Friends forgotten and lost

We all have in our life friends, tucked into the folds of memory, who have made life special. Some have forgotten you and some you have forgotten.

I had read an article in which the author shared that sometimes let memories be just that. Do not try to catch it again. That moment is gone, and trying to catch up/relive them is not a wonderful affair. You may end up remembering the botched up conversation and lose the beautiful moments of yesteryears.

To confess there was someone whom I wanted to speak to for years together. She was my childhood friend. We might have not known each other for more that three years, but her memory was deeply etched in my mind. I googled her name, searched in Orkut, batchmate sites and then after 16 years found her again on Facebook.

It should have been great. Yet the lady responded in pleasant surprise in one mail and then never wrote back. I do not know if I was happy to hear she was alive, happy and doing well; or feel cheated for losing my fondest of childhood memories.

Life has dealt us our cards; and I believe each person meets you at a point of time in your life for a reason. Yes, one can argue that sites like I mentioned above have united many long lost friends.

Perhaps I am just unlucky in this field. I have lost dear friends to time, to their busy lifestyles, to their better halves…. Some, I realized much later, were around only because I had the power influence great decisions at work; their bonuses depended on what I thought of their ideas. Sad!! I am such an oaf; never recognized them.

Hmmm, anyway the better halves line is interesting…I need to do another post for that!

Unlearning to fit in

There are few comic strips that become legend, and Calvin & Hobbes is surely one.

Calvin is charming with his viewpoints that do not restrict themselves in the realm of the plausible.

He is like every child, and the child within us. He is curious and can entertain himself endlessly. A bathtub can be a boat, his rubber duck can be a shark. His closet a haunted house...

Calvin and his imaginary friend Hobbes are very reminiscent of children who are very bright. So much so that the ordinary holds no value for them. Since they have the capability to think differently, they are shunned by peers.

It our desire to ‘fit-in’ that diminished our creativity. We try to ‘fit-in’ to mainstream jobs, we try to ‘fit-in’ by appearing to read tombs of classic literature, we try to ‘fit-in’ by nodding in approval to what the general team’s opinion….

It takes a unusual thinker to progress. If Galileo really believed the Earth was flat, we’d be sitting here worshipping the rain gods and singings peons to the sun and moon.

Self-belief is important; and so is the courage to share a different opinion.

They will judge for what you build, not destroy

It is such a great line…From Barack Obama’s speech, “To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West: Know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy…”

If one really understood the essence of the line, individuals, families and nations will be transformed.

We focus too clearly, or too unilaterally rather, that many a times we do not realise whose feet we just stomped on; whose dreams we squashed.

Build a city of joy and see each one blossom. Give encouragement to new ideas, ask for productive inventions, seek newer paths…

War is ultimately futile. I put a bullet through your head, and you put one in mine. Great, now what?!?!

History remembers those who contributed to the welfare of the people – economic or emotional. If you want to be really valued, then respect differences. Only a room full of different opinions can think of an out-of-the-box new idea.

This is my opinion; I respect yours…

Mysticism

Mysticism is search for the divine. And this quest is the underlying thread of all religions in the world.

We all are seeking that one lesson that we need to imbibe to reach God. Yet, many have abused in the name of the Almighty.

There are terrible sacrificial ceremonies propagated by insane groups. From the child to the goat, nothing is spared. This is no religion, but some idiots who claim it pious to kill.

Why people follow such groups is fathomless…

God, is actually a form of energy. Energy that is pure and powers our life.

There should be no set formula to find God; it just too personal a journey to be put in watertight compartments.

They love the chase, and they love to pursue

Even married women love being pursued. In fact the need to chase and be chased seems like an intrinsic need.

A friend of mine is quite married, but her ‘networking’ brings her a variety of suitors ever so often. Now the act to her mind is innocent, but there is a clear feeler sent out each time she communicates.

The way one dresses, crosses her legs or simply brushes her hair can be a signal. Men pick up on the scent. And trust me the women know it!

A gentle pat on the back can mean a lot… In fact, most outside observers can easily tell you who is going steady, who is bored and who is ready for merriment.

There is a tone that will be a little extra gentle, there is that confused look as if you never got a hint and then a suffused smile that just spreads itself…

Love is wonderful; but many people just love the act of falling in love. Once that is over, the mystery is over…and only true love can survive that!