The Silent Killer

Understanding human mind is not an easy task. Today, the entire world is facing the crisis of Pandemic. Unexpected losses have shattered millions around and patience is being tested big time. In this difficult time, we have to come together and support each-other. Together we will overcome this crisis.

In most of my articles, I had been pressing upon the importance of ‘Human Mind’ and how the mind-webs can lead to the destruction of self and others.

As per my knowledge, I repeat as per my limited knowledge; mind is like the flowing water, that, given a chance it will fall down. It never elevates by itself, it can not be controlled unless you build up a dam, it can be wild like a flash-flood and create a havoc. If nurtured and trained with care it can be the reason to create vegetation for millions around.

Human mind needs to be trained and controlled. One step at a time. In my last article Change is Constant :- I have described the process of change and how you can manifest the goodness of life within you!

Depression: The Silent Killer

The disease that is creeping into most of the human population, is like a weed (“a plant in the wrong place”) Weed is something that grows or reproduces aggressively. (source wikipedia)  It needs to be controlled regularly on a daily basis. The moment you take it for granted, without your knowledge it will sweep you apart!

Anything can trigger and/or lead to Depression.

2020 : A negatively powerful time; that is testing patience of every individual

1. Millions are without job
2. Pandemic has killed many and created a huge gap
3. Uncertainty is looming around
4. Financial losses have resulted in many taking adverse steps in life
5. Unemployment is on the rise, bank loans, EMI’s and other liabilities questions the very existence of an individual and many more…..

“You have been criticizing yourself for years, and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens.” – Louise L. Hay

Human Mind is the most unpredictable and volatile gift of God, if and only if, it is not mindfully controlled. You can read about the power of Human Mind in my article   Delusion and Illusion

Day-dreaming can never help you achieve anything. You need to be out of your comfort zone. You need to push yourself to find your real potential. You need to start believing in yourself and STOP comparing with others. We loose, when we don’t have faith in our own-self.

The point over here is crystal clear – everything that needs to be achieved in this world needs efforts, hard-work and dedication. To have a healthy mind you need to work on your mental-health.  You need to allow others to work with you, you need to allow and trust your loved ones and you need to be vocal

What should you do?

1. Get a professional help  (if needed)- as soon as possible
2. Stop looking out on Google for a solution
3. Do not wait for the right time to talk? There is nothing called a right time
4. Start expressing your emotions – before it is too late
5. Call your GP and/or family doctor and seek for help
6. Stop watching negative news
7. Talk talk talk

During this crisis of Pandemic; we need to be different and creative 

1. Practice yoga and meditation
2. Eat healthy and watch your calorie intake
3. The positive of the lock down is that everyone is getting to spend ample amount of time with the family members which was not possible during regular days. Take it as a blessing. Exploring innovative communication channel is important.
4. Accepting and acknowledging the situation
5. This is once in a life time opportunity to be with family, encash it to the fullest. Life is short
6. Learn a new skill
7. Love yourself and people around you

“To love oneself is the beginning of a life-long romance”– Oscar Wilde

Once again, if you feel anyone needs help – then Get a professional help!

Cheers,

For Love,
Ananda

Change is Constant

The process of Sprouting helped me change

For 4 days it was nice to watch ‘Change’ happening for real. I watched the journey of Grains to Sprouts.

What did I learn from Sprouts?

Sprouting process is in between 4-7 days only.  Sprouting is the natural process by which seeds or spores germinate and put out shoots, and already established plants produce new leaves or buds or other newly developing parts experience further growth. Wikipedia

Nutritional value of sprouts is much more as compared to the grains. 

Change for betterment, Change for value addition and Change for good…

Change is good!

The process of Grains to Sprouts never happened in ONE day.

1. Result: It takes time, roughly it took about 4-5 days for the grains to be sprout
2. Change: Is a constant regular process happening inside the grain and every min it kept growing within
3. Patience: Without this, life is boring
4. Sprouts 🙂 :- The end product is more better than Moong Dal, its has more nutritional value and is quick to cook.

So, what did I learn from sprouting of grains?

It made me think! Life around me is constantly making a difference within me: at psychological and spiritual level. I may not be able to see it or gauge it – but its happening for REAL.

