All The World's A Stage

All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players:
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts,

William Shakespeare could not have put this any better. We are all well aware of his works and have to delve deep down to understand his views. Tomorrow I start a new chapter in my life. I, like many others, have roles to play and to me they cannot be any clearer. Its amazing how sometimes something just clicks and the sudden realization of one's life dawns on them. Every life is a book, broken down into many chapters. Each chapter indicating a part of their respective lives. My new chapter is similar to all, a brand new beginning with a different view of life and a sterner focus. The time really has come and there is no one who can realize it more than I can. Time flies by so quickly we don't realize it. Time is always passing and we have to make use of the opportunities that only time can bring us. We are all here on this earth for a purpose and till we realize that, we end up doing nothing but wasting time. We are individuals first before anything else for there is no who can do anything for us but ourselves. Sure we will get all the aid and support we need and require from people who care but in the end it us who have to lead our lives and do things for ourselves. So this is to a brand new start with a lot more focus and dedication towards the direction I want to move in and the target that I need to aim at and reach.

Forgive, Forget or Both?

Okay so I'm a little confused right now but not in the bad kind of way. Read and see if you can understand what I'm trying to say. When we,ve been hurt for a wrong reason by someone we truly loved, from someone we didn't really expect it from, what is the right thing to do? Forget about the person completely and totally ignore him or her or do we still be friends after everything? Forgiveness like I mentioned in an earlier article is a god like quality because not many people can carry it out. But my question is when we,ve been hurt to the brink of self destruction can we forgive someone and act as though nothing happened or do we forgive them and ignore them totally. Is that really forgiving a person? If it gets a little confusing, I can understand. What really is forgiving a person? Personally I don't think that one can claim to forgive a person and then be cold hearted and absolutely ignorant to the fact that this person exists. After all it was some one who was very special and close. So then again I ask people what really is forgiving a person, no matter what they have done? If they try to rectify it, what is the limit one can handle or does that depend from person to person. Forgive and forget(cold shoulder treatment)(is that really forgiving), forgive and be friends or don't forgive and just forget? Which one seems right? After the same person has brought you to the point of self destruction. Ill leave that to you to decide.

To Err Is Human, To Forgive Is Divine

We have all heard of this saying, haven't we? But how many of us have actually been able to out it into practice. This can only be used when one has done nothing wrong but has been hurt badly for whatever reason and by who ever. Life is all about ups and downs, and if we don't go through the downs in life we can never really appreciate the ups and see their true value. I know it is very easy for a third person to say just forgive a person for whatever they might have done, but for the person involved it takes a strong and just heart to be able to forgive and move on without any hatred in the heart. Human beings are prone to making mistakes for that is the only way one learns and becomes a better person, but to be forgiven and be able to forgive is a God like quality which very few people can possess.Hate is a very dangerous thing in the world today and leads to misery and violence. Hate makes us do things and say things which we realize only later but by the time we realize it, it is too late. The wiser, more mature person in retaliation would have stooped to a lower level and dropped their dignity making them no better than the person who has caused the damage. Hate will only make a person sink lower to the same level as the other low people in this world. So then what would be the difference between you and them? How can one walk tall with the head held high, if we sink to a lower level by taking our hatred out on and retaliating. Like many have heard,the best thing is to move on and forget about our losses. We realize when we have made a bad investment and we should just shrug it off. The sun will always rise each morning, bringing a bright new day and a new start. So just forgive the person for whatever they have done, for like I have been told, they might have had their own reason for doing what they did, but the truth will always be there and God has is own way of showing right from wrong and sends hope and sanity through blessings in disguise.It is always the way we perceive things and no one else. It is our view that matters and the way we look at things. We can either sit and mope around or we get up, shrug it off, eliminate the thorns and move on, a stronger, wiser, maturer person. So people of this world, if you have been hurt and done no wrong just look at it as a way of God setting you on the right path and helping you avoid further pain in the future. Like they say every cloud has a silver lining, it is the way we perceive things.

Self Realisation and Procrastination

People in general love to explore, visit new places and try new things. I have to say that I am one of the luckiest people at the moment.Why? That's because I can see the surprise and look of shock on people's faces when I tell them I live in Bali (aka: Island Of The Gods). Bali is one of the dream destinations of anyone who wants a relaxing holiday of bliss and beauty. One does not realize what they have until its too late and gone. Bali is a place where one can do almost anything. Because of the beauty of the island and the surrounding sea water, water sports is a big thing. How many times have we heard the phrase coming from our own mouths-"its here only I can do it anytime, there is no hurry". Procrastination.I could be wrong but most people have procrastinated in their life only to realize their chance has come and gone. We tend to take advantage or rather we take it for granted that time will always be around for us to do the things we want to do. You only realize the chances you have had when it has gone. So is it procrastination or is it taking things for granted? Living in Bali has created opportunities that people take lifetimes saving for. There is every water sport to experience right from para sailing to kite surfing to jet skiing and scuba diving. Indonesia has about 13000 islands and each one is as beautiful as the other. The legendary Komodo Island is round the corner, volcanoes are in abundance. Mountains are there to be climbed, parks are there to be explored and there are various unbelievable, mind boggling religious practices to witness. Bali is truly an island to behold. Anyone who visits this place is always left wanting more and leaves with lifelong memories. It doesn't matter where you are as there is always something to do as long as we don't procrastinate and realize ourselves what we need to do to gain new experiences and learn new things. It is an eye opener and I plan to take advantage of everything that this beautiful island has to offer. My advice to people is don't take things for granted that they will always be there for you to do anytime. Do it now and if you end up liking it, it just gives you more time to do it again instead of waiting till the last moment and then wishing you had more time or done things earlier.

