Reflection Theory of an Emotion

Emotions and subsequently relations take birth through communication which is a result of interplay between significant gestures in the form of symbols and appreciation. The most important category of symbols is language. One’s senses and assimilation of such communication are characterized by the processes of understanding the meaning of one’s reflection. I wish to propose a reflection theory of emotion: The reflection of any emotion is the value of appreciation needed to maintain a relation, if it exists.

If relation does not exist, then the value of such an appreciation is the effort needed to create one. A possible anomaly is when individuals under the influence of their intentions put up a ‘front’ through disturbed patterns of socialization and act to standardize their behavior while others come to believe it to be true, only to be deceived later.

Moods

Are you familiar with the expression "to live in the moment?" This is the ability to be fully present and aware of yourself and your surroundings as you live each moment...with a pleasant mood and have a happy living experience. Rather than as few unfortunate and confused souls think “to live in the moment” is to live the present, and do not really worry about what lies beyond. Achieving such a state requires observation, appreciation, patience, quiet, and the ability to turn off the clock and put away the calendar. In this post, I wish to discuss how it is indeed possible to work on our moods...and reflect on living every moment to the fullest.  While most of us don't experience such times frequently, this is when we feel the most alive. In theory, being present involves learning how to pay attention, and the process of getting there is far easier than you might think. Before we proceed, I wish to present a small experiment that you can try right now to help yourself and pay attention to your life experience in a very positive way. Set a few quiet minutes aside each day to close your eyes and take stock of what you are feeling, no matter how good or bad those feelings may be. Don't judge your feelings, just allow yourself to become aware of the emotions behind them. Next, send your attention outward and become aware of things around you. Notice if you feel warm or cold, what your clothing feels like against your skin, the feeling of the air moving in and out of your lungs. Let the sounds around you filter through you and notice the underlying noises that you may have been tuning out. Next, open your eyes and notice the colors and sights around you in this same subtle, attentive way. By the time you are halfway through this little experiment, you may be surprised at how much you actually notice about your internal and external presence. If you try this, you will probably find that "paying attention" will take on a whole new meaning, and it will be a very nice one at that. Coming back to what I want to present in this post, I think it is a fact of life that every once in a while we find ourselves in a bad mood. Sometimes we know why we are in a bad mood and sometimes the reason may not be an evident reason at all. Even though we all certainly experience times like this, it doesn't mean we have to be stuck in them. Bad moods are often an indication that we need to check in with our feelings and do something about them or take action to shift our energy in a more positive direction. If you are not sure why you are in a bad mood, imagine what you would say if you were allowed a very secret few minutes to complain about anything that is going on in your life. Chances are the things that come up may be tied to how you are feeling. The good part is that once you pinpoint why you are in a bad mood you are in a better position to do something positive about it. Sometimes when we are in a bad mood, the energy we give off simply attracts more negative things our way. That's why some “bad mood” days can spiral even further downhill with problems and annoyances that appear to validate our discontent and frustration. When this happens, consider doing something nice for yourself. Enjoy your favorite beverage or snack, find a funny movie or sitcom to watch, or just go for a walk in the park. Allowing yourself the time and opportunity to do something pleasurable is a positive step that could help to break the negative energy and hopefully shift your mood. Sometimes, we just have a day that isn't so great, but if you find yourself in a bad mood, there is a need to look at the bigger picture. There is enough reason to be happy...for now and beyond. It is for us to seek!

V – Key Leak Cable: Osama Calling Obama

Osama:  Hello Mr Obama!

Obama:  Holy Lord! I never knew technology got us connected to hell! Why don’t you leave US alone?

Osama: Hell? Me? Ok if it pleases you. I never say no.

Obama: WHAT?!?! Never say no?

Osama: I understand these little games of polity.

Obama: Polity? You are a serious treat! And we got you!  (signaling for the phone tap record) God bless United States of America!

Osama:  Running for your second term, no credible success stories, huge unemployment figures, invested 1.3 trillion USD over 10 years and Pakistan feeding on you for nothing. You needed me, and I never say no.

Obama:  Non sense! What do you mean?!?  I said yes I can!! And we got you!

Osama: Morphed Images of beginner level Photoshop, DNA link up with about to die sister (did she die yet?), Buried near the Sea – Shutting down with dignity and saving money on Pakistan for free!

