I am not used to the timing on the blog. I am not used to coming in out of turn. But I have options to change, to be different and unpredictable. Ha !! This is early morning blues. Do they really exist ? Who cares !

I connect because I am. I connect because you are. I connect because I wanted to.
Many perhaps did not comprehend the O2 of last night. They could not connect with what followed in the next lines. I mentioned my yawns were doing better than my heart beats. It was just a way of saying. Yawns do not do that. What it was implying quite simply was that, I was yawning too frequently. Yawns I had read somewhere came because the body requirement of Oxygen was diminishing. Hence if I am in need of the O2, then I am sleepy ! That is about it.

Many were making panic suggestions of a walk in the park, to breathe the fresh air and so forth. No !! Its was just a way of saying I was tired and needed rest.

What followed thereafter was a description of the mind being in ‘oblivion’, a state of blurred thinking. I was writing within a state of extreme sleep deprivation and the thoughts were coming in abstract forms and construct. It was a warning that lead up to what was to follow.

The whole idea playing in the mind was basically of superior and inferior complexes and how individuals react or behave in circumstances when they maybe assumed to be riddled with such characteristics. No one is inferior. How can one possibly make that insinuation. It was a study on what if one were to be inflicted by an inferiority complex. Or of one inflicted by a superiority complex, then what could be expected of their behavior in certain circumstances.

I could find myself in the presence of a superior being. The superior being is not proclaiming that he or she is one. It is my assessment of the person and the situation by, gauging my own capability or incapability. I could self deprecate myself into thinking that my state is such. I could also be arrogant in my belief that it is not. These are not the issues. The issue is of those that continuously want to imply and send out signals that they are always right by their own belief that they are superior.

I would rather the acknowledgement of the superior, come from another. I have no problems when it comes from the person himself. They need to be admired for having the confidence and the strength to accept and believe that and have the tenacity to live up to it as well. I personally as an individual have a problem in behaving in this manner. It may well be a characteristic which is not appreciated. Fine. I do not generalize on it, merely put it across as an asset I do not possess.

The act of deliberately and constantly wanting to object, oppose, disagree with what may be the general drift of a conversation or opinion, to me seems odd. It seems to me to be wanting to be noticed, just because you are the only one that is going the wrong way up the stream. Now … why does this happen.. was what was rankling my mind. Is it a realization of a desire to be superior but not having the right acumen to fulfill it, or genuinely suffering from an inferiority complex and stepping out to cover it. There could be a situation where one could constantly, through circumstance, be in the company of or surrounded by enlightened beings, who not of their own calling, but by the calling of the world outside, be addressed as superior. Would that coerce or compel one not so enlightened, to develop a complex. Do they allow that complex to invade their existence or do they fight to overcome it. How would they fight. Would they make genuine effort to bring themselves up to the other standard and prove by act deed or example, or would they assume and pretend their acumen to be superior by continuously criticizing or ridiculing the other, just so they are noticed.

Its not an end of the world debate. Some times during the late hours of the day, in contemplative solitude, the mind wanders.
Sometimes its good to know that we are never alone..
My tea waits patiently to be noticed and devoured. I must not disappoint it.......
With my love .. a mouthful .. a bit inaudible, but with all heart ..

RAMYA

Mother is special

What makes all Mother’s special –

ANSWER :
When I came home drenched in the rain my brother said –
“Why don’t you take an umbrella with you !”
My aunt said –
“Why didn’t you wait till the rain stopped !”
My father angrily said –
“You will only learn after getting a cold !”
But my mother while drying my hair said –
“Stupid rain !”

Swami Vivekananda, among other things was a great football enthusiast ! What he said all those years ago still holds true.
“Life is the biggest game man has to play between the ultimate goalposts of birth and death. His dilemma stems from his decisions and relationships; whether he should steer the ball politically or emotionally, keeping control through his creative and artistic integrity. Winning or losing depends on how fairly he tackles the game. Because the rules are already set by the invisible Referee. All he needs to do is play his matches sincerely and without guile.”

