"It's all about surrender, Giving up and Being still ..?"

"It's all about surrender, Giving up and Being still ..?"

Yes Friends ...

If only "It's all about surrender, Giving up and Being still ...?"

"The work-longer trend is noticeable everywhere. ...close to 70 and more keep working. ... "
Looks like this trend is there very much and will 'continue with the young too! ....
"Is there no rest for the weary?" you ask ...

Some say it's rules and regulations
And trying to always be right
No room for mistakes in the choices we make
For only the strong survive

But it's not about perfect performance
Or resolution of will
It's all about surrender
Giving up
Being still

The Father always starts
With a willing heart
Open to how He moves
As His Spirit is poured
He will do so much more
Than we dreamed He could do

Out here its live and learn,
So you can rush and earn,
A peice of this pie.
It's work today and rest tomorrow,
But it's never tomorrow.
Untill we die.

We strive to find contentment,
And so often we miss it,
When it's knocking at the door.
We're too busy to open up,
Busy with other stuff,
So we go on as before.

In fact, There is no rest for the weary.

Even 'blessed people' like my wife and myself - who are worn-out must continue to work! (a situation in which a tired person has to do more work.) By the time my wife finished with the cooking for we two and myself, simply reading and with friends like you on the 'Net' and occasionally doing the laundry, it becomes so late she had to begin cooking supper and me getting ready with stories for the grandchildren!

Then,
I close my eyes, only for a moment, and the moment's gone
All my dreams, pass before my eyes, a curiosity!
Dust in the wind, all they are is dust in the wind.
Same old song, just a drop of water in an endless sea!

All we do, crumbles to the ground, though we refuse to see
Dust in the wind, all we are is dust in the wind
[Now] Don't hang on, nothing lasts forever but the earth and sky
It slips away, and all your money won't another minute buy.

Dust in the wind, all we are is dust in the wind
Dust in the wind, everything is dust in the wind.

There's no rest for the weary indeed!

Regards
--
Subrahmanian SH
===

'Cattle Class' And 'Holy Cows'

'Cattle Class' And 'Holy Cows'

Any thing Wrong or Every thing Wrong?

Shashi Tharoor. May be in personal life he's very democratic. Holding elitist attitudes he earned through his hard labour. May not want to compromise it so far as his personal freedom is concerned. The point that worries all is: Does it display his arrogance? Or shows that he considers himself above the 'cattle class'! The blast, perhaps, is not for his habit of tweeting! It's the content that hurts Cong! "If he's happy to travel 'cattle class' in solidarity with the 'holy cows', what's wrong? It's just a smart-alec comment, many would like to believe! Poor Shashi Tharoor! Remember Clinton's haircut on Beverly Hills hitching a ride on Air Force One and Frenchman Sarkozy's craving for Rolex watches!

Tharoor is a well educated and renowned author and possibly his followers in tweets too. His tweets are educative. We often refer to the economy class as the 'cattle class' anyway? I can understand. About others? The simple idea is to communicate effectively, and Tharoor did it only beautifully. Glad that he didn't become UN Chief. Otherwise he would never have felt the pain of what millions of poor people are going through!

If anything, the whole austerity show of Cong is a 'sham'. How critical it is for the VVIP security apparatus to keep the movement of all those under its umbrella to be kept a secret. How good was it for the world to know at what time Rahul was travelling and on what train, from the security point of view? It was nothing but a conducted 'tamasha' in a way. Little wonder that photographers keep sprouting all over the route and inside the train while he travelled.

That Tharoor doesn't know India or Indians and never felt them with his heart is a different matter. He had been literally out of India for decades.. and India was never his concern even when he held important UN positions. Congress party, MP, the minister's post are all just stepping stones he required so that he can meet people on the world circuit eye-to-eye. Becoming a leading politician was his only hope after losing the SG post at UN. When he was the poster boy during elections, he portrayed himself as a gentleman politician. With power he shows his real face.... Not really to the people of 'his class'!

To us the millions of poor Indians such remarks are never going to bother about 'cattle class'. Take for example the suburban trains in Mumbai - aren't they worse than 'cattle class'? I am happy that, Tharoor went on to take a dig at 'holy cows' too, He accepts there are 'ordinary' and 'holy' cows in India! But this 'ongue-in-cheek'in some sense puts this austerity show in its context. We shouldn't let this austerity thing fool us into being satisfied that our so called leaders are experiencing a bit of what we do everyday. We want and demand real transparency, honesty, sincerity in deed - performance. Not this put-on austerity. Am I becoming serious?Atleast one politician had the guts and the wits to put the "austerity drive" of the Cong in real perspective!

