Change is UNAVOIDABLE - 3

30th January, 2014 marked the death anniversary of the Great Mahatma (Mahatma Gandhi). He had inspired thousands through speeches and discourse and his one-line speech that most aptly suits NOW happens to be “Be the change you wish to see in this world”.

These words inspired me to pen one more blog on “Change is Unavoidable”. Gandhi had, in fact, launched a huge movement, encouraged many with such words and brought millions of common Indians under one movement to fight for freedom; for a CHANGE. I can feel the change NOW but sometimes, it’s just indescribable. And then, the same question crops up. Why do I need to change and why I feel change is unavoidable?

Change, I believe, is an idea, a thought that might, perhaps take a virtual form. I think technology as a change has, in fact, immensely influenced everyone across the globe. Here, a small move becomes a massive movement and pulls in everyone. At one time, words were enough to indoctrinate someone but now virtual presence of this inanimate object is playing the role of thought-changing process. It is but obvious that everyone is heading on a path to find something new; desperate to carry out experiments; and consequently, want freedom where minds are not ruled by few but become a part of larger planet. And, that is what is CHANGE.

Re-emphasizing the same quote “Be the change….”; I think, the feel, the very presence of change is viral that initiates channels of distribution created with every move.

Thank You…

Happiness is OMNIPRESENT

We are searching for something pleasant, nice and good every morning and even throughout the day. Watching movie, chatting on messenger or perhaps reading an article of personal interest in the morning gives a kind of different feeling. These activities are part of routine life. However, we miss out understanding the existence of happiness here.

It’s a fact and has remained the same despite changes in life over the years. We never realize that happiness is achieved in these small things we do in our daily life. While watching movie, we might not have liked the casting but captures were innovative, action was mind-blowing and of course, I found my favorite Ferrari running on that highway. Don’t you think this movie uttered happiness inside me?

Just read an article on one of the cricket legends… A great personality, straight-forward and down to earth man sharing his thoughts on how life has started anew for him after retirement. Am I not feeling happy reading those bits just as I’m about to finish breakfast and heading to office?

My friend from Japan has just joined office after a month (paternity leave). As I went online, he started sharing views of being a new father. Isn’t it making me happy? His thoughts have given rise to a kind conversation which I’m unable to resist despite being packed with schedule of the day.

It is difficult to analyse whether these tiny things matter or not each day and every day. But, I feel these just happen in blink of eye and start scattering optimism and healthy feelings around. It is not easy to say how things happen so suddenly and then diminish all of a sudden? But, these things happen and happen every time at unthoughtful times of life.

This is what makes HAPPINESS omnipresent. It gives so much and takes nothing in return. Mere observation of things around us helps in locating its presence. It is here and will remain here. We have to make sure that we take the most of it as it arrives into our so-called insulated zone of life.

Happy Days Ahead!!!

Thank You…

Change is UNAVOIDABLE - 2

Continuing my conversation where I left.... I was discussing on the concept of change that is unavoidable. Well, thinking from the perspective of an experienced guy, it is rather difficult to imbibe changes in life. Living in a techno-era, it has become imperative to train the thoughts according to what is introduced and what becomes a requirement. Things that look similar are, in fact, not same. Can you think of sitting in office for 9 hours working on the same task? Not any more.... You need to talk, chat on mobile, read and understand the posts shared on social media. And, that has to be done rather fast. In fact, there is no time in hand to work on the same task for long. And you have to go with the flow, the breeze which says, "It's better you change". I often share my views with guys who made different choices in life. Sometimes, they find it rather difficult and sometimes, impossible to deal with dynamics of modern era. And, obviously, it's very much correct that change is felt on every single morning when you wake up and sleep at night. In fact, everything is guided around what is right and what seems right. And change seems, as always right. But, experienced people are seeing a change at a fast pace. It is a bit difficult, but not that difficult. There is never an end to it..... Neerja Mehta

Change is UNAVOIDABLE - Part I

It's been a long time, I'd say almost a year has passed when I wrote on blogspot. However, nothing is too late nor too early. Today, I'm going to share my views on "CHANGE".

Since time immemorial, the Universe has undergone several and several drastic changes. Despite scientific theories, it is still unknown how humankind became existent, the generations continued and continues till this moment.

Nevertheless, it is change which has made everything and every little thing change. In other words, change has become quintessential; it's unavoidable. Every single living being is seeing and feeling it. Whether it's persona, innate talent or merely a place, everything has changed. Why should I say, it's "unavoidable"?

Honestly, change itself creates a situation, a circumstance which forces someone to go with the flow. If you don't relent, definitely, you are going to lose. But, fact is losing doesn't always equal loss. It is quite possible, you gain more than you lost.

Every single situation has some pros and some cons. And to survive the aftermath is possibly in the hands of self. Change is a revolution. If it aims to create fire, it will. If it aims to create peace, it will. It is inevitable and will continue to remain same, come what may...

This is never going to end!!!

Neerja Mehta

Sarangpur Kashtabhanjan Hanuman temple- Part I

We started from Ahmedabad on the 13th morning. It was a Sunday and morning seemed not that cold. We started off at 8 in the morning and moved towards the south-western road. The road from Ahmedabad to Sarangpur starts from Sarkhej. Being a state highway, it’s under broadening phase. A number of industrial estates and areas welcome us as we go down the road. Bavla was second. We continued on the road, enjoying the weather, the sun, the people and cattle. The road turns from Bagodara which is a prime axis point of three big cities of the state- Ahmedabad, Rajkot and Bhavnagar. The road is narrow but not prone to heavy traffic. We passed through the outer range of Lothal- a place known for Harappan culture and civilization. After few moments, we decided to re-gas the vehicle. Just out of Barvala while moving towards Bhavnagar, we took the right road which is currently under construction. There are few small bridges along the road to Sarangpur which are being renovated to flatten the road surface.

