A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar.
He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous 'yes.'
The professor then produced two Beers from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.
'Now,' said the professor as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things---your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favourite passions---and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car. The sand is everything else---the small stuff. 'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you. 'Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Spend time with your children. Spend time with your parents.
Visit with grandparents. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first---the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.'
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the Beer represented. The professor smiled and said, 'I'm glad you asked.’
" The Beer just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of Beers with a friend."
Saturday, August 08, 2009
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
No God and Know God
An atheist professor of philosophy speaks to his class on the problem Science has with God, The Almighty.
He asks one of his new students to stand and.....
Prof: So you believe in God?
Student: Absolutely, sir.
Prof: Is God good?
Student: Sure.
Prof: Is God all-powerful?
Student: Yes.
Prof: My brother died of cancer even though he prayed to God to heal him.
Most of us would attempt to help others who are ill. But God didn't. How is this God good then? Hmm? (Student is silent.)
Prof: You can't answer, can you? Let's start again, young fellow. Is God good?
Student: Yes.
Prof: Is Satan good?
Student: No.
Prof: Where does Satan come from?
Student: From...God.. .
Prof: That's right. Tell me son, is there evil in this world?
Student: Yes.
Prof: Evil is everywhere, isn't it? And God did make everything. Correct?
Student: Yes.
Prof: So who created evil?
(Student does not answer.)
Prof: Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things exist in the world, don't they?
Student: Yes, sir.
Prof: So, who created them?
(Student has no answer.)
Prof: Science says you have 5 senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Tell me, son...Have you ever seen God?
Student: No, sir.
Prof: Tell us if you have ever heard your God?
Student: No, sir.
Prof: Have you ever felt your God, tasted your God, smelt your God? Have you ever had any sensory perception of God for that matter?
Student: No, sir.. I'm afraid I haven't.
Prof: Yet you still believe in Him?
Student: Yes.
Prof: According to empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol, science says your GOD doesn't exist. What do you say to that, son?
Student: Nothing. I only have my faith.
Prof: Yes. Faith. And that is the problem science has.
Student: Professor, is there such a thing as heat?
Prof: Yes.
Student: And is there such a thing as cold?
Prof: Yes.
Student: No sir. There isn't.
(The lecture theatre becomes very quiet with this turn of events.)
Student: Sir, you can have lots of heat, even more heat, superheat, mega heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat. But we don't have anything called cold. We can hit 458 degrees below zero which is no heat,
But we can't go any further after that. There is no such thing as cold. Cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold.
Heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it.
(There is pin-drop silence in the lecture theatre.)
Student: What about darkness, Professor? Is there such a thing as darkness?
Prof: Yes. What is night if there isn't darkness?
Student: You're wrong again, sir. Darkness is the absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashing light....But if you have no light constantly, you have nothing and its called darkness, isn't it? In reality, darkness isn't.
If it were you would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn't you?
Prof: So what is the point you are making, young man?
Student: Sir, my point is your philosophical premise is flawed.
Prof: Flawed? Can you explain how?
Student: Sir, you are working on the premise of duality. You argue there is life and then there is death, a good God and a bad God. You are viewing the concept of God as something finite, something we can measure.
Sir, science can't even explain a thought. It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one.
To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing. Death is not the opposite of life: just the absence of it. Now tell me, Professor. Do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?
Prof: If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, yes, of course, I do.
Student: Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?
(The Professor shakes his head with a smile, beginning to realize where the argument is going.)
Student: Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavour, are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you not a scientist but a preacher?
(The class is in uproar.)
Student: Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the Professor's brain?
(The class breaks out into laughter.)
Student: Is there anyone here who has ever heard the Professor's brain, felt it, touched or smelt it? No one appears to have done so. So, according to the established rules of empirical, stable, demonstrable protocol, science says that you have no brain, sir.
With all due respect, sir, how do we then trust your lectures, sir? (The room is silent. The professor stares at the student, his face unfathomable. )
Prof: I guess you'll have to take them on faith, son.
Student: That is it sir... The link between man & god is FAITH.
That is all that keeps things moving & alive...
He asks one of his new students to stand and.....
Prof: So you believe in God?
Student: Absolutely, sir.
Prof: Is God good?
Student: Sure.
Prof: Is God all-powerful?
Student: Yes.
Prof: My brother died of cancer even though he prayed to God to heal him.
Most of us would attempt to help others who are ill. But God didn't. How is this God good then? Hmm? (Student is silent.)
Prof: You can't answer, can you? Let's start again, young fellow. Is God good?
Student: Yes.
Prof: Is Satan good?
Student: No.
Prof: Where does Satan come from?
Student: From...God.. .
Prof: That's right. Tell me son, is there evil in this world?
Student: Yes.
Prof: Evil is everywhere, isn't it? And God did make everything. Correct?
Student: Yes.
Prof: So who created evil?
(Student does not answer.)
Prof: Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things exist in the world, don't they?
Student: Yes, sir.
Prof: So, who created them?
(Student has no answer.)
Prof: Science says you have 5 senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Tell me, son...Have you ever seen God?
Student: No, sir.
Prof: Tell us if you have ever heard your God?
Student: No, sir.
Prof: Have you ever felt your God, tasted your God, smelt your God? Have you ever had any sensory perception of God for that matter?
Student: No, sir.. I'm afraid I haven't.
Prof: Yet you still believe in Him?
Student: Yes.
Prof: According to empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol, science says your GOD doesn't exist. What do you say to that, son?
Student: Nothing. I only have my faith.
Prof: Yes. Faith. And that is the problem science has.
Student: Professor, is there such a thing as heat?
Prof: Yes.
Student: And is there such a thing as cold?
Prof: Yes.
Student: No sir. There isn't.
(The lecture theatre becomes very quiet with this turn of events.)
Student: Sir, you can have lots of heat, even more heat, superheat, mega heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat. But we don't have anything called cold. We can hit 458 degrees below zero which is no heat,
But we can't go any further after that. There is no such thing as cold. Cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold.
Heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it.
(There is pin-drop silence in the lecture theatre.)
Student: What about darkness, Professor? Is there such a thing as darkness?
Prof: Yes. What is night if there isn't darkness?
Student: You're wrong again, sir. Darkness is the absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashing light....But if you have no light constantly, you have nothing and its called darkness, isn't it? In reality, darkness isn't.
If it were you would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn't you?
Prof: So what is the point you are making, young man?
Student: Sir, my point is your philosophical premise is flawed.
Prof: Flawed? Can you explain how?
Student: Sir, you are working on the premise of duality. You argue there is life and then there is death, a good God and a bad God. You are viewing the concept of God as something finite, something we can measure.
Sir, science can't even explain a thought. It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one.
To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing. Death is not the opposite of life: just the absence of it. Now tell me, Professor. Do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?
Prof: If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, yes, of course, I do.
Student: Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?
(The Professor shakes his head with a smile, beginning to realize where the argument is going.)
Student: Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavour, are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you not a scientist but a preacher?
(The class is in uproar.)
Student: Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the Professor's brain?
(The class breaks out into laughter.)
Student: Is there anyone here who has ever heard the Professor's brain, felt it, touched or smelt it? No one appears to have done so. So, according to the established rules of empirical, stable, demonstrable protocol, science says that you have no brain, sir.
With all due respect, sir, how do we then trust your lectures, sir? (The room is silent. The professor stares at the student, his face unfathomable. )
Prof: I guess you'll have to take them on faith, son.
Student: That is it sir... The link between man & god is FAITH.
That is all that keeps things moving & alive...
Friday, July 10, 2009
Wrinting on Sand
A story tells that two friends were walking through the desert.
During some point of the journey, they had an argument and one
friend slapped the other one in the face.
The one who got slapped was hurt, but without saying anything,
he wrote in the sand:
"TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE!"
They kept on walking, until they found an oasis where they
decided to take a bath. The one who had been slapped got stuck
in the mire and started drowning, but his friend saved him.
After he recovered from the near drowning, he wrote on a stone:
"TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SAVED MY LIFE!"
The friend, who had slapped and saved his best friend, asked
him, "After I hurt you, you wrote in the sand and now, you write
on a stone, why?"
The other friend replied: "When someone hurts us, we should
write it down in sand where the winds of forgiveness can erase
it away, but when someone does something good for us, we must
engrave it in stone, where no wind can ever erase it."
LEARN TO WRITE YOUR HURTS IN THE SAND
AND TO CARVE YOUR BENEFITS IN STONE.
During some point of the journey, they had an argument and one
friend slapped the other one in the face.
The one who got slapped was hurt, but without saying anything,
he wrote in the sand:
"TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE!"
They kept on walking, until they found an oasis where they
decided to take a bath. The one who had been slapped got stuck
in the mire and started drowning, but his friend saved him.
