Would you spare a thought
For the way your appear
Yes indeed
People spend millions
For the way they look
Beauty is big business
Image consultancy is huge now.
But would you spare a thought
On the way you make another feel
Your words
Be it in written or spoken
Have immense power
To hurt or heal
For words leave lasting impressions.
Tune in to the way you sound
Check your pitch and tone
As you speak to another
Reread the words you write
Remember words live on in eternity
Think twice and check
If what you write can make a difference
To someone somewhere
Spare a thought
As you take a step
Every step leaves a trail
That another may follow
Choose to step well.
Thoughts to action
Words to deeds
Each play a role
For all are significant
In life and living.
Every learning is a two-way process. There is the imparter of knowledge, skill & wisdom of truth who could be called a guru, teacher or a facilitator. Then there is the one who receives, assimilates, processes synthesizes & is then convinced about his or her interpretation of assimilation of truth enough to be called the student, shishya or disciple.
Now as learning is a never-ending process of growth and realization all the seekers of knowledge should have the channels of thoughts, words & deeds open for correction, improvement to be able to retain & sustain the available information to the best of their abilities.
The interpretation of knowledge may happen with respect to the personal state of mind and matter of the receiver, no matter whether he is the student or a teacher. Both are only human and are bound to the vagaries of human nature.
Poise & Composure
The sheer physical or mental magnetism a teacher or student exudes or otherwise must not undermine the purpose. So certain restraint in conduct, both in the physical emotional & mental sense must be in place for a mutually symbiotic relationship to take place. It’s very important for this realization to be clear and apparent enough between both of them before they can begin a journey of refinement that knowledge brings forth. In a situation of misplaced judgement, it is important for the other to coach and coax the unwilling and astray mule in the mind of the erring person, back on to the road, whoever they are, student or teacher. As learning is a two-way street. The learning will at times make the student a teacher and the teacher a student in the journey of realization.
Channelling the learning
Many times the temptation of thoughts will bring even the most dedicated of students or teachers to testing the real purpose of their efforts and practice. At this juncture, the control of mind and body actions must be exercised. This, if left unchecked could leave room for unnecessary situations which could harm the beautiful synthesis and symbiotic nature of the student-teacher relationship. The boundaries of mind are easily even more difficult to fathom and clarify.
It is simple and wise to let the mind be grounded, focused and steadfast in its purpose enough to be clear about the distinction and discernment while the learning relationship is taking place. As a single stray thought, or action could cause confusion enough to completely toss the relationship boundaries to levels which may be difficult to tilt back to states of equilibrium that needs to be maintained.
Steering the learning
The teacher must make it clear to himself or herself and to the students that he is there for the purpose of teaching and sharing the knowledge that he has been privy to, probably because of his own levels of ability, understanding, karma, dedication or steadfastness and discipline in acquiring the related skill. This act itself clears the ground for proper acceptance of a teacher’s education.
The thought and senses need to be checked before every movement such that there is respect enough for the student towards the teachers’ knowledge and in doing so the teacher manages to gain the required acceptance from the student and learning resumes.
Respect
But this is only one side of the coin the student too, has certain modes of conduct which needs to be observed and never crossed.
It is very important to understand first of all that neither a teachers time must not be taken for granted nor his teachings. They will be there for you as you need it and thus trust enough to understand that you cannot learn more or less of anything than what is required for you at that time.
Secondly, it is important that both accept and follow the principles of conduct in which learning is taking place which is ideally laid down by the form or subject to ensure that both do not stray beyond the boundaries and go off track.
The purpose of learning is absolutely free flowing & spills over to life and its situations and circumstances so this association of thought must not be confused with favoritism and partiality of any kind between both of them.
In some learning, the personal space both physical and mental greatly narrows down between the teacher and student putting them in a quandary especially if both are seeing a reflection of thoughts and actions in each other. This is definitely a situation to exercise caution enough to circumvent the spillover of knowledge beyond the cup of the mind.
Finally, there is the need to assimilate and interpret an information and only then act upon it, not get taken by impulse so much that you don’t give the other side the benefit of doubt.
The realization that experiences necessary for your learning and growth come to you will be clear but at the same time, you must keep in mind that no student or teacher can exercise and influence you to the degree that you do not want to be.
You learn what you can imbibe.. Not more not less!
Savvy
I wrote this article years ago but I was reminded of it today as in India it is Guru Poornima a day dedicated to the Teacher or Guru in and around us.
It is a day of celebration in respect & reverence for the exchange of knowledge and wisdom.
I addressed here the interplay of that which needs a mutual definition in understanding between both the students and the teacher as learnings begin to happen. It is always a work in progress for I believe learning is never ending and a continuous path of life and living.
Yet it is beautiful to pause & be grateful for the understanding that comes our way. Thus through the trials & tribulations of being a student & a teacher, life abounds in deep gratitude.
The importance and impact of thought on humanity cannot be denied. Positively steered thoughts transform lives and create transcendence.
