A little gift for my readers...

My previous post on GIFT -Give Imaginatively  Freely Thoughtfully actually promoted me to attempt to give my wonderful readers a little GIFT. Coincidentally, while ruffling through some old files and papers I came across this poem which I had written long years ago. I thought it appropriate to share this with you as my little GIFT to you and thank you for your warm appreciation and patronage of my blog.

There are three more reasons for me to share this poem with you
 - the first is that the poem is a humorous one and
 - the second is to give you an insight into my other interests other than churning out ACRONYMS 
 - the third is to give you a peek of my novice side and my evolution over the years.

As usual your feedback, comments and appreciation would be a great encouragement.

Happy Reading !

Excuse me please…

Lady, I have longed to tell you

A fact that you never knew

I am keen to make you wise

And I ain’t telling lies/

The matter is plain and simple

Yet for words I do fumble

Though my heart yearns to tell it

My mind cautions me against it.

I am sure that now you are wondering

And desperately pondering;

Trying hard to elicit what the fact is

That has unfortunately eluded you Miss.

Now I can’t help but tell you

The fact that has come to view,

For, every man is now slyly looking

Excuse me ma’m- your slip is showing!

                                                           B.Jacob

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

Powering your Spirit to ACT Now.

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

GIFT

We often visualize gifts as being something that is tangible and presented particularly on occasions. No doubt this is the most common form of what a gift is and often we are obliged to give gifts as a social obligation and a societal norm. This is also the precise problem with the concept of gifts; it is not a spontaneous gesture nor a purely voluntary expression. More importantly, we are constrained by the concept of tangibility and value more than appropriateness of the gift and the occasion or feeling that must underline the gift giving. The best GIFT is that which we Give Imaginatively Freely Thoughtfully

The most common occasions for gift giving are festivals, weddings, birthdays and send offs. These occasions are often influenced by societal norms rather than pure emotion of love and affection. The real value of the gift is in the feelings that are conveyed by the choice of the gift and the sentiments with which it is given. When we gift it must not be perceive as an obligation or else we do not give a gift thoughtfully. A good gift is well thought out and the receiver’s likes and dislikes considered, the suitability to the occasion clearly understood and the affection and sentiment to be conveyed will be reflected in the choice of the gift.

A gift given without any compulsion is often the most well suited because there are no constraints that limit the choice. If we are bound by the compulsion of returning in equal measure for what we have received or psychological coerced into giving because it is the norm or forced to make a show o giving because it is expected of us, then the tasteless choice of the gift and the poor grace with which it is given negates the very essence of gift giving.

Imagination is the real key to giving gifts. To begin with, a gift need not be really tangible, pricey or colossal. A smile is the most wonderful and spontaneous gift that can be easily shared and treasured by one and all. Empathy and sympathy are too emotions that are priceless as gifts when shared at the right moment with the right people. A thank you card, a letter of appreciation, a note recollecting the wonder years send to a long lost friend are gifts that are priceless for the receiver and really treasured by them more than the diamonds and gold that people consider valuable. Extending a hand of friendship, giving someone in trouble a helping hand, enquiring into the welfare of someone who is ill or in pain, helping an accident victim, spending time with the inmates of hospitals, old age homes, orphanages etc. are GIFTs which we Give Imaginatively Freely Thoughtfully

Action Points: 

1. Make a list of your favorite school teachers, former neighbors, former classmates/ colleagues etc with whom you have lost touch. You will have take the effort of locating these people and then sending them a gift; it could be a tangible gift, a card or letter fondly remembering them, it could be a personal visit or telephone call etc. Pay attention to the response you get, notice your own feelings and emotions and ask yourself if you got a better gift in return for your gift.
2. Make it a habit to take time out to buy gifts for those whom you want to give something. Make it a point to visualize the person, their choices, the likings and dislikes, when making your choice. Make a list of people whom you simply feel like giving a gift because you love them/ appreciate them/ you feel they could be in need of a surprise. Now surprise them with something different and give it spontaneously.

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

Powering your Spirit to ACT Now.

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

FEEL

We all have a wide variety of thoughts and they translate into varied feelings depending on the situation and the setting. When you FEEL you are actually Finding Enough Emotional Liberation. One can have a variety of feelings, love being the most predominant one, followed by liking, affection, acceptance etc. on the positive side and anger, hate, irritation, annoyance etc on the negative side. 

