I INTRODUCTORY
H O P E and F A I T H
This is a compilation of some of the most moving, heart touching , motivational and inspiring quotes/ posts which I came across via whatsapp shares / , posts / forwards in the exclusive whatsapp group of my school friends, at a time when the entire human kind of the world was in the throes of life threatening pandemic. But these difficult times also brought within my friends and of course so among people world over,the innate resilience to be self motivated , share the message of hope and faith , just get connected with friends and relatives give to strength and also draw strength for themselves too.
This pandemic is perhaps once a life time unprecedented world calamity , where boundaries , regions, nationalities blurred, everybody is under threat, and what hitherto before what we used to watch in thrillers, suddenly stared at our faces . But the equally important fact which emerged is the resolve, the struggle and determination to survive. For survival every effort , howsoever seemingly innocuous it may appear mattered, for instance just staying at home , maintaining social distancing , observing basic precautions and equally importantly being with family members, loved ones , friends ( who incidentally could be together or meet) mattered.
It is within this process of staying in touch via social media one of the most popular medium being whatsapp , that the inspirational , motivational messages holding out the two crucial life saving attributes –hope & faith , emerged. Mere reading some of these gave surge of a sense of security and well being.
It is this very reason why I felt to come up with this compilation….something within myself told me that I need to compile these inspirational messages/ posts/ forwards…, capture the moments and times , when people ( in my context my friends, this can and in fact certainly is true in respect of all other people whom I do not know ) came forward with such inspirational quotes / messages and kept the hope floating.
At this juncture I wish to express my gratitude and acknowledge my friends in my school whatsapp group and a few . other posts from very close friends for these wonderful posts.Also I wish to acknowledge my wife and daughter and my publisher who always encourage me to pen down when anything inspirational that comes my way. I also wish to clarify at the very outset that I what exactly is the source(s) of messages – some of which I have shortlisted and strongly felt to include in this compilation, shared on via whatsapps it is not feasible for me to identify. My very idea is these messages which are so good and came about during an unprecedented period in the history of mankind should not be lost sight of buried under the deluge of information which one comes across day in and day into, once GOD willing we get out this crisis.
I merely sought to conceptualise this compilation, share my own thoughts of the primordial importance of hope and faith, both of which are very closely related and intertwined.
Why do we need positive positive affirmations I sought to dwell upon hope in this introductory. I seek to dwell on faith as my concluding musings.
Hope
Vicissitudes in ones lives is in a way a universal phenomenon. There are ups and downs and again the bouncing back in life. In the times of downs , the innate hope in most of us based on the belief that whatever obstacles that might, be can be and would be, keep us going on. Lamentably in moments of utter despair some people seriously think of giving up on their life. Those are life and death moments.It is at such critical juncture that the redeeming positive aspect of humankind that springs from Hope keeps the Life alive. At the threshold I wish quote from the phenomenal persona –
Helen Keller :
“Hope sees the invisible , feels the intangible , and achieves the impossible “
Hope keeps one going on in times of adversity. The universal truth that after a sunset SUN always rises the next day.This is the most tangible and credible instance of importance of HOPE. It’s of course not easy for one to keep going drawing from ones’ own inner resources . In the grave times of difficulties some people desperately seek or some need , knowingly or unknowingly ,at least one ray of hope to hold on and not give up. Some people lamentably tend to Sometimes at the most desperate , in edge of the cliff moments , as trite saying ‘ when Life clings on a tenuous thread’, there is that critical need for HOPE.
The beauty of the matter is one never knows , from what quarter one may draw that elixir of Hope, which can and turns round ones life for the better. An inspirational message from a friend , relative, a sign on Bill Board ; a quotation one may come across in a book , newspaper or from whatever sources, and these days some whatsapp messages/ posts/ forwards. We never know what can touch ones inner most chords.
As one quote goes …nobody can touch the words but words do touch everybody….
Pandemic which gripped the entire world came upon the humankind in a manner of speaking like an unexpected cloud burst which left people world over bewildered , frightened and lockdowned.
