Tell yourself…  “Do Not Panic.”

When in distress this is the very first thought that should emerge from your brain.
To you.

So, go ahead…and train the brain.
Get it ingrained.
As it helps.
A lot.

Half the battle is won once you assertively tell yourself. “Do Not Panic.”
Whatever be the situation.
Calmness gets restored.

The brain and its thinking machinery tend to get jumbled up when they find themselves in unusual circumstances.
When they get presented with situations that are not arranged in a logical way they are used to.
All logical thinking comes to a grinding halt.
And… you tend to panic!

Don’t.

You need to sustain logical thinking coupled to quick reactions to over come a disaster/emergency.

Thoughts precede action don’t they?
Hence, this command from you to your brain…makes it hold ground.
Stops it from going haywire.
Calmness gets restored by the by.
Makes the brain remain functional under adverse situations too.

When you say these magical words “Do Not Panic”
You get to regain control, and are back in the driver’s seat…it may not be the usual… calm drive, but a jerky murky one.
All said and done you get to getting the hold back on the situation on hand.

A deep breath, if not a few of them, also help, in remaining calm and cool.
Deep breathing under adverse circumstances is indeed a rejuvenating effort.

Once you are in control and not panicking, get down to conscious, regular deep breathing.
All your senses will thus get to get a good supply of oxygen and will work better.

As Combat Pilots, we are trained and mentored, to work through emergencies.
Any emergency that we would have in the air, has/had the potential of getting disastrous results, if, as a pilot one panics/panicked.

Hence, when we not only get to tape up the emergencies we also make it a habit to utter these words ” Do Not Panic” right at the very beginning of any emergency related procedure.

Since having stopped fighter flying decades ago, I have forgotten almost all the emergency procedures, but this beginning line “Do Not Panic” has been deeply embedded in my consciousness.

With my feet firmly placed on “terra firma” ever since I hung up my gloves…”Do Not Panic” …has helped me on several occasions when I have been in tight corners.
So also has deep breathing, as a sequential effort, after uttering “Do Not Panic”

Keeping the eyes closed for a few seconds…if the situation permits…once you are back in command along with deep breathing, helps you normalize the situation quickly.

Let’s take a very small but a common example, when matters could, did and do get worse, if one panics… i.e. when you have a power outage, all of a sudden,

We are ensconced in darkness…do we panic?

No we don’t…not any longer.

We know that either the UPS will take over or the captive power will.
If the two don’t…we will have to light a candle/lamp.
Don’t we get up and light a lamp/candle?
If neither happens?
Yes we do…without panicking.

The frequency of this action being staged, in day to day life, used to be more in the yester years when power outages were so common.
UPS and captive power generators were luxuries, then.
No more.
But, the sequence of events and actions that need to take place to dispel darkness, are by now so well taped up…to this generation too that
They don’t panic any more like their ancestors did.
They act and react calmly to this situation as and when it happens.
Had they panicked …instead…they would/will create a chaotic situation as their ancestors did.

Now…after a lapsed period of time, our body, systems, react calmly to this situation…as the sequence of what to do next, have/has to happen and will happen, are so well known, to the human mind as a mindset.

Similarly ,it is possible to train the mind to get over exigencies when they happen!
Provided that procedure is known to you.
And you have been over that procedure again and again and acted accordingly in a simulated environment.
Like Fighter Pilots all over the world do.

Since, we do not have all the procedures well written for all the emergencies that do happen in day-to-day life…at least the first line, of those, should have been written, and learnt as a procedure, should be by hearted by one and all.

It should get taped up in memories too.

That signature line is called:

“Do not Panic”

You won.t if you tape it up…and God willing, come out of the situation calmly too.

As well begun is half done.

–

Arun alias Axee  is an ex-combat pilot turned executive life coach. He is actively involved with Brian Tracy in a novel learning initiative, iLearningGlobal.biz/axee. Contact him at emarshalarun@gmail.com

To Follow:
Training, Rituals, Rights, Maps, Diagrams, Advice, Instructions, Trends, Rules, Policies, Procedures, Instincts, Music, and now also, one of the very latest of them all… trends, Twitter, etc.

As we learn to follow, we need to learn to adhere to some of them as well,
To lead and and not to bleed.

To fulfill needs.
And not to fulfill greed.

To stand out as an outstanding Human Being.
And not to standout as a standout.

Since birth, through childhood, and until we grow up, we follow and learn basics, till we learn them well, and master them.
Till we “stand up on our own feet” so to speak.
Thereafter, we decide to be selective as such, on our ‘following instincts.’

To Follow:
Intelligently, instinctively, or blatantly! Is now left to us.
Our choices and not our chances pave our way.
It is either us, only me, them, or they.
As we make our life like hay,
To our delight or much to our dismay,
Day after day.
Till we find ourselves turning gray…
In our relentless pursuit.
To follow and be followed,
And to be …. somewhat hallowed.

It’s then that we look back and introspect,
We do mull and we also inspect,
And discover a rather hollow hallow,
In us, as a fellow, who did follow,
As we swim and as we wallow,
In life’s depths both deep and shallow.

As we prospered and prospected, all the while,
Were it the choices or the chances, that made or marred our days?

As a nerd, was it worth it to be a part of a herd?
A question we seldom asked then, to be heard.

As a geek, why did we not tweak….
To shine, outshine and stand out,
When we had both the wherewithal and the clout to flout?
While we were nerdy within the herd….unheard.

Did we squeak or shout to tweak….
As a bold soul and not a meek?
To stand apart, instead.
By following our own… heart?

Follow the heart!
We must….
Trust the heart.
We must….
Take care of the heart.
We must….
Stand apart!
We must!

Life begins with the first heart beat.
Life ends with the last heart beat.

Therefore:
Choose the right path…follow the heart, always.
You see, life is always lived out of choices and not chances,
Choices made after hearing the inner voices…made by the heart.

Firstly:
Do you have a heart to do so?
To stand apart?
To live long and to belong and longed for?
To be loved, kissed and missed?
To be bliss and blessed?

If you have one…Follow that heart please.
As it is given to you on lease.

Follow it always.
Listen to the inner voices it makes, and follow them blindly,
Make the right choices….
You will live life…so kindly,
As it was meant to be.

* Intelligence.
* Diligence
* Indulgence
* Negligence
* Indolence
* Tolerance

….and grow up as entrepreneurs as well, in times to come.

Eden was and is an example he set for us to enjoy and to emulate, as Life .
To: See, feel, sense, smell, jell, dwell, live, grow, pluck, share, care, cut, trim, hate, endure, propagate, replicate, and to fruition:
Love, Life, Death and Decay.
To live, eat, grow and to die for and out off, the fruition that happens in there, by default, as well.
Annually, bi-annually, perennially too!
As that is what Life is all about!
A not-so, vicious circle, if one emulates successfully, like successful entrepreneurs do, all the time, and have done so too, ever since!

How?

By seeing, observing, learning, and then finally duplicating and replicating the Almighty’s effort.
Thereby emerging as skillful entrepreneurs.
Through use of in-built inherent intelligence that loves soil, sweat, strife, toil, and competition.
Don’t we see nature’s efforts competing with one another all the time?
In various shapes and sizes and all kinds of hues of beautiful colors?
To attract, distract, to trap and be entrapped as well, to culminate in Fruition,
Splendidly to blend.
Thus emerging as observant gardeners first, and then as, successful entrepreneurs, next.

Life as such was built into that very garden.
Life happened out of that garden and other gardens too subsequently, that were later built, by people as such, as entrepreneurs morphed out of that example, well emulated down the ages.
Down the ages we have seen many a gardens happen and decay and die.
Like so, in these past few centuries, we have also seen many an entrepreneurs happen and then die, as well…
Very few have left a permanent mark on this earth.

Life happens in and out of gardens even today.
Unfortunately those types of splendid gardens are so few and far flung.
Both sung and unsung!
Like successful entrepreneurs are!
Gardens nurture, strive and are rife with life, which is invariably followed by death, time and again.
Within them.
As a wonderful meaningful learning experience.
As growth, sustenance and decay.
Life in there is: so dependent on seasons as such.
As the very reasons.
To live for.

Gardens are planned, sown, cloned and grown.
They are tilled and willed.
Roots, leaves, stems, limbs and flowers are groomed, treasured, measured and at times discarded and thrown, too.
So that fruition happens as it should…
Naturally.
In the bargain endure thorns and the pain they bring when pricked by them,
So that flowers convert to fruits and mellow sweetness in the end,
As they get consumed.
Post consumption discarding of stones/seeds happen naturally,
So that propagation endures itself,
Just like talent does too.

Through continuous propagation fruition continues to happen.
On time, in paucity or may be in plenty!
As nature is so mature that it can seldom be harnessed and nurtured as per human will,
Despite the best of toil and till and fill.
Fruition happens depending on the degree of nurture, it is subjected to by the caring/uncaring gardener!
Alas! if we only had those caring and devout types of gardeners by the dozens!
We would also have had plenty of entrepreneurs bearing the right fruition too.
As behind every successful businessman one that we get to see and live with, there are a hundred or more unsuccessful ones we don’t get to see and live with, too.

Fruition happens all the time, but it solidly depends on:

* The soil selected and tilled.
* The beds that are made and how they get to get made.
* The type of seeds selected and then sown.
* Seeds: When and how they get sown.
* Seeds: The zone they are selected to be sown in.
* Seeds: The season and the reason behind there sowing.

When one gets to observe and then compare these acts, one sees a remarkable similarity within a successful gardeners and talented entrepreneurs.

Here are a few of the commonalities…

* Both of them need to be acutely observant, committed for a life full of strife.
* Both of them need to be devoted with a love for labour and toil.
* Both of them need to be gentle and harsh (should know how to axe when called for).
* Both of them need to be good planners.
* Both of them need of be good selectors. (Business is all about location, location, location).
* Both of them need to be learners on the run.
* Both of them need of them to be depended on nature.
* Both of them need to master perseverance.
* Both of them need to learn from mistakes and not repeat it ever, if not often.
* Both of them need to learn to be dependent. (Business is all about people).
* Both of them need to know how save for a rainy day and also for dry spells.
* Both of them need to have an eye for details.
* Both of them need to know how to weed out and well in time.
* Both of them need to live, groom and bloom flowers and fruits among thorns.
* Both of them need to know how to package the produce to reduce decay.
* Both of them need to know how to learn, unlearn and re-learn.
* Both of them need to just-fully share the harvest and the produce.
* Both of them need to realize the importance of organic growth.
* Both of them need to know that money is like manure (In a mound it decays stenches and stinks, when spread and sown in fields it yields riches!).

Are you a potential entrepreneur?
Why don’t you let go of your gardening instincts at the same time?
So that you learn and mature early, as an entrepreneur par excellence!

Were you a successful entrepreneur?
I am sure you were one, and are now, a successful gardener once again, now that you have hung your gloves, as an entrepreneur, and are back on your knees, digging, sowing, weeding, growing life.

After all that strife as a successful entrepreneur.
As on date, our Earth needs more gardeners like you, and in large strengths and force too.

* Thanks to the man-made: global warming.
* Thanks to extreme axing over the years.

Come let us save our Eden, alias Earth, as entrepreneurs!
As we are not God,
We are observant emulators.
And we should emulate and replicate goodness, as we are very good emulators of both good and the evil.
Let’s emulate the good and be good gardeners to begin with,
Before it gets too late.
If we do not, we are bound to collectively decay and finally obliterate.
Sooner than later.
Entrepreneurship of the eternal kind will happen…naturally only then.

When the other frogs looked into that pit and gauged it as a rather deep one, they informed the two hapless victims in the deep pit that they were as good as dead.The two frogs deep inside the pit decided to ignore the comments and advice offered by bystanders.

