attitude – Page 11 – Sugar And Spice… Among Other Things

Life, Personal Musings, poetry, Reflections

Getting Back On

Posted on December 27, 2019November 8, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“Courage isn’t having the strength to go on – it is going on when you don’t have strength.” Napoleon Bonaparte

Winding down to the end of the year, while many of us may have a feel of pleasantness and personal achievements to remember the year by; for few it mayn’t be so. This year may have brought more struggle, loss or grief than the years before. This year may have brought unhappiness from the start, bringing more memories of sorrow than joy. Despite all this, the courage to go on is what matter the most.

Source:https://vk.com/monahos

True that one may have more than their fair share of experiences of the “downhills” more than many. Yet looking beyond all this, to have the opportunity to see another tomorrow may be the gift of our presence and support to someone else. Life never goes as planned. Even when the ship goes smooth sailing, knowing how to face the turbulence and brave the storm makes the journey more enriching and rewarding. In the face of all odds, taking each day as it comes helps one to gear and get prepared for another chance or experience of the year to be.

“You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” Marcus Aurelius

Source:https://vk.com/monahos

Promise Yourself

To be so strong that nothing
can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness, and prosperity
to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel
that there is something in them
To look at the sunny side of everything
and make your optimism come true.

To think only the best, to work only for the best,
and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others
as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past
and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times
and give every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself
that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear,
and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world,
not in loud words but great deeds.
To live in faith that the whole world is on your side
so long as you are true to the best that is in you.”
― Christian D. Larson

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Daily, Family and Society, Life, Personal Musings, poetry, Random Thoughts

Beacon through the Mist

Posted on December 19, 2019September 21, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“The rocky ledge runs far into the sea,
And on its outer point, some miles away,
The Lighthouse lifts its massive masonry,
A pillar of fire by night, of cloud by day.”
(excerpt from The Lighthouse by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow)

With schools closed for the holiday break, free hours were taken by impromptu walks, daytime exploration of the countryside with abandoned buildings or simple hanging out at the family homestead. During their trip to the small harbour while accompanying Grandpa was their exploration of the abandoned building standing tall amidst the rocks across the coastline. Being near my workplace, I had agreed to pick up the kids after office hours, their volley of shouts and play in the lighthouse tower brought to mind, the stories and experiences seen and held in those strong bricks.

“To be a lighthouse, you must be strong enough to resist every kind of storm, to every kind of loneliness and you must have a powerful light inside you!” Mehmet Murat Ildan

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

What had initially started as fires built on hilltops to guide the mariners had later lead to attempts to increase the visibility of the fire by placing it on a platform. Thereby, the ancient lighthouses were built functioning both as entrance markers to ports and as warning signal for reefs and promontories. As per the Homeric legend, Palamedes of Nafplio invented the first lighthouse, attested by the Lighthouse of Alexandria and the Colossus of Rhodes. Although records show that Themistocles had earlier established a lighthouse at the harbor of Piraeus connected to Athens in the 5th century BC, essentially a small stone column with a fire beacon.

These on passing by the abandoned lighthouse that falls on my regular route, one tends to contemplate of the stories, the secrets, the experiences and the storms witnessed by that solitary tower. Those ships who had seen that light during the downpour and storms, or the bright yellow directing the way across the hazy air around them. With advanced communications and signalling, lighthouse may feel to be a thing of the past. Yet the reality depends on the place. Even today, it may be the strong beacon of light which guides the seafarers through the treacherous rocks, as compared to the radio signals which may be more lost than found in the storm.

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Each of our lives echo the effect of the lighthouse, standing lone but independent and strong, felt similarly at certain points in our lives. As long as one decides to stay true and do their best in every situation, their very lives will be the beacon of hope and throw light to dispel the darkness and gloom surrounding those who watch them. No lighthouse blasts away their name, but by being just there as themselves in those crucial points help to steer away major loss and disaster. Instead, their beacon of light shows the way out through those difficult hours.

“We are told to let our light shine, and if it does, we won’t need to tell anybody it does. Lighthouses don’t fire cannons to call attention to their shining- they just shine.” Dwight L. Moody

On the Lighthouse at Antibes
by Mathilde Blind

A stormy light of sunset glows and glares
Between two banks of cloud, and o’er the brine
Thy fair lamp on the sky’s carnation line
Alone on the lone promontory flares:

Friend of the Fisher who at nightfall fares
Where lurk false reefs masked by the hyaline
Of dimpling waves, within whose smile divine
Death lies in wait behind Circean snares.

The evening knows thee ere the evening star;
Or sees thy flame sole Regent of the bight,
When storm, hoarse rumoured by the hills afar,
Makes mariners steer landward by thy light,
Which shows through shock of hostile nature’s war
How man keeps watch o’er man through deadliest night.

