Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Monologue
MONOLOGUE:
While ruminating over ‘Life’ and ‘Living’, one encounters many quotes from eminent personalities that are worth remembering and which help contemplating deeper, opening up new vistas!
George Bernard Shaw said, “Life is no brief candle for me. It is a sort of splendid Torch which I have got hold of for the moment; and I want to make it burn as bright as possible before handing it on to future generations!”
William James, “Most people live- whether physically, intellectually or morally- in a very restricted circle of their potential being. We all have reservoirs of life to draw upon, which we do not dream……!”
Sir Winston Churchill, “Sure I am that this day we are Masters of our Fate; that the task which has been set before us is not above our strength; that its pangs and toils are not beyond my endurance. As long as we have faith in our own cause and an unconquerable will to win, Victory will not be denied us!”
Albert Camas once said, “Real generosity toward the future consists in giving all to what is present!”
Carl Jung said, “Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your heart. The one, who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakens!”
Foster C. McClellan, “Kindle your Inner fire! Trust yourself. Create the kind of life you will be happy to live with all your life. Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into the flames of achievement!”
Now, ‘minding’ the ‘mind’! If one cares for the ‘mind’, nurture it and cultivate like a fertile rich garden, it will blossom far beyond one’s expectations. However, if weeds take root, lasting peace of mind and deep inner harmony will always be illusive! Similarly, all the toxic waste that most people put into this fertile garden of their mind every day- the worries and anxieties, the fretting about the past, the brooding over future and those self-created fears that wreak havoc within the inner world (In native language, the characters of the word ‘worry’ is akin to funeral pyre, ‘Chita’ and ‘Chinta’!) Worry drains the mind of much of its power, and sooner or later injures the soul!
To live life to the fullest, one must stand guard at the gate of one’s mind and let only the very best information enter. One truly cannot afford the luxury of even one single negative thought.
The Sages taught that on an average day there are sixty thousand thoughts running through an average person’s mind and out of these, ninety five percent are same that had occurred the previous day!
Verily, this is the tyranny of impoverished thinking!
Moreover, those people who think the same thoughts every day- most of them negative- fall into bad mental habits. Rather than focusing on all good in their lives and thinking of ways to make things better, they are captives of their pasts. Some of them worry about failed relationships or financial problems; others fret over their less-than-perfect childhoods; still others brood over more trifling matters!
Those who run their minds in this fashion are allowing worry to rob them of their life force. They are blocking the enormous potential of their minds to work magic and deliver into their lives all that they want; emotionally, physically and yes, even spiritually.
These people never realize that ‘mind-management’ is the essence of ‘Life management’! Most people just do not realize the enormous Power of their minds. One should start to ‘see’ one’s mind for what it is- indeed, Nature’s Greatest Gift!
Mental Mastery comes through conditioning; nothing more and nothing less. In fact, there is only one thing where we have absolute dominion over, our minds! We may not be able to control weather or the traffic or the ‘moods’ of all those around us. But we can most certainly Control Our Attitude toward these events
Indeed, all success in life, whether material or spiritual, starts with the thoughts that one puts into one’s mind every second of every minute of every day!
One’s outer world reflects the state of one’s inner world. By controlling the thoughts and the way one responds to the events in life, one begins to Control one’s Destiny!
“There are no mistakes in life, only Lessons!” “From struggle comes strength” Even pain can be a wonderful teacher!
Most people have grown from their most challenging experiences; and if one meets with an outcome he did not expect and feels a little disappointed, remember that the Law of Nature always ensures that when one door closes, another opens!!
Once one starts ‘conditioning’ one’s mind to translate every event into a Positive empowering one, he banishes ‘worry’ forever! One stops being a prisoner of the past; instead, he becomes the architect of his future!
First of all, one must begin to live out of the glory of one’s imagination, not the memory! To liberate the potential of one’s mind, body and soul one must first expand his ‘imagination’. Remember, things are always created twice; first in the workshop of the mind and then, and only then, in reality!
Forget about the past; dare to dream that one is more than the sum total of current circumstances; expect the best and one shall be astonished at the results!
The ‘Mind’ is a wonderful servant but terrible Master! If one is a negative thinker, it is because he has not cared for the mind and taken time to train it to focus on the good.
