What's your IKIGAI?

WHAT IS IKIGAI?

Ikigai is a Japanese word that translates as a reason for being, a reason to get up in the morning. 
It’s the combination of IKI, meaning life, and KAI, meaning the realization of hope and expectations. Ikigai is a feeling that combines  from the joy from doing something that has a sense of purpose, meaning and well-being. I
It helps you understand what you want , whatever you want. Why are you chasing your dreams.... all the reasons for a single Question Why? A kind of motivation that helps you inspire, a reason for your action, a reason for your happiness a reason for living. Your purpose for living makes a big difference as to why you you want certain things that make you happy. What is the purpose of life and happiness? 

DO WHAT YOU LOVE : Have a self awareness of what you actually love doing. 

DO WHAT YOU’RE GOOD AT : Our skills are what you CAN do whereas your strengths are what you ENJOY doing. They might be the same, they might be different. What do you do that brings you happiness?

DO SOMETHING THE WORLD NEEDS:  This aspect of Ikigai is quite an important one. It makes you think about the impact you want to have on your community. Giving it back to the community also brings a kind of happiness that goes beyond the joy of worldly material possessions.

DO SOMETHING YOU CAN BE PAID FOR: This last part of the Ikigai map. It is more about securing an income. 

At the intersection of all of this are feelings of peace and lasting happiness that can sustain us throughout our entire lives. 

If you can find pleasure and satisfaction in what you do and you’re good at it, congratulations you have found your ikigai. If you’re feeling lost or unsure about what your ikigai is, there are a number of ways to refocus and re-purpose your actions.

Japan has some of the longest-living citizens in the world. Could this concept of ikigai contribute to longevity? Japanese refer to Ikigai as ‘the happiness of always being busy’. They do what they like to do! Maybe that's their reason for living...  

You can try to find your ikigai by answering a few simple questions.....Is it something that I love doing? Is it something the world needs? Is it something I’m good at? Is it something I can get paid for?  Although it’s tempting to think that Ikigai would answer all your life’s questions, it’s important to note that finding your Ikigai is a continual process of self-discovery.

Everybody has an ikigai. Ikigai is about finding joy, fulfillment, and balance in the daily routine of life. Seeking harmony to find a sustainable activity that give you financial independence and also makes you happy, gives you a purpose for living and makes you look forward to it while bringing joy is actually Ikigai summed up! You may want to start small at first, and reach your happiness and joy from little things. This will condition your life to bring a lot of happiness when you have bigger goals and when you find the great purpose or a reason. Living in now opens the doors to a state of satisfaction. Living the moment closes doors to unsatisfaction and sadness that erupts from wanting more and missing out on "now" while thinking what you could do for better tomorrow  and thus missing the value of joy the passing moment has to offer. If we know what it is, it shapes our days. 

The pandemic changed a lot of things for a lot of people. It was a life changing event for some, while some were able to scramble through the chaos and some actually found their ikigai. Maybe in 2021, it’s time to refocus your life to embrace the larger picture: finding your ikigai. 

For those of you who have found their Ikigai, share your answers! Even those that have not, I’d love to see your progress anyway.

Emotional Intelligence

Pic Source: Internet

What is emotional intelligence?

Emotional intelligence is defined as “…is the capability of individuals to recognize their own emotions and those of others, discern between different feelings and label them appropriately, use emotional information to guide thinking and behavior, and manage and/or adjust emotions to adapt to environments or achieve one’s goal(s),” and was popularized by Daniel Goleman in a book of the same name.

Managing stress is just the first step to building emotional intelligence.  When you become overly stressed, you can lose control of your emotions and the ability to act thoughtfully and appropriately. Using your emotions to make constructive decisions is an important trait of emotional  quotient popularly known as EQ.

Emotional intelligence consists of four main pillars: self-awareness, self-management, social management and relationship management.

Self-management

Emotions are important pieces of information that tell you about yourself and others, but in the face of stress we leave our comfort zone, become overwhelmed and lose control of ourselves. With the ability to manage stress and stay emotionally present, you can take care of your wellbeing as well as avoid letting the emotions over ride your mental balance. It not only controls the behavior caused by over impulsiveness but allows adapting to changing circumstances. Your ability to manage core feelings such as anger, sadness, fear, and joy lies in the practice of self-management.