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Daily, Family and Society, Life, Personal Musings, Reflections

“Adiago” Melody in Us

Posted on December 18, 2019September 6, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

As the festive days are approaching, the preparations for the community centre celebrations were underway. Among the various events was the musical performance of “water adiago” planned as a slow music made with glasses filled with water. Observing the rehearsals, things though look simple at surface require an infinite care about the details. As the various participants had made sure that their glasses are at the right levels ( some were marked) and the musical notes were being coordinated; the realization that this event has a lot of little but very significant things relevant to the daily life, as the philosophical mind puts things into perspective.

“A vessel is formed from a lump of clay with care, however, it is the empty space within the vessel that makes it useful.” Laozi

Source:https://vk.com/public138314547

Source:https://handsonaswegrow.com/make-music-water-experiment/

Each one of us are a lot like those glasses of water with the potential to make music from what lies within us. No matter at what level one may find the water to be, when the right instrument and tap is used, the music that is made has the power to make one stop and listen. But as long as the glass stays empty, unless it gets filled to the level, the sound made made be the loudest but coarse and of no meaning, beauty or tune.

“As a vessel is known by the sound, whether it be cracked or not; so men are proved, by their speeches, whether they be wise or foolish.” Demosthenes

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Source:https://vk.com/public138314547

On some days, one makes the right music. On other days, the right tones are struck later on when one learns to stay silent and observe the music around them. There would be few occasions when one has to empty out the glass and refill it again. There would also be times when one has to remove or add a little more water till the right note is made by the same spoon with the water at the right level. To know and perceive that there has to a change for the right note; time, patience and willingness has to be there. Which ever way one looks at it for beautiful notes to be heard, repeated corrections and alterations are necessary. While this may happen only after immense efforts, the beguiling melody is worth the pain.

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Source:https://vk.com/englisharoundtheworld

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

“Just for today, allow yourself to embrace all that you are every moment. Know that you are a vessel of light. Allow yourself to release all doubts about your ability, the mistakes of the past, the fear of the future.” Iyanla Vanzant

Life, Personal Musings, Photography Art, Quotes, Reflections

Glimmer of Lights

Posted on December 13, 2019August 31, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

With holidays round the corner, schools slowly winding down for Christmas and the shopping to be done; one would inadvertently meet lost or out-of-touch acquaintances, hear news from distant friends or renew previous friendships. Deep inside, the constant comparison of the present with the year previous would be there. At times, there would be days tinged with regrets and “what-ifs”; while other days may highlight the quiet acceptance of the present life and the resolve to face the future day and year in a better frame of mind with the aim to make the best of the things at hand. Either way, it is the view that one chooses to take that matters the most.

“The primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation, but you thoughts about it. Be aware of the thoughts you are thinking.” Eckhart Tolle

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Regrets for what has passed, either the good or the bad, doesn’t change anything at all. We all have our firewood, to break or have chopped off; but it’s what we do with it that matters. Take for instance, the cup that contains tea. Regardless of whether it is hot or cold, full or empty; being thankful that one has a cup and that next time, one would take care to better it to own choice would be better than twiddling thumbs and cribbing about the cup.

“If I behave as though this is a completely normal situation, then maybe it will be …” Sophie Kinsella

Each time, the thoughts of “regret or despondency” take over; look around and start mentally counting the blessings. Doing so, will help one realize that though things may have been better if one had taken the either way previously; today what is there mayn’t be there. Looking around, one should never forget the fact that today is there. That the living of today holds more importance and rightness that desiring the “what ifs” of the past or speculating the prospects of the future.

“Life is a balanced system of learning and evolution. Whether pleasure or pain; every situation in your life serves a purpose. It is up to us to recognize what that purpose could be.” Steve Maraboli

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

When these downtrodden thoughts assail one, know to address the quiet sadness of the past and think of those days, but hold the “what ifs” at bay. While peering and hoping for a planned future, speculate and let the curiosity of the “what will” stay. For the latter helps one to grow and put forward their best efforts n the present. Yet while looking forwards and backwards, remember not to fail to look around. For the hugs and kisses of the loved ones in the present are the ones that help one to face the future and fills up the treasure chest of thoughts, memories and moments from the past. Learn to swim in the sea of the present as one prepares to chart the course of travels into the future.

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Source:https://vk.com/pub_mdma

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Family and Society, Life, Quotes, Reflections, Stories Around the World

Hold on to “the Cloak”

Posted on December 12, 2019August 15, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.” Ernest Hemingway

While putting together the events and details for the Christmas program at the work place, finesse and tact was required while bringing out the various talents (obvious or hidden) present in colleagues, seniors and juniors alike. As each one had volunteered their various acts, from solo vocals or music to the Christmas choir, play and message; the underlying talents were brought to light. While some were good, few were exquisite as the rehearsal audience was charmed by the music, song and talk. Surprisingly, the best of the talented were the ones who didn’t wax eloquent but showed their creative side with poise, charm and humility.