We all born to live life to the fullest. Lets Enjoy it without sorrows and pains...

As always
Ramya

To my soul mate..

Somehow, out of all the twists and turns our lives could have taken, and out of all the chances we might have missed, it almost seems like we were given a meant-to-be moment - to meet, to get to know each other, and to set the stage for a special togetherness.

When I am with you, I know that I am in the presence of someone who makes my life more complete then I ever dreamed it could be. I turn to you for trust, and you give it openly. I look to you for inspiration, for answers, and for encouragement, and - not only do you never let me down - you lift my spirits up and take my thoughts to places where my troubles seem so much further away and my joys feel like they're going to stay in my life forever.

I hope you'll stay forever, too. I feel like you're my soul mate. And I want you to know that my world is reassured by you, my tomorrows need to have you near, so many of my smiles depend on you, and my heart is so thankful that you're here.

Ramya

Smile...

Rain or shine, never stop smiling.........
Working out of reasonably better workspaces, better educated and obviously better paid and cared for, how many times do we greet a colleague, customer or even a stranger with a smile? By staying grim or morose or even indifferent, we are going against the nature of our creation, Which is to be happy in the moment.
So folks... smile. As they often say things could be worse. And make the smile your value proposition to the world around you....

Relationship.....

Its been long time I posted and am here now. A few inspirational lines i got and am sharing with you all...

"A strong and positive attitude creates more miracles than any other thing. ‘Coz life is 10% how you make it and 90% how you take it. “
“Self respect increases when one learns to converse positively to the self.”
“The one who wins over situations with the power of ones own stage is a winner.”
“The earth weighs 6.6 Septillion tons. Don’t make it heavier my carrying a heavy heart ! Stay light. Laugh often. Love much…”
“Arrogance does not allow understanding. Adamance does not allow adjustment. Ego does not allow clarity.”

How does one value each other ?
Is it by the informality of the casual or the determination of sustained relationship. What is it that brings two people or a group of people together. Do we see or seek opportunity in association or do we seek a companionship that remains with us almost perpetually. Does the companionship bring a presence of joy and fresh thought in our life. Or is it done to bring fresh ideas. Does one see benefit or does one see exploitation. Is it demonstrative enough to gather acclaim. Is it silent and reserved, yet deep enough to be unfathomed.
Do meeting of temperaments assure association or do opposites be a greater and stronger attraction. Do friends eventually take the place and respect of family or will there always be a glass ceiling that shall constrain and restrict us. Will the power of the friend be excessively more powerful than the power of the family.
If friend is family and vice versa, will and can there be a distinction between the two. Then if there is no distinction as is wont, will friend ever replace family ; not literally but perhaps philosophically.
Who will sit on judgement then on an issue that challenges this concept belief or understanding. Is challenge an option in relationships such as this. True depth of expression will be determined by such tests. But then would failure in a test spell failure in relationship.
It takes decades to build a relationship ; it takes only a silly moment to break it.

I give because I do not know how to take. I would take generosity, care and affection and give it back in greater measure. It would be simple to add, because I do not know subtraction. I am aware of multiplication, but division I cannot spell or entertain.

Teach me O! Lord the grace to value without motive , to consummate in an ideal world, the richness of holding hands, of walking together, of thinking alike for that shall be my only and my greatest salvation..

My love to all

Ramya

Thoughts...flowing

Another severe day.. Day of tiredness. Reached Chennai this morning... Coming back home is pleasurable..

My ever flowing sms quotes, coming to me in droves drives me to share some with you -

“Knowledge speaks. Wisdom listens.”
“Luck has a peculiar habit of favoring those that don’t depend on it.”
“Give a thousand chances to your enemy to become your friend. But don’t give a single chance to your friend to become your enemy.”
“If Bill Gates stops his business and starts spending his money at Rs 1 crore per day, he can spend it for about 725 years. Crazy fellow. Still working !!”
“No one can make us feel inferior without our consent.”

