Stress and Joy of Waiting

 

                 Stress and Joy of Waiting

 

“You usually have to wait for that which is worth waiting for.”                                                                   -Craig Bruce

Waiting, normally is referred to as, “to wait for something to happen”. There are other meanings also attached to this word but in this blog we are more concerned about this particular meaning and its ramifications.

The life on this wonderful planet is based on number of concepts and “waiting” is one of them: we may agree or not: nothing happens in a jiffy. Parents have to wait for their offspring for full nine months: this is the journey, the offspring has to undergo before he is free and the parents get a son or a daughter: but this journey despite all the issues is worth the wait both for the parents as well as their offspring: a “mother” is also born along with the baby and it makes a “couple” a “family”. Nature gives you fruits, vegetables, grains, dry fruits, pulses and so many other things but we have to wait for the season to come and harvest to ripe. “Urge to create” was present in the space, obviously much before the Universe was created and still being created and as soon as conditions were ripe enough it happened and Universe came into being: even the Lord had to wait before the Universe came into existence; perhaps He waited for billions of years. Wait makes beautiful and wonderful things to happen: a student becomes an engineer or Doctor, architect, accountant, scientist, administrator and what not. Wait is perhaps always worth it.   

Waiting is a wonderful activity but it is not everybody’s cup of tea to enjoy waiting in other words to prepare himself for the result of waiting. First ingredient of waiting is that one should have the patience to wait for the things to happen: the opportune time, every time is not always opportune time: however don’t sit idle do whatever is required to be done that will keep you engaged and stress miles away: another is the conviction - crystal clear - one has about the purpose “yes” that it is worth waiting: if one has no such conviction “failure” written on the wall and “stress” written on forehead are sure to happen and thirdly he must have firm faith in the process being followed for the things to happen like examination and declaration of result. If these thing are not there one feels stress and is frustrated: result is, he tries to find out ways and means to jump the queue which many a times are unfair: if successful it gives him joy and if he is unable to jump he is in for stress.

“Somebody” is waiting for you: it is great privilege: you are wanted: you are loved and showered affection: you are useful and your company is worth the wait: they know what they get in your company: they appreciate you in your presence: for them you are special and unique: that is respect, regards and heed for you.

Waiting is not necessarily in time; it can anything; for example if you are taking your meals there is somebody keeping an eye on your plate to ensure that you are served what you need before you ask for and serve you what you like most that is also waiting and that shows how much you are being cared for and what regard that person has for you and if nothing like these aspect is there, it is your usefulness that makes him to wait for you: just as a hotel staff does for you because you are their bread and butter tips too.

Waiting has to have some purpose, some aim, some end in view and that too valid and natural one: waiting can’t be blank that is against the law of nature - that man is always in action even when he is in sleep. Blank wait is destructive and too long a wait melts the personality as wax melts in presence of heat.

We should be ready to receive what we are waiting for: with the same love, affection, kindness, compassion, respect, regards, devotion, dedication, integrity, labour, trust that it deserves then it brings to us bliss, solace, satisfaction, happiness, inner glow, pride and one is proud of whatever one receives after the wait, otherwise that would bring to us the bickering, misery, distrust, separation, stress, distress, anger, irritation and above all negativity all round in life and action. Do not disown what you receive after the wait: it is insult to your effort as well as to His system of reward.

“Whatever we are waiting for — peace of mind, contentment, grace, the inner awareness of simple abundance — it will surely come to us, but only when we are ready to receive it with an open and grateful heart.”                                                                  

                                                             – Sarah Ban Breathnach

Waiting has in it the element of luck or one can say blessings of the Lord sought to be strengthened by our prayers: whenever we wait for: the result of an exam we pray to him for good news: when somebody is on the operation table, luck: the Lord plays His part as the miracles do happen in most adverse circumstances.