After he recovered from the near drowning, he wrote on a stone:
"TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SAVED MY LIFE!"
The friend, who had slapped and saved his best friend, asked
him, "After I hurt you, you wrote in the sand and now, you write
on a stone, why?"
The other friend replied: "When someone hurts us, we should
write it down in sand where the winds of forgiveness can erase
it away, but when someone does something good for us, we must
engrave it in stone, where no wind can ever erase it."
LEARN TO WRITE YOUR HURTS IN THE SAND
AND TO CARVE YOUR BENEFITS IN STONE.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
I asked God why?
I asked God why I wasn't rich. He showed me a man with the wealth of a thousand Kings,
who was lonely, and had no one to share with.
I asked God why I wasn't beautiful. He showed me a woman more beautiful than any other,
who was ugly because of her vanity.
I asked God why He'd allowed me to become old. He showed me a boy of 16,
who lay dead at the scene of a car accident.
I asked God why I didn't have a bigger house. He showed me a family of six, who had just been evicted from their tiny shack, and were forced, to live on the streets.
I asked God why I had to work. He showed me a man who couldn't find a decent job,
because he'd never learned to read.
I asked God why I wasn't more popular. He showed me a socialite with a thousand friends,
who all left the moment the money and parties were no longer there.
I asked God why I wasn't smarter. He showed me a natural born genius,
serving life in prison for making ill use of his knowledge.
I knew then how much He loved me.
Keep smiling... we have million reasons to smile!
Have a Nice Time Always.
who was lonely, and had no one to share with.
I asked God why I wasn't beautiful. He showed me a woman more beautiful than any other,
who was ugly because of her vanity.
I asked God why He'd allowed me to become old. He showed me a boy of 16,
who lay dead at the scene of a car accident.
I asked God why I didn't have a bigger house. He showed me a family of six, who had just been evicted from their tiny shack, and were forced, to live on the streets.
I asked God why I had to work. He showed me a man who couldn't find a decent job,
because he'd never learned to read.
I asked God why I wasn't more popular. He showed me a socialite with a thousand friends,
who all left the moment the money and parties were no longer there.
I asked God why I wasn't smarter. He showed me a natural born genius,
serving life in prison for making ill use of his knowledge.
I knew then how much He loved me.
Keep smiling... we have million reasons to smile!
Have a Nice Time Always.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Fifteen Things God Won’t Ask
· God won’t ask which car you drive, but will ask how many people you drove who didn’t have transportation.
· God won’t ask how big is your house, but will ask how many people you welcomed into your home.
· God won’t ask about the fancy clothes in your wardrobe, but will ask how many of those clothes helped the needy.
· God won’t ask about your social status, but will ask what kind of class you displayed with others.
· God won’t ask how many material possessions you had, but will ask if they dictated your life.
· God won’t ask what your highest salary was, but will ask if you compromised your character to obtain that salary.
· God won’t ask how much overtime you worked, but will ask if you worked overtime for your family and loved ones.
· God won’t ask how many promotions you received, but will ask how you promoted others.
· God won’t ask what your job title was, but will ask if you reformed your job to the best of your ability.
· God won’t ask what you did to help yourself, but will ask what you did to help others.
· God won’t ask how many friends you had, but will ask how many people to whom you were a true friend.
· God won’t ask what you did to protect your rights, but will ask what you did to protect the rights of others.
· God won’t ask in what neighborhood you lived, but will ask how you treated your neighbors.
· God won’t ask about the color of your skin, but will ask about the content of your character.
· God won’t ask how many times your deeds matched your words, but will ask how many times they didn’t..
Sunday, April 05, 2009
10 Habits of Negative Thinking
1. I will be happy once I have _____ (or once I earn X).
Problem:
If you think you can’t be happy until you reach a certain point, or until you reach a certain income, or have a certain type of house or car or computer setup, you’ll never be happy. That elusive goal is always just out of reach. Once we reach those goals, we are not satisfied — we want more.
Solution:
Learn to be happy with what you have, where you are, and who you are, right at this moment. Happiness doesn’t have to be some state that we want to get to eventually — it can be found right now. Learn to count your blessings, and see the positive in your situation. This might sound simplistic, but it works.
2. I wish I were as ____ as (a celebrity, friend, co-worker).
Problem:
We’ll never be as pretty, as talented, as rich, as sculpted, as cool, as everyone else. There will always be someone better, if you look hard enough. Therefore, if we compare ourselves to others like this, we will always pale, and will always fail, and will always feel bad about ourselves. This is no way to be happy.
Solution:
Stop comparing yourself to others, and look instead at yourself — what are your strengths, your accomplishments, your successes, however small? What do you love about yourself? Learn to love who you are, right now, not who you want to become. There is good in each of us, love in each of us, and a wonderful human spirit in every one of us.
3. Seeing others becoming successful makes me jealous and resentful.
Problem:
First, this assumes that only a small number of people can be successful. In truth, many, many people can be successful — in different ways.
Solution:
Learn to admire the success of others, and learn from it, and be happy for them, by empathizing with them and understanding what it must be like to be them. And then turn away from them, and look at yourself — you can be successful too, in whatever you choose to do. And even more, you already are successful. Look not at those above you in the social ladder, but those below you — there are always millions of people worse off than you, people who couldn’t even read this article or afford a computer. In that light, you are a huge success.
4. I am a miserable failure — I can’t seem to do anything right.
Problem:
Everyone is a failure, if you look at it in certain ways. Everyone has failed, many times, at different things. I have certainly failed so many times I cannot count them — and I continue to fail, daily. However, looking at your failures as failures only makes you feel bad about yourself. By thinking in this way, we will have a negative self-image and never move on from here.
Solution:
See your successes and ignore your failures. Look back on your life, in the last month, or year, or 5 years. And try to remember your successes. If you have trouble with this, start documenting them — keep a success journal, either in a notebook or online. Document your success each day, or each week. When you look back at what you’ve accomplished, over a year, you will be amazed. It’s an incredibly positive feeling.
5. I’m going to beat so-and-so no matter what — I’m better than him. And there’s no way I’ll help him succeed — he might beat me.
Problem:
Competitiveness assumes that there is a small amount of gold to be had, and I need to get it before he does. It makes us into greedy, back-stabbing, hurtful people. We try to claw our way over people to get to success, because of our competitive feelings. For example, if a blogger wants to have more subscribers than another blogger, he may never link to or mention that other blogger. However, who is to say that my subscribers can’t also be yours? People can read and subscribe to more than one blog.
Solution:
Learn to see success as something that can be shared, and learn that if we help each other out, we can each have a better chance to be successful. Two people working towards a common goal are better than two people trying to beat each other up to get to that goal. There is more than enough success to go around. Learn to think in terms of abundance rather than scarcity.
6. Dammit! Why do these bad things always happen to me?
Problem:
Bad things happen to everybody. If we dwell on them, they will frustrate us and bring us down.
Solution:
See bad things as a part of the ebb and flow of life. Suffering is a part of the human condition — but it passes. All pain goes away, eventually. Meanwhile, don’t let it hold you back. Don’t dwell on bad things, but look forward towards something good in your future. And learn to take the bad things in stride, and learn from them. Bad things are actually opportunities to grow and learn and get stronger, in disguise.
7. You can’t do anything right! Why can’t you be like ____ ?
Problem:
This can be said to your child or your subordinate or your sibling. The problem? Comparing two people, first of all, is always a fallacy. People are different, with different ways of doing things, different strengths and weaknesses, different human characteristics. If we were all the same, we’d be robots. Second, saying negative things like this to another person never helps the situation. It might make you feel better, and more powerful, but in truth, it hurts your relationship, it will actually make you feel negative, and it will certainly make the other person feel negative and more likely to continue negative behavior. Everyone loses.
Solution:
Take the mistakes or bad behavior of others as an opportunity to teach. Show them how to do something. Second, praise them for their positive behavior, and encourage their success. Last, and most important, love them for who they are, and celebrate their differences.
8. Your work sucks. It’s super lame. You are a moron and I hope you never reproduce.
Problem:
I’ve actually gotten this comment before. It feels wonderful. However, let’s look at it not from the perspective of the person receiving this kind of comment but from the perspective of the person giving it. How does saying something negative like this help you? I guess it might feel good to vent if you feel like your time has been wasted. But really, how much of your time has been wasted? A few minutes? And whose fault is that? The bloggers or yours? In truth, making negative comments just keeps you in a negative mindset. It’s also not a good way to make friends.
Solution:
Learn to offer constructive solutions, first of all. Instead of telling someone their blog sucks, or that a post is lame, offer some specific suggestions for improvement. Help them get better. If you are going to take the time to make a comment, make it worth your time. Second, learn to interact with people in a more positive way — it makes others feel good and it makes you feel better about yourself. And you can make some great friends this way. That’s a good thing.