They tried and attempted to jump out of that pit with all their might. While they were doing that the other frogs outside the pit kept telling the two that there was no point in attempting to escape as it was a forgone conclusion that they would ultimately die…as the pit was out of the possible scaling limit of the frogs by froggy standards.

One of the confined frogs, while attempting to jump out, began to pay heed to these comments. His efforts showed less zeal and he began to tire out as well… much sooner than his trapped mate. He exhausted himself quickly with every attempt that he made, and in due course fell dead.

The other frog continued to jump with the same zeal and with every attempt that he made he would gain a few more inches. He continued to jump and persevered in the the true spirit of the proverb: Try and try till you succeed. The crowd of frogs on seeing the other one dead continued to dissuade the surviving one, beseeching him to give up else he would drop dead too! They were croaking all the time, advising him to not go through the painful experience of trying so hard. They wanted him to lay down and die peacefully instead.

The frog however, did not heed to them at all and he continued to try…he tried and tried till he finally did jump out of that pit!

When he was out of the pit all the frogs accosted him and inquired from him why he did not pay heed to their croaky and well throated advice. “Did you not hear us?” they exclaimed.

There was no response from the exhausted frog. After some more vocal and deliberate attempts the frogs discovered that they were croaking at a partially deaf frog!

When the frog finally understood what they were asking of him, he responded and told them that he continued to jump as he thought the others were encouraging him to do better with every jump! He did that precisely. And here he was outside the pit.

Mission Impossible accomplished! Thanks to his misinterpretation of that croaky ‘encouragement’ from the entire group of pessimists!

The story as such teaches us a few well meaning lessons:

1) We should strive to attempt and fail rather than fail to attempt as life is full of pitfalls.

2) Our power of speech both as an individual and as a collective team, has the power of life and death within it. It encourages all the time when used properly and sincerely. An encouraging word or two to anyone whom we know  is down and low, can help lift his/her spirits and make him/her move on.

3) A destructive word or piece of advice to someone is ‘down in the dumps’ can be what it takes to kill the individual rather than will/fill him/her with much needed hope and encouragement.

4) We must listen to one and all if need be; but must do what we feel needs to be done vis a vis the situation on hand.

5) We must open our minds before we open our mouths.

If we have to speak we must speak carefully all the time. Our speech should always speak of life and hope to all whom cross our paths. We should desist and refrain from speaking about negativity as such! The power of words is awesome.

It is very easy for any one to speak discouraging words to others so remember those who take time and put in conscious efforts to encourage others in times of need are indeed very special friends…. in need and in deed too!

One such effort with a very mind boggling title came my way, thanks to my daughter who bought this book, read it as well, and goaded me to do the same, a few months ago. I could not do so then, because my mind was preoccupied with more pressing matters.

On this week end, however, it not only rained, it poured, and that too at a time when I was all set to drive to the golf course for an eagerly awaited tee off. But thanks to the weather, I was stopped in my tracks. I was restless and impatient, and did not know what to do. As I sat pondering, I happen to glance at this book on my side table. I picked it up at around 3 pm on that bleak Sunday afternoon. I did not put it down till well past midnight. Such is the power of expression in this effort by Subroto Bagchi — a successful self made man and a first generation entrepreneur who has lived a rewarding corporate life culminating in the founding of one of the most admired business corporations of India — Mindtree.

The book uniquely titled as, Go Kiss The World is:
A story of endless endurance.
An unending stride for excellence.
A saga of patience and perseverance.
An example of painful but rewarding diligence.

That title itself is so catchy and commanding. A command that the author’s mother lovingly gives him when he is at her bedside, just before she is about to take her last breath. What a wonderful command…reminds me of Napoleon and his famous words: Give me Good Mothers and I shall Give you a Good Nation!.

The book has been written in a very simple and effective narrative style. It is full of real time experiences shared with readers through a unique elan. The author describes and reflects about choices made, stances taken, learning, unlearning and relearning all the time. He speaks about never retiring as long as one lives and gives the reasons why through living, breathing examples.

It essentially meanders through four decades of the life of a unique professional who ‘values values’ most, beginning in a nascent corporate India of the fifties and sixties and successfully culminating in the blooming first decade of India in the 21st century. Through examples of corporate life lived through a smattering of well-chosen anecdotes, the author has magnanimously made it possible for the budding entrepreneurs of India, to learn from others’ experiences and mistakes. How thoughtful of him.

With the love and support of a humble father and devoted mother, the author commences his journey by first excelling as an NCC cadet in his early twenties, and then later in his late forties, as a priced team member and think tank core team member, of the famous entrepreneur; Azeem Premji of WIPRO repute. He excelled and went from strength to strength.

Then when he has it all — wealth, power, and influence, he finds he is more restless and ill at ease than ever before.

After money what?…is a question several leaders who ‘value values’ have asked themselves. The author aptly cites the example of Warren Buffet here and goes on to advocate his theory that money beyond $10,000 does not lead to happiness, as sought!

In that very spirit, the author, at the pinnacle of his career, with two daughters well settled in universities in USA, this co-founder of Mindtree, requests that he be allowed to step down and work as “a gardener”…gardening was something he learnt, loved, cherished and enjoyed doing as a child along with his mother in the simple rural settings of Orissa where he grew up.

In the end, the author has very benignly summed up the very true and meaningful lessons to be imbibed by anyone who is seeking a deeper meaning to existence beyond the call of material success. A delightfully written and essentially a must- read book for everyone, but especially young leaders in the making. As I too have now decided to Go And Kiss The World!

Original People, Thoughts, Ideas, Products, Efforts, Plans,
Campaigns, Features, Creators and Entertainers….
They originate to dominate.
Their origins are original,
Never duplicated.
Always original! To be duplicated and replicated after they happen.
As they do happen once in a while.

Oscar Wilde who was one of those rare originals, wrote: “Most people
are other people. Their thoughts are someone else’s opinion, their
lives a mimicry, their passions – a quotation.”

That is the best example I could think up of to cite on originality.

Origin must be having its origins too.
It has for sure….
Within talented individuals who make and break records.
Who leave an indelible mark on sands of time.
Originality! Where and how does it originate?
How does it originate and then slowly permeate?
To obliterate the duplicates!
In all walks of life.
Through relentless struggle and strife.
All through life.

How does it get to substantiate itself with the ides of time.
How does originality ultimately substantiate itself and
make itself stand out as a one time great?
Rather than get common and kind of, out of date.
As most of the times we ordinary mortals are extraordinarily late….
Late in arresting and sustaining originality within us.
Thereby instead of being before time and original, we tend be, late….
Late in arresting nurtured. original thoughts,
Morphing them into actions.
Bold and brave,
As we internally yearn and crave,
Since we were naive, slaves.

We are late…only and to duplicate everything! Including our own
thoughts, lives and well being!
Duplicate, triplicate, as we replicate and propagate,
Through repetitive, non progressive education and experiences.
Through our inert inability to arrest that annoying inefficacy….
Like a concubine thought!

Thereby we are not an original being of our original thinking.
Our Being as such is duplicated due to such and other several
concubine-thoughts.
Concubine thinking within our cocooned, educated brick-in-the wall
types of minds,
Matured through education that is solely pursued for materialistic
lives and lifestyles.
Mundane, shallow, selfish and short lived….
Always duplicated and never original.
Clinging concubine thoughts.

Originality originates in original mindsets,
That do not get set as such through worldly education and experiences.
I know and am convinced that the origin lies in our mind sets, in what
is now recognized and acknowledged as “Superconsciousness.”

That word has now found a solid ground and following.
There are more believers and in-tillers in that form and feel.
More takers. More mind tillers.
More stakers too.
As it is no longer a secret.
Now that it is out, I hope and pray that originals are on the anvil
always, and in the making, all the time.
More surreal and sublime than ever.
Free to duplicate and replicate originality.
Free to emancipate and accelerate….
To bloom and to fructify.
Originality.
Selflessly and perpetually.
Like eternal original music and unlike short-lived duplicate echoes!
To elate and elevate.
May be levitate too.
Life, lives and life styles.
As minds and mindsets are indeed originals and should be allowed to
remain that way.

Are you a mundane or an original ?
Do you believe in yourself ?
In your original mind ?
In change?

Do you also believe and delve in Superconsciousness ?
Then let go of the mundane.
To gain through pain and perseverance.
To happen as yet another original,
To rule and remain.
Through refrain….
To originate as your own original self.

Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) conceptualized, visualized, created and popularized several physically complicated dance techniques, such as the ‘Robot’ and the ‘Moonwalk.’
He accomplished such incredible dance feats even as he created and vocalized music too. He did that for us ever since he was 10 years old.

Much as we tried, we could never learn to emulate what he presented to us so effortlessly through his performances. There we were, living it, loving it and enjoying it in awe, all the time knowing we could never reach his heights of accomplishments, as they were indeed out of this world. We were beaten to it….by miles.
Beat It!

His distinctive musical sound and vocal style not only influenced many hip hop, pop and contemporary R&B artists across several generations, it also inspired some of the greatest film makers in the Indian sub continent like Ram Gopal Verma. He has gone ahead and painfully recorded on his blog, “I truly truly hate Michael Jackson for becoming a grim realty from a fantastic fantasy. (www.rgvzoomin.com).
For RGV, Michael Jackson was somebody from outer space. Such was the impact of MJ’s creativity on this creative professional of global repute.

Not that the impact is not there within us as well. Isn’t there an inner sense of subtle pain gnawing ever since we heard the news of his death? Isn’t it there within each and every one of us who have lived, loved and loathed his creativity in these past thirty plus years?

We miss him like hell…now that he is gone.

I do for sure. I miss MJ a lot. I never met him in person even for a second. Still I do. Such is the power of his music. I lived and loved his presence so much that now it’s like a vacuum that has been created in me. A void that is there to stay. The pain within is numbing and constant.

The music he gave us has been haunting me since last Thursday, when I first heard about his sudden demise. I am unable to think my way out of that trance with his songs reeling in my mind. One by one. I am conjuring images of his videos as well. From the very first one, to the last one. I am so numb that I am unable to play them on any of my music playing devices. I am afraid I might cry in pain if I do so.

We grew up hearing tales about sensational performers like Elvis, The Beatles and other greats of the fifties and the sixties, that our elder friends and relatives enjoyed in their time. They would talk so much about their icons when we were teenagers. That left us yearning for our own musical icons as the seventies and eighties unfolded.

That was the time when ABBA and Boney M were rocking the airwaves. But the really phenomenal artiste that our generation deserved was quietly coming into focus in America in the form of a 10 year old called Michael Jackson. He was gyrating, moon walking and singing his way up as a part of ‘The Jackson Five.’
Then one day, he finally arrived. He arrived in style and ‘moon walked’ into our hearts to stay there for ever.

He arrived big and bold in the seventies and graduated too with his “Thriller” album, enthralling us to ecstasy in the early eighties. He was soon to be the ‘tsunami’ of music world. He arrived and remained as” The Music Maker/Entertainer of the Century.”

“Veni Vedi Veci” is one phrase that was defined and created for the likes of MJ. Conquer he did. Not a part of the world but the entire world as such. MJ conquered the music world and stayed as the number one artiste all these years. With more that 750 million records sold, he has set a record that would be very difficult to break in times to come. Those 750 million records are stirring billions of souls every day.

As an outstanding, respected and admired artist of African American origin, MJ has the distinction of being inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame not once but twice. The Guinness Book of Records highlights his recording successes a number of times as well – including the honour for being the “Most Successful Entertainer of All Time.” He had 13 Grammy Awards and 13 number one singles.