Just moving on the road, we passed through the main Swaminarayan temple which is believed to be one of the main Gadis of the clan. As we moved two kilometers beyond, we came across Kundar, a small village where idols of Sun God and Lord Shani are placed in the opposite directions. Soon after entering the place, we were amazed to find the huge, limestone idol of Lord Hanuman which is about 30-40 feet high. Towards the right lies the Shani temple. After drenching the feet, we went towards the center where “Akhand Jyot” (brought from Signapore Shani temple) continues to light the area. There is a small idol on a hand-made stone covered, hill-shaped structure where under another Akhand Jyot is present. We offered our prayers and started our way towards the Sun God temple. This was the first time I saw the idol of Sun God with wife. There is a traditional Lord Shiva temple adjacent to it. Apart from main Shiv Linga located inside the temple, there are 108 Shiv Lingas constructed outside. The entrance of the temple is covered in rudraksh. The area is further elaborated with man rowing the boat with family, along with idols of Ram, Laxman and Sita. At the rear, we found the huge stone covered in water- the stone which belonged to the part of the bridge (constructed for crossing over to Lanka and blessed by Lord Shiva). There is a sacred Peepal tree often forming a part of religious ceremonies.

Do we really need a mentor?

With busyness entering the lives of each and every human being, it has become crucial to get in touch with someone who can help and assist two different lives. In case a mentor is around, we often feel like taking advice in any unruly and unthought-of situation. The growing competition has eaten most part of our valuable time as we began to concentrate more on proving ourselves in every possible aspect.

It is, but, obvious to ask whether we need a mentor. He is believed to be not only acting as a guide or motivator but working as a provider of everything- small or big. He is there to show the path which we need to follow. He gives us importance when we desperately need it. His words act as a confidence booster as we stand to face the millions in a jam-packed hall. He is with us when we meet the dignitaries. He is also present in the room as we sit to relax and have a cup of coffee after a hardcore session with the world.

Many are not born with golden spoon in hand. However, some achieve the best in life with hard work, perseverance and patience, especially, when the mentor is around to motivate in the adversities of life. He brings out the best in us by giving ample of chances that are rocky and thorny in nature. He might see us falling several times. He is least bothered when we get hurt, bruised or lost in mountains. His words are enough to pull through the worst in life.

Some people climb the stairs of destiny without a mentor. They have enough experience and expertise behind them as they move forward to grab the best chances in life. They are guided more out of their personal achievements inherited with time from forefathers. For them, the main mentor is their father or grandfather who shares their personal experiences during the period of growth and development. In many cases, they are ready to follow the same path, school, college or career which was actually followed by forefathers. They are least bothered when something goes wrong. They are more targeted towards achieving what was destined or achievable in any specific situation.

Apart from paternal lineage, the role of mentor has been fruitfully used by the ladies at home. Mothers or wives both have played a very crucial and optimistic role in enhancing the self-worth and self-confidence in life. Their role of mentor has in fact changed the destiny of many men in time immemorial. They have proved a determinant in bringing out the best in someone's life.

It is not necessary to have a mentor but keeping one helps in moving over the tides in a smooth and straight manner. His role brings out the hidden truth and secrets outside, giving full exposure to latent spirit and creativity. He happens to be the best and most desired role model who can give a Midas touch by turning a poor into rich.

Why Do We Give Importance to Failure and Reject Ourselves?

Failure and success are part and parcel of life. Without failure, it is difficult to determine the path to succeed in life and vice-versa. However, giving importance to loss might throw us into oblivion, making difficult to revive ourselves. It might also cause mental degradation, making difficult to smile and please self.

Stiff competition and growing challenges have increased the level of difficulty in life. There are a lot of people who wish to achieve the best by rejecting the worst. Most of things are, however, not received in hands with mere wish. It is important to work hard, have patience and wait for the right time. Sometimes, collapse of a situation drives the human mind into making critical and unthought-of mistakes. These mistakes are not to be repeated but get repeated without knowledge and intention. This further accentuates the criticality of situation, making things irreparable.

Thus, failure has become an important element in our thinking. We often think "If I fail, what's next?" We rarely think about success. We term success equal to destiny or luck. We are imagining about the dire consequences of failure. The mere thought of the step by step collapse of situation sends shivers down the spine. We start thinking about the fall in fame, name and money. What will the world think? Or possibly, how will I face my immediate superiors or friends or others who have always appreciated my efforts in life- this hidden thought starts making round in the mind now and then.

There are, sometimes, situations when we rarely see the light or air. We are faced with a kind of aggravation when our mind stops working. We wish to come to terms with life but unable to do so. Those things keep disturbing our routine life. We resort to all sort of techniques- physical and mental, to come out of it but no way out situation worsens the things.

Sometimes, it is difficult to take further steps in the absence of clear thoughts or clarity of mind. Loss, collapse, failure keeps haunting our beliefs. We wish to overcome the worst situation but unable to do so. We are surrounded by negativity and pessimism. This situation often drives us into rejecting self, making our life more difficult and stagnant.

The need of every single hour during failure is to hold and collect self so that things don't possibly go out of control. Self-rejection should not be allowed to enter the mind as it can kill the spirit of survival. Alternative methods are always available to deal with the worst situations.