Inspiration

Inspiration is a powerful force that can transform lives. It's the spark that ignites passion, fuels motivation and propels individuals to pursue dreams. It has the ability to touch our hearts and minds, motivating us to strive for excellence and make a positive impact in the world.

Inspiration can have a profound impact on individuals and society as a whole. It can fuel creativity, encouraging individuals to think outside the box and explore new ideas.

Inspiration can motivate individuals to take action, pursue passions and work towards their goals. It boosts confidence, helping individuals to believe in themselves and their abilities. It can create a sense of connection and community, bringing people together around a shared purpose or passion.

Inspiration can come from a variety of sources. Role models inspire us with their achievements and vision. The beauty and wonder of nature can inspire us to appreciate the world around us and strive for sustainability.

When we're inspired, we're more likely to inspire others. This creates a ripple effect, where inspiration spreads and has a positive impact on those around us. By sharing our passions, ideas, and experiences, we can inspire others to pursue their own dreams and make a difference.

Inspiration turns dark to light

Ideas & action will surely delight

~ Pravin K Sabnis

One Hand Clap

A monk asked a Zen master, "What is the sound of one hand clapping?" The master responded with silence.

The monk asked again, "What is the sound of one hand clapping?" The master replied, "You are not listening to the sound of one hand clapping. You are listening to your own thoughts."

This Zen koan highlights the limitations of language and our tendency to think in dualistic terms. It encourages us to move beyond conceptual thinking and experience reality directly.

The sound of one hand clapping represents the paradox of trying to capture reality in words. It's a call to look beyond the surface level and explore the depths of our own minds.

One hand clap is silent despite the might

But inner joy will surely shine with delight!

~ Pravin K Sabnis

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Country First

Samraat Clubs across Goa are set to celebrate ‘Country First Week’ from 9 to 15 August to inculcate the spirit of patriotism. Yesterday a program was held to kick-off the event. State level ‘Country First Awards’ were presented to firebrand freedom fighter, Rohidas Dessai & Nehru Yuvak Kendra represented by its dynamic official, Kalidas Ghatwal.

Both the awardees made rousing speeches to prioritize the well-being, interests and development of one's country above personal or individual interests. They spoke about the need for accountability in governance as well as fulfilling of responsibilities by all citizens. They insisted that courage has to combine with conviction.

 

‘Country First’ promotes a mindset that prioritizes unity, civic responsibility and pride in our kinship as countrymen. We must take ownership of our actions and their impact on the country. We must embrace diversity and working together for the country's progress. All this calls for selflessness and sacrificing personal gains for the greater good.

 

The action approach must include civic engagement and active participation in participatory processes. We must commit to community service and finding innovative 

solutions to emerging challenges. Most importantly, the motto of Country First must not be an occasional emotion but a consistent and persistent value system.

 

May ‘Country First’ be a guiding light

As a responsibility to do what is right!

 

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

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Shinrin-yoku

Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) is a Japanese practice of immersing oneself in nature, to promote well-being. It involves engaging with the forest atmosphere using all our senses to reduce stress and improve overall health. It is not about strenuous exercise or hiking, but rather about mindful relaxation and connecting with nature. 

 

Shinrin-yoku encourages mindful observation of the forest environment, paying attention to sounds like birdsong or rustling leaves, the textures of bark and moss, the smells of damp earth and wood, and the visual beauty of the trees and sunlight. 

 

Studies have shown that spending time in nature, can help lower heart rate and blood pressure, reduce stress hormone levels, and improve mood and overall well-being. It's not about physical exertion but rather about slowing down, being present in the moment, and consciously connecting with the natural surroundings. 

 

Shinrin-yoku originated in Japan in the 1980s as a national health program to help stressed out workers. It gained popularity across the world, as a way to promote mental and physical health. Shinrin-yoku can have a positive impact on various health conditions, including reducing anxiety, improving mood, and even boosting the immune system. 

 

Take time out when you can in a forest so fine,

Shinrin-yoku will make peaceful calm entwine!

 

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

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COMMITMENT

An archer dedicated herself to mastering her skill, spending hours practicing her technique. Despite facing setbacks, injuries and self-doubt, she remained committed. She would wake up early morning to practice, rain or shine, summer or winter.

Years of consistent training paid off when she took her position, drew her bow, and released the arrow. It hit the bullseye. Henceforth, she could do it many more times to be confirmed as an achiever.

 

Commitment is about being fully dedicated to our goals and values. Perseverance aids in overcoming obstacles and staying focused despite challenges. Commitment gives mental strength to overcome doubts and nerves.

 

Commitment is not just about wanting to achieve something; it's about being willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen. Consistency is key for commitment to lead to success.

 

Stick to your goal, do all that is right,

Commitment brings success in sight!

 

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

 

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Involve to Evolve

‘Involve’ and ‘evolve’ are two distinct concepts. Involve refers to participation or engagement in an activity or situation. Evolve refers to the gradual development or change of something over time. Involve is about immediate action while evolve happens over a period

 

However, there is a connection too. Those who involve in something, are likely to show transformations and evolve. Those who participate are most likely to display distinct changes. Hence when we involve, we will eventually evolve.

 

Evolution is a process of growth based on various experiences based on the involvement born out of initiatives by a person. Hence we must proactively involve in positive actions that will lead to progressive evolutions and desired results.

 

Involve and evolve are intertwined

Together they make progress shine

 

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

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Useless Tree

In the parable of the "Useless Tree" Hui Tzu said to philosopher, Chuang Tzu: ‘The trunk, of the tree in my garden, is so bent and knotty that nobody can get a good straight plank out of it.The branches are so crooked you can't cut them up in any way that makes sense. No carpenter will even look at it. Such is your teaching, Chuang - big and useless.’

Chuang Tzu replied: ‘No use? Then plant it in the wasteland. Walk idly around it and rest under its shadow. No axe or saw prepares its end. No one will ever cut it down. Useless?’

The large, gnarled tree stood unharmed because its twisted trunk and branches make it unsuitable for lumber. The tree's "uselessness" allows it to live a long and peaceful life.

 

The story highlights themes of non-action, embracing one's natural purpose, rather than forcing oneself to fit societal expectations. Sometimes, being "useless" can be beneficial, allowing one to avoid unnecessary stress, expectations, or exploitation.

 

This parable encourages us to rethink traditional notions of value and purpose, embracing the idea that being different or unconventional can be a strength.

 

Deemed useless was a tree, twisted with its fate to engage,

It stood free in wild harmony, its uniqueness its own stage.

 

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

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Start or Not

The Zen saying ‘Better not to start. Once started, better to finish’ means two things. While it highlights the potential pain of giving up after investing time and effort, it also emphasizes the importance of careful consideration before embarking on something new.

 

If a task is unlikely to be completed, it might be better to avoid it to minimize wasted time and energy. Starting and then stopping can be demoralizing and lead to feelings of failure or regret. Investing time and resources into one thing means potentially missing out on other opportunities. 

 

On the other hand, even if a project isn't fully realized, there is experience to be gained from starting and trying. Challenges and setbacks, even if they lead to stopping, build resilience and adaptability. Even with the possibility of stopping, starting something can lead to positive outcomes or opportunities. 

 

Ultimately, whether it's better to start or not depends on the specific situation and the individual's circumstances. The choice of whether or not to start something new requires consideration of potential benefits and drawbacks, as well as an assessment of one's own capacity and motivation. 

 

It's not always better to avoid starting, especially if there's a chance for learning, growth, or unexpected success. However, it's important to be realistic about the potential challenges and to avoid starting something that is likely to be unsustainable or lead to unnecessary disappointment.

 

To take the first step or let doubts reside

A choice to make: to take or quit the ride!

