Radha Madhav Dham, Austin, TX

Photo By Raj H

Photo By Raj H

Photo By Raj H

Photo By Raj H

Photo By Raj H

Photo By Raj H

Photo By Raj H

Am I doing ok?

There are times when nothing seems to indicate that you are doing ok. There are times when you are not even sure if your actions are right or wrong. What do you do in these kind of situations?

Here are a few things that I watch or do to keep myself motivated. Perhaps they might work for you as well:

  • Don’t let reward/punishment motivate your actions. Let your values guide your actions instead.
  • Don’t worry about people (and their reactions). Pay attention to the process instead.
  • And remember that you are free. It is always up to you what you want to do.

It is all about learning, improving your knowledge and skills, and most of all, adding value to people. Remember, every day is a new day. Every day is a new beginning… And don’t forget to smile.

By Raj H.

It’s not personal…

Photo by Raj H

Unusual and unacceptable life situations do arise.
There is nothing personal about them; they are as impersonal as the force of nature – wind or storm.

Do not resist; just pause and face them.
When you stare at them long enough, the solutions reveal themselves and there comes the strength.

Perhaps the purpose of every life situation is to make us free.

Written by Raj H.

Serenity Amidst Chaos….

Buddhist temple in San Antonio, TX

Photo by Raj H.
Photo by Raj H.
Photo by Raj H.
Photo by Raj H.
Photo by Raj H.
Photo by Raj H.
Photo by Raj H.

I wonder why…

Isn’t change the basic necessity for progress? I wonder why sometimes, or perhaps most of the times, we don’t like change, even though we are aiming and working towards progress and growth.

Isn’t facing the challenging life situation the only way to understand where we are lacking (in knowledge or skill) so that we can improve ourselves and overcome the situation? I wonder why we procrastinate and wait until the situation becomes toxic to our future selves.

Is it the fear of failure making us procrastinate and resist any form of change?

Photo by Raj H. Location: Landa Park, New Braunfels, TX

Isn’t fear just a thought, a thought of a worst possible outcome?

Well then why don’t we stop following our thoughts and start doing whatever we can do NOW?

Written by Raj H.

Foggy morning in San Antonio, TX

This tree must have seen it all. This morning, it’s the dense fog.

Who is successful?

I had a discussion with my friends over the weekend, and the topic of good grades in schools arose. My friend reminded me of our classmates who were toppers in the class. He asked me, “Where are they now? They are nowhere to be seen now.” He implied that though they were academically successful, they are not successful in real life. I didn’t say much, but I started thinking that It was quite possible, someone who didn’t do too well in academics could do better in real life situations. I believe The grades in school do not reflect the true potential of an individual, as the school system measures only a small fraction of the intelligence spectrum. Real life situations require a lot more than language and math skills.

Then it started bothering me that If money were the measure of success, my school teacher who taught me, was he considered not successful, as he didn’t make a lot of money by teaching us; the rmp doctor who treated me when I was sick, was he a failure as he didn’t charge my parents a hefty fee. My grandma who told me countless stories and listened to my silly stores had very little money, was she a failure?

Can money really measure a person’s success in life?

Photo by Raj H.

Then I remembered Ralph Waldo Emerson’s quote on success:

“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”

Raj H.

Don’t wait…

By Raj H.

Go on and take that decision. Do not question yourself if you have analyzed enough data. The data is infinite; you will never be able to process all of it in this lifetime. The right moment is not in the future. The right moment is here and now. Go. Do it. Do it now.

Yin and yang…

Every step of my life, I lose something and I gain something. It feels like I am taking one step forward and the next step backwards. Then I think, well let me do a fresh start. And there I go again… It feels as if I am standing at one spot and the whole world is happening. Perhaps this is what is called “yin and yang,” or perhaps this is the game of life.

Message to a friend 

Lotus Flower. Photo by Raj H.

Lotus Flower. Photo by Raj H.

This message is for a friend of mine who is going to her home country after a long time:Dear friend, you must be really excited to go home and visit your parents, and have a break from this busy professional life. I want to take a moment and congratulate you for everything you have achieved during this time. Remember some achievements bring medals and diplomas and some don’t. But people who really care, see them all. I also want to emphasize the strength, courage, optimism, and  character you have shown during this time is phenomenal. So don’t let petty things bother you. Celebrate each and every moment with your parents while you are there.

Wish you good luck.
Raj.