Health is only the means to the end..

This is in continuation of my earlier article in this blog. That article attempted to assert that the goal of exercises is health, and not fitness (link).

My current article puts for the claim that even "Health", must be seen for what it is. We are not given health to protect it per se. So if you are healthy and think I should stay in a germ-free room to retain it that way, you are missing the point. You are losing out on living life, which truly, is the purpose of health.

Parents, with the protective mindset over their children, try to keep them from dirtying in the mud, or at extremes, from contact with other kids even if with runny noses. Guess what, while some might know that the physical level itself you are stifling this child's immunity. Most still do not realize that they are stealing the small pleasures from this child's life.

One has true understanding of life that health is best sustained by nature, and everything in it. The hint is from the very fact that the act of living itself sustains on a fine balance. If you don't take that next breath inside, your physical life ends. Health is given for the very purpose that you go outdoors and experience life, and contribute to it. That is in itself its best sustenance.

So to those who spend half their days counting calories, exercising, grooming, cleaning, my suggestion is, discretion. Your body is a temple keep it clean, but not to the extreme that you squeeze a sanitizer each time you pass from one room to the other. Watch what you eat, but stop counting calories. Do give in to some cravings sometimes. If you want to forego something first, start with meat!

Your goals should not be around losing weight or walking more steps this year. They will automatically happen, to optimal levels, if your goals are set higher, truly towards fulfilling the purpose of life.

Share, practice charity, serve others, make goals around ideals like these. Practices adopted around those will provide more satisfaction leading to better health. When you serve the needy, you automatically value what and how much you eat; you realize how much more of a privileged life you lead, and get more contentment.

At higher levels of maturity, when you see life for what it is, a repeating cycle, long if not endless, somewhat like the Truman Show, you will take a step back. And realize the need for higher spiritual goals.Health of the physical body (at least the sheath sustained by food) stops mattering at that point. And it takes on newer mental, spiritual meanings, and even definition!

Rainfall

Every rainfall, is witness to this
I miss, I really miss you Miss

You might think, this is nutcase case
I say it's really, my nuts and bolts

I walk behind you, I stutter standing beside
I don't know why, my heart leaps and flies

This sweet pain is something, I can feel upto lips
Will you ever, share with me, a kiss?

Why morning tea/coffee?

It's a tradition, or maybe a part of culture. But every morning, people all around the world, wake up to have a cup of tea or coffee. And funnily, just after they have brushed their teeth. And why so, only to get back some teeth stain?

Those who've researched it, know the reason. It is, at the end of the day, an addiction, because of the caffeine in it.  And many of those who've researched this even still continue to consume it. While there is freedom to choose, true freedom comes with reducing dependence correct?

I can understand someone feeling sleepy post lunch, and going for a cuppa to ensure his attention stays rapt in the subsequent meetings. But why mornings when you are supposed to have woken up fresh? Ironically, most consider this to be the exact reason why we consume tea/coffee in the mornings; to feel fresh! Well then, you have a problem at hand. Either you are not sleeping well, or not long enough. Fix that!

It's common experience that a hot cup of morning tea helps loosen the bowels, which as a practice is ideal from a health perspective. But I can assure you, the same effect can be delivered by both hot water, or even lukewarm water. It is only mental conditioning to credit a diuretic (that is, something that ironically causes your body to actually lose water) for it.

So, Think Again, and Revisit.

The magic of third gear

Some time back, I wrote about the joy of discovering the intricacies on driving with car's second gear (link). How it saved me from ceaseless gear-shifting when speeds go below 20kmph.

And now I'll say with more time behind the wheel, I've begun appreciating also the third gear!
I say the third gear is the ideal for optimal driving speed in India. The third gear too lets one start from a low speed of around 25kmph. And at least I've not seen it complaining unless the speed closes on 50kmph! Of course, the ideal range could be 30-40kmph.

On a typical drive, while I can stay at second gear on speed-breakers, I can smoothly shift to third gear when I'm around 25-30kmph. And kind of stick to this gear in city traffic. There, that's it! Between gear 2 and 3 much of my driving gets done.