He made his debut on the professional music scenario back in 1968 as a member of ‘The Jackson 5.’
He made a mark and embarked on creating HIStory as well, moving up and mesmerizing viewers and music lovers with every performance. He continued to scale even higher heights, thanks to his decision to go solo in 1971, while he was still a member of that group. Soon he emerged as the “The King of Pop.” He still holds that title, even after death. His Album Thriller, released in 1981, is till today, positioned as number one, as it is still the world’s best-selling album of all time. With his death, the sales have gone up another notch as indicted by early reports. People want to desperately own a piece of him now that he is no more.
Four of his other solo studio albums are among the world’s best-selling records: (1) Off the Wall (1979); (2) Bad (1987); (3) Dangerous (1991); (4) HIStory (1995).

Convergence of technology as it happened in those years, helped MJ and his entertainment reach every home thanks in part to the efforts of his record company that pushed an initially-reluctant MTV to show his videos. His followers quadrupled within no time. He made billions of dollars in the bargain. But he had his feet on the ground all of the time. MJ donated and raised millions of dollars for beneficial causes through his foundations and supported 39 charities through the years.

Aspects of his personal life, including his often changing appearances and eccentric behavior, generated significant controversy which damaged his public image. And two ruptured marriages added to his many woes. Despite his personal conflict, he loved his children and since breaking up with second wife, Debbie Rowe, he has paid 9 million dollars a year to have sole custody of them.

Michael Jackson endured many tribulations but was all set to get back into the limelight with a bang in the near future. But fate had other plans for him. When death came, it came out of nowhere, as an unexpected gloomy surprise. It came while he was working extensively on a come back trail through a series of 50 concerts scheduled for London. Alas! He is no more. Physically, he is gone but spiritually he lives on through his unique soul stirring music.

I do not have the heart to witness his funeral which is expected to break all records as well. I would rather play his songs in my mind and remember him alive and rocking the night away. Rest in Peace Michael Jackson. We’ll miss you.

Thoughts:
Our thoughts are as intangible as ether. Yet, they make us smile or bring frowns to our brow as they emerge from our mind. We need to learn which thoughts to keep and which ones to eject with immediate effect. Else, we tend mull over the negative, destructive ones and in the bargain, make our life a series of convoluted dramas that could be avoided. Our thoughts and our thinking process as such, make us what we are as: an individual, family, fraternity, society and nation. Thoughts are nurtured, neglected, negated, debated, weighted and abated as we grow.

Growth:
We grow happily or miserably, depending on the combinations of thoughts we nurture, as cited above. Unfortunately thoughts are intangible. We can neither see them nor feel them. A big handicap. We have to learn to live with that handicap and grow up as well. As you journey through life, it would be interesting if you could look back every now and then to see your trail of thoughts and how they influenced your evolution as a human being. But sadly, we do not have that luxury as a privilege.

But thoughts make us act and react. Those very actions are absolute tangibles. Herein lies the solution. We need to learn and master the art of watching! Watch your thoughts! Watch your actions. Do that as a habit! Watch your actions and reactions very actively. As you watch, look for patterns. Note those patterns as you grow. Then navigate your way through life by:

1) Keeping and repeating thoughts that bring you joy happiness.

2) Deleting the thoughts that make you unhappy and miserable.

When you learn to do so, you would have learnt to live a joyful life. Remember, the duration of life is not known to any one on this earth. Actually, the way to live a happy and a joyful life is known to few.
You must control your thoughts if you want to be among those few wise ones.

Easier said than done, but with a conscientious effort one can master it. In a nutshell that is Life. Why then do we have to make it hell? Why invite strife? Why not endeavor to make it pleasing and all loving for one and all. We can, if we learn how to rein in our thoughts as they happen. Consider these two simple ways:

1) Identify, arrest, and negate the harmful thoughts. Delete them instantly and never allow them to be repeated.

2) Identify, nurture and multiply the joyful thoughts. As you nurture them, learn how to replicate them

Thereby you can live life joyously inside of every moment….till the final moment when Death comes to open news doors of discovery.

Why did God leave it to us? To create? To hate? Is there a grand plan of His, that is yet to unfold? For us to learn and grow beyond religion?

These thoughts have made me arrive at one conclusion: God created feelings but He never created religion. Yes, He created feelings and allowed them to instill love, joy, hate, anger, passion and compassion within us. With time however, feeling-driven humans clung together and formed what we love and cherish today – religion. Feelings gave birth to religions.

But why?

There I was, pondering again why would God plan it out like this? Back to square one. That thought lead me to my own feelings. I am, what my feelings make me, and what others close to me and around me, make me as well. So much is thrown at us, that feelings are birthed as responses. They seep, sap, and once in a while, zap too. As a result, we get to experience love, hate and hurt.

Hence, feelings led to religion, is my quick-shot, conclusion.

Our feelings not only affect us, they they affect people around us, too. Our feelings make us active, reactive, pro-active, inactive, selective, protective and destructive, too. Feelings make or mar us. We are affected as individuals and as groups every day. Afflicted and inflicted, feelings get compounded very quickly. They are shared very quickly, ensnaring us before we realise what is happening. None is spared here when feelings are shared and begin to spread like a wild fire, fanned primarily by greed and ignorance.

On the other hand what about positive feelings, of love and joy? Once they happen they ‘get to happen’ they are short lived. They are shared too, but very sparingly.

They are not as popular as the negative ones. Not as vehemently as the negative ones. Not as attractive as the destructive ones that invariably break into the open with a mighty blast called ‘hate.’
These man-created negative feelings grow exponentially to amass under a shelter called – religion – in the name of God.

Was this is how religion emerged? From negative, exponentially-compounded feelings, seeking shelter from hunger, natural calamities and lurking dangers in the ‘dark ages’, when man was illiterate and ignorant?
If so, then why does it still bind the minds of modern mankind? Why are we still blind today when the world is supposed to have matured and come of age as a global village?

We can probably lay the blame for this situation at the feet of the learned mullahs, priests, pastors and spiritual con men who continue to imprison us in religious cages.

Why can’t they get together and spread love and joy in the name of God?

Isn’t it ironic that we are now in the darkest age ever experienced by mankind thanks to the religious mindsets that bind unfortunate and illiterate minds without the buffer of feelings or a conscience?

But again, where did religion emerge from? God never created it because He always knew, the outcome would not be love and joy. God however, seems to have created everything from love. It is the act of love that gave birth to mankind. But through religion humans have learned to hate their brothers and sisters and shed blood in the name of God.

How sad God must be! The Creator who set us free on this lovely earth, with only one feeling – Love!

That feeling of love however, has mutated into dividing and deriding religions that also created physical borders and named them countries. Today, those very borders are like cages, locking religious zealots within by insularity and narrow beliefs.

Today men believe they are gods, passing judgment on all across villages, towns, cities and nations. Armed with guns they arrogantly claim to know the “only true God” while they kill in the name of religion.

Maybe we should re-spell the word Religions as Reli-guns, meaning the new found religion.
A sum total of Relish+Legions+Guns = “Religuns”

Man was never made to make feelings. God made feelings. Man was made to use them wisely. When humans got to creating they unfortunately made Religion alias Religun.

Now what we see is blood on their hands, on the ground, on the earth, and on the ceilings. Isn’t it time for all of this to end? Time for us to destroy all arms in arms? Enough is enough.

Under man-made religion we bled and will continue to bleed until we get rid of that seed that was never sown by God in the garden of Eden…. Religun alias Religion.

Ask yourself these two questions every day.

1. Do I Ask?

2. Did I Ask?

Ask for what?

It could be anything, that you may be contemplating/struggling/yearning to find/learn about: Help
Answers, Advice, Counselling, Mentoring, Coaching or Teaching

Ask How? Ask What? Ask Whom?
Life is all about learning, unlearning and relearning. Learning happens through and within our minds.
The mind is always at work. It’s seldom “As still as a mill pond.” It throws up several ideas, thoughts,options and opinions all the time.

Knowingly and unknowingly we constantly mull over them, within our very own personal mind spaces and more often than not, we shelve them, as we do not have the right answers at that point of time.

We do communicate silently, within our minds in search of the best answers to the best of our capability.
If we succeed, we act and enact that thought into action. If we do not succeed we move on and drop that thought. As a result we fail to act on that impulse. In the bargain, we lose several ideas that may otherwise have turned into lucrative results as possible opportunities.

Why?
Because we failed to Ask, Ask, Ask.

The question is why don’t we ask others? Why do we hesitate to ask? Why don’t we ideate?
Like we used to do as children.

We don’t ask because we have an ego within us now, that stops us from doing so. We shy away from asking, despite the fact that God has gifted us with a very powerful tool – the ability to communicate with one another through one means or another.

We seldom if not ever, use that power effectively to find answers and solutions by communicating with others.

Why?

Well, we are Grown Ups now and we believe that we have all the answers. We hesitate, procrastinate or develop inhibitions. A few decades ago as children we would always Ask, Ask, Ask….even the smallest of the doubts. We would relentlessly seek an answer until we got it. We grew up that way until we were classified as Grown Ups.

Just sit back and peek into your childhood days. Remember how curious, vocal, and persevering you were back then? You would inquire like a live wire. And you would get the solutions too.

As you would relentlessly Ask, Ask, Ask as a child, you would at times, irritate the person being asked.
You did that until you grew up! And now, you don’t ask at all! As a result, you have either stunted your growth or have decided to not to grow. How ironic as such a silence is never golden!

No wonder then, those who don’t ask, stop growing. Growing in the real sense, as a complete human.
What a tragedy.

We all know that life’s learning curve moves linearly upwards, till our last breath. We also know that there are several humans on this earth who know more than we do.

Then why stunt our growth? Instead, why not continue to grow, by shedding our inhibitions and getting back to the basics of inquisitiveness. Why not Ask, Ask, Ask! No sane person on this earth will ever deny you an answer if he has it in him. Why not humbly reach out to him/her politely, with an open mind and noble intentions for a non commercial purpose.

Don”t believe me? Ask somebody now and see for yourself. Once you are convinced that it works, don’t stop.
Ask, Ask, Ask…until your last breath. Ask in person, through a mediator, or use the tremendous power of the internet. If you fail, don’t be dismayed! Ask, Ask, Ask.

Ask the Almighty. Yes ask God if humans have failed to give you the answer you sought.
Ask through prayer. Seek a solution that way and you will get it. Ask to Bask ….in a new found glory.

From the folklore days of Tom Thumb to what I now call “Thumb Types Times” it has been quite a remarkable journey. For a tiny little thumb!

Most of us have been through that journey ourselves since we first read that story as children to now when we are “Thumb Types” as well. We are all adept “Thumb Typists.” Therefore let us show the “Thumbs Up” to that wonderful journey.

The story of Tom Thumb as a child, had us wondering and gaping in disbelief while it left us bewildered too.

As a grown up now, whenever I am on my mobile/PDA, I use my thumb, very often to type/key in information. I am amazed at the thumb’s agility, ability and adaptability.

Right in front of my eyes, as I type, using it to press the keys I see it functioning like a well trained soldier.
The thumb is the most important part of a fighter pilot’s body during combat. You see, the versatile thumb fires most of the weapons, using the buttons on the joy stick to destroy the adversary. It is adept.

Timely Thumbing that usually leads to Thumping Victories!

Today, we are so used to our mobile phones as they are an integral part of our existence. As I type, I relive the story of Tom Thumb with every stroke. Tiny, adventurous, mischievous by design and outstanding too.
Our very own thumb!

Outstanding as a leader. Yes. We use the thumb as an example to coach about leadership qualities too.
Here is how we do that. Look at your own open hand, fingers wide open. Do you know why a thumb is considered to be a leader, amongst all the five fingers? In case you do not, please write me and I shall share a detailed lesson on that with you.

Let us therefore agree that the thumb has found its way back into the limelight in the 21st century. To the centre court, victorious as any resilient leader. Like Tom Thumb did, time and again, in the 17th century folklore.

This time around, the thumb is flying our gadgets, helping us communicate using our hand held “high tech devices”. The thumb is helping us to make communication successful and convenient.

While doing that effectively, it has also morphed the English Language, making it more phonetic, in the bargain. SMS’s get created within the brain, are re-spelt too by it – phonetically, and then are typed by the thumb as tiny, effective communications.