If I choose positivity in almost all of my actions, in the longer run it will reflect in almost all of my actions and speech. 

However, if I don’t change my bad habits – my anger – my mood swings – my lazy attitude – my sleeping habits – my eating habits – me running away from doing exercise – shhhh I need to stop now! Then, in the longer run – for sure I am going to degrade my physical and psychological well-being! 

I will be cranky, obese and definitely invite stress induced issues. Life will start looking dull and mundane! Even the thought of this is making me feel weak.

Definitely it made me think hard and going forward – I have started practicing & inculcating new habits (positive and socially acceptable). Processing few… (One Step at a Time)

1. Healthy Sleeping habits
2. Healthy Eating habits
3. Exercise – yes, its on my priority list
4. Meditation

Doing these has been rewarding. I am feeling fresh, active and mentally available. Not just this – my working style, time management and patience has increased. Soon, will add few more to the list! 

Many-a-times there are cheat-days! This is when I remember these words ‘Human Mind is the perfect magician, it does’t fail to bluff you’. 

What are you choosing? It’s your life – cheers! 

Stay happy and blessed

For Love,

Ananda

Lockdown : Invest time in yourself

Help yourself before you help others!

The time and situation around, is asking all of us to have trust and support the authorities. They are working night and day to help.  Be compassionate towards each other. Whatever is happening around is new, its for the first time! The only solution is to stay home.

Start taking ownership of your actions. This is absolutely the most appropriate time to be socially responsible person. Take ownership and be the change. Together we can overcome this crisis.  

Invest this time to reconnect with the ‘self’. Start your journey inwards and expand yourself. Love yourself 🙂 

Lockdown is across the Globe. 

What should you do?

1. Break the chain – do not go out, unless its a matter of life and death!
2. Social distancing  
3. Do not indulge in panic shopping?
4. Spend quality time with your family and loved ones
5. Reconnect with your lost hobby
6. Get in touch with your school friends 
7. Forgive your partner or friends and call them up 🙂 
8. Spend time on meditation
9. Eat healthy 
10. Fitness and Yoga
11. Refrain from forwarding #fakenews on WhatsApp and social media
12. Watch movies 
13. Personally, am enjoying watching TedX talks
14. Spend 1 hour to learn something new
15. Upgrade your skills
16. Learn to love yourself

For love,

ananda

Image by Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke from Pixabay

Gurudev

If you think you know your Gurudev – then you are highly mistaken. Master is like the wind you can’t hold him, attain him and for this reason, you can’t know him! You can only feel him.

Absorb his words and feel his presence.

Gurudev works in silence and he works for every individual who is around him physically or psychically. None of his devotees are left out in despair. You need to introspect deep within your heart and truly analyze yourself. 

When the right time comes, you get connected!

This is what is said and you must have heard! My say is, do your duty of being a true disciple. The job description of a true ‘Disciple’ is exhausting, detailed, and impossible to follow. I have failed a couple of times to be called a disciple. However, look at the beauty of our Gurudev! He keeps ignoring every mistake of his disciple and gives him an opportunity. Why, because the master is constantly working on you! He trains you for the best. 

Mayakund is full of Maya and you will be deceived every now and then! To get over this Maya you need to be very mindful, have complete trust and faith in the Master and above all have faith within you. 

Life has never been easy and it will never be easy. The grace of the Master makes the journey of Life easy and enjoyable. However, to accept his grace one has to surrender and have complete faith. Master will not spoon-feed you. Master will not tell you things repeatedly. He will keep giving you life examples, you need to be mindful to accept them and apply them in your life.

We are trapped in Body and Mind! The real cause of discomfort, irritation, frustration, and jealousy is the attachment to the Body. When an individual is stuck in this body and mind – he is trapped in his own confusing mind-web thoughts. He starts questioning everyone – right from the living ‘God like Master’ to his own destiny. This behavior disconnects you from the master and thus brings distance as you move far away from the divinity of the master. You, yourself become the reason for not allowing the Master to help you and in this situation, nobody on this earth can help you.

If you are lucky to have a Gurudev, then please start to develop the habit of having complete unshakable faith. Unless you surrender you will not be one with the Master. 