I liked the last the best. It was strong and self respecting and had great attitude. It was principled and honorable.
You cannot insult me with inferiority unless I allow you to. Why must I feel inferior to anyone. Unless I succumb to the fact that I am inferior, you will not be able to insult me.
Beautiful thought.

It challenges one in a way. It tells us that we are indeed no less than any other unless we ourselves think that we are. It provokes us into believing that we must work towards making ourselves so accomplished that no other can stand before us with superiority. If I am weak and less competent and admit that I am, then any other will make us feel inferior. But if we are strong and capable and believe that we are, then we also believe that we are not inferior to any. Giving our consent weakens us. But if we have the strength of our conviction then we shall remain superior and without the fear of inferior accusation.

So make ourselves strong and resolute. Determined and conscious. We should be able to say ‘we can’, rather than say ‘we may be able to’ or ‘perhaps we can’. There should be no room for doubt and uncertainty.

I like that. And I must start believing in that too. Words are easy to write and express. performing the deed is where the problem comes in.

Many of you give such wise and meaningful ideas and suggestions. You are all so blessed with the ability to be able to do that. I value that and am blessed that you associate with me.

I love you all my friends...

Ramya

Multitasking

I wonder when you multitask, do your faculties suffer or improve.
I believe when the environment changes, the mind shifts gears and starts afresh. Or am I just being plain stupid !
5 in the morning at the gym, gives you a sense of having physically moved yourself into some mobility. Essential since, any stagnant behavior clutches the body in excruciating pain.
While you gym, the mind does not necessarily concentrate on the weight that you push or the repetitions that you perform on the bench. It also pays attention to the sound on the system, the music that is played with some volume, to inspire one to enjoy the ordeal of exercise or motivate it towards performing adequately.
There is also simultaneously the TV screen that runs on different channels - sport, news, music video, trailers of coming films, general knowledge information, preaching, astrology on how the day shall shape for one, the weather…
The mind registers all that. Registers it more as you begin your yogic breathing. As you shut your eyes, images and thoughts appear. Some you wish aside, others you allow to linger. Those that linger tend to be disturbing, yet you do not allow it to break concentration.
At home a general inspection tour of the property. Plants well watered and in place, pavement washed and then… out in the sun
News to be read. Phone calls to anniversaries, response to a million sms on mobile, connecting to loved ones then..
The office.....
Back home. I have not eaten yet. It is 6.30pm !! Ok bring it in quickly and nothing too complicated, need to rush off again.

My periamma has been in hospital for a surgery. I had sent her a message for her speedy recovery. She calls back to thank and inform that she is home. Was getting depressed in hospital she says so came away. Oh ! I was planning on visiting you in hospital. Do not take after surgery too lightly I warn her, take rest and do not get into any kind of activity. She sounds a little groggy. I shall visit her tomorrow.

And I quietly slip away..

Dinner, dinner.. the kitchen is screaming. Just gulped a few spoonfuls as I punch in on the comp.

MULTITASKING !!!

A full day. It is now 12 am. A few hours and up at 5:00 am to pay respects at .................
Alright.. alright.. to bed and rest..

See you all back
Ramya

Beautiful life

I am blessed to have you all in my life..

The cycle of life moves on. It brings fresh faces and ideas and compulsions. It brings commitment and challenge and hope and fulfillment. And desire. Desire to do better, to improve, to take a stand. To be uncertain and insecure. Afraid and hesitant.

Because… When you are all these.. life becomes beautiful. I want to lead a beautiful life, we all do. With respect and admiration for all that it throws in our path. When we shall respect and admire what life gives us, we become enlightened and strong.

I miss the peace and quiet of the sea. I miss it because it gave me time and space to contemplate, to think, to analyze my thoughts and feelings. In the bustle of Chennai there is this great big machine that continuously keeps urging you to perform, to get activated. There is hardly time to breathe and hence hardly time to put ones thoughts in correct perspective. Much, therefore that I put down today, has a certain vacuous strain. There is much to say but it is being said in a preoccupied environment. It is not a state that one enjoys being in. So there must be pardon sought for any fall in quality or substance.

