I’ve started reading Sapiens, by Yuval Noah Harari. It is an absorbing and gripping read. Yuval is to the point, and the objectivity is refreshing. Complex language is our biggest invention: Compared to the rest of living species on Earth, our language is the most nuanced and complex. We can describe situations, events, reality in most rich and nuanced ways. Not only that, we use language to connect intimately with our peers....
There is truth in the stone, for the stone is here; and no power in the world, no god, no man, no demon, can destroy its existence. But the stone has no consciousness. There is truth in the plant and its life can expand; the plant grows and blossoms and bears fruit. Its beauty is marvelous, but it has no consciousness. There is truth in the animal; it moves about and perceives its surroundings; it distinguishes and learns to choose....
Why do we believe in destiny? Looking backwards and realizing why we are in a given position or situation is quite simple and straightforward. Outcome: An Indian Engineer settled in the US For example, if we studied an in demand degree in college, then found a job in a skill that was in demand, then took a job in a foriegn country, it is quite obvious to be living and settled in that country....
In both my personal life and professional endeavors, the choices I make on a daily basis shape the course of my journey. For the longest time, I lacked a systematic approach to aid in decision-making. I used to consult close friends and colleagues whenever I faced weighty decisions, relying on their insights to guide my choices. A more effective and structured framework has emerged - one that I’ve found invaluable for navigating the complexities of decision-making....
An often overlooked ingredient, playfulness brings lightness and levity to outcome- and goal-driven work. It helps us connect better with our peers and helps remove stress. Here are some ways to bring playfulness into the workplace: Hackathons: Hackathons can be a periodic stress reliever, as they can help us solve problems that are interesting to solve instead of always working in a focused, revenue-driven fashion. Team-building activities: Team-building activities are another good way to connect with your peers in a different setting and situation....
Our mind plays a crucial role in determining our state of happiness or suffering. It constantly judges and compares, which can lead to negative emotions and dissatisfaction. However, it also possesses the capacity to bring us happiness and contentment if we learn to train and control it effectively. The metaphor from Shantideva’s “Bodhisattvacaryāvatāra” about walking barefoot on the Earth offers a valuable insight into the practice of meditation. When we walk on rough and coarse ground, it causes discomfort and suffering....
I love connecting with people and building relationships. Spending quality time together, engaging in games and activities brings me immense joy and a strong sense of belonging in my life. I have a deep appreciation for the beauty of art, food, spirits, music, movies, books, people, and nature. Engaging in physical activities and having deep intimate conversations uplift me. Being fully present in the moment and savoring the sensations around me brings me happiness....
Since 2016, I started to follow a self improvement regime :person_running:. I began with an exercise routine, followed it up with journaling, then blogging, and meditation (buddhism). To date, I have lost weight, gained muscle, feel more in control, have a clean bill of health, and more clear in my goals. However, in the last few months, I have been frustrated with myself. I constantly make the same mistakes, and in retrospective should have performed better....
I recently started reading “How Not To Be Wrong - The Power of Mathematical Thinking” by Jordan Ellenberg. It is an accessible book for people who have been out of touch from rigorous math. Jordan provides examples of erroneous day to day headlines, and then points out issues in judgments made. Jordan does not try to provide rigorous proof, but is able to channel our intuition to make us comfortable with his conclusions....
Meditation is not a cure to our sadness, anxiety, and stress. However, it can provide us ways to manage them well. This is more like a promise than a definite outcome. So, what are the direct and immediate benefits from practicing regular meditation? Concentration meditation, which is when we focus on our breath, makes us experience peace and bliss. How does it do that? Scientifically speaking, this practice shuts down our “mind wandering” default mode network in the brain - which is always scanning past and future for interesting things to think about....