Let’s Simplify Life

Let's Make Life Simple & Beautiful

Confucius once said, “Life is really simple, but men insist on making it complicated.” This is how the whole scheme of things works. All good things are difficult to achieve; and bad things are very easy to get. Humans have been victims of this practice since time immemorial and the journey of rise and fall, gain and loss, and triumph and defeat of human race describes the same. Life is a string of inevitable experiences. Happy events are savoured while adversities are considered as wrongs, inflicted upon us by destiny.

Today everyone is thinking wistfully the same question whether the life will be normal or not and if yes how? The life during lockdown is somewhat similar to when there were no TVs. People would love to spend time with friends, relatives and play outside (amidst lockdown playing virtually) and were contented with what minimal resources they had. In 90s TV was introduced to the society and people glued to the idiot box for hours to watch cricket and serials. Physical work from routine and socializing for the purpose of entertainment took a back seat. Sports were lesser played in streets and more watched on screens. Then entered the world of Internet, PCs, laptops and multimedia. Though initially the services were plagued by certain issues but gradually became an indispensable part of our society. Obesity and other life style diseases were included as gift hampers in the package, indoor and outdoor games were replaced by video games. Junk foods and sedentary life became the new trends, visiting friends and relatives needed appointments or formal invitations. Eventually human relations, care and concern for neighbours and seeking or giving advice to relatives were on the verge of extinction.

Life was too fast now to devote time to value and practice gestures of kindness and generosity as the time was much needed to be spent in traffic jams and in pursuit of mundane and materialistic goals. And now enters our favorite Guest whom we want to cling to us forever, yes these are none other than androids, 3G, 4G and high speed internet services. The digital enthusiasts were so engrossed in striving hard to fulfill their dreams to become mightier than ever and became supercilious in attitude. In this race of ambitions and achievements we forgot what the very purpose of human life is. It won’t be wrong if I term this journey as Evolution of Human Intellect, yes we changed, we evolved and we grew in all dimensions with materialistic mindsets; expanding in a different milieu during the years from 1990s to 2020s.

Thought Provoking Read: All That Glitters is Not Gold 

The feeling of having the world just a click away gives a sense of supremacy to humans, ironically the supremacy gave us rights only, not the duties-the duties towards nature and ecosystem, the duties towards lifting up humanity and our inner self, the duties to realize the very purpose of our life i. e. being altruistic to all life forms which are dependent upon us as mere philosophy of evolution without  a life imbued with love, compassion and service cannot sweeten and glorify human advancements.

Though the human mind is responsible for great advances of culture and civilizations it has grown unable to handle negativity caused by traumatic experiences. While struggling with feelings of distress and uncertainty amidst the pandemic many think as if they will hardly find their way back from such an emotional cul-de-sac as negative events have a tendency to imprison our minds. The lockdown has taught us that to live a happy life we need to be alive not to be the supreme power; we need to reinvent and revamp our life so let the life be lived at its fullest instead of dreaming for tomorrow. Let’s remove all toxins and obsessions of materialism and enjoy a serene, happy and wholesome life. Let’s take the blessing in disguise to value and appreciate the fact that life demands nothing it is we who keep demanding incessantly from life. Let's simplify life. Let’s enjoy just being alive. 

Life is simple, Simplify The Life.

Miles To Go Where I Can Sleep

The Problems Faced By Migrant Labourers During Lockdown

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

Robert Frost’s famous poem ‘Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening’ is a source of inspiration to many and the fan club of this poem has recently been joined by millions of Indian migrant labourers who are on their journey to reach the destinations where they can sleep without starving. The contrast with the poem’s traveler is that the woods are actually not lovely, dark and deep for these poor daily wagers so they are forced to plod on.

Kasa Madkani, 22, a migrant worker from Odisha’s Malkangiri district, breathed his last due to exhaustion while walking back home from Hyderabad due to lockdown.

