Children and Lockdown

Managing the Children in Lockdown

Children are like flowing waters, blooming buds and tender like young saplings. They need healthy atmosphere, natural conditions, loving care and emotional tending. In the times of crisis like the lock down due to COVID-19 these young buds should not wither or fade away. Just as young saplings and blooming buds need fresh air and loving care, the growing children need favourable environment and healthy atmosphere to groom, develop their inherent talent and master their creativity. Their tender minds need emotional bonding, psychological strength and a sense of security.

In such crisis our children may be reeling under unknown fear, tension, irritation and doubts and all these things may hinder their natural growth and all round development.

For the purpose the parents need to be responsible and take extra charge when the children are away from their schools, friends, relatives and other social bonds. 

They should involve the children in house hold works, play games with them and talk to them on various topics as well as help them learn the value of family and other relations. Also teach them what it means to be together, eat together and play together and how to celebrate life together.

We should make them water the plants in their homes simultaneously tell them the significance of nature. They should be taught how to take care of nature around them and value it.  

They should be taught to help their parents in their chores. Encourage them to help their siblings in their studies and assignments. Push them take care of their elders and grandparents which will in return make them inculcate good habits and nurture certain values like respect for the elderly and concern for them. This way they will learn life values and take advantage of their life long experience.

Parents need to talk to them in leisure time and discuss with them freely on various topics, current issues and areas of their interest. This will eventually help them recognise their indigenous talent and make their place in this competitive world.

Mothers may ask them to read holy books as well as they may read religious scriptures for them. It would help them know their roots and explore the mysteries of life, eventually they would get the answers to their ever puzzling questions.

Teachers play a vital role in the unhindered and natural growth of the children. Along with teaching them online, healthy discussions should also be held which would let them speak their minds and express their emotions. Get them involved in activities and creative ways without binding them in rules and conditions. Let them be themselves. Sometimes, they may seem to be too silly, however their expressions should not be suppressed.

They should feel that their parents, teachers and loved ones are there with them all the time. We all need to assure that they must not feel afraid and worried in such crisis as long as their parents, teachers and friends are around.

Success, Stress and Suicide

Success, Stress and Suicide

Gone are the days when people used to read Indian epics, Ramayan, Mahabharat and Gita and would chant proudly, “Karmanye Vadhikaraste Ma phaleshu Kadachana” which means “Perform your duties sincerely and never seek their rewards”.  Now a days, the first thing that the people do is to set the targets and returns and then set out for any venture.

Gone are the days when India used to be regarded as the centre of peace and harmony, abode of learning and spiritual advancement and destination of culture and heritage. Ironically, now India is becoming the capital of suicide, rape and corruption. In the 21 century, suicide is the third highest reason of deaths after diseases and accidents especially among the age group of 15 – 39 years and 14% of global suicides occur in India. It pains me to analyse that the greatest reason behind this degradation is stress, insecurity, disappointment and dissatisfaction. Now, contentment is not considered to be the greatest wealth. Recently the suicide of actor Sushant Singh Rajput has shaken the entire nation and we all are forced to ponder over the real meaning of success.

In this materialistic world the worth of certain product or creation is measured in terms of money, success and fame or if I would say in the language of digital generation (Gen Z), it is measured in the terms of likes, shares, followers and TRPs. Sadly, the worth of work has lost its meaning. Now, everyone is in the mad race of proving himself or herself and that too in terms of data and figures. This craziness leads to disappointment, dissatisfaction, pressure, anxiety and hypertension.

Kahlil Gibran has expounded the meaning of life so beautifully, “Your children are not your children, they are the life’s longing for itself”. Life is to be lived, and not to be wasted and abused by committing suicide. Live life for the sake of life itself, and not for achievements, perform your duty for the sake of duty, not for rewards and most importantly learn for the sake of learning, not for earning. Life is a beautiful gift of Almighty, receive it with gratitude and spend it to fulfil the purpose with which you are created by God. In the words of Mark Twain, “Two days are most important in your life, the day when you are born and the day when you get to know why.”  Once, you are able to find the purpose of your life, no other reward can lure you. The purpose of your life itself will become the greatest reward and the highest achievement. It would become the substitute for happiness and contentment.

