tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72160612024-03-07T11:47:14.379+05:30:::all things bright and beautiful:::souhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351219482082455750noreply@blogger.comBlogger116125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7216061.post-53227989662967316742010-12-05T15:52:00.004+05:302010-12-05T16:03:24.036+05:30Homeward Bound<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">||Yoga of Imperishable Brahman|| Said Arjuna: "O Purushottama, what is that Brahman, What is Adhyatma (inner Self) and what is karma ? What is said to be Adhibhuta (the primeval being ) and what is referred to as Adhidaiva (the Supreme Deity)?"</span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Said Lord Supreme: "Indestructible and beyond all is Brahman. Ones own self is called Adhyatma. The cause behind the creation of all the beings is called karma. Adhibhuta is by nature destructible. The Purusha (the Manifested Supreme Self) is Adhidaiva. And certainly I am Adhiyagna in the body, O best of the embodied.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Always thinking of the Creator, the Ancient, the Ordainer, One who is smaller than the atom, the upholder of all, the unthinkable (beyond thought)..... </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">....At the time of death, with unwavering mind, engaged in devotion, by the strength of Yoga, establishing the prana (breath) completely between the two eye brows, he attains the Divine and transcendental Personality of Brahman.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">=========================</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">How did the meaning of all this part from my soul? That I need words today to search for the meaning of something so deep within me and within all. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', -webkit-fantasy;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;font-size:11px;"><br /></span></span></div>souhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351219482082455750noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7216061.post-25755558347326770992010-02-22T22:54:00.004+05:302010-02-22T23:24:15.126+05:30Old Hindi Songs - Melodious Poetry, Reflective Voices of a Generation, Simple Philosophy<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulzar"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Gulzar - Lyricist</span></a></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: rgb(48, 48, 48); line-height: 19px; font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Tahoma, Arial;"></span></span></p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Ek Akela Is Shahar Mein Raat Mein Aur Dopahar Mein<br />Aabodaana Dhoondta Hai Aashiyana Dhoondta Hai</span></p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">In Umar Se Lambi Sadkon Ko Manzil Pe Pohonchte Dekha Nahin<br />Bas Daudti Phirti Rahti Hain Humne To Theherte Dekha Nahin<br />Is Ajnabi Se Shahar Mein Jaana Pehechana Dhoondta Hai<br />Ek Akela Is Shahar Mein…</span></p></span><p></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">:::: very difficult to translate::::: :( </span></span></p><p>One lonely man in this town, in the night and afternoon</p><p>Searches for water and food (a livelihood) and a home</p><p>Never see these roads that are longer than age</p><p>Ever reach a destination</p><p>Just running and winding everywhere but I've never seen them stop anywhere</p><p>In this town of strangers searches for a familiar</p><p>One lonely man in this town...</p><p><a href="http://delhidreams.blogspot.com/2009/11/this-city-ye-shehar.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">:</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">::::::: </span><a href="http://delhidreams.blogspot.com/2009/11/this-city-ye-shehar.html">found a lovely post when writing this one</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">::::::</span> </p><p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sahir_Ludhianvi">Sahir Ludhianvi - Lyricist</a></p><p>Main Zindagii Kaa Saath Nibhaataa Chalaa Gayaa </p><p>Har Fikr Ko Dhuen Mein Udaataa Chalaa Gayaa </p><p>Barabaadiyon Kaa Sog Manaanaa Fizuul Thaa<br />Barabaadiyon Kaa Jashn Manaataa Chalaa Gayaa<br />Main Zindagii...</p><p>Gam Aur Khushii Mein Fark Na Mahasuus Ho Jahaan<br />Main Dil Ko Us Muqaam Pe Laataa Chalaa Gayaa<br />Main Zindagii...</p><p><br /></p><p>i went on partnering with life</p><p>i have gone on blowing up my worries in smoke</p><p>it was futile to mourn failures/destruction</p><p>i have gone on celebrating them </p><p>where i can't feel the difference between happiness and sadness</p><p>I have gone on taking my heart to that destination</p><p>:::::: more to come soon:::::</p>souhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351219482082455750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7216061.post-20573908783681692442010-02-02T11:02:00.001+05:302010-02-02T11:04:51.997+05:30The Desiderata of HappinessGo placidly amid the noise and haste,<br />and remember what peace there may be in silence.<br />As far as possible without surrender<br />be on good terms with all persons.<br />Speak your truth quietly and clearly;<br />and <span style="font-weight: bold;">listen to others,</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">even the dull and the ignorant;</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">they too have their story.</span><br /><br />Avoid loud and aggressive persons,<br />they are vexations to the spirit.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">If you compare yourself with others,</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">you may become vain and bitter;</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Keep interested in your own career, however humble;</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.</span><br />Exercise caution in your business affairs;<br />for the world is full of trickery.<br />But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">many persons strive for high ideals;</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">and everywhere life is full of heroism.