Waiting for love is the essence of life on this planet. Life, Love, and waiting are three concept which regulate our living on this planet and are very complex and interdependent. Life starts with love and completed by wait. No matter how long it takes, true love is all worth the wait.

Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love time is eternity.

                                                                            Henry Van Dyke

Waiting for loved ones and its rightful culmination has its own charm the stress comes when they do not turn up despite the messages, veiled pleadings, and the discomfort one is going through: and it causes distress when dear ones come to your to town and go back to their settlement even without seeing you.

There are always “ifs” and “buts”, between when the wait starts and when the wait ends: some in your hands: some in the hands of others: still some others in the hands of circumstances, nature, atmosphere and still others unforeseen, sudden, abrupt etc. Solve those in your hand in a masterly manner: never depend on others as whatever you need, would also be important to others when you need it most that would be most disgusting and cause of pain.

Sometime some people leave everything to the Lord and wait for his blessings: God helps those who help themselves: Lord Krishna in Bhagwat Gita say do your duty and leave the reward to me. Action is more important than wait. Continue to do what is within your means and capacities you would rewarded.

Sometimes people mix arrogance with waiting: that is very dangerous mix: waiting has in it element of positivity as it presumes reasonable action before waiting whereas arrogance is total negativity for example when a person presumes he is capable of something in reality he is not. Such like attitude spoils life and careers too, in addition creates stress for others.

 “Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.”                                  – Abraham Lincoln

Waiting is part of life but do not make waiting a way of life.

Stress of Getting up early in the Morning and Joy of Morning Walk

Stress of Getting up early in the Morning and

Joy of Morning Walk

 

WAKE UP EARLY AND TACKLE THE DAY BEFORE IT TACKLES YOU.

― EVAN CARMICHAEL

 

What is “early morning” different people define it differently, however, normally it is defined as between 05.00 A.M. to 08.00 A.M. Indian scriptures define it as from 03.00 A.M. to sunrise and term it as “Amritvela” the period when nature showers Nectar on its creations. In Hindu marriages, previously, the tying of the knot the “Seven Pheras” used to take place invariably between 02.30 to 04.30 in the morning, although this has changed due to Covid and also due to so called modern liberal attitude of the people still they like to say “good bye” send off or “Bidayee” to their daughter in shadow of the stars early morning. Similarly the best time for meditation is considered to be between 04.00 to 06.00 AM even by the scriptures. It is my observation in life that even in hospitals most of the regular surgeries are performed in the morning only. Early morning has most positivity in the atmosphere with ringing bells and recitation from scriptures in all religious places and also from the people who do worship and meditation: even otherwise most of the mature people utter name of the Lord as soon as they get up from the bed: so atmosphere is full of the name of the Lord and He does listens and showers His blessings on His creations man being one of them: the rising Sun brings hope for everybody: it is time for action and harvesting too so get up early in the morning and have blessings of the nature.

 

"A morning walk gives the body a chance to forgive the trials and tribulations of yesterday, to shed its rubbish and mental clutter."                                           Terri Guillemets.

 

In addition, getting up early in the morning provides more time for your own self, exercise, morning walk, yoga, meditation, enjoying the breakfast instead of gobbling it up: makes you punctual with lesser time in traffic congestion. People who are early to rise are normally early to bed also which means better, sound and full sleep this leads to better overall health, lesser ailments, balance in life and are able to bear stress better.

 

"I love walking because it clears your mind, enriches the soul, takes away stress, and opens up your eyes to a whole new world."                                                -Claudette Dudley.

 

Despite so much about getting up early in the morning many people do not leave the bed early even after so many alarm bells on the mobile lying near one’s head. Obviously alarm bells have nothing to do with rising early in the morning. It is one’s determination, character, habits and life style that matter most. Of these determination is most important: once a person is determined to rise early, other things can be corrected. Some people do not have alarm bells still the reach the railway station well before the scheduled time of the train, there are other who do not use alarms at all but catch the fights at 02.00 A. M. It happens because they are determined and there is motivation: also the stress of losing the purpose and the money too.

