My Learnings on Health

Writing on health has its disadvantages. You risk taking all that information too seriously, way too seriously, summarised famously in the words of Mark Twain, "Be wary of health books, you may die of a misprint."

This has happened with me. I have pored for hours distilling the exact health recipe for almost all that ails us, and like they say there are certain pearls of wisdom that I would like to share. Like a true-blue Sagittarian, I love experimenting, and I have with all of these.

The recipes mentioned below tackle telltale signs of ageing, expanding girth or just energy deficit. There is something for bouncy tresses as well.  Go ahead and try if you like because it's validated on the guinea pig, yours truly.

1. As you age, you need to move on to an exfoliation method that has less of abrasive particles. Aspirin dissolved in rose water, once a week or less makes for a wonderful exfoliant.
2. If you are a vegetarian start eating flaxseeds, to get that dose of omega 3 fatty acids. If you are brave enough, you can have a teaspoon at night and wash it down with warm water, for less adventurous there is always an capsule. An overnight massage with this oil plumps your skin like no other expensive product. Use it liberally on your hands too. A head massage with the flaxseed oil is the best antidote for dehydrated hair (an after effect of chemical hair colours)
3. For blackheads, stop squeezing. Apply apple cider vinegar straight without diluting, let it rest for a while and then wipe it off with a cotton ball.
4. Your good old Boroline is the best hand and foot cream your skin wants.
5. Apple cider vinegar with water in the morning helps lose a bit of weight around the abdomen, not as much as they claim, but a year of use may result losing a half a cm or so around your belly. Well, any loss is good as long as it is happening, if you ask me.
6. To lose weight without trying, plan your meals in such a way that it has some form of protein in it. Your body needs it.
7. Pour a capful of apple cider vinegar in a warm basin and dip your feet, your dead cells are going to slough off.
8. Meditate if you can. It's not that difficult. Just focus on the rhythm of your breath.  And if you find it difficult, go for massage therapy. Someone working on those knotty muscles with an aromatic oil is certainly relaxing. Rest of us can happily sleep. 
9. Listen to your body. It is more intelligent than you imagine. Therefore, eat when hungry, rest when tired and drink water when you feel thirsty.
10. Eat foods that are freshly cooked. The pills can never substitute for a healthy diet.

And don't forget to get some sun on your face, or wind in your hair.

Salman Khan

Without any qualms, I love to proclaim that I am a die-hard Salman fan, and I have been like this as far as I can remember. From your emaciated days to your bulked up shirtless avtaar, I have followed you closely. So much so that I don't get swayed by Sharukh's antics, Amir's perfectionism or Akshay's Khiladi saga. 

I love the Salman that I see on the screen. I like the Salman who in real life tries to help as many as he can. I am in awe with your wholesome personality where you can look terrific, build an amazing body, sing and even serenade leading ladies not even half your age. So much am I enamoured with your on and off screen persona, that I gave you benefit of doubt when you got mired amidst allegations of domestic violence. Somehow, I felt that Salman is innocent! I sincerely wish if I could resonate the same sentiments. Not this time, I feel the punishment is justified!

And the reasons are that driving is a serious business. It involves your life as well as the life of those with whom your mammoth vehicle (in your case) could come in contact on the road. You were a phenomena, a role model that gave inspiration to many. The body building craze owes a lot to you!! With the phenomenal adulation came responsibility. You just couldn't drive back home drunk at the dead of the night. At least of all the people not you, Salman! You could very well afford the services of a driver or a night out in a luxury hotel. Not only you drove drunk, you usurped lives of people sleeping on the pavement. Though unintentional, still if you can't give a life, you just can't take one. It's a heinous offence.

Now be the hero whom I always admired to and take responsibility of the offence committed. Of course, money can sway witnesses and turn evidences hostile but still the fact that you are seeking to appeal for in the High Court is ample testimony to the fact that all your muscle and money power found it hard to sway justice!!

Sad Gurudev Narayan Dutt Shrimali

Sad Gurudev, Narayan Dutt Shrimali (21 April 1933 – 3 July 1998) Jodhpur was a publicity averse, distinguished Guru of the highest degree of competency. He was an academician and an astrologer of the highest order, who had achieved supreme distinction in Mantra, Tantra, Yantra, Astrology, and all other ancient Indian sciences, a rarest of the rare feat. His singular aim throughout his life and beyond was to revive the sacred ancient Indian knowledge and wisdom on Mantra, Tantra and Yantra. He wrote more than 300 books on subjects of spiritualism, tantra and mantra.

