Following Pattern

Present day action leads to muse and write something. In 2014 social media still in infant stage made me notice a pattern which lead me to write Forwarding pattern .With social media now in its teenage years has started to show its attitude which has lead to another pattern emerging. Following Pattern. 

With the intention of reconnecting with alumni, old friends, colleagues there are school groups, university groups, ex-colleague groups, work groups etc. in various social media platforms like facebook, whatsapp. We all for sure are part of one or few of such groups. Most would be able to relate the following: One fine morning there would be one off group member sending in a birthday wish to a fellow group member. There would be a suit of group members following that and wishing. Sometimes it would not be that person's birthday and (s)he would patiently be replying stating this is not the day. But still wishes keeps coming in. 

This tendency in following a que message is becoming prevalent. The following pattern can be attributed to humans being social beings. It is a psychological need of humans to be part of the crowd. We like to be part of a group and get associated with that. Social media is designed to give this sense of security. Social media is a sweet little irritating rascal. Annoying but cutely annoying. Those with kids can relate to this. You can't be angry with them too long, will hook you back in with its charm.

Coming back to the pattern, where is the sincere thought in such a wish which was an outcome of the following pattern? Following someone to wish in a group could be considered as a lip service with a plastic smile. It is not genuine. Such namesake wishes miss deep connection with that individual. Behind the screen, the one who wishes feels I just post it which gives a personal gratification but has no worth or meaning when it is not sincere. 

Remembering a person (much better if not by reminders) and sending a private message on their birthday, anniversary indicates sincerity ingrained in the wish. This approach would be more effective in terms of strengthening communication and relationship with that individual. 

A step more would be to touch base with them on casual days to know their well-being. This for sure uplifts their day. Try this, call someone with no reason and have a causal chat and put down. If someone did that to you how good and important you would have felt. That is the same feeling which you would have given to the person whom you called. 

Let us all cherish relationships we have and grow together as better social animals 😊.

Wolverine and Kintsugi

Ebb and flow are part of life cycle. All have heard, read, seen but when the ebbs are felt, off the many who face it, those who come out are few. Why is it so? In game of life, while hearing, seeing and talking about this could be considered as easier levels of difficulty, feeling and going through it is different level of difficulty. 

When difficult times hit, there are two types of behavior that people portray from the way they respond:

1. Some are astute and resilient.
2. Some succumb, give up, get into depression or suicide.

The astute and resilient see solution to negativity is confidence in goodness, courage in acceptance and wisdom in seeing things as they are. This attitude lets them spring out of the situation which is seen as abyss by those who succumb and fall into depression. The astute who are generally victorious in wading the situation feel that what Wolverine feels when pain is felt. "The pain lets you know you're still alive. The battle isn't around you, it is within you". The astute suit themselves for occasion and outgrow when needed. The astute becomes Wolverine.

On the other spectrum who succumb should know that the fear of uncertainty is the killer. We all go to sleep with hope that we would wake up in morning. When we face this event which is the most uncertain fearless and with faith, shouldn't the question be why fear about any other uncertainty? Since we all face the most uncertain with faith aren't we all wolverines?

In one of the opening scenes in Bollywood Movie Pathan, Shah Rukh Khan, an exiled RAW agent discusses with his ex-boss Dimple Kapadia to help start an organization with team of ex-RAW agents. In their conversation there is mention of a Japanese word Kintsugi. It was something new and made me look for this word. Kintsugi which means "to join with gold" is an ancient Japanese art done by adding lacquer and powdered gold to broken pottery which makes the repaired pottery much more beautiful and valuable. The process usually takes months. This artwork shows how to embrace and find strength in imperfection with patience. 

If those who feel like succumbing to situation when an ebb hits them, face it with an attitude of wolverine and handle it with skill of kintsugi would sure bring out the best in them. Humans have lived ages and the progress made and seen are by the Wolverines with Kintsugi, who never give up and are patient. Humans have that mantle in them, if not would not have been able to come out of natural disasters, pandemics, social unrests, anarchy. Persistence and faith are the core values of such people. A belief that there is always a solution to every problem. Deep down they keep telling themselves, I didn't come this far to come this far only. 

The more people we have with Wolverine attitude and Kintsugi skill the mental wellbeing of society would be at bliss. Probably a way to utopian world.

Mental wellbeing through living spaces-II

During my usual commute in Singapore MRT, when the train is above-ground, I enjoy looking around. Gaze at buildings pass by, housing blocks being crossed, cars passing by on the roads, people waiting at signals for green man. Many more. Gave a sense of openness to the mind, relief from closed office spaces, various thoughts flash across. Overall a refreshed soul 😊 

Recently this scene has changed, even above ground there has been barriers erected on both sides of the tracks. The barriers cover almost three quarter off the vision through the train. The name for it goes as NOISE BARRIER. As the name would suggest it is probably a way in reducing the noise levels to surrounding housing blocks along the tracks. Fair move. But this is adding on to a subtle occurrence which over time might have undesired consequence to commuters, like me.

In most urban cities the dwelling spaces have reduced to almost 60~80sq.m. This is comparatively 50% reduction to the house sizes 20 to 30years ago. Closed spaces create a constricted feeling which causes a sense of claustrophobic effect to the brain. Chokes one from seeing far, that has side effect in limiting cognitive ability. When continuously looking into closed spaces, over time the brain is unable to assimilate things beyond certain level. Well in information age, the question would be - are these scientifically possible outcomes. As per geneticist Fred Gage "Changes in the environment change the brain, and therefore they change our behavior."  There seems truth behind the impact. But why does this happen?