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Be yourself.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Especially, do not feign affection.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Neither be cynical about love;</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">it is as perennial as the grass.</span><br /><br />Take kindly the counsel of the years,<br />gracefully surrendering the things of youth.<br />Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.<br />But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.<br />Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.<br />Beyond a wholesome discipline,<br />be gentle with yourself.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">You are a child of the universe,</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">no less than the trees and the stars;</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">you have a right to be here.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">And whether or not it is clear to you,</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.</span><br /><br />Therefore be at peace with God,<br />whatever you conceive Him to be,<br />and whatever your labors and aspirations,<br />in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">it is still a beautiful world.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Be cheerful.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Strive to be happy. </span><br /><br />~ Max Ehrmannsouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351219482082455750noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7216061.post-69501351218168969382009-07-31T11:20:00.007+05:302009-08-10T20:06:15.739+05:30Moses Manoranjan Kumarswamy<span style="font-style: italic;">The Morning Star whispers to Dawn,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"Tell me that you are only for me."</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"Yes," she answers,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"And also only for that nameless flower."</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">~ Rabindranath Tagore (fireflies)</span><br /></div><br />Mentor. Father-figure. Partner in mischief. Stereotypical wise old man. Boss.<br /><br />He meant all these things for me and more. Above all, he meant <span style="font-weight: bold;">hope</span>, for me and countless others from all walks of life.<br /><br />A typical interaction with him would be like the lines above. You can demand anything from him.. and he responds.. with acceptance, respect, and a zinger following the "yes", which expands the perspective and humbles you.<br /><br />Now I'm finding him in me and in all things around me. I think I now understand life and death, and their relation to each other to some extent.souhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351219482082455750noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7216061.post-14302452692516924912009-07-13T23:11:00.004+05:302009-07-13T23:21:44.407+05:30My ideas for better governance<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">My work with rural women has taught me:</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"></p><ol><li>That meeting with all the people in the village, once a month, is an integral part of village councils (simple enough.. but does not happen as fairly or often as it is supposed to)<br /></li><li>Networking with your representatives in the governance and administration bodies is very useful<br /></li><li>You don’t need to hold a post in governance to have power to change things (They shared that their main aim of standing for elections were to affect social change and develop their village’s infrastructure. Now, many of them are no longer holding a formal post in the council but no way in hell does that stop them from continuing to affect social change. They shared the power of networking and representing the wish of the people as a social representative.)<br /></li></ol><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Also, I think somewhere, the government is also looking for friendly, conscious citizen to partner with to make its work easier. (yeah I still have my rose tinted glasses on) <span style="font-family:Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-char-type:symbol; mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings;">J</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So, I don’t see why the same model can’t be (or atleast tried) on scale. Let us suppose you are a, corporator, representing your <a href="http://www.hindu.com/2007/06/25/stories/2007062553980300.htm">Ward</a> in a metro like Bangalore. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Let us say you break down your ward area further into areas and further into zones, each with a manageable number of population (what is a manageable number is determined by your resources). </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Ward > Area > Zone</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Would 6 months be enough (of a 5 year term) for you to get a basic profile (name, occupation, contact details) of each person in each zone in your ward?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">How nice would it be then to hold Ward council meetings zone-wise to truly represent those who have voted for you? </p> <p class="MsoNormal">HOLD IT! Reality check. What are the constraints?</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:36.0pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Cambria;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">1.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Time people would be willing to invest in coming to your “meeting”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:36.0pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Cambria;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">2.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Money / logistical problems to come to the meeting</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:36.0pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Cambria;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">3.