Similarly, aimless thoughts lead to stagnation. And negative thinking is a road to self-destruction. Repression and suppression of thoughts through force and coercion can have harmful effects on the entire persona.
Educating the mind and heart with the power of rational thinking and clarity on topics like humanity and ethical living, natural laws of being, of the larger purpose of being than the self creates a conducive platform for steering the young minds towards self introspection and contemplation in self reflection and awareness.
For instance subjects like philosophy, psychology, sociology can be introduced in high schools along with other mainstream subjects so discussions on morality and ethics of being and humanity at a much impressionable age. Students showing interest can then be given options to advanced exploration.
Every subject has its own charm and significance, In fact including these subjects will help still a restless mind and induce tolerance and patience in thinking and relating.
In doing so the next generations understanding of the relationship of the self and world and it’s interdependence in the strength of the interconnects improves amidst the introspection. The possibilities are infinite.
Our world needs understanding in expansiveness and inclusivity more than ever… it needs governance by leaders who value response over reaction.
Stay true… To your words and deeds given and done. For they are who you truly are. Backing out in both, after promises Remember is not an option. For it shows up poorly for the self.
In an age of self obsession bordering on extremes of behaviour from starving to binging, from wearing those uncomfortable hip breaking harmful high heels to choosing crazy outfits that fool you in the name of fashion, to wearing outrageous clothes without it actually suiting your personality, just to fit in and feel accepted I find a lot of people youngsters especially finding themselves at odds with their natural body and having issues with who they truly are. It reflects in the clothes they wear as much as in their attitude to the fast convenience food they choose to eat.
Here in this article I address this very insecurity and deep need to measure up to the so called dictates of trends and fashion in the name of modernity and suggest ways to work with yourself to help yourself shine your best inside out. For, a comfortable and relaxed confident body is the best outfit you can wear.
Savvy Raj
A positive body image brings optimism into your life and makes it easier to manage stress.
It also helps you cope the pressures of social situations with confidence. Below, I’ve listed10 tipsto help you in owning a more positive body image and relationship with yourself.
Be kind to yourself
Liking who you are and feeling good about being yourself begins with being good to yourself and showing yourself loving kindness.
Respect thy Self
Move beyond a need for validation from others. Your life and happiness must never be dictated by assuming what others may be thinking of you. Avoid seeking approval from others.
Think well and exercise the power of positivity
Keep a check on your own thoughts and steer clear of negative self-talk. See the positives in yourself and others and speak positively. See life transform for the better.
The company you keep matters
Surround yourself with kind and positive people. Avoid those who are self-obsessed and definitely stay away from bullies.
Cultivate a good attitude towards life
As you continue to work on your self-esteem remember body confidence is a matter of attitude and the way you carry yourself.
Cultivate good posture and poise
Work on your sense of poise, avoid slouching and fidgeting. This can help you tremendously in boosting your self-esteem in any social situation.
Speak well
Your body is always listening. So, speak well of yourself and others. Make it a habit to start and end the day on a positive note.
Embrace Self-value
Try to understand your weaknesses and accept them as challenges to work on. Treat yourself well. Make sure to eat well, exercise, or take a walk. Be healthy and groomed. Make it a part of daily life.
Take it easy
Over perfection is an obsession and can ruin your self-esteem and self-confidence. Ease up on yourself. Don’t sweat the small stuff.
Own yourself
Embrace the uniqueness that you are endowed with. Remember you matter. You are so much more than a title, a rank, or a dress size. Don’t be desperate to fit in. Most importantly, be interested in your life and actively participate in it. Own yourself.
As you practise working on all these aspects and envision the positives, you create a positive shift in your perspectives.
Ingenuity of man is fascinating indeed But when coupled with the passion it leaves quite an imprint ….
Here’s a testament of a love story finding a fixture in reality .
Have you heard of the STATUES OF LOVE
Located in Batumi, Georgia, the statue of lovers begin to move every night at 7 p.m.And the two figures represent a Muslim boy, Ali, and a Georgian princess, Nino, from a famous 1937 novel by Azerbaijani author Kurban Said. The tragic story ends with the lovers separated by the invasion of Soviet Russia. This powerful love story has been translated into more than 30 languages.
“Man and Woman” is a 8 meter (26 foot) tall moving steel sculpture by Georgian sculptor Tamara Kvesitadze.
A connectedness in the centering, valuing equanimity and a learning to evolve along the journey of life sensing the need for balance between the rest and movement.
It is an acknowledgement of the past in awareness of things as they were without allowing it to cloud the now. Grounding is also about taking the time to understand the self and the basic foundations and inspirations to build ones dreams and aspirations.
Grounding is valuing this now … for the past is a place of reference and not residence and the future is unknown as it is yet to unfold. Focus on building the virtues of integrity courage , truth, perseverance and honour the very foundation of grounding. Stand your ground and root yourself in trust and knowing … for it is truly sacred.
The Strength in the Grounding:
Grounding is a process of discovery of the strength within. A true measure of the strength in the grounding is in the process of creating transformations in & around us towards a sustainable future.