I Can See Clearly Now

There are certain times in life when we don't see the reality behind the situation and end up doing things which cause pain to ourselves later on.Sometimes we think things wont get better and why it had to happen to us when we actually have done no wrong. The wise can spot it but sometimes we do lose our way and forget what life really is all about and forget what is really important for us as an individual. It always takes a while to get over the negativity and pessimism. BUT sooner or later one realizes it. I went through the same phase but it was music that got me back and the love and care received from others. I thank them from the bottom of my heart for showing me how blind I was and the mistake I was making. These are just a few words from a legend that helped me get back on my feet.

I can see clearly now, the rain is gone,
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day

Oh yes I can make it now, the pain is gone
All of the bad feelings have disappeared
Here is the rainbow I've been prayin' for
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day

Look all around, there's nothin' but blue skies
Look straight ahead, nothin' but blue skies

Are We Heading In The Right Direction?

I was brought into this world without a clue as to what my future had in store for me. I was an infant, ignorant of the world around me, with no vision of the future or what I wanted to do or become. Today almost 24 years on I see no difference from that day or today. I have still no clue as to where or which direction I'm heading in. We all make mistakes, its natural because we are human beings, but then after admitting one's mistakes and making things better and the way they should be, is it fair to be dragged down again? Family is the only thing that will stand by you, but then if the family is always the ones that are there, then why do we need other people in our life? Is it so easy to trust people just because they are another human being like us? The world is a cruel place and only the fittest survive. It is a dog eat dog world now. Earlier when people died due to suicide bombers it used to be big news, but now if a single day goes by without a suicide blast where many are left dead, it is breaking news. There hasn't been a single day where there has not been a blast that has left scores dead. Is this the world we are working so hard to be in? One never knows when the next attack is coming from. This is the world we strive so hard to do well in. We look at the news on tv in disbelief and pity. The world is full of hatred and greed for materialistic things. So then how does one survive in such a place? Its simple!!!!!!! Do what you think is right and always be honest and nothing can go wrong. So simple!!! Right? Wrong! In order to survive in a place like this, one cannot possess a certain something-and that is FEELINGS or a heart. Learn to live without a heart and no one gets hurt. Have no feelings and YOU will never get hurt. Just in case you do get hurt, don't tell anyone, just stay quiet, act as nothing has happened and carry on with your life. People have problems all the time so why should you bother them with yours. Everyone has their own lives to lead so one should just quietly keep doing what one is doing. Emotions are not considered healthy in this world, if one is sensitive, it is termed as being weak and fragile. There is no place for such people for they will only be mocked at for being transparent. So then why share anything with anyone. So here is the moral keep your mouth shut, tell no one, and stay strong. Act as though nothing has happened and everything is normal the way it should be. Hearts of Stone people Hearts of stone. People come and go but the world does not stop spinning for anyone not even the mightiest of people with all the power in the world.

India And Sports

With the Beijing Olympics coming to a close we cant help but feel a little bit of pride and disappointment. It could give India a lot of pride in achieving the country's first individual gold and also two bronze which is India's highest medal tally in all Olympics. True sportsman would see the real and bigger picture of how low the standard of Indian sport really is. People in India adore cricket and treat the players like Gods and shun all other sports where people are actually making a mark in their respective fields. Jeev Milkha Singh in golf, Boxers did well and got a bronze, a weightlifter got India bronze as well. They are not recognized enough for their achievements and supported financially and with facilities. Indian hockey used to be the pride of the nation winning gold medals at the olympics and dominating the game for years. Now, come 2008 and we have a record, first time we fail to qualify for the olympics in both the men and women. I thought India was going up the ladder and growing. Cricket in India like I said is huge but take a closer look, what have they achieved over the last two decades. One world T20 championship which is more of entertainment rather than a show of true cricketing skills is all we have to show for it. Indian sport is suffering because of all the politics and money involved behind the scenes. We have ministers in charge of various sports federations who know nothing about the game. They have no time to look into facilities and the money is usually put into politics rather than the betterment of the game. Sports and politics should be separated. The problem with India is that they have no idea when to throw in the towel and also spotting the right person for the job. India's biggest disappointment this olympics were the shooters apart of course from Abhinav Bindra's gold. The excuse the shooters were giving after failing to even qualify for the finals was astounding. Many blamed the wind for their bad misses. At this level, there are no excuses and also there are 50 other shooters all around who seem to have no problem at all. This is all because of the facilities and experience that India does not provide to its athletes. Out of a populations of over a billion we have just three medals. Forget the medal tally we cant even represent the country in more sports and event because they cant reach the mark. We saw the womens 200m and 4*400m relay and it was so embarrassing to see the Indians go down without a fight. We need to really sit and focus and look at the management behind the sports federations and also see that the funds are being used in the right way.