For 35-year-old Sandeep, his wife and three daughters, the ordeal has no end. Like thousands of other migrant workers, the vegetable vendor decided to leave for his native village after exhausting his meagre savings over a month and a half of the lockdown. His wife Rekha, a heavily pregnant and famished 28-year-old woman covered 900 kms from Noida on foot and in the back of a truck to reach Gopalganj on the UP-Bihar border before her body almost gave up. She gave birth to a girl child in the Gopalganj Sadar Hospital

When thousands and thousands of migrants, burdened with pain, agony and trauma walk everyday to their hometowns from all over the country, each one of them has a heart wrenching story to tell. Who better knows the length of Indian roads than these self rescuing exoduses who have measured them in uncountable footsteps? Enforced by the ardent desire to salvage themselves from the apathy of our so called efficient, innovative and benevolent government they found it easier to walk miles than to remain languished at their work stations. Witnessing the desperate exodus of migrants, the Indian highways must have shed tears in helplessness as their subservient creators who had once pitched in to construct these roads and brought them into life have been left with nothing except trudging to their home. 

Interesting Read: Self-Isolation or Self-Adoration?

The travails of these migrants are unimaginable. With loss of shelter and livelihood they have been thrown in disarray, on the mercy of meagre help provided by authorities which was surely not enough for sustenance. Completely shattered, many of them embarked on arduous journeys to their native places to get some support at a time of acute distress owing to the belief that home offers emotional and social support, especially in times of a crisis like Covid-19. The journey was going to be precarious for many as no provisions were there for food, shelter or medical relief. Many died on the way back home due to hunger, sickness or mishaps.

The developing notions of social justice and the expanding horizon of socio-economic equality seem to be futile when a large number of migrants are spotted walking on highways across states with their families, growing immune to heat, hunger, body pain and even police lathis.

Time plays a crucial role in any crisis.What if the government could have provided them with adequate support in time? When the Vande Bharat Mission can be scheduled to bring back Indians stranded abroad why can’t the Shramik Specials could have been planned earlier and executed promptly. If welfare of these migrant workers is not taken care of, the pictures of their leaving the cities will be going to haunt the country for years to come. Our beautifully constructed big cities have sent their pillars at home. They have shown their strength by walking hundreds of miles now it’s time for the government and our society to reciprocate as words are always not enough to win trust of these poor folk.

Dear Readers, my blog ends here but not the story, it’s just a beginning for all those who reach their desired destinations where they can sleep comfortably but the questions will remain unanswered for them how to find solace? How to tryst with a confident living? How all the migrants will be employed again? Who will provide them substantive succour?

I am still trying to convince myself with these lines:

And miles to go before I sleep
And miles to go before I sleep

To Succeed in Life, Burn Your Boats

Make Your Life A Success Story 

“If you want to take the island, you need to burn the boats.” This famous line of Tony Robbins has a great relevance not only for those who are already on their expedition to touch the pinnacles of success and see all their dreams fulfilled but   for those also who come across situations when they find themselves in a terrible dilemma as how to choose and what to choose out of the plethora of the options since it’s very important to make a right choice in order to bring the plans to their fruition. A good decision with strong will power impacts not only the process but the outcome also and can attribute to achieve an uncompromising mental reservoir of strength. 

Enriching Read: Where There’s a Will There’s a Way

The phrase ‘Burning the Boats’ has its origin in the year 1519 highlighting History’s one of the most inspiring leadership stories. During those days it was known to all that Mexico had a magnificent treasure for which many invaders attempted for over 600 years but none of them could succeed. When Hernán Cortés, a young Spanish commander heard about the same he decided to acquire it and started sailing towards Mexico with a convoy of 11 boats, 16 horses and 600 Spaniards. The clamour of their excitement was enough to break the silence of the sea. But gradually fear and despair loomed large with sailing farther from their homeland. The fact that none could acquire the treasure hitherto the crew began to develop cold feet and it turned to be an evanescent ambition for them. Hernán Cortés could sense the despondency and fear but he kept waiting for a right moment. When they reached Mexico, he ordered his people to evacuate the boats. Once everything was settled he called a lieutenant and instructed him to burn all the boats and he began his address which created history then. He sent a clear message to all that there was no turning back as all the boats had already been burnt. With no exit strategy either they would win or they would perish. The soldiers fought with indomitable courage and conquered the island with its magnificent treasure.

The story gives a life-changing message to all. The boats are the insecurities, fear, escape, and anxiety which always hinder our growth and weaken our commitment with self to accept challenges in life. When we want to improve our careers, personal lives or emotional status we must understand that once a strong and earnest decision is made there is no turning back, no escape. Now every effort and thought must be focused on succeeding and achieving what we have yearned for. Burning the boats means making your mind to reject all those fears and preparing yourself for no turning back and accept that there is no plan B. When you don’t have a plan B for your dreams and ambitions it gives a message to your mind that there is no point of return now and it strengthens your commitment to yourself and you put in your best efforts to achieve your goals in life. This strategy is the key determinant of both personal and professional success despite challenges that inevitably happen on the way.