Discussions and meetings firming up future projects take up much of the day. The calendar is filling up and the prospects of all members of the family spending time together fast diminishing. We are all there but not there.

It is now time to nod off my head. I think it should rightly shift to my pillow.

Good night and God bless
Ramya

Its long time

Okkkaaayyyy.. Its been long time i blogged. I am sorry.. Days are over.. Busy with schedules and mails.

It was a lonely sunday evening.... The sun has set somewhat hazily over the Bay of Bengal. I have been thrust into the volcanic gravel by the coast and washed ashore by the gentle and at times harsh waters of sea. A quick change from the wet clothes has made me survive a severe cold. I am dry and rested, fed and ready for slumber. All that remains for the day is being punched out now over a typing pad - a most enjoyable and intimate obsession!

The water of life beckons me.
I reach my destination. My footprints follow behind. Soon to be engulfed in the flow. The waters wash away the desire and pain. I rest in the belief of fulfillment, giving myself to the elements. The foot prints of life now washed away, never to be seen again.
What is my life ?
That which surrounds me now or that which got washed away…

Cool

The cold and the sleet still follows... I am in a new environment now. New people, new work... Lots of friends with laughter and good wishes and fun around. With the help of a friend I have now successfully learnt how to start up with the work and there is a sense of great accomplishment within me. Strange how spirits rise when you pick up a new faculty !!
This internet ‘thingy’ is such a fascinating and delightful world. I have been sitting on it for more than 8 hrs now and still feel I need to do more.. ha..

At this morning... the sun shines brightly. This world is a small world, with large hearted people. Some of you came on the blog and wished me. That was sweet of you.. Thank you for all your affection and love. For those kind words of affection and love that drifted across from the barriers, so so endearing…

And in closing for the moment, I have to say this.

As long as u say “Not today”..
Success is “Never” yours.
The moment u start saying “Y not Today”,
Success is all “Yours”

Will be back again....perhaps later today

Ramya

Proud to be Indian

A famous African saying comes to me on the mobile -

“If you want to walk quick, walk alone. But if you want to walk far, walk together !”

Let us pledge to walk together to walk far. Far from misery and want. Far from hate and treachery. Far from intolerance and division. Let us be together in resolve. Let us be together in commitment. Let us be together in belief. Let us build and not destroy. Accommodate and not repel. Hold hands and not dispel.
Never more have we felt the need for all of this than today. When all around and within us crumbles, let us steel ourselves to face adversity. Let us repair with dignity and perseverance and show to the rest of the world that we are indeed different. That we are strong. That we shall not bend or turn back or stop. And that we shall walk in our multitudes with pride and passion.

Sack Lunches...