If you don't say what comes to your mind in the first instance, in personal matters, you would in all probablity be lying. The more you think deeply, the further away you move from honestly expressing your views. The idea is that we are an english speaking country but haven't inherited any of the subtle humour that comes with the language. Only people who are educated and broad-minded having a higher level of appreciation of the English language can enjoy the 'tongue-in-cheek' comment.

Tharoor's comment can in no way change the system, unless the politicians adopt politics as a service for people than to accumulate more and more money and enjoy their life at the best availabe way on this earth. The theatre of the absurd is being staged for the benefit of the gullible morons of the "Andher Nagari". Enter the side-kick. The scripts go haywire. The side-kick doesn't follow the well written script!

Captain Gaiwaala on board

All 'holy cows' are requested

To fasten their noose belts;

To make your journey comfortable

Lovely meadows are visible on the screen;

Enjoy your flight, but don't look for haystack!

Cattle feeds and water will be served at

Lunch; buffaloes, bison and oxen

Are requested to behave themselves;

Sachets are kept behind the seats to

Safely secret milk for the concerned!

"Cattle class" reference to economy class has been around for few decades - not invented by Tharoor. Only he knows whether the 'all the holy cows' reference was simply a 'tongue-in-cheek' humor or a 'dig' at Sonia Gandy (no spelling mistake here) for the the Congress Party's austerity measures! Tharoor's tweet was more on a humorous note rather than to be taken seriously. Let's leave it there at that!

--

Subrahmanian SH

=====

Some Reflections

Some Reflections

Most of us will have few such reflections to share,and it would be very nice to bring out the same.

Thinking of such past incidents,and picking up some positive learning from that would be highly exhilarating!

May be the reason, that in joint family system if and where existing,still grandparents have a role to play. Didn't we all have the advantages of growing up with our grand parents and Athais, enjoying their unadulterated love and affections. Where have those Athais gone?

We grandparents are ready to pass on the same feelings to our grand children.

May the busy, practical, money making generation, (shall we call filthy rich?) foresee!

They too are nearing the time, not far off...

On Keeping Secrets

On Keeping Secrets

Keeping Secrets is a pleasure...

Seeta complained to her friend Geeta:

"She told me that you told her the secret I told you not to tell her."

"Well," replied Seeta in a hurt tone, "I told her not to tell you I told her."

"Oh dear!" sighed Geeta. "Well, don't tell her I told you that she told me."

Let's not overlook this topic as being "too simple". The lessons learned might help to mastering the more advanced methods of keeping your secrets!

NOTE: The examples cosen are taken from my wife's school days as an English Teacher. Despite your feeling that you've grown up let me suggest that with regards to this topic...things are likely to be the same in your office today as they were in your School days!!

The keeping of secrets or otherwise is a time honoured social tradition! The telling and keeping of secrets is one of the basic human traits, The recognition that you have portions of your life that you want to keep private and secret from others, (including parents), is in fact, one of the milestones in our psychological development.

From our youth til we die, we 'share secrets' with others! These secrets range from casual, gossipy to heart-rending and life altering secrets. Can anybody give us the rules/guidelines governing the task?

We are always told that we should be "trustworthy" and "keep a secret" as 'one'! Someone tells you a secret. You keep it - End of story? In real life are things that clear cut?

The contradictions are obvious. Start of life. We insist. Almost often a confusing ritual. Sometimes we're allowed/expected to keep a secret, while other times not so! We are praised for keeping one secret, while we are punished for not doing another! Are we ever explained the difference between these two extremes? Rarely!! Do our parents atleast know?

This lack of clarity only gets worse as we grow. The rules and guidelines blur. Social pressure to share your personal secrets blends with social pressure to reveal secrets you know about others.

--

Subrahmanian SH

Let's find ways to de-stress

Let's find ways to de-stress

Children spend a better part of their days with their teachers, wemust find ways for students to de-stress and relax and concentrate on studies. Teachers too find ways to unwind, relax, and do something beyond teaching.

It's very important for everyone, child or adult, to have a hobby or a pastime. I always like to experiment with new dishes. Most of us find a common solace in music.

We must also keep themselves abreast of the latest happenings through newspapers and magazines. Let's surf the Net. Let's develop the habit of spending quality time in a library.

Not to be left behind in the high-tech arena, we teachers find constructive ways to pass our free time. if at all we could manage some, -participate in projects on "Think.com" a portal exclusively meant for schools,. Here we can communicate on an international scale.