Just to remain alive people had to stay put wherever they are. Even stepping out of their dwelling was fraught with risk and even the thought to take a stroll out was a distance luxury. All of a sudden days people realised they had time whether they wanted it or not. With so much time at hand , initial for quite a few were spent clearing up with pending work and tasks at home , which piled up over a period of time, catching up with reading and following news. But on the other plane started connecting with relatives, friends via social media. In the process of connecting and sharing on social media I came across some amazing posts, profound , deep –touching the chords of heart.
The realisation dawned upon us that we were in midst of a life world crisis , which one may come across once in a life time. It is in such a state of mind /bewildered , confused , that led to existential thoughts and musings. Human mind reacts and responds to situation as it emerges. There were scores of people who were not fortunate to stay in the comforts of ones homes. Many were far from their homes, for many there weren’t homes even. Each day was an endeavour in survival. This kindled the humane emotions among some who came forward and rendered whatever help they could .
Doctors, health care workers , police personnel were out there in helping people , at the risk of their lives.
For many while staying in comfort and safety of home, their mere staying at home was a big in itself to combat the spread of pandemic .I too like many stayed at home through lockdown , amidst working at home had the opportunity to pursuing creative activities.It is in this direction that what initially started as a flicker of interest in some very good posts on my friends’ whatsapp group,led me to look for profound messages on a daily and at times many times a day. A mere reading of some posts had a uplifting feeling. Then it occurred to me why not save all such posts and compile them at one place. While reading some of the posts I felt an indescribable warmth of positivity , hope and optimism . It is not that one comes across such messages on a regular basis. This was outcome of lockdown ,several friends of mine too were looking up for positive messages, posting these and the process spreading positivity and hope. This is what has been happening world over.Even when I just shared some great posts I got prompt likes for those. Then it occurred to me why not capture these messages, the moments ,times by way of a compilation of some of the posts which greatly touched or moved me.
Being an incorrigible optimist I am confident to the core of my heart that we all will get over this crisis.
During the process I realised what a positive message, post , a word of encouragement can do to uplift spirits . Sometimes all that one needs in times of crisis that last support to cling to, that glimmer of hope , just some sign –any sign , which motivates one not to give up and cover the last leg before the finish line- and emerge out of
successfully.
Human spirit has tremendous power to motivate a person ,to surmount most difficult challenges and at certain make or break moments in life, all it needs is a positive message at the right moment .It is in circumstances such as these howsoever adverse, positive messages , signs of hope , which may come from whatever source, sometimes even from unexpected quarters, help a person to rise up like phoenix and overcome ones hurdles.
Motivational quotes, messages, thoughts are gems and have timeless relevance. Hence I have come up with this compilation . The Part II which follows comprises the compilation , wherever feasible I have sought to give a sequence but where I felt the messages to flow in natural course, I let it be. I have ended this with chapter /Part III in which I have briefly dwelt on Faith covering there in inspirational verses from various Holy scriptures.
I fondly hope that my endeavour through this compilation serves at least to an extent its desired purpose.
II LOCKDOWN DAYS MUSINGS
As the lockdown sets in ……….initial musings
** ** ** **
And people stayed home
and read books and listened
and rested and exercised
and made art and played
and learned new ways of being
and stopped
and listened deeper
someone meditated
someone prayed
someone danced
someone met their shadow
and people began to think differently
and people healed
and in the absence of people who lived in ignorant ways,
dangerous, meaningless and heartless,
even the earth began to heal
and when the danger ended
and people found each other
grieved for the dead people
and they made new choices
and dreamed of new visions
and created new ways of life
and healed the earth completely
just as they were healed themselves.
** ** ** **
Wash Hands Like LADY MACBETH.
Seclude Yourself Like MISS.HAVISHAM.
Postpone Your Tasks Like HAMLET.
Eat Like FALSTAFF.
Wear Masks like BENEDICT.
Be Proud Like DARCY and Avoid Dancing With LIZZIES.
Don’t Touch Or Steal Others’ Kerchiefs Like IAGO.
Unlike ROMEO, Avoid Meeting JULIETs Who wait in the Balconies. Let Them Wait Till Morrow.
Don’t Wander Around Like Ulysses.
Be Wise Like Beatrice.
Let The West Wind Blow
Listen to Nightingales,
Admire Daffodils.
Stay Home
** ** ** **
WE ARE NOT IN THE SAME BOAT …
I heard that we are in the same boat.
But it’s not like that.
