Saturday, September 29, 2012

REST




There is nothing as refreshing as taking REST for it is the perfect antidote to work, stress and tiredness. With the hectic pace of life in a fast paced world, everyone gets caught up in the rat race and opting out to rest is often viewed as a luxury one cannot afford. Yet just as a woodcutter pauses to sharpen his axe in order to do a more productive work, each of us is obligated to ensure one takes adequate rest for that is the perfect way to Recoup Energy & Stave off Troubles.

Recouping energy is critical in order to remain in peak fitness, prolong one’s efficiency and to cope with the fresh demands made each day. While we often focus on physical energy when we think of taking rest, it is the mental energy that we need to regain which plays a more vital role in an individual’s life. Mental fatigue could be an outcome of excessive focus (preparation for exams is a good case in point), a result of worry and stress (an impending visit to a doctor especially a dentist is a fine example) and / or a byproduct of lack of sleep and excessive physical work (organizing a family wedding of an immediate family member is perhaps a very apt example). Taking rest ensures that we let our mind/ thoughts/ feelings/ body hibernate and recharge.

Lack of rest often results in unpleasant outcomes physically and mentally. These troubles could be in the nature of anxiety disorders, exhaustion, ailments, distraction and disorientation and could culminate in serious illness. By ensuring one takes adequate rest we can stave off these troubles. One of the great miracles of life is the healing process that nature has bestowed on us. You would realize that the healing process is a function of time and supportive care. Rest is the underlying prescription for all troubles.

An unfortunate myth about rest is that it only involves distancing one’s self from regular work. An offshoot of this myth is that one ends up being couch potatoes, plonking for hours in front of the TV or computer or mobile phone. What one does not realize is that by being addicted to these gadgets subconsciously we are prone to anxiety disorders thereby adding to stress and completely negating the concept of rest. It is essential that we be aware of our urge/ addiction/ cravings of this nature for they pose the biggest challenge to genuine rest. Sleep is perhaps the best form of rest, for then one is in a state of bliss cut off from all distractions. Being in the midst of nature soaking in the wonders that abound could come a very close second as an ideal form of rest. Spending time with near and dear ones particularly in the form of a holiday could be another outlet to soak in the wonders of rest. Indulging in ones passion, hobby and spending time with ones pet could also provide us opportunities to rest.

The best way to getting rest is an individual choice. However whatever be the best source of REST there is disputing the fact that it is the perfect way to improving ones quality and length of life, for at the end of the day it enables one to Recoup Energy & Stave off Troubles.

Action Points:

Honestly answer the following questions to get an idea of the various stress busters that suit you and enable you to get some rest.

  • When you are stressed or upset what is the activity that helps you calm down?
  • How do you cope with bad news?
  • How do you face a sudden crisis?
  • What is the one indulgence you never tire of?

Which of these activities meet your idea of a good way to rest?

  • Reading a book
  • Watching a comedy serial
  • Doing some social service activity
  • Participating in or organizing a drama/ dance/ party
  • Your gifted something you longed for and trying to make the best of it.

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

Friday, August 31, 2012

PODIUM


With the Olympics having wound up just over 2 weeks ago, the lasting images are that of the winners taking their pride of place on the PODIUM the ultimate Place Of Displaying Intense Unique Moment. It is in that triumph that all the preparation, the sacrifices, the injuries suffered and the failures encountered enroute all seem to have played  a critical role in attaining success.

Whether sports or otherwise, for the views and audience it is the performance on the day that matter. However for he performer, the performance on the day is vital, but they can hope to strike it rich only if they have sweated it out, worked on going that extra mile, repeated and perfected the technique so that they are well prepared for D day. Unfortunately, there are occasions when the best do not get their due on  D Day and hence miss out on holding centre stage on the podium. A false start in the relays, foul jumps, a niggle that bothers or the sheer weight of expectations can bog a person down and prevent him / her from being a winner.

The winner’s podium has an unique elevation that recognizes the uniqueness of each person privileged to stand on it. I it also draws attention to the collective achievement of those standing on it. By the time a person is privileged to stand on a podium, the enormity of the achievement slowly sinks in and translates into an overwhelming mix of emotions joy, pride, sense of achievement and relief. All these emotions translate into tears of joy, a thumping of the chest, the raising of the arms and the mutual respect for each other. Competitors turn collaborators in a show of collective respect and admiration for one and other.