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Managing to actually give all present a fair hearing</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Thankfully as I’m not communicating this in a formal proposal, I can afford to overlook logical loopholes (I’m sure there will be others who have a skill to spot them) and allow flight of fancy to take me a little further into hypothetical solutions to these.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:36.0pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Cambria;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">1.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Time willingly spent to work WITH your government is not something that will happen over night but maybe, just maybe, getting an email from your ward representative (who knew we even had one!) might rouse the curiosity of a few. For those who are not email-accessible, a phone call or sms inviting them to meet with their representative might just work. Having food at the meetings will certainly help (food always help :p ) </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:36.0pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Cambria;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">2.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Have you seen the free open top double decker buses that ferry across people who want to see Bangalore? Well that was a swell idea and I’m pretty sure that with the power of networking between corporates and corporators facilitating free travel to the meeting and back shouldn’t pose as much a problem (that is not counting if maybe there actually might be budget that can be set up for it)</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:36.0pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Cambria;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">3.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>A written comment form and scribes for those who cant write to ensure it is recorded for review. Addressing the most commonly occurring and (in the eyes of the corporator and his advisory committee) important suggestions/issues/feedback can be shared and review of the action items of the previous meeting can be done too (hopefully there will be something positive to share on this front!)</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:18.0pt">These were some of the thoughts that formed in my head today when I thought of being part of this administration/governance system that I so easily blame (atleast once a day). Then I got in touch with the fact that I needn’t BE in power to do this. I can, as a good citizen, offer my ideas and services to make this into a reality. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:18.0pt">I don’t know how much this sounds like an illogical, bordering on sci-fi, plan but it gave me happiness to think that this is possible. </p> <!--EndFragment-->souhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351219482082455750noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7216061.post-12454380695205323782009-03-05T22:26:00.002+05:302009-03-05T22:31:19.828+05:30programmed to receiveI woke today morning feeling loved. I have never felt that before. Ever. I could feel all the love that people close to me have for me.. in all its warm glory. It was a lovely feeling. Me thinks me has finally learned to receive.. with grace.<br /><br />All our lives we are taught to be givers. So much so.. that sometimes.. even if all the people lay their best selves at our doorstep we become too "lazy" to open the door to see them.. to acknowledge them..<br /><br />Too accustomed to 'giving' and feeling good about ourselves.. too busy playing 'victim' ('i only give and give.. nobody seems to care when it is my turn to get!')<br /><br />.. sometimes some people can actually make us acknowledge that we are definitely recieving something from them .. but somehow it doesn't satisfy us.. we didn't get it when we really needed it from whom we needed it.. so why accept it now? Isn't is easier to go on playing 'victim' and rage against the world.. against ourselves that we are not getting what we 'deserve', that we are oh so alone?<br /><br />It is worth looking at how similar being unable to receive is to being unable to give. selfish people versus 'selfless' people.. two sides of the same coin?<br /><br />where is the balance the harmony? ..to be able to trust and say.. yes i have received this from you with gratitude.. thank you. and not feel obligated. just feel happy. loved.<br /><br />Next time I find myself tripping all over myself trying to prove to myself I'm not selfish, I'm a sensitive soul who needs to ensure the other person is not put through any trouble because of me... i'll be sure to give my ear a hard yank.. and remind myself to smile.. and say thank you, i accept it.souhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351219482082455750noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7216061.post-59861096652199036612008-11-15T13:47:00.001+05:302008-11-15T13:49:25.629+05:30chew! chew! chew!i realize i have to start somewhere if i'm ever gonna start this again. and maybe the best way is to not think at all but to just go ahead with it. to not pressurize it into being but just allow it to come forth in whatever form and be ready to accept it.<br /><br />i am swollen with learnings. i wrote about minilives and life seems to have taken it upon itself to satisfy my desire to know, learn, and live till i cry out "enough". i never thought i would say enough, but i realize now that i have to. For any of them to be of any worth i can't stuff it in my mouth like a stubborn child who jousts with food in an everyday battle. i have to allow each learning to be born. chew till it is digestible. digest till it is a part of my bloodstream. else it is all but a pile of shit.<br /><br />it is not easy to chew. i remind myself and diligently chew on my learnings but i'm afflicted by the same condition as the child with its mouth, full of food, hanging open in wonder at a passing bird or a mooing cow.