Most of my friendships are those that I’ve been fortunate to have had for many many years. Whenever I’m asked the question whether I have many friends, my answer has always been “few.” I’m fortunate to know many wonderful people and well-wishers, but my friends’ circle has always been small. This has been the case Read More

One of my perennial favorite books since childhood is Mark Twain’s “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.” The beauty of the book lay (in my eyes) in the witty narration of the delightful friendship between the two chronically mischievous characters, Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. There was a lot those two young rapscallion friends learned from Read More

t was over a month ago when a wellwisher and colleague of mine had wisely commented that I am naughtier than I look. Hearing that, I knew that the one person who could validate that observation is Maria. We were in fourth grade and were sitting in the school library when Maria and I first Read More

My friend Darren’s case is a classic example of how the determination of loved ones to decide one’s course of life can lead to tragic consequences. Coming from a conservative background, his family had considered marriage as a part of life that all need to undergo. Darren’s decision to get married was made purely keeping Read More

It was Rita Mae Brown, who once said, “I think the reward for conformity is that everyone likes you except yourself” As a professional who gets to meet and learn from many people, I thoroughly enjoy meeting and knowing people. People are special, with their unique personality traits, hailing from different backgrounds and myriad cultures. Read More

Every thought we harbor, every word we utter, every movement we make, every visual experience we enjoy is not trivial but contributing to our enjoyment of our very existence. The age we actually learn the most about Mindfulness is during our childhood days. As a child, we thrive and acutely experience every moment of our Read More

Every experience we undergo, right from the moment we are awake, we have the opportunity to become totally aware of the world we live in. From inhaling the air we breathe, to using our limbs to walk, our arms to move in rhythm, view the myriad colours of the world we live in, inhale the Read More

When my Dad was experiencing breathlessness and lack of appetite due to metastasis lung cancer, one day my children called him to asked him how was his day. It was painful for them to see their Grandfather struggling to breathe and have no appetite. “It’s a beautiful day”, he remarked, much to their pleasant surprise. Read More

Just what makes Anne Frank’s work continue to inspire generation after generation? For a work that was compiled during a period of a little more than two years, it is an amazing work that focused on hope and optimism. What made her diary more inspiring was the fact that while living in hiding, she had Read More

In a workshop on creativity (in which I was a participant) a few years ago, one of the exercises we had to perform was “Automatic Writing.” “Automatic Writing” can be defined in the creative context as writing that is spontaneous and lacks conscious intent. It was fun for the sheer freedom it gave all the Read More

The philosophy of Cherry Blossoms is deeply ingrained in the Japanese concept of “Wabi Sabi” or respecting the imperfection and temporariness of life. There is a quaint old folktale that I have heard about these enchanting flowering trees. It is a tale of a devoted and loving wetnurse who gave up her soul and became Read More

Originally a native of Asia, today Cherry blossoms bloom in many parts of the world. Apart from Japan, South Korea, China, and India, they also bloom in Australia, Canada, U.S and New Zealand. The Cherry Blossom flower holds the prestigious position of being the national flower of Japan. In Japan, the arrival of Cherry blossoms Read More

As a comic term to describe a pompous or conceited individual, “Mamamouchi” is apt. But do we all only refer to such people as Mamamouchis or do other undeserving people too fall into this category? Sometimes, due to biased judgments or prejudices, we are guilty of classifying people and turning away from knowing and helping Read More

Having had the privilege of growing up in Dubai in the 1990s, Bikram Vohra’s satirical humour provided me with a good dose of weekly entertainment. His dose of irony and wit would appear regularly in our newspaper those days. His anecdotes about his life, his family and friends provided much mirth during my monotonous school Read More

One of the individuals whom I consider as an ideal candidate representing the “Growth Mindset” is Helen Keller. As a lecturer, writer and political activist. she holds a beacon of hope to all those who are blind, deaf or both. To the general public, she became an inspiration. Born with the ability to hear and Read More

It is said that “We cannot control the wind, but we can control the sail” Our attitude towards life, people and situations can be one of our biggest strengths or it can prevent us from getting the best out of our existence. We sometimes come across those who are greatly upset with their existence – Read More

The subject of sociology deals with how human society functions, develops and attempts to make progress in a structured manner. Group behavior within this organized structure is also analyzed and studied for the purpose of understanding culture, relationships, and institutions. But to what extent would we go in order to fit into the expectations of Read More

Someone once said, “If you can’t be yourself, you are nobody” Few have the courage or the conviction that they will be whom they wish to be – no matter if its the king or a pauper they are speaking to. Talking of the courage to speak one’s mind, we cannot but think of the Read More

