52 posts tagged with "musings"

World rests on hope​

Hope is a deeply ingrained human emotion that keeps us optimistic and motivated in the face of adversity. It allows us to envision a better future and fuels our determination to overcome challenges. While hope can be a powerful force for maintaining a positive mindset, relying solely on hope as a strategy for achieving our goals can be detrimental.

Hope vs Action​

Hope, without action, is merely wishful thinking. While hope can inspire us and provide a sense of optimism, it does not guarantee any tangible results. Merely hoping for success, happiness, or fulfillment without taking proactive steps towards our goals can lead to disappointment and stagnation. To achieve meaningful outcomes, we must complement hope with intentional and consistent action.

Hope places the power of change outside of our control. By relying solely on hope, we surrender our agency and fail to take responsibility for our own circumstances. It is essential to recognize that hope alone cannot alter external factors or bring about desired outcomes. Instead, we must actively take charge of our lives, make informed decisions, and work towards our objectives with determination and perseverance.

Ignoring the writing on the wall​

Humans are inherently emotional beings, and our emotions often play a significant role in the decisions we make. One such powerful emotion is hope, which can profoundly impact our decision-making process. Hope is a positive emotion that drives us to envision a desirable future and motivates us to pursue our goals. It can provide us with a sense of optimism and resilience in the face of challenges. However, relying solely on hope can lead to irrational decision making, as we may base our choices on wishful thinking rather than a realistic assessment of the situation.

When it comes to evaluating people or situations, it is vital to focus on actual actions rather than what we hope them to do. Actions speak louder than words, and they provide a more accurate reflection of someone's character, intentions, and reliability. By objectively observing and analyzing the actions of individuals or assessing the viability of a situation, we can make more sound decisions and avoid disappointment caused by misplaced hope.

By evaluating the actions of people and situations objectively, we can make more informed decisions and minimize the impact of wishful thinking. Let us embrace the power of hope while remaining grounded in reality to ensure that our decisions are guided by both our emotions and rationality.

Waving to strangers​

Sometimes, the smallest acts of kindness can have the most significant impact on our day. Recently, as I waved to strangers from my car on my way back from swimming on Golf Course Road Gurgaon, I experienced a delightful encounter that transported me back to my own childhood. The pure innocence and genuine happiness of a group of kids in an overcrowded school van, as they waved back with smiles and laughter, lifted my morning spirits. This heartwarming experience forces me to reflect on the power of simple gestures in brightening someone's day.

A flashback to my own childhood​

As I gazed out of the car window, memories from my own childhood came flooding back. I recalled the days when I traveled to school in an auto-rickshaw, excitedly waving at passersby, hoping for a wave in return. It was a small act that brought immense joy to my young heart and made my day brighter. Little did I know that years later, the tables would turn, and I would be the one receiving that wave of joy. Today, seizing the opportunity to bring a smile to their faces, I waved with a wide grin. To my delight, the children eagerly waved back, their eyes shining with excitement and mischief. Their infectious laughter filled the air, instantly lifting my own spirits.

Power of simple gestures​

In that moment, I realized the incredible impact that a simple wave and a shared moment of connection can have. The children in the school van reminded me of the joy that comes from acknowledging the presence of others, even if they are strangers. In our busy lives, we often overlook these small opportunities for genuine human connection, but they hold immense power to brighten our day and create a ripple effect of positivity. A simple wave can create a ripple effect, touching the lives of those around us and fostering a sense of community and connectedness.

In a world that often seems consumed by haste and indifference, it is essential to hold onto the spirit of innocence that children embody. Their ability to find joy in the simplest of interactions is a powerful reminder for us all. As adults, we can learn from their uninhibited expression of happiness and embrace opportunities to spread positivity through small acts of kindness, like a wave or a smile.

A wave, a smile, or a friendly greeting might seem insignificant, but they possess the power to brighten someone's day and create a ripple effect of positivity in our world.​

Swimming goggles​

Swimming goggles are essential accessories and designed to protect the eyes and enhance vision underwater. These specialized eyewear provide a watertight seal, preventing water from entering the eyes while allowing clear visibility. The lenses of swimming goggles are typically made from durable materials that are resistant to fogging and scratches, ensuring optimal clarity during every swim.

The experience of swimming is starkly different without goggles. It's like you don't know where you are going, what you are doing and what to expect next.​

Flushing my goggles​

Today, in a moment of absent-mindedness, I inadvertently sent my swimming goggles on an unexpected journey through the bathroom plumbing. After rinsing them with Dettol as a part of my weekly cleaning routine, my mind momentarily wandered. I sent the goggles spiraling into the abyss of the toilet bowl. A mix of surprise, frustration, and a touch of humor washed over me as I watched them disappear with a swift flush. It was a lighthearted reminder to remain focused even in the most mundane tasks and a comical tale to share with others. Alas, my swimming goggles became unexpected underwater explorers, navigating the intricate labyrinth of pipes, forever destined for a watery adventure in the sewage system.

