Taj Mahal - A Vedic Temple?

Was the Taj Mahal a Vedic Temple? The Photographic Evidence presents photographs that belonged to the Archaeology Survey of India that shows the evidence of how the Taj Mahal and other buildings were pre-existing before the foreign invasions of India, and were originally Vedic temples and palaces. There are also other papers and articles on websites accessed through this page, such as the most interesting paper: "The Question of the Taj Mahal"

Visit Stephen Knapp's website - this is a great resource with a lot of free information and online books available: http://www.stephen-knapp.com/

Also checkout:

• Coverage about Taj Controversy on the BBC - easy summary of both sides of the debate
• The Taj Mahal: A True Story by N. P. Oak - Online version of this book that goes into detail about the Taj being a Shiva Temple.
• Taj Mahal of Tejo Mahalaya - Tejo Mahalaya means Temple of Shiva and this article speaks about the need to re-write Indian history to portray what actually happened.

Makes you wonder ... sometimes the World does not recognise the true value of Hinduism lying dormant in India. It has been covered up by the many rulers who have taken control of India since the true vedic days. Its time, I think, to re-write history as it should be...

Bharat Mata Ki Jai!

Mind Tools

Beating Procrastination
Manage Your Time. Get It All Done.

If you’ve found yourself putting off important tasks over and over again, you’re not alone. In fact, many people procrastinate to some degree - but some are so chronically affected by procrastination that it stops them achieving things they're capable of and disrupts their careers.
The key to controlling and ultimately combating this destructive habit is to recognize when you start procrastinating, understand why it happens (even to the best of us), and take active steps to better manage your time and outcomes.... (whole article)


The Art of Filing
Managing Your Documents... and Your Time

Have you ever sat there while your boss stands over you, desperately searching for that missing document he or she needs RIGHT NOW? Or have you kept a client waiting on the phone for several minutes while you've searched for a status report?

If you have, then however organized and effective you are in your day-to-day work, your boss and your client may have a less than perfect opinion of you, because in a key encounter, you've let them down. And if it's your job to help people, how much of other people's time are you wasting if you can't find the information you need when you need it?

You owe it to yourself to file effectively, however boring this may seem. Imagine how much more impressive it would have been if – when asked – you'd smiled, accessed a well-organized filing system, immediately found the document, and quickly given the answer! (...whole article)

USEFUL TOOL - Google Desktop - i.e. Google search you entire computer! (files and programmes from a little search box on your desktop)


Source: www.mindtools.com - more useful articles on Time Management, Stress Management, Communication Skills, Memory Improvement, Leadership Skills, Problem Solving and Practical Creativitiy.

Richard Branson's Autobiography

Richard Branson: Losing My Virginity

This book was a great read. Its entertaining, thought-provoking and very inspirational. Branson is a character which can be summarised in a few words; money, creativity, and women. This book explores all three and how he has become Britains most successful entrepreneur valued at around £4 billion. (In comparison, Alan Sugar is only worth £800 million!)

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Buy the book on Amazon

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Read an 'Interview with Richard Branson'

This is a brilliant interview (5 pages) and gives you an insight into how he balances his family and career.

Speed Reading

The Extraordinary Reader -by Clive Lewis and Anthony Landale

Just completed reading this book that explains how the brain functions and how to apply this knowledge to be able to read faster, understand better and remember more. It is very well written, and with only 95 pages, its easy to read and refer to. Plenty of exercises and clear tips - if I practice the recommendations of this book, I should have tripled my reading speed (currently 240 words per min) in three weeks!

Buy the book at Illumine Website for £10 plus £1.50 postage.