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

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Polarization

Polarization is a pervasive and pressing issue in today's world. From politics and social media to everyday conversations, polarization is increasingly dividing people, fostering extremism and hindering constructive dialogue. Individuals or groups are increasingly extreme in their views. 

 

In political polarization, the gap between liberal and conservative ideologies, leads to increased partisanship. In social polarization, we find segregation of people into like-minded groups. The intensification of cultural differences, leads to conflicts between different ethnic, religious or other groups.

 

Social media amplifies extreme views and limits opposing perspectives. Confirmation Bias makes us seek out information that confirms our existing beliefs, rather than challenging them. Polarization leads to erosion of civil discourse, increased conflict and decreased cooperation.

 

To mitigate polarization, we must encourage critical thinking, promote media literacy and belief in public discourse. We must encourage people to engage with opposing perspectives and foster empathy. We must cultivate inclusive, empathetic and constructive communities that celebrate diversity.

 

Be open to diverse view in every situation

Don’t be diverted by divisive polarization!

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

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Value of work

A viral moment is making waves online: a teenager was caught on camera intentionally throwing his drink on the floor right in front of a cleaning staff member. What happened next quickly turned the situation around: he was immediately told to clean up the mess himself. 

 

The video is sparking global conversations about respect, accountability and the importance of valuing the work of others. Many are praising the reaction as a powerful lesson in empathy and basic human decency towards the workers who work so hard.

 

Valuing others' work is essential for fostering a positive environment and promoting mutual respect. We must express gratitude and recognition for others' contributions, no matter how small. We must offer constructive feedback that acknowledges others' efforts.

 

When we recognise others' work, it boosts morale, motivation and job satisfaction. Appreciating others' work creates positives vibes and strengthens relationships and builds trust. We must be at our best in valuing the work of those toil hard with devotion and care.

 

When others toil hard with great care,

Value their work with empathy to spare

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

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Sword's Edge

A minister entered the Government hospital and reprimanded the Chief Medical Officer in an aggressive and insulting manner, refusing the right to respond. He declared his suspension and asked him ‘to get out’. The incident was captured on video by a person accompanying the politician.  

The video was made viral to show the Minister as a hero and make him look like a fighter for the patients. However, the video had the opposite effect as many rallied against the politician who had to eat humble pie. He sought to ‘live by the video’ but eventually ‘died by it’!

 

In Matthew 26.52, Jesus tells Peter to put his sword away after Peter draws it to defend him. Jesus says, ‘All who take up the sword will perish by the sword’. It implies that relying on physical force as a means of defence is ultimately counterproductive and can lead to death. 

 

It warns against using harmful methods to achieve success, as those methods can eventually lead to negative outcomes. The phrase ‘those who live by the sword’ is followed by ‘die by the sword’. Individuals who resort to violence or aggression are likely to suffer a similar fate. 

 

It can be applied to personal relationships, cautioning against aggressive or violent behaviour, emphasizing potential risks and consequences. We must be careful of showing off our might and power. The same act can turn into a great leveller with terrible consequences.

 

If you live by the sword's sharp edge,

Do heed… your fate is a bloody ledge!

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

 

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Unclog

As the monsoons have set in, there is waterlogging at many places. Social media is throwing up reels of the waterlogging as well as the unclogging of drains. Besides removing blockages or clogs from pipes or drains to restore proper water flow, unclogging can refer to various contexts. 

Physical unclogging also includes clearing blockages from airways, such as in medical emergencies or respiratory issues. Digital unclogging is about organizing emails to reduce clutter. It also involves organizing digital files, removing unnecessary data and optimizing digital storage.

 

This MondayMuse is about metaphorical unclogging: the process of clearing mental, emotional or creative blockages that hinder personal growth, productivity or well-being. By various ways, we can break through mental, emotional or creative barriers and achieve a more balanced and fulfilling life.

 

Techniques include mindfulness and meditation to calm the mind and reduce stress; journaling and reflection (writing down thoughts and feelings to process and release emotions); engaging in creative activities like art, music, or writing to express oneself; and prioritizing self-care and relaxation techniques to reduce burnout.

 

In case of the drain, the blockage is noticed easily as it is visible due to the hurdles caused. But the blockages in mind may not be noticed so easily. So it is best to unclog the drain as well as the mind on a regular basis, before the blockage magnifies. 

 

 When the mind is cluttered and blocked tight

Unclog to let thoughts flow free like clear light!

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

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Prejudice

The inspirational communicator of science, Dr Jayant Narlikar passed away on last Tuesday. The great astrophysicist, often spoke about prejudices in the context of science and society. Prejudice is preconceived opinion or attitude, often based on incomplete or inaccurate information, that can lead to discriminatory behaviour or unfair treatment towards others. 

Narlikar spoke about the importance of challenging conventional wisdom, questioning established theories and being open to new ideas. He encouraged scientists to remain objective and avoid being swayed by personal biases or preconceptions. 

 

Narlikar underlined the need for critical thinking and analysis in scientific inquiry. He advocated an open-minded approach, considering alternative perspectives and theories; and the avoidance of dogmatic thinking. He spoke against superstitions and pseudoscientific beliefs, emphasizing the need for evidence-based reasoning.

 

Prejudice can be overcome by education and exposure to different cultures, perspectives and experiences. We must engage with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences. By recognizing and addressing prejudices, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society.

 

Narlikar urged to escape prejudice's dark night

To learn with an open mind seeking critical light!

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

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Reading Habit

Last Saturday, Samraat Club Ponda started a meaningful initiative to be conducted in housing societies. ‘Vachchan Vel’ seeks to inculcate the reading habit among people, especially children. It is to help overcome the addiction of mobiles, internet and social media. 

 
The reading habits offers many benefits, including a significant impact on personal growth, cognitive development and emotional well-being. Books make for a desirable positive distraction in place of negative distractions. They aid better communication skills. 

 

Cognitive benefits include an improved vocabulary, enhanced critical thinking and better memory retention. The reading habit facilitates knowledge acquisition and broadened perspectives by reading about different cultures, experiences and ideas.

 

Emotional and social benefits include stress reduction and enhanced empathy and understanding. Reading requires focus and concentration, which can improve these skills. It also facilitates open mindedness and creative imagination by exposure to ideas, imagination and inventions.

 

Of course, the reading habit can be negative if we are reading the wrong books. The best parameter to ensure you are reading right is to examine the intentions of the writer and confirm the reality by exploring books which offer alternative interpretations. It is best to read deep and wide.   

 

The reading habit is truly fine

learn and grow with each line! 

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

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Buddha

‘If You Meet the Buddha on the Road, Kill Him’ – Zen quote

 
Like all Zen quotes it is open to varied interpretation. A simple reading would suggest resisting charlatans who claim they are enlightened… It could suggest exposing and challenging the fake teacher... It could insist that reverence leads to the illusion of learning… there are other insights too! 

Buddha refers to the one who is enlightened. Siddhartha Gautama was a Buddha who propagated an interaction with the self to introspect, question and search for answers. On enlightenment, one becomes a Buddha! 

To see the Buddha, you have to BE the Buddha. If you aren't enlightened, you can't see the light. Once you become the Buddha, you can let him go. Once you ‘meet him on the road’ then you have no more to learn from ‘him’. 

Holding on to learning becomes a dependency, a crutch. No learning is meant to be held onto. It provides an experience for where you are at in the moment. In a different situation and different context, the same learning will not be valid. It will lead to a new meaning, and a new experience. 

Learning is a stepping stone to the next level of understanding. Holding onto learning keeps one in the same place. One must unlearn and move on to move ahead. Enlightenment from learning (Buddha) is necessary but we have to progress to further learning by transcending restrictive reverence! 

