Discovering Your A: Reality check on happiness - are you loving B for the sake of A and forgetting A ?

Hey there, curious minds and seekers of wisdom! Are you ready to embark on a journey that will challenge the way you perceive your choices and priorities? Brace yourselves, because today we're diving headfirst into the intriguing concept of loving B for the sake of A and how it can revolutionize your perspective on life.

Picture this: a mother surrounded by a mountain of colorful toys. You might think, "Ah, she must really love those toys!" But hold on a second. Take a closer look. It's not the toys that she's head over heels for; it's her precious little munchkin who uses those toys to dive into a world of imagination and fun. The toys are just the bridge that connects her love for the playtime joy her child experiences.

Now, let's zoom out from this heartwarming scene and apply the same lens to our own lives. How often do we find ourselves fixating on the "B" - the toys, the distractions, the material possessions - while neglecting the "A" - the true essence, the genuine source of happiness?

You see, it's not about labeling things as 'bad' or 'good'; it's about recognizing what truly matters. It's like savoring a delicious pizza (your B) because you're sharing it with your best friends (your A), who make every moment a memorable slice of life!

The Perils of Loving Just the B

Imagine chasing after money relentlessly. You might believe money is the ultimate source of happiness (B), but in reality, it's the freedom, security, and opportunities (A) that money provides which bring joy. By fixating on the "B" without acknowledging the "A," you might find yourself in a never-ending loop of dissatisfaction and chasing the next big thing.

Similarly, obsessing over a high-paying job (B) might make you overlook the fulfillment, personal growth, and the positive impact (A) your work can have on your life and others. Isn't it time to steer clear of these pitfalls and embrace a more holistic perspective?

Unveiling the Power of Loving A

Now, here's the golden key: by truly understanding your "A" and letting it drive your pursuits, you'll find a renewed sense of purpose and lasting contentment. Imagine waking up each day with a fire in your belly, not because of the mundane tasks at hand, but because you're connected to the deeper reasons (A) that make those tasks meaningful.

Are you ready to embrace this paradigm shift? Here's how:

1. Reflect on Your Passions: Set goals that are aligned with your values. Take a moment to ponder what truly ignites your soul. Is it painting, volunteering, coding, or connecting with people? Identify your "A" and make it the compass guiding your choices.
2. Embrace Mindfulness: Pause and savor the moments where your "A" shines through. When you're relishing a delicious meal, cherish the company you're sharing it with. When you achieve a milestone at work, revel in the journey and growth that got you there.
3. Prioritize Relationships: Just like the mother cherishes her child, focus on nurturing relationships with loved ones. Share experiences, create memories, and let those connections be your "A" in action.
4. Seek Meaningful Goals: Instead of setting goals solely based on external rewards (the "B"), aim for aspirations that align with your core values and passions (the "A"). This way, the journey becomes as fulfilling as the destination.

So, my fellow adventurers on the road of life, let's make a pact. Let's commit to cherishing our "A" and letting it infuse magic into our pursuits. Remember, loving B for the sake of A isn't just a philosophy; it's a way to unlock a life brimming with joy, purpose, and fulfillment.

As you venture forth, keep your eyes on your "A" prize, and let it illuminate every corner of your journey. It's time to rewrite the story of your life, one meaningful chapter at a time. Your "A" is waiting to be discovered—go out there and find it!

Hello Good People,

I hope you enjoyed this blog post and thank you for spending your most valuable resource - 'time'. Rest assured it was worthwhile and you have realised this - just be with it, for a bit! 

The information in this post is inspired by a talk titled - 'The Honey of Non-Duality'  by Swami Sarvapriyananda. It captures only a small part of the talk and that too used there in the broader context of Non-Dualism.

If you are interested in listen to the full talk check out this official YoutTube video from The Vedanta Society of New York: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7m8vr14tDA&t=2963 

The concepts are explained quite convincingly; with option to refute based on logic😇

More to come. Stay connected. See you soon.

The Danger of Being Ordinary: The Power of Aspiration and embracing effort

Do you ever find yourself shrugging off your aspirations as if they were mere pipe dreams? Have you ever labeled yourself as "ordinary" just to escape the challenge of striving for greatness? If so, you're not alone. The human psyche has a peculiar way of seeking comfort in mediocrity, but deep down, there's an extraordinary potential waiting to be unleashed within each of us.

Breaking the Chains of Ordinary: The Illusion of Comfort

It's almost paradoxical how we often see the idea of being "ordinary" as an escape route from exerting effort. The illusion of comfort in being just another face in the crowd seems enticing. But let's be honest, comfort zones are more like invisible chains that restrain our growth. They hold us back from discovering what lies beyond the boundaries we set for ourselves.

As the famous poet Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." By considering ourselves ordinary, we're essentially giving up before we even begin. When we label ourselves as ordinary, we subconsciously give ourselves permission to be complacent. We start to believe that we don't have what it takes to excel, so we don't even try. This lackadaisical attitude towards life can lead to stagnation and missed opportunities.

The Effort-Ordinary Conundrum: A Psychological Tug of War

Why do we fall into this trap of underestimating our capabilities? The answer might lie in our psychological makeup. When we perceive ourselves as ordinary, we avoid the expectations – both our own and those of others. It's a way of evading the pressure to perform, an approach that might momentarily provide a sense of calm but ultimately stifles our potential. It's human nature to seek the path of least resistance, but the most rewarding journeys are often the challenging ones.