Hebrew tradition teaches a similar value, the Israelite armies would besiege enemy cities from three sides only facilitating them with an escape route. They knew it very well that the enemy would no longer remain a formidable opponent if they had a possibility of flight. In most cases, they celebrated the conquest.

We all face difficult times when we need to make a decision especially when we are confused which path to travel. We research on our plans, collect facts from good resources, take advice from our best friends and well wishers, measure the risks, analyze the ups and downs and then we trust our own judgment whether to step ahead or not. And the most important factor of this process must be once we have made our decision we have to be committed and focus only on our diligent efforts to make it a success story of our life.

Can Gratitude Be Enforced?

India Salutes To The Corona Warriors

 On April 20, the burial of Dr. Samuel Hercules in Chennai was disrupted by violent protesters. On April 8, two resident doctors of Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital were allegedly assaulted by a neighbor who accused them of spreading coronavirus infection and a week before that, two doctors and their team were pelted with stones during the screening of Covid-19 patients in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

These incidents are a mirror of reality showing the country’s attitude to the warriors of this unprecedented battle. The plight of the health care workers doesn’t end here. The bigger challenges are the substandard protective gears, poor meals, long grueling shifts and above all their own vulnerability to the novel pathogen. Facing all the challenges the medical team is leaving no stone unturned to reach out and help the infected people but instead of acknowledging their tireless work and selfless service we welcome them with abuse and stones. 

In the wake of persistent attacks on health care workers, the Centre has approved an ordinance to make such attacks a cognizable and non-bailable offence.  But it will not suffice to give assurance to those who are bravely battling Covid-19 on the frontline. The amendment in the Epidemic Disease Act compels us to think something very deeply and raises a question. Why do we always need a law to be enforced to become a better Indian? Why do we need a law to allow our daughters to open their eyes in this world? Why do we need a law to keep our surroundings clean? Do we really dream of a country where we require laws for everything? For reverence?  For thankfulness?

We live in a nation where the atmosphere of intolerance, mob violence, avarice, drudgery and complacency is grinding down the country’s splendid achievements. We have grown in numbers, wealth and power as no other nation has ever grown but we have forgotten the gracious sense of integrity which can enrich and strengthen us as a civilized society and each of us believes that integrity and gratitude cannot be enforced; these are within our hearts and should reflect as a virtue of our own. Just as gratitude is the queen of the virtues, ingratitude is the king of the vices.

Enriching Reading: Kindness Is Not Just Giving But Empowering Living Beings

Let’s never forget that the beauty of the Indian people lies in their spirit of tolerance, sharing and respecting each human soul and value even the smallest effort made to ameliorate the country’s present situation. We have to follow our instincts to reinforce the values that can build a greater nation with everyone practicing self-discipline and self-reliance. As Emerson has asserted, “…if the single man plant himself indomitably on his instincts, and there abide, the huge world will come round to him.”

Doctors have always been considered as God and during the fight against coronavirus pandemic it seems as God himself, clad in white, has appeared on earth to provide succour to people in distress. Today, God is not confined to temples and mosques but could be felt in those serving humanity. The frontline Health Workers must be treated in a dignified way in view of their selfless service to society and nation. And to beat the drum we shouldn’t require any law, the respect and gratitude is within all of us. That must come from within each and every Indian.

Let Lord Mahavira’s Teachings Combat COVID-19

How Jainism Can Help Us Fight Corona Virus

Swinging between hope and despair amidst the rampant spread of coronavirus, the entire world is trying to invent preventive measures to combat the deadly virus. But what should be taken into consideration and how such threats to human life and existence can be avoided have still remained questions for all of us. Can we really overlook the fact that a crisis never emerges all of a sudden? It has its reasons and grounds underlying and most of them are known to human race itself.