Obama:  We got you! And it is true! Why would a self respecting dignified American lie? And for you! Never!

Osama: Dignified Americans wont, but politicians do – running for the re-election is never easy! I helped Bush too! I never say No!

Obama: Why did you call me now? What is it that I can do?

Osama: Yes you can! And remember, I never say no.

***

It is a rarity that I write about polity and related issues on my blog. But ever since I heard the news and facts associated with it, there was a possible theory hitting my mind, with an explanation: How the entire episode can truly be stage managed, and more so it has far reaching effects. Running for the second term, with little or no success story to claim – Brand Obama needed a jolt, to revive ‘Yes we Can!’  Passion. Costing over 1.3 Trillion USD for ten years now, with Pakistan feeding on American Aid, there should be a way to end all this in style and dignity – save money, claim the honor, revive One America Spirit – get re-elected!  

With morphed (may be?)  Images as proof, DNA sample tested against a dying sister (No trace of her soon?) and burial by the Sea (Nail any possible evidence?) – scripted perfectly and Director Obama charms us all! Yes he can!

Disclaimer

This post and the transcript is a work of fiction. If the content, despite being fictional, proves to be a little offensive to few parties; I apologize for hurting your sentiments in advance. After all, it is works of fiction so do not take it seriously. 

A Little More of a Woman

There is an inspiration behind every action/inaction in our life. There is a necessity to hold ourselves true to our belief, and learn from lessons, nature presents us with. To be or not to be is a question that will stay with us forever. To grow into a new person, become better is a constant struggle everyone of us are going through.A true account of reflection written by a friend of mine, inspires me to understand the struggle of being a woman.  I hope it will inspire you too! 

-Abhijith 

***

I was brought out as a little girl into this world

Little bells tied to my feet, a woman she will-be, thought all
Life went by soon, like just another girl next door
Soon came the youth, bringing in discoveries untold.
The mind then slowly got clouded with the deceptive world
And the heart paced faster than the  little bells of gold….
Nothing to stop, none to hear, no men, dare to come near….
Just an intellectual drive which knew only to raise the gears
The world filled with men, bothered my feminine pride n ego
A mere shallow thought that  my ‘self’ could not let go
Until one fine day, I happen to stop by  mirror that traced me
It reflected but strangely no little bells as far as I could see……
Instead a image, dark, neither a woman nor man, partly a beast;
There was sharp pain inside, could feel, the little bells, falling apart:
When sudden came a hand that strokes my fontanel heart:
I woke up, and found lying in front of the mirror again
Dreading to face the fierce I, me and myself in strain
But what revealed upon it was a vision beyond my human conceit
There I was, the ‘true’ me and the little bells sparkling thru my feet.
A sister, a wife, a friend, an aunt, a Mother- embrace to your will
Jingled loud and clear, to me, each and every little bell,
A toast to womanhood within, till my heart came to a peaceful Still!
Although the hand that caressed both me and my heart
Have left to another manifestation, dimension and beyond
She returned to me, the little bells, those I’d lost and ’ve found again
The bells now have found, both in feet and heart their designation….
For now, Am More of a Woman, am still within ,

And herein lies my journey as well my destination!

                                                       - Lavanya Nicola 

                                                         Place: Washington DC

***

Death March

The expectation and thrill of the 'instant attention' drives anxieties for an 'instant gratification' culture. When it is necessary to use our moral education, to judge and act; most of us are happy to go with the flow rather. There is a necessary check that one should not skip: give yourself a minute before you commit yourself to act on some thought, or emotion. Because, when one is associated with an action, she/he invariably rubs off its effects onto others in her/his life. We do a fair bit of intellectual jugglery about (wo)man as both aggressor and victim. We have a moral consensus on the essentially scandalous nature of our actions by force or choice (intent). Yet in our desire to seek social consensus, we act beyond what our morals preach and live a life of duality.  And pacify ourselves citing it as a reason for aesthetic consensus, allowing this strange contradiction to be glossed over in - and as - cultural migration, freedom of personal choice and being an independent wo(man).

Let divinity bless us with brains, to save ourselves and live with dignity.

@ Innsbruck  2011

Kick Off: SimplyJITH Longitude

Friends,

From the Garage of SimplyJITH comes a new initiative, SimplyJITH Longitude – A Research Study Initiative about Hispanic Immigrant Integration into Main Stream American Society. This initiative is led and driven by a group of SimplyJITH Subscribers based out of San Francisco Bay Area, CA – USA. In line with our belief to actively reach out to varied cross sections of society and engage with them on a more pro – active basis, SimplyJITH will support this initiative.

At present, a team of 5 are associated with this initiative on a pro-bono basis. I believe this initiative will be pursued with belief, focus, and in complete honesty.  The initiative deals with a theoretical approach to the scenario and related implications. If you are interested to learn more about initiative or opportunities with SimplyJITH Longitude, please feel free to drop an email at info@simplyjith.com.

Subscribers and members of target group are invited to share their experiences and suggestions through above mentioned email address.

Warm regards,

Abhijith Jayanthi

Signed: Kick-Off Day  

Place:  InterContinental Mark Hopkins, SFO – CA

In Complete Honesty...

Dear God,

"For it is the richness of honesty,

     This clown is after.

     Do not think to judge him by his grinning face,

     Do so by the subtle trace of what that humor knows..."

Four years... and I stand here again. In my quest for honesty, I stand again at your footsteps to seek answers.  It’s easy to lose a part of oneself as one travels through the by-lanes of life. As emotions and adult responsibilities edged into my life, I have drifted away from the joy of living.  Now, I seek to experience the door-opening power of reconnecting with what I truly cherish – to be myself again.

During the past few years of turbulence, part of me felt unwelcomed or suppressed as a child not able to voice his opinion.  I have lost my special quality – inquisitiveness, friendliness, spontaneity, confidence or another related trait – for it was frivolously put to rest by factors which held a special space in my life.

Every day, I wake up to realize that I don’t know who I am. With a feeling of emptiness, I don’t even like myself…feel like running away. I want my real self back, but who is that, anyway?

Lost in transition…I wait here for my angel…my angel who will be my wings and help my dream of being myself again, take flight!

Prenditi cura di te...

il vostro Abhijith

Signed: 22nd April 2011

Place: Vatican City

Last Dance of Her Life

They say, all things become clear when one is about to die. Rachel even at 82, can give young women run for their money; yet because of her frivolous and undignified actions throughout her life, she had no one by her side : someone who truly loves her. Her hair, pitch black in her prime attracted attention from every man around her, turned into chalky white now. Her pale cheeks, battered by men in frustration : who fell prey to her charms, only to be cheated by her later. Shifting uncomfortably in her bed to avoid memories that are sweeping her mind, struggling to gain strength; Rachel looks at the flowers on the window sill, sent as a token of sympathy few days ago. With the freshness lost, flowers were dry and the parchment paper beneath them absorbed all the wetness. Long lost memories from the lanes of the past, she remembered few lines written in her honor...

"Seasons come...
... and go.

Seldom do we realize the...
...taste of our first kiss.

Seek it together, shall we...
...that state of eternal bliss?"

Her face filled with a strange sense of remorse : Did she do the right thing, to cheat on someone who probably loved her for what she truly was? Rachel lived all her life creating significant false impressions about herself, never being true to anyone - may be she should have been true with Albert? He was the only one who loved her even after he knew that she cheated on him - thrice. Children lie, to cover up mistakes and faults, but they lie also as part of an evolving inner universe—this is where the convoluted stories come from. They’re discovering new things in the outside world, and somehow want to make it their own. Rachel grew up living a life of duality. She was never been able to develop a sense of truth and falsehood—something any average adult is expected to possess.  This was probably the reason, she always choose to lie, than to speak the truth. She always feared, if she presents her true self, no one will ever love her. However, Albert was a different guy. He loved Rachel, even before he knew little about her. Even before their relation went to the next level, Albert perfectly knew Rachel was the kind of woman he wanted in his life, to grow old with. Rachel, being her usual self, had no reason to treat Albert with any special care : all through her relation with Albert, she continued to lie and live a life of duality. She wanted to keep Albert away from her real life, but destiny had other plans.

May be, if everyone of us, were to run dry just like the flowers, then probably what I did was right?  

May be, I am not the right woman for Albert and destiny pushed me away? I am not to blame.

May be, people were correct in calling me a Geisha? 

Rachel's mind had a myriad of  questions...thoughts...memories...pouring in.