Emotions come to the fore only when the thought process is ignited by the need for expression overtly or covertly. While romantics have often highlighted the ‘love at first sight’ theory, the reality is that love is an outcome of a feeling that comes to fore over time. Liking, affection and acceptance follow a similar pattern. Occasionally, anger can be triggered by a sudden tidal way of negative emotion. However most times even the negative emotions are built up over a period of time and then one finds it hard to suppress it and then it comes out in a very expressive way. 

While most feelings are expressed verbally, it is the body language that really mirrors the feeling. The facial expressions, the proximity, the tone, the choice of words, the rate of speech etc. all reflect the feel of the person. Feelings can be expressed in many other ways particularly by way of gifts, cards, flowers etc. when there are positive feelings to be expressed. On the other hand negative emotions are easily understood by the profanity, foul language, use of expletives and loud tone and violent expressions emoted.

When our feelings are made obvious, we are communicating our innermost thoughts, passions and reactions. This is a key need for a human being to unburden, connect  and grow When we unburden our negative emotions we are like a pressure cooker which has to let out steam lest it bursts with the pressure. We connect when we share our hurt and sorrows, spread joy and happiness and express our annoyance and frustrations with those around us and in particular with those who are close to us. In expressing our feelings of hope, ambition, fears, passions and wants we grow in faith, spirit and hope.

As we journey along the pathway of life, we realize that life will always be an emotional roller coaster ride. We have to traverse it by ourselves but the wonderful part is we have enough companions on our journey. If we have to make this long ride smooth, joyous and successful we have to reconcile to the fact that we can never do it all alone. Our companions will help us ensure that we share the burdens, encourage each other, appreciate one another’s strengths and support those who are falling behind. We can give such help and receive it in ample measure only when we FEEL strongly about our journey, our companions and ourselves and suddenly we are no longer inhibited and we Find Enough Emotional Liberation to express what we FEEL. 

Action Points:

1. Introspect and see what are the actions, words and expressions you use when you are very very angry. Also observe which people  you normally choose to vent your ire and frustrations on. (Most times they are people who are very close to you for you unconsciously realize they are more forgiving)
2. How easily do you forgive others? Do you carry a grudge in your heart for long? Are you able to easily say sorry and accept your mistakes? 
3. What is your favorite expression of joy/ happiness and delight. When you express your happiness do you get upset if the others don’t share your enthusiasm or fully partake in you joy?
   

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

Powering your Spirit to ACT Now.

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

HUG

While a shake hand is the most common form of greeting, it is the HUG that conveys a myriad of emotions without a word being spoken simply because it is a Heavenly Universal Gift. The beauty of a hug is that it transcends emotions, genders, age barriers and cultures. Obviously it has universal acceptance, can be spontaneously exchanged and enriches both parties simultaneously. A hug also has the extraordinary powers to encourage, console, rejoice, comfort and be ecstatic.

When we are overjoyed and want to share our joy our most spontaneous gesture is to hug the nearest friendly person around. This is not just a ritual but a pressing need for both companionship and recognition. The most visible sign of this behavior is on the sports field. When a goal is scored or a point is scored or when a team has won the members, the coaches and support staffs all exude in the joy of their victory and hug each other. A hug is also most noticeable when we are meeting up with friends and relatives after a very long time. See the liberal use of hugs at bus stations train stations and airports. 

Ironically a hug is also the most commonly used gesture on solemn sorrowful moments and to convey sympathy. In fact a hug conveys empathy as no other form of expression. No words are really needed to express feelings of pain, condolence, understanding and oneness as a hug. At funerals a hug is the most universal gesture that packs so much of empathy that the grieved can actual mitigate their sorrow by passing it on in small doses to each one of those present through a hug. Something similar happens when we hug someone who has just been given some terrible news like the loss of a loved one or the confirmation of a debilitating disease. A hug is also confirmation of acceptance of the persons failures, an expression of support no matter what and an epitome of understanding that a failure would not severe a relationship. The team member who misses a free throw, a penalty taker who misses his shot, an athlete who misses the win by a whisker or a favorite team that disappoints are consoled and an expression of solidarity confirmed by a hug by all the team members and fans.  

In normal times a HUG is the best expression of intimacy, closeness, warmth and caring. Hugging a child is perhaps a blissful moment in any one’s life for there is spontaneity and pure delight in that expression. The real beauty of a hug lies in the fact that the HUG leverages the power of personal touch both literally and figuratively to reach to the heart. Hugging your pet, perhaps a dog and seeing it wagging its tail incessantly is a moment of pure bliss as much as hugging your parents or your child for in those moments you are actually HUGGING LIFE ( Love Inside Finding Expression click here http://poweract.blogspot.com/2010/01/life.html to read more on LIFE) and sharing the one of nature’s precious Heavenly Universal Gift. 