Gr8ness of d thumb demonstr8ed here.

Remember it? In another context? Always defining and setting the rules too? Thumb Rules? Does that ring a bell as well?

To conclude now:
Effective usage of the tiny but mighty Thumb, as a Leader, continues admirably, in the 21st century.
No wonder then, the Thumb still leads and rules. Like it did centuries ago as Tom Thumb!

Yes canyons! There are two similar ones. One in the USA. One in India.
They are located on different longitudes and are almost 16,000 kilometres apart.

Separated by mighty oceans, both are located almost on the same latitudes. Both have been naturally carved out by two mighty rivers and neighbouring winds!

The one in the USA is Colorado’s Grand Canyon. It is a ‘must see’ by any tourist visiting the USA! The one in India has been carved out by the river Krishna! It is very deep and very beautiful with a unique and unparalleled scenic beauty as well.

The main attractions on its shores are the very old and well-respected “Shakti Peeth” called “Srisailam” and an equally famous tiger sanctuary.

Both canyons are located within comfortable driving distance of the two 5th largest cities,
of the respective countries. The one in the USA is within the vicinity of Phoenix.
The one in India is within the vicinity of Hyderabad.

Each has it sown charm with striking similarities.
Each is grander than the other in its own uniqueness.
Each has its own signature value too and common cutting tools: water and wind.

What needs to be noted, is the fact that natural works of wonder such as these two canyons, do bear a stark resemblance to each other although they happen to be separated by thousands of miles from one another.

The rivers responsible for creating them flow on almost the same latitudes.

Now that is no coincidence! The unique gorges carved by the two are hundreds of feet deep!

On visiting both, I am sure you would also question the creator. Like I did. Does the Creator love to replicate too? Replicate – using powerful tools like water and wind. Over long, long durations of time? To carve and create awesome natural wonders, such as these two awesome canyons?

If so….. why?

I leave a door to the future… ajar,

Feeling kind of… drifty, thrifty and nifty.

Wondering pondering, from here to where?

Do I dare?

Or do I care to go, where I care, with care.

Minus the natural dare.

Alone and not as a pair!

Here, there, everywhere.

Life’s certainly been a tutor,

Hence, now I live in the now and not in the past/future.

However, now I am beginning to wonder

What’s in store out there in the yonder,

That is no longer as invigorating, as it was then.

As a feeling of ‘seen-all, done-all’ prevails now

And nothing seems to be like, the then “Wow.”

Since, I no longer wield the shiny sword,

And have instead chosen to wield, the humble pen.

To gong, the gong of the bigger, bolder, big Ben.

Nobody knows,
Life’s throes,
Gives us a rose,
With a thorn within,
To pin prick you,
And make you finally begin,
To listen,
To sounds of silence…
After a journey of love, losses and pains,
Strains and other energy drains,
Wherein one loses so that the other gains,

Minus the pains.

The gainer not knowing,

That to lose and be called a “perpetual loser”

Was part of the grand plan,

Executed without any fanfare or elan.

So that the gainer is neither pained, nor maimed.

Ever since losing,

I have stopped choosing.

As I am seeking

An answer to-

From here to where?

Wherever now, I don’t care.

As it is no longer a snare.

But a confident march towards the truth,

Now unfolded…. thread bare,

Thanks to my self-empowered dare.

To find out how other Ticklers and readers responded to these questions click here. If you would like to take this interview as well, mail us your answers at interview@tickledbylife.com. (we will publish only the best responses)

What is God?

Axee: A belief, and since S/he is a belief, S/he is omnipresent, omnipotent. Beliefs are based on facts. Facts are based on patterns and experiences. One good way of making the mind understand God is to think numerically.The number 2 comes before 3, 1 comes before 2, 0 comes before 1, God comes before 0. As simple as that.

God or the Big Bang? (or both)?

Axee: First God then the Big Bang.

God or Darwin (or both)?

Axee: Again, First God then Darwin for showing us one of the ways of God. He mapped it for us, the less intelligent ones.

God or Darfur? (How can Darfur happen if there is God?)

Axee: Darfur is there as S/he is there too, and making it happen as well.

Who is God’s God?

Axee: None. As I explained, God comes before 0.

Will the real God please stand up? (Why do we have so many religions?)

Axee: Yes why? Real God is within us as individuals…why do we cluster up? We don’t have to herd up but we do! There is no need to prove any numerical superiority here at all. All we need to do is Love one another as His/Her creation! Pray collectively if at all we have to at a spot called “Sarva Dharma Sthal” – a tall task. But that’s the ultimate goal to achieve universal salvation made possible through love. We need to destroy desires first, physical boundaries next, and finally mental ones too created by religion. Why were we not born into any religion with that religion’s tag in our hands? Is S/he not capable of delivering us with a tag?
Think!

Is this just a big lab and are we just guinea pigs and God just a researcher?

Axee: Nope…we are not. If we were guinea pigs why would we evolve? As a creator God does not need to research. We research to understand His/Her creativity and ways.

Does unexplained phenomena = God?

Axee: Not all, but contextually – yes. If you accept the explanation the S/he comes before 0, alias ‘shunyaa.’ S/he stands explained.

As we grow in stature as individuals, families, villages, towns, cities, nations, and civilization as a whole we must embrace change. Change for the better.

As change is the only constant in Life.

Environmentally speaking, life today on our earth is definitely, a strife.
Life as a whole for all living species on this earth is under threat in one form or another. Thanks to our carelessness, insensitivity to environmental issues both individually and collectively by ever-multiplying humans.

What is past is past. Let us live in the now and learn to change for the better.
Change is inevitable if we have to save the earth for future generations.

Recently we celebrated, “Earth Day.” A day when millions of people worldwide joined hands to announce or renew their personal commitment to tackle environmental issues. The sense of urgency and importance attached to this global initiative reflects the need of the hour.

Although all concerns about environmental issues are being aired and shared, the real action and initiative at the personal level is not changing gears. We are not really committed to changing our ways as individuals. It is time we made that commitment.

Don’t you also think so?

It is time we adopted a greener life style as individuals. It is time we live by demonstrating our concerns for the environment, through personal actions in our day to day lives, that speak well about our individual commitment! It is time we demonstrated, by setting individual examples for our children to notice and emulate. How many of us are really committed? Not many.
Here is why.

1) Do you often ask this question – what difference can an individual make?
Well an individual can make all the difference in the world. Therefore, begin to be that individual. Now.

2) Are you helping to reduce the heavy dependency on earth’s finite resources?

Here is a check list for you to consider:

Do you walk to and from work?
Do you use car pools as a habit?
How often do you use the bicycle?
Do you use the public transport system as a habit?
Do you recycle water? Do you store and drink water from earthen pots, at least once in a while?
Does your house have a rain water harness system, built into it?
Do you even own a solar lamp or better still, have a solar a electricity supply in your home as a default source of energy?
Do you have a small kitchen garden/shelf/balcony/rooftop pot, that grows your basic need of herbs or the vegetables you consume?
Do you love and eat vegetables or do you yearn for meat all the time?
Do you carry a cloth bag to the mall when you go to shop?
Did you give up smoking?
Do you pick up that plastic bag/mug/plate and deposit it safely for recycling?
Do pay all your bills online?
Have you learnt to reduce, reuse, and recycle?
Do you use less heat and air conditioning and practice living at room temperatures?
Have you changed your light bulbs by replacing them with compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs?
Have you planted and nurtured trees in your lifetime?
Do you switch off lights, fans, and conditioners as a habit, when you leave home/workplace?
Do you purchase energy-efficient products and habitually avoid products that come with excess packaging that cannot be recycled?

Even if you are able to conscientiously embrace and maintain three of the above habits, you should pat yourself on the back. My hearty congratulations to you as you are a caring, daring global citizen. Keep it up and continue to improve with every passing day.

If you are not able to, please do not be dismayed. Instead try to at least embrace some of the above mentioned measures as often as possible. By making such wise choices you also get to send a clear message to businesses, politicians and government agencies that you are an eco-friendly, caring citizen who expects them to align themselves with environmental preservation practices in all its forms.
Now doesn’t that feel powerful?

Worried and bothered about tomorrow?
Don’t be!

Instead let’s learn how to regain the glow.

Through simple steps that I am about to show!

Let us learn to dwell in the now!
The slow…. now!
Here’s how.

Don’t stop! Go!
But – go slow.

Become the tortoise and carry the inherent hare, in you, on your back.
Yes! When the going gets slow, you too should get to go, slow.

Time for us to unlearn the fast life paces. It’s time to relearn slowness.
Learn to change gears from the top ones, to the lower ones.
Quickly.
Smoothly, both as individuals and as families.
As societies.

To go slow let us learn….
Learn to slow down our life-pace.
Learn to slow down our expenses.
Learn to slow down our plans.
Learn to slow down our thinking.
Learn to cope up with the strife, on the stride, with a smile on our faces.
Learn to live in/with less.
Learn to walk in the woods.
Learn to use the public transport once again.
Learn to cook and eat slow food.
Learn to not to frown and grumble.
Learn to earn less and live in less
As a God Bless.

What’s got to go, has got to go!

Therefore….

Let it go.
If need be, throw!
Without a wrinkle on the brow!

Don’t cling on to any thing that is not of any/much use.
Rework your clutter list, mercilessly.
From own thoughts, to other earthy belongings.
Discard them.

If it’s a credit card that is not being used, surrender it.
If it’s a car you are no longer using, sell it.
Not getting the right price ? Donate it.
Consider these current times to be as good as spring cleaning times.
Accordingly, offload as much as you can.

Do that and dip the hat.
Once done, pat the back.
As you cleaned the rack!

Share, care and dare.

Share whatever and as much as you can, with as many!
Open your heart.
Open your purse too.
Tithe as much as you can.

Don’t worry! Remember “The more you give the more you get.”
Give as you would, out of heartfelt care.

Yes – you need to dare.
Dare to care and share.
Share all that you can.
Selflessly.

Dare!
Dare to look at every difficulty as a challenge.
Look at it in the eye.
Affirm yourself and address it like so. “I am bigger than the problem, and I shall win over it”

Loom over it.
Loom to bloom once again, as you will for sure.

With a strong will and a slow pace.
With dignity and new found grace!

Lie low – spend slow.

Spend slow, both energies and money.

Lie low, like the Anaconda does. Once its tummy is full and dry season is looming over head.
With advancing drought it moves from water laden rivers, to shallow water puddles.
From drying shallow puddles, to the shady trees.
Stays there too, till it rains once again.
It knows it will.
And it does.

As, tough times do not last, but tough beings do!
It lives and survives to live again.

As it’s all about survival of the fittest.
In this the crazy “Economic Jungle”
We have created over these past 100 plus years!

When you go slow, you retain energies/savings for longer duration.
When you lie low, you retain energies/savings for longer duration.

When you do both, you retain/regain your natural glow!

So why not flow slow, with the slow flow, to glow!
Perpetually.

As slow and steady wins the race.

The procedure of strapping up is quite simple, but needs some external assistance. It is executed by the supporting hands of a crew as the pilot straps up. All the straps finally get housed into a circular buckle, located on top of his belly button. This contraption is called the Quick Release Buckle/Button or QRB.

Once you are strapped up properly, the canopy is closed to start up the engines. The idea behind this strapping up is to help you eject safely, in case of an emergency, both on the ground and in the air. Once airborne, in an emergency, when we have to take that decision to eject, we do so to save lives. Ejection invariably causes damage or loss of the aircraft. It often injures or kills the pilot too, despite the best of the safety measures built into it.

Ejection is very expensive decision, but not as expensive as the life of a trained fighter pilot, who is the real lethal machine. It is always, the man behind the machine who wins wars. The same way that wars are won in the minds of generals and not on the actual battle fields.