Placing one in constricted areas over time causes compression to the gray matter of brain. The gray matter of brain is responsible for things like memory, muscle control and sensory perception. Brain adapts based on experiences. Continual exposure has impact on brain elasticity, also known as neuroplasticity.  The plasticity, which is the change in gray matter, directly related to spatial features. However, the impacts by spatial feature do not impact humans equally, but they do definitely shape our behavior. Some effects could be:

1. Cognitive disorders, 
2. Closed thought process, 
3. Irritability, 
4. Short temperament, 
5. Throw tantrums, 
6. Sense of limited independence, 
7. Diminished creativity.

With current urban living conditions, to avoid closed spaces is impossible. However, the impact they cause can be well reduced by allowing ourselves to be with nature as much as possible. This approach is similar to my earlier blog mental wellbeing through living spaces in which I shared how to increase positivity at homes and our lives.

Having said all off above, while I try to convince myself stating that the coping mechanism could be off some help, I still miss my views during train rides 😔 

But there is double decker buses. Read this blog written few years back about the euphoric feeling one gets while riding on double deck buses.

 Photos from: 8 Interesting Facts About Singapore's MRT That You Wouldn't Know – ExplorerSG and Relief from train noise, but new problem arises, Singapore News - AsiaOne

Women Empowerment Reality

I decided not to wait until 8-March to write this. 8-December is also fine as women are valuable and are to be cherished anyday and everyday. 

It has been a long ride in history on women empowerment and feminism. Talks about gender equality is a major topic of discussion and some works might portray women in right frame. But if you do a reality check there has been very less significant work done that changes the mindset of the larger population. This can be well noticed in movies. Women are shown as a victim who need to be rescued by man or powerless, damsel in distress or doing most stupidest thing that requires a man to correct her. If you think these movies are from 1900's  period go and watch recent movies like Bigil, Doctor, Enemy, Annaatthe, Indoo ki jawani, Sooryavanshi, Spiderman etc. The list of movies is longer than latest iPhone release que. And you will not disagree if watched these. In such movies, not limited to those named; women are portrayed just as objects and commercial bimbos (my apologies for the word usage). If the hero is so powerful why in first place have a heroine? 

Reason behind this anomaly is that 99% of movies are hero centric movies directed by men. Mass power of hero and upholding his image is the main purpose of the movie. So rest are collateral damage. Sad but that is the pathetic reality.

Let men under the pretext of equality and empowerment not downgrade and degrade women. The underlying truth is that they are trying to uplift their image. Media is mainstream and has huge impact on the human perspectives and how social understanding evolves. With such responsibility, for better understanding of the the other sex, they should stop casting women as glamour dolls and show admiration for inner beauty of women. 

The truth about gender equality is that there can never be perfect equality. Nature and our creator have designed human production line with differences for various reasons. So, women do not need to seek permission from men but require men: 

• Who can understand the differences, 
• Respect them for who they are, and 
• Support them grow in their endeavors. 

That is what would be real gender equality and achieving growth (developing to provide something to others :-  growth defined in nature terms). These start from home, let us respect the women in our life and cherish them anyday and everyday. Seeing this the future generation from which some who might be directors and story writers will have a different movie experience for their audience.

#conscientiouswarrior, #womenempowerment, #feminism, #movies 

Are you a New Follower?

Kannada Power Star Puneet Rajkumar passed away on 29-Oct-21 due to heart attack while exercising. He was 46 years old. The loss is grieved not just by his family but also by whole Kannada film fraternity and over millions of fans and film enthusiasts. He was known for his intense exercise regime that probably sculpted his body the way he was and looked fit as fiddle. But his death claimed to be due heart attack that he had while exercising has started a lot of retrospective discussions related to exercise. How a person fit as Appu (how Puneet fans addressed him) could die of heart attack? Isn't exercising good? How much is good enough? Is there a right approach to exercise?  

I know teetoatlers who passed away at 38years old by heart attack and also know chain smokers who had live past their 70years of age with no ailments. Does it mean being a tee toddler is not good enough and smoking causes no harm? Ironies of life. There is no right explanation that anyone could provide to any of these, because each are of their own kind. What works for others MIGHT NOT work for you. 

Frameworks, conceptualized structures devised by so called scholars, analysts based on research on a population set that they feel is representative of the whole population. There are many factors to the population set such as ethnicity, location, culture, food habits and so on. So be it diet plan or work out regime or study plan, any framework formed by someone not necessarily works for you. There are also contradicting reports that confuse you. Do not blindly try to emulate what others have done. 

Custom made personalized frameworks and plans are necessary. Right approach would be to start anything in moderation and along the journey keenly listen to your body. Know the key outcomes and procedures in the framework and tweak those to suit you while you keep listening. Analyze if it will be suitable for you, considering your character, attitude and habits. Like the dialogue in the Tamil movie Billa-2 "In my life, every day, every minute, even every second is sculpted by myself", build your unique self. The body is the best communicator. It can speak various languages to convey itself. It talks to you through appetite, sleep, excretions, pains, reactions. Start to read the indications, know your limits, feel the body.

Be it what you eat or what you watch or how much you exercise, all things are to be in moderation. Hear out what your body is trying to convey. Notice small changes in yourself and early warning signs that are been given. These could be subtle but responding to them correctly and taking appropriate actions are vital for healthy longevity. 

