Live Positive Way - Happy New Year 2024

Live Positive Way - That's how life goes....

Live Positive Way - That's how life goes....

At times, a 'casual conversation' can turn out to be a powerful tool that make us stay "profoundly positive". One such conversation that I had with my kid made me reevaluate how wonderful this life is and how lucky we are to be living it.

I believe it would be completely unfair to keep a good thought to myself, so let's get started.

Recently, one fine morning, when my daughter and I were on our way to school, we had the following conversation: 

"Amma, I always wanted to ask you this. I have seen you in many situations, but you always stay naughty (her way of expressing my jovial nature) and have so much fun. You get excited on even small things and carry a positive outlook. 

How is it possible? Even on those instances when people accuse you of doing something wrong, when they speak negatively about you behind your back, and even after you learn about it, you barely react? How could you handle things that way? Even if my classmate casually passes remarks about me, I become disturbed. When you say, "Just chill, baby", how do you deal with those situations yourself"?

It came as a sweet surprise to me, because, for me, she was a carefree youngster yet to comprehend the 'hard questions' of life, I never imagined my daughter would ask such a significant question. Perhaps that is what life is all about and how children grow so fast. They suddenly make us feel amused. 

Nevertheless, I never miss even the smallest opportunity to help my child understand "life with all its shades" and cultivate a positive approach, so my reply was as follows:

"Darling, there are two principles that I live by that enable me to be the person I am today. The first is, I never-ever take other people's opinions of me seriously. There were various occasions when people falsely accused me, called me names, or tried to destroy my peace, but I never surrendered to it. Since I was a young child, whenever I look at the mirror....into my own eyes, I have told myself that I am the greatest, the most beautiful, the smartest, and the one who will succeed against all odds. I always believed in those words so strongly and never accepted whatever others said. More than anything else, I had faith in myself. Always! Even now! I believe in myself, so it doesn't matter what others say or think about me. 

If someone says something, it's their opinion and their perspective, not mine, so I don't bother about it. At the end of the day, only those who deserve our presence in their lives will understand and accept us. Let others enjoy "their lives", while I lead mine peacefully.

The second principle that I belive in is that, despite having many dreams and aspirations I've never tried to bargain with my Lord Krishna. I simply carry my thoughts forth without making any specific requests to Him and I have faith that whatever He decides will be the 'best choice' for me. I trust him completely and give my 100%, in whichever zone he places me. If he takes me to a new place, I get accustomed to it. If he gives me a job, I will give my honest 100% to it. If he sends someone into my life to befriend or help them, I will give my 100% effort to strengthen that relationship. Always hold on to your relationship with God because it is crucial for knowing who you are and what you want out of this life.

Thus, I find that two things keep me content, they are believing in myself more than what other people think of me and trusting God more than what 'I think' is good for me (at a particular point in time). Neither I try to please anyone to prove myself, nor I am after something that can spoil my inner peace.

There was a long silence between us, since we both were engrossed in our fleeting thoughts after the discussion. We reached the school gate, where we parted greeting each other, "Jai Shri Krishna".

- Suganthi Sankaran 

Live Positive Way - My London Diaries!

Live Positive Way - My London Diaries!

"Yes, I’m enjoying the evolution of my desire. I feel wonderful as I stand in this place where many things that I desire have not yet come to me"! – An extract form 'Ask and It is given' by Abraham Hicks, Esther Hicks, and Jerry Hicks

I feel completely in tune with my life when I read this line. I really believe in a Tamil saying, "Nadhi vazhi payanam," which translates to "I flow like a river as life takes me" and I always look forward to the new experiences that life gives me with a positive outlook.

I have travelled far and wide in my home country India and have lived in a number of Indian cities. I have always enjoyed admiring new places and adjusting to new environment. When it comes to travelling or moving to a new location, I have always embraced it with an open mind. One such beautiful opportunity that life offered to me is my visit to London, and it is almost 3 months since I started staying here. Even though I enjoy exploring new places, I was a little hesitant to come over here because it is outside of India and I also carried some preconceived notions about other nations. However, I started off as usual to see what this stay would add/bring to my life.