Continued....

P.S.: This blog post presents a first view/glimpse of last chapter (Last Dance of Her Life) of my book (not yet published) titled Precocious Truth: Unrequited Love. You may read the prologue for the same here.

Rays of the Sun : A Gray Day

Sun: God Ra: Rays of the Sun are considered as the source of life and health on Earth. Rays of the Sun are a great source for Vitamin D, and help in our healthy living. To speak of an analogy, with their purity (of the rays), we are cleansed off our indignity and selfishness. Today, I wish to discuss the flip side of this analogy i.e. if rays of the sun are corrupt and maligned with scent of selfishness, indignity and callousness; they can pose a serious threat to ethical well being of our society.

Devoid of responsible behavior, Rays of the Sun corrupt with selfish impulses will cast a negative shade – A gray day. It will be particularly inspiring to see how Mother Nature will offer a backup plan to this natural disaster. With the rays touching each and every element of our nature, it will be a great disaster: When every being on our earth will have no honor or respect for emotions, rather is selfish in regard to their own existence and happiness. The most interesting observation will be, even withstanding the grand remedy plan of Mother Nature, one devoid of any ethical well being will suffer – finding reasons for happiness, but never being happy. There are remedies to help combat these "gray day" influences – Nature can be very calming, but during the times of calamity, can stand tall and put to rest any of its elements which will act against the grand plan. Remedy – Earth destroying the Sun? May be.

Place: Canary Islands

Date: Circa 2008

Lessons to Learn: Fight Against Corruption

In the past few days, we have seen a string of protests across the World. From Jasmine revolution, Egyptian Uprising in the Middle East and Africa to fight against corruption in India. There is a growing deficit in ethics and moral conduct of leaders, elite of the society and the common man too. One of the prime factors which will influence the development of a country or a target group is by creating an environment for responsible change, inspiring them to seek not just social innovation but also a responsible one.

Responsible Change will inspire sustained growth along with social development. A sustained growth pattern for a country can be achieved when both fiscal and social growth go together. There is a greater need to encourage entrepreneurs to work with this integrated growth approach to build  self sustaining enterprises along with contributing towards healthy society. In the era of glocalisation, with such an approach, we can see integrated local communities interconnected globally.

Other stakeholders, such as civil society representatives, NGO Groups and Media also need to work with moral responsibility towards a positive living experience for everyone. 

I Do...

Refreshed are my memories everyday...memories that continue to breathe life into me. Your memories sweep my consciousness…with a longing to be with you again. Memories…not about the usual activity that frames most of my life… but memories of you...simple memories...walking by your side looking into your eyes glowing with a sparkle, sailing on the river cruise...I wish I could tell you that every defense, every facade... every insecure exaggeration of my life stand stripped away…A day by your side, each moment has its own value. Morning brings hope, afternoon smiles with warmth, evening shows tenderness and night caresses with tranquility. I wish to be by your side now…and forever! I truly do...

Salutation : Team India

.

Note: This blog post is a salutation to Team India - World Champions 2011! and to Indigo Child, now a Demigod - Sachin Tendulkar. 

Cricket speaks to our nation in a way our government never has. Dhoni and his boys are held responsible by the nation in a way no other office bearer of any public franchise (including politicians) is. In a country where every stream of activity is related to (at least remotely) to this sport, and the performance of Team India -  from office hours, volume of business conducted to living choices made by people, cricket is religion, and every player is a representation of the faith - with over 1.2 billion followers. Politicians from Prime Minister to President resort to cricket as a diplomatic option, goes to show the status the game has achieved in our country. Our eyes filled with tears and our hearts with love and strange sense of pride, when Dhoni hit the ball out of the park for a six - we are the world champions! Each and every Indian will be proud of our entire cricket team! 

Celebrations love company, and everyone wants a reason to celebrate. There have been a lot of social networking advances such as twitter, facebook etc which have brought people from various walks of life closer, with celebrities and politicians interacting with the  common man - but the sense of national pride that cricket unites us with, still continues to top the charts. And victory at the highest level - World Cup, brings a strange sense of warmth amongst all of us. More than the passionate patriotism that comes to the fore, it brings a sense of national unity - from Team India to  Demigods of other spheres such as Rajnikanth (In continuation with famous Rajni jokes - A new cry line took birth : It is impossible for India to lose when Rajni Sir is here), Celebrities by luck - Pratibha Patil, Celebrities by hard work - Aamir Khan and common man. It goes to show how every element has had its influence/prayers on this moment to come true.It was surreal. This only goes to show what cricket means to us and the massive void it fills for our nation. 

