Breaking the Chain

This picture was exactly what I was trying to explain to my mother the other day. I was just telling my mom about a website which showed us how USA droned Pakistan from 2004 to now. It showed how drone attacks increased after president Obama came into office (these were the known drone attacks). The target of these drone attacks were always high profile terrorists etc., but the casualties included, children, civilians and "other" (which meant other terrorists I suppose). All in all till date there are over 3000 dead due to the drone attacks.

My mom pointed out, and rightfully so, that the terrorist organizations under attack of the drones, had killed 5000 plus people during 911 attack on the twin towers in 2001. That was a good point. However, I thought deeply about Ahimsa and all the things I have been learning, and I pointed out to her that we can't break the chain like this. Violence begets violence, this perpetuates more killing. The next time they will target 10,000, and we will retaliate and kill another 20,000... and so it will carry on. is that what we really want?

I know this is one of the most difficult things to accept, it is the toughest thing in life to do. Especially if you are the one affected. We hold on to the pain, anger and our hearts are consumed with revenge, hate and vengeance, retribution, justice... in the end though it comes down to what kind of human do you want to be. Retaliation is a good scare tactic, its a good way to get rid of bullies, but what do we want to be - as a person, as a people, as a nation, as a species? In the end it depends on us individuals... Choose wisely.

Breaking the chain can apply to not only violence, but addictions, negative perceptions, being stuck on a  project, friendships, anger, rivalries, egos, and the list could go on. It means taking a different perspective that does not cause another person harm. It means setting the ego aside and filling your heart with positivity instead. Positivity could be love, light, optimism, hope, kindness, caring, sharing... You see those "top 10 things what successful people do" or "top 20 things happy people do different", its this basic attitude that sets them apart. They don't let negativity hold them back, they don't let failure, hurt, anger drag them down. They focus and fill themselves with this positivity. Don't believe me? Try it!

When you focus on getting back at someone, or on sadness, you spiral yourself into that hole of darkness. An amazing example is Japan during the devastating tsunami. They could have been really sad about the tsunami and wallowed in self pity for days, but they mourned yes, they felt sad, but they didn't focus on that. They gathered themselves, and truly kept calm and carried on. ;-) Another example is the Buddhist Lama's they could be so angry, and hurt about China... but no they focus on their practice, their compassion, love and forgiveness and smile and teach others the same. I find this refreshing... don't you?

Forgiveness is not easy, but those who can master this has found some divinity within themselves. I will say forgiveness is higher than any revenge one can muster. I think those wise old guys from the religious and holi texts would agree, they knew what they were talking about.

Matisyahu lyrics

The Should and The Is

My friend and I were discussing today about the difference between what we think we "should" be and what we "are" (the "is"). We found it very different from each other, we spoke about this in terms of Myers-Briggs personality test and life itself. Our personalities in term of the Myers-Briggs changes from year to year, so does our idea of what we "should" be.

Although I am ENFP (extroverted- intuitive - feeling - perception), sometimes I feel I should be more ESTJ (extroversion -  sensing- thinking - judgement). Sometimes I find myself INTJ (introversion -intuitive - thinking - judgement)... so there are many different possibilities, and our lives are dynamic we change within. Our "should"s change to, what we think we should be at that time. Eventually we sort of settle down into one, maybe on or two aspects maybe so ingrained in us that we can't change it, like me and the "intuition" aspect, also i am more feeling than thinking, always have been! We eventually have to come to terms with the "is" and be ok with it, and let go of the "should".

My friend's blog about through hiking the Appalachian Trail this year helped me understand the aspect of coming to terms with the "is" and "should". She talks about her fears of not being able to complete the journey, but eventually comes to terms with what "is" or rather what might be. Either way if she completes it its a victory, if she doesn't there's always a positive side "... if I don't make it to Maine, I'll have some great stories to tell. And maybe I'll even lose a toe, preferably the little one. I never liked it anyway. Or, I could embellish a bear story and even possibly get some hippy trail name that I can change my Facebook alias to."
If its about "should"s "maybe"s of the future, it becomes about perspective and remembering that the journey is what matters, the goal or the peak is but a prize along the way.