 

Lose an hour in the morning you will be all the day hunting for it.                                                           Richard Whatley

 

So first of all be determined and then we can build up. Things which you do again and again becomes a habit. Start with just 15 minutes earlier than the time you wake up this day, push it just 5 minutes every day and within fifteen days you would be 01.25 hrs early. Some life style changes are also called for like switch off the mobile, computer and TV early: take light and less spiced food for dinner and avoid late night dinner: let it happen between 07.30 to 08.30 PM: be positive and last but most important thing a prayer to the Lord while lying in the bed itself just for a few minutes. All these things will help you to have sound sleep and as soon as you have enough of sleep your body will speak; listen the voice of silence and get up from your bed and free yourself from the natural routine: have a cup of tea, coffee or just warm water to wake up your body as well and let your system be ready for the day.

 

Use the morning time as purposefully as you like: students use it to do their lessons because freshness of mind leads to better concentration; some use it for yoga others for meditation and still others for exercise to keep themselves fighting fit and fine. Household ladies use it for difficult home chores. Still many oldies, retirees and spent forces use this wonderful time for morning walk simply because their body can tolerate only this simply and time tested exercise.

 

"Walking: the most ancient exercise and still the best modern exercise."                                            -Carrie Latet.

 

Many think where to go for walk in the morning: no need to bother, go to a neighborhood Park as big as possible; let it be next Door Park if nothing nearby. Greenery anywhere has its own charm: it freshens one’s eyes, it is said seeing greenery improves ones eyesight; early morning breeze freshens body; dew on the grass is good to see and walk thereon: some walk bare feet on the grass: you will see some picking particular type of grass as an offering to the Lord. Appearance of the new leaves, buds and flowers give joy and happiness. Fruit on a tree or a creeper is a sight to see and enjoy. While walking one also meets colourful sparrows and squirrels they are good to watch and would take you awake away to the world of thoughts from where you are and when you are walking there itself. Some crows are total black and doves are grey. Pigeons are a common sight and feeding them is a religious activity with many people. You may notice birds drink water before taking grains that what one should also do. Take water before taking anything solid in the morning and if it is lukewarm better it is. Butterflies are colourful do not catch them enjoy their colours and flutter.  Many a times these parks and garden are near the religious places, if you happen to be in such a place enjoy the devotional songs and prayers too; pay your obeisance to the Lord and be blessed; you can do this while continuing your walk. One can also sit in some secluded corner for meditation or be with your own self. Count your steps rather it should start from the time you entered that garden and you can also count your minutes, smart phones have given you the choice of both, leave at appointed time as some body is waiting for you at the dining table for a healthy breakfast like oats, corn flakes, milk and do not deprive yourself of occasional prantha with butter and pickle of course with butter milk.

 

"Look deep into nature and you will understand everything better."                                                           -Albert Einstein.

 

"In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks."                                                                   -John Muir.

 

On your way back you may also like to visit a grocery shop, dairy and or a milk shop for requirements at home. Select the best possible most coloured vegetables full of vitamins, fiber and other constituents of a balanced diet, talk to the vegetables touch them and feel their freshness and tenderness but buy only the skimmed milk and or the butter milk, let the bread be brown or multigrain a modern day health wonder easily available.

 

On your way and return to home wish everybody whom you meet whether he known to you or not known, get blessing if you are junior and good wishes if you are senior. Do not limit the words while blessing others, let it be from the core of your heart and sumptuous. Smile to everybody, smile gets a smile and be happy. A positive chit-chat with all those who understand you is something golden which all depends on your good sense and of course the behavior.

 

Before going to the dining table wash your hands and face too as pollution outside cannot leave us: he is a permanent partner of our life. Enjoy your breakfast like a prince with your loved ones: do not mind if you are single or the time has made you so. Be happy with your lot and enjoy the day like a communist “from everybody according to his capacity and to everybody as per his need” i.e. enjoy your lunch only to the extent it is needed and at the dinner time behave like a pauper eat quantity and quality wise as much as is the minimum to survive.