Awakening Greatness: Embracing Effort and Setting Expectations

Breaking free from the chains of mediocrity starts with acknowledging your inherent potential. Think about it: every person who has achieved something remarkable wasn't born with extraordinary abilities. They tapped into their potential by putting in the effort, by pushing their boundaries, and by aspiring for greatness.

Consider the story of J.K. Rowling, the mastermind behind the Harry Potter series. Before becoming a global sensation, she was a struggling single mother facing the hardships of life. But her determination and effort led her to write one of the most beloved book series in history. Imagine if she had settled for considering herself ordinary and never even attempted to put pen to paper!

Imagine if the great minds of history – Leonardo da Vinci, Marie Curie, Steve Jobs – had settled for mediocrity. The world would have missed out on their remarkable contributions. The truth is, greatness doesn't come knocking at your door; it's a result of consistent effort and an unwavering belief in your potential.

Psychological Tricks to Supercharge Your Motivation

1. Set Audacious Goals: Start by setting goals that scare and excite you simultaneously. These goals should stretch your abilities and force you to step out of your comfort zone.
2. Embrace Failure as Progress: Understand that failure is not a reflection of your worth. It's a stepping stone toward growth. Each stumble is a lesson that brings you closer to your extraordinary self.
3. Visualize Your Success: Close your eyes and vividly imagine the taste of achievement. Visualization can fuel your motivation like nothing else.
4. The Power of "Yet": Transform "I can't do this" to "I can't do this yet." This simple tweak opens up a world of possibilities and learning.
5. One Step at a Time: Break down your goals into bite-sized tasks. Every small victory creates a ripple effect of motivation.
6. Accountability Partners: Share your aspirations with someone who believes in you. Their encouragement will keep you on track.
7. Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge every milestone, no matter how small. Self-appreciation boosts confidence.

Redefining Ordinary: Your Journey to Extraordinary Begins Now

The road to greatness isn't devoid of challenges, but that's what makes the journey so exhilarating. Remember, you're not ordinary; you're a vessel of untapped potential. The very fact that you're reading this is a testament to your willingness to explore and evolve.

So, let's shatter the illusion of comfort, step out of the shadow of mediocrity, and embark on a journey that celebrates effort and embraces growth. The world is waiting for your unique imprint – a testament to the extraordinary that was within you all along. 

Unlocking Inner Peace 1: Lessons from Ancient Teachings and The RRR Approach to Digital Detox

In a world where constant distractions and digital noise threaten to drown out our inner voices, the age-old teachings of sages continue to illuminate a path towards self-realization. A simple exchange between a Disciple and a Master unveils the starting point for meditation and self-discovery. The Master, Matyendranath, imparts three timeless steps to the Disciple Gorakhnath:

1. Sit under a dry tree and find joy and peace. 
2. Eat Less. 
3. Sleep sufficiently and serenely.

Notice how simple the teachings are! A great yogi with access to secrets of the whole universe and one with profound strength, but he gave such uncomplicated steps to begin. The above steps are explained briefly below. Incorporating these teachings into our contemporary lives can be transformative.

1. Sit under a dry tree and find joy and peace. 

Guru Matsyendranath tells there is no need to even find a lush green tree, even a dry one will do. Sitting beneath a dry tree signifies embracing the mundane for contentment.  In today's hustle of YouTube and Netflix, quiet moments fade. Yet, the counsel encourages valuing tranquility and joy. Embracing boredom unveils the riches within us, as we reconnect with simplicity and self.

2. Mindful Eating for Mindful Living

"Eat Less", a potent message from Matyendranath, urges mindful consumption. First and foremost is the literal meaning to actually eat less. Yes, studies have shown that people who eat less tend to live longer (on this below is a short 4 minute video by Dr. David Sinclair, professor of genetics at Harvard Medical School)

Enjoy each bite deliberately; it's about quality, not quantity. Pause to feel fullness. This wisdom counters compulsive eating amid digital distractions. It aligns with science, allowing the hypothalamus time to signal fullness, promoting holistic well-being.

3. Embracing Restful Slumber for Self-Care

"Sufficient and peaceful sleep" is a treasure often lost to screens, parties or other activities. Prioritize sleep to equip a revitalized mind and body. Ditch screens before bed, adopt a calming routine, and transform sleep quality. This practice empowers us to conquer daily challenges.

Reshaping Screen Habits: The RRR Approach

• Restrict: Trim screen time with timers, restoring control over engagement. Use timer available within most apps like Instagram or YouTube. Say 'No' to Reels and Shorts.
• Redirect: Channel the above limited screen time too for personal growth, choosing content that uplifts. Utilize your screen time to watch educational talks, motivational content, or engage with empowering music.
• Remove: Embrace digital detox, gradually cutting off. Allocate time in your week for being screen-free. Start small, perhaps with a four-hour break or a no-screen Sunday. Experience serenity and joy.

I hope you enjoyed this blog post and thank you for spending your most valuable resource - 'time'. Rest assured it was worthwhile and you have realised this - just be with it, for a bit! 

The information in this post is inspired by the ancient wisdom taught by Acharya Ishan Shivand of ShivYog. If you are interested in learning more about this wisdom, I encourage you to visit their website at https://shivyog.com/ or check out their YouTube channels at https://www.youtube.com/@ShivYogwisdom and https://www.youtube.com/@IshanShivanand.

These are good ways to 'R - Redirect' 😇

More to come. Stay connected. See you soon.