Moments

It's been a while since our family has been together under the same roof. Reminds me of times when the kids were younger, in school and life was so different. I guess when you look back everything seems so much simpler than the present.

So far, this week has  seen many interesting conversations, discussions, relaxed moments outside on the patio watching birds nesting and going about their bird duties and an overall good feeling about how "this" feels right. And it's not just the parents feeling nostalgic and enjoying having the kids home, it's also the kids feeling comfortable and visibly noticing a sense of peace here - almost like this self isolation and the closeness it has brought about should be the norm not the anomaly.

We are all going about doing everything that we normally do like working, cooking, chores but there is the absence of frenzy, a sense of calmness and mindfulness in what we do that was not there before. I believe this pandemic has given everyone a new perspective on what's really important - that we are all connected and one with each other.

Let peace, love, and good health permeate to all corners of the world.

PC: isha.sadhgur.org

First week of isolation

Week 1 of self isolation is winding down. It does not help that it has continually rained for a week which has marooned everyone in their homes without even being able to get some fresh air. The good thing is while we are isolated most of us have our families with us and for the most part, are embracing this unexpected time together.

Everything seems strange and different but at the same time familiar  - as in this feels right and somehow like there's extra time now to get things done, go for walks, cook more elaborate meals, eat together at the dinner table, linger and have long conversations. Life seems slower, less rushed, more calm - like we can finally breathe. It's as if Mother Earth is putting on the brakes and saying, " STOP - we're taking a break."

Taking advantage of this time to rejuvenate will not only keep our immune systems strong but will recharge and renew our mind and body.

• The hour that you save from commuting could now be used to start practicing yoga that you always wanted to but did not have time to during the morning rush.
• Maybe get to bed an hour earlier and get that much needed extra sleep.
• This may be a good time to avoid binge watching Netflix shows and start on those creative activities that you've always wanted to pursue but could never find time for.
• Intersperse your work day with short walks around the block, practicing self isolation but allowing yourself to breathe the fresh air.
• Clean and organize your space if that's something you've been putting off.
• Maybe this is the time to start growing vegetables and potter in the garden.
• Practice mindfulness and send warm, compassionate thoughts out to the world to the world reeling under stress, anxiety and worry in the throes of the pandemic.
• Reach out to those who are alone and offer a few kind words or assistance to get groceries or much needed supplies.

We are bombarded with so much news, jokes, memes, and whats app forwards about the pandemic that it slowly starts to create a feeling of foreboding in our minds. We may read and move on and feel that it does not affect us but at a subconscious level it plays havoc with our mind and creates fear leading to frenzy and hysteria.

So while it's good to be informed, let's promise to take a break from digital content and focus on meaningful activities at this time.

Let's stay safe, calm, compassionate and think positive thoughts as we ride this storm.

Lessons from a Pandemic

It has been an unprecedented week to say the least - first time stores have run out of toilet paper, first time for long lines at grocery stores, first time being shuttered at home, first time facing a pandemic. The COVID 19 pandemic has brought the world to its knees.

But this is also our time not to give in to anxiety and stress, to not give in to feelings of hopelessness and frenzy. It's our time to show empathy, have an abundance mindset and remember that this too shall pass.

Panic and hysteria is not going to help anyone.

Let's all do our part in fighting this together, flatten the curve, and take this one day at a time. And on the bright side, who would have thought that we would have got this unexpected and forced time together to bond with our families, spend time having meaningful conversations, and enjoy the warmth of each other's company.

Monday Musings - Make Mistakes

Reflect on Neil Gaiman's powerful words at a commencement speech several years ago. Why is it so horrifying to make mistakes? We're human aren't we - fallible, confused, doubtful, full of shortcomings but also hopeful, enthusiastic, energetic, and brave. As someone once said " the things we would do if we knew we could not fail". Get rid of those self doubts, own those mistakes, learn from them and do better - simple enough, right?

Blank page

So many thoughts and ideas swirling in the head but unwilling to land on that blank page. Why?

The quest for perfection destroys creativity. As Seth Godin advices "anything we create isn't perfect" but we can start and iterate and make it better. It maybe awful initially.

So get started on that art, book, house, career, whatever and keep improving as you go along.

What else is preventing you from taking that first step?

You can do it

I went to a Women's conference recently and no, this is not a feminist rant. The speaker mentioned that women tend to only take on a job or project if their knowledge and confidence level is at 150% of that project but a man with some knowledge is able to push for and be confident to take on that role/project.

Most women feel that they need to have their capes flowing and perfectly coiffed hair at all times to be considered successful. We tend to self talk ourselves out of opportunities. Don't.

Mistakes may be made and we may have to ask for help but it's okay to do that.  Just grab that opportunity and make sure you give it your best  - don't wait until you have all the knowledge, resources, and tools before you venture because someone else with way lesser knowledge and resources but way more confidence in their ability would have grabbed it.

Have you ever passed up on a gig and then watched someone else do the very thing that you know you could have done just as well?

PC: J. Howard Miller for Westinghouse Electric

(End of) Monday Muse

Rediscovering Old Interests

Where did these 6 years go? It just feels like a couple of months, at the most, have gone by without a single post or interaction with the blogging community.

As I look through my old posts I almost feel like I'm observing a different person. Did I actually pen those posts? It's quite fascinating to read them and reflect on my state of mind from six years ago  -  I had, at that time, some specific goals to create engaging content through my blog and it sounded like I was determined to follow through. But somehow that didn't quite happen...I guess life happened, priorities changed and the disappointing realization that, with the increasing digital overload, my content would make minimal or worse, no impact at all.

Tonight as I lounged around in a hotel room in College Station, I realize that I have missed out on an activity that was therapeutic, meditative, and one which gave me a creative outlet to explore my interests and share them with a wider audience.

It seems appropriate that on this Martin Luther King weekend I would rediscover my love for this avenue of expression. His inspiring words to do the best that you possibly can and follow your dreams, propels me to embark on this journey again. I hope you can join me and participate in these dialogues.

Happy Martin Luther King Day!

Eye on the Solution

I attended a webinar recently - a Primer for Speaking Confidence , whether at a public speaking engagemen, a presentation, or even a one-on-one discussion. I came back with one point that was crucial to presenting effectively - "provide a solution".

If you take away all the frills , the slide deck, the cool powerpoint, fancy images etc, the main focus of the presentation is to provide a solution. This applies to any blog or website, any message that you are trying to communicate....are you providing a solution, food for thought? If so, your presentation/blog/ conversation will be well received and your audience will change their mind .

What is the purpose of your communication?

{photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/valerianasolaris/3626860068/}