What have I learned & still learning from my Gurudev?

• • Discipline: Without this, you cannot succeed. Discipline is a must in Spiritual life
  • Time management: Still learning to manage time effectively
  • Mindfulness: This is one of the most crucial life skills that everyone should learn. Be mindful of the surroundings, the things kept around and all the movements happening around you!
  • Being aware: My understanding of awareness is different. For me being aware: describes the level of eagerness to learn. Describes the level of living in the present moment. If you are aware you automatically become alert
  • Active: Learn to be active and always be available to serve the Master, family, and friends  
  • Respect: Respect yourself – you will automatically start respecting everyone! 
  • Humble and Polite:  Be humble and polite to everyone
  • EGO: Work-in-progress! Sometimes the Ego does come in between. However, with the constant remembrance of the almighty God like Master helps me realize and I take efforts to overcome the shortfall
  • No work is small: If you have got the opportunity to stay in the Ashram, then you will understand that no work is small. For the smooth functioning of the Ashram, understand that everything (I mean everything) is connected and it should function seamlessly. Right from keeping a vigilant eye on the tap that drips; to a stranger being around the gate. For me, Ashram is my spiritual temple, a home that teaches me new things every now and then. It’s not a school for me, it’s a home because my Master doesn’t scold me (yes, lucky me). He teaches in a very different way, his ways are so different that many don’t understand… many a-times even I don’t understand. When I sit and introspect what I did with my Gurudev the entire day. Gradually I correlate everything and learn the missed lessons. There are many that I will be able to correlate in the coming years (when the right time comes). Even the task of switching off the water motor is a big learning. It depends upon how mindful and alert you are to learn. Let me tell you a secret, every task in the Ashram (or a place where you offer your Seva) teaches us something. You just need to realize and ask yourself what did I learn today?
  • Cooking, driving, and swimming: A must for everyone. You should have a driving license, and passport and must know how to swim. I am such a looser, still don’t know how to swim
  • Adjustment: Humans staying with humans is the most complicated relationship. You need to master the art of adjustment to stay happily 
  • Forgive and Forget: Very difficult to practice  
  • You are not the doer: Remember you are not the doer. However, this doesn’t mean you do socially and morally unacceptable behavior and easily put forward – I am not the doer!
  • Follow the Righteous path: Learn to practice the art of following the righteous path 
  • Scriptures teach you the Living: Scriptures are not to listen, its a process to imbibe them in our day-to-day life
  • Always take out time for Meditation, Satsang, and to help others: This is the  ‘Real Spiritual  Life’
  • Do not Gossip: This is a big-time NO for a true disciple. Do not talk negative things about anyone. We should not engage ourselves when others are doing it!
  • Do not think Evil:  NO for a true disciple 
  • Spirituality & Gurudev is not a trade-off: Master is to elevate your good self. He will bring body-mind-soul in sync – he is not there for a trade-off. You can not do business with Master. He is not there to materialize your materialist demands
  • Silence and its amazing depth: One of the best things I have learned from my Master is Silence and getting lost in its depth of beautiful melodious noise. The moments of silence bring me in oneness with my Master
  • Constant remembrance is the key to being in oneness with Gurudev

and the list can go on and on forever…

Eternally grateful for the unconditional love that is being showered upon this soul!

At his lotus feet,

ananda

Image by Stefan Keller from Pixabay

The wrinkles of my glittering eyes

Women has been the most hardworking since ages, she is multi-talented. A homemaker having strong communication skills, good people handling skills and a good decision maker. Due to the male dominated world she has been always surpassed. However, if looked.. its the woman who keeps the male dominated world run smoothly.

Having observed the rural and as well the urban society; woman has always been the strength of the house and society. This acceptance is now gradually being heard and appreciated. 

Look around yourself and you can easily find a woman who; you can relate with this article.  Not trying to create a debate…. however speaking what is happening around! Right from the 9 months of pregnancy, managing the home, kitchen and raising the kids… In this entire unfolding events of life, she is taking care of her husbands, relatives and also an earning member of the family.