Action Points:

1. Touch is one human expression that is never really used because of cultural differences as well as inhibition. A handshake and a hug are two common universally accepted means of literally and figuratively reaching out to a person. When the need arises, use these expressions to offer support, understanding and concern. Remember the lonely people in old age homes and our own family members who crave for the warmth of a touch.
2. Look at equivalent expressions of a hug to understand the power of touch. Chest butting, high fives, back slapping and a kiss are those that come to mind immediately. Use these variations appropriately to touch the lives of all those whom you in contact with, for the world can do with a little more warmth and a touch of love.

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

Powering your Spirit to ACT Now.

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

PEACE

The one elusive gift that the human race craves for is PEACE for it is only then that one can enjoy Pure Ecstasy And Calm Environment. Peace comes about when there is harmony around and that is a real challenge because of the competing stimuli, the opposing ideologies, the nefarious activities of disruptive elements and the lack of trust amongst people. Peace is experience when we are stress free, guilt free and happy. This serene condition is a rarity for it is human nature to fret and fume over things that don’t go our planned way or because of the sudden surprises that fate springs on us.

To enjoy peace of mind one has to work towards ensuring that our value systems, our actions and our attitude is well synchronized and tuned to a positive, proactive and purposeful direction. By and large our genetics, our upbringing and our character would deeply influence our value systems. Our circumstances, our needs and our personal ethics would determine our actions. Our thought process, our self belief, our tolerance levels and experiences in life would have a major bearing on our attitude to life. It is equally important that we are clear about what we seek in life for then we can establish some goals which in turn would make our life more purposeful, positive and encourage us to be proactive. Peace of mind is a natural outcome of such a living. 

We can play a vital role in ensuring that our environment is peaceful and serene.  To that end we must ensure that the setting of the physical, social, economic and political environment is peaceful and calm.  We can play an active role as a vigilant citizen who champions the cause of environment protection, energy conservation and social hygiene. We can be both activists as well as proactive proponents who set an example for others to follow.  By promoting religious harmony, by attempting to bridge the social chasm by not allowing divisions on the basis of caste and creed and by pushing the agenda of national integration we can set the example of peaceful co-existence. We need to be conscientious citizens paying our tax dues diligently, be vigilant about how the tax payers money is spent and be active participants in the democratic process by exercising our franchise. By doing our duty and setting an example we can influence others and at the same time enjoy the fruits of a better and PEACEful external environment.

Ultimately we can enjoy the PEACE that we seek so much by developing our self confidence, standing up for our rights, diligently discharging our duties and setting an example for others to follow. We would then have nothing to fear, everything to look forward to and be optimistic about the future. With no cares and no fears we are left with the opportunity to enjoy Pure Ecstasy And Calm Environment and enjoy the PEACE that comes with it.

Action Points:

1. Examine your own restlessness if any. Ask yourself if it is because of a lack of a goal, lack of self confidence or because of guilt. Rectify the errors that have been suddenly made aware to you. Do you feel the peace and calm entering your being?
2. Take up a social cause eg. Environment protection or Energy saving etc. Find various ways and means to get involved in it. Be completely immersed in it as and when you can. Experience the joy and PEACE that comes out of knowing that you play an important part in propounding your cause.

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

Powering your Spirit to ACT Now.

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

SPIRIT

The true worth of a person is revealed in the SPIRIT that he/ she displays when the going is tough and the chips are down. It is in picking up ones self when one stumbles and falls on the highway of life that we See Passion Ignite Response In Time. For many of us setbacks and failures sap our energies, weaken our resolve and tempt us to throw in the towel. At this low ebb in life, we need to review our emotions, regain our confidence and pick up ourselves to fight a fresh battle. It is the SPIRIT within us that will ensure that we can focus on accepting the challenges posed by life and march on with a song on our lips and a prayer in our heart to forge ahead with renewed vigor.

When we are passionate we crave incessantly and it is this craving that acts as the fuel that fodders our desire to succeed. Passion also helps us remain focused on our goals and provides us the motivation to overcome all obstacles and impediments that prevent us from smoothly attaining our goal. In the process it is possible that we try in vain but fail to succeed in our mission and we get disturbed and disheartened. We may also be tempted to give up and pursue some things else in which our heart is really not in. It is at these inflection points that our spirit, powers us with a renewed energy and the spark to gather our wits, recoup our resources and relaunch our efforts to attain our goals.

