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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