9. Insulting People Back.
Problem:
If someone insults you or angers you in some way, insulting them back and continuing your anger only transfers their problem to you. This person was probably having a bad day (or a bad year) and took it out on you for some reason. If you reciprocate, you are now having a bad day too. His problem has become yours. Not only that, but the cycle of insults can get worse and worse until it results in violence or other negative consequences — for both of you.
Solution:
Let the insults or negative comments of others slide off you like Teflon. Don’t let their problem become yours. In fact, try to understand their problem more — why would someone say something like that? What problems are they going through? Having a little empathy for someone not only makes you understand that their comment is not about you, but it can make you feel and act in a positive manner towards them — and make you feel better about yourself in the process.
10. I don’t think I can do this — I don’t have enough discipline. Maybe some other time.
Problem:
If you don’t think you can do something, you probably won’t. Especially for the big stuff. Discipline has nothing to do with it — motivation and focus has everything to do with it. And if you put stuff off for “some other time”, you’ll never get it done. Negative thinking like this inhibits us from accomplishing anything.
Solution:
Turn your thinking around: you can do this! You don’t need discipline. Find ways to make yourself a success at your goal. If you fail, learn from your mistakes, and try again. Instead of putting a goal off for later, start now. And focus on one goal at a time, putting all of your energy into it, and getting as much help from others as you can. You can really move mountains if you start with positive thinking.
~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~
Problem:
If you think you can’t be happy until you reach a certain point, or until you reach a certain income, or have a certain type of house or car or computer setup, you’ll never be happy. That elusive goal is always just out of reach. Once we reach those goals, we are not satisfied — we want more.
Solution:
Learn to be happy with what you have, where you are, and who you are, right at this moment. Happiness doesn’t have to be some state that we want to get to eventually — it can be found right now. Learn to count your blessings, and see the positive in your situation. This might sound simplistic, but it works.
2. I wish I were as ____ as (a celebrity, friend, co-worker).
Problem:
We’ll never be as pretty, as talented, as rich, as sculpted, as cool, as everyone else. There will always be someone better, if you look hard enough. Therefore, if we compare ourselves to others like this, we will always pale, and will always fail, and will always feel bad about ourselves. This is no way to be happy.
Solution:
Stop comparing yourself to others, and look instead at yourself — what are your strengths, your accomplishments, your successes, however small? What do you love about yourself? Learn to love who you are, right now, not who you want to become. There is good in each of us, love in each of us, and a wonderful human spirit in every one of us.
3. Seeing others becoming successful makes me jealous and resentful.
Problem:
First, this assumes that only a small number of people can be successful. In truth, many, many people can be successful — in different ways.
Solution:
Learn to admire the success of others, and learn from it, and be happy for them, by empathizing with them and understanding what it must be like to be them. And then turn away from them, and look at yourself — you can be successful too, in whatever you choose to do. And even more, you already are successful. Look not at those above you in the social ladder, but those below you — there are always millions of people worse off than you, people who couldn’t even read this article or afford a computer. In that light, you are a huge success.
4. I am a miserable failure — I can’t seem to do anything right.
Problem:
Everyone is a failure, if you look at it in certain ways. Everyone has failed, many times, at different things. I have certainly failed so many times I cannot count them — and I continue to fail, daily. However, looking at your failures as failures only makes you feel bad about yourself. By thinking in this way, we will have a negative self-image and never move on from here.
Solution:
See your successes and ignore your failures. Look back on your life, in the last month, or year, or 5 years. And try to remember your successes. If you have trouble with this, start documenting them — keep a success journal, either in a notebook or online. Document your success each day, or each week. When you look back at what you’ve accomplished, over a year, you will be amazed. It’s an incredibly positive feeling.
5. I’m going to beat so-and-so no matter what — I’m better than him. And there’s no way I’ll help him succeed — he might beat me.
Problem:
Competitiveness assumes that there is a small amount of gold to be had, and I need to get it before he does. It makes us into greedy, back-stabbing, hurtful people. We try to claw our way over people to get to success, because of our competitive feelings. For example, if a blogger wants to have more subscribers than another blogger, he may never link to or mention that other blogger. However, who is to say that my subscribers can’t also be yours? People can read and subscribe to more than one blog.
Solution:
Learn to see success as something that can be shared, and learn that if we help each other out, we can each have a better chance to be successful. Two people working towards a common goal are better than two people trying to beat each other up to get to that goal. There is more than enough success to go around. Learn to think in terms of abundance rather than scarcity.
6. Dammit! Why do these bad things always happen to me?
Problem:
Bad things happen to everybody. If we dwell on them, they will frustrate us and bring us down.
Solution:
See bad things as a part of the ebb and flow of life. Suffering is a part of the human condition — but it passes. All pain goes away, eventually. Meanwhile, don’t let it hold you back. Don’t dwell on bad things, but look forward towards something good in your future. And learn to take the bad things in stride, and learn from them. Bad things are actually opportunities to grow and learn and get stronger, in disguise.
7. You can’t do anything right! Why can’t you be like ____ ?
Problem:
This can be said to your child or your subordinate or your sibling. The problem? Comparing two people, first of all, is always a fallacy. People are different, with different ways of doing things, different strengths and weaknesses, different human characteristics. If we were all the same, we’d be robots. Second, saying negative things like this to another person never helps the situation. It might make you feel better, and more powerful, but in truth, it hurts your relationship, it will actually make you feel negative, and it will certainly make the other person feel negative and more likely to continue negative behavior. Everyone loses.
Solution:
Take the mistakes or bad behavior of others as an opportunity to teach. Show them how to do something. Second, praise them for their positive behavior, and encourage their success. Last, and most important, love them for who they are, and celebrate their differences.
8. Your work sucks. It’s super lame. You are a moron and I hope you never reproduce.
Problem:
I’ve actually gotten this comment before. It feels wonderful. However, let’s look at it not from the perspective of the person receiving this kind of comment but from the perspective of the person giving it. How does saying something negative like this help you? I guess it might feel good to vent if you feel like your time has been wasted. But really, how much of your time has been wasted? A few minutes? And whose fault is that? The bloggers or yours? In truth, making negative comments just keeps you in a negative mindset. It’s also not a good way to make friends.
Solution:
Learn to offer constructive solutions, first of all. Instead of telling someone their blog sucks, or that a post is lame, offer some specific suggestions for improvement. Help them get better. If you are going to take the time to make a comment, make it worth your time. Second, learn to interact with people in a more positive way — it makes others feel good and it makes you feel better about yourself. And you can make some great friends this way. That’s a good thing.
9. Insulting People Back.
Problem:
If someone insults you or angers you in some way, insulting them back and continuing your anger only transfers their problem to you. This person was probably having a bad day (or a bad year) and took it out on you for some reason. If you reciprocate, you are now having a bad day too. His problem has become yours. Not only that, but the cycle of insults can get worse and worse until it results in violence or other negative consequences — for both of you.
Solution:
Let the insults or negative comments of others slide off you like Teflon. Don’t let their problem become yours. In fact, try to understand their problem more — why would someone say something like that? What problems are they going through? Having a little empathy for someone not only makes you understand that their comment is not about you, but it can make you feel and act in a positive manner towards them — and make you feel better about yourself in the process.
10. I don’t think I can do this — I don’t have enough discipline. Maybe some other time.
Problem:
If you don’t think you can do something, you probably won’t. Especially for the big stuff. Discipline has nothing to do with it — motivation and focus has everything to do with it. And if you put stuff off for “some other time”, you’ll never get it done. Negative thinking like this inhibits us from accomplishing anything.
Solution:
Turn your thinking around: you can do this! You don’t need discipline. Find ways to make yourself a success at your goal. If you fail, learn from your mistakes, and try again. Instead of putting a goal off for later, start now. And focus on one goal at a time, putting all of your energy into it, and getting as much help from others as you can. You can really move mountains if you start with positive thinking.
~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~
His Name Was Fleming
=====================
His name was Fleming, and he was a poor Scottish farmer.
One day, while trying to make a living for his family, he heard
a cry for help coming from a nearby swamp. He dropped his tools
and ran to the swamp. There, mired to his waist in black muck,
was a terrified boy, screaming and struggling to free himself.
Farmer Fleming saved the lad from what could have been a slow
and terrifying death. The next day, a fancy carriage pulled up
to the Scotsman's sparse surroundings. An elegantly dressed
nobleman stepped out and introduced himself as the father of
the boy Farmer Fleming had saved.
"I want to repay you," said the nobleman. "You saved my son's
life."