In pursuing our goals, we are often required to respond appropriately to all situations be it encouraging or demotivating. When the going is good, we need to scale up our efforts in order to ensure that we go with the momentum and give the right thrust to our plans and efforts. If we slacken and hope that things will turn out right, we might overtaken by events or competition and our efforts could be in vain. It is our spirit that will ensure that we are always charged up and fired up to step up the pace. When faced with differences, difficulties and desperation, we need to respond calmly and coolly without giving into the temptation to rave and rant or pass on the buck. This is not easy because when the going is tough, it gets tougher to face the heat. It is the person who let his/ her spirit ignite the urge to respond positively and decisively who will triumph.

When we look around and see the numerous people who have overcome personal, financial and social odds and make a success of their lives, we see it as a triumph of their SPIRIT. The contribution of social reformers, freedom fighters and social activists is a classic case of the SPIRIT coming to the fore to sustain them in their agenda of acting as change agents for the welfare and development of society in general and the people in particular.  Believe in yourself and let your SPIRIT guide you to See your Passion Ignite Response In Time and help you succeed in your mission in life.

Action Points:

1. Make a list of activities that excite you and a list of those tasks that you hate to do but have to because you can’t avoid it. The challenge is for you to find some motivation in those routine / boring/ disliked tasks so that you might have some passion injected into it. E.g. There are many men who hate to shave every day. If they saw the task of shaving as a key component of their enhanced features or if they can visualize themselves as exceptionally likable after shaving they would have a new impetus to look forward to shaving every day.
2. Be aware of disruptive and useless passions that make you unpopular and / or make you ineffective. Make an effort to cut out those passions lest they become more of a handicap than an asset. E.g. Some people are passionate about forwarding every SMS message or emails that they feel must be shared. Or there could be others who are so passionate about their philosophical ideologue or sport or political views that they cannot help but inflict it on any and every audience.

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

Powering your Spirit to ACT Now.

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

STRIVE

To attain anything in life one must STRIVE for it and that is when you Start Towards Important Victories Everyday. Often we are confused about how and where to being something, simply because the journey ahead seems too long and arduous. The bare minimum requirement for success is making an attempt. If we don’t even attempt anything, it is impossible for anyone to even remotely taste success. The beginning of any task is the when one actually STRIVES to attain success.

There are opportunities galore around us for us to take advantage off. Yet self doubts, a negative attitude and fear of failure hold us back from even striving to explore those opportunities. The opportunities could come disguised as problems, offers too attractive to be true or very simple openings that have tremendous potential that make us wary of them. What is really needed is an urge to explore chances that seem attractive even if we are unsure about the finer aspects of it. E.g., To get a job one needs to have a CV ready and float it to the right potential employers so that there is a fair chance of getting an interview call. Yet many a time we are casual about the quality an contents of our CV, do not make even cursory study of potential employers and reject possible employers on frivolous imaginary grounds.

Other times we fail to strive simply because of a laidback and casual approach, lack of clarity in our minds about what we want and worse of all because we find our efforts being thwarted by our own kin and kith. Sometimes it is our ego that blinds us to opportunities because we are unable to visualize ourselves striving to do what was never even remotely visualized as our calling. A doctor who wants to become a chef will be dissuaded by the sheer outcry from well meaning friends and relatives. Imagine starting a business as an undertaker. The reality is that death is a certainty so clientele is not a problem. However the profession is not viewed very kindly so we avoid it. Off late there are people entering the agricultural space yet they are seen as deviants for there is a rural bias and a down market tag attached to being a new age agriculturalist.

The challenge for each of us is to overcome the pressures be it self inflicted or piled on by others. To overcome the pressure it is imperative that we become more pragmatic, less emotional and enthusiastically goal focused. That is when we really begin to STRIVE and Start Towards Important Victories Everyday

Action Points:

1. List out 3 bad habits that you want to overcome. Make an action plan to begin working on overcoming it. Begin today. To deter you from giving up the effort share your plan with someone who is equally concerned about you overcoming that bad habit and request that person to prod you, punish you and fine you if you do not stick to your plans.
2. Outline 3 positive goals that you would like to achieve during the year. One could be a financial goal like savings, another could be a personal improvement goal like reducing weight and the third could be something for a social cause like spending time in an orphanage or old age home. Ensure that you are disciplined and work on achieving those goals.

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

Powering your Spirit to ACT Now.

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