Victory comes with a set of expectations (A Spin-off from what Navjot Singh Sidhu says -  Adversity comes with instructions on hand), which unfortunately fail to go beyond the sport. The expectations on the team to maintain the richness  continue into the future, while the sense of national pride and unity fade out - If cricket is our religion, we need to be true followers of the faith and continue this sense of pride and belonging well beyond cricket and showcase that in our daily lives. Congratulations to Team India, for making us proud! Now it is upon us to reach out, continue to celebrate the unity and national pride and contribute our bit in transforming a possibility - India : A Indigo Child, into reality.

Relation : Truth over a Lie

Comfort me with a lie,

Then, I know I would rather die.

Hurt me with the truth,

Then, I know our relation will live beyond the strewth.

Jan Lokpal Bill: Call for Action

Drafted by Justice Santosh Hegde, Prashant Bhushan and Arvind Kejriwal, Jan Lokpal Bill has been refined on the basis of feedback received from public on website and after series of public consultations. It has also been vetted by and is supported by Shanti Bhushan, J M Lyngdoh, Kiran Bedi, Anna Hazare etc. It was sent to the PM and all CMs on 1st December, last year. However, there is no response.

Anna Hazare has announced fast until death from April 5, 2011 at Jantar Mantar - New Delhi

Anna Hazare’s appeal to the people:

When I sit on fast (unto death) from 5 April, I urge my fellow countrymen to:

*  Join me in fasting for one, two, three or whatever number of days you can comfortably fast.

* Along with fast, please pray to God (whoever you believe in) for better and corruption free India.

* Write an impassioned plea to our Prime Minister that we look upon him to pass “Jan Lokpal Bill”,else we  will be compelled not to vote for his party in next elections.

* Remain calm and peaceful and develop the courage to go to jail, if required, in this next freedom movement.

Note: This Blog post is issued to disseminate information.

The Pixel Project : Celebrity Male Role Model Pixel Reveal Campaign

The Pixel Project, a global volunteer-led virtual non-profit organisation working to end Violence Against Women (VAW), invites you to take part in our first ever Celebrity Male Role Model Pixel Reveal campaign which launched on the 100^th anniversary of International Women’s Day. This campaign aims to raise US$1 million for the VAW cause while inspiring men and women worldwide to work together to end VAW. This year’s beneficiaries are Malaysia’s Women’s Aid Organisation and the U.S.A.’s National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

 

The campaign encourages a global audience to collectively unveil a million-pixel mystery collage of 4 world-famous celebrity male role models by donating US$1 per pixel. The distinguished line-up includes a Nobel Laureate, a Pulitzer Prize Winner and superstar Environmentalist. These world-exclusive portraits are taken by award-winning international photographer, Jillian Edelstein.

Our male role models have also recorded exclusive public service announcements speaking out against VAW which will be launched as each man is revealed. By highlighting positive male role models, we aim to galvanise men and boys to get on board the cause by demonstrating that they have a major role to play in ending VAW. 

P.S: The Project and related Website is owned and operated by Pixel and its licensors, and the Information and Services (and any intellectual property and other rights relating thereto) are and will remain the property of Pixel and its licensors and suppliers. The trademarks, logos, and service marks displayed on the Website (collectively, the “Trademarks”) are the registered and unregistered trademarks of Pixel, Pixel licensors and suppliers, and/or others. SimplyJITH wishes to support the above project and this post is issued to disseminate information, for which necessary permissions were taken from The Pixel Project. 

Destiny : Puzzled!

Often I find myself pondering over this question, even when my life offers me all that I possibly want, there is a sense of loss...why? What am I destined for? Do you sometimes find yourself praying for a positive encounter about understanding your destiny? Many people find destiny elusive and capricious, and it's true that while some people seem to be naturally blessed to seek their path, others seem to get no help at all. In my opinion, destiny is much more than just a cosmic whim. I feel our relationship to destiny is strongly aligned with our own attitude towards it and that the choices we make can actually go a long way into creating our own path.