We are in the same storm, but not in the same boat.
Your ship can be shipwrecked and mine might not be.
Or vice versa.
For some, quarantine is optimal: moment of reflection, of re-connection. Easy, in flip flops, with a whiskey or tea.
For others, this is a desperate crisis.
For others it is facing loneliness.
For some, a peace, rest time, vacation.
Yet for others, Torture: How am I going to pay my bills?
Some were concerned about a brand of chocolate for Easter (this year there were no rich chocolates).
Others were concerned about the bread for the weekend, or if the noodles would last for a few more days.
Some were in their “home office” .
Others are looking through trash to survive.
Some want to go back to work because they are running out of money.
Others want to kill those who break the quarantine.
Some need to break the quarantine to stand in line at the banks.
Others to escape.
Others criticize the government for the lines.
Some have experienced the near death of the virus, some have already lost someone from it, some are not sure their loved ones are going to make it, and some don’t even believe this is a big deal.
Some of us who are well now may end up experiencing it, and some believe they are infallible and will be blown away if or when this hits someone they know
Some have faith in God and expect miracles during this 2020.
Others say the worse is yet to come.
So, friends, we are not in the same boat.
We are going through a time when our perceptions and needs are completely different.
And each one will emerge, in his own way, from that storm.
Some with a tan from their pool. Others with scars on the soul (for invisible reasons).
It is very important to see beyond what is seen at first glance. Not just looking, more than looking, seeing.
See beyond the political party, beyond religion, beyond the nose on your face.
Do not underestimate the pain of others if you do not feel it.
Do not judge the good life of the other, do not condemn the bad life of the other.
Don’t be a judge.
Let us not judge the one who lacks, as well as the one who exceeds him.
We are on different ships looking to survive.
Let everyone navigate their route with respect, empathy and responsibility.
–Author unknown
** ** ** **
Some time it takes overwhelming breakdown to have undeniable breakthrough
** ** ** **
Some time it takes overwhelming breakdown to have undeniable breakthrough
** ** ** **
In the mindset of every crisis, lies great opportunity
** ** ** **
……………….thoughts during lockdown
*INTROSPECTION
QUARANTINE
The Latin root of the word “quarantine” is “forty”.
So what does the holy books say about 40?
The flood lasted 40 days.
40 years Moses fled Egypt.
40 days Moses stayed on Mount Sinai to receive the Commandments.
Exodus lasted 40 years.
Jesus fasted for 40 days.
Lent is 40 days.
40 days for a woman to rest after giving birth.
A group of theologians thinks the number 40 represents “change”. It is the time of preparing a person, or people, to make a fundamental change.
Something will happen after these 40 days. Just believe and pray.
Please know that during this “quarantine” rivers are cleaning up, vegetation is growing, the air is becoming cleaner because of less pollution, there is less theft and murder, healing is happening, and most importantly, people are turning to Almighty. The Earth is at rest for the first time in many years and hearts are truly transforming.
** ** ** **
A EMPTY BOAT
A monk decides to meditate alone, away from his monastery.
He takes his boat out to the middle of the lake, moors it there, closes his eyes and begins his meditation.
After a few hours of undisturbed silence, he suddenly feels the bump of another boat colliding with his own.
With his eyes still closed, he senses his anger rising, and by the time he opens his eyes, he is ready to scream at the boatman who dared disturb his meditation.
But when he opens his eyes, he sees it’s an empty boat that had probably got untethered and floated to the middle of the lake.
*At that moment, the monk achieves self-realization, and understands that the anger is within him; it merely needs the bump of an external object to provoke it out of him.*
*From then on, whenever he comes across someone who irritates him or provokes him to anger, he reminds himself that The other person is merely an empty boat. The anger is within me.”*
Take time for introspection & search for answer
“Empty boat” is a famous & fabulous metaphor. Its value lies in its implementation.
** ** ** **
During World War II, numerous fighter planes were getting hit by anti-aircraft guns.
Air Force officers wanted to add some protective armor/shield to the planes. The question was “where”?
The planes could only support few more kilos of weight. A group of mathematicians and engineers were called for a short consulting project.
Fighter planes returning from missions were analysed for bullet holes per square foot. They found 1.93 bullet holes/sq. foot near the tail of the planes whereas only 1.11 bullet holes/sq. foot close to the engine.