Many a times in case of an emergency, well before the aircraft leaves the ground, ejection is not the best option and an exit has to be made in a safe and swift manner. In such times we use the Quick Release Buckle/Button. One firm/deft twist and an inward punch on the QRB, with the fist, releases all the restraining straps. They open up in a jiffy and we are free to step up and step out. It takes only a few seconds to accomplish this act and emerge safely out of the cockpit.

These two measures are ingrained in our minds as pilots through training and mentoring and we have come to believe in two very well meaning quotes:

1) Flight safety is paramount.
2) Live to fight yet another day.

Now, what does all of this have to do with a common man’s ordinary life?

Ever since I hung up my flying gloves, I have always built in a QRB into anything and everything I have done.
I have chosen to live a common life in an uncommon way, thanks to my second-to-none training, as a fighter pilot.

I decided I would live:
a) A joyous life because life is a gift.
b) Live to give – Love, Inspiration, Faith, Encouragement (LIFE), every day.

With a unique QRB safely installed into everything I attempt to do, it has been possible to live a joyous life.

A QRB when installed well in time, helps me to:

1) Get out of the clutches of desires, well in time, rather than live to regret poor decisions later.

2) Say “No” firmly and squarely, when I find that my values are on the verge of being compromised.

3) Step away from greed in double time.

4) Bow out politely from challenges in case I sense deviations from agreed to plans and goals.

5) Retain friends and friendships, as I let him or her have the way they want.

6) Reject anything that may lead to a disastrous relationship.

7) Stop short of compromise to rethink – so as to not to compromise on integrity.

I have used my QRB successfully on several occasions both in my personal life and professional life without an iota of regret. I have walked out tall, with my dignity intact without hurting or maligning anyone.

All of us whether in business, jobs or in personal life get strapped up into an ejection seat as well, without knowing how to and when to use the QRB option. In these cases we seldom have external hands strapping us so we must use our own initiative.

However sometimes we get so attached and engrossed with that particular pursuit that we fail to install a QRB for later use.

Ejections are after all, very costly, last ditch maneuvers, to save lives at the expense of everything.

As ordinary people, most of our lives are spent in situations that seldom leave the ground realities. We work and live with our feet firmly rooted on the ground. However we tend to fly a lot on our egos. We forget the ground realities very soon. And when things go wrong we chose to eject in haste causing a lot of unnecessary disruptions and anguish.

That is why, I chose to work with a well defined QRB in every personal and professional pursuit.

Why don’t you try it out too? It is simple and very effective. And you get to design it yourself for all your unique life situations!

In case you need help, do touch base with me. I would be more than happy to help you devise your unique set of QRBs.

South Africa: Circa 1893.
Scene: Railway platform Pietermaritzburg railway station.

A train is halted unceremoniously, by the then white majority, and a two legged Indian, “black dog” all suited and booted like an Englishman, was unceremoniously thrown out, onto the platform as he was traveling in the first class.
Traveling on business, from Durban to Johannesburg, as an educated, qualified lawyer, who was then, the first so-called “coloured” lawyer admitted to the Supreme Court.
Traveling with a valid a ticket.
As he was then recognized to be as good as a two legged “Black Dog” thanks to the colour of his skin! It was not white, like the other fellow travelers’ was.
Therefore, he qualified to be shoved and thrown out. And he was!

There he was lying, on the platform.
A human being, with his pride hurt to the hilt.
Prejudice towards his skin colour had showed him this day.
He resolved here, that he would put an end to this evil.
He did so.
Through sheer grit and determination, in times to come.

South Africa Circa: 2009.
Day one. April 18.
Scene:Inaugural Match of IPL: Mumbai Indians versus Chennai Kings.

The match has begun.
Sachin Tendukar, an Indian, recognized and respected by the world as an all time great player, is in full form and flow, and in command of the situation as well.
He is also the Captain of the Mumbai Indians.
Runs are flowing from his bat, despite his age.
The T20 format is ideally suited for the younger players it is said.
He is proving that myth wrong!

Suddenly, the game gets held up; as a four legged “Black Dog” enters the field and holds up the play, for a good 10 minutes!

A game that is being aired all over the globe, with millions of viewers glued to their TV sets, comes to a grinding halt!
The world sees a real four legged “Black Dog” holding up the proceedings.
Efforts are underway quickly to get rid of the “Black Dog”!
Committees designed by organizers for such exigencies, get into the act!

The dog is neither lassoed nor is it thrown out!
All efforts fail.
Patience is not lost.
TV Cameras continue to record and report.

Finally, the “four legged black dog” is respectfully removed from the scene by a white Lady.
Using the lure of a cookie.

Not a hair of that genuine “Black Dog” was ruffled in the bargain.
It was lovingly and caringly, removed, by a white human being, in a dignified manner.
The commentator too ironically remarked, ‘removed through the VIP stands’ exit!’

Wow! What a change!
All of us as humans, witnessed and enjoyed that change as it happened.
In these past 100 plus years change has indeed, happened.
Happened for the good: to the whole world.

Apartheid has melted away completely.
How many of us remembered MKG in those tense 10 minutes?
In this light?

The respect that the dog commanded, made my mind rush back to the events, sited above.
As a comparative of life then, and life now!

Come to think of it:
The commentator himself used the word “lassie” and never uttered the words “dog” or a “black dog.”

The dog in question, indeed, had its day!
A field day, on a billion dollar field.
It never bought a ticket for this field day, and it was not thrown out!

Thanks to the humbleness of MKG. Mohan Das Karamchand Gandhi.
The Father of the Nation.
India.
India:The owner of IPL.
IPL as an event.
An event that has millions glued to the TV all over the world, and billions of dollars being churned too, in the bargain.
Not to forget the joy that cricket, as it is, brings, to one and all!
Globally.

Cricket is indeed a modern religion that binds one and all.
It also encompasses kindness towards other creatures, as was well demonstrated by this one well viewed incident.
It remains a gentleman’s game!

All said and done: One fact gets established for sure, now that we have all seen the incident happen.

But for MKG; the four legged “black dog” would have been gagged and thrown out of the stadium, if not shot!

Under the full glare of TV cameras.

One of them, I remember well is about trees and their large bigheartedness! A similar story is currently circulating on the net but here is how I remember the one told to me.

Once upon a time, there was a very young boy, who used to love spending time playing with his toys. His favourite playing place was under a full grown, fruit bearing tree.

In time, the tree and the boy became talking companions.

One day the little boy got bored and told to the tree, “I am bored – I have played with these toys too many times!”

The tree replied, “OK, don’t dismay, you can climb up on me and play on my branches.”

The boy was very happy with this suggestion and sure enough he started having a lot of fun climbing and sitting high up on the branches of the tree.
We have all done that as kids, haven’t we ?

One day he started school and for a long time he did not come to play under the tree. After some time had passed however, he came back to the tree. His old companion was overjoyed to see him and the tree encouraged him to climb on but the child refused!
“My school clothes are going to get dirty if I climb up on you,” complained the child!

The tree thought for a while and said, “OK, don’t worry. Go, bring a rope and tie it to one of my branches and you can enjoy a swing.”

The boy liked that idea and he quickly slung a swing as directed. He come back to play with his new toy every day, swinging lazily at times but aggressively on occasions when he was in an upbeat mood! The branch on which the swing was slung took the load without complaint. The damage that resulted from the constant friction and rub were also borne gracefully and quietly by the faithful tree. During summers, when the heat became unbearable, the tree would tell him to rest in its shade as well. The boy would lie down and rest there, to beat the sweltering heat.
Time progressed and the boy soon outgrew the swing and discarded it.
As he got older and moved on to college, times became harder on him. He had almost forgotten about the tree because he was preoccupied with his studies. As a struggling student he ran short of food very often.
One day he went back to the tree after a long time. The tree recognized him immediately and welcomed him.
The boy happened to be hungry and complained to the tree, “I do not have any food to eat, my stomach is cramping with hunger.”
The tree smiled and said, “Pull down my branches, pluck off some fruit, and fill yourself up.”
The young man, without batting an eyelid, jumped up and tore off one of the smaller branches from the trunk!
He ate and ate to his fill.
He did not stop there.
Over the weeks, he tore off all the branches and ate all the fruit.
After the fruit had all gone and the tree was left barren, he went away and did not come back to the tree as he thought it had nothing else to give him.

With time, when he reached his middle age, he came back to the tree and said: “I have been very successful in life. I have earned a lot of money, I have a huge house and I have found a great wife. Now I feel I need to travel and see the world.”

The tree by was now quite old and was not fruit bearing any more but still wanted to help its long time companion. The old tree told him, “Don’t worry. Bring a saw, cut off my trunk and make a boat out of it. Then launch that boat into the ocean and set sail with your wife to see the wonders of the world. Do that! ”

Without an iota of hesitation, the man cut down the tree. Branch by branch.
He began making the boat to sail away with his wife. He made it by cutting not one but all the branches and the trunk as well. As soon as he was finished, he set sail with his pretty wife in tow.
All that now remained of that glorious tree, once the boat was gone, was a stump. With time

Recognize any/all of those symptoms?
There you are…you are having a bad day on hand.

That’s how, some times, days that are not so good, happen and things get to happen in rapid succession too in the so-called “domino effect” way.
At the end of the day one feels stressed and burst out.
Wondering why did it all happen?
There is a loss of appetite too at times.
Then insomnia follows.

That is indeed a bad day.
Happens once in a while to the best of us.

Now, how does one get over it, quickly, by putting it behind as past and move on!

I have been through such days myself several times.
For no fault of mine things go wrong one after the other.

With experience behind me now, I know how to recognize one immediately, after the onset of the domino effect.
As soon as I notice the onset, here is what I resort to.

1) I alert myself and recognize that it is indeed on hand, a possible bad day!
2) I make up my mind that I won’t be snappy at all, come what may.
3) I am extra polite and courteous on that day, and smile consciously too as many times as I can.
4) I put off as much of written work as is possible.
4) I take frequent breaks to take some deep breaths.
5) I make it a point to call/meet some good old friends during the course of the day to detract my mind.
6) I call off meetings as far as possible.
7) I walk back home.

Once I am back at home the stress factor definitely sets in.
I know for sure I have been through a bad day.
The next challenge is how to get over it.
Quickly and effectively.

Here are some activities that help lessen the stress and invite sleep early, too.

Choose the one(s) that fit your schedule and time on hand, matching your energy levels as well, once you are at the fag end of your day.
Plan the rest of the evening accordingly, doing one or more of these activities.
1.  Switch off your mobile set as soon as you can.
2.  Spend quality time with your best friend and share the happenings, if you can, with him/her.
3.  Spend time with children.
4.  Listen to music that you love.
5.  Meditate for at least 30 minutes in solitude.
6.  Go for a work out.
7.  Play an outdoor team game.
8.  Do some creative activity like playing your favourite instrument, cook, paint, pursue a hobby, etc.
9.  Get a massage done.
10.  Go for a swim/take a cold/hot water bath just before turning in.
11.  Eat a light dinner either at home, or at your favourite restaurant with family/friend(s).
12.  Write a hand written letter to somebody you know/love.
13.  Help your spouse in the kitchen chores if you can.
14.  Help yourself to your favourite drink/chocolate in moderate quantities.
15.  Pray in solitude with your favourite incense sticks lit up and thank God with a sense of gratitude, for the good days that preceded this bad one.
16.  Hit the sack early.
17. Read a light book so as to invite sleep and avoid insomnia.
If you are able to accomplish some of these activities before you turn in, I am sure you would not only sleep sound, but also wake up with the lark, fresh and rejuvenated.

I have always marvelled at fruits.
If not for their nutritive value, certainly for the way they are packaged, by the manufacturer.
Crafted to perfection and lovingly presented to us for consumption.
24*7/365 days in a year.