I have personally met many old woman who are still working day and night. Her energy levels are high, they are caring and so considerate…almost every time I met them. Share your experiences with me if you have one?

She deserves all the respect and love.

This really motivates me to frequently conduct FREE online SELF-Confidence Training for women/girls..

There are numerous reasons to it, am trying to give opportunity to those who are very shy from within, who are confused and do not know what to do, there are those who are very low on self-esteem and need a push and then there are those who are constantly trying to help others.

Providing free workshop keeps me grounded and helps me to offer more help and support. It helps to understand how better we can design our curriculum so that we reach out to everyone.

Why do you need SELF Confidence booster module? (click the link to read more)

STRESS & ANXIETY: A person who knows how to manage them will rise high in career, have stronger family values and better relationships. Our module helps to prepare you to handle the crisis and stay strong. You know how to hold yourself

OBESITY: Staying fit automatically gels around and you gradually control yourself. Regular practice of our modules will help to promote better eating and sleeping habits. Mood swings are controlled and life gets more disciplined. Regular training will keep your energy levels high and burn more calories

BACK PAIN/POOR BODY POSTURE: Body pain is a result of poor and bad Ergonomics. A person with body pain and confused mind is someone who can be said to have weak Mental Health. Your day-to-day productivity is badly affected due to problems created out of bad postures. Now you don’t have to worry, you will get lessons to understand the correct ergonomics that is essential for healthy living

BEING ALONE IS HARDLY PROBLEMATIC: Going out for a late night movie and can’t find a companion? Want to take a trip to your favourite hill station but have no one to accompany you? Bored of the crowd around you and want to take a lonely walk down the countryside? With self-defense techniques by your side, you don’t have to worry about being alone anymore. Just make a plan and you are good to go

FAMILY: Spending time with family is now a days getting difficult. These are just those reasons to justify your action. A mind and body that is calm, quite and composed is able to manage all the relationship gracefully. Our workshops helps you to connect with yourself and your loved ones

DIGNITY: For an individual skilled in self-defense through our SELF confidence module, never has to keep mum. Whether it’s a lewd comment on the street or a sexual innuendo on the bus she can always speak up for herself without having to worry about the consequences because she knows that she is good enough to handle whatever comes her way

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, NOT FOR ME: Domestic violence in no form is ever acceptable. But what is better – to prevent it from happening in the first place or to curb it after it has happened? If you are skilled in self-defense, you never have to be a victim and you can start standing up for yourself from the day first finger gets pointed at you.

MINDFULNESS: You will learn to be more mindful about your surroundings. These lessons would help you grown and make you realize the power of human body – mind and soul. Constant practice will connect your body-mind-soul you will feel calm, relaxed and full of energy

BREATHE: Something which we are doing for granted and are not sure how this process can be the most important one. Through this guided module on breathing you will have the capacity to increase your energy, strength, will-power and have a peaceful mind

MY RESPECT, MY RESPONSIBILITY: The respect and dignity of women have been at stake for way too long. In spite of matching steps with men in every single field, women are still considered the weaker sex. It’s now time to turn the tables and show the world what women are capable of. Self-defense is no more a choice; in today’s world, it is a necessity

SELF confidence booster modules specifically addresses few common as well important issues which are psychological as well physiological in nature. Positive spillovers have been recorded by the users. Customized curriculum is designed as per the requirements of the individual.

If you are a woman and wish to avail a FREE SELF-confidence booster module; kindly let us know, we would choose the one who really needs the training. If you are not chosen you can try again after one month. Do not feel rejected, someone deserved it NOW more than you need it.

Cheers for Love,

Anand

Image by GodImage from Pixabay

15 Benefits of Sports: Mental + Physical

Childhood was fun and the days went by doing absolutely nothing! The foundation of the individual is set up right from the childhood. As we grow up, stress and pressure devours the entire ‘I’ and we submit ourselves to the situation. Brain Drain, stress, life struggles, peer pressures, draining relationships and poor mental health.  Forget all of these right now! These changes within are not created over-night. It’s a gradual process occurring due to ignoring the applications of lessons learnt right from childhood. Few of things that I constantly reinforce is constant remembrance, mindful breathing and positive thinking.

