Believe in good on some days…

Photo Courtesy: Nathan Lemon

There are many things that can make us feel the world is a horrible place to be with full of mean people but so less times that makes us feel that it’s otherwise.

I have always felt that there is something about someone who will just rub you off the sadness. They could be anything or anyone – your pet dog, your garden blooms or even the sunshine on your window.

While it is easy to believe if something is not in sync, you keep looking at what does. It is easier said than done! I hear you. But, I would implore you to still on some days believe in the good. Believe that there is hope in the morning sun, there is calmness in the evening wind and there is warmth in your coffee sip.

Just don’t lose it. Let someone touch you with a healing hand and you touch other with a cosy one. Let someone hug you like an old friend and you hug back like a lover. Just believe not on all days but some days – where you feel that someone was kind to you and offered you a shoulder for you to rest on. Let on other days walk along with ease just like your pet would to hold the space and uplift another. 🌷

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5 Best Quotes by Frederick Nietzsche

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Friedrich Nietzsche was an extraordinary German philosopher who became one of the most influential of all modern thinkers.

His work is brilliant in all aspects. I personally find solace in his writings which are so profound. Here are some of my favorite quotes by Nietzsche.

1. Without music, life would be a mistake.

2. The advantage of a bad memory is that one enjoys several times the same good things for the first time.

3. The higher we soar the smaller we appear to those who cannot fly.

4. Invisible threads are the strongest ties.

5. Amor Fati – “Love Your Fate”, which is in fact your life.

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Calming Teas from India for you

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Drinking tea is a tradition followed in many cultures for many many years. Tea is a shared ritual that is often had with people together.

I come from India – Tea is referred “chai”. ☕ It’s more than a hot drink, it’s a feeling for Indians. Easily found in any Indian household. Our day begins with a cup of tea and evening unwinding happens with tea. Tea has been a part of my home even before I was born. All of us sit together over a cup of tea and have discussions. It feels great to have a conversation with a cup in hand that imparts warmth and comfort.

Tea is not limited to communities but can be had anytime, anywhere with the ease of tea bags. Here are 3 best teas from India which brings soothing and calming effects.

1. Masala Chai/ Tea – Most popular in India also called “tapri chai”. Masala tea comprises of black tea and spices such as, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, holy basil, ginger and many more. It has brilliant taste and aroma. Lowers risk of heart diseases, reduces stress and anxiety.

2. Kashmiri Kahwa/Tea – A traditional tea of Kashmir. It is combination of green tea and spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, ginger and saffron. It is served piping hot and garnished with almonds and rose petals.it is great for burning fat, reduces stress, it is rich in vitamin B12. Excellent for winters.

3. Sulaimani Chai/Tea – It is famous in the Malabar regions and Hyderabad. It’s citrusy flavours leaves a refreshing effect. The robust black tea is balanced with a tang of lemon. Fantastic source of vitamin C, antioxidants, great for digestion and subtle “pick me up” without nervousness.

Which is your favorite tea flavor?

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Music and Human Connection

Photo Courtesy: Dan Gold

Ever wondered why we keep listening to a song over and over or hum a particular tone on and on for days without getting bored? Or Why do we enjoy when someone in the park or street is playing a musical instrument?

Music is one of the most profound and greatest expression of thought and creativity. Whether it is folk, classical, metal or jazz and more, music is different, unique and beautiful in each of it’s forms.

A survey on music and brain health found interesting findings about the impact of music on well-being. It showed that people who listen to music have a higher score on mental well-being. People who were exposed to music during childhood have an excellent ability to learn new things. Furthermore, it suggested that individuals who engage in music associate with high scores on happiness and cognitive functioning.

Although there are researches in this area, cognitive neuroscience have allowed a space to theorize the possibility of the mechanisms behind it.

Music has shown activation in the entire brain. It does not only limits to the auditory cortex but parts of the brain involving emotions, memory and motor system.

While music activates the entire brain, it strengthens brain pathways and networks, including those relating to well-being, learning, happiness and cognitive functioning to name a few.

You can combine music with other activities, such as dancing or while working out. Some yoga or zumba classes have an important music component. In places like restaurants, malls you must have heard peaceful instrumental music playing in the backgrounds or live music.

Music not only makes the place pleasant but instantly uplift mood and energy.

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The Art of Listening

Photo Courtesy: Saeed Karimi

Ever wondered why good listeners are good listeners? And why do we like to talk or share more with someone who is a good listener?

Active listening is an important component when it comes to listening. Olson & Iwasiw, 1987 referred it as — “a measurable dimension of empathy.”

The art in itself begins with us. Only when we are willing to devote our energy to it. Active listening has three components to it.

1. Listen for total meaning – includes both what is conveyed and how it is conveyed.

2. Responding to feelings – responding back in a way which is aligned with the way speaker feels understood.

3. Noting all the cues – includes both verbal i.e. contents or speech and non-verbal i. e. feelings, tone, expression.

Active listening is an integral component when it comes to therapy. Carl Rogers payed a close attention to this aspect in his therapeutic settings. According to him, it is a tool that fosters positive change.

Active listening can be improved and here are some techniques that can help.

• Paraphrasing – simply restating the information received in own words.

• Probing – sometimes by asking questions we not only gather more information but also understand better. However, begin with open ended questions.

• Reflect – reflecting to the speaker in ways they feel understood at all levels.

“Sometimes all a person wants is an empathetic ear; all he or she needs is to talk it out. Just offering a listening ear and an understanding heart for his or her suffering can be a big comfort.” – Roy T. Bennett

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