We should lead a meaningful and purposeful life which should be governed by ‘dharma’ and ‘karma’ -  two important elements for a successful and blessed life. These two elements are explicitly delineated in Indian epics and scriptures. If we read them, our heart won’t be tossed in the winds of dilemma and disappointment and clear stream of reason would sanctify our mind. Then, the meaning of success will change. The idea of success is completely different from what we have perceived. The sutra of success lies in being happy, and not the vice versa. ( Mantra of happiness doesn’t lie in being successful. )

Follow your DHARMA and perform your KARMA and leave the rest to the Almighty. Your life will never disappoint you and you would be able to see that human is the noblest creation of God. You are born to perform for higher purposes, not for petty achievements and monetary rewards.

Make yourself useful and involved 
https://inforanjan.com/moms-lockdown-diaries-whatever-you-do-do-it-together/

Pursuit of Happiness https://www.canvasthatislife.teachinglearningwidpoornima.com/2018/05/is-real-happiness-myth.html

Sand

Let It Go

The grains of sand

Glittering in my hand

As I held tight,

Sparkled bright

Bidding me goodbye

Slipped from my finger

With a twinkle in the eye,
Could clinch no longer.

Smiling secretly

Said to me slyly,

‘Let it go,

Just let it go.

Life is not to hold
Show must go on.

Be little bold

Let go, move on.

Life is in moving

It’s all about going

Stars glowing
Waters flowing

Plants growing
Winds rushing

Fields flowering
Deers running.

.

Life’s to live away

It’s to give away

Contribute some

Hoard none

It’s to forsake

It’s not to own

It’s not yours

But its own.

Life's for life’s sake

knowledge for its own sake

Learning to learn

And not to earn

Success to succeed

Not to achieve

Give and forgive

Not to receive.

Odd are the ways of life

Lose yourself to survive

Sweet is its secret

Live each moment

To die just once

By giving we receive

Not the reverse

Let go to rejoice’.

New life begins

After one ends,

New chapter opens

After one closes,

See a new sunrise

On same horizon

After the sun set,
Begin afresh move on!

Online Schools-A New Perspective

 https://inforanjan.com/online-schools-a-new-perspective-in-education-system/

Wild Wind

Wild  Wind 

From miles to miles

The wind blew wild,

Rushed in the streets

Like a carefree child.

Rustling through the green

Whispered a secret mild,

‘No one dares stop me

I ride on a horse wild.

Riding the green

No barriers for me,

Know no fear

Sky is for me,

Riding the blue

Horizons for me,

Ride on me, I’ll take

You to your destiny.

Fly with your dreams

Free will be your fire,

Passion fuels the pace

For the weak is the ire,

Pace runs through life

Pause is the death fire.

Take your own course,

Follow heart’s desire.'

Battling against Corona

Hark the Warning Bell!

Shh………  Listen what life is trying to tell us all. But to listen what Life tries to tell we don’t require to use these mortal ears. Listen this warning using your heart with reasoning power and sensibility coupled with sensitivity.  Today, all the medical advancements are facing a setback and technological progress stands defeated as the entire humanity is put to a halt… This all is happening due to Corona Crisis.

What is most threatening is the fact that the most developed countries are reeling under this crisis due to the sudden outbreak of COVID – 19 and even the super power of the world, USA is also feeling helpless against the fury of nature. Once again nature has proved itself more powerful making the mankind feel helpless and telling it to put brakes to the maddening rush and tumultuous life styles. Today, I aspire what Thomas Hardy has, in his ‘Far Far From Madding Crowd’

At this hour, simple solution is to take a break, pause a little, listen and understand what lesson Life is trying to teach us. Life is not a race to win, neither it is a trophy to achieve, nor a chance to satisfy our ego. Life is a beautiful gift to mankind by the Almighty. Accept it with gratitude and respect it with utmost sincerity. Now, nature is ringing a warning bell and asking us to stop…….., leaving all the worries of work, business, success, prosperity and stability.  A quiet retreat is what matters most in this situation. Now the question of life stands supreme and peaceful moments in life are the need of the hour. Suddenly the words of Pablo Neruda seem to be so true, “We will all keep still…… without rush, without engines… perhaps the earth can teach us.”  The sensitive people like poets and artists are always able to identify the warnings of nature and comprehend the lessons of life as they don’t use the mortal eyes and ears to comprehend these lessons but all their senses. If we use all our senses, we’ll clearly understand that life needs to be respected and lived in true sense.

This crisis of Corona is a medium through which we can pause little and meditate upon the quality of life that we are leading in the present time. Learn this important Lesson of Life - how to win this unusual battle against Corona peacefully, sweetly and gracefully. Taking a graceful retreat is more powerful weapon than attacking this strange enemy.  Now, we need to enjoy the bliss of life even if it is a forced home confinement. How ironical it is that we are not happy to be confined in our homes even to save ourselves. The Governments have to force us to do so. We aren’t happy either to work like machines without a pause. So how can we make ourselves happy? No one knows……..  no one can even tell us……. Sit back, pause and ponder over to find the answer or just enjoy the life you are put in and you will get the answer. 