In the end you are in driver seat of your life journey. Listen to your body, be the New Follower. Stay safe and stay healthy. RIP Puneeth Rajkumar.

#newfollower, #conscientiouswarrior, #Puneet, #billa2, #framework, #following, #puneethrajkumar

Vernacular Language

Mahatma Gandhi speaking at Benares Hindu University, Varanasi on 4-Feb-1916 mentioned "Our vernacular languages are the reflection of ourselves, and if you tell me that our languages are too poor to express the best thought, then say that the sooner we are wiped out of existence". This speech has two parts, one which calls to take  pride to converse in vernacular language as they reflect us best and the other which fits well to understand if don’t use it leads pathway to that language's extinction. This blog is about the former pride part of Gandhi's speech. To understand more about language extinction, read my earlier blog about it. Both parts are real even after 95years of the speech and applicable for as long humans speak to communicate.

Languages are means for communicating our thoughts combined with emotions. Vernacular language gives the humane in us to get connected with others. The key differentiator between other living things and we humans, is the ability to speak our mind through language as words. Conversing in vernacular language provides one with identity, belongingness, togetherness. Conversations lead to connectivity, emotional bonding.

Every language has its roots. Different languages are like the fingers each with different lengths but all serving it's purpose. According to Ludwig Wittgenstein, famous Austrian Philosopher "The limits of my language are the limits of my world". None is better than other, and none has limit for the purpose they serve.

The more you learn different languages and dialects more you get connected with others at emotional level. Language enriches one. Knowing few languages makes us more closer with various communities. They provide us with opportunity to understand and appreciate others. As a proverb goes "to learn a foreign language is to have one more window from which to look at the world". In the present world which is extensively connected both physically and virtually this is very true. But learning other languages does not need to come at a cost of yours. Continue to speak yours while you learn others. Each language has literatures that stand long after the authors have gone. Preserve them, read them, share them.

If we don't uphold your vernacular language others would not care. Respect, dignity is lost and high chances of getting belittled by others. Your future generations will loose their identity by in-action today. Small actions matter. Speak up, Be proud to converse in your vernacular language as that is were your identity was formed from.

#vernacular, #language, #languageextinction, #gandhi, #conscientiouswarrior, #speakup

Medicine the new religion

Views and decisions based on religion are slowly being desquamated. That is wonderful news. How did this happen? 

Centuries back when literacy rates were low, for the practices to reach the illiterates these were made as religious practices by the learned people. People followed without questioning as those were in the name of God. Over time when practices were questioned, to maintain their relevance the religious literates exerted their dominance through the political system. Such religious evolution are seen from Egyptian, Indian, Greek and Roman history. This was a clever strategy to control the bigger group of illiterates by learned few: by FEAR. It was profane not to follow and considered blasphemy when challenged.  

The literate few are ravenous for power and dominance. Today the field where this is being exerted has spread. From religion it is felt now in medicine. From priests, preachers, religious leaders there are now pharma companies, beauticians, physiatrists, counselors, dietician, physiotherapist etc. "Everything is designed to make people feel worthless and insufficient - because only then do they become extremely susceptible to consumerism and drive the economy with their materialistic approach. They become much easier to control" ~ Ian Tuhovsky. People are swamped with information being thrown in the sea of social media under the pretext of medical research. There are numerous reports, tv programs, documentaries, advertisements pertaining to Pregnancy, dieting, coffee, chocolate, corn flakes, dairy, food consumption pattern, depression, anxiety, alcohol, sleep, beauty and about present pandemic situation with biased, conflicting and contradicting conclusions. Apart from confusing viewers and readers, such studies tend to bring also together like minded individuals and slowly form a group and forum.

Such topics for discussion are sensitive touch points that could be used to bring in unity and at same time grow aversion and hatred towards those against. You would notice increasing key board warriors (like religious fighters) sparing those who condone their groups/forum. In medical context ethics and morality seem to have thinned with the medical literates acting as bystanders watching the society going disarray. Some discussions go beyond medicine and drags race, ethnicity etc. which are totally unnecessary and heads into different dimension. 

Old grandma methods which keeps tablets/supplements away are termed primitive. Discussing such old methods are disparage. "Modern medicine is not scientific, it is full of prejudice, illogic and susceptible to advertising. Over the past 20 years the drug companies, with their enormous wealth, have taken medicine over and now control its research, what is taught and the information released to the public." ~ Abram Hoffer. Similar to religious literates in past, the medical literates are creating FEAR with medical jargons and driving the medical illiterate population to change habits, consume more tablets and supplements. All this seem contrary to what was mentioned by Father of modern medicine William Osler "One of the first duties of the physician is to educate the masses not to take medicine." Isn't then medicine per se a religion? 

Under the religious context, over years as the literacy rates increased, knowledge grew which made us look the same religious practices differently. And we live in a world today with most of us trying to understand the practices and the reasons behind those. We have started to understand the differences and having travelled through long journey we live in a much harmonious world. This is social progression where we are approaching to live in a world which is religion flat. Which has ultimately led to views and decisions based on religion being desquamated.

Presently healthcare workers are working extra hard to safeguard all from the pandemic. Under such circumstance this blog might seem to condemn and discard medical advice. On contrary it is written with the intention in avoid being pulled apart by various medical related data and reports that make your body perplexed, exhausted both physically and mentally. Beware of things those that belittle you. To avoid being a puppet in someone's show, follow three steps before jumping into the wagon:

1. Do a self-analysis which will make you self-aware both physically and mentally. Insights on self leads to acceptance of who you already are. 