Self-awareness

Self-awareness can be summed up as a “conscious knowledge of one's own character, feelings, motives, and desires”. Self-awareness is imperative so as to have a better understanding of ourselves, which helps us to experience ourselves as unique and separate individuals. It empowers us to make changes and to build on our areas of strength. Self-awareness is the first step in creating what you want and mastering your life and developed by focusing your attention on the details of your personality and behavior.

Mindfulness calms and helps you focus making you more self-aware in the process.

Social management

Social awareness enables you to recognize and interpret the mainly nonverbal cues others are constantly using to communicate with you. When groups of people send out similar nonverbal cues, you’re able to read and understand the power dynamics and shared emotional experiences of the group. It is the ability to know the people around you and the ability to interact with them in the most efficient and proper manner. Understanding other people's feelings is central to emotional intelligence. Get it wrong and you'll be seen as uncaring and insensitive. Having higher levels of social awareness allows you to understand the dynamics of social and interpersonal problems in a much better way which results in having great relationships, reputation, and professional success.

Relationship management

Relationship Management is all about your interpersonal communication skills working well with others is a process that begins with emotional awareness and your ability to recognize and understand what other people are experiencing. It’s our capability to enthuse and influence people, knack to communicate and build bonds with them, and your ability to help them change, grow, develop, and resolve conflict in a skillful manner. Once emotional awareness is in play, you can effectively develop additional social/emotional skills that will make your relationships more effective, fruitful, and fulfilling.

Skills that help develop emotional intelligence:

1. Meditate and reflect. Focus on your thoughts. Quieting the mind reduces stress; boosts mental, emotional and physical effectiveness; and leads to increased inner stability.
2. Take care of health, wellness, nutrition and fitness. Exercise, nutrition, sleep, physical exertion, being outdoors, stretching, laughing and tending to physical care impacts all areas of personal well-being. Forgiveness, optimism, gratitude, courage, choosing positive emotions contribute to better physical and mental health..
3. Choose to be happy. Make an active decision to tap into joy. Stop and smell the roses. Listen to up-beat music; dance, smile, laugh.... take time to do the things you really enjoy.
4. Mindfulness: Focus your thoughts on “now”. Stay in the present. Do not drag your past or worry about your future to miss out on being present.
5. Organize and de-clutter. This is a task that requires focus and attention. A well- coordinated effort decreases stress and makes performance far more satisfying.
6. Stay connected with friends and loved ones: Communication is the key to satisfying and long term relationships.
7. Humor is your ally: “laughter is the best medicine” it may sound cliché but a good humor will definitely reduce stress, lighten your stress or any tense situation.
8. Keep learning:  to face today’s rapidly-changing and evolving world, keeping yourself updated and learning is the key.
9. Empower yourself/ feel empowered: Emotionally empowered people’s passion drives their unrelenting pursuit of excellence and growth.
10. Adaptability: Adapting yourself to people, surrounding etc is vital. Recognizing the ability to shift, change adapt is crucial to move forward. This comes from your self-care, how you treat yourself and others, your thoughts and assessments as well an open mind to change or adapt.

#EQ #emotional-intelligence #self-awareness #mindfulness #relationship #social # self-management

Living the moment

PC: Internet

Living the moment is being in the present state of mind. Its the happy state of mind where it is completely in sync with the surroundings. Its the experience of feeling the thoughts about the current state and the essence of moment without dwelling in the past or trying to glimpse in the future. It is the experience for the inner soul that is devoid of material instincts but rather enjoy the ability of being thankful for things we have in life. Trying to be more present in our thoughts will help us enjoy the smallest pleasures in life completely and staying mindful of our surroundings.

The tendency to stay in the present will not only help you avoid getting sucked in the past or future but will help you avoid the feeling of being perpetually worn out, tired and being out of touch.