Exercising is another area. Why not compensate by walking in the mornings and evenings?

Modern day educationist knows how to balance the best of both worlds, but nothing beats the rejuvenating experience of 'being' (yes, I've always remained a student till date) student. Also I interact with children always. I've been a teacher for over 38 years.

It's the profession, in fact, "teaches you!" Keeps your cool, and over a period of time, very few things stress you out. My balcony faces my school. On the rarest of rare occasions therefore (hardly ever!), if I am stressed out, I go over to the school and spend time with my students, and that helps me to see the world through the eyes ofchildren.

That, for me, is the best stress-buster in the whole world.

Have Old Age Homes Come of Age?

Old Age Homes Come of Age ...?

Have Old Age Homes Come of Age?

The Business Starts. And Now.

Old age homes these days are getting better organised. Far removed from homes for the destitute at one extreme, there are now 'post-retirement homes' which address almost every need of the Elderly.

What do you see as most important?

* A fully furnished old age home with television, refrigerator, microwave oven et al? That's All?

Let's discuss and come out with some sort of conclusions after the end of this study/ survey. I intend publishing in my Blogs. Anyone could as well do. But it would be appreciated if s(h)e acknowldges our efforts.

Do you feel:

1. The underlying spirit of such post-retirement communities is simple and uncomplicated: "I have had an active professional life and now it's time to relax and take life a bit easier."
2. Post-retirement life need not necessarily be unproductive. Life in a post-retirement home could well leave one with enough time to pursue the 'other passion' of your life' -- for which there was no time earlier.
3. Do we not have a problem living in the suburbs? Most homes are situated there for reducing cost.

Do we not dislike to stay too far from the city where we had an active life?

1. Do we still prefer to be within the reach of friends and relatives?
2. Most homes don't offer cottages on ownership and only on rental basis. Do we feel, obviously, owning the property provides a great amount of financial security.
3. We prefer to live with like-minded people. Most 'Retirement communities' have their own clubs such as a bhajans club, book club or a movie club. These add good value to the services offered.
4. Do we like a conventional flat system? Will it work for post-retirement communities?
5. Or Do we prefer independent rooms or cottages?
6. A good number among us are likely to have their kith and kin living abroad. A good communication centre that provides access to the Internet is therefore essential.
7. Security, both electronic and manual, is also a necessity in post-retirement residential communities. Medical facilities come with more than the bare-essentials. What are your feelings?
8. Well-equipped medical units with in-house doctors and nurses are also preferred.
9. An ambulance in the waiting is almost taken for granted. Isn't that so?

Only a dozen points come to my mind as of now! I'm still thinking. Join me with your ideas and missed out points.

May I have one request please. In the process, let us give information on COMPLETE DETAILS of available Homes near each member of the group for the benefit of the rest?

And most importantly, each and every one of us has the opportunity and right to commence a thread.

Regards

--

Subrahmanian S H

TIME GETS BETTER WITH AGE

TIME GETS BETTER WITH AGE

Read it through to the end, it gets better as you go!

I've learned that I like my teacher because she cries when we sings "Silent Night".-Age 5

I've learned that our dog doesn't want to eat my broccoli either. - Age 7

I've learned that when I wave to people in the country, they stop what they are doing and wave back. -Age 9

I've learned that just when I get my room the way I like it, Mom makes me clean it up again. -Age 12

I've learned that if you want to cheer yourself up, you should try cheering someone else up. -Age 14

I've learned that although it's hard to admit it, I'm secretly glad my parents are strict with me. -Age 15

I've learned that silent company is often more healing than words of advice. -Age 24

---
I've learned that brushing my child's hair is one of life's great pleasures. -Age 26

I've learned that wherever I go, the world's worst drivers have followed me.-Age 29

I've learned that if someone says something unkind about me, I must live so that no one will believe it. -Age 30

I've learned that there are people who love you dearly but just don't know how to show it. -Age 42

I've learned that you can make some one's day by simply sending them a little note. -Age 44

I've learned that the greater a person's sense of guilt, the greater his need to cast blame on others. -Age 46

I've learned that children and grandparents are natural allies. -Age 47

I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better -tomorrow. -Age 48

---
I've learned that singing "Amazing Grace" can lift my spirits for hours. -Age 49

I've learned that motel mattresses are better on the side away from the phone. -Age 50

I've learned that you can tell a lot about a man by the way he handles these three things: a rainy day, lost -luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. -Age 51

I've learned that keeping a vegetable garden is worth a medicine cabinet full of pills. -Age 52

I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you miss them terribly after they die.
-Age 53

I've learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a life. -Age 58

I've learned that if you want to do something positive for your children, work to improve your marriage.
-Age 61

---
I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. -Age 62

I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catchers mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back. -Age 64

I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your family, the needs of others, your work, meeting new people, and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you. -Age 65

I've learned that whenever I decide something with kindness, I usually make the right decision. -Age 66

I've learned that everyone can use a prayer. -Age 72

I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. -Age 82

I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch-holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. -Age 90

I've learned that I still have a lot to learn. -Age 92

I've learned that you should pass this one on to someone you care about. Sometimes they just need a little something to make them smile.