We have suffered three pandemics since 2000 viz. SARS-CoV in 2003, H1N1 (Swine flu) in 2009, and now Covid-19. SARS Coronavirus is thought to be an animal virus from an as-yet-uncertain animal reservoir, perhaps bats that spread to other animals like civet cats. It originated in Guangdong province of southern China. This global epidemic ended in July 2003 but SARS reappeared four times- three times due to laboratory accidents(Singapore and Chinese Taipei), and once in southern China where the source of infection remains undetermined although there is circumstantial evidence of animal-to-human transmission. The pandemic H1N1 or Swine flu spread from an intensive pig farm in Mexico and lasted from January 2009 to August 2010 affecting 700 million- 1.4 billion (estimated) people across the globe. The fatalities were estimated to be 284,000(Centers for Disease Control). Not just these outbreaks are a major threat to the human existence but we have been endangered by other diseases also like bird flu from poultry, the Middle East Respiratory syndrome (MERS) from camels, Ebola from monkeys and pigs, Rift Valley fever from livestock, West Nile fever from birds, Zika from monkey and Nipah from bats.

The root cause of such frequent outbreaks of viral and bacterial diseases in the 21^st century is the rapid and unhealthy changes in human life style along with man’s deteriorating relationship with Mother Nature. The gradual environmental destruction, deforestation and ludicrous cultural practices are largely responsible for such global pandemics. The latest coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, China is an example of human violation of nature’s law and a lesson for the mankind to contemplate over the havoc humans are creating on the earth. After the outbreak of SARS in the year 2003, it was proven that the culture of eating exotic animals in China and some other countries is no less than a nuclear bomb. The prevailing fatal situations will be soon waiting for the impending doom if we do not change our methods of living and treating our planet.

It is crucial that we introspect on how to adapt the measures to accomplish the task of revaluing nature and bring back the harmony and peace between all living organisms on the earth. The Jain Philosophy and the tenets of Lord Mahavira present an elaborate and pragmatic analysis of how a harmonized system of living can be established between the humans and nature. The solutions and preventive measures for all the challenges and threats the man is struggling today have been incorporated in Jain Philosophy and Jainism. About 2500 years ago, Lord Mahavira had envisioned the agonizing future of mankind owing to the indiscriminate exploitation of the plant and animal kingdoms. The code of conduct suggested by Lord Mahavira has a great relevance in today’s scenario. ‘Live and Let Live’ is the basic mantra of Jainism which encourages vegetarian diets keeping numerous infections and other lifestyle diseases at bay. The research has proven that the vegetarian diets are the best of all for both the angles- physical health and spiritual upliftment. Elimination of meat from the diet reduces the dangers of animal-human transmission of virus. Increasing population of non vegetarians promotes animal farming on larger scales which causes viral diseases. Bird flu and swine flu both have their origin in intensive animal farms.

Jainism teaches non-violence which is the foundation of biodiversity existing on the planet earth. Each organism has a right to live but whatever is happening today has compelled us to ponder, have we failed to appreciate and acknowledge the importance of the smallest, invisible living beings on the earth? Have we become so cruel that we forget to understand, what environment, ecology and ecosystem is to man or vice-versa? What takes precedence- environment over man or man over environment? 

Non-violence is the basis of Jainism and to kill a living being is considered to be the greatest of sins. Practice of non-violence is not just limited to humans or animals but is extended to all forms of life. As Cesar Chavez rightly said, “Only when we have become non-violent towards all life we will have learned to live well with others.” Jain scriptures motivate people for minimal consumption and emphasize upon restricting their unlimited consumption of natural resources. Practicing a minimalistic approach to life yields abundance for each one in the community and thus develops harmony between human life and nature.

Enriching Read: Self-Isolation OR Self-Adoration?

To resolve the crisis of such global pandemic, we need to follow the practices of Jainism which are based on the principles of scientific vision, spiritual mission and religious consciousness. It preaches compassionate empathy for all forms of life particularly for all sentient species. The scientific and religious perspectives of nature are never contrary to each other, as we believe they are complementary to each other. Lord Mahavira expounded the significance of the combination of both these perspectives to lead a peaceful life. Lord Mahavira focused on this synergy, which emphasizes on man’s responsibilities towards his environment and lays down directives for the preservation of nature. The world therefore, needs to follow a universal code of conduct suggested by Lord Mahavira to prevent such pandemics and environmental destruction. Let’s worship nature and its myriad manifestations and be thankful for what we are bestowed upon.

Self-Isolation OR Self-Adoration?