<br /><br />i want to be a computer and not a hard disk. so i twist and turn my head refusing more learnings till i have swallowed (and hopefully not choked on) what i've already bitten off.souhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351219482082455750noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7216061.post-340286540672300502008-08-31T21:06:00.003+05:302008-09-01T19:30:01.180+05:30A Bubble's SongA bubble round, pretty, and new<br />Liked colors red, green, and blue<br />As it made its way across the skies<br />And came into the web of lies<br />Touched it did with a baby’s wonder<br />All the things over and under<br />They gave it color and it glowed<br />As a multi-hued bubble it flowed<br />Till one day it thought, “I say!<br />There are too many colors in me that play!”<br />It kept a few and threw some out<br />Felt lighter, yet a shade of doubt<br />“I only reflect the colors I see<br />But what are the true hues of me?<br />When will I learn to dance alone?”<br />So thinking, it felt sad and forlorn<br />Came it did to firelight<br />Was entranced and stayed the night<br />The light shone through and helped it see<br />The beauty of its transparency<br />“No color in me does not mean I’m empty”<br />So knowing the bubble was joyful and glee<br /><br />Such is the simple truth of life<br />Know thyself and know no strife<br />Many times we think we know<br />Forget we continue to learn on the go<br />May this bubble and its song<br />Remind us this all life long.souhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351219482082455750noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7216061.post-48572307746025384322008-07-30T08:27:00.005+05:302008-07-30T09:07:26.887+05:30Street Sexual Harassment - Survivor? Perpetrator? or Spectator?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7taF2tScB9YeOocjPW190DE2ksngpq1JC3X7eqVwkglK4dweBlg7eO9eWpQnpu9zQr2oUx_Km6ZRgZ0VV8FRZG1x3qZ8YJ9Y6UQH4N1G7fCrGalqtpScQ36H5BBoLMKzPv-baaQ/s1600-h/spectatorsspecial.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7taF2tScB9YeOocjPW190DE2ksngpq1JC3X7eqVwkglK4dweBlg7eO9eWpQnpu9zQr2oUx_Km6ZRgZ0VV8FRZG1x3qZ8YJ9Y6UQH4N1G7fCrGalqtpScQ36H5BBoLMKzPv-baaQ/s320/spectatorsspecial.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228636374444566786" border="0" /></a>The public on the street comprises of those who 'experience' street sexual harassment, i.e. the survivors; those who cause street sexual harassment i.e the perpetrators and those who witness street sexual harassment i.e <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">the spectators</span>.<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><a href="http://blog.blanknoise.org/">Blank Noise</a> Spectators Special</span> asks members of the public, both men and women to share what they witnessed. What was your first reaction? Was it to intervene? Was it to ignore? What did you do? What would you rather have done? Can you share your thoughts about being a spectator. If you have been a 'special spectator' , that is, intervened in the situation, please tell us how! Was it with wit and humor? Or did physically assault the 'perpetrator'? Did you walk away? Or call the cops? Or gather a crowd? Or see another spectator take charge of the situation and participate in any way.</div><br /><div>To participate in this online event please register by emailing us at blurtblanknoise at gmail dot com subject titled <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Blank Noise Spectators Special. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Link this post to your blog, and send in your blog address. We will add you to the list below. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Deadline for your post on <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">being a spectator</span> is August 15th. </span></span></span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A BLOG</span>: no problem. what matters is your point of view. Register with us via email anyways. We will publish your ideas on the Blank Noise blog on Aug 15.</div><div>This event hopes to be one in the series of events planned in bringing together '<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">survivors'</span>(http://blanknoiseactionheroes.blogspot.com), '<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">perpetrators'</span> (male only event coming soon) and '<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">spectators'</span>.</div>souhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351219482082455750noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7216061.post-18993957912155883222008-04-14T16:57:00.003+05:302008-04-14T17:05:09.686+05:30It’s all about self worth<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Everything I feel, everything I say or do are listed as symptoms of a disease. Then who is me?</span></span><br /><br />Between preparing some questions for elected women and some others for kids getting ready to leave school and face the big bad world of work...I have been questioning myself and life some too (so what's new)<br /><br />So what I’ve been learning lately from life is (apart from the fact that not having a corporate salary sucks) it truly is all about self worth. Your reality, the way you react to yourself and the world, and the way the world reacts to you. It’s all based on self worth.<br /><br />How much do you think you're worth?<br /><br />How do you know your self worth?<br /><br />How do you go about increasing it?<br />(not false affirmation, validation, or celebrating oneself... I mean I really doubt that working for me)<br /><br />What will you have to let go of to be happier and stronger as an individual with a healthy amount of self worth?<br /><br />How do you decide what's a healthy amount of self worth and what is selfishness?<br /><br />Answers to these seem a little long way off. My hope is I’m atleast asking the right questions.souhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351219482082455750noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7216061.post-83324695336369928292008-02-23T19:36:00.003+05:302008-02-23T20:10:31.479+05:30... from the land of hopeI have been lucky, honored (and all those corny sounding words whose meaning is nonetheless genuine and appropriate here) to be part of a training session for elected women from gram panchayats (village governance) of different states.