Winston Churchill had said, “The price of greatness is responsibility over each of one’s thoughts.” One should install the vibrant mind-set one is looking for.
Indeed, mind is like any other muscle in the body; use it or lose it!
One’s mind will do wonderful things if one lets it! It will attract all that one desires in life, only if one knows how to operate it effectively. It will create ideal health if one cares for it properly and it will return to its natural state of Peacefulness and Tranquility, if one has the vision to ask for it! ‘The boundaries of one’s life are merely creations of the Self!’
If one wants to live a more peaceful, meaningful life, one must ‘Think’ more peaceful, meaningful thoughts.
The secret of Happiness is simple; find out what you truly love to do and then direct your entire energy towards doing it.
If one studies the happiest, healthiest and most satisfied people of the world, he will find that each and every one of them has found their passion in life and then spent their days pursuing it.
‘Abundance flows into his life and all desires are fulfilled with ease and grace, once one concentrates his mind power and energy on a pursuit that one loves.
How does one define “Worthy”? One’s passion must, in some way, improve or serve the lives of others.
Victor Frank said it more eloquently thus: - “Success, like happiness, cannot be pursued; it must ensue! And it only does so as the un-intended side effect of one’s personal dedication to a cause greater than oneself!”
Once one finds out what his life’s work is, his world will come alive. He will wake up in the morning with a limitless reservoir of energy and enthusiasm. His entire thoughts will be focused on his definitive objective. “He won’t have time to waste time!”
Valuable mental power will, therefore, not be wasted on trifling thoughts. He will automatically erase the ‘worry habit’ and become far more effective and productive.
Interestingly, he will also have a deep sense of inner harmony, as if he is somehow being ‘guided’ to realize his mission!
Worry causes precious mental energy and potential to leak; soon there is no energy left; all of one’s creativity, optimism and motivation is drained, leaving him exhausted.
Start doing things you always wanted to do; in the process, you will find the deep happiness that had deluded you for so long!
O dear one! Take some time everyday to silently contemplate wherever you are and also where you are going! Take time to reflect on the purpose and how you are living your life, everyday!
Most importantly, think deeply and genuinely how you would improve your next day. Even ten minutes of focused reflection a day will have a profound impact on the quality of your life.
Saying that you have no time to improve your thoughts and your life is like saying you don’t have time to stop for petrol because you are too busy driving!
Practically speaking, you will notice that you will feel far calmer. Return to that retreat, that oasis of silence, your island of peace each day, no matter how busy you get and how many challenges you might face, NEVER FORGET THAT THERE IS POWER IN SILENCE AND STILLNESS; Stillness is the stepping stone to connecting with the Universal source of Intelligence that throbs through every living thing!
There is an ancient secret based on a principle that everything is always created twice; first in the mind and then in reality.
One can Become the person whom he saw Becoming! You see, the mind works through pictures; pictures affect Self-image and the Self-image affects the way one feels, act and achieve!
When one runs inspiring imagining pictures through the movie-screen of his mind, wonderful things start happening in life.
Einstein said that Imagination is more important than Knowledge! One must spend some time everyday, even if it is just a few minutes in the practice of ‘Creative Envisioning’; see yourself as you want to be, whether this means serving as a great Professor, a great father or a great citizen of your community.
Picture yourself acting Gracefully and Lovingly in a tense situation. Mentally rehearse the way you will govern your actions when a similar scene unfolds on the canvas of reality.
Understand once for all that your mind has magnetic power to attract all that you desire into your life. If there is a lack in your life, it is because there is lack in your thoughts!
Indeed, there is nothing noble about being superior to some other person. True nobility lies in being superior to your ‘Former Self’!
It does not matter what other people say about you; what is important is what you say to yourself.
Do not be concerned with the judgment of others as long as you know what you are doing is right!
Moreover, never be ashamed of doing that which is right!
For God’s sake, never get into the petty habit of measuring your Self-worth against other people’s net-worth!
Every second you spend thinking about someone else’s dreams, you take time away from your own.