The philosophy of Wabi Sabi helps in heightening the appreciation of what we possess while curbing the desire to have more than we need. Apart from making us dissatisfied, whimsical and frivolous purchases negatively affect our contentment with life. Having a sense of gratitude for what we have, will also aid our understanding that the Read More

No interpretation of the Wabi-Sabi philosophy is complete, without the story of that earnest young man who had sought to learn from the expert tea-maker Takeeno Joo. The beauty and simplicity that Wabi-Sabi stands for, is conveyed poetically through this ancient Japanese legend. A young man once approached Takeeno Joo, to learn the intricate and Read More

It was one of those luncheon menu discussions, when the subject turned to the topic of deserts. Serving a desert is the most popular conclusion of a sumptuous meal. Interestingly, it also emerges as the pièce de résistance in many restaurants and homes where I’ve enjoyed a meal. Creating deserts, I enjoy, but when it Read More

How can we maintain our personal harmony so that we are able to make others’ lives also happier and more harmonious? The factors that make each of us happy, depend a lot on what we believe is valuable to us. For many, happiness, is dependent on the happiness of our loved ones, the progress we Read More

The literary fascination for the phrase “For whom the bell tolls”, began ever since the founder of the Metaphysical Poets, John Donne, published his poem, ““Devotions Upon Divergent Occasions”. My appreciation for this line began years ago when I noticed its magical quality to evoke glimpses of a past steeped in history. A bell, as Read More

Ever since I can remember, my Mother has always been an early riser. She has always been a strong advocate for the benefits that rising early makes to our health and well being. Rising early is one of the easiest and healthiest ways to getting a “little more” out of our day. I know that Read More

Imagine a sumptuous banana split! The pastry chef unravels his culinary masterpiece before you, when he exclaims, “One moment please” and runs into his kitchen. Rushing back, he ensures that the luscious glaze red cherry is placed at the right angle, while the secret signature chocolate sauce (that he had forgotten) is now drizzled over Read More

I have been asked the question, “How does one motivate oneself?” several times. What has perplexed me is that, most of the time, the question is asked by professionally successful members of society. It’s a fantastic question and its answer can take us to the threshold of an understanding of not just who we are, Read More

Isn’t it great to remember some of the happiest moments of our life? Connecting to the joyous sensations that made us feel euphoric, is one way of propelling ourselves and others. This simple yet profound philosophy is one that benefits not just the follower but is altruistic in nature. The moment we make the efforts Read More

From the age of of 10, my teachers would wait eagerly to see my parents to come for the parent teachers meetings. Since I did not give my teachers much opportunity to tell fantastic tales of my educational or extra-curricular feats to my parents, my teachers would merely want to give my parents a tiresome Read More

The quality of “Sincerity” is sometimes prone to misinterpretation. It does not mean bluntness or speaking whatever comes to our mind. On the contrary, it merely implies that whatever we say and do is meant and not a pretense. The ability to create belief in our integrity emerges from the sincerity we portray in our Read More

With hope in his eyes, the restaurant manager asked the crucial question, “How is the food Madam?”. With a small polite smile, the lady replied softly, “It was not good”. Many may term the lady as being “rude” or “ill mannered”. On a deeper note, can we really accuse her honest, polite and well meaning Read More

The word, “Entr’acte” has its origin in French and emerged in the mid 19th century. The word conveys a interlude between an opera or a play. Do you enjoy the entr’actes in your life? If you do, is it often enough to refresh you? While pausing momentarily, as we move on with our life helps us Read More

According to the English Oxford Dictionary, “A comma marks a slight break between different parts of a sentence” The comma enables a pause instead of the sentence moving in full speed like a verbal train of thoughts. The question is, “How often do we realize that we should not rush through our life but pause Read More

The Native American culture is rich and fascinating in more ways than one. Apart from their rich traditional heritage of picturesque paintings, sculptures, carving, dramatic and detailed attire and head gear, it is their respect for the Earth that makes them truly remarkable. Their relationship with earth is insightful and their belief about utilizing the Read More

I remember what one of my friends had shared a year ago regarding his understanding of human nature. “Basically, human beings are lazy.” he had declared during our long discussion of human behavior. I had refused to agree. Is it really so? I’m not sure if we can categorize human behavior with a generalized approach. Read More

Maslow’s focus in creating his motivating “Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs” lay stress on the innate human positive characteristics. Conflict scholar John Burton also emphasized needs based on biological, psychological and social needs, but with no clear hierarchical order. According to Human needs theories, conflict or violence occurs when there is a deprivation with regard to our Read More

In our life, we may come across many noble souls who despite hardships and challenges refuse to complain. They may be among those we know, like my elderly childhood nanny who never lost hope or complained about her healthy yet unemployed son. A son who after the age of 45 eventually focused on his responsibilities Read More