In his ascetic form, he was the great master of Siddhashram, Swami Nikhileshwaranand Maharaj. He was the chief disciple of  Paramhans Swami Satchidanandji who is the chief controller of Siddhashram.

 Early years:

Dr. Shrimali was married to Bhagavati Devi at the tender age of 12. However, domestic life never captured his attraction. When he decided to quit domesticity in search of spirituality and the realms beyond, Dr. Shrimali was serving as Head of Department of Hindi at the Jodhpur University. He quit his role of an academician and donned saffron robes in quest of Himalayas seeking the enlightened souls, with a mission  to revive the glorious ancient Indian wisdom in occult sciences, spirituality and Tantra. He met many pseudo sanyasis and the real gems as well. From these gurus who led life in caves of Himalayas ,he learned all the ancient Indian  sciences.He spent 18 years in the Himalayas and travelled all over India.Finally he met his Guru Swami Sachchidanandji in Siddhashram and he ordered him to go back to grihasthashrama, conjugal life to spread this hard earned knowledge in the society and to dispel notions and beliefs attached to Mantra and Tantra.

When he saw that the society was getting gradually westernized at the cost of its glorious ancient heritage he left no stone unturned to revive and rehabilitate the society’s intellectual spiritual heritage, including the mantra and tantra practices in its original and undefined form. With this purpose, he published a monthly magazine with the title “Mantra Tantra Yantra Vigyan”, which, of course, has earned a special place in the world of spiritualism. He has at the same time, established the Siddhashram Sadhak Pariwar” and thus perpetuated the glorious “gurukul tradition”. He has given top most priority to producing excellent disciplines. He says “A live disciple is a living book which will enlighten the age to come”

Awards and recognitions:

Dr. Shrimali was nominated as the President of the World Astrology Conference from amongst representatives of various countries in 1979. He was the president of most of the astrological conferences that happened in India since 1979. In 1987 he was honoured with the title of “Tantra Shiromani” by the Para-psychological Council. In 1988 he was honoured with the title of  “Mantra Shiromani” by the Mantra Sansthan.

Dr. Shrimali was honored with the title of “Maha Mahopadhyay” in 1982 by the then Vice-President of India, Dr.B.D.Jatti. In 1989 he was honored with the title “Samaj Shiromani” by the then Vice-President of India, Dr.Shankar Dayal Sharma. In 1991, he was honored by the then Prime Minister of Nepal, K.P.Bhattarai for his unique and singular work in the social and religious fields.

The venerable Guru wore multiple hats with ease and flourish: academic, linguist,astrologer, Ayurveda expert and the supreme authority on mantra and tantra. On July 03, 1998 Dr. Shrimali decided to leave his mortal frame. However, his growing family of disciples believe that the revered Guru is watching over them from Siddhashrama.

Books Authored by Revered Sadgurudev Dr. Narayan Dutt Shrimali:

•           Practical Palmistry

•           Practical Hypnotism

•           The Power of Tantra

•           Mantra Rahasya

•           Meditation

•           Dhyan, Dharana aur Samadhi

•           Kundalini Tantra

•           Alchemy Tantra

•           Activation of Third Eye

•           Guru Gita

•           Fragrance of Devotion

•           Beauty – A Joy forever

•           Kundalini Naad Brahma

•           Essence of Shaktipaat

•           Wealth and Prosperity

•           The Celestial Nymphs

•           The Ten Mahavidyas

In Hindi:-

Publisher= Hind Pocket books, 18-19, Dilshad Garden, Shahadara, Delhi

•           Gopniya Durlabh Mantron Ke Rahasya.

•           Rahasmaya Agyaat  Tantron Ki Khoj Mein.

•           Shmashaan Bhairavi.

•           Himalaya Ke Yogiyon Ki gupta Siddhiyaan.

•           Rahasyamaya Gopniya Siddhiyaan.

•           Phir Dur Kahi Payal Khanki

•           Yajna Sar

•           Shishyopanishad

•           Durlabhopanishad

•           Siddhashram

•           Hansa Udahoon Gagan Ki Our

•           Mein Sugandh Ka Jhonka Hoon

•           Jhar Jhar Amrit Jharei

•           Nikhileshwaranand Chintan

•           Nikhileshwaranand Rahasya

•           Kundalini Yatra- Muladhar Sey Sahastrar Tak

•           Soundarya

•           Mein Baahen Feilaaye Khada Hoon

•           Hastarekha Vigyan Aur Panchanguli Sadhana.