Another part of the the blog that tackles "should"s and "is" is that everyone has this idea that we grow up with about what life should be, at least here in US who knows what it's like in war torn Iraq, Iran, Israel or Palestine or even Pakistan. The "should" is often the formula, the "American Dream", I don't know what else it's called, but I have written about it before. We go to school, go to college, go to more college, find a boy/ girl, get married, get a good 9-5 job of $50k preferably more, buy a house, buy a car, buy a lawn mower, have a kid, buy diapers... and then grow old, spend Christmas, thanksgiving and other holidays with your grandchildren. Alot of people follow this "should" and seem happy, some do and fail, some never do. My doctor told me I "should" to get married soon and have children by 31. She said we could take it out after that (refer to my previous blog), solving my health problems. I was polite and said, I'd rather wait. How does one tell another person that their "should" is not your "is"? A tough one, isn't it? It's good to see more people not follow the "should" but follow themselves!

I know a lot of people who talk about how they would be happy just leaving everything behind, and just going to a mountain retreat, to find happiness and peace, when they realize their "is" which was them following their "should" did not work. Do they ever go? Most of them don't embark on that journey and just stay stuck or find a different way with less changes, because they are scared of straying from the "should" and finding the new "is". However it seems more people are going out on the limb and finding and accepting the "is". I sure am. I am learning to accept other people's "is" as well!


Following and accepting your "is" can be in whatever for, from just taking off on a solo journey, to taking that class in martial arts or pottery you've always wanted to, or getting away from that toxic environment, basically it is finding what makes you truly deeply happy. That is your purpose, that is your being, That is you!


Breathe!!!



"Enlightenment is essentially waking up from the should's and looking at what is" - Tanjot

I don't know where I found this, but it works for this blog! and it's cute!

The Challenges of Aparigraha

Letting Go!

It's something which has been bugging me, forever, it seems.
Being so attached to not just material things, but also ideas (ideologies), opinions, identity, feelings, beliefs... it causes more pain, angst, frustration and suffering than being attached to thing or even to a person.

I am so attached to my opinions, ideas, and things I have to "say" whether it is oral or written because it defines who I am. Defining the "Who I am" is so important to because in a world full of people we realize we are so alike, but then again we are so different, but the fact that we are alike makes us need to define ourselves via our likes, dislikes, hobbies, opinions, ideas. I think these differences help us attract each other. It's funny because there seems to be a phobia, among some, of people/cultures that are different from us- ie. bigorty, homophobia etc. These people are very attached to their ideas and beliefs, so feel threatened by difference. I wonder if these people care to worry about defining themselves from others or prefer conformity.

For the most part there is a growing curiosity among people to explore the "different". This was maybe different 20 years ago, but time changes everything! These people are also willing to explore other ideas, opinions, perspectives, and beliefs. Sometimes being open to ideas/beliefs doesn't mean necessarily accepting them as their own, but accepting them  as a possibility. I try to be open, however sometimes my own ideas are so strong, and perhaps its the ego fending for itself... defending...

Letting all of it go is so difficult... it's strange because I am not indifferent I just wish to be more "Ahimsa" like, if not to avoid hurting another person's feelings with my opinion, to protect myself from their opinion. Also with sharing opinions and ideas, comes judgement, which can also hurt, cause relationships to sour. So what is the best approach? Did yogis, maharishis even think of this stuff back in the day?

I think the only answer is to search more in texts to find the answer. For now I find freedom in letting go of identity, although all that I have accumulated to define me in regards to ideas, hobbies, skills, beliefs, opinions, I have come to love myself that way.  So stripping me of all of that... letting it all go, it just leaves another soul in a human body shell. Can I love that?

This past weekend at yoga class I learnt that suffering is caused through being attached. And all these things - the mind, thoughts, the body, are all external... and external things can not being us happiness. Happiness is inside us all... just like the OM... These are just food for thought... healthy thoughts... enjoy!

Be Present

Breathe!

Kanyakumari, India - Dec 2012 Courtesy Piyali Banerjie and Chris Soria

Reflections on Grudges and Letting Go

Anger, hate, and other negative emotions we experience in life, hold us back from growth: spiritual, mental, emotional and even physical growth or well being. Letting these emotions go, gives us room to breathe and grow! Though hard to do, notice how buoyant, and loving you feel after you let it go. Even the most successful or brilliant person if holding onto these grudges, angers, hates, frustrations, will be stunted in their growth, life's work. Find the serenity in you to let go. Embrace love instead!

Mini Buddha...  By Piyali Banerjie

The One Heart Way

If you read my previous blog about what happened to me, you must have wondered, so what did she do after that? How did she go on? There would be many questions.