Many of the successful legends that our world has seen, like artist Pablo Piccasso, Physicist Albert Einstein and American Motivational Speaker and Writer Zig Ziglar, all emphasis the importance of creativity, learning from mistakes, never giving up and always doing our best. At a recently conducted workshop, the moment I had entered the venue, I Read More

We are sometimes faced with an emergence of a age old belief when it comes to competition. A righteousness of competing in life that is based on survival. Thanks to Charles Darwin and British Economist Herbert Spencer, it is the “survival of the fittest” we are told. Whom do we compete with? Do we compete Read More

Several years ago, I got the opportunity to have an interesting chat with a gavel club member’s parent after our regular gavel club meeting. What was unique about our conversation was the persistent concern the parent had regarding his child’s eligibility to win the “Best Speaker” trophy after his speech performance. The discussion than lasted Read More

If our education is based on more experiential learning, imagine the fun we would have experienced during our school and college years! During our recent trip to the Viking Ship Museum in Denmark, I came across a “class” inside the museum. What made this class unique was the fun all were having. The costumed drama Read More

It is far easier for a parent to “make” a child happy than to “teach” a child to be happy. We notice that many parents, in their earnestness to ensure that their offspring is never unhappy, spare no effort in catering to the child’s every whimsical demand. Blinded by love and affection, they believe that Read More

An environment of happiness with absolute freedom from fear and anxiety is the best gift that parents can give to their child. All expressions of affection, care and companionship from members of the family create a sense of security, safety and belonging in the child’s mind. A child from such surroundings is certain to grow Read More

Happiness can be defined as “a state of being contented and satisfied with life”. As adults, many still search for this elusive state where we believe all our needs are fulfilled. The question is, “Can all our needs be completely satisfied?” The answer to that question can only be answered by us. Many may comment Read More

Many of us would love to believe that we belong to the group of enlightened souls who refuse to judge others based on their culture, race and background. But how many of us are actually ready to respect, have the interest and celebrate the unique beings we ALL are at a personal level? 5) Respect Read More

A couple of days ago, I came across an article that highlighted the achievement of a 78 grandmother as a social media influencer. The case of the oldest person ( a 101 year old gentleman) in the world who had successfully skydived also made news. Their feats are undoubtedly admirable. The lady is an individual Read More

Our thoughts and actions determine our euphony in life to a great extent. The harmony we experience is often a result of what we do, how we do what we do and when we do what we do. Leading a life that is fulfilling because of the love and passion we have for it undoubtedly Read More

A recent “Good Morning” quote got me thinking about the concept of love and how it affects our life. Here’s what that quote said – “Once in life do fall in love, not necessarily with a person but with an idea, a dream, an ambition….” Each of us are passionate. This passion can be for Read More

We all have the intrinsic desire to be treated well. The key to effectively use our authority and power is by realizing that we need to treat people the way we wish to be treated. Whether we are an employer, an employee, a homemaker, a sibling who is regularly assisting another sibling with their responsibilities Read More

The “Stanford Prison Experiment” is one of the most controversial experiments conducted in recent times that throws light on how powerfully a situation (even an artificially created one) can influence our thoughts and actions. How primitive and barbaric instincts can emerge in the absence of consequences. In August, 1971,a research group led by Stanford University Read More

Does a sense of power and impunity generate a negative influence on people’s behavior, making them harsh and rude towards fellow members of the society? The other day, a friend of mine spoke to me about her domestic help.The man helps in cooking and general upkeep. With few years of service behind him, he continued Read More

Our ability to say “No” is an often forgotten but crucial step in enhancing the effective usage of our time. During a recent workshop I had conducted on Time Management, its discussion was received with a lot of thoughtful nodding and smiles from the audience. A member of the audience quietly saw me after the Read More

One of the wonderful steps we can take care of our body, mind and soul is simply by loving who we are. Unfortunately, for many, it is easier said than done. Irrational questions like, “Are we not projecting ourselves as arrogant if we love ourselves?”, haunt us and prevent us for accepting and loving us Read More

For many, loving themselves is associated with the infamous yet fascinating character in Greek Mythology, Narcissus. Sadly, this is a misconception. A brief summary of this unimaginably good looking young man’s tale will tell us why. As the son of the nymph Liriope and the river God Cephissus, Narcissus was a hunter. He was breathtakingly Read More

The attainment of knowledge is a passion for those seeking awareness and enlightenment. When we look at well being, it is a beautiful combination of tranquility, harmony and state of contentment. So, how do we link well being to knowledge? Recently in my Toastmaster Club, we had a sizzling debate on the topic – “Most Read More

Is our philosophy of life framed from what we believe life is or the stress felt by considering what it has been so far or the anxiety regarding what life may have for us in future? Dale Carnegie once said, “It isn’t what you have, or who you are, or where you are, or what Read More