Packaged in all completeness, in different shapes, sizes, colours, shades and hues, not to forget the aromas…through seasons and regions.

Packed to perfection by the manufacturer!
Manufactured with utmost care with unsparing details, built in.
With indefatigable love and affection.

As the manufacturer loves all his creatures that would ultimately get to consume those fruits.
Through brilliant hues of colours and packaging material, that only he is capable of manufacturing, he adds glitter to his own garden of Eden, the earth.

As he hates to litter this, the garden of Eden, he uses biodegradable stuff  to package all his produce.
As a rule.

Next time you peel a banana, a, mango, orange, papaya, pomegranate, custard apple, or any other fruit, please pay 100 percent attention to the way the flesh within the skin and the skin have been perfectly made, preserved, protected, and presented to you, by him, the Almighty manufacturer.
Do a close inspection.
You will agree with me.

As you select any fruit, do notice the colours, material, wonderful hues, the manufacturer chose for the purpose of packaging it.
Feel the skin, its rich texture, and don’t forget to inhale the wonderful aroma, of the ripened fruit, presented to you.
Go ahead and relish it.
Energize yourself.

While you do so, you will notice and acknowledge too, that a lot of love and detailed care have gone into each packaged fruit.
An endearing, enduring effort on his part.
For you.

It’s the final result of fool proof planning, manufacturing, and packaging, for you.
By him.
The manufacturer,
The best packager.
As the Almighty.

Once you consume the flesh, do discard the packaging material, without worrying too much about the bitter consequences, like global warming, etc.
Just worry about the proper civil sense of disposal.

If you can, please dispose of the seed, to help propagate the fruit.
Dispose of the rest to form compost as well.

Be very thankful and grateful.
As, fruits and vegetables are the most nutritious of all the foods, we get to eat.

That then was:
The Almighty’s way, his manufacturing technique, his choice of materials, his presentation to you, for you.
For your good, and for the overall well-being of his ecosystem, as well.

The receiver always connects and listens to you.
The two way transmission is always “strength 5″.
The receiver is never off the hook.
The receiver never drops the call.
You need to disconnect when you feel you are done.

You don’t need a service provider.
You don’t need to pay any rental.
The number is never, ever, engaged.

The number can be accessed individually as well as collectively.
The more the merrier.
The number is accessible from any part of the globe.
There is no conference facility, it’s a one to one connection.
There is no background noise, static, etc. that will disturb you, when you are connected.

The connection as well as the service come for free, for life, and is accessible 24*7.
When you dial you don’t here a ring.
You needn’t say “Hello” to connect.

You are never in a “Queue” and are always attended to.
Promptly.

The service provider listens/registers your thoughts and logs them as well.
You are not given any acknowledgment.
You are never forgotten.

While you dial and connect, all you need to ensure is that:
• You remain thankful.
• You transmit love.
• You seek help for your needs, and not your desires.
• You do so regularly, both in good times as well as bad times.
Those who do so…they reach out and stay connected to the almighty.
For perpetual bliss and happiness.

In the English language, He is called God.

G=7, 0=15, d=4.

–

Arun alias Axee is an ex-combat pilot turned executive life coach. He is actively involved with Brian Tracy in a novel learning initiative, iLearningGlobal.biz/axee. Contact him at emarshalarun@gmail.com.

After a very long duration, may be years and years, I received a hand written letter.
From a caring human being, who is destined to become my relative, by law.
And I was moved.

I had to read it again and again, for the sheer pleasure of holding it in my hands and re-living the joys of receiving, reading, loving hand written letters.

We grew up that way.
Somewhere down the line, I got victimized too to the convenience of emails.
This gentleman, now in his 60′s, obviously did not.
He wrote a letter on a piece of paper, using a pen.
In neat legible handwriting.
I wanted to reply too, in the same vein.
Promptitude has always been a virtue, in me.
I was not able to.
And that inability was gnawing me every day.

I resolved I would, and not call him instead to say thank you…I would write back a handwritten response.
Though I have his cell number I did not reach for the buttons.
I held back.
I have to write to him.

Despite such firm resolutions, it’s now almost a week and I haven’t.
I could not and am feeling miserable about it.
Such a simple act of yesteryears is nearh impossible, now.

In these past few days I might have responded to hundreds of emails, within minutes, but here was an act that had to be done, for sure, but new habits having now formed, have forced me to not to.

The gentleman in question doesn’t have an email id to begin with.
He is not even net savvy.
That adds to my predicament.
I have to write back a handwritten letter!
I haven’t.

Finally, as an interim measure, in order to get over the guilt of not acknowledging/responding within a reasonable time, I gave in, I did call him up, and expressed my gratitude with a promise of a written response too.

Why was I not able to write?
I had the paper.
I had the pen.
I had envelopes.
I had access to postage too.
The post box is also there…a few feet away from my home.
The postal services are also alive and kicking.
The will to write is also there.

Then what is missing?
A habit that is no longer “the habit”.

Yes, the habit of writing hand written letters has long since diluted, dissolved too.
Almost dead.
Thanks to technology which has made the pen a tool of the past and the keyboard, the tool of the now.

No wonder then, I am one of the victims of modern times.
To be blamed, not being able to respond back, with the promptitude of yesteryears, through hand written letters, reciprocating love and affection, in the same vein.

Not him…he wrote to me the way he grew up, lived with, and has retained it as a habit.

–

Arun alias Axee is an ex-combat pilot turned executive life coach. He is actively involved with Brian Tracy in a novel learning initiative, iLearningGlobal.biz/axee. Contact him at emarshalarun@gmail.com.

The secret of success is known to both successful and unsuccessful.
Then why do we have to be told how to succeed?

By one and all?

Have you ever pondered and mulled over this aspect of life science?
I have.

The quote above was the reason to do so, as the word “volition” jumped out at me, years ago, when it was presented to me by a senior, through a very powerful presentation.

There I was referring to the dictionary to learn its meaning, later in the day.

The word had a good positive ring to it when it was pronounced emphatically so I had to know what it meant.

It turned out to mean…”will”…a very common word.

Here is what it literally means:

Volition: The mental faculty by which one deliberately chooses or decides. Will.

•    The act or an instance of making a conscious choice or decision.
•    A conscious choice or decision.
•    The power or faculty of choosing; the will.

Having now understood what it means, allow me ask you now three questions.

•    Did you have the volition to succeed when you did succeed?
•    Didn’t you have the volition to succeed when you did not succeed.
•    Finally, do you now have the volition to succeed?

If you do not dismay, as you know the secret…you may have been wary of it all this while, but now you will get to know, for sure.

As one thing is for sure…”The only thing that stands between you and success is you”.

Success has got ‘u’ built into it by default.

You have/had the volition within you always, maybe lying dormant within you…you need to stir it up consciously now and then.
That’s all.

Get to do that consciously and constantly.

From “Got to do it” mode…you need to get to “Get to do it” mode…now!
As it is always now or never.

Therefore to succeed, as a habit, do it now… As, nothing succeeds like success!

With a little bit of reverse engineering you will realize that life is all about choices and not chances.

It’s the choices you make that drive you to action, or for that matter, inaction too.

Inaction is akin to inviting peril. Inaction invariably is preceded by procrastination and callousness. Identify their onset as soon as you can and then…jettison them immediately.

Once done, come and join me to “Kick the tire and light the fire” of the engine of action.

Action is driving yourself in the direction of results, both positive as well as negative.

With results happening, you are on the path of progress…progressing from the rabbit path, to a muddy track, to a road, onto a highway leading to a taxi track reaching out to a runway…to take off!

From the dumbbell called confidence.
To succeed.

Succeed…and  then land…back again on this runway, or for that matter any other runway, anywhere in the world, once you are deft and confident at doing just that…again and again. On the wings of patience, perseverance and a positive attitude.

Through repetitive attempts, you will too.

Fly.

As “they can fly because they think they can” is another quote that I have lived with ever since I was 20. Without fear of getting grounded or for that matter stuck in a quick sand—or worse, back-tracking over the same old ground(s), over and over again.

Attempt is a temptation that you need to be tempted to attempt.
That’s a conscious choice you have to make.

Whenever I look back at all that I have done and achieved I have narrowed down to the choices I made that lead to success…to the degree I desired.

Nothing more nothing else.

When I decided to hang up my gloves, it was a conscious thought and a deliberated action on my part, as I had had enough of that success.

I knew what I was doing and was ready to face the consequences too.
I did too.
No regrets.

As, here I am addressing and sharing thoughts/experiences with all of you, to tickle you to succeed, and get wherever you decide to go after.
Who knows, whether I would have been able to do the same, as an active combat pilot, had I not hung my gloves?

Then.
I am loving it here…and that’s true success for me.

Hope this piece of my “thoughtscape” helps you define, design, align, and spur you into action(s) too, to succeed as a habit…so that you do get to where you need to…so that you do love it as much as I love what I am doing, now a days.

As I made a choice, once I got to know and understand the power of choice coupled with, the power of now!

That understanding finally led me to understand the process of success.
So please make the right choices…don’t hold back on them ever.
If you don’t choose, you tend to snooze and if you snooze…you get to lose.

Choose now…set your choices as your goals…write them down…and then do not forget to assign time lines to each and every choice you make…as time lines breathe life into those very nascent thoughts that will finally spur you into action

Thoughts lead to Actions.
Actions begin with choices.
Right choices reach you to right results.

Right results = success = wealth, power and happiness.
Success = steely resolve + firm commitment + rock like determination = Volition = will (will+power)

–

Arun alias Axee is an ex-combat pilot turned executive life coach. He is actively involved with Brian Tracy in a novel learning initiative, iLearningGlobal.biz/axee. Contact him at emarshalarun@gmail.com.

I have rebuilt them, defined them, refined them, to the extent they deserved, or may be more, out of inherent kindness in the beginning, in the mid nineties.

Not off late.

As in the mid nineties, I had stepped out of the IAF, an Officer and a Gentleman, and always thought that the other party is truthful too, trustworthy, well meaning, humane. In 9 out of 10 cases none were.

They ultimately used me…as I allowed myself to be used, that’s my long drawn final conclusion.
I blame myself, not them, as I made few, but too many incorrect choices.
None other.

Commitment, passion, integrity, loyalty, discipline, moral Responsibility, mission, vision, leadership, etc. – all of these basic ingredients for building an organization, were advocated to have been taken care of, by all of them in principle…but to my chagrin, none ever did.

They were mere words used to showcase the window of opportunity offered to me, to set them either right and/or upright, thanks to my organizational exposure, experience etc. Not to forget the best training/honing in the world, as a leader. As a combat pilot.

A living, walking talking, working, example of the “plan, brief, execute, debrief, WIN” approach, that makes us what we are, all over the world. True well meaning executioners, situational leaders, and gentlemen who know how to command respect and never demand it.
Men of right stuff, who hire the right stuff, and groom to bloom them in times to come, as the best stuff.
Through devotion, passion, compassion.

Commitment, passion, integrity, loyalty, discipline, moral Responsibility, mission, vision, leadership, etc to me now, when I get to look back, I kind of realize that those words were akin to bedecked mannequins, posing in the  windows of retail shops to attract vary/unwary customers. In true line and spirit of the ever famous selling adage…whatever is seen is sold.

One of my initial tickles talks extensively about values.
The importance I attach and attached to that coveted set of human trait was spelt out over there.

In the end I always get to focus on values and never to monetary gains.

But the corporate world is all about money…minus values.
That’s for certain.
So I guess I am/was trying to fit squares into circles.
In vain.
As it’s all about gain, gain, gain…and inherent human pain.

My attempts to build in values into the business plan always went waste.
As the owner(s) of the business(es) was/were always in a haste.
To taste…money…money…money….nothing else.

None of the entrepreneurs, whether first generation or second generation, valued values.
In the end all of them did use the word or words “we are businessmen” or “this is business”.
Ringing in my ears like hollow bells.