For the most part, FATIGUE is a creation of the mind. Fatigue dominates the lives of those who are living without direction and dreams. Your interest and mental focus give you energy. When you consistently direct your mind to live in the ‘present’, you will always have boundless energy!
When you strive to improve the lives of others, your own life will be elevated into its highest dimensions. He, who serves the most, reaps the most- emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually! This is the way to Inner Peace and Outer Fulfillment!
People who study others are wise; but those who study themselves are Enlightened!
The Purpose Of Life Is A Life Of Purpose! Those who are truly enlightened know what they want out of life- emotionally, materially, physically and spiritually!
Enough of ‘Life and ‘Living’ as of now!
Jai Sairam!
Pune
23 March 2010
While ruminating over ‘Life’ and ‘Living’, one encounters many quotes from eminent personalities that are worth remembering and which help contemplating deeper, opening up new vistas!
George Bernard Shaw said, “Life is no brief candle for me. It is a sort of splendid Torch which I have got hold of for the moment; and I want to make it burn as bright as possible before handing it on to future generations!”
William James, “Most people live- whether physically, intellectually or morally- in a very restricted circle of their potential being. We all have reservoirs of life to draw upon, which we do not dream……!”
Sir Winston Churchill, “Sure I am that this day we are Masters of our Fate; that the task which has been set before us is not above our strength; that its pangs and toils are not beyond my endurance. As long as we have faith in our own cause and an unconquerable will to win, Victory will not be denied us!”
Albert Camas once said, “Real generosity toward the future consists in giving all to what is present!”
Carl Jung said, “Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your heart. The one, who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakens!”
Foster C. McClellan, “Kindle your Inner fire! Trust yourself. Create the kind of life you will be happy to live with all your life. Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into the flames of achievement!”
Now, ‘minding’ the ‘mind’! If one cares for the ‘mind’, nurture it and cultivate like a fertile rich garden, it will blossom far beyond one’s expectations. However, if weeds take root, lasting peace of mind and deep inner harmony will always be illusive! Similarly, all the toxic waste that most people put into this fertile garden of their mind every day- the worries and anxieties, the fretting about the past, the brooding over future and those self-created fears that wreak havoc within the inner world (In native language, the characters of the word ‘worry’ is akin to funeral pyre, ‘Chita’ and ‘Chinta’!) Worry drains the mind of much of its power, and sooner or later injures the soul!
To live life to the fullest, one must stand guard at the gate of one’s mind and let only the very best information enter. One truly cannot afford the luxury of even one single negative thought.
The Sages taught that on an average day there are sixty thousand thoughts running through an average person’s mind and out of these, ninety five percent are same that had occurred the previous day!
Verily, this is the tyranny of impoverished thinking!
Moreover, those people who think the same thoughts every day- most of them negative- fall into bad mental habits. Rather than focusing on all good in their lives and thinking of ways to make things better, they are captives of their pasts. Some of them worry about failed relationships or financial problems; others fret over their less-than-perfect childhoods; still others brood over more trifling matters!
Those who run their minds in this fashion are allowing worry to rob them of their life force. They are blocking the enormous potential of their minds to work magic and deliver into their lives all that they want; emotionally, physically and yes, even spiritually.
These people never realize that ‘mind-management’ is the essence of ‘Life management’! Most people just do not realize the enormous Power of their minds. One should start to ‘see’ one’s mind for what it is- indeed, Nature’s Greatest Gift!
Mental Mastery comes through conditioning; nothing more and nothing less. In fact, there is only one thing where we have absolute dominion over, our minds! We may not be able to control weather or the traffic or the ‘moods’ of all those around us. But we can most certainly Control Our Attitude toward these events
Indeed, all success in life, whether material or spiritual, starts with the thoughts that one puts into one’s mind every second of every minute of every day!
One’s outer world reflects the state of one’s inner world. By controlling the thoughts and the way one responds to the events in life, one begins to Control one’s Destiny!
“There are no mistakes in life, only Lessons!” “From struggle comes strength” Even pain can be a wonderful teacher!
Most people have grown from their most challenging experiences; and if one meets with an outcome he did not expect and feels a little disappointed, remember that the Law of Nature always ensures that when one door closes, another opens!!