As an acknowledgement of any error we commit, the Latin phrase, “Mea Culpa” meaning “through my fault” makes sense. If we look at this phrase a little closer, it can also bring to our attention the intriguing manner “guilt” plays on the harmony and happiness we can get out of life. Many of us may Read More

Someone once said, “To be Happy you must be your own Sunshine” On rare occasions, we may come across individuals who are so happy and such followers of positive living, that you wonder, just what makes them so chirpy…so cheerful? Do they have no problems? No challenges in life? Have they led such a perfect Read More

Despite the challenges involved in seeing your child venture out into the world to learn, grow and succeed, this is an ideal time to take a little more care of yourself. When a child is at home, you may seldom think of little indulgences like going for a rejuvenating retreat or a quick relaxing weekend Read More

When I look at my life, I realize that some of the most positive changes that happened to me have been through challenging times. Times that I had to either experience discomfort or stress have been moments that gave me a valuable insight into myself and what I can work towards for. For example, it Read More

For many parents, “The Empty Nest” stage is one of euphoria and trepidation. The euphoria is experienced through the wonderful realization that their child has reached a level of maturity to leave home to study or work and develop further. The trepidation stems from the anxiety of not having a direct control over their child’s Read More

When the monsoon showers would pour on her little hut, and the holes on the roof would cause puddles inside her little rooms, what was remarkable was her smile. I would be in awe of the radiance of her smile…as she would beckon me, a child of 7 into her home and courteously offer the Read More

Encountering rude people or behavior is an experience none of us prefer to, but inevitably during our life, we do get to “greet” some! The tendency for many of us would be reciprocate with coldness or reflect their behavior. The question is, does this behavior help US? Are we likely to be happier after our Read More

Before I elaborate on the virtues we gain by refraining from being insolent, let me tell you how I met someone whose beauty lay significantly in the way she treated others. Perhaps more importantly, the admirable interest she has in the well being of all she comes across. When I had met Arifa for the Read More

“With a scowl on her face, she would greet any one she was not familiar with. That included the team in her office. Ironically, even with those she was familiar with like her family, she seldom would have any faintly pleasant to say…” Does the above description remind you of someone? Or maybe even yourself? Read More

I’ve sometimes been asked just how we can get on to the journey of Personal and (eventually) Professional Development. Apart from learning and improving skills that help us to take up the mantle of professional responsibilities, how do we begin? What are the preparations we need to make at a personal level in order to Read More

Our Development and Personal Fulfillment are deeply related to each other. The path to fulfillment is enhanced through our personal and professional development. Some of the key skills that helps us attain personal and professional goals are – 1) To Develop a Definite Goal Focus Before researching on the profession you would like to be Read More

Your road to develop yourself begins with your BELIEF Unless you have confidence and determination with regard to your beliefs, you will not be able to change the habits that take away a lot of your precious time. As a student, I was always among the “forgotten lot” – not really seen for any value, Read More

Personal Development is usually described as a process that is undertaken for life improvement. At every stage in our life, there are new goals we aspire to achieve based on the requirement of the situation. It relies greatly on the clear and critical self assessment of the existing abilities and skills we currently possess. This Read More

The Trust Factor is one of the ingredients that creates the elixir of happiness. The elixir of happiness is undoubtedly bewitching and I think significant enough for us to make an effort to enjoy. One of the traits of those who trust is their ability to see goodness in situations and others. All of us Read More

During the last 40 plus years, I’m not sure just how many souls have skillfully fleeced or tricked my Dad out of his hard earned money. Dad’s intellect and brilliance has never affected his tendency to trust people. As a child, I have watched him lose money, watched perilous incidents where pretentious charming “friends” or Read More

Shannon L. Alder’s quote on courage is probably one of the most profound reflective yet ambiguous statements on the power of our thoughts that take us to a deeper understanding ourselves. “Courage doesn’t happen when you have all the answers. It happens when you are ready to face the questions you have been avoiding your Read More

Our journey to Self – Discovery involves introspection from our side. It is our comprehension of our habits, potential, areas of improvement, requirements, what we like and dislike that makes us cope better with the changes of life. Cultivating this unique ability to adapt to changes, determines our receptiveness to discovering ourselves. How can we Read More

During our baby years and early childhood, we are continuously exploring the world around us. Factors that stimulate our senses are the ones that catch our attention the most. The whiff of the breeze that play through our hair as we swing in the park, the cold delightful taste of ice cream whilst watching T.V, Read More

Any discussion that even remotely dwells upon Motivation is not complete with touching upon Abraham Maslow’s revered Self Actualization Theory. Maslow’s motivational ideology regarding those who achieve the pinnacle of fulfillment draws our attention to one of the fundamental keys to achieving success too. It is a philosophy that many of those who have reached Read More