Learn from Buddha to become like him 
Next unlearn and step beyond his rim! 

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

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Othering

Othering refers to the process of creating and maintaining boundaries between individuals or groups, often by defining oneself or one's group as superior to others. This can lead to exclusion, marginalization, and oppression of those who are perceived as different or ‘other.’

 

Forms include Social, Cultural and Psychological Othering. The first creates social boundaries based on race, ethnicity or gender. The second defines one's own culture as superior to others. The third creates boundaries between oneself and others, often through stereotypes or prejudice.

 

Othering can lead to the exclusion of individuals or groups from social, economic, or political opportunities. It can result in the oppression and discrimination of marginalized groups. It can contribute to social conflict and tension between different groups.

 

To overcome Othering, we must educate ourself and others about the experiences and perspectives of marginalized groups. It is important to foster empathy and understanding between different groups. We need to implement inclusive practices and policies to promote diversity and equity.

 

Recognize and challenge Othering now
Inclusive and equitable society is wow!

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

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Just do it

Amateurs worry about equipment, 
Professionals worry about money, 
Masters worry about light, 
I just make pictures! 
– Vernon Trent

Visual artist, Trent’s famous quote captures the choice of attitudes for not only photographers but all other professions and activities. He articulates the dilemma of the amateur as well as the master and the professional. So often, in the quest for excellence, we are paralysed by inaction. 

The crippling motives could range from concerns of the availability and quality of resources (worry about equipment), to the desired benefits (worry about money) to the vagaries of situational hurdles and problems. However, proactive persons ‘do it’, regardless of the resources, benefits or situation.

When we ‘do it’, we reach the crucial threshold point between planning and doing. We make the tipping transformation.  However, we need not totally ignore factors of material, money, etc. To fly, look beyond fetters. We must quit worrying and choose to ‘do it’!

At every crossroad of worry
just do it rather than be sorry!

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

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Efficient? Effective?

A team is said to be efficient if it produces a product by optimizing resources, minimizing waste, using innovation, etc. However, if the product does not meet customer needs, it will not be considered effective as it is not achieving its intended goal.

 

Effectiveness refers to the degree to which one achieves objectives. It is about the outcome or impact of an action, process or system. It is also associated with quality, as it focuses on delivering high-quality results.

 

Efficiency refers to the optimal use of resources, such as time, money or energy. It is about reducing waste, minimizing costs and streamlining processes. It is associated with productivity… on maximizing output while minimizing input.

 

The key differences are on focus, outcome and priorities. Effectiveness focuses on achieving goals, while efficiency focuses on optimizing resources. Effectiveness is about impact, while efficiency is about the process. Effectiveness prioritizes quality while efficiency prioritizes productivity and resource optimization.

 

Effectiveness and efficiency are related but distinct concepts. By understanding the difference between them, individuals and teams can strive for both, achieving their desired goals while optimizing resources and processes.

 

Not only efficient, be effective too,

With goal clear and process anew!

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

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Explore Neighbourhood

Yesterday, Samraat Club Mayem organised ‘Mayem Darshan’: a journey  across the village and its neighbourhood. We were taken to different spots, including a canoe ride across the river, and different members presented information and oral history. They compiled it into a booklet as well.

 

We love to travel and discover new places. We love to discover new spots and learn more about them. We pursue information, capture photos and videos, and seek out locals who can tell us more about the place. However, often we are ignorant of our own neighbourhood, its history and heritage.

 

Discovering our neighbourhood can be a fun and rewarding experience. We discover different spots to explore and get to know our local community. We take in the sights, sounds and smells of our locality. We can check out local markets and support small businesses and artisans.

 

The local story tellers make the discovery insightful. We learn about the things as they were before and we also see them as they are now. Realisation of reality can help necessary interventions for protection, restoration or conservation of our heritage.