"No, I can't accept payment for what I did," the Scottish
farmer replied, waving off the offer. At that moment, the
farmer's own son came to the door of the family hovel. "Is that
your son?" the nobleman asked. "Yes," the farmer replied proudly.
"I'll make you a deal. Let me take him and give him a good
education. If the lad is anything like his father, he'll grow
to a man you can be proud of."
And that he did.
In time, Farmer Fleming's son graduated from St. Mary's
Hospital Medical School in London, and went on to become known
throughout the world as the noted Sir Alexander Fleming,
the discoverer of Penicillin.
Years afterward, the nobleman's son was stricken with
pneumonia. What saved him? Penicillin. The name of the nobleman?
Lord Randolph Churchill.
His son's name? Sir Winston Churchill.
His name was Fleming, and he was a poor Scottish farmer.
One day, while trying to make a living for his family, he heard
a cry for help coming from a nearby swamp. He dropped his tools
and ran to the swamp. There, mired to his waist in black muck,
was a terrified boy, screaming and struggling to free himself.
Farmer Fleming saved the lad from what could have been a slow
and terrifying death. The next day, a fancy carriage pulled up
to the Scotsman's sparse surroundings. An elegantly dressed
nobleman stepped out and introduced himself as the father of
the boy Farmer Fleming had saved.
"I want to repay you," said the nobleman. "You saved my son's
life."
"No, I can't accept payment for what I did," the Scottish
farmer replied, waving off the offer. At that moment, the
farmer's own son came to the door of the family hovel. "Is that
your son?" the nobleman asked. "Yes," the farmer replied proudly.
"I'll make you a deal. Let me take him and give him a good
education. If the lad is anything like his father, he'll grow
to a man you can be proud of."
And that he did.
In time, Farmer Fleming's son graduated from St. Mary's
Hospital Medical School in London, and went on to become known
throughout the world as the noted Sir Alexander Fleming,
the discoverer of Penicillin.
Years afterward, the nobleman's son was stricken with
pneumonia. What saved him? Penicillin. The name of the nobleman?
Lord Randolph Churchill.
His son's name? Sir Winston Churchill.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Stress Management
A lecturer was giving a lecture to his student on stress management.
He raised a glass of water and asked the audience, "How heavy do you think this glass of water is?" The students' answers ranged from 20g to 500gm.
It does not matter on the absolute weight. It depends on how long you hold it. If I hold it for a minute, it is OK. If I hold it for an hour, I will have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you will have to call an ambulance.
It is the exact same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, we will not be able to carry on, the burden becoming increasingly heavier.
What you have to do is to put the glass down, rest for a while before holding it up again. We have to put down the burden periodically, so that we can be refreshed and are ! able
to carry on.
So before you return home from work tonight, put the burden of work down. Don't carry it
back home. You can pick it up tomorrow. Whatever burdens you are having now on your shoulders, let it down for a moment if you can. Pick it up again later when you have rested.
Rest and relax. Life is short, enjoy it!! Cheers!!!!!
He raised a glass of water and asked the audience, "How heavy do you think this glass of water is?" The students' answers ranged from 20g to 500gm.
It does not matter on the absolute weight. It depends on how long you hold it. If I hold it for a minute, it is OK. If I hold it for an hour, I will have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you will have to call an ambulance.
It is the exact same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, we will not be able to carry on, the burden becoming increasingly heavier.
What you have to do is to put the glass down, rest for a while before holding it up again. We have to put down the burden periodically, so that we can be refreshed and are ! able
to carry on.
So before you return home from work tonight, put the burden of work down. Don't carry it
back home. You can pick it up tomorrow. Whatever burdens you are having now on your shoulders, let it down for a moment if you can. Pick it up again later when you have rested.
Rest and relax. Life is short, enjoy it!! Cheers!!!!!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
love, success and wealth
A woman came out of her house and saw 3 old men with long white beards sitting in her front yard. She did not recognize them. She said "I don't think I know you, but you must be hungry. Please come in and have something to eat."
"Is the man of the house home?", they asked.
"No", she replied. "He's out."
"Then we cannot come in", they replied.
In the evening when her husband came home, she told him what had happened.
"Go tell them I am home and invite them in!"
The woman went out and invited the men in"
"We do not go into a House together," they replied.
"Why is that?" she asked.
One of the old men explained: "His name is Wealth," he said pointing to one of his friends, and said pointing to another one, "He is Success, and I am Love." Then he added, "Now go in and discuss with your husband which one of us you want in your home."
The woman went in and told her husband what was said. Her husband was overjoyed. "How n ice!!", he said. "Since that is the case, let us invite Wealth. Let him come and fill our home with wealth!"
His wife disagreed. "My dear, why don't we invite Success?"
Their daughter was listening from the other corner of the house. She jumped in with her own suggestion: "Would it not be better to invite Love? Our home will then be filled with love!"
"Let us heed our daughter's advice," said the husband to his wife.
"Go out and invite Love to be our guest."
The woman went out and asked the 3 old men, "Which one of you is Love? Please come in and be our guest."
Love got up and started walking toward the house. The other 2 also got up and followed him. Surprised, t he lady asked Wealth and Success: "I only invited Love, Why are you coming in?"
The old men replied together: "If you had invited Wealth or Success, the other two of us would've stayed out, but since you invited Love, wherever He goes, we go with him. Wherever there is Love, there is also Wealth and Success!!!!! !"
"Is the man of the house home?", they asked.
"No", she replied. "He's out."
"Then we cannot come in", they replied.
In the evening when her husband came home, she told him what had happened.
"Go tell them I am home and invite them in!"
The woman went out and invited the men in"
"We do not go into a House together," they replied.
"Why is that?" she asked.
One of the old men explained: "His name is Wealth," he said pointing to one of his friends, and said pointing to another one, "He is Success, and I am Love." Then he added, "Now go in and discuss with your husband which one of us you want in your home."
The woman went in and told her husband what was said. Her husband was overjoyed. "How n ice!!", he said. "Since that is the case, let us invite Wealth. Let him come and fill our home with wealth!"
His wife disagreed. "My dear, why don't we invite Success?"
Their daughter was listening from the other corner of the house. She jumped in with her own suggestion: "Would it not be better to invite Love? Our home will then be filled with love!"
"Let us heed our daughter's advice," said the husband to his wife.
"Go out and invite Love to be our guest."
The woman went out and asked the 3 old men, "Which one of you is Love? Please come in and be our guest."
Love got up and started walking toward the house. The other 2 also got up and followed him. Surprised, t he lady asked Wealth and Success: "I only invited Love, Why are you coming in?"
The old men replied together: "If you had invited Wealth or Success, the other two of us would've stayed out, but since you invited Love, wherever He goes, we go with him. Wherever there is Love, there is also Wealth and Success!!!!! !"
Correcting mistakes in life.
Priya married Hitesh this day. At the end of the wedding party,
Priya's mother gave her a newly opened bank saving passbook.
With Rs.1000 deposit amount.
Mother: 'Priya, take this passbook. Keep it as a record of your marriage
life. When there's something happy and memorable happened in your new
life, put some money in. Write down what it's about next to the line. The
more memorable the event is, the more money you can put in. I've done the
first one for you today. Do the others with Hitesh.When you look back
after years, you can know how much happiness you've had.'
Priya shared this with Hitesh when getting home. They both thought it
was a great idea and were anxious to know when the second deposit can be
made.
This was what they did after certain time:
- 7 Feb: Rs.100, first birthday celebration for Hitesh after marriage
- 1 Mar: Rs.300, salary raise for Priya
- 20 Mar: Rs.200, vacation trip to Bali
- 15 Apr: Rs.2000, Priya got pregnant
- 1 Jun: Rs.1000, Hitesh got promoted
..... and so on...
However, after years, they started fighting and arguing for trivial
things.They didn't talk much. They regretted that they had married the
most nasty people in the world.... no more love...Kind of typical
nowadays, huh?
One day Priya talked to her Mother:
'Mom, we can't stand it anymore. We agree to divorce. I can't imagine how
I decided to marry this guy!!!'
Mother: 'Sure, girl, that's no big deal. Just do whatever you want if you
really can't stand it. But before that, do one thing first. Remember the
saving passbook I gave you on your wedding day? Take out all money and
spend it first. You shouldn't keep any record of such a poor marriage.'
Priya thought it was true. So she went to the bank, waiting at the queue
and planning to cancel the account.
While she was waiting, she took a look at the passbook record. She looked,
and looked, and looked. Then the memory of all the previous joy and
happiness just came up her mind. Her eyes were then filled with tears. She
left and went home.
When she was home, she handed the passbook to Hitesh, asked him to spend the money before getting divorce.
The next day, Hitesh gave the passbook back to Priya. She found a new
deposit of Rs.5000. And a line next to the record: 'This is the day I
notice how much I've loved you thru out all these years. How much happiness you've brought me.'
They hugged and cried, putting the passbook back to the safe.
Do you know how much money they had saved when they retired? I did not
ask.I believe the money did not matter any more after they had gone thru
all the good years in their life.
"When you fall, in any way,
Don't see the place where you fell, Instead see the place from where you
slipped.
Life is about correcting mistakes."
Priya's mother gave her a newly opened bank saving passbook.
With Rs.1000 deposit amount.
Mother: 'Priya, take this passbook. Keep it as a record of your marriage
life. When there's something happy and memorable happened in your new
life, put some money in. Write down what it's about next to the line. The
more memorable the event is, the more money you can put in. I've done the
first one for you today. Do the others with Hitesh.When you look back
after years, you can know how much happiness you've had.'
Priya shared this with Hitesh when getting home. They both thought it
was a great idea and were anxious to know when the second deposit can be
made.
This was what they did after certain time:
- 7 Feb: Rs.100, first birthday celebration for Hitesh after marriage
- 1 Mar: Rs.300, salary raise for Priya
- 20 Mar: Rs.200, vacation trip to Bali
- 15 Apr: Rs.2000, Priya got pregnant
- 1 Jun: Rs.1000, Hitesh got promoted
..... and so on...
However, after years, they started fighting and arguing for trivial
things.They didn't talk much. They regretted that they had married the
most nasty people in the world.... no more love...Kind of typical
nowadays, huh?
One day Priya talked to her Mother:
'Mom, we can't stand it anymore. We agree to divorce. I can't imagine how
I decided to marry this guy!!!'
Mother: 'Sure, girl, that's no big deal. Just do whatever you want if you
really can't stand it. But before that, do one thing first. Remember the
saving passbook I gave you on your wedding day? Take out all money and
spend it first. You shouldn't keep any record of such a poor marriage.'
Priya thought it was true. So she went to the bank, waiting at the queue
and planning to cancel the account.
While she was waiting, she took a look at the passbook record. She looked,
and looked, and looked. Then the memory of all the previous joy and
happiness just came up her mind. Her eyes were then filled with tears. She
left and went home.
When she was home, she handed the passbook to Hitesh, asked him to spend the money before getting divorce.
The next day, Hitesh gave the passbook back to Priya. She found a new
deposit of Rs.5000. And a line next to the record: 'This is the day I
notice how much I've loved you thru out all these years. How much happiness you've brought me.'
They hugged and cried, putting the passbook back to the safe.
Do you know how much money they had saved when they retired? I did not
ask.I believe the money did not matter any more after they had gone thru
all the good years in their life.
"When you fall, in any way,
Don't see the place where you fell, Instead see the place from where you
slipped.
Life is about correcting mistakes."
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
The Red Hat
Once there was a devotee lived in a village. He used to be immersed
in devotion for God always. He had a routine of practising meditation,
singing devotional songs and worshipping God every morning.
There after he used to go to his shop to work. He used to close his
shop at lunch time in the afternoon and did not open the shop after
that. He used to devote rest of the time in feeding the saints,
serving the poor, listening discourses of saints and in donating
whatever he could for good of others. He used to be satisfied with
whatever he earned from his business and used to devote his life for
love of God. Such behaviour of his used to surprise others and they
thought of him as a lunatic.
People used to say: 'He is foolish. He spends all his earned money in
donations. He opens his shop just for a few hours. He wastes the
precious morning time meant for earning money in doing worship. He is
mad.'
Once the rishest businessman of the village called him over to his
house. He had made a red colored hat. The rich man gave that hat to
the devotee and said: ''This hat is for fools. I have not seen a
person more foolish than you. So I'm giving this hat to you for
wearing. If you find anybody more stupid than you, then you may give
this hat to that person." Peacefully, the devotee took that hat and
came back home.
Once that rich man became very sick. The devotee went to meet him and
asked about his health. The rich man said: 'Brother! I'm making
preparations to go now.'
The devotee asked: 'Where are you planning to go? Did you send
somebody there to make preparations for your arrival or not? Are you
taking your wife, son, money, car, bungalow etc or not?'
''Brother! Who can accompany me there? No body can go with me. I will
have to go alone. I'll have to leave my family-relatives, money-bank
balances, bunalows-vehicles here. Nothing can stay together other than
Soul & God.''
After listening to the rich person's words the devotee giving the hat
(which had been given to him by the rich man) to the rich man said:
"You only wear this hat."
The rich person: "Why?"
The devotee said: "You are more foolish than me. When you knew that
every thing -bungalows, bank balances, family etc will stay here, none
of your friends will accompany you, there is no true hope other than
God, then why did you waste whole of your life in acquiring all these
things? When one is rich and powerful then everybody flocks around for
selfish reasons. But nobody comes to help at times of trouble. Even
after knowing all this you developed attachment for things which will
not stay forever, stayed away from God and did not collect anything
for your future. Therefore in these circumstances who is more foolish
than you? Now you cannot do anything. You yourself are observing that
none of your loved ones is coming for help."
in devotion for God always. He had a routine of practising meditation,
singing devotional songs and worshipping God every morning.
There after he used to go to his shop to work. He used to close his
shop at lunch time in the afternoon and did not open the shop after
that. He used to devote rest of the time in feeding the saints,
serving the poor, listening discourses of saints and in donating
whatever he could for good of others. He used to be satisfied with
whatever he earned from his business and used to devote his life for
love of God. Such behaviour of his used to surprise others and they
thought of him as a lunatic.
People used to say: 'He is foolish. He spends all his earned money in
donations. He opens his shop just for a few hours. He wastes the
precious morning time meant for earning money in doing worship. He is
mad.'
Once the rishest businessman of the village called him over to his
house. He had made a red colored hat. The rich man gave that hat to
the devotee and said: ''This hat is for fools. I have not seen a
person more foolish than you. So I'm giving this hat to you for
wearing. If you find anybody more stupid than you, then you may give
this hat to that person." Peacefully, the devotee took that hat and
came back home.
Once that rich man became very sick. The devotee went to meet him and
asked about his health. The rich man said: 'Brother! I'm making
preparations to go now.'
The devotee asked: 'Where are you planning to go? Did you send
somebody there to make preparations for your arrival or not? Are you
taking your wife, son, money, car, bungalow etc or not?'
''Brother! Who can accompany me there? No body can go with me. I will
have to go alone. I'll have to leave my family-relatives, money-bank
balances, bunalows-vehicles here. Nothing can stay together other than
Soul & God.''
After listening to the rich person's words the devotee giving the hat
(which had been given to him by the rich man) to the rich man said:
"You only wear this hat."
The rich person: "Why?"
The devotee said: "You are more foolish than me. When you knew that
every thing -bungalows, bank balances, family etc will stay here, none
of your friends will accompany you, there is no true hope other than
God, then why did you waste whole of your life in acquiring all these
things? When one is rich and powerful then everybody flocks around for
selfish reasons. But nobody comes to help at times of trouble. Even
after knowing all this you developed attachment for things which will
not stay forever, stayed away from God and did not collect anything
for your future. Therefore in these circumstances who is more foolish
than you? Now you cannot do anything. You yourself are observing that
none of your loved ones is coming for help."
"why do people treat each other so badly?"
A 91-year-old woman died after living a very long dignified life. When
she met God, she asked Him something that had really bothered her for
a very long time. "If Man was created in God's image, and if all men
are created equal, why do people treat each other so badly?"
God replied that each person who enters our life has a unique lesson
to teach us. It is only through these lessons that we learn about
life, people and our relationships with God. This confused the woman,
so God began to explain:
"When someone lies to you, it teaches you that things are not always
what they seem. The truth is often far beneath the surface. Look
beyond the masks people wear if you want to know what is in their
hearts. Remove your own masks to let people know who you really are.
When someone steals from you it teaches you that nothing is forever.
Always appreciate what you have. You never know when you might lose
it. Never take your friends or family for granted, because today and
sometimes only this very moment is the only guarantee you may have.
When someone inflicts injury upon you, it teaches you that the human
state is a very fragile one. Protect and take care of your body as
best as you can, it's the one thing that you are sure to have forever.
When someone mocks you, it teaches you that no two people are alike.
When you encounter people who are different from you, do not judge
them by how they look or act, instead base it on the contents of what
is in their hearts.
When someone breaks your heart, it teaches you that loving someone
does not always mean that the person will love you back. But don't
turn your back on love, because when you find the right person, the
joy that one person brings you will make up for all of your past
hurts. Times a thousand fold.
When someone holds a grudge against you, it teaches you that everyone
makes mistakes. When you are wronged, the most virtuous thing you can
do is forgive the offender without pretense. Forgiving those who have
hurt us is often the most difficult and painful of life's experiences,
but it is also the most courageous thing a person can do.