First off- I told someone, and that someone helped me find help. Especially since, abuse leads a women to lose self respect, looks for self-deprecation. This is because of all things the woman blames herself, and self worth plummets. She believes she deserves this abuse, and unknowingly seeks out more abuse. It is hard to break the cycle. I think once we identify victims of childhood molestation, abuse, and rape, we must intervene with confidence boosting therapy/ help to break the cycle. I was lucky to have a few great mentors/counselors along the way. Unlearn being the victim, and focus on building the self once again.

Second - I refused to ever feel helpless like that again. I promised myself I would never get "drunk" with anyone I do not utterly trust. So, honestly, I get drunk only if i am home, with my parents, or with my boyfriend (who would have had to earn my trust). Also I always make sure there is a designated driver (drinking and driving is so dangerous, please always have a DD).If I am ever at a club again I will always buy my drink from the bartender and watch him make my drink. Never accepting drinks from any guy I don't know, anymore. If you don't drink alcohol, good for you, but remember, roofies/other "date-rape" drugs, could be mixed with your non-alcoholic beverages too, so beware.

After my sister's incident, she and I both began learning Kwanmukan Karate. However as children we both  learnt basic self defense from Shihan Hussaini. This was my first introduction to Isshin-ryu Karate. Then I picked it up again in 2007 here. I practice it non-competitively since I do this for me. My Sensei is slowly teaching me how to spar. Isshin-ryu means a lot to me, because my Sensei not only taught us how to defend ourselves, but the history of Karate, discipline, helping out in the Dojo, being good to ourselves, becoming fit, reminding us to drink water, it is more than fighting...It's the meaning behind it all.  A meaning, a code that must not be taken lightly. The philosophy is the base of all forms of martial arts, including this form of karate, which stem from various regions of the East, for Isshin-ryu, it stems from the Ryu-Kyu Islands of Okinawa (Japan), are truly eye opening- simple but profound (like most eastern philosophy). Isshin-ryu stands for - The One Heart Way (literal), but meaning - the way of the one heart.. the story goes on to say we all have one beating heart. So I will fight you if I must, but the choice is yours. Although I may have mace, or some sort of self-defense tool, I now have my empty hands,for they are learned in "the way". I maybe no black belt, but the first rule is ... avoid conflict at all costs, run! I talk to my Sensei about this and many scenarios, and he is very strong, so I always think its the best way to practice.

Third - Always be alert when walking in an unknown place, or at night. Don't let your guard down even if it is in your own neighborhood (see Kitty Genovese). Be ready, be alert, remember what you could use to defend yourself.

Fourth - working on "ME" has helped mend me, my confidence, self esteem and my heart and soul. I learned to be more conscious, and give love, forgive, and let the light flow. I think this healing came from my sister, who has a crazier story than mine. Thought younger, she has learned so much in such a short time. She is my hero. Find a way to heal, spiritually. It is very important, for the spirit is what is ripped open, no matter what happens to the body. (I honestly wish I could refer my sister to people who need this help, she does have an awesome organization called Conscious Culture). Meditation, art, writing, music, yoga, dance... are all creative outlets to

I am glad though I can take care of myself, and I now know that "No means No". I know what sexual harassment is, and I let people know when they have crossed the threshold. I am glad I grew out of my drinking-partying-clubbing stage, and have grown up to be interested in a different type of night life (camping, star gazing...). However I never forget the things I learned, especially since I travel to different places.

I also never forget to breathe...

The Goddess/ Megami the symbol for Isshin-ryu Karate

An Autumn Blessed with Many Life Lessons

This month has been one of many many lessons.
Through grief and sorrow, pain, stress, caring, sharing, loving, many a tear, hugs, goodbyes, prayers, loneliness and togetherness; I have made it through.
The sky has been much grey, of late. The sky weeps many tears down to earth.
The trees are naked, all unclothed.
Fall has always been majestic, dreamy, eerie, and even dark.



Looking back:

My grandmother gets progressively ill, and makes no sense on the phone. The sound in her voice says she was crying out for help and mercy. My Father leaves to India, fearing it may be too late. She holds on and he gets there, and she barely recognizes him. He takes care of her and spends much needed time with her, as I balance spending time with my mother who is a little ill due to a cold, and with my boyfriend, who has some health issues himself. After a few days, my dad gets burnt out, and needs back up, as he is at a loss when it comes to geriatric care, however he is managing and is so humbled to be doing so. He emails my sister and I often with notes on how he feels, and the entirety of the experience.

It is the weekend of Durga Puja, the celebration of the Divine Feminine and we celebrate it reluctantly with cousins here. Durga Puja is the main reason my father decided to go to India, to spend it with his mother and celebrate with her.She is unable to celebrate, but he find time to go back to our remote village of Kudra, to observe the festivities there. He tells us in an email, that the people there have so little, but have the biggest hearts, and their warmth is overwhelming. That's the best type of people right?

My mother departs for India and reaches their safely. She is strong and gets on top of things, but the conditions are harsh, and one can get burnt out quickly. I have health issues of my own, which I had been putting off for a long time, and finally I get my appointment after a month of waiting. This doctor is amazing, thorough and personal. She goes over everything with me, my entire history of health to get to the bottom of this problem, this pain, once and for all.

I speak to my uncle, my sister, my grandparents in New York everyday. I don't realize how often I call my mom and dad, until now. Facing these health issues alone, really suck, but it is something we learn to do, or don't. Hurricane Sandy comes and blows through the East Coast... I lose touch for two days from my sis, uncle and grandparents. Anxiety levels rise. I really miss them, and I am in utter pain, it is rather crappy. Who do I reach out to? I have no energy to laugh, love or even pray... I finally was able to cry myself to sleep last night, and what a relief it was to let go. oh what a heavy burden was lifted. I realize that happiness and satisfaction is not through material things or wealth... but the decisions we make in life regarding, loved ones (family and friends), health, awareness and growth in spirituality and truly caring and sharing.

Today I sang some lovely songs to myself and I felt much better, and I was finally able to pray. Praying is something new, I been learning to accept the possibility of a Higher Power, thanks to "The Artist's Way". It is slow but steady progress, and it's so good to be able to love again. There was a drought due to the sadness I feel through empathizing for my my grandmother in India, my dad's feelings as he is present for her, my mother's feelings as she goes to make peace and forgive a demented little old lady, and ask for her forgiveness in return.

A deep reminder that Karma does exist... the decisions you make today weather big or small, will come back to haunt you later in life. Be mindful, be patient, and value the people in your life, more than anything else in the world.

Egos, Opinions, and Arguments

This morning, in a meeting I witnessed one of the biggest clashes of personality, ego, and wit. It was amusing for a while, then it was hackneyed and I just wanted them to grow up and sort out their differences. The eye rolling, the use of wit, semantics, and what not. Grown Ups!

I miss the days when I could just pull my sisters hair, and she would slap and scratch me back, we would cry, and my mom would say sort it out. We would look at each other, say sorry and start playing again, together.

Things were simple then, how did it get so complicated?

The ego slowly develops as we grow and it becomes a source of comfort, the mental embodiment of that security blanket, or teddy bear we once couldn't live without. Holding onto our "ego" we actually miss out on a lot. As we grow we learn, and we often seek for approval of our opinions, thoughts etc. When we confront disapproval instead of seeing why and how, we say why not, and begin to stand our ground. It is important to learn how to stand our ground, but also see the other person's perspective and realize to them that maybe right. As we now learn after being around this planet for a while, and living with other humans for a little bit, that no one ever wins a fight, and no one ever is right or wrong (it's never as clear as black and white, and even then we found the 50 shades of Gray, different shades of white and black!).

If we are so educated, why do we still end up in conflicts?

Ego! The ego holds us back from seeing things from the other side, or multiple sides. When we hold onto it, (it's like holding on to pride), we can't see from anther's perspective. However when you can put things in perspective, then you range of vision, understanding, empathy, experience increases drastically.
Education, I feel, kind of hones that ego, rather than making us understand that we have it, and how it holds us back from truly being an "educated" human (with that statement I will say there's more where that comes from, a lot of ranting).

So how do we remedy this human nature called the Ego?

Let go of it. It is very hard to do, especially at first, because it always comes back, be aware of it, and notice the actions it makes you take. Its really easy to correct once you realize you are acting out of ego and not from your true heart. Realize the difference and make that change, it is good for the world. It is one of the things I have learnt from my boyfriend and my sister, is letting go of it, and being the higher person, not for pride, but to do the right thing, and realize I will be making the same mistake as the "offender" if I behaved in that fashion. Deepak Chopra, Sri Sri Ravishankar, The Dalai Lama, etc. and other philosophers and spiritual teachers have some useful advice.

