Equipoise

The Carpe Diem Art Gallery at Majorda, Goa is celebrating women artists over the entire month of March through exhibitions, workshops, screenings and interactive discussions. At one such discussion, playwright Isabel Vas shared her approach to storytelling in theatre. She said rather than focussing on conflict, she chose to find 'equipoise'.

In the midst of strife, the idea of equipoise reminds us of the importance of balance in our lives. Derived from the Latin words 'aequus' (equal) and 'ponere' (to place), equipoise refers to a state of equilibrium, where opposing forces are balanced, and stability is achieved.

In today's fast-paced world, equipoise is more crucial than ever. The pursuit of success, happiness, and fulfillment can lead to an endless cycle of striving, stress, and burnout. Equipoise offers a right choice: to pause and recalibrate.

Equipoise is not about achieving a static state of perfection; rather, it's a dynamic process of adjustment, adaptation and growth. It's about finding balance amidst the lows and flows of life, acknowledging that opposing forces are an inherent part of the human experience. By embracing equipoise, we can cultivate resilience, clarity and purpose.

Equipoise is surely a choice fine,

Balance is a harmonious sign!

~ Pravin K Sabnis

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Lemonade

'When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!'

The statement is more than just a catchy phrase... it is an attitude. Life won't always be sweet, but we have the choice to make it refreshing.

This phrase, coined by Elbert Hubbard, encourages optimism and resilience, suggesting you turn adversity (sour lemons) into something positive or desirable (sweet lemonade). It implies that, despite a bad situation, we can take control and make the best of it.

The idiom encourages us to be proactive and turn obstacles into opportunities. Instead of complaining about the sourness, we can choose to create something new and valuable. It's about resilience, adaptability and scouting the silver lining.

In today's world, we are constantly faced with challenges, big and small. But it is how we respond that matters. Do we get stuck in the sourness or do we make something amazing out of it?

If life gives lemons, don't you despair

Lemonade must be made with flair!

~ Pravin K Sabnis

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Power of Silence

Losing your voice can be a major concern when you are in the business of speaking. Endoscopy confirmed strain on the nodules on my vocal cords. Besides medication, doctor recommended rest for the voice.

In our world where everyone is talking, silence is a virtue. Keeping silent doesn't mean not contributing; sometimes, it's the most powerful thing you can do.

Silence gives you time to think before speaking. You hear more when you're not talking. Silence can avoid unnecessary conflict as it is a form of self-control.

We know that silence is the best choice when we are angry or upset or when we don't have all the facts or when we are unsure of what to say. Of course, it is basic etiquette when someone else is speaking.

We must choose to inculcate the practice of silence. We can start small by taking a few seconds before responding. We must opt to enjoy quiet moments of mindfulness with nature, reading and listening. And keep choosing periods of silence finding other ways to communicate.

Listen with care and mindful eyes

Discover power in silent surprise!

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

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Cleanliness

'Cleanliness is next to Godliness' is a popular proverb by John Wesley. Today is the birth anniversary of great reformer Sant Gadge Baba whose mission was focused on cleanliness in community spaces.

He wandered from village to village, wearing his food pan upturned on his head & carrying his trademark broom. When he entered a village, he would instantly start cleaning the gutters & roads of the village.

People started joining him in his cleaning activity. He educated people against blind faiths & rituals. He called it belief cleansing. He linked cleanliness to true spirituality.

Personal hygiene comes from personal motives but hygiene and cleanliness in community spaces needs lofty motives. Clean community spaces have personal benefits for everyone: they bring along joy, reduce stress, create a healthy environment, make us responsible and respectful to the shared resources.

Cleanliness must be our daily design
Common spaces must sparkle all the time!

~ Pravin K Sabnis

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Futile pursuit

It is quite a common sight to see dogs chase vehicles that pass by. Once an amused observer asked a dog owner, "Do you think your dog is ever going to catch a car?" The owner coolly replied, "That is not what worries me. What bothers me is what he would do with the car if he ever caught one."

So often, so many of us behave like that dog who pursues a meaningless goal. And since success eludes us, we keep getting agitated and stressed out. Eventually pursuit itself becomes the main occupation while the thing being pursued remains consistently elusive.

For everything we set off to pursue in life, it would be better if we ask ourselves the fundamental questions of the relevance, the need and the worthiness of the goal that we chase. For every pursuit, we should be clear about what we would do when the pursuit ends in a result.

Futile pursuit is an act that merits an avoid

Make sure that your destination is not a void!

~ Pravin K Sabnis

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Reason

Reason enables human beings to think, understand and make sense of the world around them. It's the faculty behind our ability to analyze, evaluate and make informed decisions. It is the foundation of critical thinking, problem-solving and intellectual growth.

Reason helps us distinguish between truth and falsehood. By using logic and evidence, we can evaluate arguments, identify biases and arrive at conclusions grounded in reality. Reason is particularly important in today's world, where misinformation and disinformation spreads easily and quickly.

Reason helps us weigh the pros and cons of different options, make informed decisions, and solve complex problems. Whether it's deciding on a career path, evaluating a business proposal, or navigating a difficult relationship, reason is essential for making sound judgments in personal and professional lives.

It is pertinent to note that reason is a key driver of innovation and progress. By questioning existing assumptions and pushing the boundaries of what's possible, we develop new ideas, technologies and solutions that improve our lives and the world around us.

However, reason is not always straightforward. Our prejudices and cultural conditioning can cloud our judgment, leading us astray. That's why it's essential to cultivate critical thinking skills, seek out diverse perspectives and remain open to new information and ideas.

navigate the complexities of life, every season

unlock your full potential by embracing reason

~ Pravin K Sabnis

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Productivity Paradox

As a Chef, when Ryan Semelhago would step into his kitchen, he would find his team in a flurry of activity. He would smile and tell them 'Don't DNLB'. DNLB meant 'Do Nothing yet Look Busy'.

In today's fast paced, competitive world, productivity is king. We are expected to optimize workflows, prioritize tasks and attain goals. Pretending to be productive is a common occurrence.

Why do we pretend to be productive? Fear of judgment, pressure to perform and the desire for validation are top reasons. In some cases, it's also about avoiding actual work or responsibility.

The problem with pretending to be productive is that it can lead to burnout, decreased motivation, and a lack of real progress. It's a short-term fix with long-term consequences.

Pretending to be productive might provide temporary relief, but true productivity comes from focusing on meaningful work and being honest about your capabilities.

Pretending to hustle in a hurry and posing as busy

Productivity Paradox makes output difficult not easy

~ Pravin K Sabnis

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