“…talent means nothing, while experience, acquired in humility and with hard work, means everything.” Patrick Süskind

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Deeply introspecting the social life of today, one is often listing own achievements either as an open declaration, bragging or defending their glory; instead of growing and perfecting these talents. When social performance and creativity costs humaneness, kindness and humility, it is time to retrospect and learn from the centuries of time where greatness actually lies. As Rick Warren had said, “True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” Each one is blessed in their own way, holding their own repertoire of skills, creativity and art. While one is not better than the other; being really good at something doesn’t require one to wear a placard on them declaring the same. Along with own skill and work; the character within speaks the loudest. As the short anecdote experienced by one of the actors of Indian cinema had narrated, the way we behave speaks a lot louder than what one says. True humility is when we acknowledge that there is always something new to learn and perfecting oneself, regardless of the achievements of the present.

“I have three precious things which I hold fast and prize. The first is gentleness; the second is frugality; the third is humility, which keeps me from putting myself before others. Be gentle and you can be bold; be frugal and you can be liberal; avoid putting yourself before others and you can become a leader among men.” Lao Tzu

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Amitabh Bacchan says…”At the peak of my career, I was once travelling by plane. The passenger next to me was elderly gentleman dressed in a simple shirt and pants. He appeared to be middle class, and well educated. Other passengers perhaps recognising who I was, but this gentleman appeared to be unconcerned of my presence… He was reading his paper, looking out of the window, and when tea was served, he sipped it quietly. Trying to strike a conversation with him I smiled. The man courteously smiled back and said ‘Hello’. We got talking and I brought up the subject of cinema and movies and asked, ‘Do you watch films?’ The man replied, ‘Oh, very few. I did see one many years ago.’ I mentioned that I worked in the movie industry. The man replied..” oh, that’s nice. What do you do?’ I replied, ‘I am an actor ‘ The man nodded, ‘Oh, that’s wonderful!’ And that was it… When we landed, I held out my hand and said, ” It was good to travel with you. By the way, my name is Amitabh Bacchan !’ The man shook my hand and smiled, “Thank you… nice to have met you..I am J. R. D. Tata!”I learned on.that day that no matter how big you think you are, there is always someone *bigger*. Be humble, it costs nothing.
(Source: The Internet and Social Networks. While some articles say, it was the actor Amitabh Bacchan, others say it was the famous actor Dilip Kumar. Regardless of the actor, it was behaviour of the Great Indian personality J.R.D. Tata which teaches one about humility.)

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Source:https://vk.com/pepheads

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Family and Society, Life, poetry, Quotes, Reflections

Gain the “Happy Feet”

Posted on December 11, 2019August 25, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“Memphis: Whatcha doing there, boy?
Mumble: I’m happy, Pa.
Memphis: Whatcha doing with your feet?
Mumble: They’re happy, too.”
(Dialogue, Happy Feet (2006))

With the weekend gone by, the after effect of movie night saw a number of penguins popping up as cartoons, drawings, flapping of wings and the tapping of feet, all done by the toddler in the house. The current penguin fascination was the consequence of “Happy Feet (2006)” night, a story revolving around penguins, tap dancing, music, fishing and humans.

Source:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Happy_Feet#/media/File:Happy_Feet_Poster.jpg

Source:https://vk.com/public138314547

Source:https://vk.com/we_live_a

What struck in the heart, as the movie scenes flashed intermittently in the mind, was the potential of what one can do as long as we find our feet and let it carry us through the path. For every step that the foot places, it takes us somewhere; but when the feet stay idle time moves on and the path is never travelled.

“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” Lao Tzu

As one looks over the years, true potential can never be realized only by speculating but by taking the first step as well. While for every step, there may be a thousand doubts, fears, worries and anxiety of the future; it is taking that first step and doing what one loves that makes all the difference.

SourcE:https://vk.com/public75290000

Source:Source:https://vk.com/public138314547

Source:Source:https://vk.com/we_live_a

To find one’s true form, one has to learn to dance, walk, run, fall down and climb out; all done so as a part of life. It may take time to attain the perfect dream, but going ahead in small steps with feet firm on ground, along the path would help us find the dreams and above all, be contented from within. Dreams do make a big part of life, but finding them and losing out on the happiness, peace, love and contentment doesn’t make way for happy days. As the pictures of penguins and waddle walks are doing their rounds in the house, one is reminded of being happy and finding contentment in life of the present.

“The mind can go in a thousand directions, but on this beautiful path, I walk in peace. With each step, the wind blows. With each step, a flower blooms.” Thich Nhat Hanh

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts