be happiness or sorrow. 

Love and compassion:

Who can ever dispute the love and compassion that she showers on her family. Her shoulders are always available for all the family members to lean on. She is the best solace be it for the children or the husband.

Kitchen:

Mother's cooking is the best - isn't it ??

She knows the likes and dislikes of everyone and satisfies one and all. She meets surprise demands of visitors/guest as well.

With whatever is available within her resources/budget she meets all demands, the best Works Manger you could come across.

Her Inventories which include many pershables are always well controlled. She does not know ABC Analysis or EOQ or JIT. 

Most family members do not even know what is in the kitchen.

Quality:

Her food is always appreciated for taste and rarely does she waste or produce rejects. 

She maintains the entire house very well and in an orderly fashion. 

Has she undergone any special training on TQM or Six Sigma or 5S or qualified for ISO or other Management concepts?

Different Caps:

She has to wear different caps for different roles that she plays every day from morning to night:

As a family member - as a daughter ( & daughter-in-law), as a wife to her husband, as a mother to her children, as the housewife to meet all her daily cores etc.

As the CEO, as a Works Manager, as a Works Manager, as a Materials Manager, as a HR Manager, as an Admin Head, as a Quality Head, etc etc.

Whatever be her woes she rarely exhibits them - probably her only solace is the Puja room!

Education:

Most earlier housewives never got the so-called Degrees - She probably could never go to a Bank or a Post Office or use a computer . ..

So what  - her deeds are far far greater - her Universal Knowledge is far far superior

The typical Indian Housewife not only manages the household exceptionally well, she also brings up her children as good citizens inculcating all good values, see to it that they settle properly in life and above all ,continues to serve one and all for ever in life, tirelessly without a demur.   

The greatest thing about her is that her actions are never for "Returns" except that she longs and prays for the well-being of everyone  - to be Healthy and Happy in Life.  

....... This list is never ending.

I may further add that this is applicable even more to our Indian Wives who are in USA / Canada / European Countries.

In these countries they have to work much Harder than India. No maids and No Drivers available unlike India.

 

Long Live the Conventional Indian middle-class Housewife

              She is the Greatest MANAGER that the World would ever see. 

Indian Customs, connected with Health, Sciencetifically (Shared)

  Indian Customs, connected with Health, Sciencetifically:

Throwing coins into a river:

The general reasoning given for this act is that it brings Good Luck. However, scientifically speaking, in the ancient times, most of the currency used was made of copper unlike the stainless steel coins of today. Copper is a vital metal very useful to the human body. Throwing coins in the river was one way our fore-fathers ensured we intake sufficient copper as part of the water as rivers were the only source of drinking water. Making it a custom ensured that all of us follow the practice.



Joining both palms together to greet:

In Hindu culture, people greet each other by joining their palms - termed as “Namaskar.” The general reason behind this tradition is that greeting by joining both the palms means respect. However, scientifically speaking, joining both hands ensures joining the tips of all the fingers together; which are denoted to the pressure points of eyes, ears, and mind. Pressing them together is said to activate the pressure points which helps us remember that person for a long time. And, no germs since we don’t make any physical contact!



Why do Indian women wear toe rings?

Wearing toe rings is not just the significance of married women but there is science behind it. Normally toe rings are worn on the second toe. A particular nerve from the second toe connects the uterus and passes to heart. Wearing toe ring on this finger strengthens the uterus. It will keep it healthy by regulating the blood flow to it and menstrual cycle will be regularized. As Silver is a good conductor, it also absorbs polar energies from the earth and passes it to the body.


Applying Tilak on the forehead:

On the forehead, between the two eyebrows, is a spot that is considered as a major nerve point in human body since ancient times. The Tilak is believed to prevent the loss of "energy", the red 'kumkum' between the eyebrows is said to retain energy in the human body and control the various levels of concentration. While applying kumkum the points on the mid-brow region and Adnya-chakra are automatically pressed. This also facilitates the blood supply to the face muscles.


Why do temples have bells?

People who are visiting the temple should and will Ring the bell before entering the inner sanctum (Garbhagudi or Garbha Gruha or womb-chamber) where the main idol is placed. According to Agama Sastra, the bell is used to give sound for keeping evil forces away and the ring of the bell is pleasant to God. However, the scientific reason behind bells is that their ring clears our mind and helps us stay sharp and keep our full concentration on devotional purpose. These bells are made in such a way that when they produce a sound it creates a unity in the Left and Right parts of our brains. The moment we ring the bell, it produces a sharp and enduring sound which lasts for minimum of 7 seconds in echo mode. The duration of echo is good enough to activate all the seven healing centres in our body. This results in emptying our brain from all negative thoughts.


Why do we worship ‘Tulsi’ plant?