Once one starts ‘conditioning’ one’s mind to translate every event into a Positive empowering one, he banishes ‘worry’ forever! One stops being a prisoner of the past; instead, he becomes the architect of his future!
First of all, one must begin to live out of the glory of one’s imagination, not the memory! To liberate the potential of one’s mind, body and soul one must first expand his ‘imagination’. Remember, things are always created twice; first in the workshop of the mind and then, and only then, in reality!
Forget about the past; dare to dream that one is more than the sum total of current circumstances; expect the best and one shall be astonished at the results!
The ‘Mind’ is a wonderful servant but terrible Master! If one is a negative thinker, it is because he has not cared for the mind and taken time to train it to focus on the good.
Winston Churchill had said, “The price of greatness is responsibility over each of one’s thoughts.” One should install the vibrant mind-set one is looking for.
Indeed, mind is like any other muscle in the body; use it or lose it!
One’s mind will do wonderful things if one lets it! It will attract all that one desires in life, only if one knows how to operate it effectively. It will create ideal health if one cares for it properly and it will return to its natural state of Peacefulness and Tranquility, if one has the vision to ask for it! ‘The boundaries of one’s life are merely creations of the Self!’
If one wants to live a more peaceful, meaningful life, one must ‘Think’ more peaceful, meaningful thoughts.
The secret of Happiness is simple; find out what you truly love to do and then direct your entire energy towards doing it.
If one studies the happiest, healthiest and most satisfied people of the world, he will find that each and every one of them has found their passion in life and then spent their days pursuing it.
‘Abundance flows into his life and all desires are fulfilled with ease and grace, once one concentrates his mind power and energy on a pursuit that one loves.
How does one define “Worthy”? One’s passion must, in some way, improve or serve the lives of others.
Victor Frank said it more eloquently thus: - “Success, like happiness, cannot be pursued; it must ensue! And it only does so as the un-intended side effect of one’s personal dedication to a cause greater than oneself!”
Once one finds out what his life’s work is, his world will come alive. He will wake up in the morning with a limitless reservoir of energy and enthusiasm. His entire thoughts will be focused on his definitive objective. “He won’t have time to waste time!”
Valuable mental power will, therefore, not be wasted on trifling thoughts. He will automatically erase the ‘worry habit’ and become far more effective and productive.
Interestingly, he will also have a deep sense of inner harmony, as if he is somehow being ‘guided’ to realize his mission!
Worry causes precious mental energy and potential to leak; soon there is no energy left; all of one’s creativity, optimism and motivation is drained, leaving him exhausted.
Start doing things you always wanted to do; in the process, you will find the deep happiness that had deluded you for so long!
O dear one! Take some time everyday to silently contemplate wherever you are and also where you are going! Take time to reflect on the purpose and how you are living your life, everyday!
Most importantly, think deeply and genuinely how you would improve your next day. Even ten minutes of focused reflection a day will have a profound impact on the quality of your life.
Saying that you have no time to improve your thoughts and your life is like saying you don’t have time to stop for petrol because you are too busy driving!
Practically speaking, you will notice that you will feel far calmer. Return to that retreat, that oasis of silence, your island of peace each day, no matter how busy you get and how many challenges you might face, NEVER FORGET THAT THERE IS POWER IN SILENCE AND STILLNESS; Stillness is the stepping stone to connecting with the Universal source of Intelligence that throbs through every living thing!
There is an ancient secret based on a principle that everything is always created twice; first in the mind and then in reality.
One can Become the person whom he saw Becoming! You see, the mind works through pictures; pictures affect Self-image and the Self-image affects the way one feels, act and achieve!
When one runs inspiring imagining pictures through the movie-screen of his mind, wonderful things start happening in life.
Einstein said that Imagination is more important than Knowledge! One must spend some time everyday, even if it is just a few minutes in the practice of ‘Creative Envisioning’; see yourself as you want to be, whether this means serving as a great Professor, a great father or a great citizen of your community.
Picture yourself acting Gracefully and Lovingly in a tense situation. Mentally rehearse the way you will govern your actions when a similar scene unfolds on the canvas of reality.
Understand once for all that your mind has magnetic power to attract all that you desire into your life. If there is a lack in your life, it is because there is lack in your thoughts!