The psychology of living in the moment is not just a popular phrase but more of a healthy lifestyle choice recommended to overcome stress and anxiety in daily life. It explains the need to be mindful and aware of our surroundings by not getting ourselves entangled in the ruminations of past or worries about the future. Its biggest advantage would be to keep yourself connected to your inner self.

Mindfulness aims to balance your thoughts from the past, present and future though it may be hard to decide whats the right balance.However, you may have hot the jackpot when you realize  you are worrying less, experience less stress  and find yourself to be more happy in your regular life.  

There needs to be a conscious awareness and commitment of  staying in the "now".Easier said than done, the small changes in life will bring about a shift of being more conscious and attuned to the surrounding. The process will begin gradually without much realization in the beginning and inculcating changes in you daily lifestyle over a period of time will bring a sense of mindfulness. 

1. Meditate each day. Start by focusing on your breathing and try to avoid the noise that your mind is making.
2. Don't be conscious of yourself. Avoid overthinking. Let go!
3. Nature walk is one of the best activities. Take some time to walk and admire nature,notice the path alongside , the sounds around you etc.
4. Spend 5 minutes of the day with yourself. Conduct a quick review of your entire day.Use this time to analyze yourself and let go of any shortcomings.
5. Practice an Attitude of Gratitude. Be thankful.
6. Yoga is an excellent way to experience mindfulness. You focus on every movement your body makes; be it breath or transitions in your body form while doing the "asanas" or "poses".

Finally message from the Wise-

Buddha

“The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.”

Success

 Where are you?

being back......

I am actually feeling happy to be back to blogging after my long hiatus.Its a feeling of rejuvenation, a feeling of being liberated and just a wonderful feeling to be able to reconnect and interact with the world.
So many things to share so much to write....looking for a wonderful relationship ahead.

1st International Yoga day.


Its been wonderful to be a part of 1st International Yoga day.

Thousands of people came together for a healthy cause. Yoga is practiced since ancient times in India...but unfortunately Indians had forgotten about yoga and its health benefits.
Yoga was born in India.... thousands of years back. It was then that the rishis practiced Sun Salutations and other yog-kriyas and eventually transferred the knowledge to common man.


Yoga has lot of benefits. However apart from benefiting for a healthy mind, body and soul the international acceptance of Yoga will lead us to train minds to universal peace and harmony.

A number of yog kriyas are practised for different benefits related to better health or curing diseases. It also helps in restoring balance of mind at the same time. Some forms may bring you inner peace.

Once a person starts recognizing its holistic benefits we sure will be practising it in long run and transfer our knowledge for the generations to come.

once again.......

I never thought I will turn to blogging again... its been a hell long time but maybe I felt this sudden urge to get back my thoughts in black and white.

World is really a small place but an extravagant resource of knowledge.
Over a last couple of years I had a number of experiences on my whirlwind movement crossing places and continents and oceans and seas. Though I may not be able to put all of those now but time and again I will do so surely. Its been a journey now on......
Lots of things to write now on and so many things to share and do....
Some of them will be my own and some of those will be wonderful thoughts that I have come across but want enthusiastic readers to go through.

A Dream is a Seed

A seed of a tree,
A tree full of life,
And the things you can be.

Your Dreams are the windows,
Through which you can see
A hint of your future and the things you will be
Each night when you sleep.

You are feeling the seed,
The seed of the tree
Of who you will be.

Siege is over..... but terror is not

I am finding it desperately impossible to express my anger about the terror in Mumbai and the ruckus caused by the terrorists.

I am writing this blog, thousands of miles away from the city that I love the most.
I am a Mumbaikar,born and brought up in Mumbai and this city has seeped so much into my veins,my being that whatever happiness or tragedy happens here, it happens to my mental being....

Ironically, the events that took place at Taj Hotel, Leopold cafe, etc has made me restless and angry.
To an extent I feel defeated by the city's security force, cheated by the politicians and incompetency of the Naval forces.....

The 30 years I spent in this city has me bound me to its roots which are in impossible to cast off.
However, every new day I find myself asking are my friends and family members going to be safe? Why are we mumbaikars becoming so incresingly insecure? Now, we are not just ready to trust any stranger...and I would always wonder if the gentleman standing next to me in line or sitting at the opposite table in cafe is just a localite enjoying his food or waiting for the ticket or may be another terrorist.