As an eternal student, meeting people has given me tremendous joy and enhanced a passion of mine – understanding people. In fact, I have been fortunate to meet many quaint, wonderful, interesting, intriguing and brilliant individuals. Each of them have proved to be fascinating with their ability to teach, inspire and in some cases frustrate Read More

Gratitude does not merely help us “celebrate” our day, we create a happier environment through our conscious and unconscious behavior. Last week, I had spoken to a member of family who had recently lost her spouse. It was her birthday and I was in two minds to call and wish her. I knew that instead Read More

The concept of “Celebration” is one that be termed as an event that seeks the companionship of people amidst happiness and merriment. Or is it? Is celebration not based on your personal perspective? As a concept, if you observe the sentiment of celebration, it is very personal. For some celebration is not complete without a Read More

With an appearance that conveys an air of bygone aristocracy, the elegant and petite Bonsai Trees are fascinating. To me, they reflect wisdom that is both intriguing and profound. “Bon-sai”, literally means, “planted in a container” in Japanese. As an ancient horticultural art form that emerged originally from China during the Han dynasty, the Bonsai Read More

Speaking to ourselves with our perceived positive belief about us, with confidence is a great way to start a day. This practice is known to make a significant difference to the happiness we experience. Through positive affirmations, we command our mind and ensure the quality of the data we register. This careful elimination of undesirable Read More

Apart from the obvious effect of abuse during the growing years, alcoholism and drug addiction are seen to be two of the commonly observed reasons why individuals sometimes turn out to be abusers. Mental health illnesses and personality disorders have also been seen to sometimes act as factors leading to someone abusing another. Of course Read More

The term “Abuse” can be used to describe any treatment by a person, that seeks to gain through unfair or improper means. Abuse stems from aggression and the need to subjugate. It can come in many forms, some more visible than the rest. For eg: unlike physical abuse, emotional abuse or verbal abuse are types Read More

Live every moment in its completeness. Savor every moment, whether it is that moment you arise from your sleep or the rush of pleasure you enjoy as you sink your teeth into your favorite food. Give attention and care to every experience during your day. Just as you would savor time with your loved ones Read More

All of us enjoy some days and some days we experience a mechanical existence. How many of us take the pains to cherish our day? Whenever my Dad and I discuss about the importance of leading a life without regret, we invariably talk about that young man whom he had met 50 years ago in Read More

An effective leader is one whose attention on each member of the team is personal. Personal because the emphasis will be on personal and professional empowerment. Empowerment of a team is a fantastic way for people to grow because it is also bringing the significance of helping others grow to their attention. This is also Read More

As we all know, the word “Delegation” defines the act when you authorize or entrust another with a responsibility of a task or specific action. Effective delegation increases efficiency of a team, organization or even a home. It enhances the development of the team as each member is growing and developing themselves through their role. Read More

Freedom can be defined as the ability or right of a person to think, behave and verbally communicate the way they want to. A deeper connotation to the meaning would be that, it is a situation where a person is not enslaved by anyone or any thought. Many of us may be leading a life Read More

Leading a “Generous” life is not as challenging as many may believe. Many a time, it not how much you have that motivates you to be a generous individual, but how much you are happy about sharing what you have. Like in the case of Sam Uncle. A dear family friend since my childhood days, Read More

Even today, after 22 years, the hilarious incident when I skidded outside my college campus hall with my umbrella, makes me smile. It was just after our insipid play had concluded. When the lukewarm applause had died, my mind was swirling with thoughts on how our play could have been improved upon. I had barely Read More

Our quality of life is greatly governed by the harmony we experience everyday in our life. Our thoughts, actions, experiences all create an impact on the satisfaction we derive from each day. The moment we find that any fear is not only taking away the joy in our life and we are unable to overcome Read More

Our ability to experience fear has proved beneficial in the survival of our species. It has clearly enabled us to protect ourselves from danger. Any impending danger is acknowledged by us as a threat to our survival and our response in tackling this danger has determined our ability to overcome the threat. It is only Read More

Do you wish to make your life an experience with no regrets? As you sail through the seconds, minutes, days, months and years, suddenly it may dawn to you to look back at your life with traces of regret. You may look at events, situations and relationships in your life that you wish you could Read More

Many of us know, the term “Namaste” as a greeting that is practiced by those hailing from the Indian Subcontinent, Nepal and parts of Asia. Originated from the Sanskrit language, this ancient form of greeting has its essence and philosophy based on goodness and universal acceptance. The word, “Namaste” is coined from three terms. “Nama” Read More