    

For example, some of the people have actually paved their path by looking at problems and stumbling blocks as opportunities. These people just don't give up when things look bleak or walls seem insurmountable. It is true that when trying to tackle a problem, there is always the possibility you won't overcome it. That said, if you quite before you even give it a good try, you are most likely eliminating any chances to excel. You will have to win over yourself first.

Being aware of the pros and cons of opportunities that come your way is a very important part of creating your own destiny. A good card player knows when to stay in the game and when to fold his cards. Often what we mistake as destiny, can be simply the fact of having experience and using good judgment. People we may perceive as being destined could just know how to pay attention and to do their research. In this way, they have become good at judging when to move forward and when to step back, thus improving their chances. You need to take ownership of your actions.

    

Many people we look up to, are just very good at preparing for success and they are not afraid of hard work. Preparing for success also affects how often one enjoys what we perceive as nature's play. If you want to become an actor you take acting classes, have head shots taken and look for a good agent. Prepare yourself by working towards your goals. Then when an opportunity comes you'll be ready to shine.

If you want to seek destiny, you need to win over yourself. Make up your mind and go after what you want, and take ownership of your actions and consequences. And as Paulo Coelho puts it, universe will conspire itself to make you reach your destiny.

Numbers : The Power of Nine

        

P.S: This post is an amateur attempt at numbers. I wish to present my understanding and lessons I learnt from  number 9.

There is a certain charm in the number 9. I wish to consider the word SimplyJITH, to present my observation.  If we are to list the number equivalents for each alphabet, add the resulting series of numbers and then we continue this schematic with individual digits of the sum total we obtain from our earlier exercise, until we reach a single digit, we end up with digit 6.

Alternatively, if we are position/replace each such number equivalent with corresponding difference between a suitable multiple of 9 and itself, and continue to narrow down with the summation schematic explained above to a single digit, we will again end up with 6. Please see illustration for reference. 

Number 9 presents a strong significance in the play of numbers. It is important for us to realize the absorption capacity it showcases. It teaches us an important lesson of magnanimity, to stand up to any moment of adversity or success with the same outlook and balanced spirits, absorb any happening into our stride and move on. Further, it presents an important lesson  in parenting,  to pass on this belief practice onto the next generation : multiples of 9 showcase the same trend.  

Let me present another interesting behavior pattern of number 9. This pattern is essentially the basis for the observation presented above. Nevertheless, it stands out with its own lessons to teach.  Consider any number, let me pick 73 for now to illustrate my point. If we add the two digits in the number, we end up with 7 + 3 = 10, going further till we end up with a single digit, we end up with 1. If we add 9 to 73, we end up with 82. Further, if we apply the same schematic presented above, we will again end up with 1.  

Number 9 presents the divinity in forgiveness and the needed ability to remain true to yourself, rather than being driven by external factors. Number 9 will give no distortion to any number, rather it leaves the number with its own shades and continue to remain unaffected. It is important for us to forgive anyone and let him/her be with his/her shades rather than trying to influence/disturb their lives. More so, it is important to remain true to our intention, continue to strive for spiritual excellence and inner purity; rather than being carried away by external influences. 

Place: Batu Caves, Malaysia

Date: 16th March 2011

Bitches earn Riches

When you meet up with old friends after a long time, the conversation usually covers a wide range of topics. It is probably because each of us wants to give a complete update in a brief time capsule, that we package various threads into a single fabric.  I was part of such an entertaining episode recently, and I wish to record it as a tribute, for it was an enriching experience. I wish to explain the rather not-so-obvious title for this post, before the readers walk down the wrong lane of thought. The phrase which is listed as the title for the post was presented by one of my friends. And the first word comes with a symbolic undertone: people who have little or no regard to moral values, rather than the usual meaning.

“Money is the root of all evil and that all rich people get snobby and unfriendly…”

“I do not think so, it is more to do with the greed, to have more…”

“When one is not true to his/her intentions, and wants to deceive others, he/she may see momentary gain, but on the longer run will be left with reasons to live with…”

“If all the bitches earn riches, why should we have morals? ”

“You are you, and not someone else…live your existence...”