When a loved one is unfaithful to you, it teaches you that resisting
temptation is Man's greatest challenge. Be vigilant in your resistance
against all temptations. By doing so, you will be rewarded with an
enduring sense of satisfaction far greater than the temporary pleasure
by which you were tempted. When someone cheats you, it teaches you
that greed is the root of all evil. Aspire to make your dreams come
true, no matter how lofty they may be. Do not feel guilty about your
success, but never let an obsession with achieving your goals lead you
to engage in malevolent activities.
When someone ridicules you, it teaches you that nobody is perfect.
Accept people for their merits and be tolerant of their flaws. Do not
ever reject someone for imperfections over which they have no
control." Upon hearing the Lord's wisdom, the old woman became
concerned that there are no lessons to be learned from man's good
deeds. God replied that Man's capacity to love is the greatest gift He
has. At the root of kindness and love, and each act of love also
teaches us a lesson.
The woman's curiosity deepened. God, once again began to explain:
"When someone loves us, it teaches us love, kindness, charity,
honesty, humility, forgiveness, acceptance, and all of these can
counteract all the evil in the world. For every good deed, there is
one evil deed. Man alone has the power to control the balance between
good and evil, but because the lessons of love are not taught often
enough, the power is too often abused.
When you enter someone's life, whether by plan, chance or coincidence,
consider what your lesson will be. Will you teach love or a harsh
lesson of reality? When you die, will your life have resulted in more
loving or more hurting? More comfort or more pain? More joy or more
sadness? Each one of us has the power over the balance of the love in
the world. Use it wisely!" Don't miss an opportunity to nudge the
world's scale in the right direction!
she met God, she asked Him something that had really bothered her for
a very long time. "If Man was created in God's image, and if all men
are created equal, why do people treat each other so badly?"
God replied that each person who enters our life has a unique lesson
to teach us. It is only through these lessons that we learn about
life, people and our relationships with God. This confused the woman,
so God began to explain:
"When someone lies to you, it teaches you that things are not always
what they seem. The truth is often far beneath the surface. Look
beyond the masks people wear if you want to know what is in their
hearts. Remove your own masks to let people know who you really are.
When someone steals from you it teaches you that nothing is forever.
Always appreciate what you have. You never know when you might lose
it. Never take your friends or family for granted, because today and
sometimes only this very moment is the only guarantee you may have.
When someone inflicts injury upon you, it teaches you that the human
state is a very fragile one. Protect and take care of your body as
best as you can, it's the one thing that you are sure to have forever.
When someone mocks you, it teaches you that no two people are alike.
When you encounter people who are different from you, do not judge
them by how they look or act, instead base it on the contents of what
is in their hearts.
When someone breaks your heart, it teaches you that loving someone
does not always mean that the person will love you back. But don't
turn your back on love, because when you find the right person, the
joy that one person brings you will make up for all of your past
hurts. Times a thousand fold.
When someone holds a grudge against you, it teaches you that everyone
makes mistakes. When you are wronged, the most virtuous thing you can
do is forgive the offender without pretense. Forgiving those who have
hurt us is often the most difficult and painful of life's experiences,
but it is also the most courageous thing a person can do.
When a loved one is unfaithful to you, it teaches you that resisting
temptation is Man's greatest challenge. Be vigilant in your resistance
against all temptations. By doing so, you will be rewarded with an
enduring sense of satisfaction far greater than the temporary pleasure
by which you were tempted. When someone cheats you, it teaches you
that greed is the root of all evil. Aspire to make your dreams come
true, no matter how lofty they may be. Do not feel guilty about your
success, but never let an obsession with achieving your goals lead you
to engage in malevolent activities.
When someone ridicules you, it teaches you that nobody is perfect.
Accept people for their merits and be tolerant of their flaws. Do not
ever reject someone for imperfections over which they have no
control." Upon hearing the Lord's wisdom, the old woman became
concerned that there are no lessons to be learned from man's good
deeds. God replied that Man's capacity to love is the greatest gift He
has. At the root of kindness and love, and each act of love also
teaches us a lesson.
The woman's curiosity deepened. God, once again began to explain:
"When someone loves us, it teaches us love, kindness, charity,
honesty, humility, forgiveness, acceptance, and all of these can
counteract all the evil in the world. For every good deed, there is
one evil deed. Man alone has the power to control the balance between
good and evil, but because the lessons of love are not taught often
enough, the power is too often abused.
When you enter someone's life, whether by plan, chance or coincidence,
consider what your lesson will be. Will you teach love or a harsh
lesson of reality? When you die, will your life have resulted in more
loving or more hurting? More comfort or more pain? More joy or more
sadness? Each one of us has the power over the balance of the love in
the world. Use it wisely!" Don't miss an opportunity to nudge the
world's scale in the right direction!
Loyal Partner
Once upon a time there was this girl who had four boyfriends.
She loved the 4th boyfriend the most and adorned him with rich robes
and
treated him to the finest of delicacies. She gave him nothing but
the best.
She also loved the 3rd boyfriend very much and was always showing
him off to neighboring kingdoms. However, she feared that one day he
would leave her for another.
She also loved her 2nd boyfriend. He was her confidant and was
always kind, considerate and patient with her. Whenever this girl
faced a problem, she could confide in him, and he would help her get
through the difficult times.
The girl"s 1st boyfriend was a very loyal partner and had made great
contributions in maintaining her wealth and kingdom. However, she
did not love the first boyfriend. Although he loved her deeply, she
hardly took notice of him!
One day, the girl fell ill and she knew her time was short. She
thought of her luxurious life and wondered, I now have four
boyfriends with me, but when I die, I"ll be all alone."
Thus, she asked the 4th boyfriend, "I loved you the most, endowed
you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now
that I"m dying, will you follow me and keep me company?"
"No way!", replied the 4th boyfriend, and he walked away without
another word.
His answer cut like a sharp knife right into her heart.
The sad girl then asked the 3rd boyfriend, "I loved you all my life.
Now that I"m dying, will you follow me and keep me company?"
"No!", replied the 3rd boyfriend. "Life is too good! When you die,
I"m going to marry someone else!"
Her heart sank and turned cold.
She then asked the 2nd boyfriend, "I have always turned to you for
help and you"ve always been there for me. When I die, will you
follow me and keep me company?"
"I"m sorry, I can"t help you out this time!", replied the 2nd
boyfriend. "At
the very most, I can only walk with you to your grave."
His answer struck her like a bolt of lightning, and the girl was
devastated.
Then a voice called out: "I"ll go with you. I"ll follow you no
matter where you go."
The girl looked up, and there was her first boyfriend. He was very
skinny as he suffered from malnutrition and neglect.
Greatly grieved, the girl said, "I should have taken much better
care of you when I had the chance!"
In truth, you have 4 boyfriends in your lives:
Your 4th boyfriend is your body. No matter how much time and effort
you
lavish in making it look good, it will leave you when you die.
Your 3rd boyfriend is your possessions, status and wealth. When you
die, it will all go to others.
Your 2nd boyfriend is your family and friends. No matter how much
they have been there for you, the furthest they can stay by you is
up to the grave.
And your 1st boyfriend is your Soul. Often neglected in pursuit of
wealth, power and pleasures of the world.
However, your Soul is the only thing that will follow you where ever
you
go.Cultivate, strengthen and cherish it now, for it is the only part
of you that will follow you to the throne of God and continue with
you throughout Eternity.
Thought for the day: Remember, when the world pushes you to your
knees, you"re in the perfect position to pray
She loved the 4th boyfriend the most and adorned him with rich robes
and
treated him to the finest of delicacies. She gave him nothing but
the best.
She also loved the 3rd boyfriend very much and was always showing
him off to neighboring kingdoms. However, she feared that one day he
would leave her for another.
She also loved her 2nd boyfriend. He was her confidant and was
always kind, considerate and patient with her. Whenever this girl
faced a problem, she could confide in him, and he would help her get
through the difficult times.
The girl"s 1st boyfriend was a very loyal partner and had made great
contributions in maintaining her wealth and kingdom. However, she
did not love the first boyfriend. Although he loved her deeply, she
hardly took notice of him!
One day, the girl fell ill and she knew her time was short. She
thought of her luxurious life and wondered, I now have four
boyfriends with me, but when I die, I"ll be all alone."
Thus, she asked the 4th boyfriend, "I loved you the most, endowed
you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now
that I"m dying, will you follow me and keep me company?"
"No way!", replied the 4th boyfriend, and he walked away without
another word.
His answer cut like a sharp knife right into her heart.
The sad girl then asked the 3rd boyfriend, "I loved you all my life.