 

See how beautiful has been the morning a foundation for the purposeful day, why to feel stressed; why to be in the bed for a long time, leave the bed with a jump and just start enjoying.

                                                        

"An early-morning walk is a blessing for the whole day."

                                                             -Henry David Thoreau. 

Stress of Obesity and Joy of losing some Weight

 

                     Stress of Obesity and           

Joy of losing some Weight

 

Obesity affects every aspect of a people's lives, from health to relationships.

Jane Velez-Mitchell

 

Blue, black, blue-black, grey, navy blue, dark grey and few other trousers that I had with the waists of 38”, 40” and 42” ; tried before going to my native place; but none could fit the measurement of my waist which had gone well beyond 44”. Practically, I was trousers less-having so many but none that I could wear. I was shocked and perplexed too. What to do and what not to do. Took my best six trousers to my tailor master and told him to increase their waist to 44”, he promptly replied that he can increase to the extent the cloth is available in each pant and he would charge Rs.300 per trouser; it was another shock to me so much money for just increasing the waist. Initially, I agreed but as soon as I came back home my wife said we can purchase two pants with Rs.1800: why to spend so much that too on old clothes I went back to the tailor and brought back all my trousers without any alteration. Hence new clothes was the only alternative available to me. My wife and son prevailed upon me to purchase at least one jean instead of a regular trouser. We went to a shop stocking branded clothes and asked for a jean with 44” waist – perhaps the widest available with the shop. After a lot of haggling with my wife, son and shopkeeper I purchased one pair of jeans which was more a baggy than the jean and also purchased a regular trouser that too looked like a baggy. I felt embarrassed wearing these clothes. Jean was too heavy it was almost one and half kilogram. There was no way out I had to wear as it was all a creation of my belly fat perhaps over eating and my life style was at fault – taking tea when someone else in the family wanted to have tea etc. It was so embarrassing, had to keep my clam, had no arguments left with me. All my suits had been rendered useless. I was under lot of stress.

 

“Giving up processed food, sugar, soda and get into an exercise routine, like cardio and strength training, will change people’s body.”                                             — Adele

 

I went to my native place to meet my youngest brother who was having some issues with his digestion, acidity etc. He told that after taking Ayurvedic medicine with the advice and treatment of Ayurvedic Doctor, the issue had been settled and he was happy. So I told him to take me to that Doctor as I am having number of issue which in simple language translate to Asthma, hypertension and heart missing some beats.

 

Doctor examined me well and asked for some pathological tests which were got done promptly and after examining the reports he prescribed some Ayurvedic medicines that would help me to keep asthma under check. He assured that slowly he would help me to stop taking so many tablets of medicine.  While he was being consulted I asked him to how to reduce my waistline. He promptly said let the asthma be under control then he would deal all the issues one by one: gave me medicine for one month. While we were having a chit chat he mentioned that I should take a cup of hot water and sip it slowly twice or thrice a day that is Amrit - Nectar for all the issues I was facing: I felt impressed: it was medicine without being medicine that too free.

 

I took his medicine and felt slight relief in my asthma, in addition I took his advice for hot water seriously. I started taking hot water sip as first thing in the morning even before the morning tea. Then took hot water tea-hot after every meal-breakfast, lunch and dinner. These days I try to ensure to take at least five cups of hot water daily. Even for taking my regular allopathic medicine I use warm water only. Of late I have started taking green tea also. Same tea leaves are used two-three times during the day. I felt effect of this exercise that it reduced my digestion problems like any thing: intake of medicine and tonic for digestive system reached minimum and for day together there was no need at all. It also helped me in bowel movement and made me regular: only once a day that too early in the morning as soon as I get up. It also increased freshness in the body as well as the movement became easy.