<br /><br />So the latest update from our quite forgotten villages is "hope". The villages from some regions it seems have kept up with changing times. Some however (esp. Bikaner) are still catering to the stereotypical thoughts of "village life" in our heads. They are still struggling with survival issues - water, food, basic health amenities.<br /><br />Hope, though, blooms. These women, some literate, many not have learned and shared through songs, movies, and discussions. They learned about their roles and responsibilities, they became aware of gender inequalities... the rules and traditions that enforce them. They realigned their thinking and fought with social conditioning in their heads. They shared experiences (which were similar... after all people are people everywhere). They derived immense strength from being together and from all the similar situations, challenges, problems they faced.<br /><br />How many will cause a major positive impact once they return remains to be seen but the very fact that there is such an encouraging start towards a better future at the grassroot level makes me happy.<br /><br />I could feel that the place of learning and the organization was like an epicenter. The ripples of all things good and positive in the form of these informed women spreading to the far corners of our country forms a pretty pattern in my head.souhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351219482082455750noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7216061.post-85875085353007850022007-12-28T15:52:00.000+05:302007-12-28T15:56:29.367+05:30minilivesso i was born 26 years ago. i don't know why. nobody asked me. i just was.<br /><br />it took me quite sometime to figure out how things worked around here. it didn't help that<br /><br />i didn't agree with most of it.<br /><br />i vaguely remember my first day of school when i had clarity of thought and purpose in<br /><br />life. i had to protect my new best friend (ratna.. i think) from the new found class bully<br /><br />(her name was pinky). i thought i had it all figured out then.<br /><br />my childhood and preteen years were painful. i used to be happy and content with such<br /><br />little and simple things. why painful then? coz i stumbled upon a new threat to my happy<br /><br />life.. something called "rules". the best analogy i can think of is minesweeper. so there i<br /><br />was happy to skip from one square to the next... delighted to discover the pretty numerals,<br /><br />even if they didn't make sense or mean anything, watch the pretty colors.. and BOOM!<br /><br />everything blows up in my face coz i failed to do something according to the rules. normal<br /><br />expectations from normal parents and a normal society took on proportions of an evil plan,<br /><br />a plan meant to lull me into peace just to shock me again and again. so i screwed up a lot<br /><br />coz i was partially deaf and blind to rules that everybody was just supposed to know.<br /><br />but life wasn't all that bad. i always got a fresh start. so i told myself it was ok to<br /><br />screw up coz you can always begin afresh. i thought i had it all figured out then.<br /><br />cut to the recent past...<br /><br />life's good. life's happy... so happy infact it's a li'l unreal... therefore BOOM! why? coz<br /><br />i'm comfortable with screwing up, picking up the pieces, and moving on to a fresh start.<br /><br />gives me a purpose in life you see. gives me a nice comforting illusion that things are<br /><br />getting better and i'll do better with the next chance than i did with the last. who knows!<br /><br />and there's death to think about! i mean how can we not think about death? i've never<br /><br />really found a satisfactory answer or meaning to existence so maybe this blink of a life is<br /><br />all we get. so..<br /><br />how can i not live as many lives as i can in it?<br /><br />minilives. a million desires. cramming it in like i'll starve for life after death.<br /><br />choosing to live better with each iteration. thought this was it. how could this mean i did<br /><br />not have things figured out? i obviously did.<br /><br />but then there was a pause. a glitch.<br /><br />we all have a perfect picture of the ideal. the ideal self, the ideal answer, the ideal<br /><br />love, person etc. etc. it's clearer when we are young, more objective. gets muddled and<br /><br />dirtied with subjective wants as we grow up.. as we learn to not expect too much even in<br /><br />that imaginary ideal that we create in our minds.<br /><br />so do you know what happens when reality exceeds expectation of a person who has learned<br /><br />the hard way to derive comfort from things in imagination and in thought coz there is no<br /><br />way reality can ever match it? it pisses them off!! that's what it does.<br /><br />i was/am pissed. i crave a fresh start after screwing up but now suddenly i know it won't<br /><br />satisfy me anymore. i have glimpsed at a more mature way of life. so i know now i have to<br /><br />make it my purpose, the walk down that calm path which offers different joys than the ones<br /><br />i've been used to. yeah bloody pissing off. but i will do it. coz just one minilife is<br /><br />enough if i try a li'l harder and make it worth the while. i think.<br /><br />do i have it all figured out yet? :|souhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351219482082455750noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7216061.post-45898128851987239502007-11-23T00:14:00.001+05:302007-11-23T00:17:50.627+05:30I'm constipatedI swear that has to be it. My life has actually been interesting the past few months. Lot's of things have happened including increased frequency of moments where I feel content. So why haven't I shared and cared? No clue why not... my hands just refused to write what my mind felt and wanted to express. There was some serious brain-hand disconnect. (I've always known I've serious problems with hand-eye coordination... I mean.. I am the only one I know who has accidentally slapped oneself :| but this brain-hand disconnect is new shit.)