#435
It's with deep sadness that I share the unfortunate news of the passing of my beloved Aunt (Father's cousin) on Friday, 5th January 2024, morning. She suffered a tragic fire Incident at home while lighting an oil lamp for prayer, and despite every effort, she succumbed to severe burns 15 hours later. Her sudden departure has left a profound void in our lives. For me she was an inspiration, for she was a top notch graduate in the 1970s, Attended Indian Republic day parade.(NCC), She taught me to shine shoes better by spitting on leather! Also I used all her math work notes of her graduation to copy /paste to my notebook, in my math assignment, 10 years later. (She kept all her notes!). I did all the errands for her marriage in 1980, when my father conducted her marriage at Karaikudi! She also had a stellar banking career.
In the wake of this tragedy, I urge each of us to be vigilant and cautious, especially when handling oil lamps or engaging in activities involving fire. This incident has highlighted the critical need for safety measures within our households, particularly for our elderly family members.
In our cultural context, where lighting lamps is a revered tradition, it's crucial to take extra precautions. Ensuring stable surfaces for lamps, using appropriate containers for oil, and avoiding loose clothing during this practice can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. If possible, do lighting lamps under a watch or a buddy !! My Mom had a near miss, 60 years back as the buddy quickly extinguished the fire on her saree..!
Additionally, in the kitchen, where so much warmth and nourishment are shared, let's remember to be attentive while cooking, keep loose clothing away from the stove, focus on task, eyes on task, and employ safety measures such as having fire extinguishers / water readily available. I have experienced flame propagation due to wind as well flame leap out in gas stoves when I do cooking, a risky situation.
Let us honor the memory of my aunt by spreading awareness about fire safety within our homes. It's a humble plea to prioritize caution, preventing such unfortunate incidents from occurring again.
Please take a moment to reflect on these safety measures, and let's collectively ensure the well-being of our family members.
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Amazing email from Robin Sharma. Very Practical. I reproduce here. Wish every one follows this.
24 supreme habits for 2024
happy happy happy 2024!
I very much wish you top health, superb inspiration and a new year rich with moments of pure magic.
Ok. Let’s get straight to the point: helping you install the habits of mastery that will ensure the next 12 months are monumental.
I humbly and carefully offer you these 24 suggestions:
1. Rise with the sun and spend at least an hour praying, reading and running. Your days will never be the same!
2. Go complaint-free for a week. [You’ll feel so much stronger and better].
3. Stop focusing on the faults of people and, instead, seek to amplify their strengths. Simple idea yet practiced rarely in today’s society.
4. Walk for an hour every day. Period.
5. Read for an hour each evening.
6. Be the most prepared person at every meeting you attend.
7. Outwork everyone in your industry. Always giving your best effort breeds tremendous self-respect.
8. Make deep sleep a priority. Bonus tip: the key to a superb morning routine is an excellent pre-sleep ritual (and not much good happens after 9pm so why not go to bed then?).
9. Finally forgive the people who hurt you, understanding that your hurters have helped you become you.
10. Do 3 scary things every 3 months in 2024.
11. Work without your phone until noon each workday.
12. Turn your phone off every Sunday (for the entire day). Your family deserves the best of you, yes?
13. Hope for the best yet be absolutely prepared for the worst. Too slow is too late.
14. Start your mornings focusing on 5 things you’re grateful for. The tone of your day will rise.
15. Be the best listener in your home.
16. Be the most enthusiastic student in your field.
17. Develop impeccable manners.
18. Go to art galleries / Museums often so that the stardust of the masters mesmerizes your consciousness. Leave your phone at home if you really want the benefit of this special habit.
19. End every creative project better than you started.
20. Stop being mean to yourself. You’re incredibly special.
21. Stop comparing your life to other lives. Your journey is perfect for you and there’s rich wisdom in you being exactly where you’re at.
22. As you produce more success, think even more like a beginner. Winning makes most people sloppy.
23. Tell your loved ones you love them daily.
24. Remember that your daily habits predict your lifetime results. So make them great.
Robin Sharma. 5am Club. (I am at 4am Club ahahha!)
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Finished an amazing book, "How to Know a person" by by David Brooks. It has left a deep impact on me. I am beginning to finish books after failing to do so for a few months.
In an age of fragmented connections and polarized opinions, David Brooks' "How to Know a Person" offers a powerful antidote: the art of truly understanding and appreciating the souls around us. Forget algorithms and social media feeds; Brooks invites us on a journey into the depths of human connection, where attentive observation, meaningful conversations, and a willingness to see beyond the surface reveal the intricate tapestry of another's being.
The book's foundation rests on the transformative power of attention. Like a skilled sculptor, Brooks urges us to refine our gaze, noticing not just the words spoken, but the subtle nuances of body language, the flicker of emotions in the eyes, the stories whispered in the pauses between sentences. He guides us to step outside our own narratives, to practice active listening, and to embrace empathy as the bridge across the chasm of self-centeredness.
Conversation, in Brooks' hands, becomes a sacred dance of discovery. He dismantles the superficial chit-chat and prescribes open-ended questions, vulnerable sharing, and a genuine curiosity about the other's world. He reminds us that listening isn't just about waiting for our turn to speak; it's about actively tuning in to the music of another's soul.
But understanding transcends mere words and gestures. It delves into the wellspring of stories that shape who we are. Brooks reveals how our narratives, both internal and external, form the bedrock of our motivations, values, and desires. He encourages us to become skilled storytellers, weaving together threads of experience, hardship, and triumph to create a richer tapestry of self-awareness.
The book doesn't shy away from the complexities of human nature. Moral character, Brooks argues, plays a crucial role in understanding another's actions and motivations. He acknowledges the shadows that lurk beneath the surface, the flaws and contradictions that make us human, and urges us to extend compassion even when faced with darkness.
"How to Know a Person" isn't just a philosophical treatise; it's a practical guide to transforming our everyday interactions. Brooks offers actionable tips, from the importance of eye contact to the power of shared activities. He reminds us that the journey to understanding begins not with grand gestures, but with simple acts of attentiveness, curiosity, and a genuine desire to connect.
As I turned the final page, I felt a profound shift within me. The book's impact wasn't merely intellectual; it was visceral, sparking a renewed desire to see beyond the surface of those around me. I found myself paying closer attention to the nuances of daily conversations, actively seeking out stories, and approaching encounters with an open heart. In a world that often feels fragmented and divided, "How to Know a Person" offers a beacon of hope, reminding us that the greatest journey we can embark on is the one that leads to the heart of another.
Regards
Karthik
7th Jan 2024.
PS: 40 years today, Greg Chappal, Lillee, Marsh retired from test cricket. Time flies..! Chappal announced his retirement the week before and scored 180+.... Lilee took wicket with Last ball he bowled. (Wyne Phillips took the catch) + Abdul Qadir, C Marsh B Lillee; the last of the deadly combination. (Sydney 1984). Still etched in memory all the moments at GCT, Coimbatore Hostel (Cauvery Block!---- I am told, now it is Girl's hostel!)..
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