Indeed, there is nothing noble about being superior to some other person. True nobility lies in being superior to your ‘Former Self’!
It does not matter what other people say about you; what is important is what you say to yourself.
Do not be concerned with the judgment of others as long as you know what you are doing is right!
Moreover, never be ashamed of doing that which is right!
For God’s sake, never get into the petty habit of measuring your Self-worth against other people’s net-worth!
Every second you spend thinking about someone else’s dreams, you take time away from your own.
For the most part, FATIGUE is a creation of the mind. Fatigue dominates the lives of those who are living without direction and dreams. Your interest and mental focus give you energy. When you consistently direct your mind to live in the ‘present’, you will always have boundless energy!
When you strive to improve the lives of others, your own life will be elevated into its highest dimensions. He, who serves the most, reaps the most- emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually! This is the way to Inner Peace and Outer Fulfillment!
People who study others are wise; but those who study themselves are Enlightened!
The Purpose Of Life Is A Life Of Purpose! Those who are truly enlightened know what they want out of life- emotionally, materially, physically and spiritually!
Enough of ‘Life and ‘Living’ as of now!
Jai Sairam!
Pune
23 March 2010
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Thoughts on Terminal Care Centres
Friends,
These are some stray thoughts and I sincerely wish and hope that you will very graciously give it some concrete shape by offering your candid comments, suggestions and even criticism if deemed fit to.
In fact, this is a global problem, which is particularly evident in India. Let me spell out the problem straightaway. You see, there are larger numbers of old, decrepit people who are literally waiting and praying for ‘Death’. No Nation on the planet has yet been able to ‘Legislate’ ‘Voluntary Death’ and ‘Mercy-killing’. Overall longevity of the elderly is certainly on the rise, may be due to various palliative measures along with some cures as well, which is most commendable.
However, there are still large numbers who are beyond recovery, in fact ‘incurables’. Both the elderly as well as his/her close relatives literally get ‘fed-up’ with the pitiable condition of the elderly sick. In a very big majority of the cases in India, close relatives try to do their best to keep the elderly and the sick in particular, as much comfortable as possible. However, more often than not they are frustrated, tired and ultimately tend to lose patience while looking after them at home.
In such cases there is just no alternative but to get the elderly sick ‘admitted’ in a hospital.
Now, the ‘hospital’ must play its role to come to a ‘diagnosis’ by ordering various types of ‘Investigations’, ‘Expert’s opinions and so on, which are expensive, cumbersome and truly speaking useless in most of the cases. They must keep poking, pricking and ‘exploring’ the admitted ‘patient’; moreover, they must ‘administer’ treatment as well, otherwise there is no point in admitting a ‘case’!
I am a Medical man and therefore can understand the ‘ethics’ behind the entire paraphernalia’; however, I fail to understand the ‘rationale’. Why can we not accept the fact, that we can never avoid the inevitable, that is, Death? Why should we not allow such cases just to ‘die’ comfortably and peacefully, rather than ‘torturing’ them to death?
I am aware that the Constitution and Law does not permit to do so. Therefore, there is need to consider and find out some via-media, whereby the Law is not broken and the ‘case’ dies peacefully and comfortably. I wish to offer a solution that is likely to be practical.
There can be centre or centers in every town meant to cater to the Terminally Sick, the ‘Terminal Care Centers’.
1). Such a centre could be located in the hospital itself, where there is provision of just Nursing care, appropriate diet and calm, tranquil atmosphere. No ‘active’, ‘aggressive’ or ‘invasive’ treatment is advised or carried out. At the most, adequate pain-relievers or sedation may be used.
Such cases should be ‘selected’ by a qualified medical person before transferring to the Terminal Care Unit and very naturally death would be certified by him when the inevitable happens ultimately.
2). Whether such centers can be run by philanthropic persons or organizations after duly honoring provisions of the Nursing Home Act.
Those could be in the form of ‘old-age homes’ with entire amenities for food, shelter and entertainment with added Nursing care under Medical supervision but without any ‘active’ treatment as mentioned above.