'Why do we shout in anger?'

Why Do We Shout

'Why do we shout in anger?' -

A saint asked his disciples, 'Why do we shout in anger? Why do people shout at each other when they are upset?'

His disciples thought for a while, one of them said, 'Because we lose our calm, we shout for that.'

'But, why do you shout when the other person is just next to you?' asked the saint. 'Isn't it possible to speak to him or her with a soft voice?

Why do you shout at a person when you're angry?'

Disciples gave some other answers but none satisfied the saint.

Finally he explained, 'When two people are angry at each other, their hearts distance a lot. To cover that distance they must shout to be able to hear each other. The angrier they are, the stronger they will have to shout to hear each other through that great distance.'

Then the saint asked, 'What happens when two people fall in love? They don't shout at each other but talk softly, why? Because their hearts are very close. The distance between them is very small...'

The saint continued, 'When they love each other even more, what happens?
They do not speak, only whisper and they get even closer to each other in their love. Finally they even need not whisper, they only look at each other and that's all. That is how close two people are when they love each other.

'MORAL' said the saint:
'When you argue do not let your hearts get distant, do not say words that distance each other more, else there will come a day when the distance is so great that you will not find the path to return!'

People are more important than money, job, position etc.

Friends,

An issue to be analysed....

Friends,

From what we learn regarding matrimonial advertisements, it seems that all boys and girls are 'well placed' as they profess.

Both may be earning well! And may be in different cities! Who should relocate ?

Is it, what should read:
"I can live well without you"!
"I don't want you to tell me what I should do or not do. I am also equally qualified and well employed "

Well, "What they have to realise is that may be even now, perhaps in some places, jobs are 'dime a dozen' and also people are scarce.

If your company downsizes, you may be in the street in no time !

It is your spouse (w/o gender discrimination) who will standby you through thick and thin. S(h)e alone will not and should not down size you.

Do we realise:
People are more important than money, job, position etc.

If your spouse is with you when you are in trouble, you tide it over easily.
In the ultimate analysis it is only people, people and people.

Isn't that So?

On 1st Century Hitler ...

The "Rape of the Sabines" and the SriLankan Genocide

The Rape is supposed to have occurred in the early history of Rome, shortly after its foundation by Romulus and his mostly male followers. Seeking wives in order to found families, the Romans negotiated unsuccessfully with the Sabines, who populated the area. Fearing the emergence of a rival society, the Sabines refused to allow their women to marry the Romans; consequently, the Romans planned to abduct Sabine women. Romulus devised a festival of Neptune Equester and proclaimed the festival amongst Rome's neighbours. According to Livy, many people from Rome's neighbours attended, including from the Caeninenses, Crustumini, and Antemnates, and many of the Sabines. According to Livy, at the festival he gave a signal, at which the Romans grabbed the Sabine women and fought off the Sabine men. The indignant abductees were implored by Romulus to accept Roman husbands.

Livy is clear that no sexual assault took place. On the contrary, Romulus offered them free choice and promised civic and property rights to women. According to Livy he spoke to them each in person, "and pointed out to them that it was all owing to the pride of their parents in denying right of intermarriage to their neighbours. They would live in honourable wedlock, and share all their property and civil rights, and — dearest of all to human nature — would be the mothers of free men."

Mahinda rajpakse has gone many steps beyond. He has just committed a genocide of over 3 Lakhs of poor Tamils, who are his own citizens by deadly arms and chemical weapons as well. Courtesy, Indian and Taml Nadu Governments again for a short term poll agenda.

The Hitler of 21st Century must be clever in destroying documents! He needn't call for even one Litre of 'gasoline', when cornered and faced with a threat to his life, sooner or later. But he will face for sure.

Sabines were not prepared to return home and were atleast resettled with honour.
In SriLanka it's just a pleasure hunt for the demon - just for return to power, now that he has cleverly 'demolished' the minority!

--
Subrahmanian S.H.