Hindu religion has bestowed ‘Tulsi’, with the status of mother. Also known as ‘Sacred or Holy Basil’, Tulsi, has been recognized as a religious and spiritual devout in many parts of the world. The vedic sages knew the benefits of Tulsi and that is why they personified it as a Goddess and gave a clear message to the entire community that it needs to be taken care of by the people, literate or illiterate. We try to protect it because it is like Sanjeevani for the mankind. Tulsi has great medicinal properties. It is a remarkable antibiotic. Taking Tulsi everyday in tea or otherwise increases immunity and help the drinker prevent diseases, stabilize his or her health condition, balance his or her body system and most important of all, prolong his or her life. Keeping Tulsi plant at home prevents insects and mosquitoes from entering the house. It is said that snakes do not dare to go near a Tulsi plant. Maybe that is why ancient people would grow lots of Tulsi near their houses.


Why do we worship 'Peepal Tree'!

‘Peepal’ tree is almost useless for an ordinary person, except for its shadow. ‘Peepal’ does not a have a delicious fruit, its wood is not strong enough for any purpose then why should a common villager or person worship it or even care for it? Our ancestors knew that ‘Peepal’ is one of the very few trees (or probably the only tree) which produces oxygen even at night. So in order to save this tree because of its unique property they related it to God/religion.


Start with spice, end with sweet

Our ancestors have stressed on the fact that our meals should be started off with something spicy and sweet dishes should be taken towards the end. The significance of this eating practice is that while spicy things activate the digestive juices and acids and ensure that the digestion process goes on smoothly and efficiently, sweets or carbohydrates pulls down the digestive process. Hence, sweets were always recommended to be taken as a last item


Applying Mehndi/ henna on hands

Besides lending color to the hands, mehndi is a very powerful medicinal herb. Weddings are stressful, and often, the stress causes headaches and fevers. As the wedding day approaches, the excitement mixed with nervous anticipation can take its toll on the bride and groom. Application of mehndi can prevent too much stress because it cools the body and keeps the nerves from becoming tense. This is the reason why mehndi is applied on the hands and feet, which house nerve endings in the body.


Celebration and cleaning during Diwali

Diwali usually falls in October or November which marks the start of winter season and end of rainy season. Rainy season wasn't a good time for everyone back then; many homes needed repair and renovation after a heavy fall. That is why time before diwali was considered the period during which everyone can indulge in cleaning and beautification of their home. And also take out their winter clothes and pack the summer ones.


Sitting on a floor and eating

This tradition is not just about sitting on floor and eating, it is regarding sitting in the “Sukhasan” position and then eating. Sukhasan is the position we normally use for Yoga asanas. Sitting in this position while eating helps in improving digestion as the circulatory system can focus solely upon digestion and not on our legs dangling from a chair or supporting us while we are standing.


Why not to sleep with your head towards North?

Myth is that it invites ghost or death but since says that it is because human body has its own magnetic field (Also known as hearts magnetic field, because the flow of blood) and Earth is a giant magnet. When we sleep with head towards north, our body's magnetic field become completely asymmetrical to the Earth's Magnetic field. That cause problems related to blood pressure and our heart needs to work harder in order to overcome this asymmetry of Magnetic fields. Apart from this another reason is that Our body have significant amount of iron in our blood. When we sleep in this position, iron from the whole body starts to congregate in brain. This can cause headache, Alzheimer’s Disease, Cognitive Decline, Parkinson disease and brain degeneration.


Surya Namaskar

Hindus have a tradition of paying regards to Sun God early in the morning by their water offering ritual. It was mainly because looking at Sun rays through water or directly at that time of the day is good for eyes and also by waking up to follow this routine, we become prone to a morning lifestyle and mornings are proven to be the most effective part of the day.


Ear Piercing

Piercing the ears has a great importance in Indian ethos. Indian physicians and philosophers believe that piercing the ears helps in the development of intellect, power of thinking and decision making faculties. Talkativeness fritters away life energy. Ear piercing helps in speech-restraint. It helps to reduce impertinent behaviour and the ear-channels become free from disorders. This idea appeals to the Western world as well, and so they are getting their ears pierced to wear fancy earrings as a mark of fashion.


Application of Sindoor or Vermillion

It is interesting to note that that the application of sindoor by married women carries a physiological significance. This is so because Sindoor is prepared by mixing turmeric-lime and the metal mercury. Due to its intrinsic properties, mercury, besides controlling blood pressure also activates sexual drive. This also explains why Sindoor is prohibited for the widows. For best results, Sindoor should be applied right upto the pituitary gland where all our feelings are centered. Mercury is also known for removing stress and strain.