My initial reaction---as my plane began to land in London---was, "Aah! What a lovely city." The lovely bird's-eye view of this city stole my heart in just a few seconds. From Chennai, I had a direct flight, and I only saw other fellow Indians in my journey. The moment I reached the immigration area, I realised there were so many people from all over the world waiting to see this city, like me. I was welcomed warmly by the staff at the airport after answering a few immigration questions. I was too tired to see the city while travelling to my home in a bus in London, but one thing I loved was the way the buses operated here and the way passengers were spiritually following the rules to enter or leave the bus.

After a few days of rest, we began visiting the city, and all of my preconceived notions, not just about London, but about any foreign country in general—transformed positively. I could see everyone just the way I am and not notice any differences. This city is also non-discriminatory. I have seen people of every origin here. From Middle-East, Asia, Africa and from European countries. It is true that while we were in various tourist areas or using public transportation, we could hear a lot of different languages. More or less everyone appeared the same compared to the way we dressed up. All were dressed simply for comfort; there was no show-offiness in their clothing or having any expensive items with them. Almost everyone travels by tube (the underground train that runs in Central London), train, tram, or bus, like me, needs to walk extensively in some areas. At times, we may be hopping in and out of trains and walking inside a railway station a lot while changing a route or rail line to reach our destination. Yes, I must admit that those who dislike walking will not find this place interesting. I must declare that the walking has improved my overall health. Here the market area (high street) is different and the residential area is well protected from the hurry-burry of business happenings. We must walk to the market even to fetch some potatoes, which serves as some form of exercise.

I prefer to always have a smile on my face when I come face-to-face with someone since I am an extrovert when it comes to engaging with new people. I used to be disappointed when certain well-known individuals occasionally neglected to reciprocate that warmth at my hometown. But, to my surprise, every time I exchange a casual smile with the people I meet face-to-face here, I am always welcomed, acknowledged and reciprocated with a warm smile. Not exaggerating at all. Perhaps because there are fewer people living here, they appreciate such kind friendly gestures.

Additionally, I observed that everyone in this place showed the highest respect for other's privacy. We frequently hear words and phrases like "Excuse me," "thank you," and "I'm sorry." Nobody pushes another person or moves too quickly. If we adhere to certain norms when travelling or exploring a place, we may prevent ourselves from upsetting anyone and providing them the value of their personal space in exchange.

All through my life, I only wished to stay in apartments since I could have people around me. However, I have to admit that I am in love with the unique row houses that are constructed in London. My heart was stolen by the manner they were built, the uniformity of the exterior designs of the houses they maintained (which resembled a painting from an aerial view of flight), and the way the surroundings were kept tidy. I wish I could own one such beautiful individual house if I stayed here for years.

I already mentioned in some of my social media posts about the unique advantage of visiting London. It's a combination of historical landmarks and modern techno-parks all in one place. I was able to recollect and revisit many of my favourite readings, and I was able to witness some of the original art work and paintings of the artists I admire in all those historical places. I was also delighted to check into some high-rise buildings to view beautiful modern architecture. I also experienced a couple of adventurous and mysterious encounters here. Every view my eyes met were picture perfect and I captured them in my heart to stay forever with me.

I preferred local vegetables and fruits instead of my usual items, and I must admit this place is rich and wealthy when it comes to food. Extensive types of bread and bakery goods are available at local supermarkets in London, along with a wide variety of fruits and vegetables from nearby nations. Overall, it's a great happening spot for foodies like me.

In addition to these, we do have some areas where there is a significant Indian population, and I could see my mandirs and other religious sites here much like they are in my country. Despite the fact that I have visited a lot of places so far in London, my list continues to grow. Still have a load of stuff to see and places to go in this huge city.

I had my own prejudices about this place but now I learned a valuable lesson on not to be judgemental about any place without experiencing it personally first-hand. I had my own perception of what it wouldn't be, but this visit totally changed my perspective, allowing me to evaluate things objectively. Earth is lovely everywhere as long as I have folks like me around. We all coexist and share things with one another, and it is up to us to always look for the good in everything.

"You can leave London, but London never leaves you," I once read. I'm hoping that this holds true for me. Thank you London for showering all the warmth and love on us. 
Despite everything I've said, I still desire to remain in India, my hometown, and my city.
मित्राणि धन धान्यानि प्रजानां सम्मतानिव |
जननी जन्म भूमिश्च स्वर्गादपि गरीयसी ||
"Friends, riches, and grains are highly honoured in this world. (But) mother and motherland are superior even to heaven." Hence, I would always like to return to my place and my tribe and be with my folks my entire life.

-  Suganthi Sankaran