Online Schools - A New Perspective 
https://inforanjan.com/online-schools-a-new-perspective-in-education-system/      

                                                                                                  

Life is Beautiful

Life is Beautiful

Life is fast and furious, at the same time, boisterous and beautiful. But, we often fail to realise this. We keep thinking that we have so many tasks to do, so many targets to achieve or responsibilities to perform and afterwards, we will enjoy life. In the course, we hardly realise when and how the sands of time have slipped away from our fist. 

We are often engaged in adding cream to the cake of our endeavours, and forget to taste the real life. Often engrossed in our daily routine, we fail to reflect upon the things that actually give us inner happiness. By the time, we realise this mistake, we have gone too far and the journey is about to end.

We are too preoccupied in hoarding material things that we don't get out of our small worlds to enjoy the little miracles happening around us, every moment. We fail to observe the beautiful nature, colourful flowers, floating clouds and twinkling stars that add to the beauty of life. We forget to feel the soft blow of wind on our face and capture the golden dawns and the silky twilights.

In the mad race of our daily mundane routine, we tend to ignore the most fulfilling experience of spending quality time with our family and friends. How many of us can claim to have spent fun and frolic filled days with the family and friends in recent days? It is often claimed that all our struggle and strife is meant for our children; these twinkles of our eyes, too get ignored. The worst part is that we try to load them, also with material things rather than the shower of our pure love and the quality time. 

It is visibly reflected, too in the behaviour of our children who get involved in these material gifts so much that they hardly care for our company. In this era if we provide our children with smart phone with unlimited data, they hardly think of spending time with us and take all our love, care and concern for granted. 

No amount of money can replace the value of human touch. Same goes for other family members; be one’s spouse, parents or friends.

We need to pause a little, live and be grateful for the bounties of life. We might get many chances in our life but life, itself is one beautiful chance to be lived, loved and enjoyed.

Diabetes - an enemy in disguise https://inforanjan.com/sugar-not-sugary-symptoms-of-diabetes/

Happy Birthday

The Eighteenth Birthday

The bubble of my joy

Cute, cuddle and coy

Used to charm with her chatter

Resonate house with a clatter

Kept me busy with her play

Danced to her tune all day

Asking improbable questions

Painting her world of dreams

Playing with dolls, my doll

Couldn’t catch, when grew tall

And how days slipped to this day

And my doll turned eighteen today

A reflection of my heart,

An ardent lover of art,

A shimmering ray of mirth

A sweet morsel of my heart

Sparkled my life bright

When clutched me tight

 With hold of her soft hands

I sailed into heaven

Her million silky giggles

 Bestowed bliss of motherhood

My own gracious reflection

Grew into an innocent maiden

I rejoice this day

Her eighteenth birthday

I love you my darling

Pour out fondest blessing

May she embrace

All the bounties of life

The riches of this world

May sparkle her life

Agony shan't touch upon her

Grace of God may ever be on her

May she live a thousand year

And I will live on, in her.

                                           -  With fondest love mumma

Diabetes - an Enemy in Disguise https://inforanjan.com/sugar-not-sugary-symptoms-of-diabetes/

Is real happiness a myth?

Pursuit of Happiness

Real happiness is the most attractive trophy which tempts all and forces all to run madly after it. A roe springs up at the fragrance coming from its own naval and runs wildly in search of that fragrant thing, but in vain. How foolish that animal seems to be! I used to muse over the possible sources of happiness so that I might not have to run madly after it, like a roe.

In my childhood, I read about ‘Mirage’ where at a distance the sands shining in the sun delude the traveller to be the sparkling water and it proves to be optical delusion, later. While studying, I read a beautiful Hindi article ‘Anand ki Khoj; Pagal Pathik’ by Rai Krishan Das, it struck the right cord of my senses and I understood, very soon that I am on a wild goose chase. Once our life may be over but our quest for happiness won’t. To get happiness one is ready to go through all sorts of agonies and sufferings. What a juxtaposition of opposites!

Why do we fail to understand what we really want and what is the real happiness? Often, we make a wrong judgement that happiness is something which can be achieved by hoarding material means, and it is another illusion. Money, of course, its magic is far more strong than all other allurements. It catches hold of man’s very soul so firmly that he forgets what his spirit is craving for? Many times the question of real happiness is also blown away in the strong winds of monetary needs and the prospect of financial security consumes man’s entire life.