The Air Force officers thought that since the tail portion had the greatest density of bullets, that would be the logical location for putting an anti-bullet shield.
A mathematician named Abraham Wald said exactly the opposite; more protection is needed where the bullet holes aren’t – that is -around the engines.
His judgement surprised everyone. He said We are counting the planes that returned from a mission. Planes with lots of bullet holes in the engine did not return at all.
If you go to the recovery room at the hospital, you’ll see a lot more people with bullet holes in their legs than people with bullet holes in their chests. That’s not because people don’t get shot in the chest; it’s because the people who get shot in the chest don’t recover.
Remember the words of Einstein-
Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted, counts.
(Source: From the book – “How Not To Be Wrong”, by Jordan Ellenberg).
Count how Safe we are at Home.
After relaxations of lockdown, remember our engines will be exposed.
** ** ** **
GO NOT THE TEMPLE
By Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore:
Go not to the temple to put flowers upon the feet of God,
First fill your own house with the Fragrance of love and kindness.
Go not to the temple to light candles before the altar of God,
First remove the darkness of sin , pride and ego,
from your heart…
Go not to the temple to bow down your head in prayer,
First learn to bow in humility before your fellowmen.
And apologise to those you have wronged.
Go not to the temple to pray on bended knees,
First bend down to lift someone who is down-trodden.
And strengthen the young ones.
Not crush them.
Go not to the temple to ask for forgiveness for your sins,
First forgive from your heart those who have hurt you!
*** *** ***
Life is a game of chess. we cannot undo the moves but we can make the next step better
We all have our own book of life
we are just trying to find
someone who can read it
and understand it
Always remember that
your present situation is
not your final destination.
The best is yet to come
Corona has proved that
everything around us is so
temporary. Things our lives
revolved around… work,
gym, malls, movies, society
have all gone for a toss as
we are learning to live
without them. It has taught
us that in the end, it is your
own home and family
that keeps you safe
** ** ** **
THE BEND IN THE ROAD
Sometimes
we come to life’s crossroads
And we view what we think is the end
But God has a much wider vision
and he knows it only a bend
the round will go on and get smoother
and after we have stopped for a rest,
the path that lides hidden beyond us
is often the path that is best
so rest and relax and grow stronger,
Let go and let God share your loud
and have faith in a brighter tomorrow
you have just come to a bend in the road
** ** ** **
The biggest lesson
I learned this year is
to not force anything;
conversations , friendships
relationships , attention ,
love. Anything forced is
just not worth fighting
for , whatever flows flows,
what crashes crashes.
It is what it is
the heart that
loves is always
health , the heart
that serves is
always happy
the heart that cares is always
strong and I pray
that God keeps you
healthy, happy and strong
** ** ** **
Behaviour is always
Greater than knowledge
Because in life there
are many situations
where knowledge fails
but behavior can still handle
Only when normal things
are not normal anymore
do we realize how special normal things are
………..INTROSPECTION ……POSTIVE AFFIRMATIONS
The 5 W’s of life
Who you are is what makes you
special. Do not change for anyone
What lies ahead will always be
a mystery. Do not be afraid. Keep your faith
When life pushes you over,
be strong and push back harder
pray and keep believing
Where there are choices to
make, make the one you won’t regret
Why things happen will never
be certain, Take it in stride, trust
God and move forward
nothing is permanent
in the world
not even our troubles
** ** ** **
105 year old lady’s advice to us all
For better digestion I drink beer, in
case of appetite loss I drink white wine
in case of low blood pressure I drink
red wine, in case of high blood pressure
I drink scotch, when I have cold I drink Schnapps
When do you drink water?
I have never been that sick.
** ** ** **
When God blesses you financially,
don’t raise your
standard of living, raise your
standard of giving.