Now that I"m dying, will you follow me and keep me company?"
"No!", replied the 3rd boyfriend. "Life is too good! When you die,
I"m going to marry someone else!"
Her heart sank and turned cold.
She then asked the 2nd boyfriend, "I have always turned to you for
help and you"ve always been there for me. When I die, will you
follow me and keep me company?"
"I"m sorry, I can"t help you out this time!", replied the 2nd
boyfriend. "At
the very most, I can only walk with you to your grave."
His answer struck her like a bolt of lightning, and the girl was
devastated.
Then a voice called out: "I"ll go with you. I"ll follow you no
matter where you go."
The girl looked up, and there was her first boyfriend. He was very
skinny as he suffered from malnutrition and neglect.
Greatly grieved, the girl said, "I should have taken much better
care of you when I had the chance!"
In truth, you have 4 boyfriends in your lives:
Your 4th boyfriend is your body. No matter how much time and effort
you
lavish in making it look good, it will leave you when you die.
Your 3rd boyfriend is your possessions, status and wealth. When you
die, it will all go to others.
Your 2nd boyfriend is your family and friends. No matter how much
they have been there for you, the furthest they can stay by you is
up to the grave.
And your 1st boyfriend is your Soul. Often neglected in pursuit of
wealth, power and pleasures of the world.
However, your Soul is the only thing that will follow you where ever
you
go.Cultivate, strengthen and cherish it now, for it is the only part
of you that will follow you to the throne of God and continue with
you throughout Eternity.
Thought for the day: Remember, when the world pushes you to your
knees, you"re in the perfect position to pray
Friday, March 13, 2009
GOd exists
A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed. As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation.
They talked about so many things and various subjects.When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said: �
'I don't believe that God exists.&
'Why do you say that?' asked the customer. 'Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God doesn't exist.Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned
children?&
If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain.I can't imagine a loving God who would allow all of these things.The customer thought for a moment, but didn't respond because he didn't want to start an argument.The barber finished his job and the customer left the shop.&
Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard. He looked dirty and unkempt. The customer turned back and entered the barber shop again and he said to the barber: You know what? Barbers do not exist. How can you say that?asked the surprised barber.'I am here, and I am a barber. And I just worked on you! No! The customer exclaimed. 'Barbers don't exist because if they did, there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, like that manoutside.&
'Ah, but barbers DO exist! That's what happens when people do not come to me. Exactly! Affirmed the customer. 'That's the point! God, too, DOES exist! That's what happens when people do not go to Him and don't look to Him for help. That's why there's so much pain and suffering in the
world.
They talked about so many things and various subjects.When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said: �
'I don't believe that God exists.&
'Why do you say that?' asked the customer. 'Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God doesn't exist.Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned
children?&
If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain.I can't imagine a loving God who would allow all of these things.The customer thought for a moment, but didn't respond because he didn't want to start an argument.The barber finished his job and the customer left the shop.&
Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard. He looked dirty and unkempt. The customer turned back and entered the barber shop again and he said to the barber: You know what? Barbers do not exist. How can you say that?asked the surprised barber.'I am here, and I am a barber. And I just worked on you! No! The customer exclaimed. 'Barbers don't exist because if they did, there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, like that manoutside.&
'Ah, but barbers DO exist! That's what happens when people do not come to me. Exactly! Affirmed the customer. 'That's the point! God, too, DOES exist! That's what happens when people do not go to Him and don't look to Him for help. That's why there's so much pain and suffering in the
world.
Eight Gifts You Can Give at No Cost ===================================
1) THE GIFT OF LISTENING...
But you must REALLY listen. No interrupting, no daydreaming,
no planning your response. Just listening.
2) THE GIFT OF AFFECTION...
Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and
handholds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love you
have for family and friends.
3) THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER...
Clip cartoons. Share articles and funny MountainWings stories.
Your gift will say, "I love to laugh with you."
4) THE GIFT OF A WRITTEN NOTE...
It can be a simple "Thanks for the help" note or a full sonnet.
A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime
and may even change a life.
5) THE GIFT OF A COMPLIMENT...
A simple and sincere, "You look great in red," "You did a super
job" or "That was a wonderful meal" can make someone's day.
6) THE GIFT OF A FAVOR...
Every day, go out of your way to do something kind.
7) THE GIFT OF SOLITUDE...
There are times when we want nothing better
than to be left alone.
Be sensitive to those times,
and give the gift of solitude to others.
8) THE GIFT OF A CHEERFUL DISPOSITION...
The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to
someone, really it's not that hard to say, "Hello" or "Thank You."
But you must REALLY listen. No interrupting, no daydreaming,
no planning your response. Just listening.
2) THE GIFT OF AFFECTION...
Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and
handholds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love you
have for family and friends.
3) THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER...
Clip cartoons. Share articles and funny MountainWings stories.
Your gift will say, "I love to laugh with you."
4) THE GIFT OF A WRITTEN NOTE...
It can be a simple "Thanks for the help" note or a full sonnet.
A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime
and may even change a life.
5) THE GIFT OF A COMPLIMENT...
A simple and sincere, "You look great in red," "You did a super
job" or "That was a wonderful meal" can make someone's day.
6) THE GIFT OF A FAVOR...
Every day, go out of your way to do something kind.
7) THE GIFT OF SOLITUDE...
There are times when we want nothing better
than to be left alone.
Be sensitive to those times,
and give the gift of solitude to others.
8) THE GIFT OF A CHEERFUL DISPOSITION...
The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to
someone, really it's not that hard to say, "Hello" or "Thank You."
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Nine ' I 's
Learn the nine I’s of manifestation. Note that almost all of these tools are "IN" words or "inwards" tools. Bringing your dreams to life is an inside job. When we work with the intangible, invisible forces of our soul, we work with cause instead of effects. The nine I’s are:
1. Introspection:
seek silence, solitude and serenity
2. Intention:
know how to ask.
3. Insights:
develop your higher mind.
4. Imagination:
re-image your life and potentials.
5. Inspiration:
pursue your purpose.
6. Integrity:
live your values and principles.
7. Intuition:
develop discrimination, cultivate creativity.
8. In service Initiatives:
help others.
9. Interdependent Interactions:
share vision with others.
10.Least.Important. ...is.
............ ......I.. ..
1. Introspection:
seek silence, solitude and serenity
2. Intention:
know how to ask.
3. Insights:
develop your higher mind.
4. Imagination:
re-image your life and potentials.
5. Inspiration:
pursue your purpose.
6. Integrity:
live your values and principles.
7. Intuition:
develop discrimination, cultivate creativity.
8. In service Initiatives:
help others.
9. Interdependent Interactions:
share vision with others.
10.Least.Important. ...is.
............ ......I.. ..
Love and Anger
A saint asked his disciples, ?
Why do people shout at each other when they are upset?'
Disciples thought for a while,
one of them said, 'Because we lose our calm, we shout for that.'
'But, why to shout when the other person is just next to you?' asked the saint.
'Isn't it possible to speak to him or her with a soft voice?
Why do you shout at a person when you're angry?'
Disciples gave some other answers but none satisfied the saint.
Finally he explained,
'When two people are angry at each other,
their hearts distance a lot.
To cover that distance they must shout to be able to hear each other.
The angrier they are, the stronger they will have to shout to hear each other through that great distance.'
Then the saint asked,
'What happens when two people fall in love?
They don't shout at each other but talk softly, why?
Because their hearts are very close.
The distance between them is very small...'
The saint continued,
'When they love each other even more, what happens?
They do not speak, only whisper and they get even closer to each other in their love.
Finally they even need not whisper, they only look at each other and that's all.
That is how close two people are when they love each other.'
MORAL:
When you argue do not let your hearts get distant, do not say words that distance each other.
Why do people shout at each other when they are upset?'
Disciples thought for a while,
one of them said, 'Because we lose our calm, we shout for that.'
'But, why to shout when the other person is just next to you?' asked the saint.
'Isn't it possible to speak to him or her with a soft voice?
Why do you shout at a person when you're angry?'
Disciples gave some other answers but none satisfied the saint.
Finally he explained,
'When two people are angry at each other,
their hearts distance a lot.
To cover that distance they must shout to be able to hear each other.
The angrier they are, the stronger they will have to shout to hear each other through that great distance.'
Then the saint asked,
'What happens when two people fall in love?
They don't shout at each other but talk softly, why?
Because their hearts are very close.
The distance between them is very small...'
The saint continued,
'When they love each other even more, what happens?
They do not speak, only whisper and they get even closer to each other in their love.
Finally they even need not whisper, they only look at each other and that's all.
That is how close two people are when they love each other.'
MORAL:
When you argue do not let your hearts get distant, do not say words that distance each other.