2. Know your present consumption patterns, both in food and data. 

3. Get to know your destination both physically and mentally

After these consume the right information diligently that suits your demographic profile. Remember that never does one size fit all. 

Such approach will increase medical literacy amongst us which will allow our views and decisions related to medicine be taken appropriate. It would make one think twice before boarding the wagon in fear of being left out and let the control of life under literate few. Stay healthy, Stay safe.

#religionflat, #abramhoffer, #supersition, #medicinalreligion, #socialprogression, #williamosler, #modernmedicine, #self-aware, #self-esteem, #iantuhovsky

Seed I planted

 Ever felt cheated, back stabbed, a feeling of deceit when you had an idea and shared that to someone and they claimed the credit for it? You were supposed to be the one crowned. For example, it could be an optimization initiative for the organization that you happen to share with your colleague. Sly as a fox, he brings it up to management, takes credit and hits to fame. In kaliyuga all would have been through such encounter in some form.

Under such situation anger seeps in followed by disappointment and dejection. These negative feelings sink hard into oneself and begin to question the journey we are in. Mind starts to ponder was it worth the time and effort? As it was your idea, this question transforms into a palpable sense of thought. The foundation of self-esteem is shaken leading to lower self-efficacy. If left unattended this might lead into Why Me Syndrome and what not newer psychological terms out there to perplex you. Your condition is exemplifying for these newer psychological terms and tend to push you for therapy sessions. The moment you wear a victim tee shirt you are permitting circumstances and others to decide your destination.

Rosalind Franklin vs James Watson and Francis Crick were scientists in race for understanding the molecular structure of nucleic acids where the latter duo was awarded Nobel prize for Medicine in 1962. Rosalind was only accredited posthumously. Another such example is invention of radio which we know as Marconi while the original invention was done by Tesla. There are many such unsung heroes. 

Under such circumstances following the concept of Seed I planted will calm the mind. The mind must see it like a seed been planted by one of our forefathers for the tree which bears fruits that they will not taste. Credit, fame are the wants of conscious self. Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore mentioned "The one who plants trees knowing that he will never sit in their shade, has at least started to understand the meaning of life."

Focusing on the intent of the initiative rather on the outcome benefit claim works to heal the set back. Rosalind and Tesla didn't wear victim tee shirt and had probably told to themselves about the Seed I Planted concept and continued their journey. 

In 2010 comedian actor Vivek had launched the Green Globe movement and planted over 3.3million saplings until his demise. Today he is not alive to take any further credit and might go to others, but the act he initiated will live forever as grown trees.  

For those who are still unable to sleep well due to such untoward incident may further handle the situation as mentioned by Thiruvalluvar in Thirukural 630th verse " இன்னாமை இன்பம் எனக்கொளின் ஆகுந்தன் ஒன்னார் விழையுஞ் சிறப்பு". It translates to; when you show the grit to take pain as pleasure your esteem with enemy will elevate. Channel the creative energy in constructive ways and let it not get buried with you. Rosalind went on to work on RNA structure. She glowed as Gold when flamed. It took 40years for Watson to admit Rosalind's role in the discovery. Be strong as a bull and charge forward.       

From now on if it is your idea and credit go to someone else take it with a mindset of So What, that was a Seed I planted. Tell yourself that your idea lives and continue your stride with pride. You will be destined to do better and greater good, as "Give, and it will be given to you...for the measure you give will be measure you get back." Luke 6:38

#seediplanted, #thirukural, #rosalindfranklin, #jameswatson, #vivek, #tesla, #luke6:38, #whymesyndrome

Mental wellbeing through living spaces

According to world bank in 2019 over 55.7% of world population is living in urban cities and expected to increase over 68% by 2050. The growing urban population challenges architects to design living spaces that can accommodate more within available less urban area. Going vertical with smaller living spaces is on rise to meet this demand.

This trend is compounded by the less time which urbaners spend in homes. Keeping oneself busy at office indirectly reflects less time at home. Eating or buying out food requires less cooking space. These add up conveniently for an architect to think why need a big living space. But little do we understand the long term impact these small living spaces have on human life. Constrained space indirectly leads to constrained thinking and restrained cognition over time. "We shape our buildings and afterwards our buildings shape us", Winston Churchill.

Many people sharing small spaces are made to absorb each other vibes. This could be felt easily when taking a crowded train, the mood of the people around impacts the way you feel. We become and act like a pressure cooker with built up stress. Walking stress bombs. These vibes affect our mood. According to Jim Rohn, motivational speaker "You are the average of five people you spend the most time with".  With same people around over period that too confined in small spaces subconsciously alters behavior. Numerous studies have shown this and deduce that people living in smaller spaces tend to have increased mental disorders such as schizophrenia, depression and chronic anxiety. Children talking about stress, depression, rise in people seeking therapies for mental disorders are facts that none can deny which infer there is risk of mental wellbeing.

 Smaller living spaces will be there as long as population migrate to urban cities. Therefore instead of visiting therapists as after effect, mental wellbeing is required to prevent these effects. Pound the living spaces with more positive vibrations such as melodious music, devotional songs, motivational speeches, inspirational movies, comedies so that they absorb positivity and give back more. You become what you consume. With work from home a new norm, spend more time at home. Bond and laugh more with family. Cook and eat at home. Make the house a home and the home shall lead one to a mentally sound aged life.

