Three Things that Immediately Uplift Me

Blogchatter under their Bloghop series  gave this prompt to write on for the week November 23- 30th 2022.  I pondered over the topic. Almost all of us need 'uplifting' these days. What with economic pressures caused by the pandemic, relationship issues, pressure generated by the social media to prove that "You are good enough"  and the pressure to be updated or the fear of missing out (FOMO).. We all have our own ways of 'uplifting ourselves". For some it may be shopping while for others it may be going to the movies. Of course, one man's food can be another 's poison as we are all unique. Some solutions can themselves cause problems later on, like binge eating of chocolates or ice cream to beat the blues. 

I asked myself "What is it that uplifts me?" The first thing that came to mind was music. I enjoy listening to songs as also singing them. The very activity guarantees a raising of my spirits. I particulary enjoy the genre of "Melodies" though it is fun to listen to various typs of music in many languages. Unlike the present crop of feature films, in the Indian movies of yore we had songs depicting various emotions in the life of the protagonists be it romance, friendship, sadness or hope. We had music having both Indian classical/semi classical and western flavour. It is to the older songs that I looked to mostly to 'uplift' me immediately. 

A walk in the park or amidst nature is another sure fire way for me to change states. Movement has been known to have benefits and scientifically proven to release mood enhancing hormones. Add to it the various sights on the way and you find that you feel good already. Unlike as in a gym where you "Work out" for keeping fit, a walk doesn't seem like 'work' but a pleasant activity that brings a feeling of well being. Some people do it with a few friends to obtain the added advantages of socialization. 

At one time watching movies used to 'uplift' me. These days, however one finds the plots very predictable. Most of them have a lot of violence and one would think 'normal life'  is about crime and criminals all around you. This is when I discovered the Russian movies (dubbed in English) on you tube. They have a lot of dramatic moments, with rural life depicted quite often and a 'feel good ' end  in most movies. They remind me of our own movies of  fifties, sixties and early seventies when the heroine had meaty roles too. We also get to see older characters like a grandfater or grandmother more often.  So there it is, these days I look to Russian movies to 'uplift' me. 

Although only three things have been sought in the prompt, other things that uplift me include watching videos or listening to podcasts on spiritual/ New age / NDE (Near death experience) subjects  as also practising EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) a tapping thechnique that involves tapping on specific meridian points on one's body.

I enjoyed writing on this week's prompt as it gave me an opportunity to share with my readers  tips that work for me,  we all need to have in our armour small customized things suitable to our individual needs to keep us uplifted in a world that is becoming increasingly challenging. 

• NB: This post is a part of Blogchatter Blog Hop www.theblogchatter.com    

Career Politicians

At one time, people embraced politics

for social work, social service

solely to serve, improve the lot 

of the common masses... 

Cut to today and you have career politicians

for whom, it's another way of making a living

a means to become rich and famous 

as for service- What's that ? they seem to ask  

Ask a politician what he's done, 10 years in power 

and he evades, dodges question with remark

"opponants are a bunch of crooks!" 

if you persist and ask " But sir, in what way have you served?" 

pat comes reply " Remember the other fellow

is not from 'our' community!" 

At one time, long long ago 

people embraced politics

with a wish, a  will to serve....

Citizens of Tomorrow

Bright eyes, a trace of a smile on the lips

hands on his chin sits this youngster 

a future citizen of our country! 

What can we do to ensure

his smile doesn't turn into a frown 

to ensure that his smile gets bigger

and bigger to become a hearty laughter?  

What can we do to ensure

that his future is full of possibilities

with opportunities to learn, grow 

attain a safe, sound,  abundant life?  

As Governments are busy with other priorities

We, the  citizens of today 

need to come out of slumber

take initiative, to ensure a bright future 

for those who can take our nation forward

the citizens of tomorrow! 

NB:  This poem was composed  for an  Exhibition on Photography Poesia organized jointly by Akashar Art" and World Pictorial Poetry & Art Forum(C). The poet was required to write on any one of the twenty photos presented by distinguished poet and cofee table book specialist Mr Sethi Kishan Chand.

Second hand Items you purchased and love

It felt like another tricky # Bloghop  prompt for the week . I was wondering how do I address the topic when presto I had it, the one thing I happily bought over the years...

Not being in general,  a fan of second hand goods

the topic stumped me for some time...

then  the bulb flashed- It's books of course!  

one thing the value of which doesn't diminish 

by a change of hands... 

On the foot paths of Indian cities, small little shops 

you can find them all- fiction, nonfiction, text books

romance, crime, management books, you name it! 

Some good finds for me, were books 

on self help, communication, networking 

health tips, Reiki,  naturopathy, magnet therapy

spirituality,  HR insights, mystery, court room drama...

Apprehensions, doubts, fears of wrong choice

vanish when it's books you are buying! 

After all, you know the author and buy

what you relate to, what you love! 

a  material worth much more than its physical value

to some,  simply priceless!  

NB: This post is a part of Blogchatter Blog Hop www.theblogchatter.com . 

Summary of the 29th October 2022 Meet of Kavyakaumudi International multilingual poets group

There was excitement in the air! The Kavyakaumudi International multilingual poets group was meeting once again after a gap of six months. It was to be held over four sessions spread over two days 29th and 30 th October 2022. Ours was the first of the sessions at 2PM. Minor technical snags did not deter us from enjoying the virtual company of friends  and listening to their wonderful poetry. The program commenced after the greetings of the president Dr Kumud Bala, with a melodious invocation by Ms Krishnapriya. This was followed by the address of chief guest Dr Sigma Satish from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala and Guests of honour, Ms Lucilla Trapazzo from Italy and Ms Jayashree Chari from Nanded, Maharashtra. The gist of their talk is given in the video at the bottom in which I had proposed a vote of thanks. 