Publisher= Sadhana pocket books, 39 UA, Banglo Road, Jawahar Nagar, delhi-110007

Case for Work Life Balance

'Who sat till late at work?' is the primary conversation that greets most of us, when we enter the hallowed portals of our work. As if sitting and working till late is a sure-shot recipe for success. The second hot subject of discussion is who gets the least sleep. And if you are able to sacrifice sleep hours for work, you are a magnet for success. Forgive me, if I am spoiling the conversation, but this is not true, and I do not wish to toe the line.

Why work needs to be carried home? Is home carried to work? Why can't there be two separate entities that exist in silos? With famous and successful people commenting that work-life balance is a myth, what happens to the lesser mortals like us? Work needs to be completed in the designated time frame. If it is not getting completed as a matter of fact and not aberration, there is a serious concern. Either the person is stretched or incompetent. Both need to be tackled. Then there are people who believe in the adda culture at work. The adda time begins after 6:30.

Personally, at close quarters I have watched marriages end because of workaholism. Was it workaholism? Was it escapism? Staying late at work is okay as an aberration. There can be episodes which demand extra time and attention. However, the spurts do not last forever.  The problem brews when it becomes chronic. Then it sets the stage for corrupting the work-life balance. You end up behaving like a zombie, with little shreds of sanity remaining. Something that any work place can't afford to have. While it is acceptable to work hard to climb the success ladder, it's equally required to strike a work-life balance. 

Attitude

Attitude! Mostly thrown around with irreverence as a semi-sin, as part of a baggage that has to be dealt with. While it is okay to possess attitude, somehow it is difficult to deal with it. A plain case of dichotomy. If attitude is wrong, what about positive attitude? A subject favoured by motivational speakers.

Ultimately, what is attitude? It is a sort of spunk, the bend of mind, the power of resilience, the ability to stay calm in stressful situations or a mix of all. It’s ingrained in all of us. It’s the charm that allows us to weave magic in difficult situations. However, attitude is often garbed as a baggage. Something negative, that needs to be discarded with.

Isn’t it high time, we accepted the strength of attitude and allowed it to flourish in all of us? After all, attitude is a component of right of speech and expression. It’s the ability to stand for yourself when everyone else is busy cowing you down. When people around you are hell bent to qualify you as a moron that you are not, attitude is the singular quality to support yourself. In a positive way, it’s the ability to love and nourish yourself, before you do it for others.

Shiva: the eternal Guru

Living without Guru is like a boat that has a sailor but no rudder. The winds of circumstances decide its destiny and direction. Without an anchor it keeps sailing anywhere and the effects are to be introspected at a time, when very little amends can be made. Life is not a game, which has to be won, all the time. Life is all about enjoying and living in the moment. Easier done that said, but it requires practice. And a great deal of it. What is Guru's purpose in life? Well...Guru is light. He is an epitome of divine and guides you. Don't expect the Guru to cast magic spells. He is not a a magician. He takes you in his fold and initiates you to the right path. What is the right path? It is the road to enlightenment, where you view success and failures alike. 

Wait a second and reflect on what you have read earlier. Failures are painful. They erode morale. Who wants them when success in near and within the reach. Nothing succeeds like success, isn't it? True. But flip the coin and lurking behind a shining success is failure and steeped deep in failure are the seeds of success. Philosophy! Huh..who has the time for it, and what connection Shiva has with it. 

Well..coming to the point, Shiva is the Guru who instills in you the values of non-passion, an essential ingredient of success. Apathy is a stronger word and reduces the entity of non-passion. When success and failure are incapable to ignite sentiments, non-passion dawns. The entity of Shiva. The state of being where effort is delineated from the outcome. In the absence of emotion peace dawns. An absolute stillness, a state where effort is done with the sense of duty on the behalf of Guru, the path finder who will direct the life. The only person who knows all and yet remains rooted to the ground. 

Tomorrow on the day of Mahashivratri, Shiva and Shakti merge together to begin the dance of evolution. Together they construct and destruct with equanimity. This is the state in which the child remains and builds sand castles to be swept by waves. In this state attachment exists with detachment is at peace. And only Guru knows the route to it. 

45 Quotes to Motivate

In that spirit, here a golden choice of 45 SOLID quotes that will motivate you to stay strong and get back on your feed and lead the charge.