I know vehicles cut you, and are trying to gain, one car at a time. Little do they realize that there are traffic lights on city roads. It's just not possible to get that far away. So why do it!
And then there are the dreaded motor-cyclists. Somebody please tell them their life is their own responsibility. They just choose to whizz past! If not for them, at least the hassle of ramming into on o them I choose not to have.

The important thing about driving in second and third gear, is to take half a clutch up, and then slowly release. Unless this is mastered, the car always throws tantrums just after gear change!

The thid gear speed also gives sufficient time to look around. If not at nature, then at address searches. As long as you are in the third grear, you can comfortably read the sign-boards and shop names, while the vehicle behdind still does not have reason to honk!

Obvious Errors

In a sea of passion, floats a world of wonder
And we are but one in many
I know not why, we think it all right
To commit all sins unforgiven

I know the rules, I feel the path
The conscience tells me so
Yet I do what others, will cheer me to
Because our world was captured by us so

To tell the truth, and do what's right
Has become a conflicting thing to
To bend the rules, and take it easy
Is what it has now come to!

Narasimham series Part 3: The Dawn of Realization

Part 2 | He could realize what is happening, but needed a witness. It took him some time, to even accept. His body was being traded, by another soul. And the other soul, happens to be Narashimha himself!

The Lord was protecting him, from those out to hunt him. He had a purpose, so the Lord would not let him perish. So whenever challenges insurmountable, were making their presence felt, he was being taken over, by a soul more adept.

But this sharing of the medium - the body that he now couldn't call his own - was coming at a price. Obviously he had no memory, of when his body was being possessed. But also he was losing his power of speech. He body felt stronger, though the human heart was beating harder. And even though it was dusk, his eyesight was sharp, but how? Somehow his physical characteristics, were being mixed up with a lion's. The realization startled him, and he rushed to the flowing river. No, he looked the same. Big relief!

But there was another thing that worried him, his overall memory itself... | Part 4

Devi

Devi graceful, who light-step treads
Into hearts and minds, of devotees
Pours nectar and peace, into restless beings
Makes true purpose shine, as crystal cleaned

Devi divine, all powers who manifests
Lord Shiva himself, whom Parashakti reflects
She represents my every, living breath
She is my very, action expressed

This Devi I bow to, I invoke her blessings
I pray she watches, my thoughts and feelings
She protects me I know, I hold tightly my mother
May she lend me the vision, I follow her path forever

I am the witness

Of late I have thought,
What good of me, but provide
What be of me, without this life
Family, job, and the daily grind

I then read that, I am not this
I am what witnesses it
What I should do is step behind
And watch if I am doing right

Am not the doer, oh not at all
But will be victim, as I direct him
If I quieten, the mind's chatter
In daily run too, will there be peace

For the year ahead

A year has ended, has arisen a new one
With hope and wonder, I look forward to this one

Lazy have I been, bound by routine
What I need really, is a desire to win

There is lots to do, and demands from many
To keep my priorities, will be the priced win

Memories of Twin Lake Towers

The beautiful apartment community Twin Lake Towers that we were once a part of had a beautiful lake, at the centre of which they have a fountain always turned on, even lit up at night. Huge green-grass ground, and baseball nets, and a pretty park. They have a small pond in the midst of the ground too, which also has a fountain and a bridge-walkway. Gives a romantic setting like watching it in a movie.

We moved here early May 2010 and lived here until 2011 Autumn sometime, and loved it for the most part. Utility bills have gone down, which is the biggest plus for me. Parents are happy that the entry-exit to the building is much more secure than Brook Hill.

We lived in both the one-bedroom and two-bedroom units of this apartment. With each we only saw distinct advantages. The only issue with the apartment itself was the geese-poop all around the trackway.

This is where we saw the World Cup Finals with friends, and had the best Indian restaurants in Westmont around the vicinity. I started going to King Car Wash and began visiting Whole Foods for organic foods on 63rd street (the apartment was on 59th street). Till date, Siam Thai was the best Thai place, which was very close, and so too Saffron Indian restaurant and the Chat place with the same name.