Even though the people are talking about the "spirit of the city", using the "bounce back attitude' to go on with their businesses, or even "getting back on tracks" I feel totally humiliated and let down in terms of Crisis management.
It has left me wonder if there was ever,if any a program of Crisis Management run by the police force.

Why does our police force look so out of tune when in action? Why did the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh issue such a weak statement? Where have otherwise smart orators like AB Vajpayee and Bal Thackrey and Raj Thackrey gone?Have the thoughts of politicians who rule this great land become impotent?
Why does Vilasrao Deshmukh need the company of Ram Gopal Verma to tour the Taj? does he plan to make another RGV ki aag? Thats simply ridiculous.

Not only me but my my fellow mumbaikars and my countrymen have been felt cheated and humiliated by this bandwagon. We feel let down.
Now, a Gandhigiri attitude is not going to be of any help. Its time we realise this blantant truth and act accordingly or there could be more Taj and nariman Houses at risk.

It's time to get an access to where the taxes go? Why does our Police force seem so ill- equipped? and are there not enough naval force to secure our borders then its time to start a placement campaign for security force too......

it's time to repay the dead... all those who died without a reason.
I salute the commandos and all the men who died in action.

some awsome snaps

Food for thought!!!!

1. When dog food is new and improved tasting, who tests it? (To be given a thought)

2. If the "black box" flight recorder is never damaged during a plane crash, why isn't the whole airplane made out of that stuff? (Very good thinking)

3. Who copyrighted the copyright symbol? (Who knows)

4. Can you cry under water? (Let me try)

5. Why do people say, "you've been working like a dog" when dogs just sit around all day? (I think they meant something else)

6. Why are the numbers on a calculator reversed? (God knows)

7. Do fish ever get thirsty? (Let me ask and tell)

8. Can you get cornered in a round room? (By ones eyes)

9. Why do birds not fall out of trees when they sleep? (Tonight I will stay and watch)

10. If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetables, then what is baby oil made from? (No comments)

11. What should one call a male ladybird? (No comments)

12. If a person suffered from amnesia and then was cured would they remember that they forgot? (Can somebody help )

13. Can you blow a balloon up under water? (Yes u can)

14. Why is it called a "building" when it is already built? (Strange isn't it)

15. If you were traveling at the speed of sound and you turned on your radio would you be! Able to hear it? (Got to think scientifically)

16. If you're traveling at the speed of light and you turn your headlights on, what happens?

17. Why is it called a TV set when there's only one? (Very nice)

18. Why do most cars have speedometers that go up to at least 130 when you legally can't go that fast on any road?

19. If drink & drive is not allowed why the hell they have parking in Bars?

Self discipline

Foundation of character is self discipline. Self discipline is manifested in several ways:
self control
self mastery
self restraint
Self discipline is the ability to make yourself do what you should do, when you should doi it, wheater you feel like it or not. This is a good defination to work with. Studies have proved that people with higer degree of self discipline are admired while those with weaker character have weak or no self discipline at all. They are basically out of control. They cannot constraint or control themselves.

what type of self descipline are you following in your life?

Paris Hilton hiatus

Authorities in California have confirmed the release date for Paris Hilton. After
serving 24 days in the jail, the social butterfly is set to leave jail on Tuesday,
26 June.

The 26-year-old hotel heiress was originally sentenced to 45 days in jail for driving with a suspended license while on probation. She started with her sentence on 3 June, but crowded jail conditions and her good behaviour got her the much needed relief.

Earlier this month she was briefly freed on medical grounds but the court sent her back to jail, and told she would have to serve her full sentence.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca, who ordered Paris’ release, had different opinion. He wanted Paris to complete her sentence at home as he felt she was being turned into a ‘criminal justice football’. But Baca’s treatment is questioned by opponents who feel that Paris was given preferential treatment because of her social status.

Life has changed quite a bit for Paris Hilton, who is all set to be released from the jail soon. The 26 year old hotel heiress feels that her “gratitude” has increased manifolds since she has started serving the rigorous jail sentence in the special-needs unit of the Century Regional Detention Facility in Lynwood.