Back to the argument this morning, it's funny thought both of the individuals involved have the above awareness, they went back to that nature since they thought they had to defend themselves against each other. Defense is a major part of protecting the ego/ error or a great way of hiding the fact you KNOW you did something wrong. So although I see where they were both mistaken, they both could have bowed and admitted, apologized and started working, building from scratch. However that seems like more work so they decided to take the messy path. As amusing as it was, it was disappointing, however I learned a lot and do plan to apply this further in my life.

Breathe!
 

The sign reads "we are not Human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience"!!! This lady (who drives the car) got it right!


Deepak Chopra - https://www.deepakchopra.com/blog/view/744/selfesteem_and_ego

"Be mindful of how you release your negativity so that it does not reflect back into your reality."



Dalai Lama - http://www.dalailama.com/messages

His tweets are the best:

Affection is important because it counters anger, hatred and suspicion that can prevent our minds from functioning clearly.

Affection is important because it counters anger, hatred and suspicion that can prevent our minds from functioning clearly.

Don't blame others for your uneasy feelings; blame your own state of mind. This is why altruism  brings you greater peace of mind.

Don't blame others for your uneasy feelings; blame your own state of mind. This is why altruism  brings you greater peace of mind.

Blogging

Recently I read an article making fun of bloggers, and of course now I forgot where, but basically pointed out how one created a bubble about themselves and life, and how sad the lives of bloggers really are etc.. I put a lot of work into my blog, because it helps me prepare for "writing". Also I enjoy writing for an audience, however I need for feedback, constructive criticism, appreciation, anything!!!!

Do write! Love hearing your opinions, ideas, thoughts, even if it maybe just one word. Silence is great, but art is nothing unless it is discussed. Yes?

So anyway this attitude that bothers me is that "writing" is less novel now thanks to online publishing and the E-readers. It is true, books are more easily accessible, and cheaper, so what does the writer get? I remember the days when I traveled the whole city of Chennai looking for 1 Enid Blyton book. Or traveled the entire of Kolkata college street to find the right copy of The Tale of Two Cities. Gone are those days? Some very old books still aren't digitized, I had fun tracking down one of Edmund Hilary's more rare books. However in this age where we are obsessed with making fun of blogs, 50 shades of Gray, Twilight... what is the scope of becoming a Tolkien, Dickens, or a Shakespeare?

A twist.

So I will bring music and stories... from the abyss. It's just not a love story, or lust that drives me, but those of you who knows me it's something deeper, spiritual, and even dark. I began writing my novel this weekend, as well as writing music. It was awesome and exhausting. I had forgotten how exhausting creativity could be. I will still blog! However I am excited about this new advancement to the second phase.

I was talking to a friend recently who reminded me I just need to immerse myself and stop waiting for some traffic signal. I'm the only one who can change the traffic; Just as Gandhi said: "be the change you wish to see in the world."
Me: "I want to be a writer,"
Friend: "It's like a duck saying it wants to be a duck. Just start swimming!"

Now I'll have to get back into Yoga! Re-finding myself is fun!

Breathe!

My creative sister and I!

To Write or Not to Write...

I have been meaning to write a new blog for a long time, however my mind has been occupied with all the other silly worries we choose to stress ourselves out with.
The power of the mind is limitless (further blogs may explain this), and my sister and I always try to use "the secret" and other thought processes to manifest what we want.
I usually make lists of what I want to write about, and never get to it. Friday, I wanted to blog about health, yoga, meditation and manifesting our lives. However it's Sunday and I never got down to it (now it's Monday). I told myself - I have to write about something. Anything!
I thought back to a feeling in the past when I was so inspired, and I realized I had to write about that emotionally stirring moment. It was the while traveling on the plane... It was dark and I was blurry eyed with tears to even try to write then. That is my "muse moment", and Life in A Day awakens and awakened something in me.
I have thus realized, inspiration/motivation comes from within. It is our own minds. Yes once we master our minds, we are more powerful than some bloke who goes and masters countries.
I now know what I can do. I suggest you start mastering your mind and start motivating and inspiring yourself. There is no need for an outside anything. You have it inside!

There is no such thing as writers block... it is a decision we make subconsciously or consciously! Know thyself.

Breathe!

Manifesting: Beauty Love Peace and Success ... and Duh Winning! :-)

Life: In a second... in a day... in a year... a lifetime of moments!