The winners be it the Gold, Silver or Bronze medalists know that their position on the podium was not a fluke but the result of self belief, sacrifice, persistence and hard work. The victory when it comes is savored with a mix of ecstasy, relief and excitement. These feelings are displayed with all the intense passion that highlights the uniqueness of the moment they have waited for. The PODIUM is not just a platform but Place Of Displaying Intense Unique Moment.


Action Points:

How did you feel when you saw an Olympic medal winner from your country stand on the podium? Could you emphasize with him/ her?

Name 3 individuals ( at least one of whom should be from the opposite sex) who
you believe represents the following

The 3 best sports persons of all time
The 3 best actors of all time
The 3 best singers
The 3 most loved people (outside of your immediate family)
The 3 best friends
The 3 best teachers in your life

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

Sunday, August 5, 2012

HURDLES




The hurdles is a unique event where mans ingenuity to make the staid and boring activity of running more interesting was improvised upon by putting hurdles that participants have to overcome in order to win. However the hurdles event if seen differently actually mimics life; each day that we live largely is routine but when we seek out opportunities they are there in plenty but unfortunately there are apparently too many hurdles to overcome if one has to grab the opportunities. These HURDLES in real life can be seen as Having Unexpected Resistors Demanding Leaps to Ensure Success.

There are numerous lessons that one can learn from the hurdles event. To begin with one must anticipate the hurdles, one must prepare to cross them, one cannot side step them but have to leap over them and finally even if one stumbles at a hurdle it may not necessarily mar ones chances of success. As human beings though, these lessons from the track and field hurdling event is not easily appreciated and put into daily living. If we analyze each learning point we would realize that life’s challenges and hurdles can be managed with relative ease.
Anticipate the hurdles – There is no one in this wide world who can claim to be free of problems, challenges and tensions. It is therefore prudent to stop, pause and reflect on the possible challenges that one will have to encounter along life’s path. By anticipating, we won’t be taken by surprise, we will have some plans to meet the hurdles and more importantly our confidence won’t be dented.
Prepare to cross them – Just like one prepares for an exam without really knowing the questions that will actually come in the question paper, one can work on meeting some challenges that we can anticipate. E.g. if communication in English is a weakness because one has studied in the vernacular, then working on ones English language skills is imperative.
One cannot side step them but have to leap over them – There is an English saying ‘do not bury your head in the sand like and ostrich’ which implies that when confronted with unavoidable troubles do not try to ignore it or run away from it. Just as the hurdlers have to leap over the hurdles one has to confront challenges with daring and fortitude. Here another saying is equally relevant which states ‘ you cannot cross a chasm in two steps’; implying that at times one has to take a risk and make big decisions. E.g. Someone who is an employee could be passionate about a business venture but he / she has to leave behind the security of a fixed salary and possible take a huge income loss before establishing one’s business.
Even if one stumbles at a hurdle it may not necessarily mar ones chances of success.- Even the best hurdles in the world have a bad day in office occasionally, when they stumble over the hurdles. In life we are more prone to stumble off and on for the hurdles are not evenly placed nor the height evenly adjusted as in the track event. Each day brings new, different and intriguing challenges. Keeping motivated each day is perhaps the most commonly experienced challenge for most human beings. Being satisfied is another huge challenge. These are generic challenges but some specific challenges can be a huge hurdle to overcome. The good part of the hurdles is that life gives us many opportunities to fail and get up and retry.  The best part is that the biggest and most challenging hurdles merely require us to overcome our personal inhibitions. The superlative part of the hurdles we have to overcome is that we do not have to prove our ability to anyone but merely find our inner strength and  passion and align it with our goals to overcome them. These HURDLES in real life can then be experienced as Having overcome Unexpected Resistors Demanding Leaps to Ensure Success.

