In Search Of Happiness
July 29, 2009
True happiness is rare to find but it is not impossible. Most people delve into the deeper meaning of the word happiness. They ponder; debate endlessly to seek the answer to “what is the definition of happiness?”
The search for happiness slows them down and some lose interest in finding it. Some feel possession of wealth is happiness, while others believe money can buy happiness. But what is this word that defines happiness?
To me, happiness is a state of mind. It is a feeling that can be experienced by any individual based on what they are feeling at that point in life and what they desire from life. A big bowl of candy will make a little child extremely excited. The sight of different flavored candies in his possession is happiness for that kid.
Winning a lottery for some people will be their ultimate happiness while for another individual being able to travel to all places of pilgrimage, participating in spiritual activities brings them happiness.
Happiness doesn’t ring the doorbell and walk right into our lives. Firstly, one needs to understand what makes them happy. Secondly, how will they go about finding this happiness? Once they have identified their happiness and its source, then they need a plan how to get it. After planning, comes the implementation of the plan, then monitoring the plan and then reaching out for the happiness. Then finally, if you set everything in perfect harmony, then you will surely deserve that happiness.
Yes! This certainly sounds like a lengthy and technical way to achieve happiness. But actually it is pretty simple. Find out what makes you happy and go look for it.
If you believe that a particular man or woman makes you happy then you should approach the person. You can be direct and say that you want him to be part of your life and propose. Or take a subtle approach, date him, spend time with him, let him understand you better and wait for him to pop the question. Once you know your goal, then it is half the battle won.
If you are not appreciated at your workplace, where your inputs are ignored and the pay barely covers your expenses, you will surely quit and find a better job. This is pretty simple. The job never gave you any happiness so you move on.
Searching for happiness is a never-ending task. Nothing satiates the human mind. If one has completed one task, they seek for the next. Seeking happiness can be an obsession and also at times an addiction.
Many give up on finding happiness and only dream of it, while others strive at it. Whatever maybe the source of happiness, it should not be forgotten. This is what makes life worth living for. An aimless life is a worthless life. If one learns nothing from life then that person has not appreciated the human form of life. Look inside your mind, spirit and soul, find out what truly makes you happy and devise a plan to achieve it. Then you will understand the real fulfilling sensation of being happy.
Real happiness is bliss and that can be achieved only when the human soul unites with the divine soul or receives enough grace that he is able to enjoy this bliss in spite of living in Kaliyuga and in the human form, in other words – Sat-Cit-Ananda. According to the religious text – Brahma Samhita, in it verse (Sloka) 5.1
īśvarah paramah krsnah sac-cid-ānanda-vigrahah anādir ādir govindah sarva-kārana-kāranam
Lord Krishna who is known as Govinda is the Supreme Godhead. He has an eternal blissful spiritual body. He is the origin of all. He has no other origin and He is the prime cause of all causes.
©Nayna Chakrabarty, 2007-2009. All Rights Reserved.
Traveling With Food Allergies
July 15, 2009
The symptoms of food allergies vary from person to person. But usually the most noticeable signs are redness of the skin, the skin breaking into hives, sudden itchiness, puffiness of the areas around eyes and lips, rash and general feeling of uneasiness. At the first sign of any kind of allergy, it is essential to consult a specialist. There are many types of food allergy tests conducted to pinpoint the exact type of allergy you are suffering from.
Allergies cannot be ignored like a fever, thinking that the symptoms will go away with time. They need to be dealt with at the earliest. Doctors subscribe medications to control it in an instant. Sometimes the allergic condition may go on for days together. When this happens, you will need to keep the doctor posted on the developments of the reaction of the medicine on your body. At times, multiple combinations of pills are needed to reduce the redness and hives.
There are some cases where people suffer from delayed food allergies or multiple food allergies. This makes it very difficult to recollect what all you ate that lead to a breakout of the skin. In such cases, food allergy testing is crucial and most beneficial.
Life cannot come to a standstill because you suffer from food allergies. There are certain precautions that can be taken so that you do not trigger the allergies and enjoy a relaxing vacation.
Here is a list to be memorized when traveling with food allergies:
1) Make sure you get an allergy test done to understand the sources that trigger your allergy. Once you know this, it is easy to stay away from that product.
2) When on a vacation, always read labels on food to make sure it is doesn’t contain those ingredients that give you food allergy.
3) Carry light, packaged snacks. This will act as reserve food in case you don’t find anything suitable.
4) Always carry medications subscribed by the doctor for allergies. Avoid keeping it in the suitcase where the accessibility gets restricted once you board the flight.
5) Carry the prescription as well in case you need a doctor in a foreign country. This will help the practitioner to know the nature of your problem and what medicines will be compatible with your system.
6) Make sure you carry sufficient amounts of allergy medications to last you your entire vacation. All medicines are not available with the same chemical composition across continents.
©Nayna Chakrabarty, 2007-2009. All Rights Reserved.
Is Your Exercise Routine Not Working Out For You?
July 10, 2009
Are your gym workout routines unsatisfactory? Has your enthusiasm plummeted to follow your daily exercise routine? Then join the gang.
Many times our energy levels get lowered than usual and we are not able to perform to the optimum level. If you feel that your weight training is not giving you the rush that you regularly feel or you are unable to burn sufficient calories on the treadmill then don’t feel left out. This happens all the time and it is caused due to various reasons.
One of main reason for hindrance in the exercise routine is stress. People carry the stress of their daily life to the gym. Silently the stress plays on your mind and affects the workout performance. It is a commonly known fact that regular exercising curbs anxiety but the hidden stress at work affects the performance of your workout routine.
Stress management is the key to solve this problem affecting your daily workout routine. One of the tips to tackle this is to leave the work stress at work and not carry it with you. Keep your mind free and then begin your exercise workout at the gym. You will find weight training more exciting and be able to excel in it. This stress if not managed and channelized properly can also cause injury during workouts. Remember always focus on the positive aspects of life.
Obsessive exercising or exercise addiction can also affect the slump in your workouts. Balance your workout sessions with proper rest and maintain a balanced exercise chart. Strength training exercises alternating with cardio exercises or circuit training with fat burning exercises can help to shock the body and get it going again. A change in workout program can also bring out a drastic change in your performance. Try a Pilates class or take up hiking for a change. Join an exercise boot camp for a refreshing fitness challenge.
A change in weather conditions can also affect your workout routine. Hot, humid weather can slow you down while a breezy morning can really boost your adrenalin to run on the treadmill.
No matter what the problems are in life, there are solutions to them so leave them aside and focus on your workout routine. This kind of sincerity and dedication certainly works in giving you the desired body. This in turn will boost your self confidence and the ear will automatically get tuned to hearing compliments.
©Nayna Chakrabarty, 2007-2009. All Rights Reserved.