<br /><br />So I have taken some serious steps to get back to spewing my stuff out in the open... where it belongs :)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 1:</span> I have started blog surfing again. (and here's my first non-post already!)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 2:</span> Keeping at it. Please point me to some interesting blogs and posts.. I really think this community thing works.. you go see some blogs where some guy has crapped some interesting thoughts, it makes you think, "hey! I want to crap too!" and before you know it there is a fresh pile of interesting thought poo for all of you :D<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 3:</span> WIP..<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">PS </span></span>-<br /><ul><li>Sorry if I offended anybody's delicate sensibilities with all the shitty imagery and metaphors</li><li>I don't actually have a problem with the regular kind of constipation :| </li></ul>souhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351219482082455750noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7216061.post-40063601182083828542007-09-03T17:55:00.000+05:302007-09-03T18:02:57.761+05:30InsightsI have undone a knot! My problem is that i <span style="font-weight:bold;">like </span>people.. and because i'm mostly around people i like my defenses are weak.. i don't really need them. So when i come across B&Bs (bastards and bitches) i'm left bleeding. <br /><br />Today i spent some time with people i dislike and as each minute passed by i could observe how my behavior was more inline with <a href="http://theanalogkid.net">people who have good defenses</a> rather than being typically me. <br /><br />So is the solution to my problem to hang out with more people i dislike?<br /><br />Dilemma - <br /><br />More time with people i like = me happy but my defenses are weak<br />More time with people i dislike = me depressed but my defenses are strongsouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351219482082455750noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7216061.post-51567946143285719172007-08-30T11:38:00.000+05:302007-08-30T11:39:54.516+05:30TwilightThe marriage of light and dark<br />Makes the restless soul still, momentary<br />Out of the transition is born fear and a spark<br />They consume the helpless and the genius alike.souhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351219482082455750noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7216061.post-66743220817366630302007-08-16T23:25:00.001+05:302007-08-16T23:31:42.527+05:30self"OMG! I'm ugly!" *<span style="font-weight:bold;">cringe</span>*<br /><br />"I'm a bloomin genius. People haven't realized my worth yet."<br /><br />"I'm such a good person. How can they say such things about me?"<br /><br />"I can't believe I did this.. how can I be so dumb.. how come others haven't realized I'm a moron?"<br /><br />"I have battled with life and emerged a victor. People need to learn from my example." <br /><br />"I deserve better. I'm above all this crap. I'm waaay too cool for this."<br /><br />"hey! I'm looking good. I think I can stare at myself all day. Where's the bloody camera when you need one.."<br /><br />"Am I a <u>bad</u> person?"<br /><br />----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />"If you begin to understand what you are without trying to change it, then what you are undergoes a transformation"<br /><br />~ <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jiddu_Krishnamurti">J.Krishnamurti</a>souhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351219482082455750noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7216061.post-14568610433140929162007-07-16T21:39:00.000+05:302007-07-16T21:47:30.529+05:30try and wrap your pea brain around this one!..and here you thought I let my life in the real world interfere with my blogging eh? you thought my blog was interesting sometime back but is kinda slow now? oh.. but you were so wrong.. <br /><br />see, hear, understand, absorb the <a href="http://www.tenthdimension.com/medialinks.php">tenth dimension</a> and when you have figured how to articulate words again.. <br /><br />...naah. too much hype. just go watch it. it's gooooooood.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">note:</span> please wait for it to load completely before watching it.souhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351219482082455750noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7216061.post-68627608248931497662007-06-21T22:31:00.000+05:302007-06-21T23:27:47.814+05:30sweet stuffI can't believe my blog so far doesn't have a post about food! I mean.. somebody give me an award or something! :)<br /><br />I was just thinking of all the memories associated with specific candies. I've listed some of the sweet treats that are an integral, inseparable part of my childhood. <br /><br />10 paisa chocolate<br />This was a coconut + some beige chewy thing that wasn't caramel confection. It was wrapped in a transparent paper with white lettering. People would come home and surprise us kids with this. yumm..<br /><br />KaLLekai peppermint<br />Candied peanuts. White and red. Always fought for the red ones. Usually ran from the shop to the park and settled there on the bench for a good hour relishing some 15 odd candies.<br /><br />Sweet cigarette <br />They were all white and chalky to taste. Had a red colored tip (to imitate a lit ciggie). We were an ultra cool gang with a ciggie in each tiny mouth. And ofcourse there was the added bonus of licking the red end and applying the color on our lips. <br />A ciggie + a candy + a lipstick... how can any kid not like that!