#smalllivingspace, #workfromhome, #restrainedcognition, #positivevibrations, #mentalwellbeing

Spiritual lessons from AK movie

 Final touch or Last touch is a simple childhood act that everyone off us would have experienced. This is an exemplary act of ego starting from childhood, which reminds that ego is part of everyone.

Life without ego is the Yoga mentioned in Bhagavad Gita 2.48. Would be good but an idealistic view for most in the present world. It is something that humans with cognitive brain, giving importance to the self find difficult to avoid. With some effort could try to minimize giving harmony and peace. Especially help to find the balance of Yoga. 

Moral values are all around us. It is matter of picking to harness those that allows us balance better. Movies are a good start, as all movies tend to deliver idea/point/moral/act of good principles to the viewers of course alongwith other commercial aspects. 

Recently watched Ayyappanum Koshiyum (AK), a Malayalam movie portraying how a small incident is blown out due to protagonists ego and at end subtly vanishes.

The gap between athma (soul or sub-conscious) and conscious self widens due to acts performed by ego to satisfy the conscious self that pleases the five senses leaving the athma unsatisfied which gives birth cycles. Only when the conscious self acts as per the athma one reaches to selfless state. This evenness of mind is Buddhi-Yoga as mentioned in Bhagavad Gita. Could be termed as the state of Moksha.

The movie AK could be categorized as a spiritual movie (by the core message which I felt it was delivering). The movie clawed and dragged me into life incidents where my ego had played and is playing a part. Are we able to spare moments in our life to bridge the gap between athma and self, shelving the ego? How much are we noticing and absorbing the values around us in a world surrounded with excessive information and noise? Are we even digesting the information to be absorbed by the mind?

With growing on-demand video; if right morals are picked from movies maybe route to evenness of mind. Watch when you need might allow us to pick the good from the noise. Keep a healthy mind in yogic state for a rejoiceful spiritual journey towards Moksha.

Watch When You Need

ON DEMAND...an evolving trend in consuming digital entertainment. While on surface it does look enticing and lucrative, deeper it is disturbing leading to many social disturbances. Excess of anything is poisonous; so is any kind of binge activity and binge watching definitely are no exception to this. For those who think you are already in control and want skip reading further, all I got to say is Watch When You Need and not Watch When You Want. To the rest thank you in choosing to read on.

We have never been spared from capitalist exploitation to provide profits for few stakeholders. In the present digital era we are made to believe that binge watching at our convenience and comfort is the freedom to happiness. Skinner; the famous psychologist and behaviorist said "If freedom is a requisite for human happiness, then all that's necessary is to provide the illusion of freedom". Social media companies have the perfect recipe for creating this illusion. 

A caution not mentioned to us about binge watching is that it is an addictive drug that stops us from looking at real world. This drug fulfills giving illusion happiness in beginning but subsequently demands more screen time in providing the same level of happiness, pleasure. It is because of the dopamine effect where body gets used with certain amount of dopamine (the feel-good hormone) and requires additional to feel the pleasure with same activity. All problems related to drug addiction such as depression, anxiety, waning patience, social withdrawal, quick snap and anger, weight management (over weight or under weight), sleep deprivation, laziness are all outcomes of binge watching too.

With extra screen time we are unknowingly conditioned; how many of us realize this? This is extensively studied under branch of psychology - Behaviorism. According to this mind states are conditioned by repetition. Watson, Pavlov, Skinner are renowned psychologists who have extensively researched on behaviorism. Binge watching induces dopamine secretion and on longer duration it reduces thinking capabilities of our mind. With no effective regulation the wave of binge watching has hit the young and old like a tsunami; come without notice, none spared. The impact is greatest on the Millennials. We become what we consume. Their behaviors are being conditioned unknowing to them through this digital consumption. Thoughts and ideas are being injected that evolve as behavioral outcome. An interesting docudrama Social Dilemma explains the capitalist exploitation.

Only answer to this social problem is lesser screen time which equates to much calmer mind that allows clearer thinking. Look into the needs than wants to feel real happiness.

#capitalistexploitation, #dopamineeffect, #beahviorism, #conditioning, #socialdilemma, #freedomtohappiness

Eat While You Need

COVID-19 pandemic is spreading its pestilence across the globe. This virus is sparing none; and looks like setting new paradigm in equality (well we know nature does not discriminate). While there is pointing fingers across various country leaders from its origin, control and handling of the crisis; is it just that this is happening to humans? Did we deserve what we got?

Greed in a selfish way seem our creed. Humans continue to eat because we like it, not because we need it. All other animals consume food when they need (hungry) only humans consume whenever we also like it. Added factor is that the consumption of meat has moved from occasional to major part in human diet. The overall consumption of meat increased from 50 milliontons/year to 300milliontons/year in last 60 years.

Excessive meat consumption creates ethical concerns and related issues to produce. Few of those are endangering species, conditions in which the animals are farmed, cruelty involved in the ways of slaughtering. 

These acts have caused imbalance in the Earth’s ecosystem. As such these acts of greed could be seen as evil and Mother Nature is punishing in her own ways through the COVID-19 pandemic. The fact that the origin of the virus is currently considered to have started by animal to human transmission could rationalize this reasoning. The collective human behavior and actions seem to have caused the misfortune that has befallen on us. It is #Karma in Asian terminology or as #JustWorldHypothesis in Western psychology. 