Upen Bhanu left for India in mid-2011 while we were here. Jyothi got pregnant. Shanthi stayed with us for some time. It was a wonderful time, in a wonderful place. It was nice.

Find the Sage Inside

When you have that compassionate smile
When you feel the pain inside
Rest assured, that he is in
Find that benevolent sage inside

When less than more is what you seek
When austerity gives you peace
Search him, for he is near
Find that content sage inside

When you do, without a gain in need
Result good or bad, you are still at ease
You are him, just realize
Find that enlightened sage inside

Narasimham series Part 2: Peace in Action

Part 1 | Compassion is common, when you have left community, ironically. He felt the oneness, the pain, of those writhing around him. His sense of calmness fast disappearing. Couldn't make up his mind, which way to go first. Some were counting, their very last breaths. Can he then, even help!

That's when he sensed,  a movement behind. He turned around  saw someone, and just then it happened. Again a blissful, lasting Samadhi. He had entered Nirvikalpa. Was it ages or a timeless moment, he couldn't tell. But when he woke up, he smelt blood.

His robes now blood red, and a shocking sight ahead. Two people bearing knives, their hearts torn out! | Part 3

Teri Yaad Mein

तुम थे तभी , तुम्हे पा ना सका
तुम्हे खो चूका, फिर क्यों ये सज़ा

ए ज़िन्दगी ऐसा क्या किया
मुझे तू ज़रा बक्श ना सका

याद में तेरी, जि रो रहा
पर  मैंने कभी ना गिला है किया

Early Morning

It was a tempting morning sun
The question was will I wake up
To the crimson clouded sky
A beauty rare to ever sight

But nah I had a late night
And a weary sleepy eye
It would be another morning
So I say to my own chagrin

Scientific Cricket Team Selection

I wonder sometimes why selectors cast aside the law of averages when selecting the team. Attitude issues and knocks under pressure (ala Azharuddin) might be the differentiator perhaps. But how much of a difference if the law of eliminations and the rigorous grinding through various leagues, from local onwards, wouldn't have taken care of these.

I feel 90% of the national team of any cricket nation would benefit from simply keeping spots open if the player doesn't make the cut after playing international competition from other nations.

I have a simple criteria when I look at Averages, Batsmen being the simplest.

One Day Internationals (ODI): Average above 40 and Strike Rate 75+
Test Matches: Average above 50 and Strike Rate 40+

That's it!

I mean, selectors make a big fuss of it, emotions (especially popularity) and lobbying playing a significant role.
And by averages above, I mean career averages. A poor run or bad form may be lived with, but if it falls below above threshold, then replace. Give the player some time off, or let him come back to form after some domestic seasons. Don't let massive egos affect team standing in the international arena.

One could ask what is the criteria to allow their debut in the international arena: Well you want to catch them young, but still after some experience. So say in one senior domestic season (played without injuries or skipping else he's not fit enough) if they play per above, give them a chance if some spots are open!

You'd also ask how long do we sustain with the person after debut, in the international arena. Again same answer, one season. And of course, he's always on the spot with sticking to those averages.

You may also question a Sachin Tendulkar with a heavy legacy might continue forever without his average falling below the threshold, even if they are in the worst form. I say that's correct, and they've earned that respect. Players of that class will not give you cause to regret, if the day they feel they are done, they'll hang their boots.

I also know that given by above criteria, a lot of greats might not have had such long careers. But then, my argument would be, their burden must have suppressed the rise of potentially greater players. That's the very thing I'm alluding to when I say selectors base their decisions on "emotional" factors than scientific.

Bowlers are the key to winning matches, although every form of the game thrives by making punching bags of them.

So selection of bowlers needs more thought. This is the criteria I came up with:

ODI: Economy Less than 4 OR (Strike rate less than 40 and Average less than 30). This is only if the bowler consistently bowls ten overs in an innings.

Tests: A bowler's not proved himself until he's taken 7 wickets in an innings and 10 wickets in a different match against a different opponent and a different country. Thereafter, he keeps his spot by keeping his Strike Rate less than 70 and Average less than 30.

For debuting and retaining the player, the same criteria as for batsmen (one year in domestic and international).