<br /><br />Joker<br />A small cardboard box with a joker's smiling face on one side and when you pull a piece of the box the joker's face would open and tiny red candy balls roll out! Awesome! The joker face was a li'l scary (I used to be scared of all jokers and clowns more of that <a href="http://miniocular.blogspot.com/2007/06/begone.html">here</a>... but it had candies inside.. so I guess I got over it) :) I didn't like the color of my hands after eating them though. A weird red/pink. blechh.. :(p <br /><br />Kuttundi<br />Tamarind balls.. *droooooool* The best part of any summer was stealing into the kitchen, opening the box of tamarind, getting salt, sugar, spice and mixing them in the right proportion and dividing it carefully among the drooling lot. We'd wait for the mixing and dividing expert with small sticks in our hands. The balls go on the sticks and woo... it's pure bliss for the next hour. <br /><br />So.. what did you grow up on my dearies?souhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351219482082455750noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7216061.post-26537427622412162612007-05-31T12:49:00.000+05:302007-05-31T12:52:02.095+05:30Something's right with the world todayWednesday morning. I'm happy. I have no clue why. It could be because:<br /><br /><ul><li>a very close friend is getting married</li><li>i'm in training (as opposed to working) and doing well</li><li>i'm going for the aerosmith show</li></ul>But if I had to be truthful I've had plenty of times in life when I had reasons to be HAPPY but have not really felt like being happy. And there have been times like today when I feel amazing. If life was an <a href="http://theanalogkid.net/?p=354#comments">MMORPG </a>this would be when the character that plays "you" obtains the happiness bubble. 100 points to you! :)<br /><br />In my typical style I blame everything on the hormones..<br /><br />feeling blue? these damn hormones<br />feeling great? hmm.. must be the hormones<br />feeling like killing someone? kissing someone? some country was bombed? damn.. these hormones<br /><br />Kinda makes you think doesn't it? We choose to be blue.. then again maybe its just <a href="http://minimousya.blogspot.com/2005/10/bring-on-blues.html">genetic</a>.souhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351219482082455750noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7216061.post-47149656442969257192007-05-22T16:20:00.000+05:302007-05-22T16:21:29.268+05:30Must.. Blog.. Now..*phew* finally!<br /><br />Why have we all stopped blogging? I ask all my fav blogger buddies to take on this question and answer it with the most creative excuses they can come up with. My excuses:<br /><br /><ol><li>I forgot English for a bit </li><li>Some cute minimousyas abducted me and made me their goddess (idea courtesy ice age II)</li><li>The author of my life was out on a smoke break</li></ol>souhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351219482082455750noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7216061.post-75569904103736465962007-04-18T23:19:00.000+05:302007-04-18T23:49:58.788+05:30the shittiest day in a long time. so glad it’s over.<p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal">I’ll try my best not to turn this into a crib session. I’m just trying to understand and make sense of a few things here. </p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <ol><li>Why do people wish ill of others? Why do they envy and take actions to ensure the target is at a desirable level of unhappiness? I’m not talking about people who know me and wish their life was more like their <b style="">perception</b> of my life. I’m talking about people who are perfect strangers taking pains to pass the word around to ensure my spirit and good cheer is dulled if not killed. I mean… why should my existence bother them at all? I do not see how I impact their lives in anyway other than being in their vision for a few minutes in a day. I do not understand. </li><li>Why should this hurt me? They are strangers after all… it is not someone close to me betraying me so why should it hurt? Why should perfect strangers’ skewed perceptions affect me so? Why? Their existence should not matter to me. Even if they are so desperately trying to impact my life it should be easy for me to shrug off the stupidity, right? So why then am I feeling so shitty?</li></ol> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" >So does this mean I’ll back</span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" > down? Ha! I’m too pig headed for that. But do I have the emotional strength to show them the finger and live my life the way I always have?</span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" > I don’t think so. So will I survive this crazy “rebelling, falling down, picking up the pieces and rebelling some more”? I’ll</span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" > keep you posted.</span><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzNZrgb_hIKqRicWNJEapSJHHEafnz5vQ6t5gwu5hg3sS697Ip2U__VxubhCA4sCUR18C8bkHSLrqPYfstFqiHa0M-mDh-YgiMs5Kb7LLx5H_kxJP9QNMZNoGsp-6Anq9K91s1gg/s1600-h/Very_sorry.gif"><br /></a>souhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351219482082455750noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7216061.post-16878058511054671202007-04-03T17:31:00.000+05:302007-04-03T17:43:17.974+05:30*tickle tickle*When was the last time you laughed?<br /><br />No. Not smiled. Laughed. Laughed till your tummy ached. Laughed till you continued laughing coz you just couldn't stop.<br /><br />Do you even remember what has the power to make you laugh like that?<br /><br />A few days ago, I was asked by somebody to laugh loudly and uncontrollably so she could shoot it on film for a project she was working on. I tried. I tried hard and failed. I just couldn't laugh and what's worse I got depressed coz it'd gotten so hard to laugh. It wasn't till I spent some time with my cousin that I realized I still could get silly and laugh really hard. I'm so grateful for her existence in my life and that I have given her the power to make me laugh.<br /><br />I'm still a li'l shaken up that I can't laugh. It feels like life crept up on me when I wasn't looking and stole my silly/goofy times and my ability to laugh uncontrollably. Grrrr....souhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351219482082455750noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7216061.post-28187556129664302092007-03-15T12:35:00.000+05:302007-03-15T17:03:13.387+05:30Why I love PersonaDon't you think I understand? The hopeless dream of being. Not seeming, but being. Conscious at every moment. Vigilant.