There may be many possible sources of happiness. If we had been Wordsworth, we would have enjoyed perfect felicity in the lap of nature. Seeing a rose our heart opens up all its folds. The sight of a bubbling cataract makes us fulfilling. The strains of music transport us to heaven. Any kind, compassionate and selfless action purges our soul.

If our heart is pure and sublime, it can bless us with divine rapture. There is natural tendency of joy that it gets doubled, if shared with others. Make others happy, your lips will automatically expand into an ever-widening smile. The key to happiness is purity of heart, sublimity of emotions and nobility of soul. Whatever we do, we should do it with sincere efforts and pure intensions.

Spiritual happiness is true happiness. We ought to know how to make our spirit or soul happy. Our soul is the substance and body is air; soul is the end and body is the means. We should consume our body to please our soul. Christ too, had allowed extreme torments on his body for the resurrection.

Last, but not the least we should lead a meaningful and purposeful life. If you have found the purpose of life, there won’t be the need of finding happiness. The purpose of your life would become the substitute for happiness.

Online Education - A New Perspective https://inforanjan.com/online-schools-a-new-perspective-in-education-system/

Love is a wonderful gift of life

           A Gift of Love

Once LIFE smiled upon me

And asked, “What do you want –

A palace grand or a magic wand,

Just tell me, and I will grant.”

I mused over for a moment

And reflected what I intend –

A bond that lasts forever

Or the love that is lost never

Or a laugh that tickles me whole

Or a tear that purges my soul,

Unable to choose I kept quiet

Couldn’t pick what is right.

Then, had an urge to ask for love

That doesn’t diminish ever,

“Grant me with the naive wish

And bless me with love forever.”

With an enchanting glance

And an unfading smile

She gleamed at me 

And uttered after a while,

“Love is a miracle untold

With blessings in manifold,

Will bless you in abundance

With content and happiness,

Would bring you eventually

A life full of felicity 

And peace perpetually,

The depth of divinity,

A heart brimming with 

An immeasurable bliss

And make you the richest 

With treasurable riches.

                                                    

                                                          -      Poornima Singh

Man is a natural product

Man is Nature's Product

Man is a part of nature which is a beautiful and phenomenal manifestation of God’s designs. Everything in nature behaves in its own way  –  the way it is created by God.  It is nature of water to flow down wherever it finds way. It originates on the lofty mountains and flows down to the deepest point it gets. Smoke that takes birth on ground goes high in the sky. The clouds float in the atmosphere. Seeds germinate under earth and sprout out to take the form of a tall tree. Every entity in the universe behaves in its peculiar fashion.

Man also, being a part of nature, tends to behave the way God has created him.  God has created man to love, to give and to forgive that’s why he is happy when he loves, gives and forgives. If you hate someone, you will be more sorrowful and morose than the person whom you hate. The other person may not be affected or saddened as he doesn’t have anything in his heart. Human heart is just like a blossom which blooms fairly in clean atmosphere and healthy conditions. Our heart stays happy and healthy in the clean air of loving and positive emotions. You can never be happy, peaceful and satisfied if you have had a fight with someone and still keep anger for him even if you have given him two blows in return of one. Think of it when you are going through such moments, you will get the answer.

Example is better than precept. Let me discuss it further with an example. A bottle is created to store water. If you don’t fill it with water, what does happen? Air takes place. But, the bottle is created to keep water in it. Fill the water or some other substance, which is important and meaningful for the bottle, air will go out automatically.

Man is also like a bottle. He is created to perform some meaningful and important task. If he is not involved in any meaningful, important and useful works, wasteful ideas or negative thoughts may take place. Here the saying ‘An empty mind is a devil’s workshop’ that I heard in my childhood, goes well. Negative thoughts are very powerful and obstinate. They can’t be removed easily just like the air in an empty bottle. You can’t simply take the air out. Very simple and easy way to remove air is to fill the bottle with water and air will leave the space itself. The same applies with us. Extracting negative thoughts from your mind is not an easy task. The better way is to fill your mind with positive thoughts by engaging yourselves in meaningful and important purposes. The airy things will disappear themselves.

Understand the designs of God and know the purpose for what you are created and sent on this earth. Involve yourselves with meaningful tasks and you will get to know why you are sent on the earth and serve the purpose with which you are created by God.

by Poornima Singh