MIRROR

Nothing can surpass a MIRROR for its faithful and unbiased feedback, candid and honest portrayal and dispassionate and calm countenance. What is equally important to note is that we often take it for granted despite liberally utilizing it to preen ourselves from the time we wake up till the time we hit the sack at night. Surprisingly, while many times we are not too pleased with the feedback, portrayal and countenance displayed, we nevertheless accept it as Meaningful Instant Reflection Revealing Original Reality. 

Feedback: Even our best friend would think twice about making disparaging comments about our looks, and our expressions but the mirror has no such compunctions. The good part is that because we get such a feedback we are able to make use of the very same mirror to goad us into making the changes required be it combing our hair, putting on a dash of make up or learning to smile more and frown less. 

Portrayal: How an attire looks on us, our physical features and our body language are loudly echoed back by the mirror allowing us the luxury of making adjustments without any overt or covert comment or disapproval. In fact when we seek to change based on the ungainly portrayal that is reflected in the mirror, it is the faithfulness of the mirror that we turn to seek confirmation that the changes we attempt suit us and reflect our personality. 

Countenance: When happy or sad, elated or depressed, when angry or cheerful, fearful or upbeat a peek at the mirror would quickly point out the reality without comment, suggestions or advice. When the feelings are negative, we are silently urged to focus on the positives whilst we are quietly injected with even more optimism and elation when the feeling is happy, positive and vibrant.

Nothing exemplifies the role of a mirror in one’s life as much as * the fact that in Kerala, in the shrine of Bhadrakali, the female element of energy- there is no idol. Within the shrine, the worshipper finds a great polished bronze mirror, a round mirror in which his/her face is reflected: it is a long journey into the within of nature and self. 

When we quietly reflect on the reflections of a mirror, we again come to the undeniable fact and inevitable truth that wonder of the mirror lies in its Meaningful Instant Reflection Revealing Original Reality.

*Quoted from Pupul Jayakar’s Welcome Address at the January 1987 seminar held by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust on the theme’ Towards New Beginnings’

Action Points:

1. Not all mirrors reflect the images as a normal mirror would. If you can do make it a point to visit the crazy mirror rooms where the mirrors reflect a grossly distorted image of you. The experience would be both fun and an eye opener, for it will portray you in a manner that you can never ever imagine. Pause and ask yourself if you like any of the images portrayed or that you prefer the original image that stares back at you from your mirror at home?
2. To appreciate the power and fun that mirrors can provide, procure a Kaleidoscope or better still make one and enjoy seeing the varied patterns that emerge. Here is a link that shows how to make a kaleidoscope (the mirrors are substituted by glazed plastic) http://tinyurl.com/4ypfgzm
3. Do read the post in the following link to know how and why your closest friend is the best mirror in which to see yourself  http://tinyurl.com/3puqx3e      
4. Stand in front of your mirror at home and do the following

• Comb your hair in a completely different way and see how you look
• Take another smaller mirror and hold it behind your head in such a way that the image is reflected on the larger mirror. Take a good look at the back of your head. Balding men in particular can now have a completely different view of what they perceive to be a full mop of hair on their crown.
• Puff your cheeks/  wink at the mirror/ try out various facial expressions like anger/ surprise/ frown/ pain/joy/ sadness etc.

Power Act - from http://www.actspot.com/ is focused on -

Powering your Spirit to ACT Now.

You are also invited to visit our inspirational and motivational blog http://www.actspot.wordpress.com

SMART

What distinguishes something special and catches the eye is how SMART the appeal is to the beholder. This is true for inanimate objects as well as for people. While for inanimate objects the outward appearance plays a vital role in zooming on to something smart, ultimately it is not just the outward looks but the overall features that influences. In the case of people too, the grooming, the personality and the body language definitely influences ‘first impressions’. However it is the confidence, the knowledge and the ability to effectively communicate that ultimately determines how  a Stylish Modern Approach Radiates Tastes and conveys the SMART impression. 

Our focus here will be on how individuals can be SMART and reap the rewards. The key lies in aligning and balancing the key dimensions of an individual’s life and ensuring that one manages to be smart in each of these areas. 

Physical : Personal grooming, dressing, manners and body language would be the major sub components that make up this dimension of an individual. The taste in clothing and accessories, the style and panache with it is carried would of course depend on the occasion and the setting but in the end they matter the most for they form the ‘first impressions’. Manners and etiquette's accentuate the first impressions and the way one carries oneself in stature, posture and demeanor could reinforce the initial judgment. 