<br /><br />At the same time the chasm between what you are to others and to yourself. The feeling of vertigo and the constant desire to at last be exposed. To be seen through, cut down, perhaps even annihilated. Every tone of voice a lie, every gesture a falsehood, every smile a grimace. Commit suicide? Oh, no. That's ugly. You don't do that.<br /><br />But you can be immobile, you can fall silent. Then at least you don't lie. You can close yourself in, shut yourself off. Then you don't have to play roles, show any faces or make false gestures. You think...<br /><br />But you see, reality is bloody-minded.<br /><br />Your hideout isn't watertight. Life seeps in everything. You're forced to react. No one asks if it's real or unreal, if you're true or false.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span><br /><br />How can anybody not love this movie? How can anybody not relate to these lines. These lines define my sense of reality so well that I'd probably not understand how somebody could not relate to these lines.souhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351219482082455750noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7216061.post-20117972841560536712007-03-05T16:42:00.001+05:302007-03-05T22:48:41.902+05:30Blank Noise Blogathon!<a href="http://blanknoiseproject.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">share. talk. inspire. understand. tell. speak. hear. be heard. narrate. voice. throw open.</span><br /><br />When did you <span style="font-weight: bold;">flip </span>a situation so you could resist, when did you give back as hard as you got? When and how did you choose to confront? When did you become an <span style="font-weight: bold;">Action Hero</span>?</a><br /><br />Here's what Shwetha Shenoy, my colleague & an awesome action hero, wants to share:<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">This is one of the incidents I can never forget!! Coz I was involved.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">I travel by bus. As usual I got into a bus n two stops later this gal aged about 22yrs follwed by a middle aged guy got in.. I was sitting. That gal was standing just opposite to me n was busy over phone. I noticed that the guy was standing right behind her n was tryin to touch her!!! I was shocked. Then, thought (1st time) he must ve done that by mistake.. But then, I saw he continued doing the same n the gal din't even notice.. that was all I could take. I shouted at the guy asking him to go behind as there was enough space available. The guy answered back askin me, what my problem was n I had a seat n why his standing in the front was bothering me??!!!! I lost my temper n said, I'm gonna complain about it. Probably he understood/ he didn't understand, I'm not bothered. Coz the guy went back n stood away from that gal. Later he got down before the bus reached the main bus terminal. Else he would've had it!! The gal dint even notice all this happening in the bus!!!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">After we (me n that gal) got down, I went n spoke to that gal n asked her to be more careful n keep her eyes open while traveling in the bus.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br />--------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />So where's my story? I'm ashamed to say that I don't have one. All the incidents mostly happened when I was in school. I had no clue that I could yell back or react in a way that would put the bad guy on the defensive. My goal every time it happened was to get away from there as fast as I could. Maybe that's why Blank Noise has had such an impact on me. I'm finally standing up for myself and my space and my rights.<br /><br />There have been a few small incidents here and there recently and I've found myself more than capable of flipping the situation, but my heart bleeds for that li'l girl I was in the past.<br /><br />So I'm gonna talk about it and blog about it and share all I can..<br /><br />..and I'll wish..<br /><br /></span></span>I wish more women are not afraid (of men, of society, of being physically weaker)<br />I wish more women discover their potential and be themselves<br /><br />To participate:<br /><br />1. announce the event<br />2. blog your story<br />3. email about it and BNP will link you right away! <div align="justify"><br />Email: <a href="mailto:blurtblanknoise@gmail.com">blurtblanknoise@gmail.com</a> </div><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></span></span>souhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351219482082455750noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7216061.post-62991622745447204182007-02-26T18:07:00.000+05:302007-02-26T18:10:05.732+05:30films on Sex, Desire, and the Human NatureI saw <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0367027/">shortbus</a>. Yes I did. And I loved it like I knew I would. If you think it is a porn flick… stop watching the movie, don’t lay your hands on it… take a few years time to grow up and mature as an open minded individual and then start watching it. <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It is a nice movie with some insightful thoughts and observations. I can only hope we have more of such movies coming out (the insightful observations part not necessarily the free spirited sex part).</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The movie (strangely) reminded me of <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0196069/">Samsara</a>… another movie with some awesome philosophy and thoughts on the same subject. In my head these two movies form amazing dual-hued arc lights of perceptions on the topic of sex and human nature worth absorbing and exploring. (woo… lack of sleep = dopey lines)</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Both are not great movies but their subject and the thoughts they spin are something so basic and fundamental that I’d urge everyone to go watch them. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Go watch them.</p>souhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351219482082455750noreply@blogger.com7