** ** ** **
if you want happiness in life
never be a owner of Love,
Always be a Donor of Love…
** ** ** **
A lession from our hand
all fingers are not
in the same length
but when they bend,
al stands equal
Life become easy when
we bend and
adjust all situation
** ** ** **
No one gets a sudden rise
not even the Sun
It takes time to rise to
the peak of success
just keep ur efforts goind and
be positive
** ** **
The strongest factor for success is
self-esteem. Beliving you can do it,
believing you deserve it and
believing you will get it
** ** **
if you can
stay positive in a
negative situation
you win
** ** **
A Secret of life
road has speed limit
bank has money limit
exam has time limit
but thinking has no limit
so think big
and achieve big
** ** **
Morning is not only sunrise but a
beautiful miracle of God that
defeats the darkness and
spreads light
may everyday spread
light in your whole life
** ** **
Sometimes
it is very hard
to move on,
but once you move on,
you will realise it
was the best decision
you have ever made
** ** **
Dive deep into your life
and think ….think
how have I lived?
How can I make my life better
** ** **
Don’t be pushed by
your problems, Be led
by your dreams
** ** **
Dive deep into your own life
and think.. lthink
how have i lived?
How can I make my life better
*** *** ***
Every problem is like
a red signal, if you
wait sometime, it will
turn into green
slow progress is
better than no
progress
stay positive and
don’t give up
** ** **
Hope is the think with feathers
That perches in the soul
and sings the tune
without the words
** ** **
Every bad situation will have
something positive
even a dead clock shows the right
time two a day. stay positive
God knows what is best for you
*** *** ***
Inspiration creates passion
that converts negative poison
into positive power
*** *** ***
We don’t talk about
trees getting older
we say they are growing
Let use the same term
for ourselves; we are not
getting older, we are just growing
that is the spirit of living
** ** **
your life is a reflection of your thoughts
** ** **
Never lose hope
Just when you think
it is over
GOD sends you a
Miracle
……..Unlocking …..over coming fear
This situation can be best described by the following poem ‘fear’ by Khalil Gibran;
(the noted Lebanese American also write, painter and philosopher) brings out with a deep insight how a river overcomes ‘fear’ while entering the sea:
“ It is said that before entering the sea a river trembles with fear.
She looks back at the path
She has travelled, from the
Peaks of the mountain, the
Long winding road, crossing
Forests and villages.
And in front of her she sees
An ocean so vast, that to enter these seems nothing
More than to disappear forever.
But these is no other ways
The river can not go back
Is impossible in existence.
The river needs to take
Risk of entering the ocean,
Because only then will fear
Disappear, because that’s where
The river will know it is not
About disappearing into the ocean,
But of becoming the ocean”
I read poems now and then, I had factored this in my reading habits. The lockdown period provided me a lot of time, to catch up with all that I intended to read as also go about looking up for poems, randomly, and around this time I came across this poem. I was instinctively stunk by it .Then re read it I was simply swept away by its profound message, a positive affirmation and its visual realism, so beautifully rendered.
I felt, It was pleasantly incident of having real this poem, at a time, when the phased process of ‘unlock’ began. This pandemic unprecedentedly in living memories of many , had gripped almost everyone with a fear of a kind hiter before not experiential. People had mixed feelings, an admixture of urge to go out once again, stepping out of then homes but the same time the feared of the contagion. People cannot continue staying inside their homes, shetters wherever they were during the lockdown or day or other. They had to move on, overcoming their fear. The above poem of Khali Gibran was relatable to this scenario and also with a reassurance, that all will be fine, people just need to overcome the ‘fear’ as the river did before entering the sea.
I felt it was pleasantly co incidental of having read this poem , at a time when the phased process of ‘unlock’ began. This pandemic unprecedented in living memories of many , had gripped almost everyone with fear of a kind hitherto before not experienced . People had mixed feelings, an admixture of urge to go out again, stepping out of their homes but the same time feared the contagion .People cannot continue staying inside their homes, shelters wherever they were during the lockdown one day or other they had to move on, overcoming their fear. The above poem of Khalil Gibran was relatable to this scenario and also with the reassurance , that all will be fine , people just need to overcome the ‘fear’ as the river did before entering the sea.
*** *** ***
In over coming the fear strength is needed and it does come. I would conclude this part with the following post, which I feel is topical
“Strength
Does not come
from when you can do,
Strength comes from
Overcoming the things
You thought could not”
III F A I T H
Now I would like to dwell upon Faith.
As I feel sustaining ‘FAITH’ instils in a person a sense of security and propels one to go ahead with one’s calling with confidence and achieving their goals.
