When Something Clicks

I'm currently writing my second book- called "The Gift of the Gab" which is a corporate tale exploring the theme of communication in work life. I'm on my third draft- time when you've got the basic ingredients in place and you need to make a few finishing touches.

I had been struggling with this draft in one particular area. I've discovered that unless you have had an experience of what you are writing, it becomes a difficult task. I was wondering whether the reason why I was struggling was because of this. Another thing I've noticed is that every time I write something down, it needs to have been valuable to me first. I wondered whether what I needed to write was really going to add any value, or whether I was doing it to "tie some loose ends"

Whatever the reason was, I was struggling. Then this morning, just an hour ago, a colleague came and talked to me about something that he'd experienced. I had shared my thoughts with him on this subject before- and something positive had come out for him because of this. His experience touched something inside my head and suddenly, with absolute clarity, I knew what was still missing from my book.

Does a higher power arrange for such coincidences? I wonder how many of you have had this kind of experience in your own fields. The small joy when something clicks and falls into place.

Breathe

I tried this in the morning. I was having a restless night(too much thinking about work!)and I needed an energy boost.

It was about 5.30 in the morning- the time when you desperately try to fall back to sleep but you cant if your brain is in overdrive. Then I remembered this guy's podcast. I'd listened to this before- but I did it when it counted. http://www.chopra.com/agnilight/sep09/podcast .

If you can't hear the podcast, well, what you do is breathe in while counting to four. Hold your breath while counting to four again. Then, count to four as you release your breath. Hold (dont inhale) for another four counts.

Instead of trying to go back to sleep, I did this simple breathing exercise (somewhat like pranayam) and it helped me relax and rest. When I got out of bed, it was as if I'd had a normal night's sleep. Worth it!

The Spirit of Adventure

Have you read "The Old Man and the Sea" and somehow, somehow, wished that there was an ounce of happiness in a gritty tale like that- you know- a crumb of hope that you can take ahead after keeping the book down?

Well, the answer is Up. Or rather- an animation movie called Up, which I found completely charming and version 1.1 of "The Old Man...". Loved the old guy. Loved the treatment (especially when they show his whole life unfold in a very short span of time but with complete emotional content). I loved how he rebels and flies his house out (what an idea- completely unbelievable but totally cool)

The story is all about the spirit of adventure- how it keeps all of us alive and kicking. Its about postponed dreams(sometimes the journey takes you to a different path but postponing the dream may be worth it) and flawed heroes (how protecting your ego can turn the superhero in yourself into a complete villian)

As they say- its got layers. Watch the film. Precious is what I'd call it.

100 not out

Wow. This is my hundredth small joy. My word has been my weapon and my shield- against doom and gloom. I'm glad its near Dassehra.

Dassehra allows me to imagine that days of hardship are behind us- the fact that it has been a hard fight for all of us in this year due to some reason or the other. Recession, swine flu, and the daily grime of living.

Its time to allow ourselves a little luxury of feeling proud of all of the effort put in by us hard working joes and janes throughout these tough times- and feel good that we are still standing. Like I did today when I wrote this and completed a century. The small joy of the good fight.

More small joys on their way. Whether you like it or not :)

Managing your Wishes

My elder daughter- she's about eight- came up with a good one the other day. She said she makes all her wishes for the next day when she goes to sleep, not when she wakes up.

I was more than a little intrigued given my passion in these matters( for proof: www.themapthatmatters.com ) and asked her why she does this. She said that at night you are not so greedy. In the morning, you think about your wishes too much and make it too complicated.

At night, you can be more pure, and even if you cant, she said- you are kinda tired and don't push it that much. She said she falls asleep like this nowadays, and like a grandma, said that I should try it too.

From the mouth of babes.

Rain Sleep

What a downpour last night. I think its called "elephant rain" (hatti paus) that comes at the end of the monsoon, and it creates a real racket.

Surprisingly, nature's racket is quite soothing and sleep inducing. I dont know about you- but you feel very snug when it is raining outside. Probably it is the noise- or the fact that it becomes cooler all of a sudden, but the quality of your sleep definately goes northward.

Awoke bright eyed and bushy tailed (not good news for anyone around me since I've got ADHD to begin with). Maybe they should create nature sounds like these in a relaxing CD that you could listen to before you sleep everyday. But would it be the same?

The small joy of routine

You know what, we take our daily routine a lot for granted. Sometimes, we don't wake up right, or don't have the usual conversation with our loved one.

Its only when the routine gets disrupted that you miss the small joy there was in the routine. You take so much for granted, and you end up being miserable and cranky without even knowing why you are being so.

For me, the routines are two: Walking. and Talking. If I miss walking,I feel pickled. If I miss talking, I become restless. And when I know that the person you want to talk to isn't really available, then it is agony.

Here's to the small joy of routine things that are much bigger than they seem.