Miss Hilton sounded extraordinarily humble when she said that she is even grateful to have the most basic of needs like those of food and bedding fulfilled. The socialite also revealed that life behind bars was tough and she felt emotionally touched.


In the interview Paris was quoted saying, I am behind glass and I want to give my dad a big hug and they won’t even let me do that. I’m not a criminal, I’m not dangerous. ... It’s hard but I’m stronger every day.

The social butterfly who once used to emblazon the party pages of almost all famous glossies feels that her fame has been misused by media, which she thinks has poked fun of her and thoroughly used her social status.



Looks like Paris Hilton is making real good use of her time at the jail…

she is doing something that she never did before in her life……… Retrospect!

Idolizing Indians

Personally, I think its truly corny that singing talent from around the country has to face a jury consisting of people like Anu Malik (with more reputation for western music rip-offs than for his talent), Alisha Chinoy (the one-song wondewith very few songs to remember which she can call her singing talent with Made in India most would remember Milind Soman in one!! and Kajra Re), Udit Narayan (an exceptional vocalist but too soft to really be a judge) and Javed Akhtar (who is a lyricist and has more to do with word pronounciation and little to do with voice modulation).

Its alright if they're looking at Indian Idol as a platform for modelling, acting skills or even if just to say hullo world -in true sense of copying their American counter-parts but its completely unacceptable if they even remotely want to use that to show off their vocal talents.
I agree that they are good singer ,but then they will still need about a few thousand hours of practise to be a talent like asha Bhosale or Lata Mangeshkar or even our own Anuradha Paudwal.

Firstly, I don't 'idolize' Abhijeet Sawant - the first Indian Idol and don't know anyone who remembers even more than one song from his album that hence launched. The same signs off for people like Amit Sana or even Prajakta Shukre or Mr.Vidya for that matter.
God!!they are so many there these days without the real talent to show off that I cant even remember their names though.

Wasn't it apparent with shows like Channel [V] Popstars, that these stars are a couple of night's wonders before disappearing behind dark clouds forever? And still people continue to humiliate themselves in front of incompetent judges, sms for their favorite singers and even pray they win.
And if it weren't enough, now each channel plans to launch their own talent hunt. So we have the bandwagon with Indian Idol, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa and Voice of India - and God knows how many to follow.
We're a country brimming with vocal talent - its a fact. But we need platforms better and less commercial than the likes of what have come along. And at least the awardees need to get somewhere in life rather than depending on the publicity to pull their gears towards success.

And then dont you think that we need equally competent panel to judge them by their talentand not just get hooked on to their style just the way we see Alisha doing it for Suhit all this time? And then I fail to understand if Suhit doesnt even have any co-ordination of taal and Sur then why is he in the music talent show in the first place?

There is a lot of budding talent in the American Idol this time but then are they really worth the hype? They do need a lot of polishing and finishing and thats going totake a lot of hardwork and steam to be around for a long time otherwise they are just another one night wonder to join the bandwagon.

Till then I am just content as a bathroom singer...

MOON MADNESS

For hundreds of years we have known that it is the regular and predictable cycles of the moon and sun that regulate the ocean’s tides, but the tides in the affairs of humans have not been so easily forecast. It was almost as if they moved erratically of their own accord, unmotivated by outside forces.

The influence of the moon and behavior has been called "The Lunar Effect" or "The Transylvania Effect." The belief that the full moon causes mental disorders and strange behavior was widespread throughout Europe in the middle ages. Even the word "lunacy" meaning "insanity" comes from the Latin word for "moon."

The extensive cycle research of the past thirty years and more has proved otherwise. It has established numerous links between regularly occurring human behavior and external natural cycles ranging from weather and solar radiation to phases of the moon and planetary cycles.
The full moon has been linked to crime, suicide, mental illness, disasters, accidents, birthrates, fertility among other things. Some people even buy and sell stocks according to the phases of the moon,, a method probably as successful as many others. Numerous studies have tried to find lunar effects.