“What’s wrong if I be the same? At least I can enjoy, what have I got by being me? ”

It is important to understand that to pass through a phase of grief, emotional turmoil and despair without taking to drugs, alcohol, over eating or indulging in practices which are rather not common or moral; one needs to become a spiritual champion. I belief, the pay off for enduring suffering, for soberly embracing the inevitable bouts of emotional pain that nature or others bring , is wisdom and serenity in the face of calamity.  Having said that, it is important to note, the work of a champion is beyond just plain simple or easy and needs support from people around us and also from within.

It is important to notice the dual role of nature in regard to good cop – bad cop schematic in any calamity that we are subjected to. It gives us an opportunity to learn, presents us with a lesson, but what we learn from it and how we act upon it is what defines us. With increasingly fragile relationships that we seem to entertain and subscribe to, the principle of mutually respecting one another and their emotions by being true to each other – through the trials of life, is slowly fading away. What goes around… comes around. It is important to respect Nature, and understand the necessity to stay true to what we are. This gives us immense happiness and a sense of dignity for our existence. To seek beyond nature – to deceive others through immoral practices will only see nature punish us…the cruel way.

Place:  Le Meridien – Jakarta

Date: 14^th March 2011

P.S.: The credit for the photo reference goes to another close friend of mine. 

The Power of Lavender

The eschatology that binds Hinduism, Christianity and Islam as one—vis-a-vis the final events in history,  i.e. fulfillment of a divine plan for humanity, and the immortality of the human soul—is congruously and collectively fulfilled by the Divine Feminine (Adi Shakti).

Adi Shakti is a concept of Hinduism, of divine feminine power. Adi Shakti is responsible for creation, is an agent of change and has the potential for self destruction. The generic approach to independent existence, and thus a false belief of empowerment has lead millions of women to fall into a downward spiral of questionable character. The power and the grace of feminineness, comes with a potential to ignite the flame of dignified individuality. It is important for men amongst us, to understand its sanctity and give every woman with such a flame the respect she truly deserves. At the same time, the potential   if put to use in an adverse way, will lead to self destruction. Any woman who seeks to dishonor the dignity of the flame and put it to a non - righteous use, will be reduced to a state of submissiveness—slave of selfishness and being objectively worthless forever. 

Celebrate dignified feminineness complimented by fragrance of purity, selfless love and righteous existence; failure of which invites introspection of self, marred by the smell of disgust and selfishness, forcing us to reason, if there is a necessity to continue such a worthless existence.

Togetherness

There is a strong belief, that no truth is ever lost - that every word ever spoken, every act we were a part of,  every emotion we lived with, still exists and when that truth comes calling, one should be able to face it, and continue to respect oneself. This is possible when one did not cheat oneself and others in their life....

Rachel heard voices from her past, but they were muffled and fragmented, and they filled her with remorse.....

'Mom, I found Albert fun loving, caring and he loves me.. and is probably the one who will love me for rest of my life. I want to call off my engagement with Paul, do not want to be with him anymore'

'Albert, I have been cheating on you betraying every ounce of trust you showered on me.'

'Relations need more maturity and nurture, I hope my daughter knows what a relation is about and what she is doing.'

'I know mom, I need my man to shower me with a teddy every day and lots of love. Remember the teddy  Dave presented me on our secret weekend trip to Cheney? But then, he was not as charming as Paul was.'

'Do you know you're a very special girl to me Rachel ? One I seek to grow old together with, I felt it from the first time I saw you....I shall always hold you.'

'It's over Albert, I do not wish to marry you. I'll be happy if you do not call me anymore. I found someone else now...Charlie has been taking care of me, while you were away.'

'Rachel, I know you are an innocent girl lost in the lonely lanes of youth. I shall relocate, distances have put us away for long....'

'Mom, Albert had been irritating me with his phone calls all through my Amazon trip with Charlie, I do not need his love anymore, can you tell Albert not to disturb me anymore?'

The voices would not stop. Her past became a kaleidoscope of shifting images that kept racing through her mind. Such recurrences have become more common these days. The Pagatele women were never known for their fidelity, but Rachel's case was rather unusual - behind the facade of fame and glamor (which were the usual reasons for Pagatele women to cheat on their men) lies a hidden web of unmatched selfishness, addiction and fallacious reasoning to justify her actions.

Continued...

