Wednesday, March 23, 2011

SUN

When Galileo first propounded that the SUN was the center of the universe, there were few takers for his theory and in fact he was chastened by the then pope for what was then perceived to be blasphemy. Fortunately for him, and the world at large, he had both the intelligence and the courage of conviction to stand by his theory. Now that we know that the SUN is the center of the universe we realize that it is the Strongest Universal Nucleus.

By studying the phenomena of the SUN and its properties we are captivated by 3 lessons that we can learn and put into practice in our lives.

To begin with it attracts attention through the power and energy it emits. If we as individuals can harness our own abilities and strengths we too can hold center stage and actually be influencers of the world around us. We need not be path breakers or inventors to be positive influencers. All we need to do is be focused, consistent and passionate about whatever we choose to do. Sooner than later our efforts will be recognized, we would find followers and change those around us to our way of thinking, action and results. What is important is having a passion to drive you and the commitment to keep going even if there are hiccups on the way.

Its limitless energy is freely given and anyone who can channelize it would benefit immensely. When a person is passionate and committed he/ she gives freely of his/her time, effort and even money.  The problem though is that if they do not channelize their largesse they would never really get a sense of complete satisfaction. Most of us are self centered when giving / sharing what we have. We give off what we don’t want so that we can reduce the clutter. We participate in social causes partly to satisfy our conscience, partly to be seen as being social and partly to exhibit our abilities for applause, recognition and self gratification. It is when we can commit ourselves as a discipline; take on commitments with no strings attached and be magnanimous enough to part with possessions without any remorse or expectations; that is when we bring sunshine to the world around us.

The sun keeps shining no matter what time of the day or what kind of weather. Can we emulate the sun in keeping up our good cheer and countenance no matter what the cost? Do we feel easily slighted, become restless at the slightest hint of trouble, carry grudges and sulk in frustration? Can we train ourselves to sport a beaming smile at all times, exude positive energy in abundance and be gung-ho even under the most adverse conditions? Life is full of up’s and down’s; the challenge is to accept the latter with equanimity and maximize the former with faith and confidence. Visualize yourself as the SUN that is at the center of your universe and then you will realize that you are the Strongest Universal Nucleus that binds the lives of all those around you.

Action Points:
  1. To Energize your self – Try to do the Surya Namaskar  which is an yoga exercise that is both wholesome and effective. It is paying obeisance to the sun. You are invited to learn the exercise and practice it daily. Click on the following link for the same http://tinyurl.com/ajmdhh
  2.  To get a feel of the power of channelizing energy -Take a magnifying glass and a small sheet of paper and focus the magnifying glass on the paper allowing the rays of the sun to penetrate through the glass on to the paper. Keep holding it till the heat from the sun starts to burn the paper.
  3.  To keep shining and smiling - Read one joke or humorous article or see a cartoon daily. If possible share the same with family, friends, colleagues etc. In addition form the habit of trying to find at least 3 good things in anything that goes wrong. You will improve your positive thinking that way.

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/

Sunday, March 13, 2011

SIN


Our worries and troubles are often directly related to the guilt we carry around with us due to our propensity to commit sin. While many people believe that the troubles they suffer from are due to their sins from a previous birth, others believe that it is human to sin and that forgiveness is there for the asking provided we are repentant. Whatever the theory, the reality is that each one of us human beings is guilty of lapsing into sin off and on when we succumb to the lures of personal and materialistic pleasures knowing fully well that we are to avoid them. Thus SIN is nothing but Self Inflicted Nicks.

Perhaps the most common venial sin that each one of us is guilty of from early childhood is telling lies. We tell lies because we are afraid of the consequences of the act that we believe will be disapproved of  and so attempt to deny any wrong doing. Unfortunately we often get caught in our own web of lies and escape severe reprimand because of the magnanimity of the elders. Sometimes this makes us embolden and we indulge in a forbidden activity hoping not to get caught and if caught hoping to get away by telling lies. Using foul language especially when annoyed and irritated is considered par for the course but the reality is that it is still a sin for we are brazen, obnoxious and rude when we are foul mouthed. As we get more worldly wise and street smart we get caught in a myriad of sins too numerous to list out and perhaps progressively more serious.

If one wanted to understand the enormity of our sinful ways we just need to focus on what is commonly referred to as the 7 deadly sins: Lust (sex), Gluttony( eating excessively), Greed, Sloth (Laziness),Wrath (Revenge), Envy (Jealousy) and Pride. Even as you read this post you would realize that in some way or the other we have been guilty of most of these sins and a more objective analysis will reveal the fact that each time we sinned, we were responsible for it.  This means we have brought upon the sin by our inability to control our own senses and self. Strange as it may sound many of us get into a self denial mode and rationalize our sinful ways as inevitable. This is akin to Brutus justifying killing Ceaser by saying ‘I killed Ceaser not because I loved him less but because I loved Rome more’.

While it is clear that our human weakness manifests itself in our sinful ways, it is still possible for us to redeem ourselves. The obvious course of action is to reflect on our sins and be repentant for it. It also helps if we have the courage of conviction to acknowledge our sins and seek pardon from those whom we have possibly wronged. We would also need to resolve to control our senses and to trudge along the straight and narrow path of righteousness. This will often be painful and lonely for there are temptations in plenty and numerous distractions that we will find hard-pressed to ignore.  Yet they will be the balm that will surely and completely heal our SINs and cleanse our Self Inflicted Nicks. 

Action Points:
  1. Outline the 3 most common sins you are guilty of. Can you identify why you lapse into these sins time and again? Is there something that you can do to ensure that you have greater control over yourself and can minimize and if possible eliminate these sins?
  2. Do you think you are guilty of any of these sins? How can you attempt to overcome it?
  • Gossiping
  • Back biting
  • Being rude and offensive
  • Teasing others
  • Abusing your power and authority
  • Victimizing those whom you dislike
  • Taking your loved ones for granted

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/