An earlier report by the American Institute of Medical Climatology to the Philadelphia Police Department entitled “The Effect of the Full Moon on Human Behavior” found similar results. That report showed that the full moon marks a monthly peak in various kinds of psychotically oriented crimes such as murder, arson, dangerous driving, and kleptomania. People do seem to get a little bit crazier about that time of the month.
That’s something most police and hospital workers have known for a long time. Indeed, back in eighteenth-century England, a murderer could plead “lunacy” if the crime was committed during the full moon and get a lighter sentence as a result.

The human body, which, like the surface of the earth, is composed of almost 80 percent water, experiences some kind of “biological tides” that affect the emotions. When a person is already on psychologically shaky ground, such a biological tide can push him or her over the edge.
82 percent of postoperative bleeding crises occurred nearer the full than the new moon — despite the fact that fewer operations were performed at that time! Clearly, the full moon is a dangerous time for surgery, and the dissemination of this knowledge should result in planning operations for the new moon.

Scientists, however, like to have a hard physical model to explain their discoveries, and so far there isn’t a fully accepted one.

quickies for the day

Advice for the day: If you have a lot of tension and you get a headache, do what it says on the aspirin bottle:"Take two aspirin" and "Keep away from children."

Why does Sea World have a seafood restaurant?? I'm halfway through my fish burger and I realize, Oh my God.... I could be eating a slow learner."

Take a break.
As one person said to us, “Some people think they are doing you a favour by working through their lunch break, but don’t realise how grumpy they get because they have not eaten.

The following facts are something that I noticed here in USA. You may not necessarily find them on any websites. So iam not doing any ^c and ^v here. So let me take you on a virtual tour of USA. Brace yourselves.

• Here, Indians are referred to as desis amonst themselves. But for Americans, we are still Asians. So when you say Asian it can be Indian, Bangladeshi, Pakistani, Chinese, Japanese. So if your an Indian you dont have a seperate identity. So what if you contribute to the IT.....
• 
  A car is a must. Its a necessity here, not a luxary. You are helpless without one. Though big cities do boast of public transport, its really pathetic and really get on your nerves.

• Most of the time you will find people here chewing gums.You are in a mall, driving, chatting with friends,in lecture at work..you must have a gum in your mouth. Probably they are having a good mouth exercise..what say?

• Every 2nd person driving a car is found to be talking on his cell phone while driving. Survery found that 80% of Americans have breakfast, make up, write cheques(its checks here!), sms friends and fix their appointments while driving.....

• Most people are glued to their i-pods, anywhere and everywhere.So you know the sales of I pod must be sky roketing here.

• A box of Coke is cheaper than Water. People here drink more coke/pepsi than anywhere else in the world. Refills are just available at no cost!!!

• Large Chain of Supermarkets are found everywhere. this is the main hub of grocery, shopping for clothes, pharmacy items, Toilettories everything available under one roof...yes..not to forget Jewellery...Unlike India where you have specialized stores for the clothes...even the type og clothes that you want to go out for.

• Jogging in US has no time factor you will see people jogging at any time of the day and night. At 9 in the nite or 2 in the noon, windy or rainy or sunny. Jog till you drop.

I dont know if the people here even cook. They get everything from all those superstores so all they do is shop for a dozen of microwaveble meat and fish. store it in fridge and just heat it and eat, unlike us who make so much effort to cook so many dishes - roti,sabji,dal.Cooking is indeed a big process in our country and for them its no big deal.

• Then there are Indian stores for desis like us who store the basic items that we need for daily bread....Some big and highly Indian populated cities do boast of Mithai shops!

• Here you can have a variety of yogurts in different flavour, fat free, low fat and regular ones.... This goes well with the regular American food too.

• Most of the people stock their lunch for the coming week in the refrigerator in offices. All they need to do is microwave it before they it. This way, you never forget to carry your lunch box...and no need to make a tiffin everyday!

• Majority of the US population is on the obese side of the weight scale. However, you'll find lot of people going looking for the contents on the box of food in Supermarkets and opting for Fat free/Low fat food including Cheese and Butter and Milk.

• The labour cost here is so high that the rate of a car mechanic equals that of a doctor!! No work bias here....Cannot afford a maid here like we have in India. Probably they are the highest paid individuals here....