On the plane ride from Newark to Delhi, I watched a few very very dull films: The zookeeper (oh why did i pick this one?) and Bad Teacher (They should show this movie to torture people. Honestly how immature and shallow does one get!). There were a few good movies I picked: The Help. It brought tears to my eyes. It reminded me of Gopa Didi, the lady that helped bring me up. She was with our family since I was 7 in Chennai. She took care of me (my sister and I), bathed me, washed my clothes, cooked for me and sometimes even tucked me into bed. She saw me grow up. Then she had a child and got married. She and her daughter lived with us for a while in Calcutta. I saw Gopa Didi's daughter till she was about 5. Now she is 15, and speaks English, Tamil, Hindi and Bengali! She writes lovely poetry and has memories from what her mother speaks of. She has a younger sister who is hyper and naughty, and a 2 year old brother who can't walk but is utterly cute. Her name was Trishna, but we called her Chintamani (chinta-thinking, mani - the one: the one that thinks too much). I took a video of the brother who walks with the help of a luggage dolly which my dad purchased in the 80's. It's amazing how something so mundane from over 20 years ago can create such a difference in this little boy's life. I was close to tears. I shall try to post the video sometime. In India people (such as Gopa Didi and her family) who come from a village, place more value in having a son than little girls. This is because the boy can work bring money home, and the girl needs a dowry later in life and is just another mouth to feed. This leads to female infanticide in Indian villages. So this family was humbled by being blessed by two bright lovely girls, and a son who has been slow in development. It took them heartbreak and hardship to realize the value in girls, and yes having a son is great, but now a days girls can accomplish as much as boys can. So what they thought was a curse, is now a blessing. However their families in the village do not understand and still think they are "cursed" and have cut them off. Having two girls and a slow boy is not a "blessing" to them. They don't see. I sometimes think it took my own grandparents many years, and loyalties to realize the value of Granddaughters, daughters and girls. The world is such a beautiful place thanks to girls, such as Trishna, and her sister. Their innocence, joy in simple things and enthusiasm in life, makes one see the world from such a different perspective. Children, will do that to you. Do you remember those days? I do!

This is a Picture of Chintamani (Trishna Ghosal) and I. She goes to school in Chennai, India and lives in a very humble but warm home, and could achieve awesomness if she had the opportunity. I shall try to help send some $ her and her siblings' way. If anyone wants to contribute, that would be lovely $1 can make a difference!

This is a video of the Little Boy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvemZl65I6k

Talking about joys in simple things... I watched another movie: Life in a day. It is an amalgamation of videos sent from all over the world, to youtube, and it was all shot on one day July 24th 2010 (which is also my sister's birthday!)... I don't remember exactly what I was doing that day, but it was a Saturday. I posted this on FB: The fragrance always stays in the hand that gives the rose. --Hada Bejar
And I probably called my sister and wished her, at this time she was going through a very rough patch. Do you remember what you did that day?

I would definitely recommend watching this movie because it is beautiful... its reminds us it is the little things that count. It is eye opening, and moving in the most unsuspecting ways. I liked it so much I watched it on the flight back to USA. I bought the movie and now am watching it with everyone. Every time I watch it, it is new! I see something I had not seen before! That is life!

This movie has strong affect... because it is real, raw, surprising, and it is LIFE! It made me realize that every moment, every little thing, is new and beautiful! Celebrate and love each moment we are alive. Everything is proof we are alive: living, heart beating, lungs breathing, eyes seeing... life experiencing. It is happening! Absorb, observe, be and enjoy. Learn, Love, and Laugh to it...

There are some dark moments in the movie. Yet these moments might be subjective to the viewers perspective. This reminds us that there are many people out there, everyone is different... it is up to us if we are haters, or lovers! If we see things "this way" or "that way"!

My dark moment was life and death: slaughtering animals... I made a friend on the streets of Delhi... it was a goat... Goat meat is delicious, but this goat (see below) came up to me and nuzzled against me and reminded me of all my doggies (doggie blog soon to be posted). That's one thing about India, that no matter where I go, there are doggies, goats, cows and other animals, and I don't need language to communicate with them, and they don't see me as foreigner or Indian. I just am a human to them who shows affection and they warm up to me. So my conclusion was, how can I eat my friend. So I decided to stop eating the mammals.

My goat friend and I (Nizamuddin, Delhi)

I definitely recommend watching it, and I would love to hear what you think about it!! Here's a picture of the DVD cover. Also the music/soundtrack is lovely!