Rainbows - Their True Significance

We see a rainbow in the sky and the first thing that usually comes to mind is beauty, happiness and a feeling of love and emotion and of course the common phrase 'VIBGYOR'. However there is a lot more to what meets the eye. So many tales have been told on the significance and the history of rainbows. We all know rainbows are merely light reflections on rain drops and yet it carries such significance to so many different people.
Before we go a little more into depth, lets just look at the term 'VIBGYOR' - or the colours of the rainbow( Violet, Indigo, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange and Red).To so many people even these colours have great significance. For the Iranian Moslems colours of a rainbow play a vital role. An abundance of green shows Abundance, Red means war and Yellow signifies Death. To many people the rainbow is usually a bridge between the living and the dead.
Religion and Mythology play a crucial role in understanding a rainbow. In Greek mythology, the rainbow is seen as a path by a messenger Iris, between heaven and earth. According to the Chinese a Rainbow is a slit in the sky sealed by Goddess Nuwa with five different coloured stones. In Hindu mythology a rainbow is also called Indradhanush which translates to the bow of Lord Indra. In Norse mythology a rainbow called Bifrost Bridge connects the home of the Gods and Humans.
Literature has also used the rainbow as metaphors and similes. Virginia Woolf in highlights the transience of life and man's mortality through Mrs Ramsey's thought- "it was all as ephemeral as a rainbow"
Famous poets such as Wordsworth and Keats have also used the rainbow to great significance and meaning. Wordsworth in a poem in 1802 wrote-

My heart leaps up when I behold
A rainbow in the sky:
So was it when my life began;
So is it now I am a man;
So be it when I shall grow old,

Or let me die!…

The rainbow to me is just a sign of love and happiness and is usually shared by people who care and are special to each other. Rainbows tend to always lighten the mood and bring warmth and smiles after a hard time. They are just something too beautiful to be taken for granted.

Shadows

A long time ago when I was a student in Australia, I was taught a valuable lesson of life in the field of relationships. One could say I was young and still learning or you could say that till one experiences something, one doesn't know the feeling or the situation exists.It should come as no surprise that it was a girl who taught me something in the finest and cleanest of ways. WORDS. They seem so simple and yet they mean so much. One doesn't realize it until much later. So how did this lesson of life be introduced to me? The same way life goes on, Guy sees Girl, wants to get friendly with no hidden motive but building a friends circle millions of miles from home. We started talking and found we had lots to share and were very comfortable. She told me she had a boyfriend who was out of town for a while. I could be wrong but then when a loved one is away for a while, one does feel kind of void and empty. This is the crucial time of knowing how deep the love for a person really is. She started opening up to me about her life. I was just being myself-friendly and caring. I knew something was happening between us which I knew wasn't right as she was already in a relationship and the last thing I wanted to do was come between. She could feel it to and then she wrote to me and sent me a mail. WORDS. These words which were penned down with utmost care and meaning showed me what feelings can really do to people and how one has to be careful with people of the opposite sex when in a relationship. I never felt hurt because she was direct and I knew what relationships were all about. One cannot let an outside person get to close when in a relationship. The friendship might be absolutely with a clean heart but the other person is a human being and will get hurt because in such cases feelings cannot be controlled so well. In order to make relationships work, one has to be careful and watch the path of feelings the tread on. Let me share with you what she wrote and then maybe one can understand it better.

You live in a world full of shadows,
mine art but full of passing meadows.
What is it that I'm seeing across my path?
A fragment of your shadow, inviting yet dark.

Words that were long ago silenced,
now spill out like an overflowing chalice.
Did you think before you confessed reluctantly,
did you think what your words did to me.

One survivor battles the tide
the other has too many secrets to hide.
Im overwhelmed with emotions that have no meaning,
No definition.... what is it that Im feeling.

Im trapped in your grasp and you won't let go
maybe I don't want you to, but I'll never know.
They say truth hurts, but truth is reality.
My Truth!Your shadows have overcome me.

I want to say so much, but I don't understand
The atrocity is that there is a pen in my hand.
I didn't know your words could mean so much
It's like falling in love without being able to touch.

So as you can see, she was strong and I respected her and gave her space but it also taught me how to handle relationships. One must be wondering how this affected me. Here is the truth. A few years on. After being deeply in love with someone for a year and a half who I thought was the one, It was over just like that. How? She had let some young kid hit on her and had let her emotions go without caring about how someone might feel. She lied about everything as she let her self get closer and closer to this other guy without listening to anyone who cared about her (adults and family)She was so adamant that she was doing the right thing. She couldn't see the pain and suffering she was causing all around. Human feelings are fragile and need to be controlled and cared for at all times.