Their business!
For sure when it recovers…recovered thanks to my efforts.

Your business when I got invited…incited…into it.

Our business…in the in=between phases.

Ironically speaking.

That pattern, and those words, became my milestones to watch and ward for, what would come next.
In other words, I got partially corporatized too.
Only to that extent.
So that I would not get to repeat the mistakes in the past, and make millionaires out of them.
No more.

I would rather live a paltry life than give in, to capitalism, as such.
In the recent times we have seen the end result of that path with USA and the rest of the world now reeling under recession.

Thanks to the managers…who I aptly call damagers…who get to manage companies and hold key posts either due to their personal relationships with the owners, friendship, or fancy MBA degrees.

Ideally termed as henchmen of the short-sighted CEOs and Managing Directors alias Damaging Directors.

These MDs and CEOs use every rule in the book to flaunt their incomes, lifestyles, from the companies’ funds, as they get to control them.
They always get to remark…”Look I pay you more than I take home.”

Kids would swallow that pill…not me, ever.
As perks and expenses, they carry forward bills for any thing and everything they spend, into the company accounts.

Do they ever dirty their hands themselves? No never.
They don’t have to too. No, as they are pedestalized.
As though it’s their birthright.

Do they reward and recognize intelligence? No never.
As they are scared stiff of losing everything to that intelligent guy if he rises up.

Do they have respect for rules and regulations?
Procedures…processes?
No never…as money can buy anything and every thing.
Including pedigreed, greedy, fancy degree holders.

Not to forget the in-vogue certifications too…that help shine the awning of the business house, to attract more gullible talent, and unwary customers.

Value based professionals with in-built experience…never.

Do they have a vision? On paper… yes!!! But in spirit…its zilch.
Do they have missions? Not really.
Do they set realistic goals? Seldom as goal setting is a useless exercise for the all knowing CEO/MD with self acclaimed experience of donkey’s years, built into the business plan too.

Do they have tactical and strategical plans in place…never!
It’s always play by the ear stuff…and more of “build as you get along”.

Do they hire to retain, grow, and not use and throw? No they don’t.
They invariably hire to fire.
Or get to make the employee what I now call “resign by design”
Use and throw….in any which way they can…as money can get them another resource.

Do they have a healthy respect for standard operating procedures?
Whats that? Ha…ha…ha.
Do they know how to find the right man for the right job…yes, they do as long as it’s one of their friend’s relatives, a novice all obliging youngster, with a gift of the gab, apple polisher, or a mole of long standing.

Do they know whether they are coming or going…yes they do as long as the money is coming!

But who am I to ask all this?
Who gave me the authority?
How dare I?

That’s the stance they took…will take too, as and when things are in place and traction has either happened or made to happen after I slog at it, passionately.
How stupid of me.

The last time I did help somebody in such a grief… he went ahead and made 10 billion dollars.
Covertly or overtly…but he did.
Ultimately.

As hind sight I know where and at what stage he would have fallen on his face but for my contribution to stabilize it for its worth then.
I peeled off from that business plan at the right time as values meant nothing…money every thing.

I regretted too, initially, as I lost out on an opportunity to rake in too.
Not for long…as what I was prophetic about its downfall, while leaving them, it came true too, within the time lines assigned.
That business plan was closed down in times to come.

My values saved me…so what I missed out on the moolah!
That’s me speaking as hindsight now.

I moved my cheese well in time.
Minus the larger pain that would have resulted had I continued to build it on their set of values.

The next couple of business plans were a cake walk for me…as I had by now learnt how to read the message on the wall pretty well and early too…and stop dead in my tracks of growing it when things were not in alignment to what was initially decided.
I would warn them…and wait for the change to happen.

It would not…so there I was moving my cheese once again.
Minus the greater pain as an end result.

As hind sight and after a lot of introspection I am convinced and have not and will not ever…join them, as is spelt out in a very corporate adage “when you can’t win then join them.”
What for…for a few dollars more?
Never.

The secret of success is known to both the successful and the unsuccessful.
Yes I know I can never make money…as my value-based tale is too long to carry and wield in a modern corporate environment.
I am made to earn money…work hard and slog…pay check to pay check.
I shall.
With my values inbuilt…and move ahead, till I either reach that set of the best professionals who do too.

As the best work for the best.

Either that…or, if I ever decide to make money…like the one man I admire, I will too…like…Mr Warren Buffet did.

I would too.

As he is an ideal Idol.

–

Arun alias Axee is an ex-combat pilot turned executive life coach. He is actively involved with Brian Tracy in a novel learning initiative, iLearningGlobal.biz/axee. Contact him at emarshalarun@gmail.com.

Out I walked and decided to take a public transport to work that day as the cobblers were located in that direction.
It was around 9 AM, as I briskly made my way through the lanes leading to the main road, peering over, hoping that the cobbler would have opened his shop.

As soon as I reached the main road I could see his roadside shop, and sure enough it was closed.

There I was regretting my decision not to do it myself.

Disturbed and very uncomfortable, as my conscience was now being mired by an uneasy feeling of donning shoes that were dull and bereft of a deserving shine.

Luxuries and me we were never friends.

I crossed the main road and walked over to the bus shelter…and within a minute I could board a bus.
That promptitude of arrival of a bus helped me forget the bugging concern, on the top of the mind.
The bus was full of students, who disembarked within a minute, reminding me of a crate of fish being offloaded on a ship’s deck, after a healthy catch.

Once on board, the journey took around 15 minutes to cover the 5 kms to my office.

As I disembarked my thoughts returned to the shoddy looks on my feet.
My eyes and my brain started wondering where I would find a cobbler in this last stretch of 400 meters to my office block.
As I normally took a cab to work I never noticed one earlier.
As I walked, I noticed a road side cobbler shop, one across the road.
I also saw, to my delight, the doors being removed and the shop being opened by the owners.
With a new found bounce in my steps, I crossed the road and arrived at the shop.

As I reached there, I noticed that it was being opened by an aged man and inside the shanty shop was another aged woman, quite aged, sweeping the floor.

The man himself was removing various stuff from within the confines of the interiors and arranging them outside on the pavement.
Out came the old metallic folding stool, which was quickly put into its slot for the customers to sit.

I did not.

Then came a couple of boxes and cartons with odd stuff stuffed into it.
This was followed by an old plastic can that they would use for storing water; it was placed outside too, in its designated place.

The team consisted of this man and woman going about this pre-opening chore, with clockwork precision, as a second nature, due to that fact that they were doing the same stuff over and over for years.
Not a word was exchanged between them.

In and out, as I watched, they would go and set the shop and its handful of wares in place.

Just then I noticed that the woman had picked up all the essential tools required for polishing shoes, and was now busy arranging them on the foot path outside.
I thought she was clearing the inner space as such, as she was half way through with her brooming ritual.

The broom was dropped.
She had stepped out too.

The man had moved in, in the meantime.

I thought I would wait for them to complete their ritual and then expect a shoe shine to happen.
As I was the first customer of the day and they had not opened the shop as yet.

They needed to go through the daily ritual of cleaning and also praying, before commencing work, and they were at it.
As was apparent from the first looks.
I did not feel like disturbing them at all and decided to wait it out.
As I had time too on my hand…plenty of it.
The office was 200 meters away from this spot.

I continued to watch the daily activity hoping to see the shop being cleaned and wares getting displayed in next 5 to 10 minutes. By these two seasoned pairs of hands that had been running this outlet for God knows how many years.

As one, united for the cause.
Making a living.

My mind wandered at their lives.
Wondering how did the two spend their life as they were both almost old?
Was it a grind for them in the past too, as in the now?
How will they do the same grind too, in the years to come?
Did they save enough?
For their well being in the years ahead when the limbs would give away.
How would they sustain life…has the recession hit them too?

As I was mulling over these thoughts I noticed an old moped parked beside the way side work shop.
There I was mapping up their economic stature and marveling at their ability to travel together on that moped to work, and back home at this age.
He would drive and she would sit behind.
Contended…enjoying the drive clutching a steel tiffin box, full of food while coming for work, and empty, while going back home.

From the looks and the bearings offered by the two while going through the routine of every day, it did not indicate to me that life for them, was a grind, even though they belonged at the lowest rung of the society, as they had to earn their wages daily, by using their hands.

My thoughts were broken suddenly by the woman who had by now squatted outside and was ready to shine my shoes.
She indicated accordingly with her dark eyes clouded with rings of cataracts.
I was a bit shaken…as I was expecting the man to do so.

Instead the roles were reversed, and the man was now within the confines of the shack, sitting on his haunches and wanting to light incense sticks.
He was searching for a match box.

I removed my shoes and a pair of hands quickly grabbed them.
Woman’s hands.

She picked up a brush and deftly cleaned the dust away from the top of the shoes…within a minute or two.
Next she picked up the polish and swiftly applied the same on both the shoes…and set them aside to dry the polish before setting about to get to shine them.
As they were drying she arranged the tools and the other stuff around in an orderly manner.

The old man had by now, found the match box and had lit up the incense sticks.
I was looking at the graying mane of hair on both of them, in awe.

Life, as it was, unfolded in front of my eyes today…both the past and the future through the eyes and the activities of this couple living on meager incomes, as a coupled up cobbler couple.

Satisfied.
Contended.
Resigned to their own life style of years.
Happy too…as they worked in unison, silent unison, without a freckle or frown on their face.
A form of communication that is seen only in teams that have a passion for what they do.
As a team…life long, and love it too.
Silent, coordinated, synchronized activity that had reached a zenith.
Minus any formal costly corporate training.

Life’s ups and downs and their will to go about things as a happy couple, had ensured one thing for sure to have emerged with time.

Quality, and respect for others’ time.

The shoe polish had dried up…and the old woman was busy brushing it up to a wonderful shine.
With pride reflecting in her eyes as she went about it, too.
Her body swaying and swinging with every stroke.
Her head bobbing side ways, as she brushed, and her hands clutching the shoe as well as the brush firmly enough, lest either of them get to slip out of her seasoned hands.
Practiced to perfection over the years the shoe shine had to emerge, thanks to these deft pair of hands.

A shining pride that had transcended and emerged from within her, onto my pair of shoes.
As shiny as I would make happen too myself, after 40 years of experience.
I was delighted for having got what I was used too.

I was a bit disturbed though, as it was received from a most unexpected pair of hands.
But then it that was beyond my control…an act of chance and destiny.

What do I do now?

As there was no verbal communication so far and yet as I was a thoroughly satisfied customer, do I appreciate…if I do, how do I?
I would have to break the silence…and I did not want too.

Hence, I reached into my pocket and pulled out a bill of twice the amount that normally shoe shine costs, and handed it over to the old man who had by now emerged from the shop.

I smiled at him and he saluted me with gratitude gleaming on his face and that bill, held in his hand.

As I walked past my eye caught a crescent like smile parked on that woman’s face too, that had shone my shoe, that day.

They made my day…but did I do that too?

I will come to know for sure when I get to visit them next…as I am sure they would welcome me again with a smile…if they happen to remember me.

That’s the challenge…a failing memory on them, due to old age, on one hand, hundreds of customers per day on the other…and my being the first one on that wonderful morning.

–
Arun alias Axee  is an ex-combat pilot turned executive life coach. He is actively involved with Brian Tracy in a novel learning initiative, iLearningGlobal.biz/axee. Contact him at emarshalarun@gmail.com.

But How?

To reach God: you need to communicate with him.
To communicate, you need to pray as you don’t get to him by any other way.
A prayer bereft of feelings of Love is like…a lake without water.
Love flourishes when it is propagated with humility.
Humility nourishes the mind…individually as well as collectively, when it is executed in a group by a set/sets of minds too.

That’s how it gets to happen, it can be safely concluded.

Then why the confusion?
Through thoughtless intrusion?
Why the intrusion of non loving negative thoughts into the human minds, mindsets?
They bring in negative energy…and no synergy with the creator.
Ultimately; they get us to sap our energy.