Love and Anger
A saint asked his disciples, ?
Why do people shout at each other when they are upset?'
Disciples thought for a while,
one of them said, 'Because we lose our calm, we shout for that.'
'But, why to shout when the other person is just next to you?' asked the saint.
'Isn't it possible to speak to him or her with a soft voice?
Why do you shout at a person when you're angry?'
Disciples gave some other answers but none satisfied the saint.
Finally he explained,
'When two people are angry at each other,
their hearts distance a lot.
To cover that distance they must shout to be able to hear each other.
The angrier they are, the stronger they will have to shout to hear each other through that great distance.'
Then the saint asked,
'What happens when two people fall in love?
They don't shout at each other but talk softly, why?
Because their hearts are very close.
The distance between them is very small...'
The saint continued,
'When they love each other even more, what happens?
They do not speak, only whisper and they get even closer to each other in their love.
Finally they even need not whisper, they only look at each other and that's all.
That is how close two people are when they love each other.'
MORAL:
When you argue do not let your hearts get distant, do not say words that distance each other.
Why do people shout at each other when they are upset?'
Disciples thought for a while,
one of them said, 'Because we lose our calm, we shout for that.'
'But, why to shout when the other person is just next to you?' asked the saint.
'Isn't it possible to speak to him or her with a soft voice?
Why do you shout at a person when you're angry?'
Disciples gave some other answers but none satisfied the saint.
Finally he explained,
'When two people are angry at each other,
their hearts distance a lot.
To cover that distance they must shout to be able to hear each other.
The angrier they are, the stronger they will have to shout to hear each other through that great distance.'
Then the saint asked,
'What happens when two people fall in love?
They don't shout at each other but talk softly, why?
Because their hearts are very close.
The distance between them is very small...'
The saint continued,
'When they love each other even more, what happens?
They do not speak, only whisper and they get even closer to each other in their love.
Finally they even need not whisper, they only look at each other and that's all.
That is how close two people are when they love each other.'
MORAL:
When you argue do not let your hearts get distant, do not say words that distance each other.
Monday, March 02, 2009
hi friends read it and think
My wife called, 'How long will you be with that newspaper? Will you come here and make your darling daughter eat her food?
I tossed the paper away and rushed to the scene. My only daughter, Sindu, looked frightened; tears were welling up in her eyes. In front of her was a bowl filled to its brim with curd rice. Sindu is a nice child, quite intelligent for her age.
I cleared my throat and picked up the bowl. 'Sindu, darling, why don't you take a few mouthful of this curd rice? Just for Dad's sake, dear'.
Sindu softened a bit and wiped her tears with the back of her hands. 'Ok, Dad. I will eat - not just a few mouthfuls, but the whole lot of this. But, you should...' Sindu hesitated. 'Dad, if I eat this entire curd Rice, will you give me whatever I ask for?'
'Promise'. I covered the pink soft hand extended by my daughter with mine, and clinched the deal. Now I became a bit anxious. 'Sindu, dear, you shouldn't insist on getting a computer or any such expensive items. Dad does not have that kind of money right now. Ok?'
'No, Dad. I do not want anything expensive'. Slowly and painfully, she finished eating the whole quantity. I was silently angry with my wife and my mother for forcing my child to eat something that she detested. After the ordeal was through, Sindu came to me with her eyes wide with expectation. All our attention was on her. 'Dad, I want to have my head shaved off, this Sunday!' was her demand.
'Atrocious!' shouted my wife, 'A girl child having her head shaved off? Impossible!'
'Never in our family!' My mother rasped. 'She has been watching too much of television. Our culture is getting totally spoiled with these TV programs!'
'Sindu, darling, why don't you ask for something else? We will be sad seeing you with a clean-shaven head.'
'Please, Sindu, why don't you try to understand our feelings?' I tried to plead with her.
'Dad, you saw how difficult it was for me to eat that Curd Rice'. Sindu was in tears. 'And you promised to grant me whatever I ask for. Now, you are going back on your words. Was it not you who told me the story of King Harishchandra, and its moral that we should honor our promises no matter what?'
It was time for me to call the shots. 'Our promise must be kept.'
'Are you out of your mind?' chorused my mother and wife.
'No. If we go back on ourpromises, she will never learn to honour her own. Sindu, your wish will be fulfilled.'
With her head clean-shaven, Sindu had a round-face, and her eyes looked big and beautiful.
On Monday morning, I dropped her at her school. It was a sight to watch my hairless Sindu walking towards her classroom. She turned around and waved. I waved back with a smile. Just then, a boy alighted from a car, and shouted, 'Sinduja, please wait for me!' What struck me was the hairless head of that boy. 'May be, that is the in-stuff', I thought.
'Sir, your daughter Sinduja is great indeed!' Without introducing herself, a lady got out of the car, and continued, 'that boy who is walking along with your daughter is my son Harish.. He is suffering from... leukemia'. She paused to muffle her sobs. 'Harish could not attend the school for the whole of the last month. He lost all his hair due to the side effects of the chemotherapy. He refused to come back to school fearing the unintentional but cruel teasing of the schoolmates. Sinduja visited him last week, and promised him that she will take care of the teasing issue. But, I never imagined she would sacrifice her lovely hair for the sake of my son!
Sir, you and your wife are blessed to have such a noble soul as your daughter.'
I stood transfixed and then, I wept. 'My little Angel, you are teaching me how selfless real love is!'
The happiest people on this planet are not those who live on their own terms but are those who change their terms for the ones whom they love !!
I tossed the paper away and rushed to the scene. My only daughter, Sindu, looked frightened; tears were welling up in her eyes. In front of her was a bowl filled to its brim with curd rice. Sindu is a nice child, quite intelligent for her age.
I cleared my throat and picked up the bowl. 'Sindu, darling, why don't you take a few mouthful of this curd rice? Just for Dad's sake, dear'.
Sindu softened a bit and wiped her tears with the back of her hands. 'Ok, Dad. I will eat - not just a few mouthfuls, but the whole lot of this. But, you should...' Sindu hesitated. 'Dad, if I eat this entire curd Rice, will you give me whatever I ask for?'
'Promise'. I covered the pink soft hand extended by my daughter with mine, and clinched the deal. Now I became a bit anxious. 'Sindu, dear, you shouldn't insist on getting a computer or any such expensive items. Dad does not have that kind of money right now. Ok?'
'No, Dad. I do not want anything expensive'. Slowly and painfully, she finished eating the whole quantity. I was silently angry with my wife and my mother for forcing my child to eat something that she detested. After the ordeal was through, Sindu came to me with her eyes wide with expectation. All our attention was on her. 'Dad, I want to have my head shaved off, this Sunday!' was her demand.
'Atrocious!' shouted my wife, 'A girl child having her head shaved off? Impossible!'
'Never in our family!' My mother rasped. 'She has been watching too much of television. Our culture is getting totally spoiled with these TV programs!'
'Sindu, darling, why don't you ask for something else? We will be sad seeing you with a clean-shaven head.'
'Please, Sindu, why don't you try to understand our feelings?' I tried to plead with her.
'Dad, you saw how difficult it was for me to eat that Curd Rice'. Sindu was in tears. 'And you promised to grant me whatever I ask for. Now, you are going back on your words. Was it not you who told me the story of King Harishchandra, and its moral that we should honor our promises no matter what?'
It was time for me to call the shots. 'Our promise must be kept.'
'Are you out of your mind?' chorused my mother and wife.
'No. If we go back on ourpromises, she will never learn to honour her own. Sindu, your wish will be fulfilled.'
With her head clean-shaven, Sindu had a round-face, and her eyes looked big and beautiful.
On Monday morning, I dropped her at her school. It was a sight to watch my hairless Sindu walking towards her classroom. She turned around and waved. I waved back with a smile. Just then, a boy alighted from a car, and shouted, 'Sinduja, please wait for me!' What struck me was the hairless head of that boy. 'May be, that is the in-stuff', I thought.
'Sir, your daughter Sinduja is great indeed!' Without introducing herself, a lady got out of the car, and continued, 'that boy who is walking along with your daughter is my son Harish.. He is suffering from... leukemia'. She paused to muffle her sobs. 'Harish could not attend the school for the whole of the last month. He lost all his hair due to the side effects of the chemotherapy. He refused to come back to school fearing the unintentional but cruel teasing of the schoolmates. Sinduja visited him last week, and promised him that she will take care of the teasing issue. But, I never imagined she would sacrifice her lovely hair for the sake of my son!
Sir, you and your wife are blessed to have such a noble soul as your daughter.'
I stood transfixed and then, I wept. 'My little Angel, you are teaching me how selfless real love is!'
The happiest people on this planet are not those who live on their own terms but are those who change their terms for the ones whom they love !!
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