One of the incidents that was thought provoking regarding the power of legacy was my conversation with Ravi several years ago. A soft spoken, sensible and dignified young man. Ravi worked as Papa’s (my husband’s Father) chauffeur. To my question regarding long term future job aspiration, he replied with joy. “I love working for Raghunath Read More

Many of us have an earnestness to make the world a better place. Several, indeed make their efforts during life to help improve the environment or the lives of others through altruistic deeds – social services and charity activities. The question is, after death, how can people continue to touch hearts of those they have Read More

There may be moments when you ask yourself whether any contribution you make really helps someone or help the world become a better place. Indeed, it does. As Mother Theresa would say, “We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of Read More

Before, we get into the details of the pleasures we can derive from mentoring, I’d like to narrate my experience as a Mentee. Some of the most remarkable people I’ve come across are my Mentors and there have been so many of them that it would be challenging to narrate about all of them. There Read More

Through out our life, we are proven time and time again, the significance of the role that our Mentor / Mentors play in our life. In our infancy, it is primarily our parents or caregiver who play this vital role. This is then further complimented during our childhood years and beyond by our teachers, peer Read More

Life has its own way of throwing challenges during our journey. One of my friends, grew up in a rife torn home – his parents were not on amiable terms with each other and retaliated at the smallest of opportunities. Growing up in such a bleak environment, he was determined about one thing in his Read More

It is always painful to accept loss. Whether we are facing the death of a loved one, a failed relationship, the trauma of facing the deteriorating health of a dear one or a violent incident that results in injury, the emotional pain that we experience is what we term as grief. We may have read Read More

It is amusing to observe the interaction between the two generation of ladies residing in our home – my Mother and my daughter. My Mother with the dignified observations of a lady in her mid seventies would share her concerns about the attire of the current generation with my daughter. This would instantly begin a Read More

In our childhood, our association with the elderly may have only been through our loving interactions with grandparents or granduncles and aunts. In later years, we reluctantly face the poignant fact that our ageless, ever youthful and powerful parents too have progressed to the stage of being “elderly”. A challenge we face in our interaction Read More

The word, “Vintage” conjures in our mind, the grandeur of a rich and glorious past. It speaks of quality, something that has the fragrance of exceptional superiority. And perhaps most importantly it is something that is old…old fashioned. Taking us to a bygone age, an era that possessed an elegance and dignity. It celebrates age Read More

The desire to be celebrated or toasted is one of the most powerful needs for many. It is a need that is artfully and effectively manipulated by the media as well. I remember many years ago, reading an ad for a famous hotel that also had exclusive hotel apartments. It spoke volumes on how important Read More

The beautiful young lady that stood before me was pale and thin. Her face showed lines of tension, lack of sleep and worry.  She was a beautiful person to know, from within as well as her appearance. One of the strongest people I have come across. Having been through a brief but traumatic marriage at a Read More

A few months ago, during a busy evening of grocery shopping, I met this lovely lady in the restaurant that I dashed in to have a quick dinner. Sitting by myself and contemplating the chores that I needed to complete before heading home, there appeared this lady who strolled into the restaurant. Confident, charismatic and Read More

Freedom can be defined as a state that facilitates an uninterrupted existence with liberty. It is enjoyed when we experience the liberty to make decisions based on our definition of life. As a value, “Freedom” has tantalized writers, poets, leaders and philosophers since ancient times for the limitless opportunities it provides while consciously reminding us Read More

Many of us may have heard from our childhood days, that people will never forget how we have made them feel. Our experiences with altruistic individuals who thrive in leading a life of  kindness and goodness are lessons for us to learn from. It conveys a message that reaffirms the belief that each of us Read More

The word is French in origin. Its a word that reflects an act that people regret and feel embarrassed about, an act that they desperately wish could be reversed and erased. When we find someone else committing it, we feel sorry for them. “Oh my God, I wish those words were never spoken”. “Faux Pas” Read More

The emerging interest in Personal Development has given rise to several pertinent questions to the two closely linked yet different types of development- 1) Personal Development 2) Personality Development As a way of maximizing our potential, contemplate our aims, analyze our qualities and skills, set goals, the term “Personal Development” encompasses all this and more. Read More

Creativity is often subjected to contemptuous interpretation, dissection, sceptical analysis to even scathing critical appraisal. Is it possible to appraise creativity without being judgemental? Be it a magical burst of colours on canvas, a captivating use of language that conveys the imaginative impression of a writer or a beautiful harmony of auditory and visual stimuli, like Read More

The little love bird sat pertly on the open door handle and gave out two shrill twitters.Her feathers were lustrous and beautiful with the rich green and bright orange hues. We decided to name her “Zazoo” after the famous bird character from the cartoon, “The Lion King”And like that character, she was lively and extremely Read More

