3 Point Friday
What I’ve Been Contemplating
The ability to observe without evaluating is the highest form of intelligence.
Jiddu Krishnamurti
When we allow ourselves the opportunity to not immediately assign value or meaning to the things we observe, we gift ourselves the ability for deeper insight.
Our minds are hardwired to judge and categorize the things we see immediately because of preconceptions and biases that are a result from how we've been brought up.
However, to be fully aware of our experiences with a mind totally free from our conditioned way of thinking, we can bring a unique type of clarity to every moment.
Throughout the years, I've put this into practice by taking a keen interest in observing my thought process, especially during tough times because it’s effortless when times are good.
If I find myself in a challenging situation where the mind is wrestling with an unsettling feeling, I pause and observe. I let the self-talk subside and take time to observe the feeling.
Depending on the severity of the situation, the discomfort eventually lessens. I've been put in fairly compromising situations throughout my life, and this way of approaching challenging events has been useful.
It's easy to ride our emotional trains. It takes patience and effort to be their conductor.
50 Pieces of Advice From an 80 Year Old
Actor Henry Cavill keeps a text message from a close friend at hand at all times. It contains 50 pieces of advice from an 80-year-old. I just love all of these points.
1. Have a firm handshake
2. Look people in the eye
3. Sing in the shower
4. Own a great stereo system
5. If in a fight, hit first and hit hard
6. Keep secrets
7. Never give up on anybody. Miracles happen every day. (See no.17)
8. Always accept an outstretched hand
9. Be brave. Even if you’re not, pretend to be. No one can tell the difference.
10. Whistle
11. Avoid sarcastic remarks
12. Choose your life’s mate carefully. From this one decision will come 90 per cent of all your happiness or misery.
13. Make it a habit to do nice things for people who will never find out
14. Lend only those books you never care to see again
15. Never deprive someone of hope; it might be all that they have
16. When playing games with children, let them win
17. Give people a second chance, but not a third
18. Be romantic
19. Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know
20. Loosen up. Relax. Except for rare life-and-death matters, nothing is as important as it first seems.
21. Don’t allow the phone to interrupt important moments. It’s there for our convenience, not the caller’s.
22. Be a good loser
23. Be a good winner
24. Think twice before burdening a friend with a secret
25. When someone hugs you, let them be the first to let go
26. Be modest. A lot was accomplished before you were born.
27. Keep it simple
28. Beware of the person who has nothing to lose
29. Don’t burn bridges. You’ll be surprised how many times you have to cross the same river.
30. Live your life so that your epitaph could read, “No Regrets”
31. Be bold and courageous. When you look back on life, you’ll regret the things you didn’t do more than the ones you did.
32. Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them
33. Remember no one makes it alone. Have a grateful heart and be quick to acknowledge those who helped you.
34. Take charge of your attitude. Don’t let someone else choose it for you.
35. Visit friends and relatives when they are in hospital; you need only stay a few minutes
36. Begin each day with some of your favorite music
37. Once in a while, take the scenic route
38. Send a lot of Valentine cards. Sign them, ‘Someone who thinks you’re terrific.’
39. Answer the phone with enthusiasm and energy in your voice.
40. Keep a note pad and pencil on your bed-side table. Million-dollar ideas sometimes strike at 3 a.m.
41. Show respect for everyone who works for a living, regardless of how trivial their job
42. Send your loved ones flowers. Think of a reason later.
43. Make someone’s day by paying the toll for the person in the car behind you
44. Become someone’s hero
45. Marry only for love.
46. Count your blessings.
47. Compliment the meal when you’re a guest in someone’s home.
48. Wave at the children on a school bus.
49. Remember that 80 percent of the success in any job is based on your ability to deal with people.
50. Don’t expect life to be fair.
A Metaphor From Nature to Bring Into Our Every Lives
Happiness is like a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.
― Nathaniel Hawthorne
Sometimes the miracles we seek are seeking us. Patience is a virtue. Allowing things to unfold in our lives in their miraculous ways doesn't mean we shouldn't put action toward aything. Instead, I feel the potential of a full-fledged life is one where the 'how' and 'why' are temporarily ceased.
With love,
Anand