 

By exploring our neighbourhood, we gain a deeper understanding of the community and its culture. We have opportunity to meet new people, try new things and make lasting connections. And then like the cheerful Samraats of Mayem, we can help locals as well as others to explore the neighbourhood.

 

Meet folks and heritage that’s getting dear

Explore your neighbourhood with a cheer!

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

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Processions

Today, on the Monday before Palm Sunday, a procession featuring life-sized statues of saints and martyrs, is held from St Andrews Church in the village of Goa Velha. The ‘Santachem Pursanv’ brings together people across communities celebrating a sense of belonging and shared joy. 

But, we also see other processions that demonstrate dominance and create divisions between people.

A procession is a group moving in an orderly and solemn manner, often as part of a ceremony, celebration, or ritual. Processions are found in various cultures and contexts, including religious, cultural, funeral and parades on specials occasions.

 

Processions must ideally involve orderly movement and community participation. Since they venture into public space, they should be inclusive and create a collective sense of joy and participation.

 

There are processions that foster love and accept diversity. And there are others that derail humanity and trigger ‘othering’. We must ask ourselves which procession are we a part of: the one that brings people together or the one that seeks to create divisions?

 

Join processions with positive sway

That bring along joy to all on the way

~ Pravin K Sabnis

Clown

On World Theatre Day, Kala Academy Goa played host to Liberty Theatre - Georgia’s ‘The life of a clown!’ It was an unique and fascinating performance that combined physical comedy, improvisation and audience interaction.  

Besides applying makeup, wigs and costumes to transform into the clown character, the actors built connections with the audience, through slapstick humour, pranks and playful teasing. In the end, they threw smashed fruits and water at the audience.

 

Audience response to clowns can vary greatly, ranging from delight and laughter to aggression and hostility. Cultural background and media frenzy

can influence audience perceptions and reactions. Clowns who are overly aggressive, loud, or physical may provoke negative reactions.

 

Audience needs to be open minded to accept the clowning as a creative performance. Otherwise it will stifle the life of the clown and in turn be death knell for laughter, humour and expression. We must learn from the clown who starts with laughing first at himself.   

learn to laugh with glee,

at the clown’s silly spree.

laugh at self in time,

find joy in life's rhyme.

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

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Patience

The schedule to be in space for Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore was only for eight days. But they were stranded for over nine months… just waiting in the void of space, sans natural air, food or other living conditions. No definite possibilities as to when (or even if) they would make it back.

 

Their incredible story teaches us powerful lessons of resilience, determination, adaptability… the willingness to wait for the team to work on their return back home… of patience when plans don’t work!

 

So often, so many of us keep losing our patience when we are forced to wait due to delay of a few minutes or a few days. We get distressed over things we have no or little control of. We refuse to accept and stay calm in the situation of uncertainty. We get impatient!

 

We notice lack of patience in queues or in traffic jams or even in delayed responses to our communication. It gets worse when we see delays, roadblocks and thwarting of our plans. Interestingly, our predicament may be miniscule to that of the two astronauts. 

 

Next time, when we are stopped in our tracks and have to endure unexpected delays, let’s remember that we are not stranded in space. Let’s learn from the two astronauts to be positively patient and survive successfully.

wait with your grin while goals come in

no panic or fear, only patience sublime!

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

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Often

On the birth anniversary of my friend, Ravi Sirsat, I am reminded of his mantra to lose weight. Besides keeping off carbohydrates and doing regular exercise, he advised to eat more often. Instead of few heavy meals, he recommended to have small meals at regular intervals. 

This strategy to eat small portions of food throughout the day is called ‘grazing’. Benefits include improved digestion, boosted metabolism, reduced cravings and prevention of overeating. Everyone's nutritional needs are different and the best eating strategy may depend on individual needs.

 

Interestingly, this mantra works in other situations too. We tend to devote our attention and action in a single focus areas. We tend to lead lives with fewer priorities and end up blocking major portions of our time for fewer things. And in a tight schedule we end up not having time for other priorities. 

