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/

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/  

DECIDE

To decide is perhaps one of the toughest challenges we face on a regular basis. It could be as simple as making up our mind as to what to order in a restaurant or it could be making a life altering decision like choosing a spouse or planning the next career move. The whole process of taking that plunge to DECIDE can be simply expressed to imply that we  Do Express Clearly Ideal Definite Edict.

However, as most people will testify, decision making is perhaps one of the toughest challenges that an individual faces. When we attempt to analyze why we find it tough to DECIDE, we realize that there are broadly 3 reasons for our inability to commit to a course of action. 

The first problem is information processing and our inability to completely absorb the data. In the past there was lack of credible and timely information. Today the problem is information overload, which effectively confuses and paralyzes us when we attempt to demystify it. While we could have models to process quantitative data, we have to use judgment, gut feeling and instinct to get a grip on qualitative data. In both cases the ultimate decision making is made by an individual. Even if programs are automated to trigger decisions, the logic and the parameters are by and large specified by individuals. 

The second problem is our personal craving and inability to give up something. Every decision is ultimately a choice and that implies that there is an alternative. Far too often we are unwilling to completely let go of the alternative and so we end up vacillating between the choices on hand. We run the risk of trying to compromise between the alternatives and trying to get the best of all alternatives. It won’t be long before one realizes that a compromise always has a downside which sooner than later outlines that the compromise decision was faulty.

The third problem is the fear of making that commitment which if wrong can make us rue it for a long time. It takes a lot of guts and daring to actually commit to a line of action. Once the die is cast there is no turning back and this means that one has to live with the consequences. It is the fear of failure that overshadows the possibility of success and glory and the weak hearted prefer to remain indecisive. Ironically not taking a decision too is a decision albeit it being a forced decision.

When one has to DECIDE the key is to try and have a time frame, gather as much data as possible and analyze it and then after weighing the pros and cons and the perceived outcome make up one’s mind and then Do Express Clearly Ideal Definite Edict 

Action Point

1. You hear rumors that a very close friend of yours has been involved in some undesirable activities. You are also aware that your friend is a very sensitive person and would easily take offense to insinuations. You want to quash the rumors or ensure that your friend is cautioned so that he does not get into serious trouble. You are disturbed and are keen to know the truth. How will you decide what to do next and what will your next course of action be?
2. If you had a Rs.1,00,000 and had to allocate the resource amongst the following needs how and what will your decisions be:

• Your mother wants a sum of Rs.50,000 for some major repairs to her house

• Your sibling wants Rs.50,000  to complete his education

• You have to invest an equivalent amount in a tax saving scheme in order to save 40% tax

• Your spouse / best friend wants Rs.50,000 for an urgent surgery of a family member.

 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/  

PLAN

Look back at our own upbringing and schooling and you would recall that there was a method in the daily routine that was carefully cultivated by a combination of customs, traditions, discipline and innovation. While on the home front the daily ritual follows a broad pattern, in school there is a carefully laid out timetable that governs our activities. The timetable of lectures is a typical example of a PLAN which gives an overview of the Prepared Line of Actionable Norms.

While far too often our carefully laid out plans do go wrong, we still persist in preparing the plans. There are a couple of reasons why we try and plan. To begin with a plan helps us conceptualize and clarify our thought process with respect to our goals and the way forward. When we formulate our plans in effect we are outlining the pros and cons, the opportunities and threats, paying attention to alternatives and tracing out the path to attain our goals. Plans help us ensure that we can track our progress and deviations. Without a plan we would be floundering and perhaps going around in circles. Imagine those holidays when you had nothing to do and at end of day felt that you wasted the day. On the other hand when you have chalked out something, and even if you didn’t achieve it you didn’t feel as despondent as the time when you simply wasted the day.

Plans also provide a psychological boost in getting a feeling of independence and control since we can prepare, revise, alter and change our plans as per our needs and urgencies. Obviously our plans are never in isolation for it has to fit in to the plans of world at large, the environment in which we operate and could change drastically depending on the demands of the moment. Yet we have a sense of ownership of those plans which we are an integral part of. Plans provide the momentum for progress. The blueprints of a building are the basis on which the work starts and progresses. Similarly the plans we draw up factor in the resources required, the timelines, the framework and the vision that drives progress.

Most plans are well thought out, have an inbuilt flexibility to regularly be upgraded to take care of changes and yet are robust enough to ensure speedy and successful execution. The best plans are those that take into account a long term vision, consider a holistic view of the end results and incorporate a blend of both innovation and pragmatism. By its very nature the best plans are also designed to be molded by the reality that exits at the time of the execution of the plan. The strategy adopted by sports coaches during the course of play is a prime example of this. Thus a PLAN  is developed by ensuring that there is a Prepared Line of Actionable Norms which can be followed, adapted or revised but one which will be implemented for the results to flow.

Try these:

Visit the website http://www.johngoddard.info  and go through the plans that John had drawn up and successfully executed. Attempt to prepare a similar list of actionable points for yourself.

Assume you want to organize a picnic or a party for a group of 30. Prepare a plan to be presented for approval. Ensure there is something unique/ different/ exciting to make the event both memorable and exciting.

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/

THANKS

We deal with the third of the magic words in English, which we extensively use in our everyday conversation. Despite our best efforts we have to necessarily live with others and this means there is always some give and take. Therefore when we get something from others we have to be grateful and when we give, it is logical that others will be grateful in most cases. The one common way to express our sincere gratefulness is by saying THANKS which is True Honest Appreciation Nicely Kindly Shared.

It is important to note that if we say thanks as an obligation, we will neither convey our sincerity nor will we get the satisfaction of having being truthful and genuine. It is essential therefore that we should learn to appreciate the efforts and importance of others in our lives for only then can we really know their worth and contribution to our daily living. If you look back the people whom we often took for granted are our parents. They have definitely had to sacrifice so many things just to ensure that we are brought up right, given the right upbringing, education and values. They have had anxious moments when we fell sick, when we found it hard to cope with studies, when we fought with our friends and got injuries when playing; and yet did we care to tell them thanks (except perhaps when they obliged you or gave you some gifts). Perhaps we also felt foolish saying thank you to them, but thanks can be also expressed in many other ways.

While saying thanks aloud is the easiest way of expressing our sentiments, there are so many other ways to convey our thanks. A spontaneous gift in appreciation is both a token of love and thanks. Remember the little gifts we gave our lover for no particular reason than to say I love you and also to convey our thanks for their presence in our lives. A hug and a kiss are also demonstrative ways of saying thanks. If you don’t hug your parents and siblings you are missing a wonderful opportunity to express yourself fully to them. Picking up the phone and chatting with a friend is another way of saying how much you value them in your life. Speaking well of people when talking to others is perhaps a very subtle and much appreciated form of conveying your thanks about the person being spoken about. There is nothing like a personal visit with no personal agenda that conveys genuine thanks to the people you visit. Do you any particular school teacher who has had a profound positive impact on your life? Have you ever visited them after leaving school and just told them how much you value them? 

We have ample opportunities in daily life to display our upbringing and manners and motivating others by saying thanks. It could be someone who helped you pick up something you have dropped or it could be the cab driver who was courteous and professional in his work or it could be a colleague who went out of his/ her way to help you meet a deadline. Of course each day is incomplete without a word of thanks to the almighty without whose blessings our life would be meaningless and incomplete.   We can express our thanks to the almighty too in various ways mostly commonly in the form of prayers but also in strictly following rituals or in just living a good and holy life. The key to saying THANKS is in expressing it as a True Honest Appreciation Nicely Kindly Shared. 

Action Points: 

1. Make a list of people who have had a major influence on your life and whom you would like to thanks. Outline a plan of action by using the learning from above to express your thanks to them.
2. Try to identify at least 3 people whom you meet during the course of the day who could do with some appreciation and you must make it a point to thank them genuinely for what they do well, even if it is them simply doing their job.eg.it could be the postman or a courteous bus conductor or the waiter in the restaurant.

 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/

PLEASE

In last weeks post we saw the first of the 3 magic words in English –SORRY. Today we focus on the another magic word PLEASE which each and everyone of us has used very extensively, primarily to get our way but mainly to seek the indulgence of others. We use it as requests, occasionally it is used because of force of habit but it is most effective when we use it as fervent entreaties. Usually the other person gives a patient hearing and accepts our pleas, when we say PLEASE especially when it comes out as Plain Lament & Earnest Appeal Seeking Empathy.  

The magic in please lies in its simplicity and its power of diffusing the toughest of situations, melting hardened hearts and softening the blows of deserved punishments. To begin with, as children we have liberally used the word please to seek parental approval for some of our pet plans which at first may have been opposed by our elders. It could be seeing late night TV on a weekend, having a sleepover at a friends place or wanting an expensive gift or toy. There were times of course when the fervent entreaties didn’t work and we got upset and angry and threw tantrums which occasionally helped us get our way but more often than not simply turned out to be a frustrating experience. Yet the next time around we still persisted with saying please.  

One of the wonders of the word please is that it can be used irrespective of one’s age, one’s social status or one’s ultimate objective. Not just children, almost every one resorts to the power of PLEASE to expresses their anguish and pain as also to get the favor one seeks. One of the oddest sights in democracy is the desperate please extensively spouted by the electoral candidates when canvassing for votes. Equally ironical is the please served as defensive pleas by the lawyers of accused criminals seeking leniency in sentencing. For the ordinary mortal, using please to get our way ahead in a line or to catch the attention of someone for help or for some physical assistance are most common place. 

Of course each of us has also resorted to using please to seek pardon for some error or mistake or to get some favors but it is when the please is a desperate attempt to hold on to affections that it has a poignant ring and pain in it. Many may have experienced the please that follows a lovers tiff. It has a ring of genuine sorry, a desperate cry and the willingness to accept once fault all to ensure that our plea is heard and accepted. The please that follows a lovers tiff is also the one that keeps losing its sheen the more often it is used. It is the please that children poignantly cry out when berated and ignored as punishment by their parents that often melts the hardened hearts and brings quick relief to a tense and unpleasant situation. Unfortunately many many times, there are people all around us who are desperately seeking affection, understanding, companionship, support, acceptance and solace but we seem to be indifferent to their needs. They do not articulate their please aloud, but it is for us to hear it in our hearts, in our conscience and in our humaneness and then we can hear PLEASE as a Plain Lament & Earnest Appeal Seeking Empathy. 

Action Points:  

1. When we are at fault are we ashamed to admit it? Do we find it humiliating to also say please and ask for pardon for our mistakes? Do we find it hard to forgive those who say please and humbly seek our forgiveness? 
2. Think of the most poignant moments in your life when you said please and was rewarded with a pardon /reprieve /forgiveness/ understanding

• When you disobeyed your parents and then sought forgiveness
• When you goofed at school and sought a teachers pardon
• When you had a bitter misunderstanding with a close friend and latter wanted to clear the air
• When you wrongly accused someone and on realizing your error wanted to be forgiven for the mistake
• When you bitterly fought/ disagreed with your spouse / lover and then sought reconciliation

PS: Here is the answer to the 2^nd Try This in the post in our daily blog www.actspot.wordpress.com  dated 19Jan11, on The Challenge of Decision Making   is ‘We would decide to try and save the painting nearest the exit.’ Logical isn’t it, for our life is more precious to us than our favorite painting.

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/   

SORRY

It is said that the English language has three magic words and one of those magical words is SORRY. It often happens that knowingly or unknowingly we tend to upset people, hurt them physically or emotionally, betray their trust or simply ignore them and then when we realize our folly, the relationships is often strained if not completely yanked off. Fortunately the English language has this magical word SORRY that acts as an instant balm to heal all wounds, if said with sincerity, with feeling and with the hope of restoring relationships. SORRY is a Simple Option to Rejoin Relations Yanked

Unfortunately this word has been overused and used indiscriminately and so far too often its effectiveness has been dulled. Yet the power of the word sorry is phenomenal and when it is applied in the right context, for the right reason and in the right manner, it can transform relationships beyond imagination. The key is in using the word correctly. This is where most of us fail and perhaps the magic is lost simply because we say it without meaning the magic to work. Often, those who are offered the apology and told sorry are equally guilty of not wanting to accept the apology either because they perceive their hurt to be too deep and too malicious to be healed by the balm of the word sorry. Of course ego and thoughts of revenge too sneak in to the psyche to ensure that a SORRY is kept at bay till one has got even.

It is essential that one says sorry at the earliest possible moment when one has realized that one has made a mistake. Many of us take time to acknowledge our mistakes because the apologizing becomes an ego issue. This delay in acknowledging mistakes and deciding to say sorry could lead to misunderstanding and sour relationships which then become more complicated to restore back to normal. Equally important is the sincerity with which the sorry is said and the genuine feeling of remorse must be evident in the apology to make it effective and acceptable. Similarly it is essential that the people who have been aggrieved and to whom the apology is tendered be open and magnanimous in pardoning the mistake and being able to forgive. This takes a large heart, a soft approach and enormous patience. An apology must also be received with good grace showing respect to the person apologizing and saying sorry for it is in the manner and courtesy extended that will determine how the future course of the relationship will pan out.

A good way to view the use and effectiveness of apologizing and saying sorry is to see it as the oil that keeps the wheels of relationships moving. No matter how deep the divide, how painful the hurt, how swiftly the relationship was yanked out or how insulting the humiliation, if those who have erred can honestly acknowledge their fault and sincerely offer to say SORRY and if those receive the apology can keep their egos aside and seek a rapprochement both parties will find it the most Simple Option to Rejoin Relations Yanked.

Action Points:

1. Do you now regret not saying sorry to someone with whom you have broken off or had a dour relationship? Similarly do you now regret not forgiving someone who said sorry but your ego didn’t permit you to forgive him/ her? Remember it is still never too late to forgive and say SORRY, for it will be a big burden of your chest.
2. Look back at your younger days and recollect the following incidents and what you feel about it then and what you feel about it today

• A time when you goofed up your homework and your apology was not accepted
• A time when you bitterly disagreed with your parents and later they apologized for their tough stand although you knew you were at fault
• The number of times you quarreled with your best friend/ lover/ sibling and then made up.
• The power and feeling you got when someone apologized to you and you accepted it with good grace

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/