It’s really important to understand the philosophy of sports and how we bring it to active use in our day-to-day life!  Life has always been uncomplicated and yet, it’s the toughest nut to crack.

Right from the childhood to teenage; everyone has been participating in sports (of any format). As we move from teenage to adulthood; everything changes. Mind institutes a drastic change, and it fosters an illusion in front of you. We are absolutely the most forgetful species. Suddenly the life starts looking difficult and unbelievable. The illusions created make your mind unstable with conflicting emotions creating different perception towards life. The stability is challenged and mindfulness is tested.

Sports illuminates some of the most important life lessons. Provided you are perceptive enough to grasp them forward and exercise them in your day-to-day life. Broadly speaking Sports teaches us:

1. To fail – it’s okay to fail. This is what the sports teach you, winning is not consistently a key to success. You have to fail to improve!
2. Patience – it builds up your patience. You are calm, alert and focused to snatch the genuine opportunity.
3. Team work – it teaches you to work in a team. You digest that for success; positive team work and team ethics are essential. It’s ne’er a solo effort.
4. Coordination – you coordination with your team-members increases. This helps to have and open a positive communication channel
5. Trust – sports teaches you first to trust yourself and others. You will realize its amazing to how other team-members trust you as well.
6. Success – the taste of success is worth all the hard work. Your contribution fulfils a notable role that decides your rate of success. 
7. Hard Work – nothing is achieved without hard work, you need to constantly keep putting your 100%. Only then the chances of success are better
8. Body & mind coordination – sports connects your body and mind. The coordination between them is synchronized and unconsciously it with each-other.
9. Breathing – sports teaches you that breathing is the most crucial part of any sports. If you don’t know how to breathe then, you will fail. Rhythmic breathing is required in sports to keep your body cool, agile and alert.
10. Stamina – without stamina you can’t engage in any sports. Stamina in terms of your physical + psychological aspect is unavoidable
11. Discipline – It teaches you to be disciplined. One of the skills that defines the personality of the individual.
12. Dedication – with utmost dedication the sport is being played and practiced. Faithfulness is learnt as a part of the training. Dedication and Discipline represent a very effective combination for winning. Sports teach you these skills.
13. Sacrifice – this is something that you would think how! To win on numerous occasions, we have to sacrifice our personal interest and look at the interest of the team. Sports teach you to sacrifice; it teaches you giving and induces compassion. These emotions create humbleness within you.
14. Lowering of Ego – Wow, unbelievable!!! By all means, sports channelize your ego. It manipulates it for success and makes you more focused. Marvellous changes are seen and felt within; when you learn to channelize Ego. Ego can destroy and it can build! In sports it enlightens you to build.
15. Health body – a sound body is required for sports. You exercise, you eat healthily and gradually you increase stamina. Active body promotes healthy thoughts and keeps you satisfied most of the times.
16. Personality – You personality changes when you are competing in sports. All the various skills learnt are reflected inside you. You are listening to others, helpful in nature, caring and at the same time have enough stamina to escort yourself to success.
17. Risk taking – Sports teaches you to take risk. To win, we have to risk. It’s either failing or win. Sports teach you to fail, and it equally makes you taste success. Risking gratifying appetite improves and more….
    

Gather a deep breath! YES!!! Indeed, you have been through all these processes. You have successfully being able to manage and execute them. These skills are highly essential in your day-to-day life, education, career, and relationships. However more importantly these skills are essential for your sound mental health!

Gif source:imgur.com/gallery/NtyOL0r

We fail to demonstrate these learnt skills. I had mentioned about the illusions created by Mind. This is how it deceives you; the mind refers to your current situation as it is and based on our attitude and aptitude we react to the situation. Just because life is not a game of 90 mins. Our attitude towards it is altered. Learn to increase your mental faculties and engage it constantly. Your perception towards life will offer the direction to your mind. Remember, You are what you feed!

Life represents a sport and your sportsmanship will decide your fate.

Good time Bad time = Happy time! This is life and it keeps ticking! No formula nor answers. You are the driver. Drive safely, be safe and keep others safe.

Would love to hear you comments and thoughts. Sharing is caring.

Love yourself
Sayonara,
Ananda