FAITH plays a sheet anchor role seeing a person even in most trying times.
“ Nothing is ever too hard to do. If your Faith is strong & your Purpose is True
…..Because Life is Run by Faith & won by Grace”
The importance of FAITH has been emphasised in all religious scriputres .I would ,however, hasten to add that for having faith following any religion is not at all a necessary
concomitant.
FAITH emerges from within one’s own being.In the context of this compilation which is an endeavour in undescoring positive and motivational affirmations I felt it appropriate to include in this final chapter some motivational quotes on Faith from reknown philosophers , poets , essayists and writers , whose sage words have eternal relevance and are very pertinent in present context.
On faith there is a wealth of literature , lest I may not digress from the main narrative, based
on my readings I have culled out a few inspiring quotes, which I reproduce in the following paragraphs.
After each set of quotes I have recorded my own impressions as there came to me.
Mahatma Gandhi
“ Faith is not a delicate flower which would wither away under the slighest stormy weather “
( The Quintessence of Gandhi in His Own Words)
{The affirmative words of Mahatma emphasise the strength of Faith}
Swami Vivekananda
“ Never lose faith in yourself ,you can do anything in this universe
Never weaken , all power is yours “
( Swamivivekanandaquotes.com)
“ Have faith in yourselves and stand up on that faith and be strong ; that
faith and be strong; that is what we need”
( The Complete works of Swami Vivekananda / Volume 3/ Lectures from Colombo to
Almora /The Mission of Vedanta)
{ This powerful words of Swami Vivekananda makes us realise the power of faith and
enthuses to move forward with faith }
Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore
“ Faith is a bird that feels the light when the dawn is still dark”
( harfordcontybarfoundation.org)
{ Gurudev’s inimitable poetic words reflect latent faith deep within us, which is our driving
force}
Ralph Waldo Emerson
“ We are born believing . A man bears beliefs as a tree bears apples .”
( Ralph Waldo Emerson (1860) The Conduct of Life , Worship )
“ Our faith comes in moments …. yet there is a depth in those brief moments which
contrains us to ascribe more reality to them than to all other experiences.”
( Ralph Waldo Emerson (2012) ‘Self Reliance and Other essays p116)
{The sage words of Ralph Waldo Emerson are reflective of faith ingrained in our psyche
and highlights the power of faith }
Walt Whitman
“ Keep your face always toward sunshine – and shadows will fall behind you “
( goodreads>Walt Whitman> Quotes )
{ Walt Whitman beautifully expresses the eternal positivity which emanates from Sun
which rises daily and with it brings sunshine}
Paulo Coelho
“ He had not a cent in his pocket , but he had faith. He had decided the night before that
he would be as an adventurer as the ones he had admired in books”
( Paulo Coelho (1998) The Alchemist -10th Anniversary Edition , Harper , San Fransisco )
{ This extract from Paulo Coelho ‘s highly popular “ The Alchemist” resonates with the
resolve among all of us to venture out, fortified with our inherent faith , to pursue our
calling , vocations , livelihood pursuits , during the gradual unlock process.}
Finally in the words of Robert Forst “ In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learnt
about life, it goes on .”
The best of the brains- scientists , doctors , researchers – world over racing against the time are working relentlessly for coming up with that life saving vaccine for the dreaded Covid 19. The collective effort and endeavours of humankind , for once are working towards a common
goal. I have the hope and faith that the saviour vaccine will soon come out and provide humans world over that much needed shield and safety .
Everybody is looking towards the year 2021 as a year of HOPE , and so it will be.
I conclude my compilation on this positive note.
It is with this reassuring frame of mind , I wish to say that last two para of this compilation will become dated. Nevertheless the compilation of positive affirmations and motivational quotes some of the best which I have endeavoured to capture that came about in lockdown days, have timeless relevance.
It is my fond hope that these would continue to motivate and inspire people.
2 thoughts on “L O C K D O W N D A Y S – M U S I N G S”
Neeru Khare
Beautifully motivating & elevating…..a survival kit for all of us to read n re read to lift oneself up when we feel down & out. Brilliant effort !!!!!!!!
Dr. Kenny Thomas; MD, MHSc.
👏🏼Reflective.
Strikes a few chords with the ’Wisdom of the ages’😇