Ms Padmavati.S  in her poem exhorted humans to get back to selflessness from the present state of selfishness. Dr ShashiRekha Reddy spoke in the voice of an earthern pot saying she, the pot is here to provide relief from the harsh heat of the sun and that she may be handled with care by the lady holding her. Mr Akash Naik's Gujarati poem was on the 'rope', the never ending cycles of life. Dr Shami Naaz 's poem was about a conversation between her and the moon that gives solace and comfort. Ganesh Chandra Bisnoi's Odia poem spoke about nature, the storehouse of beauty. 

Dr Kavita Singh in her poem discussed the importance of spreading " मुट्ठी में प्रकाश" ie "a  fistful of light" everywhere so that life can be a delight. Ms Hayat Afza's poem discusses the plight of a person who has lost his life partner and feels all alone (कितना अकेला हो गया हूँ मैं). Ms Sudipta Mishra in her poem gave a call to end oppressive acts and to all 'wrongs' in society. In her poem "If", Dr Manjula Asthana urged listeners to look at the brighter side of situations and not be worried about worldly appreciation.

 Ms Lilla Latus from Poland batted for world peace taking the instance of boys engaged in "game of war", noting that war is embedded in their minds from childhood. Ms Rashmi Chaudary's Odia poem was on destiny. Ms Pushmaotee Subrun discussed the 'Deepavali' festival where there is triumph of "good over evil".  My poem titled "On men and women" talks about both the sexes having become a lot more self absorbed in the present times. You can listen to the poem in the video. Finally, Dr Kumud Bala recited her poem "I am an earthen lamp" ( मिटटी का दिया )  which brings light and happiness to others even if going through  fire and pain during the process of being made. 

जोड़ तोड़ की कला

कारीगर का कई घंटों की मेहनत,

प्यार से,  बनती है घड़ा

उसी को तोड़ सकता है 

एक ही क्षण में ... 

एक संस्था का निर्माण में 

सालों लगता है ....   

तोड़ने में, कुछ ही दिन  ! 

तोडना, कितना आसान 

और जोड़ना कितना मुश्किल!  

टूटे चीज़ जोड़ने पर भी 

पहले जैसा नहीं होता 

बाहर से ठीक लगने पर भी 

सालों लगता है 

अंदर की घाव भरने ...  

तो  मित्रों  , सावधान!  

तोड़ने  से बचे रहो , और हमेशा 

जोड़ने में लगे रहो ! 

राजीव मूतेडत   

Content that left a deep impression on me and my life

The weekly prompt of Blogchatter under their Bloghop series was to write about 'your favourite piece of content' that impacted life in a big way. I have been drawn to the so called "Self improvement" books right from a young age. Perhaps, it has to do with a little book I received as a prize in an elocution competition at school titled "Success in 30 days". Its content was motivating with plenty of quotes and stories of  "Successful"people from all over the world. If I remember correctly, the tips in the book  included discipline, hard work and perseverance. 

It was much later that I came across the book with the "Favourite piece of content" titled  "The Power of the Subconscious Mind" by Dr Joseph Murphy. I was bowled over by the contents  as it revealed the secret that  If we learn to tap into the  power of the subconscious mind, "whatever it is we want" in life will automatically be delivered by it  easily and effortlessly . 

It is a lot more difficult and painstaking job to convince the conscious mind to do our bidding. As for example, we know consciously  that it is good for us to get up early in the morning and go for a jog of 45 to 60 minutes. We try to convince the conscious mind repeatedly to stand by us in our mission. Yet, when the alarm rings, the hand unconsciously moves to 'snooze' button and we go back to sleep for "some more time". When  the same message is given to the subconscious mind (in an alpha/ meditative state), it  makes it happen auto pilot . 

"The law of attraction" which has gained a lot of currency in recent times operates on the same principle. The content in  " The Power of the subconscious Mind" gives us information as to how we can use this power for healing (physical & mental), attracting happiness,  money, good relationships, peace & harmony . The subconsious mind  also comes to our aid for taking difficult decisions effectively in our best interests. I am sharing below the following para from the book which talks about "How to receive guidance from your subconscious mind". 

"  When you have what you term a "difficult decision" to make or when you fail to see the solution to your problem, begin at once to think constructively about it. If you are fearful and worried, you are not really thinking.True thinking if free from fear. 

Here is a simple technique you can use to receive guidance on any subject. Quiet the mind and still the body.Tell the body to relax; it has to obey you. It has no volition, initiative or self conscious intelligence.Your body is an emotional disk which records your beliefs and impressions..Mobilize your attention:focus your thought on the solution to your problem. Try to solve it with your consious mind.Think how happy you would be with the perfect solution. Sense the feeling you would have if the perfect answer was yours now. Let your mind play with this mood in a relaxed way; then drop off to sleep. When you awaken and you do not have the answer, get busy about something else.Probably when you are preoccupied with something else, the answer will come into your mind, like toast pops out of a toaster."  

NB: It is to be noted that we drop naturally into an alpha state twice in 24 hours-  (1) at night, just  before drifting into the  sleep state and (2) in the early morning just before coming out from sleep to awake state. At other times we can attain this state through self hypnosis/ meditation. 

The readers would have understand by now as to why the content of this book captivated and made a deep impression on me.  There is so much to learn  from it that one would do well to revisit the book often to derive maximum benefit. A  lot of my approach to life has been molded by this "favourite content". So there it is, I have responded to the prompt - " My favourite piece of content that left a deep impression on me and my life".   

This post is a part of Blogchatter Blog Hop www.theblogchatter.com .