Betty Williams once said, “When all else fails, take a vacation” Need we really wait that long to take a holiday? No matter what work you are busy with, everyone is entitled to a break to recharge.Many feel guilty about taking a well deserved break or holiday just to feel refreshed and get back to Read More

The charismatic personality often has an excellent recollection of names. They take personal care to address the person they are speaking to by their name the next time they meet. Why? It is a clear indicator that the speaker is appreciated and recognized. This is one quality that always captivates people – to be addressed by Read More

How many times have we noticed someone in a gathering or in a room for the effortless manner they seem to be comfortable being with others? Their confidence that radiates from them is indeed infectious and prompts us to wonder whether they know others. They could even be people who arrive as strangers but won Read More

When Great Grandmother would enter the room, it was not just her age that had made people rise with respect. Her warmth, her beauty, her intellect, her interest in meeting people, her zest for life and the undeniable charm that she possessed made her an unforgettable person to come across. She had passed away years Read More

We are on a continuous road of improvement from the time we arrive on this planet. By the time we are adults, many of us forget being simply happy about being ourselves. We are all good at something. The simple act of making someone feel happy through our words or actions also reflect an ability Read More

In James Thurber’s short story, “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”, Mitty is the passive and ordinary man who leads a mundane and boring existence. Mitty’s disposition is a reflection of the life for many individuals. Teeming with dissatisfaction with his life, his marriage and the way he gets treated by others, Mitty goes into Read More

President Coriolanus Snow, the tyrannical and diabolical antagonist in the “Mocking Jay” movies once remarked, “Hope, it is the only thing stronger than fear” The term, “Sanguinity” defines a state of optimism and hope. A sanguine individual teems with the zest to make the tomorrow even better than today and much more improved from the Read More

Customs and ways of life enable children to understand progress with relation to its affectation of the society and its culture. Children’s glimpse of a bygone era gives them a sense of identity of their own community and region. These are the understandings that lead to an expressive and creative analysis in them as they Read More

In our busy schedule, it is easy to forget the critical need of our child to be loved and spent time with. Salvaging our guilt by “spending on objects” children yearn for is sometimes seen as a conscious or an unconscious solution.Children may enjoy what you buy for them as soon as you buy for Read More

When the ancient Babylonians began the practice of making resolutions for New Year, their hope was based on being able to lead a financially secure life -a debt free life. Today, we are often asked the question about our resolutions for new year.The intense hype regarding New Year Resolutions is unreal. Isn’t every day a Read More

A writer’s work is a reflection of the joys, the tragedies, the desires, the unspoken moments of the preoccupation with the past and the present. And while for many, it may be an exhilarating expression that may be joyful and bittersweet at the same time, for some it is merely a way of healing themselves. Read More

Are you someone who always feels , “I’ll do it tomorrow” and not do it the next day? Do you wait to start on your resolution to begin your exercise program because “I don’t have the equipment that will effectively help me lose weight”? As a follower of “Procrastination”, a procrastinator is prone to the Read More

The term Nirvana,  can be defined simply as a state of mind that is ideal. In the Sanskrit language, it means “to extinguish”. As you may have guessed by now, this term can be considered as a state were we relieve ourselves of hatred, ignorance and suffering. It is known to be a concluding state Read More

When South African hostage Pierre Korkie was killed by a militant during an attempted rescue operation in Yemen, his wife, Yolande said with tearful dignity, “We choose to let it go”. Her reason was simple…accusations will not bring back her husband. In 1995, Eva Kor forgave all those who had mercilessly treated her sister and Read More

As a child, listening to stories gave us a soothing feeling of comfort, helped us gain wisdom, provided us with a sense of security and enabled us to enjoy the proximity of our loved ones – generally parents or grandparents. Many of us grew up with the magical mysticism of stories and fables. The enchantment, Read More

When Hector completed his medical degree and followed it with a post graduate degree with flying colours, it was expected that he would soon be leading his life as a respected doctor. It was then that it struck him! His father owned a flourishing business, and Hector decided that involving himself in his family business Read More

Our interest in our world is undoubtedly influenced by our upbringing, family background, friends, education and our experiences as we journey through life. But what about the influence of our indulgence to engage in a bit of intoxicating grapevine – be it listening or sharing? Despite the controversial belief that gossip might help you to Read More

“A rolling stone gathers no moss”, so we’ve been told. This famous proverb attempts to symbolize the loss of  stability when one constantly is on the run and also conveys another symbolization – describing one who shirks the responsibilities he has. From all the objects I perceive in my environment, it is interesting to note Read More

Is it not the dawn of awareness that we experience when what we wish to become creates the enlightenment we had been unconsciously searching for since our existence? As a Personal Development Trainer, I’ve often been asked the question, “ I am not happy doing what I do….what do I do about it?” I’ve come Read More