Small losses​

Dealing with such small losses and unexpected waste is frustrating. It is important to maintain a positive mindset and find constructive ways to address these situations. Firstly, it's crucial to acknowledge and accept the loss or waste without dwelling on it excessively. Recognize that setbacks happen to everyone and that they are part of life's unpredictable nature. Take a moment to breathe and gain perspective. Next, evaluate the situation and see if there are any lessons to be learned or preventive measures to be taken in the future. Reflecting on the experience can help you avoid similar incidents in the long run.

IPL is a rollercoaster​

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a captivating spectacle that thrills fans around the world, and one of its most intriguing aspects lies in the excitement of its randomness. In each match, anything can happen, and the fortunes of teams can change in the blink of an eye. The unpredictability of the game keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating thrilling moments, unexpected twists, and nail-biting finishes. Whether it's a stunning catch, a last-minute run chase, or an unforeseen collapse, the IPL showcases the essence of sport in its purest form. The thrill of witnessing underdogs defy expectations and turn the tables on formidable opponents is a testament to the game's unpredictability. It is this very randomness that adds an element of suspense, making each match an adrenaline-filled rollercoaster ride. From the explosive power of the batsmen to the strategic brilliance of the bowlers, the IPL exemplifies the beauty of uncertainty, reminding us that in this enthralling game, anything can happen, and that is what makes it so exhilarating to watch.

Suryakumar Yadav​

I watched the episode of Breakfast with Champions and got to know about Suryakumar Yadav or Sky - more about the man than the player. He is a trailblazer and a T20 specialist. This tweet by Virender Sehwag summarizes the blitz very well.

When an underdog wins, they win for everybody, because somebody gotta come through that door and break it open and make it possible.​

I had just finished my dinner after a 5 km run and I had this urge to root for Suryakumar Yadav to get to his 100 on the last ball. I wonder how much listening about the struggles and desires from the first video influenced me. After all, I am not a supporter of Mumbai Indians or an avid cricket follower. Sky, is by no means, an underdog. He is the best rated T20 Batsman in the World ICC rankings as of today. But the way he explains his inner anguish and struggles to get to this spot, makes you want to root for him.

Rooting the underdog​

There is a special kind of joy and satisfaction that comes with rooting for the underdog. When the odds are stacked against them, and their chances of success seem slim, it ignites a fire within us to support and rally behind them. We are drawn to their determination, resilience, and unwavering spirit in the face of adversity. There is a sense of hope and inspiration in witnessing an underdog rise against all expectations, defying the skeptics and proving that anything is possible. We find ourselves emotionally invested, eagerly cheering them on, and celebrating their victories as if they were our own. Rooting for the underdog reminds us that success is not solely defined by statistics or rankings, but by the sheer will and belief to overcome obstacles. It teaches us the value of perseverance, the importance of embracing challenges, and the potential for greatness that lies within each of us. So, as we witness the underdog defy the odds, we are reminded that dreams can be achieved, and that sometimes, the most remarkable victories come from those who are least expected to triumph.

Morning routine​

In time away from Gurgaon, the first thing to be disrupted is the morning routine. It is primarily because of two reasons - late nights with family/friends and absence of a go-to swimming pool in Jaipur.

I have a new found respect for an early morning schedule. A late morning schedule is inferior compared to an early morning schedule for the following reasons:

1. If you get up early, you get a lot more time for yourself and to do things you enjoy.
2. Mornings are quieter and calmer. In summers, the temperature is better too.
3. Meditating in mornings helps me in being mindful. Evening meditations aren't as satisfying for me.
4. It is a lot easier to organize and plan your day in the morning focusing on the most important activities.

Back to routine after a week​

The whole of the last week was spent in Jaipur and I ended up getting up much later than the usual 5:30 am. I am a creature of habit and the morning routine of swim, stretch, meditation is something I missed dearly. It feels nice to be back to the routine of ending the day by 10pm and reading for 30 minutes each night.

The second half of a man’s life is made up of nothing but the habits he has acquired during the first half.​

Out of sight​

Our routine is sacrosanct. We regularly do activities with the same set of people - meal with family, evening walk with your dog, watching netflix with your significant other. Such activities become a highlight of our day - and a disruption in the activity for even a few day disturbs our balance.