Action Points:

List out the one hurdle that is impeding your success in the following areas of your life
  • Your personal life
  • Your professional or student life
  • Your social life
  • Your self development
  • Your thought process

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

Sunday, July 29, 2012

RACE




In sports and particularly during the OLYMPICS, the most eagerly looked forward to events are the races. A RACE is perhaps the simplest form of showing of superiority for all one has to do is Rush Ahead Challenge Everyone and the one who comes first is the winner. What makes a race even more interesting is the variety, innovations and complexities that have transformed races to become the pivot of sporting jamboree the Olympics.

The marathon has always remained a major symbol of the triumph of the human spirit and endurance, and the race most associated with the Olympics. However, over the years the races have evolved to broadly encompass the short distance races, the middle distance races, the long distance races and then endurance races. Walking race too has become an important race. The swimming events have made races even more exciting with the varied styles of swimming posing challenges for even the best. The hurdles and relays are innovations that have enhanced the variety and added luster to make the races more intriguing. With the introduction of the steeple chase the races have embraced complexities that add glitter and glitz to the simple and pure form of basic human entertainment and achievement.

For sheer ecstasy and emotion, nothing is comparable to the short sprints be it the hurdles or the 400, 200 and 100 meter races. While the timing of the top most athletes participating in these events is almost identical, what makes the race a sheer joy is the very high probability of upsets that can happen, These could be from the basic error of being disqualified for a false start or lane violation or it could be due to injury or a tumble that could prove decisive in having upsets hold centre stage. At the end of the day, it is the photo finishes that result in a whisker thin victory that sends the adrenaline of the officials, spectators and supporters racing.

A bit of glitz and sheen has been taken away from the races of late with athletes resorting to dubious means like doping and use of performance enhancing drugs to win the race. Despite these hiccups, whether you are sports fan or not, chances are that you will never miss out on seeing the races especially at the Olympics for you would be just as keen to bet on who would with the RACE and Rush Ahead Challenge Everyone.

Action Points:

  1. Do see the movie Chariots of Fire which uses the backdrop of race to tell a tale.
  2.  Check up the meaning of the following phrases which have the word race in them
  • Racing against time
  • Race to the finish
  • Feel my heartbeats race
  • The race ended in a dead heat
  • A one horse race

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

Monday, July 23, 2012

OLYMPICS



One spectacular event that the world looks forward to with great anticipation, hope and excitement is the OLYMPICS. The reason for it is 3 fold; it happens just once every 4 years, every country has an opportunity to be represented and it is the one time when all are equals and competition is intense and camaraderie at its best. To understand, appreciate and experience this One Lively Youthful Meet of Passionate Intense Competitive Sportsmanship all one need to do is watch the 2012 Olympics being held in London from the 27th July 2012 and closing on 12th August 2012.

Sports in general and athletics in particular have always enthralled human beings. It is a test of skill, strength and stamina no matter what the event. The Olympics embraces all these and more since it encompasses an astounding range of sporting activities. With a wide variety of races of varying distances as well as a mix of obstacles as in the steeple chase there is no dearth of action, intrigue and surprises. The throws, jumps, the gymnastics and  the pool related events bring grace and art to superlative degree of finesse. To acknowledge our savage ancestory, there is shooting, archery, boxing, wrestling, fencing and martial arts disciplines thrown in. Team sports is represented in various forms be it relays, the ball sports hockey, football, volleyball and, basketball among others. An interesting facet of the games are the events where the sports person has to use an aid be it a horse for the equestrian events or a boat for the rowing events or cycles for the cycling events. Not to be left behind are the racquet events tennis, table tennis and badminton.

Every Olympics also throws up its sporting heroes and heroines as well as sets the stage for tragedies of epic proportions. Then there are controversies (doping related disqualifications being the most prevalent of late), occasional tragedies (the Munich massacre being a very unique episode), surprises and shockers. However what people would always cherish will be enduring images of extraordinary performances, remarkable feats by rank outsiders and underdogs and emotional outbursts, touching display of sporting spirit and the triumph of the spirit over mind and matter. 

While sports is the glue that makes the OLYMPICS one of the most eagerly awaited events every 4 years, it is the One Lively Youthful Meet of Passionate Intense Competitive Sportsmanship that enables the OLYMPICS to retain is aura, charm and popularity.

Try this:

Read up on the achievements of the following athletes

Teófilo Stevenson http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Te%C3%B3filo_Stevenson


Read up on the details of the following
The London Olympics http://www.london2012.com

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