Let me just stop with this now. Iam going to be in USA for a couple of months more and I am sure I will come across more facts.
I promise to keep you all posted with it. Till then its Chao from me...

Most eligible bachelor weds the most beautiful woman. Abhi-Ash wedding saga....

The Big Fat wedding of the year is finally over.As the most eligible bachelor of the country, Abhishek Bachchan, wed the most beautiful woman in the world, Aishwarya Rai.
Touted as the marriage of the year, finally the Bachchan scion managed to take a plunge by marrying the ice maiden.

And what a wedding..... complete filmi style with choreographed naach-gana-and egos and dramebaazi.....not to forget the physical absence of the "so called villains" with their names constantly present at the back of everyones mind......

HuFF!!! what a relief from the "will he?", "wont he?","will she?", "wont she?".
Finally the decision was made about "I Do".But this relief was really shortlived, after the media started announcing the probable dates of marriage with the griha dasha, stars and moon, the manglik status of the bride,and such other non-quetenssial issues becoming a national headline and a discussion forum for the News channel.
Do we really care if they got married at the given muhurat time or a few minutes late? Isnt it time that the media realise that wasting so much of paper on such non-trivial issues is a loss to the environment?
How many of you would get bothered if the name of Abhishek's mare is not Chandani but Nandini? Do we care to know if the people who were to drape the turban were specially invited from Jaipur or Udaipur. As if we really care if the rituals will be south Indian or North Indian....

I can understand the media attention given to Abhi- Ash(one more over hyped name)since both are public figures, but isnt it time the media and public realise that they have a life of their own and marriage is something that is private to the families? Why not leave them to enjoy a few moments of bliss all by themselves? Is it necessary to impede their independence? Instead doesnt the National news and the dailies have any other frontpage news? It was such a plight to read that the most read about newspaper in India giving a frontpage headline as Abhi-Ash wedding to be a top secret affair!(Sure it is...thanks for letting us in on the 'secret').Why dont they utilise these useful resources called reporters onto a more constructive news?

I hope the media takes atlest 10% active participation shown during that of Abhi - Ash wedding to focus on many trivial issues concerning our nation. Next few days are going to be equally painful to read who is going to be the next to walk up the altar....
I hope the media offers us news that would really make sense....and please stop further discussion of Honeymoon locales suited for the newly wed couple. Let them share and enjoy some private moments of their own.

Give us a break...c'mon!!!

10 Hints for a high life energy

Everyone at some time or other feels fatigued.And who wouldnt like to have more energy than they now have?
Doctors offer the same old prescription of balanced diet,rest and exercise. But here are some high octane suggestions.

1. Warm up: Give yourself some extra time of 15 minutes before you start your day.
2. Eat a 3 -piece breakfast: Three components of a good breakfast are protiens, fats and carbohydrates. Actually you dont need to add fats to your diet but you get enough thro' the protiens you consume alongwith the cereals and milk.You may consider scrambled egg whites as a good source of protien,while wheat toast is a good carbohydrate option.
3. Tackle one thing at a time: Make lists instead of continuously thinking what to do and where to start.This will help you remain focussed and energetic
4. Shed: If you are obese, you sure need to drop those extra pounds.Make sure you follow sensible diet in combination with exercise.
5. Sensible diet: Lack of nutrition can cause fatigue. Make sure you eat the right foodsor take a supplement to make up for missing nutrients.
6. Deep Breathing: It is one of the best ways to relax and energise.
7. Divert your energy: Strong emotion is mentally draining but it can be phisically draining too.Redirect strong emotions like anger, frustration and apply that energy to your job or workout.
8. Give yourself a target: Some people need constant deadlines to keep moving further. If you like that, give yourself constant short or long deadlines- so there's a constant motivation.
9. Tune in: Music can light the fire. Music is a good healer,so have all ears to whoever and whatever peps you up.
10. Drink Water: Last but the most important is you should get a good intake of water. Atleast 8 glasses of water. Dehydration can cause fatigue. Incase you are going to be outdoors, make sure you carry water at all times. This will surely keep you on your toes.