What gifts do you give your child? Books, toys, video games and miscellaneous trinkets that your Princess and Prince will surely dote on right? As children grow older, parents in their desire to ensure the security of their child’s future may think of more elaborate and expensive ways to take care of their child’s happiness. Read More

When Walter Raleigh embarked on his quest to find the fabled city of gold, El Dorado, little did he realise how he would inspire many other brave explorers to go in search of this mythical place. Are we all not always on a quest to seek our El Dorado? But in our case, not El Read More

The last but not least of the skills that we need for effectively communicating, is one that is simple but profound. “Emotional Awareness”, a skill that is related to our understanding of the emotional state of ourselves and the situation. It is a reflection of how we identify with the situation based on our interpretation Read More

Aunt Rosa was furious. Her naughty little grandsons were really taxing her patience with their mischief. It was during their regular battles that I had the misfortune of calling her to say “hello”. “Yes…”, she shouted angrily amidst the chaos in the background. “What do you WANT?”, shouted the otherwise polite and affectionate Aunt into Read More

I frantically tried to recall the name…was it Seena, Neena or Teena? Not wanting to appear careless, I confidently asked my college friend (whom I’d spoken to the previous year), “How is Teena?” Pat came the reply with an amused smile, ” I don’t know any Teena, my wife’s name is Tara”. Now there may Read More

It was during my final year of school that I got the opportunity to get to know a very well mannered and courteous schoolmate. I still recall his family’s wonderful hospitality when I had visited their home for a delicious traditional meal. The first time I had met him though, I was struck by how Read More

The first time I read Julius Ceaser, Marc Antony’s famous soliloquy, “Friends, Romans, Countrymen”, I was captivated. I was amazed by the skill with which Antony had successfully created such a passionate outcry over Ceaser’s death in the hearts of the people. More so, since he uttered “respectfully” with admirable and calculated precision about “honorable Read More

The first time Janice had met Mr.Vincent, it was not what she would term as a “cordial” meeting. As a part time volunteer at his school, she had been asked to sit on his chair unwittingly by his kind collegue. A collegue who despite good intentions had forgotten that it was Mr.Vincent’s seat. A few Read More

The harmony of the day can be compared to how all ingredients in a recipe go into making a culinary creation.. like a cake. We need various “ingredients” to make our day positive and complete. Our day indeed requires some “ingredients” like interest, dedication, healthy positive relationships to make it wholesome. For those who wonder Read More

Pablo Picasso once said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” When Picasso uttered these wise words, he did not merely highlight the absolute absence of inhibition in a child‟s mind while expressing through colours, but how very often our, genuinely natural curiosity, creative pursuits Read More

Our association with food is heavily influenced by memories – threads of the experience’s sentimentalism and nostalgia woven into our psyche. While history may give us facts of a life gone by, food makes a powerful contribution to the emotional narrative of our life. As an expat (since the age of three and a half), Read More

We are all familiar with life enhancing words like inspiration, appreciation, aspiration, courage, determination and so on. But do we truly believe in the true essence of these powerful words? The depth of our belief in the qualities these words represent enhances our understanding of our life as a member of society. The journey of Read More

Clement Stone once said, “There is little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference. The little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative.” When I was in the 8th grade, I had a classmate, Mona. She was a bundle of vibrant energy that made any Read More

In our continuous quest to improve and develop children, the role of truth in their life is one that is often a contradiction of sorts. And more often than not, it is the parents that are ironically the culprits for the confusion the child experiences. While parents zealously encourage their child to tell the truth, Read More

The young 14 year old boy looked at his friends sitting quietly in the class. He was bored…restless! Immediately, he started a conversation with the boy sitting closest to him. Soon the chatter rose and disrupted the sleepy class. As teachers, mentors or guides, we may all have situations were you find one child regularly Read More

The Lotus Flower – Rising, Blooming & Radiating Since ancient times, the beauty of the Lotus Flower has been celebrated along with its universal representation of the purity of mind and soul. A fully bloomed lotus represents life, youth, enlightenment and self awareness – a celebration of what I would term as the spirit of Read More

The audience, comprising of mainly women and a few men were warm and welcoming as they kindly appreciated me with their applause and feedback. It was just then, a lovely young lady with a soft accented voice, Tina, came up to me and said that she had met me during a workshop many months ago. Read More

The issues that continue to haunt nations from being truly “independent” are many. Conflict, corruption, poverty, illiteracy, crime, infanticide are but few of the challenges that society needs to overcome. In our zest to improve our nation or any nation, are we not forgetting a fundamental and intrinsic fact, i.e, each of us play a Read More