This hypothesis makes the need for rethinking human food consumption. Humans are species with high level of cognition. As being rational souls we could approach the situation in two different ways. First by accepting the reality; make it a need (when hungry) to eat not a like to eat. By doing this consumption of food will get abated thereby allowing resources to be optimized and effectively used. Secondly by rationalization; humans have to rethink their eating habits. Technology revolution is linked with reduced physical activity at work, home and travel and increased sedentary activities especially television watching, smart phone usage. This could mean it is time to rethink consumption of high energy food that after digestion if not used accumulates as fat further complicating health conditions.

To come out is by creating more awareness led by parents, health officials and governments. Laws should be put in place for ethical breeding of animals. These actions will regulate the food chain and make it sustainable. #Eatwhileyouneed and not when you like.

COVID-19: Time-out of Rat race

We, the citizens of the world, participate relentlessly in rat races to unreachable destinations. Once part of it, the whole is plunged into it. The need for the race is incomprehensible but primarily for money, power, luxuries. In short to uphold the social animal position in the name of happiness.

Historically it is evident that, at crucial juncture's God cautions human on aberrant behavior by various means. Provides time out to re-align our paths from such behavior. Could the recent COVID-19 outbreak be one such warning? If it is, this timeout could be for various reasons. We ain't saints. 

To me it is time for self-reflection. In a world of lost identities it is now that we have been given a chance to re-define and re-sculpt our self. With countries under lock-down, more time is available to most of us than ever to re-think our visions and goals. A moment to reflect, understand and align with the purpose of life. By the process of re-sculpting self, some might even opt out of the race for their soul to live and travel in peace.

The virus is at large and does scare most, but on a positive note use this time-out provided to find ways in understanding our soul's better, re-connect with purpose and help in its journey. Ask yourself if you still need to be in the race? COVID-19 timeout is a time to re-think, re-align, re-define, re-sculpt, re-set, re-ignite. 

A short video on happiness https://youtu.be/e9dZQelULDk

Real you in YOU - 2; Losing identity in finding uniqueness.

 Minority cultures and communities are getting drifted from their origins due to cultural appropriation. Survival of minorities act as multiplier in increasing the rate of drift, helping the appropriation from other end of losing their identity. In the process minority cultures adopt dominant cultures inappropriately. Embracing cultural, religious traditions of dominant cultures as fashion statements, symbols, songs has become common. This gives them a euphoric feeling of achievement, uniqueness among their community.

 Appreciating and embracing other cultures and practices is humanity value that has to be passed on to generations. However one is ignoramus and mocks the culture when patronizing other cultural practices without knowing the in-depth reasons. It is cultural misappropriation.

Continuing to do so will push one into a zone of confusion called #whoyouare and lead to extinction of minority cultures. And the individual belonging to the minority community becomes a pseudonym in the mush. Ultimately it will be a flight taken off heading nowhere; mislead journey of life. In psychiatric terms all such individuals are in #identitycrisis.

To avoid such psychological pitfall, go find the #realyouinyou where by one need not compromise their identity that was provided by birth. Such identity are god given; live with it and die with it. Dont' change it. There are better things to be changed in life.

Real you in YOU

It is estimated that more than 108 billion people have lived in earth. Each one of us are the currently living 7.7 billion. We might be alike with few fellow human beings in some aspects but research has proven no two humans are alike, even identical twins are unique to their own. Still not knowing this; the breathing mantra of most today is #BeUnique. This seems to be accepted as to have been achieved by:

1. Wearing the newest design or 
2. Carrying a designer collection or 
3. Using the latest gadget or
4. Driving a limited edition car etc.,

Need for credit, appreciation, recognition all ignites a wanting desire to stand out of that sheep stock. Are we heading in right direction of showing our uniqueness? 

"THE MORE YOU LIKE YOURSELF, THE LESS YOU ARE LIKE ANYONE ELSE, WHICH MAKES YOU UNIQUE." - Walt Disney

Finding the #realyouinyou is what makes you unique. The real you is what makes you being one among the 7.7 billion lives but still unique from others on earth. Loving yourself will enable to fine Purpose of life, which could be a way to call the real unique. Japanese term the purpose of being as #Ikigai (a reason for being).

Most are caught in fulfilling the daily roller coaster life of picks and chooses, needs and wishes in which failing to find our ikigai. Unfulfilled desires steer us in endless loop of autopilot that which creates a #illusionofhappiness. By entangled in this spiral we fail to value the things and people around us. Some get enlightened at their twilight ages and regret. Wouldn't that be too late? The most common regret when asked dying people is "I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true on myself, not the life others expected of me". 

Guiding Millennial generation that their uniqueness is not defined by what they wear and carry, but in finding the #realyouinyou will make humans find their Ikigai and allow future dying soul's rest in peace. 

HuDiSlav

The perception power of mind is powerful that, through it we channel our thoughts in an optimistic or pessimistic track. It is where unconscious and subconscious supersede conscious. Shakespeare said "There is nothing good or bad, but thinking makes it so". Minds are like parachute, they function only when open. When we receive information our mind seeks help from stereo-typed memories/registers that has been generated in our mind by our experiences. This is perception. A chain reaction of stereo- typing, called Ceiling Effects are created within our mind that does not allow it to open beyond the boundary formed by stereo-typing.

According to Winston Churchill "The price of greatness is responsibility over each of your thoughts". When such is the seriousness, mind seeks comfort by handling things that are familiar. It gets into cozy corner by knowing that its ideas are reinforced or are close to it. This gives it satisfaction and achievement, an "Eureka" sensation. Perceptions are guiding force for mind. The Eureka sensation has become more convenient with technology advancement. It provides short term wins, like a spurts of ecstasy.

