Tag: mindfulness

  • Class dismissed | The Power of Words

    Class dismissed | The Power of Words

    Our success and happiness depend on our actions. But does it really matter what we believe or say in our head? Aren’t they just words? The following gatha offers an insight that can be life-changing. The Teacher Who Never Fell Sick There was once a teacher in charge of a class of thirty children. He…

  • Can Kindness Become Weakness? | The Snake Who Stopped Biting

    Can Kindness Become Weakness? | The Snake Who Stopped Biting

    On the path of becoming a better person, we learn to live in harmony with others.We work on our anger, aggression, and impulses—so that we do not harm those around us. But what happens when our goodness is taken advantage of?When softness is seen as weakness?When kindness becomes an invitation for others to hurt us?…

  • When We Feel Overwhelmed by Our Troubles – Socrates at the Beach

    When We Feel Overwhelmed by Our Troubles – Socrates at the Beach

    What do you do when you are faced with a problem that feels too big for you? It could be something at work, at home, or something within your own mind or body. At such times, we may feel as though life is asking more of us than we can hold. A short story attributed…

  • At the Feet of the Master: What Can I Offer?

    At the Feet of the Master: What Can I Offer?

    We often pray because we are seeking help — a solution to a problem, or the fulfilment of a desire. There are many forms of worship we follow: we pray to a deity, visit a Guru, bow to a scripture, read wisdom texts, or commit ourselves to certain principles. As part of this worship, we…

  • The Way We See the World

    The Way We See the World

    Have you noticed a simple question like “How’s the weather?” can receive completely different responses? “Awfully cold.”“Why is it raining now? It’s well past the season!”“What lovely weather – perfect for hot pakoras.”“This will surely cause a traffic jam.” Same weather. Different experiences. So how much does my way of seeing really matter? The following…

  • Tussles in Relationships: Finding Freedom and Happiness

    Tussles in Relationships: Finding Freedom and Happiness

    Have you noticed that some of our relationships have more ups and downs than we would like? Conflicts may arise from differences in expectations, values, personalities, or communication styles. When hurt accumulates over time, it becomes harder to soften our stance or step out of the ‘deadlock’. Unresolved tensions not only strain relationships; they also…

  • Jwālā and the Devdūts | Disrespect and Injustice

    Jwālā and the Devdūts | Disrespect and Injustice

    What do we do when our expectations of others are not met? And what if disappointment is accompanied by disrespect and a sense of injustice? A story from Sau Sākhi — literally meaning One Hundred Narratives — offers clarity for moments when the mind is clouded by hurt, anxiety, and unmet expectations. The Ascetic A…

  • The Royal Falcon and the Old Woman

    The Royal Falcon and the Old Woman

    We all carry expectations of others — our friends, family, or people we work with.Inevitably, there are moments when they do not behave the way we expect them to. How do you respond when someone does not say, do, or be what you expected?What happens within you at such times? Rumi’s Masnavi shares a story…

  • A Desperate Plea — Bhagat Sadhna

    A Desperate Plea — Bhagat Sadhna

    Sometimes, even when we are trying to walk on the right path, we continue to face problems. We run into difficulties with people. Circumstances seem to tighten their grip. Old habits of the body and mind refuse to let go. At such times, faith begins to waver. We may feel doubt, disappointment, anger – sometimes we…