For instance, we find it difficult to see the time to devote to our hobbies or relationships or organisations. Else we end up giving too much time and often we end up feeling the strain of over participation. But, we can choose to allot smaller sets of time… on a regular basis!

Like overeating, overdoing anything can lead to strain, stress and a breakdown. Instead of fewer bursts of commitment, we must choose to indulge and involve more often in regular small sets of time… whether it is food, an organisation, a hobby or a relationship! 

Eat less but more often 
Strain will surely soften! 

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

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Eco-choice

The popular festival of colours, Holi marks the beginning of spring and end of winter. The commercial market offers an abundance of chemical-based colours which bring along health issues as well as contaminate our water and soil causing damage to the biodiversity of insects and plants.   

For over a decade, to truly double the joy and excitement of Holi, Suryakant Gaonkar creates colours using local leaves and flowers and other natural ingredients. Suryakant promotes the use of natural colour powders as an alternative that is slowly but surely becoming an eco-choice for Goans.

 

Eco-choice is a term that refers to the practice of making environmentally friendly decisions in our daily lives. It is about making use of products that reduce their environmental footprint. It includes options that are sustainable, compostable and biodegradable.

 

Eco-choice is a philosophy that encourages individuals and businesses to make environmentally conscious choices. By choosing eco-friendly products, we can reduce our impact on the planet and create a more sustainable future.

 

Overall, eco-choices are transformational ideas that encourage us to think about the environmental impact of our daily choices. By making eco-friendly choices, we can create a more sustainable future for ourselves, our planet and future generations.

 

Commit to eco-choices all the time,

Our carbon footprint has to decline.

 

-       Pravin Sabnis 

 

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Resoluteness

Alexander Graham Bell’s mother was deaf, and this had a profound impact on his life's work. His early education was marked by struggles, and he was labelled as ‘not academically inclined.’ However, his curiosity and passion for learning drove him to pursue his interests in science and technology.

 

His fascination with communication and speech led him to work on a device that could transmit the human voice over wires. He experimented, tested and refined his ideas, often facing disappointment and failure. His contemporaries ridiculed his ideas, but he never gave up.

 

His invention of the telephone transformed the world. It enabled real-time communication across distances, connecting people and facilitating global communication. 

 

His story is one of resoluteness and perseverance. His willingness to take risks led to his ground-breaking invention. He once said, ‘When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the ones which open for us’. 

 

Resoluteness is the spark that ignites the fire of success. By cultivating inner strength, individuals overcome obstacles, stay focused, build confidence and achieve goals. Resoluteness is not an innate trait; it can be developed and strengthened through practice, self-reflection and intentional habits.

 

Resoluteness will make you shine

As you face every test in due time!

 

-       Pravin Sabnis 

 

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Be together

In an Aesop fable, three bulls grazing in a meadow, were keenly watched by a Lion, who longed to eat them. However, whenever he came near, the three bulls turned their tails to one another, so that whichever way he approached them he was met by the horns of one of them. 

The lion began by spreading rumours to cause distrust among them. This method worked. The bulls grew cold and unfriendly towards each other. Finally they began to avoid each other and grazed in isolation. Sensing his opportunity, the Lion attacked them one by one and devoured all three.

 

The moral of the story is simple. The quarrels of friends are the opportunities of foes. A friendship that was built over a period of time could be undone by flimsy reasons. It takes considerable time and effort to build a friendship but it is so easy to undo the bond.

 

We allow frivolous talk to trigger the collapse of a relationship that took time to build. The very relationship, that united us to positively impact our lives, is prone to disruption because we stop continuous communication and actions for maintaining the bonding. 

 

Relationships thrive on the constant communication and belief in the bond. They are undone when distance creeps in the connection. Hence, it is important to keep in touch and ‘be together’ like the three bulls did to thwart the lion.

 

Be together for mutual gain

May the bond never strain! 

 

-       Pravin Sabnis 

 

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