Heart grows fonder​

Absence diminishes mediocre passions and increases great ones, as the wind extinguishes candles and fans fires.​

Absence or distance from an activity or a person can make you feel relieved or anxious. You might be left with a feeling of respite or longing. Focus on when you are longing for an activity or a person. Appreciate it and show your gratitude.

You should sit in meditation for 20 minutes a day, unless you're too busy, then you should sit for an hour. If Tetris has taught me anything, it's that errors pile up & accomplishments disappear. Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.

Tetris revisited​

Today morning, I decided to do 4 km swim. This is my first 4 km of 2023 and I had done one in 2022. I took ~97 minutes to complete it and had a phase of thoughtlessness in between.

When you are in water for so long in a swimming pool, you think about many things and once out of topics, you really observe. The pool where I go has tiles (colors blue and dark blue) on the floor. Organized they look like a game of Tetris.

Making pieces fit​

In life, the circumstances change every month and year. First you want something, then if you get it, you include it in your entitled list. With all the moving parts, it is in a way a big game of tetris. Not all pieces are the same color, nor are they the same shape or size, but they need to be in sync and balance. Juggling with pieces, the constant move is what makes life beautiful.

Slow it down​

Slowing things down and reducing the pace is a conscious and effective way to enjoy. Such slowing is usually accompanied by reducing the number of activities you have planned. Enjoying the now, especially slowly, is very satisfying. It helps you focus on the present atomic moment and experience life as you truly should.

You are always in a rush - wanting to be elsewhere. Slow it down, relish what you have now. Be like a child, enjoying the now.​

When to slow it down​

If you listen to your body and mind, it tells you when to slow down. When you experience fatigue, slowness or burn out - listen to it and take a day off. Sit in the sun or curl in your bed. It is okay, be kind to yourself and switch things down.

You cannot win for long by fighting against your body and mind. Listen to them closely and you will know.​

How I slow things down?​

I like to do the following to slow it down and energize. They invariably help me in orienting myself:

• Start a new book.
• Speak to family over a video call.
• Go for a long walk and listen to my Liked Songs

serve: to be useful or suitable for a particular purpose

Service and life​

All the macro systems around us are build with the objective of rewarding people for activities that they are good at. In other words, human beings - in groups - have since time ago have created systems, customs and rituals such that people who are good at serving other human beings get rewarded. In the modern economy, the equivalent is that if you have skills or resources or capital which serves others around you (or the globe), you enjoy status, power and wealth.

I have deeply thought about the purpose of life many times - 2nd year of undergrad and year 2021 were phases of longer deliberation. I have concluded that serving others is a primary purpose of our life. In the process of doing that, you discover your quirks, strengths, weaknesses and what you enjoy. In fact, how we enjoy giving the service changes with age and the definition of others also changes with the environment.

Secluding from serving others​

For a variety of reasons, many a times we resist serving our purpose and get stuck in a rut. These situations aggravate when we are stubborn about what we do not want to do. Resolving by excluding things not do is a valid strategy but applying it in serving others becomes a long frustrating process of brute force experiments. In such times, look back and think about the enormity of life around you and realize that service is the constant companion of the living being. When you stop serving, you stagnate and stop living life in its full sense.

Stagnation is the enemy of sanity.​

The hard part isn't knowing what the right thing to do is. The hard part is doing it

Breaking down a problem statement​

If I break a tough problem into atomic sub-problems, the order of difficulty reduces drastically.

Let's take an example, if I want to run a marathon (which I do not enjoy), I know that I will not be able to start with 21km running. If instead I break it down to training routine like below - thanks to Puneet Yadav for breaking it down, I have a greater chance of picking it up:

• Week 1: 2-3 km with 2 breaks
• Week 2: 3km with no break
• Week 3: 5km with 2/3 breaks
• Week 4: 5km with 1 break
• Week 5: 7.5km with 2 breaks
• Week 6: 10km with 2 breaks
• Week 7: 10km with no break
• Week 8: 15km with 2 breaks
• Week 9-10: 15km with no break
• Week 11: 18km with 1 break
• Week 12: 21km with no break

Knowing vs doing the right thing​

The above conversation with Puneet was from Mar 2022, an year ago. It is one thing to know the right thing to do and another to do it.

I have found committing to a plan works well if the following conditions are met:

1. You write it down, print it out or keep it top of mind digitally.
2. You discuss the progress with friends or family. Especially when you are struggling.
3. You celebrate the milestones - e.g. gift yourself something meaningful when you hit Week 5.
4. You zoom in and zoom out repeatedly, seeing how far you have come and how far do you have to go.