P.S.: This blog post presents a first view/glimpse of third chapter of my book (not yet published) titled Precocious Truth: Unrequited Love. You may read the prologue for the same here.

Joint Statement: Global Wave of Action for Education

Around the world students, pupils, teachers, parents and employees have been protesting against the increasing commercialization and privatization of public education, and fighting for free and emancipator education in the past decade.

This year will see people unify this struggle on the international and global level for the “Global Wave of Action for Education.”

Many of us use the “International Student Movement” as a self-managed platform initiated to exchange information, to network and to co-ordinate protests at both the international and the global levels. We strive for structures based on direct participation and non-hierarchical organization through collective discussion and action. Anyone who identifies with the struggle against the privatization of public education, and for free and emancipatory education can join and participate on as well as shape the platform!

Some of us have already met and networked during the following occasions: 10 years of “Bologna-Process” in Louvain la Neuve (Belgium) on April 25-29th 2009, G8 University Summit in Torino (Italy) on May 17- 19th 2009, Bologna Burns in Vienna (Austria) on March 11-14th 2010, Bologna keeps on Burning in Madrid (Spain) and the “European Education Congress” in Bochum (Germany) on May 25-30th. 

What are we struggling against?

• The effects of the current economic system on people and education systems:
 - Tuition fees or any form of fees which exclude people from accessing and equally participating in education

 - Student debt
 - Public education aligned to serve the (labour) market
 

The so-called Bologna-Process (as with its counterparts around the world) is aimed at implementing education systems that primarily train people in skills serving the labour market. It promotes the reduction of costs for training a person, shortens the length of time spent studying, and produces under-qualified workforces.

 - Turning education into a commodity (like all other aspects of life)
 - (Increasing) influence of business interests on basic budgets for public education
 - (Increasing) budget cuts on public education worldwide
 - The “privatization” of public funds with the subsidization of private educational institutions
 - The commodification and exploitation of labor within educational institutions

• We stand against the discrimination and exclusion within any educational institution based on:
 - Socio-economic background (education systems are currently set up so that people with less money can’t participate equally)
 - Nationality
 - Performance
 - Political ideologies and activities
 - Gender
 - Sexual orientation
 - Religion
 - Ethnic background
 - Skin colour

• We stand against the prioritisation of research towards commercially valuable patents rather than open knowledge freely available to all! Public educational institutions are increasingly forced to compete for private sponsorships to do (basic) research; at the same time private funds have the tendency to be invested into research promising to be profitable (leading to a decline in funding for areas of research which may be important but not deemed economically lucrative). On the basis of profitability, educational institutions and participants are deemed ‘excellent’ and often fulfill the criteria to receive additional public funding.

• We stand against the prioritisation of income-generating research grants ahead of education and basic research activities for the army within educational institutions:
 - No research specifically for military purposes
 - No recruiting and advertising activities for the army

What are we struggling for?

• CONTENT:
 - Free and emancipatory education as a human right: education should primarily serve the individual’s interest to be emancipated, that means: to be enabled to critically reflect and understand the power structures and environment surrounding him-/herself; education must not only enable the emancipation of the individual but society as a whole

 - Education as a public good serving public interests
 - Academic freedom and choice: freedom to pursue any educational discipline

• ACCESS:
 - Free from monetary mechanisms of payment by participants and any kind of discrimination and exclusion and therefore freely accessible to all individuals 

 - Sufficient funding of all educational institutions, no matter if deemed profitable or not

• STRUCTURE:
 - All educational entities/institutions should be democratically structured (direct participation from below as a basis for decision making processes)

Why on the local and global level?

The impacts of the current global economic system create struggles worldwide. While applying local pressure to influence our individual local/regional politics and legislation, we must always be aware of the global and structural nature of our problems and share our tactics, experiences in organizations, and theoretical knowledge to learn from each other. Short-term changes may be achieved on the local level, but great change will only happen if we unite globally.

Education systems worldwide do what they are intended to do within the economic and state system(s):  select, train and create ignorance and submission. We unite for a different education system and a different life.

We stand united against any sort of repression by governments worldwide directed at people involved in the struggle for free and emancipatory education.

~ One world - One struggle ~ 

 

P.S.: The content and the images presented in this post, are property of International Student Movement and Spring of Resistance. SimplyJITH supports the cause and this post is a voluntary effort to express support.