Inspired by this story...
I put my carry-on in the luggage compartment and sat down in my assigned seat. It was going to be a long flight. ‘I’m glad I have a good book to read and perhaps I will get a short nap,’ I thought. Just before take-off, a line of soldiers came down the aisle and filled all the vacant seats, totally surrounding me. I decided to start a conversation. ‘Where are you headed?’ I asked the soldier seated nearest to me. ‘Petawawa. We’ll be there for two weeks for special training, and then we’re being deployed to Afghanistan. After flying for about an hour, an announcement was made that sack lunches were available for five dollars. It would be several hours before we reached the east, and I quickly decided a lunch would help pass the time…. As I reached for my wallet, I overheard soldier ask his buddy if he planned to buy lunch. ’No, that seems like a lot of money for just a sack lunch. Probably wouldn’t be worth five bucks. I’ll wait till we get to base ’ His friend agreed. I looked around at the other soldiers. None were buying lunch. I walked to the back of the plane and handed the flight attendant a fifty dollar bill. ’Take a lunch to all those soldiers.’ She grabbed my arms and squeezed tightly. Her eyes wet with tears, she thanked me. ‘My son was a soldier in Iraq ; it’s almost like you are doing it for him.’
Picking up ten sacks, she headed up the aisle to where the soldiers were seated. She stopped at my seat and asked, ‘Which do you like best - beef or chicken?’ ‘Chicken,’ I replied, wondering why she asked. She turned and went to the front of plane, returning a minute later with a dinner plate from first class. ‘This is yours with thanks.’ After we finished eating, I went again to the back of the plane, heading for the rest room. A man stopped me. ‘I saw what you did. I want to be part of it. Here, take this.’ He handed me twenty-five dollars. Soon after I returned to my seat, I saw the Aircraft Pilot coming down the aisle, looking at the aisle numbers as he walked, I hoped he was not looking for me, but noticed he was looking at the numbers only on my side of the plane. When he got to my row he stopped, smiled, held out his hand, an said, ‘I want to shake your hand.’
Quickly unfastening my seatbelt I stood and took the Captain’s hand. With a booming voice he said, ‘I was a soldier and I was a military pilot. Once, someone bought me a lunch. It was an act of kindness I never forgot.’ I was embarrassed when applause was heard from all of the passengers. Later I walked to the front of the plane so I could stretch my legs. A man who was seated about six rows in front of me reached out his hand, wanting to shake mine. He left another twenty-five dollars in my palm. When we landed I gathered my belongings and started to deplane. Waiting just inside the airplane door was a man who stopped me, put something in my shirt pocket, turned, and walked away without saying a word. Another twenty-five dollars!
Upon entering the terminal, I saw the soldiers gathering for their trip to the base. I walked over to them and handed them seventy-five dollars. ‘It will take you some time to reach the base. It will be about time for a sandwich. God Bless You.’ Ten young men left that flight feeling the love and respect of their fellow travelers. As I walked briskly to my car, I whispered a prayer for their safe return. These soldiers were giving their all for our country. I could only give them a couple of meals. It seemed so little…
A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to his country for an amount of ’up to and including my life.’ That is Honor, and there are way too many people who no longer understand it.
May God give you the strength and courage to pass this along to everyone on your email buddy list….

My love and care and more
Ramya S.......

For him

Apologies again !! Have been very busy with the work and keeping late hours so was unable to catch up with all.

I dedicate this blog to the precious person in my life...

January 15th, his Father's death anniversary. A longing and a pain. I am not around with him that day. But a small prayer for our father. I sat in my room, touched his face which striked in my heart to seek his blessings. Stood a while.. Reminisced that last quiver as he left all of us and walked away into the day.

Someone celebrates a birthday today, some an anniversary, others a wedding. Later in the evening we attend one. The unstoppable wheel of time moves on, as does our life… We remember you... and you remain with us every moment....

More love

Ramya

Silence

Apologies! Apologies! I missed out few days. I loved the silence I maintained..

There is a tide in the affairs of silence. Listen to silence? Yes ! it has a sound. A sound because other sounds can be heard above it. I hear the heart pound, my breath breathe, my fingers rustle and the mind that thinks inwardly but can be heard in large volume.... Delighted to be in such environs. Suddenly the tab of the keys sound ecstatic - they form words coming from the mind that is in state of exhilaration.

The day has been spent in doing just that. Listening to the silence and allowing it to penetrate me. To fill me in its near orgasmic quality. To reveal to me its variations and different positions. To embrace me in its warmth and to bring me to a cataclysmic exhausting end, of a weak and listless being.

Silence does this to people.

I stare before me on the table at books marked with some reference.

But then why not ?? Could be there to break the silence. Politics often does that to society.

My love, never in solitude or silence, but in abundant volume

RAMYA

New beginning

A new year, a new beginning and much more.. Its like the smell of the fresh wrapping around the text books. Gradually of course as the year passed by the reverence to the aesthetics of the book diminished. So too with life.

A cold creeps in. I still remember all the moments and its a fascinating year.

Take me away somewhere.. Somewhere where the peace is tranquil and calm.

Ending with a inspired note.. "The strategy of life is so very strange, just when we have all the answers , life changes the question!".

May the Lord be with you....
Ramya