1. If the wind will not serve, take to the oars. Latin Proverb
2. You can fool all the people all the time if the advertising is right and the budget is big enough. – Joseph E. Levine
3. Ambition is the path to success. Persistence is the vehicle you arrive in. Bill Bradley
4. "Business opportunities are like buses, there’s always another one coming."Richard Branson
5. "I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work." Thomas Edison
6. "A friendship founded on business is better than a business founded on friendship." John D. Rockefeller
7. "I never dreamed about success. I worked for it." Estée Lauder
8. "Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success." Henry Ford
9. "Innovation is the specific instrument of entrepreneurship. The act that endows resources with a new capacity to create wealth." Peter Drucker
10. Statistics suggest that when customers complain, business owners and managers ought to get excited about it. The complaining customer represents a huge opportunity for more business. – Zig Ziglar
11. "Being the richest man in the cemetery doesn't matter to me. Going to bed at night saying we've done something wonderful, that's what matters to me. Steve Jobs
12. You are not your resume, you are your work. – Seth Godin
13. Beware of any enterprise requiring new clothes. – Henry Thoreau
14. One finds limits by pushing them. – Herbert Simon
15. If you see a bandwagon, it’s too late. – James Goldsmith
16. Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning. – Bill Gates
17. Success is often achieved by those who don’t know that failure is inevitable. – Coco Chanel
18. The competitor to be feared is one who never bothers about you at all, but goes on making his own business better all the time. – Henry Ford
19. The good or ill of a man lies within his own will. – Epictetus
20. I have known not a few men who, after reaching the summits of business success, found themselves miserable on attaining retirement age. They were so exclusively engrossed in their day to day affairs that they had no time for friend making. – B.C. Forbes
21. The cynic says, “One man can’t do anything”. I say, “Only one man can do anything.” - John W. Gardner
22. A business has to be involving, it has to be fun, and it has to exercise your creative instincts. – Richard Branson
23. “Don’t worry about people stealing your design work. Worry about the day they stop.” —Jeffrey Zeldman
24. I feel that luck is preparation meeting opportunity. – Oprah Winfrey
25. “What I've learned from running is that the time to push hard is when you're hurting like crazy and you want to give up. Success is often just around the corner.”James Dyson
26. “Chase the vision, not the money, the money will end up following you.” —Tony Hsieh, Zappos CEO
27. “The value of an idea lies in the using of it.” —Thomas Edison
28. We generate fears while we sit. We over come them by action. Fear is natures way of warning us to get busy. – Dr. Henry Link
29. People rarely buy what they need. They buy what they want. – Seth Godin
30. "A good leader is not necessarily the most popular person in their business, but the best ones are liked because they are respected for their clarity and vision."Alan Sugar
31. "The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." Walt Disney
32. "I had to make my own living and my own opportunity. But I made it! Don’t sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them." Madam C. J. Walker
33. You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take – Wayne Gretzky
34. Successful people are the ones who are breaking the rules. – Seth Godin
35. To the degree we’re not living our dreams; our comfort zone has more control of us than we have over ourselves. – Peter McWilliams
36. "I don't believe in failure. It is not failure if you enjoyed the process." Oprah Winfrey
37. The man who does not work for the love of work but only for money is likely to neither make money nor find much fun in life. – Charles M. Schwab
38. You must remain focused on your journey to greatness. – Les Brown
39. Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing. – Theodore Roosevelt
40. “If you can’t feed a team with two pizzas, it’s too large.” —Jeff Bezos
41. “Make every detail perfect and limit the number of details to perfect.” Jack Dorsey
42. “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.” —Steve Jobs
43. “The most dangerous poison is the feeling of achievement. The antidote is to every evening think what can be done better tomorrow.” —Ingvar Kamprad, IKEA founder
44. Never ever do yourself what you can get others to do for you, faster, better and cheaper. J. Knyszewski

Adventure

I wrote these lines on adventure for my daughter's speech contest in the school. Somehow, I felt the lines were apt hence sharing it with a wider audience:

Life is either a daring adventure or nothing

Hellen Keller

The word evokes images of doing something that thrills us.  Normally, adventure involves an element of risk that makes adrenaline rush through our system.  Still, adventure is not necessarily a physical activity like river rafting, mountaineering. In a broader term, adventure allows us to challenge our comfort zone. People who have moved big in their lives have always taken a path less tread. And in the words of Frost, That has made all the difference.

Yes, the desire for adventure allows people to do extraordinary things. The fire of adventure motivates people to step out of their comfort zones and take risky roads. If Gates and Jobs wouldn’t have embraced adventure, we wouldn’t have Windows or Apple in our hands. The thirst of adventure keeps the fire to do big things alive in our heart. It gives the spring in our steps to chase impossible dreams and make them a reality. The live example is our prime minister.

Allow adventure to unfurl its wings in your heart. It will make the difference between an ordinary and extraordinary existence.