On introspection it dawned on me that such attacks are meant to happen.
By nature…and get to happen too…as they need to be zapped by the 4 problem solving tools we have at our disposal, 24*7.

As a solution, gift, from the almighty.
As an armor…to wear.
And to smear…on our consciousness.

In any part of the world and in any language one common feature does happen.
Humans communicate.
In whatever language they have developed over there over centuries.

But all over the world there is only one form of communication that can happen without any language, and that is:
Love.
Love is a feeling and needs no language to propagate or to happen.
Love is humbly reached, reaches, helps reach, binds, bonds,  finds, and helps find too.
Love is omnipotent.

Hence God must have chosen this medium to enable us to reach him.

Only those who are humble get to love and be loved too, as true love is encompassed only within the confines of humility.

To be humble one has to be more of a giver and less of a taker.
As the more you give the more you get to get.
Love begets Love.

When one gets to that stage one is on the path of spirituality.
Away from desires…wants, and closer to needs.
As God fulfills needs.
As you would have by default, by then, bridged the gap between him and you.
Whew!
What a lovely view.
From the spiritual pew…for all and not for few.
One begins to perceive and see the shape of a bridge.
Resting on the ridge.
Connecting.
Beckoning.

A bridge that spans its way to the almighty…A spiritual bridge.

Spirituality is the bridge between mankind and the almighty.
Spanning towards him invisibly, but firmly.

As bridges are built on pylons.
Pylons bear the loads and shape the bridge.
Visibly speaking.

The four main load bearing pylons of the invisible bridge that connects us, to our creator, are:
•    Prayer
•    Communication
•    Love
•    Humility

It’s this bridge that bridges the gap between the creator and the created.

Bridges are built on ridges or, over water bodies…as water is a force to reckon with.

Problems also are forces to reckon with.
Perpetual in nature.
They tend to revolve.
Hence they need to be bridged too…with a firm resolve.

To solve…evolve…and to stop the revolve.
Using the invisible bridge.

No wonder then, problems get to dissolve as they take the shape and state of water under the bridge, when one begins to walk/ stumble upon/trundle/scamper/run on, or begin to get to go, in some way or the other, towards, or on,this bridge.

The invisible bridge, on the ridge of problems, that leads to the almighty.

The connector…to the nectar.

–

Arun alias Axee  is an ex-combat pilot turned executive life coach. He is actively involved with Brian Tracy in a novel learning initiative, iLearningGlobal.biz/axee. Contact him at emarshalarun@gmail.com.

Thereafter, once we were born…
We began our journey, with 24*7 help, from our mother.
Then our parents.
Our siblings.
Our classmates.
Our college friends.
Our peers.
Our colleagues,well wishers and superiors.

Thats how we reached, where we are now.
Wherever we are.

Think, and then reflect on this continuous invisible strain of human inter-dependability without which, one cannot be what he is, or get to, wherever he wants to get to.
Has gotten to, too.
Then why are we unable to
Get there, without being stressed?
Why do we get so stressed up, when we do not get to get there?
It was not like this earlier.
Strange.

Now, let’s do us a small favour.
Let’s analyze it on paper.

Just jot down how many times, and who all, have helped you, and in turn, you have helped, ever since you began to seek help, until you succeeded.
And continued to succeed.

Take a piece of paper…divide your life into periods of 5 years each, from the time you were born.
Write down in each block of 5 years, how many times were you helped and by whom.
For how long?

Did you ask for that help or was it provided without being asked for?
How did you feel about it?
Did you reciprocate…if so how?

You will be surprised…at the results.

It would begin with 100 percent help from your mother, when you were a new-born.
You would reciprocate to her 100 percent too, with a gleeful smile…when you were cleaned, fed, bathed and fed.
You never new those words, Thank you!!! then.
But you did reciprocate.
That charming smile from you would be enough, to send a signal to your mother, that you loved all the help from her, all the time.
She would never feel the stress of doing those acts again and again.
For you.

Soon, you will discover, as you grew up, help from one and all, would get to dwindle with age.
A depleting trend would emerge on that very piece of paper.
At times help would come to you, only when you sought it.
Cried out for it…in despair.
At times it would not, despite being sought.
In most trying times.

But, did you continue to help…in those times?
Think!

Mark that juncture as a significant time line, in your life.
That would be the time, when you would have invited stress into your life.
As a strife…advertently or inadvertently.
A parasite to your own blissful existence would become visible to you by now, on paper.

As you move on, into the next blocks of 5 years,you will discover:
With age, education, experience and economic independence, seeking help would have dwindled to almost zero.
Helping would also have dissipated.
To an almost zilch value.

And stress… it would have proportionately increased.
Doubled, tripled and it would ultimately emerge as an ill health related factor afflicting your life too.

Those innocent smiles from infant days, would have gradually reduced to smirks.
Frowns, migraines, strains, pains and… frequent failures would stare at you.

Failures!
As a grown up human, professional, father, mother, brother, sister, friend or for that matter even as a foe!
All stress related examples of failures would look into your eyes one by one.
Why?

You are no longer the child you were, and infant with exclusive right to 100 percent help!
You are grown up now…economically independent too.
Then why these failures…however small they may be!

On close introspection you will learn that it was/is the result of your own refusal to seek help due to several factors, the major one being, your own ego.
Egotism would have by now morphed from economical independence.
It would have influenced you to not help too as a retaliatory measure.

That’s how, you stopped being helped…and also stopped helping people around you.
Thats how you allowed stress to make a major difference to you and your own lifestyle.

It’s not me here who is surmising this for you…the paper in front of you, it is that exercise that is making you realize this startling but true emerged, revelation.

A very small exercise but very revealing one, has shown you why you get stressed so often these days.
Took you hardly an hour to accomplish/arrive at that as a conclusion.
Justifiably too.

Having done with that, what next?
Simple.

Reverse the trend…and get to bend.
Get to do it.
Do it now!
Mend.

Help and send…help.
Don’t whelp.
Help like hell!
Ring the help help help bell, loud…to be well.
Rather than be unwell.

Help.
To succeed…to be helped…to smile…to be the well being in you.

To live a happy life as an individual, as well as a responsible member of a society, that is reeling under stress related health disorders.

A society full of people ailing and wailing…for Help.

Do you want to join them too?
No, you don’t.

Therefore reach out and help…to touch, and be touched in turn.
Now.

Do that as a habit, develop it as a second nature.
To beat your own stress, if not anything else.

Help is a stress buster either ways.
So what stops you?
From succeeding and not failing?
Please help.

To concretely conclude: let me rhyme the message in this effort for you.

When all else fails – help someone who grieves and wails.
As help never fails them, who don’t fail to help, on the contrary, it billows their sails.

By doing just that, you are helping yourself succeed too.
Directly and indirectly.
De-stressingly speaking.

Since the beginning of this week, I have been mulling over a series of events that have happened in these past few days, weeks, months.
The good the bad the ugly were being sorted out within the mind.
Every thing within the mind came to a grinding halt, as I read…

I read the other day… that, if you do not live the values you claim to have…you have none.
That got me thinking.
That got me introspecting.
That got me mulling.
That got me musing…too.

This thought was the prime cause of a kind of pleasant/unpleasant turmoil, within my thought sphere.
Have I or have I not?

However, it was obvious to me that, I have.
Why?
Had I not I would have been materialistically as comfortable as all the others, that have brought me to this stage, are.
I am not an owner of any land, house, or any valuable asset, a fat bank balance, Swiss accounts, that I need to cling to, out of fear of a disastrous tomorrow.

When I set out on this journey years ago I had decided I would be above acquisitions.
In this past close to three decades, I have stuck to those guns.
Cheers!
One value maintained.

I learnt to live by the day…in Fighter Flying.
Am I still living by that day?
That is another question that has been gnawing my conscience too.
Yes, I have…as I have made it a habit not to look beyond the nose.
Also:
Since having left the last commitment that was fetching a sizable amount I have been doing just that…once again.
Living by the day.
In the now.
Wow!
Another value lived.

On monetary issues, I had decided to follow the adage “The more you give the more you get”
While churning my thoughts on this front, I scrutinized what have I given and what have I gained.

I have been pained…I realized.
As I gave out as much as was required to, and more than what I could afford…was bargained/called, for.
I seldom kept aside anything for the so-called rainy days.
Whenever it rained it poured and I got drenched…yes, I get into that state even now.
With rain comes the pain.
With the pain…gain.

But  introspectively speaking…the returns have been relatively more…although they have come with a lot of pain.
Pain of getting wet and sick, in the rain…invariably.
Minus the rain coats…that non-valued have.

I guess no harm delves there, as “no pain no gain” is another value as a virtue I have lived thus far.
Thus a ‘value chain’ was built up with this third addition…as a penultimate link.
Brought in a sense of happiness once it got built.

The strength of a chain is its weakest link.
In my case that link is always love.
Did I make it the strongest?
Could I?
Did I sacrifice enough for all those I Love?

Through unbiased analysis, I realized that I have.
Without them knowing/realizing.

Else, why would I be in this state?
Love values value…in the end.
True love.

Friends… true friends also value valued friendship.
Did I celebrate here too?
My true friends know me too well and there are not very many of them.
Cheers!!

The sun is up.
Still, I would raise a toast to those few…in this early morn!

Also, as a second thought another toast, to all those who have used me, betrayed me, stabbed me in the back, ditched me, etc. etc.
Why them?
As they are not going to get a second chance with me.
Never.

While they did so…they also helped me learn.
Learn I did from my own mistakes.
Not to repeat them.

Values are lived if you consciously remind yourself, to NOT be misled.
Did I do that?
Yes.

With this answer emerging after a short analysis within my train of thoughts inside the brain, a smile emerged, and so did a sense of well-being.

The next reaction was to blog it…as the effort of this day, this moment, this now.
Doing just that…straight away.
Before the thoughts get stale and pale.

In the end, I realized that my sense of discomfiture was more out of comparisons and out of external inputs that I allowed to impregnate within my thought process.

The inputs came from the people I meet, met, people I worked with  in these past years, people who ditched me, so called professionals who showed there true colours, once they got what they wanted, people who tried to force me to take short cuts…but could not.

They had all rather attempted to outweigh my value chain.
But the rider that tilted that scale back in my favour was my conscience.
I found it clear… without a smear.

So called good friends and blood who surround us for the sake of pure materialistic gains that we are capable of generating by the tons…but hesitate in doing that…try both subtly and not so subtly, to make us veer away from valued values.
Not our immediate loved ones, though.

What pains us is the fact that NOT all these people live the same values as we get to do.

Alternatively, should I put it this way… why do not I join them?
As I am unable to win them…thus far?
Let me also take the easier way out.
Be thick skinned.
Have fair weather friends…by the dozens.
Like the masses… that amass.
By hook or crook.

I cannot…unfortunately.

Why?
I ask myself.
Again and again.

Values seldom get you quick gains.
Values do not take care of your perpetual wants.
Values do not buy you comforts.
Values take you away from lucrative jobs.
Values do not get you so-called friends by the droves.
Values fetch you pains.
Values ensure you invest in long term relationships.
That’s why.

Then why live values?
Live them to take care of your needs.
Simple.

The values that I lived so diligently thus far do not allow me to go astray.
I have valued values and have decided to value them anyway, always.

As values do, definitely take care of your needs…not your wants.
Needs are all I need.

As God, also takes care of our needs and not our wants.
The other one prevailing thought that helped me in recovering from this spin like maneuver was:

“I had no shoes and I complained till I saw a man who had no feet.”

Readers …did you find me complaining?

–

Arun is an ex-combat pilot turned executive life coach. He is actively involved with Brian Tracy in a novel learning initiative, iLearningGlobal.biz/axee. Contact him at emarshalarun@gmail.com.