3). Is it possible to create greater awareness about this problem through various publicity media? Indeed, I am very much impressed by the Marathi Film ‘SUKHANTA’. However, although the end of the film is quite convincing looking at the overall situation, it does not answer the basic query, that of ‘ethics’, ‘morality, ‘helplessness’ and law!
(I am aware that I am looking ‘confused’ at this stage! In fact, that is the exact reason for seeking your counsel, comments, words of caution etc. Let there be a debate at various levels, so that some solution to the confronting problem comes to fore!!)
With warm regards,
Dr.P.S.Rahalkar
A-2, 604, Aditya-Shagun,
Bavdhan, Pune-411021
Tel: 020-22953764
Mobile- 9890422498
These are some stray thoughts and I sincerely wish and hope that you will very graciously give it some concrete shape by offering your candid comments, suggestions and even criticism if deemed fit to.
In fact, this is a global problem, which is particularly evident in India. Let me spell out the problem straightaway. You see, there are larger numbers of old, decrepit people who are literally waiting and praying for ‘Death’. No Nation on the planet has yet been able to ‘Legislate’ ‘Voluntary Death’ and ‘Mercy-killing’. Overall longevity of the elderly is certainly on the rise, may be due to various palliative measures along with some cures as well, which is most commendable.
However, there are still large numbers who are beyond recovery, in fact ‘incurables’. Both the elderly as well as his/her close relatives literally get ‘fed-up’ with the pitiable condition of the elderly sick. In a very big majority of the cases in India, close relatives try to do their best to keep the elderly and the sick in particular, as much comfortable as possible. However, more often than not they are frustrated, tired and ultimately tend to lose patience while looking after them at home.
In such cases there is just no alternative but to get the elderly sick ‘admitted’ in a hospital.
Now, the ‘hospital’ must play its role to come to a ‘diagnosis’ by ordering various types of ‘Investigations’, ‘Expert’s opinions and so on, which are expensive, cumbersome and truly speaking useless in most of the cases. They must keep poking, pricking and ‘exploring’ the admitted ‘patient’; moreover, they must ‘administer’ treatment as well, otherwise there is no point in admitting a ‘case’!
I am a Medical man and therefore can understand the ‘ethics’ behind the entire paraphernalia’; however, I fail to understand the ‘rationale’. Why can we not accept the fact, that we can never avoid the inevitable, that is, Death? Why should we not allow such cases just to ‘die’ comfortably and peacefully, rather than ‘torturing’ them to death?
I am aware that the Constitution and Law does not permit to do so. Therefore, there is need to consider and find out some via-media, whereby the Law is not broken and the ‘case’ dies peacefully and comfortably. I wish to offer a solution that is likely to be practical.
There can be centre or centers in every town meant to cater to the Terminally Sick, the ‘Terminal Care Centers’.
1). Such a centre could be located in the hospital itself, where there is provision of just Nursing care, appropriate diet and calm, tranquil atmosphere. No ‘active’, ‘aggressive’ or ‘invasive’ treatment is advised or carried out. At the most, adequate pain-relievers or sedation may be used.
Such cases should be ‘selected’ by a qualified medical person before transferring to the Terminal Care Unit and very naturally death would be certified by him when the inevitable happens ultimately.
2). Whether such centers can be run by philanthropic persons or organizations after duly honoring provisions of the Nursing Home Act.
Those could be in the form of ‘old-age homes’ with entire amenities for food, shelter and entertainment with added Nursing care under Medical supervision but without any ‘active’ treatment as mentioned above.
3). Is it possible to create greater awareness about this problem through various publicity media? Indeed, I am very much impressed by the Marathi Film ‘SUKHANTA’. However, although the end of the film is quite convincing looking at the overall situation, it does not answer the basic query, that of ‘ethics’, ‘morality, ‘helplessness’ and law!
(I am aware that I am looking ‘confused’ at this stage! In fact, that is the exact reason for seeking your counsel, comments, words of caution etc. Let there be a debate at various levels, so that some solution to the confronting problem comes to fore!!)
With warm regards,
Dr.P.S.Rahalkar
A-2, 604, Aditya-Shagun,
Bavdhan, Pune-411021
Tel: 020-22953764
Mobile- 9890422498