Three Stages of Human Mind

Information received travels in split second, and human mind rushes to comprehend and reinforce through perception before making conclusions and decisions. When mixed information is received; it has to be matured enough to analyse and filter to separate them as good or bad / need or discard / authentic or fake. Cognitive ability has to be well developed for such analysis. Millennial generation youngsters and Alpha Generation kids are maturing faster than the previous generations, however their minds are still young and wet clay, hence could be molded improper if not guided appropriately. A key challenge that parent's face today in guiding their children is reliability & wise use of technology. According to Gordon Neufeld, a prominent Vancouver psychologist “Intuitively, we know that if we’re coercive, we’re going to get resistance.” When youngsters look for quick answers “You need a strong alpha presentation to inspire a child to trust you and depend upon you", if not they seek technology, where they are flooded with information. Data Overload.

Data Overload

Industrial Revolution was answer to Physical labor limitation; Cognitive limitation is becoming overcome in the current age of Information Revolution. This is disrupting everything. Disruptive Technology is the buzz word of day. Every global citizen is in one way or other disrupted by the fast evolving Information Revolution. Politicians and Economists are evaluating the impact. While the focus is more towards economic aspect; the impact it has on society is more to be worried about.

Google estimates 30exabytes (300 followed by 18 zeros) of data created by humans that is available in internet. This is more data than humans have created in previous 5000 years. "Alavuku Minjinal Amirthamum Nanju..." (even elixir turns poisonous when taken in excess) goes a Tamil saying. Every day there is bombardment with Gigabytes if not Megabytes of data. Sometimes same content has ironical information. For examples some websites publish chocolate causes pimples and another says its helps to reduce while another says it has no impact. If not guided correctly they will perceive wrong information and reaffirm those as their belief system. Once it gets seeded in their minds it becomes tough to unlearn. This data overload has serious impact on humans as individuals and humanity as a society.

Human mind takes two kind of decision making process. A Conscious one and Adaptive Unconscious one. The latter was a term coined by Daniel Wagner in 2002. Mind tunes it's adaptive unconscious decision making capabilities to ease and help to make faster conscious decisions. For tuning better adaptive unconscious decisions, there is need for better rational cognition, which comes from knowledge and experience. While Millennials and Alpha Generation are looking for quicker outcomes, too much information with less rational cognition leads to incorrect adaptive unconscious decisions.

Harmonious We

Other effect of data overload is at the other end of the spectrum, nurturing. When Nature (genetic) has a impact on the growth of the kid, nurturing has larger impact on them in today context. Thanks to technology, it targets mind at the wrong point. Mind gets attracted towards negative faster than positive, it is law of attraction. As is the role of the parent's to guide their children in developing their cognitive process, equally is that of those who post and forward information on the web. It is moral responsibility of each one of those who who upload data to web as they can make an positive or negative impact on the readers especially younger ones. Seeing this the current generation can equally grow up as morally responsible global citizens.

While it is good that governments and businesses are keen in making the workforce adapt to the fast changing trend; there seem to be less focus on the communal aspect of it. Data overload makes the Alpha Generation children and Millennial Generation youngsters rely less on their cognitive abilities, analyzing capability and rely more on information readily available on net without validating. These make them Confused; Indecisive; Unproductive; affected by Attention Deficit Trait (ADT) ultimately lowering performance and creativity. This might end innovation drive and make humans susceptible to digital slavery. Such individuals form more self-inclined principles.

Due to such individual traits; the future generations are forming into a Tumultuous Me Society where:-

1) Inhibited learning ability due to lack of relevant feedback

2) Increased Self-interested people

3) Relationship issues

4) Unable to embrace differences amicably

Information overload and ten ways to handle

Break Free

As with all advancements that mankind has seen, technology is two sided. If youngsters are not guided and taught to use it in the right way they can end up in a way that will nurture Human Digital Slaves in short HuDiSlav^TM who form a Tumultuous Me society. In the whirlwind of Data Overload, those who synthesis it for necessary information intelligently and smartly will be able to make responsible netizens. Parents should be aware of the subliminal role of adaptive unconscious decision making side of mind psyche and its effect on their kids. They should focus on the ten ideas given in infographic and guide their children appropriately. This that will allow such netizens to break from Digital Slavery and form a Harmonious We Society.

Tumultuous Me to Harmonious We Society

Industrial Revolution was answer to Physical labor limitation; Cognitive limitation is becoming overcome in this age of Information Revolution. This is disrupting everything. Disruptive Technology is the buzz word of day. Every global citizen is in one way or other disrupted by the fast evolving Information Revolution. Politicians and Economists are evaluating the trend. While the focus is more towards economic aspect; the impact it has on society is more to be worried about.

Google estimates 30exabytes (300 followed by 18 zeros) of data created by humans that is available in internet. This is more data than humans have created in previous 5000 years.

"Alavuku Minjinal Amirthamum Nanju..." (even elixir turns poisonous when taken in excess) goes a Tamil saying. Every day there is bombardment with Gigabytes if not Megabytes of data. This data overload has serious impact on humans as individuals and humanity as a society.

While it is good that governments and businesses are keen in making the workforce adapt to the fast changing trend; there seem to be less focus on the communal aspect of it. Data overload makes the Alpha Generation children and Millennial Generation youngsters rely less on their cognitive abilities, analyzing capability and rely more on information readily available on net without validating. These make them Confused; Indecisive; Unproductive; affected by Attention Deficit Trait (ADT) ultimately lowering performance and creativity. This might end innovation drive and make humans susceptible to digital slavery. Such individuals form more self-inclined principles.