 

With above gain; I took care of my diet both in terms of quality as well as in quantity. Reduced intake of sugar by limiting the quantity of all sweets, jaggery, ice-cream, cola and all other things containing sugar, fats, reduced fried food to the minimum etc. but did not deny anything to myself.

 

Munching between the meals is a great source of weight gain. Opening of refrigerator again and again is very dangerous for one’s health and obesity: as soon as one opens the fridge there is temptation waiting to take something nice and cold like a little cube of cheese, a bite of ice-cream, a slice of a fruit, a whole Rasogulla or Gulab Jamun (the great Indian sweets), if nothing then a sip of cold milk, lassi, something sweet or otherwise or a cola sip. All these things go to one’s belly when there is neither hunger nor thirst nor any need of body; these unwanted calories add fat and weight to one’s body. Another thing that was adding weight to my body was my habit of tasting every prepared in the kitchen before it was served I, therefore, tried to mend my ways in respect of all these items.

 

Obesity is the direct result of inactivity and poor food choices.

                                                                                 Ryan Miller

Calorie count; some say is useless exercise: yes it is, if you unable to control you taste buds: otherwise you have to create deficit between calories used and calories consumed. Calories used should always be more than the calories consumed. You must have the rough idea of the calories being taken in with every item you consumes. One must reduce chapattis that are full of carbohydrates and the calories. I reduced the intake to just one Parantha (Punjabis can’t do without it) with least possible butter in the morning and one chapatti for lunch and dinner each without butter if possible: always tried to avoid deep, even shallow fried items.

 

Another thing about these three meals is limited amount of pulses but rich amount of green vegetables, now I never allow my stomach to feel the weight of the meals. I stop before it starts to be heavy.  

 

By eating many fruits and vegetables in place of fast food and junk food, people could avoid obesity.

                                                                      David H. Murdock

 

Another thing that I added to my routine is exercise. At the age 77+ no one can afford weight exercises or going to gym or a swift walk or running at a good speed or jogging in the real sense aerobatics etc. We have to avoid morning smog also. So I devised for myself a morning walk in a good sunshine and an evening walk before dark; also at a pace which my body could tolerate. However, I took advantage of the modern technology: got added to my smart mobile Samsung Health App to count my steps. Initially 7000 steps in a day was the target which was subsequently increased to 11000 steps about 7000 steps in the morning and about 4000 steps in the evening. Every effort was made to reach the target keeping in view the #Covid conditions, on some occasion it was missed too.

 

“When people tell me they can’t afford to join a gym, I tell them to go outside; planet Earth is a gym and we’re already members. Run, climb, sweat, and enjoy all of the natural wonder that is available to you.”

                                                                       – Steve Maraboli

 

SID (Self Imposed Discipline), self-denial and determination are the three fundamentals of any campaign. I do not claim much of these principles for myself, but a little effort on my part did help me take steps to control my intake. Another important thing do not be in a hurry nobody can lose weight in a day or so it is a patient process, be as regular and cautious as far possible and then one can make possible the “impossible”.

 

"You didn't gain all your weight in one day; you won't lose it in one day. Be patient with yourself."

                                                                                                                                  Jenna Wolfe

 

After following the above for almost four months one evening I was to go the market so I decided to put on my 44” jean rather baggy. I took it from my cupboard and in my heart of hearts said to myself will I never be able to wear other trousers in the cupboard. I picked a pant with 40” waist to my surprise I was able to close the buttons and hooks with ease. I was just jumping with joy. I was checking again and again whether the waist of my trouser was 40” or 44”. I think loss of weight was perhaps three four kilograms only. It was a big relief. Now my aim is simple to maintain the weight and the waist and if He granted to reduce my waist and weight further.

 

        “To ensure good health: eat lightly, breathe deeply, live    

         moderately, cultivate cheerfulness, and maintain an interest         

         in life.”                                                             – William Londen