Live Life! Breathe!
My New Year's Eve Idea was this... Instead of celebrating One night, celebrate each moment... as in live in it and BE PRESENT. For EVERYDAY is a NEW day! Every Moment is New and Happening! Live it! Love it!

(shrutipb@gmail.com)


 I found out - My friend Miles Reed has some footage in this film.
Also upon googling I found this article by NYT. It is the flip side, the point of view of those who won't enjoy the film... probably people who want the standard formula, and nothing exotic and different!

http://movies.nytimes.com/2011/07/29/movies/life-in-a-day-review.html

All I can say is this guy probably enjoyed Transformers.


It's a powerful movie! Watch it!

I am the 99%... We are the generation!

I look back and I see I have a lot of unpublished blogs from 2009-2010... most of them reflecting my angst about my applying for jobs... occupy movement would appreciate those blogs. it took them three years to organize, when I was so raw with emotion then. However I realize I made it happen for me (with a little support from my friends, and family). I fear its not only the government, Wall-street, the 1%, but also institutions, a generation of people - who sell the idea that "once you go through college you will have an awesome career". of course you have to get the formula right - grades, participation, leadership in college, internships, assistant-ships...

Today, things have changed. They do not follow this "formula" anymore, unless you are a doctor or engineer (these too, might change) but it seems to be back to those days where you have to fend for yourself, intelligence, commonsense, sharpness and HARD WORK are what counts. You have to be willing to do whatever it takes.

After graduating with my masters - i expected a GIS analyst job. That's what they told us - with a masters you should be able to get a GIS analyst job. Bachelor degree holders usually get a GIS tech job. This idea is fed to us, also this IS why we are going to school, to get the BETTER job. World changes, history catches up... we can blame whoever we want, the presidents in the past, Bush, Obama, 1%... In the end, life comes at you, and you make of it what you want.

What are you waiting for another day, another storm, another talk? Take action...(peaceful action please).
I went on my own path. The whole "path" for Pree has been very interesting so far. Who knows where it will lead next.
The occupy people, I don't disagree with them, because they sought action which they seemed will/might help them.

"Change does come from within, but the winds of change can be blown from many different directions"

"Be strong, Be precise, Be the Tiger"

"You are the Generation" - Mr. L. Hartnett

I became the tiger, I am strong, I am working on being a better me! If I can do it, you can too! We all fall, get hurt, but we get back up and kick @$$ harder, stronger and better!

image credits: http://img.ibtimes.com/www/data/images/full/2011/10/14/174091-occupy-wall-street-march.jpg


Breathe!

5 months into 2011

We live we learn.

And it's not getting much easier at all. It has been very difficult for a while now, however difficulty is relative to what a person can handle. I am sure I am better off, I have so much to be grateful for. However the hurdles I face are difficult for me.

I pace myself. I breathe. I focus.

I thought this year would be different and it has been. I am growing. Making decisions trying to figure out myself? I think sometimes people go off on a physical journey, however I do not have the money or time to. Turns out its tougher than it seems. It is a learning process.

I have been learning from my sister, a wonderful man, my uncle and my parents. They are close to me right now. They help me along my way.

Patience. Insight. Acceptance.

I am learning to love myself, and be patient with others. Accept my self with all my flaws and those around me.

Love. Being Present. Trust.

To treat those around me with love. No matter if they are hurting me. I have understood its their own deal that they are being mean. As long as I keep my act, and the entire side of my road clean. I am good. Always treat everyone with love. It seems to work.

I am always worried about the future, or hung up about the past. However to be present and live in the NOW is helping so much. I can enjoy the people I am with. It is doubly joyous for all involved.

Trust is the hardest hurdle of all. I need to trust the people in my life and the ones I love. I need to trust myself.

All these things I work on... forget money, its just a part of this whole system thing we live in. Just getting the basics right, is something most people do not do these days.

Tolerance.

So many people have such low tolerances in regards to so many things. They hurt each other. It is not even necessary.

Meditation.

Every morning for at least 5 minutes. It has helped me this past one week to be more productive and calm at work, although the stress levels are rising, there is calm within me.

Change.

Change is something we must always be ready for. Change is the only constant constant. However it is the biggest variable! Accept it! Go with it... or be left behind.

Breathing, enjoying every single bit of this life, and staying positive.
I am strong. I will do whatever it is I need to do and want to do!

OM!