Love for Life ... :)))

For years I took it for granted that loving oneself and being 'ok' in oneself just came naturally (yeah yeah naive or ? ). And thereof came the Love for Life.....taking pleasure in the simple things......sharing and expressing freely and without borders and boundary.....brewing laughter at any instant, however silly or simplistic, and being positive in whatever instance (including stress and problems).

Recently I experienced a series of harrowing and border-abuse incidents - stretched over several months - that awakened me to how this whole concept/ideology does not apply to all - and in fact I realised it seems harder for some! And it reinforced what I had witnessed growing up, that: the ability to be happy and at peace with oneself comes from within and will simply not last if it is catalysed by externally driven 'masking behaviours'. To be happy is about making others happy - not waiting for someone to make you smile. As my adverse experiences have ceased, I begin to take back my "Love for Life" the way I always knew it, with laughter and content enjoyment of the simple things in life - and a glow in anticipation of the bigger things which are always awaiting us. Reminded that the blessings are all around - waiting to be noticed by the positive inner eye. How could I have forgotten?

Of-course there are always mixed feelings surrounding the desire to maintain one's 'Love for Life', especially when one experiences imbalanced or unjust instances, and this reminds me of the Kite Runner. A superb movie, remarkable in the making and compelling in its storyline, but of-course quite tearful too (for me at least). I watched it thrice in the past few months, and one (partial) statement I relate to strongly - "....there is a way to be good again". Those of you who have watched it will appreciate how this fits into the injustice and betrayal faced by Hassan from his friend Amir - though not intentional, but because Amir just did not know how to deal with the situation and resolved to take the easy way out. Much later in life Amir was presented an opportunity to 'make-up-for' the betrayal. And I wondered, in my own context, will 'it be made good' one-day? Will having upheld faith that the wrongs will be 'made-up-for' be worth it in the end? And will my love for life be influenced by this?

I guess the beauty of waiting for tomorrow to unfold and give the answers, is the mysteries and wisdom it will bring with it. But today - I am content to nurture my Love for Life :)

Its been a while....but lets share a laugh & get happy

It has been a while since I have offered this space attention, not sure whether to be sorry, or excited that I am back !!! Have been on the road more often than not in the past two months, which has its ups but many many downs as well... comprising mostly of stress and anxiety. Excessive travel does that, unsettles one.... I am sure we all can appreciate that. So what keeps the excessive travellar sane? I guess different people have different responses to that, mine has always been laughter. Laughter just does it for me. And its contagious, hence it generates relaxation and joy and an environment that encourages our endorphines to race around and take us into euphoria....Basically with a dose of good laughter you really won't need barbiturates or other toxic substances to give you a high. Not only has this been proven scieentifically, but anecdotal we all have evidence on how laughter relieves stress and in some instances also plays role of "medicine". Laughter fuels happiness and vice versa and happiness is the greatest healer of all.

In the Baha'i perspective of health and healing this holds much truth as it calls on innate peace that only spiritual growth and health can offer a human being. Thus the cliche "Laughter is the Bets Medicine" remains true if you muse it...try it...guaranteed you won't be disappointed.
“Joy gives us wings! in times of joy our strength is more vital, our intellect keener…..But when sadness visits us our strength leaves us.” – Abdu’l-Baha

Of course many may question the ability to remain ‘happy’ under the various trials and difficulties that face us in this day. Especially within the context of political and socio-economic challenges prevailing across most of the globe. In this instance we need to be reminded that the true meaning of happiness does not lie in material and temporal domains; it is true happiness that enables spiritual and even physical and mental health in human beings. Happiness that ensues from obedience to the laws set down in the Holy Books of God. Happiness that is mirrored in the heart of those who choose to turn their faces to God.
Abdu’l-Baha reveals “Anybody can be happy in the state of comfort, ease, health, success, pleasure and joy; but if one will be happy and contented in the time of trouble, hardship and prevailing disease, it is the proof of nobility” .

Indeed, as we ponder these Wise and Inspiring Revelations, let us remain HAPPY under all earthly conditions. How can we possibly consider harbouring any negative emotions in this Great Day ? So go ahead share a laugh and be happy - and remember that humor needs to be sensitive and culturally cognisant.....I sure am happy to be back on this space :)