I hope this, or better thought through, but scientific methods become the norm in selection process to give more transparency to the game, and better value for money for the spectator.

Narasimham series Part 1: Woke up from slumber, Woke up to disaster

He woke up from slumber, a deep sleep he had entered. When he'd intended to just sit and meditate. But when he opened his eyes, all he saw around him was death and destruction. The tree he had sat under was in ashes, people groaning, eyeing him..was that a look seeking help or mercy.

He did not get it. He was just this bearded, ochre-robed young sadhu. A sanyasi who'd lost interest in the mundane rat-race and fallen in love with the eternal joy, pure bliss he felt within. He'd seen through the mist and risen above it.

But one look at his hands, and even he shuddered. Drenched in blood were they, and so too his feet. There was smoke and fire around, but still the calm within. What happened, what just happened here... | Part 2

Nidhi

Your body such beautiful treasure
Your name would right be Nidhi

Our union solemned altar fire
Seven stepped, garland blessed

I have loved you cushy tender
And miss those warm tight hugs

I not know if this dream or real
I do not see you now
I not know if this past or future
I do not see you now

The Youngest and the Oldest are the Closest to God

...And the younger ones, closer than the older ones. The innocence of the young reminds us of what a blissful, wishful life one could have. With no responsibilities, and be as you feel like. Express love and anger in full earnest. Cry out loud, and laugh away merrily so. The merriness in their ways is what makes them appealing to one and all.

Youth is wasted on the young, is a sane saying. For as we grow from childhood, and start "learning" to be "civilized" is when we lose touch of our true selves. Society shapes us to be what they want us to be, not what we want us to be. But the maturity to join laughter clubs comes late! That is, to laugh at oneself, to take it easy a little. To strike balance in life, and not be dogmatic about, well, really anything.

Glittery are the toothless smiles, of young and old alike.

Can we really imbibe this attitude. Can we be at peace with ourselves and the world around. Then only, verily, will toothy smiles be just as joyful to laugh along with!

Connect the Dots...

I'd once heard this remarkable speech by Steve Jobs whose basic intent was that we cannot really Connect the Dots looking forward, or know really how what we learn or experience currently will be of value in the future. We will only be able to do so looking backward, and so trust that all that experience today will make sense sometime in the future. He talks about how unplanned calligraphy classes later made their way into the first Macintosh computer. That was the first time I learnt of the philosophical side of Steve Jobs...

And it's not something we don't hear about also. Be it from religious texts or sermons or from elders when we are going through a bad phase, that it will all fall in place. Or all that happens, happens for the best. I learnt about my friend Niketan who'd unexpectedly returned from the US after quitting his job, had flown back. He and I know that it was indeed good he was here at this crucial time in India. Was it by design, Yes; but his design, No. But there is for sure someone or better put, an intelligent force above, which seems to have control over this. Across even the time and space limitations.

Albeit we get a few instances in this life to experience and trust this, we really might not find it justified or proven when we look at other peoples lives. Some people we think are suffering more than they ought too, and some people living a most privileged life without deserving it, or so we think. What we, and the people in context need to realize, that it's all been and will be accounted for. Across births. And it's not that we live an indulgent life and just take it away with a shot in the head like Hitler, and think we'll get away with it. The soul has always been the silent witness. And it'll go through the effects of our wilful actions for sure.

Putting that context to our lives, don't really think, even at the end of the life, that I didn't get my due, or I got an unfair part of it. Just lead a good life, till the very end. Like Jagadguru says, the summary of all of Adi Sankaracharya's teachings is: Do Dharmic activities; Do not do Adharmic activities.
Just repeat to yourself when you feel low: It's all been Accounted for!

And they just sat and talked

While time was running, and the days and nights flying
It seemed stood still, from where we watched the sky

And I saw through it, and ran off from which
But they, my dear friends, they just stayed and talked

And days went to months, and months into years
But whenever I passed by, they just sat and talked

I don't know if and when, they got up from those seats
If they knew that they had aged, that this life a privilege

I never asked them that, I never judged on that
For when I had to see them, I at least knew where to find them!