The Scientific explanation of touching feet (charan-sparsh)

Usually, the person of whose feet you are touching is either old or pious. When they accept your respect which came from your reduced ego (and is called your shraddha) their hearts emit positive thoughts and energy (which is called their karuna) which reaches you through their hands and toes. In essence, the completed circuit enables flow of energy and increases cosmic energy, switching on a quick connect between two minds and hearts. To an extent, the same is achieved through handshakes and hugs. The nerves that start from our brain spread across all your body. These nerves or wires end in the fingertips of your hand and feet. When you join the fingertips of your hand to those of their opposite feet, a circuit is immediately formed and the energies of two bodies are connected. Your fingers and palms become the ‘receptor’ of energy and the feet of other person become the ‘giver’ of energy.


Why should Tulsi not be chewed with teeth?

It is a popular belief that Tulsi is the wife of Lord Vishnu; therefore, chewing it will be a mark of disrespect. However, botanists, in the course of their research, found that Tulsi plant has the maximum of mercury. If raw mercury is applied to teeth, they fall immediately. That’s why in Hindu religion, Tulsi leaves are not chewed but swallowed.


Why Til & Gud

Tilgul is a very colorful and excellent sesame candy made of sesame seeds and jaggery. Til means sesame seeds whereas gul means jaggery in Marathi/ Hindi. Since Makar Sankranti is celebrated in mid winter ideally Tilgul recipe is a combination that helps keep the body warm due to these heat generating ingredients making it a healthy sweet to enjoy. In Ayurveda, Sesame is considered to be an extremely beneficial and strong medicine. Sesame laddu's are beneficial for those children who normally have the problem of bed-wetting in winters.


Why do Indian women wear Bangles?

Normally the wrist portion is in constant activation on any human. Also the pulse beat in this portion is mostly checked for all sorts of ailments. The Bangles used by women are normally in the wrist part of ones hand and its constant friction increases the blood circulation level. Further more the electricity passing out through outer skin is again reverted to one's own body because of the ring shaped bangles, which has no ends to pass the energy outside but to send it back to the body. 

Guilty is a Tea One Should Not Drink (Shared)

Wonderful mail received! Sharing it!

 

 

‘Guil-tea is a tea one should not drink!’ is a statement that was told to me by a dear friend in London about 3 decades ago. And ever since it has helped me to get over my trials and tribulations with honor and self respect. Not that I have done anything to have the FBI chasing after me(!), but as I strive to become a better person I realize that it is possible to feel guilty about the smallest mistakes on a spiritual journey. From that conversation I realized that guilt can be a misguided emotion that actually takes me away from my spirituality.

 

Guilt can overcome the soul and lead one into depression and resentment. However if it is understood as a signal for change, it can prompt one into positive action and towards a better character. We all have experiences of doing things at one stage in our life that we end up regretting at a later stage. But what is more important is what we do with those feelings, and what actions we take as a consequence.

 

Let us firstly differentiate between guilt, the fact, and guilt the emotion. Pronouncing someone guilty in the court of law is a factual event but it does not necessarily mean the assailants ‘feel’ the guilt of their actions. On the extreme other side of the coin there are many of us who can feel guilty over almost anything; wasting food, stepping on an ant, or walking away and realizing later that the cashier has mistakenly handed me extra change.

 

The upside of guilt – or, I would rather use the term feeling remorse – is that it is our inner guidance system letting us know the consequences of our actions. The emotion of guilt or remorse can nudge us into realizing a mistake, and help us begin to make some reparations or at least awaken the conscience to the fact that we need to be more careful in the future. If we did not feel the guilt, we would never change or recognize the difference between right and wrong, good and bad. In this way the feeling of guilt or remorse can be a stepping-stone to becoming a better person.

The downside of guilt is that we can wallow in it for too long, stay stuck and never address the situation. A situation may be blown out of all proportion, so that it colors our perception of life from that moment onwards. We can lose courage and hope and never be able to face friends and family again. We can never change and transform from this type of guilt, as we are simply using it as an excuse to beat ourselves up.

Living with guilt means to live in the past, not the present and definitely not the future. It’s a bit like driving forwards whilst looking out from the rear view window. It’s a dangerous place to be. We can never enjoy this present moment, because it will always be adulterated with our past memories. We are always trapped by the actions of our past. To put the past where it belongs – in the past – is the only way to be free. Letting go is the best gift we can give ourselves.

 

The difference between indulging in a healthy dose of remorse, and in an unhealthy guilt trip has a lot to do with our self-esteem. A balanced personality will use situations, no matter how bad, as a lever to take them to the next level. Someone with low self-esteem can use events, no matter how insignificant, to reinforce their sense of unworthiness.

In reality, guilt does not have a place on the spiritual path. There is only place for realization. Realization is the key to learn, to heal and move forward. We learn that to make a mistake is one thing, but to get stuck in it is an even bigger mistake!

 

Feeling guilty leaves us feeling powerless. We wish the situation could have been different, we bemoan that it happened, but we do not realize that the answer is in our own hands. As a master, I take full responsibility for my actions, and I also take the necessary steps for self-change, whatever has happened has happened, it cannot be changed, but I can influence what happens next.