Isolation is a secret door to creativity & rejuvenation

As we all have been alienated from each other due to the Covid pandemic, self-isolation practiced with self-adoration is the only way to merge with life. ‘Isolation’, a word, very common and frequently heard these days, defined as “the complete separation of a person from the society,” has its different roles in different lives. Though it sounds gloomy and dark but can we change our perception for a while to observe the beauty and productivity of its brighter side?

 Thought Provoking Read: What the Global Pandemic has Taught Us?

This question is to awake our inner self for a moment and empower us to turn social distancing into self-evolvement. Surprisingly the lockdown has brought positive changes in many lives. Still confused? Give it a try; haven’t we started spending little more time with ourselves and our loved ones during isolation? Haven’t we started opening the old bookshelves to find something to read? Haven’t we learnt how to manage with minimum resources? Haven’t we realized that luxury is not a basic human need?

Many of us have started finding solace in creative indulgence during lockdown; painting, singing, reading, writing, cooking, or any activity which was left undone or half-done due to our constant pursuit of the lofty goals of life. It’s a tryst with one’s own unfulfilled wishes and desires and makes us fall in love with our self. This isolation can be a much awaited process of assimilation of one’s thoughts, plans and strategies for a future endeavor as many great leaders and politicians had dedicated their period of isolation to great works of literature and transforming themselves into stronger-than-ever personalities and Nelson Mandela is one of such leaders.

Let’s unlock this lockdown with more love, recognition and admiration for self. Let’s not forget to be resilient enough to be lively in any situation. When we limp out of this lockdown period the life and living will have changed radically. Take this solitude as a blessing in disguise and explore your happiness; the time for self-isolation should be spent in self-adoration.  Be happy with your strengths and weaknesses, be fulfilled with your emptiness, be perfect with all your imperfections, be proud of what you love to do and make the most of your endowments with verve and vigor. 

Negativity and Sarcasm on Social Media

Let's Avoid To Be Negative & Sarcastic On Social Media

Winding up the day’s work Natasha was all set to book a cab for her. While waiting for the cab, lost in her thoughts and the argument which she just had with Ashmi she was prompted to update a sarcastic remark as her social media status, failing to realize what it would result into.

When you use social media to release your angst, frustration, negativity or sarcastic opinions you unknowingly fall prey to the mercy, mockery and criticism of the people around you.

When you target a person on your status while making an attempt to just be the finisher of an argument or you have recently had confrontation with, you actually reveal your vulnerable side to the people who actually don’t read your words but your personal Life and start assuming that you are undergoing very difficult and galling phase of your life. They never concern the person or “the people” whom you address but they try to delve deep into your mindset to traverse through the gamut of all your emotions.
An innuendo or a sarcastic post quoting a personality trait often makes you end up being an object of mockery for many, surprisingly to not just those who read it directly but the ones who receive the screenshots and start rattling their brains together. “What’s going on in her life?”, “Is everything fine between the couple?” “Is she releasing her frustration through this post?” These are few common questions which arise in the minds of the people who claim to be in your friends’ list but unfortunately not. Updating an innuendo impulsively leaves you as a victim of screenshot abuse which can harm you at a later stage. Such screenshots revealing innuendos put a question mark on your job of engaging into all this.

Everyone’s entitled to have an opinion and you can’t convince them think and observe life as you do. If you have a disagreement with a person, do not make it public, better talk to him/her in person. Pick your battles. Ask yourself if you really want to start an argument with someone? Is it worth the energy and time? Whatever is argued or proven today will it even matter tomorrow? If you find the answers as NO there is no need to post such vitriol which reveal your unstable mind and brusque attitude.

Enriching Read: Let's Simplify Life

Anger is just an emotion just like happiness, joy and exuberance and everyone has the right to release it but social media proves to be the worst platform to express anger and dissatisfaction related to your personal life. There is nothing wrong in discharging the flow of such negative emotions from your mind and heart due to any circumstances or confrontations, but choose the right place and selected people. Have Real Friends and true well wishers around you whom you can confide in, own a shoulder you can rest your head upon and cry till the last drop of your tears flows down. Sit with a true friend to share your plight over a cup of coffee and just empty your heart to rejuvenate and to prepare yourself for the awaited challenges. Let’s learn to be equipoise in all the situations and maintain a composed demeanor on your social media account.