Mental:  Knowledge and intelligence are two major components that make up this aspect of an individual. Being well read, updated and sharing opinions and views would enable one to display the knowledge that one has. Using the knowledge and experience efficiently and creatively at work and in everyday living could focus attention on intelligence. Judgment, discretion and decisiveness are other traits that would have a bearing on how mentally smart a person is perceived to be. 

Emotional: Feelings are a good barometer of emotions. Feeling trigger emotions of anger, hope, jealously, happiness, fear, frustration etc. Managing emotions, particularly negative emotions present both a challenge and an opportunity that in the long run determines how others perceive an individual. Being optimistic, having a positive attitude, being bold and daring are traits that are much valued in an individual. At the same time display of anger, bitterness, rudeness, fear and frustration are emotions that deflect attention from the core strengths and mars another wise smart personality. 

Holistic: Since no one can live in isolation, the holistic perception is ultimately formed by observing the social dimensions of the individual. The ability to gel well with others, the capacity to have strong interpersonal relationships,  the seamless way one can strongly disagree without being disagreeable etc. ultimately provide the inflection point that determines how others judge  an individual’s personality. A smart personality indicates that the reality is evident and that the potential is available.

In the ultimate analysis, it is obvious that all the dimensions pertaining to an individual must be well aligned and in ample measure if one qualifies to be viewed as SMART. It is then that an individual’s Stylish Modern Approach Radiates Tastes and is acknowledged by the world at large. 

Action Points:

1. Identify one smart individual preferably known to you, in each of the following categories. Identify their  2 strongest qualities.

• A teacher
• A colleague
• A competitor
• A former classmate
• A person of the opposite sex

1. As an individual identify 2 specifics in each of the following dimensions that you would need to work on and improve so that you can project an even more smart personality.

• Physical
• Mental
• Emotional
• Holistic

 Power Act - from http://www.actspot.com/ is focused on -

Powering your Spirit to ACT Now.

You are also invited to visit our inspirational and motivational blog http://www.actspot.wordpress.com

RUSH

In most urban areas people always seem to be in a RUSH. They are always moving at a fast pace, seemingly with a deadline to meet and irrespective of the mode of transportation seem to resent anyone or anything that slows them down. Analyze their behavior and one can immediately understand what RUSH implies for it is exhibited in the form of Rapid Urgent Speedy Haste.

Rush hour traffic is an euphemism extensively used to denote the chockablock  and suffocating experience that one endures early mornings and late evenings on working days. The experience is uniform be it travelling by road, rail or foot. Some interesting sidelights to this rush syndrome can be noticed as under. 

Urgency seems to goad all those in a rush. Every person seems to have an agenda and a deadline to meet. The problem is compounded when there are linkages between the deadlines as would be the case when a person has to catch a variety of transport to reach ones destination. Sadly the urgency that spurs the rush is often stone walled in the humdrum of bureaucratic tangles, the lethargy of unmotivated individuals and the knots weaved by redtapism.

The speed at which others travel unconsciously propel us to keep the same pace. This has partly to do with the physical need to keep pace to avoid being stem rolled or run over. However it is the psychological compulsions of the mind, seemingly nudged by the pace of others around. that triggers alarm bells of tardiness and inefficiency. As a result breasting the tape takes precedence  over smelling the flowers or enjoying the view. 

The value of time suddenly becomes the focal point. The classic case are the train and bus timings around which a large number of peoples life revolves.  Going a step further, even indicating chunks of time be it for pizza delivery or for catching up with someone is now fine tuned to near precision levels. Even appointments are scheduled taking into consideration the RUSH factor.

In a fast paced world, one needs to match the pace around. However, it is equally important that one understand the dangers of being in a rush all the time. It will take a toll on health and relationships, affect the quality of output if continuously churned out in a rush and one would miss the small pleasures of life that simply whizz past us while we are meeting deadlines,  targets and collecting bonuses along the way. Yet in the frenzy that grips the lifestyle and work style we are wedded to, we cannot eliminate the RUSH, for mantra that spells success is Rapid Urgent Speedy Haste.

Action Points:

1. Make a list of 5 things that you always wanted to attempt/ do but never got around to doing. Examine the reasons for not starting them. In how many cases did lack of time become the major excuse?
2. To make use of RUSH positively here are a few things to attempt

-          Pay of all your bills immediately on receipt of the same

-          When going out for a walk as part of your exercise routine focus on increasing the distance covered rather than merely increasing the time you walk.

-          Attempt to delegate more work so that you are not rushed when doing your work and you can focus on that work that is important to your job and responsibilities

Power Act - from http://www.actspot.com/ is focused on -

Powering your Spirit to ACT Now.

You are also invited to visit our inspirational and motivational blog http://www.actspot.wordpress.com