Due to such individual traits; the future generations are forming into a Tumultuous Me Society where:-
  1) Inhibited learning ability due to lack of relevant feedback
  2) Increased Self-interested people
  3) Relationship issues
  4) Unable to embrace differences amicably

In the whirlwind of Data Overload, those who synthesis it for necessary information intelligently and smartly will be able to form a Harmonious We Society.

Know Culture through Support Jallikatu

Protest against ban on Jallikatu can be mentioned as one of biggest protests that India has seen in recent years. A ban imposed on the sport few years back has gained momentum this year. It could have started big this year due to political reasons. But

the protest has crossed the state border and even national border. It is slowly garnering support globally. The unity shown is overwhelming beyond the cause. This communal unity is a might that cannot be brought for political reasons. Like the 2015 Chennai floods, people have once again proven that they come together for noble causes.

For years, like many, I was of opinion that Jallikatu is just a ancient sport to embrace racing bull to prove bravery and courage. Jallikatu is beyond just a sport. It helps to keep ecosystem in balance and it is also about survival of Indian breed of Cattle. Our ancestors did everything on a purpose, however they failed to document them, hence it is conveniently mocked or termed as superstition. Misconceptions and lack of understanding has been a curse for Indian culture. This lack of confidence in self has led to made is look outside our rich culture.

Project-Support Jallikatu shows community bonds are beyond borders, religion, caste and unite people as one for a single cause. Political parties may swing the outcome to their benefits, but let the literacy and knowledge gained guide us right.

Our culture including our languages are being less embraced. Support Jallikatu has provided an avenue for many to understand the depth of our culture. Let this not be an end but an start to Project-Know Culture; to make our roots grow deeper and stronger.

Sorry - Misused

Do you remember when was last time someone told you sorry that made you feel they meant it?

Most of you would remember only few incidents. Sorry has become a word merely uttered from mouth rather from heart. Shortly a lip service instead of heart service. Ever thought why? Are people busy in fulfilling their needs that has made us not being mindful in regretting or rectifying by corrective action sincerely but using Sorry as an excuse and expect to be forgiven?

Social animal within is driving us into a society with less humane & low emoto (emotional pull) causing lack of responsibility & ownership. This is influenced additionally by social media which has made us more self-centered and reducing humanely interactions. Face value is of no value in fast trending world which can be conveniently inferred as root cause for Sorry no longer being felt.

"Sorry is the only word I do not like in Tamil" translated dialog from the Tamil movie Ramana. Powerful punch dialog for today's materialistic society where "SORRY" seem to have lost its meaning and has become a clichè. We will be able to say, hear and feel the word sorry if we act with conviction and take responsibility for those actions. This will make Sorry remain an adjective, adding value and meaning to our actions.

Read another similar misused word Karma. 

Project Destination - Heaven

Recently Singapore's Law Minister Shanmugam commented on how few of school kids spoke ill about Islam. When I read the news was alarmed and equally perplexed. Why would children do this and in what capacity are they to judge another religion?

Every religion paves way to the heaven. All of them operate under Project Destination - Heaven, only routes are different. Staying within own beliefs and not nose poking into integrity of other religious beliefs makes a harmonious society. Communal riots are not new to the world, however instigating people into believe something which has no strong evidence and sometimes ending up in elevated tension levels is new. Communities had their own spaces that was nourished and cherished not only by their own faith people but also appreciated, respected by others. This lead to harmonious multi racial, multi religious society. It was and is indeed a need for peaceful living. The balance seem to have been shaken with a more self-centered culture. The attitude grows more with social media and deepens the religious intolerant attitude. Like a north-star glow; in recent years communal harmony are rare. Humanitarian concerns bloom seldom. The recent was during last month Chennai floods when Muslims were let to stay in Sri Parthasarthy temple and even allowed to conduct their daily prayers. They were seen a fellow human beings. Such religious tolerance act are good but seem to only come out from deeply buried minds when nature takes its third position in its relationship with mankind, "You are still not OK, Am also not OK".

Social posts targeting religions have seen a tremendous increase in the past decade. Various religious beliefs are condemned or mocked without knowing the in-depth details. Amygdala is often triggered these days by such social media posts. These posts come with fragmented details and unauthorized claims which make readers to make spurious conclusions without proper analysis. As of 2014, 74% of adults use social media and a whooping 90% of Millennials are in social media (Pew Research Center). Millennials who are young, hot, fragile are mis-guided by such posts and end up in the zone of vulnerability where they break, damaging the holder and cause threat to surrounding. Lack of attention in nurturing children; grow up with lack of fellow consideration which includes respecting other religious beliefs seem a major contributing factor to this effect.

Social Media companies are trying to filter such messages. In March 2014, Facebook pledged to No Religion campaign, but still it is unable to curtail the raise of religious posts. This is mainly due to lack of proper web regulations. Therefore a fire dragon called social media is on the run causing conflagration to minds in its path. A serious downside of social media; which is a double edged sword. If we wait for governments to impose regulations to contain this it may be too late. It is time for a wake up call for individual responsibility which in turn can amalgamate into a collectively responsible society. Let us not allow nature to get into the third stage of relationship with us, come nurture children with right value system instilled in them for a better tomorrow. Groom them as responsible global citizens; guide them in Project Destination-Heaven. As always with any technological advancement; Social media is not all bad, provided used wisely.