Some useful tips I picked up from the book:

• The "limbic brain" - is the emotional part of the brain, and when we are able to engage this in learning, our internal settings switch to 'high priority' - the impact being to significantly improve our ability to retain information.
• How to form a habit - neural pathways for each time you do something - and the more you do it, the stronger the pathway gets (think of driving a car). You eventually get to a stage where it is automatic, i.e. it becomes a habit.
• To install a new behaviour you need: Commitment, Repetition of the action and Emotional Intensity.
• The importance of resting and taking breaks whilst studying to optimise recall - every 25 - 45 minutes
• Effective reading -starts with assessment of the document, rapid pre-read (10 mins max), drawing a Mind Map and then skimming.
• Importance of Mind Maps and how the brain works (free video information on mind maps)
• Techniques for establishing a higher base speed: Bouncing, Grouping, Momentum and Guides.
• Motivation and mental attitudes for reading as well as advanced techniques such as peripheral reading.

Global Oneness Project

This is an amazing project that I came across whilst researching Manav Sadhna and Jayesh bhai, of whom they have made a short video and released. Visit www.globalonenessproject.org for more information.

"The Global Oneness Project is exploring how the radically simple notion of interconnectedness can be lived in our increasingly complex world" - About Us Page

One worthwhile idea is the FREE DVD ("Living Library") they post to you so that you can screen the short video clips with friends and relatives. I have done this and as they promise, a DVD arrived in the post today which I shall be sharing with local people shortly! Also, the website has downloadable discussion guides and posters you can use (e.g. if you are in university and want to hold a viewing followed by discussion).

My favourite clips including the Indian ones I initially was looking for are linked below.

Short Films Online:
Global Oneness Project Trailer
Jayesh Patel - Living Service
Sewa Cafe - Love All, Serve All
Not Just a Piece of Cloth - Goonj

Lead India (Times of India)

LEAD INDIA - A Times of India Initiative

On August 15, we embarked on an ambitious journey — a unique talent search which has the potential to make a huge difference to India. We began a hunt to identify new leaders for a new India, men and women with the vision and ability to empower India with the kind of political leadership that is so conspicuous by its absence.

The Lead India campaign stemmed from our belief — and overwhelming reader feedback — that even as India takes giant strides towards fulfilling its undoubted potential, it is doing so despite, not because of, its political leadership. ‘‘Good people don’t want to join politics’’ is an oft-heard lament. And yet, good governance is the cornerstone if India is to overcome the many hurdles that threaten to slow its journey to developed nation status.

And so, we decided to provide a platform to the good men and women out there who refuse to be daunted by the system, and struggle against massive odds to make life better for their fellow Indians. We invited them to come forward and use the Lead India programme as a springboard to public life.... read on

Muhammad Yunus on Poverty

"We create institutions and policies on the basis of the way we make assumptions about us and others. We accept the fact that we will always have poor people around us. So we have had poor people around us. If we had believed that poverty is unacceptable to us, and that it should not belong to a civilized society, we would have created appropriate institutions and policies to create a poverty-free world." -Muhammad Yunus

Thirty years ago, in a remote village of Bangladesh, a modest economics professor took thirty dollars out of his own wallet and loaned it to a group of women looking to start a small business. Told by nay-sayers that he'd never get the money back, the amount was repaid in full. Muhammad Yunus went on to found Grameen Bank in 1976, out of a conviction that it is small acts like this one can move people out of poverty. Today he is a Nobel Peace Prize winner who, starting with one simple loan, has influenced millions.

Source: KarmaTube

See also: http://www.muhammadyunus.org/

Indicorps /// Service for the Soul

After my Learning Journey experience, I was able to discover in more depth the opportunities presented by Indicorps for UK / USA based individuals who want to contribute to India's development through service-based placements. Below are some useful notes/background on the organisation. Alternatively, check out: http://www.indicorps.org/.

About Indicorps:
Indicorps is a non-partisan, non-religious, non-profit organization that encourages Indians around the world to actively participate in India's progress. Indicorps' programs are designed to build principled leadership, empower visionaries, inspire collective action, and unite India towards a common vision for the nation by productively engaging Indians around the world with the development of the country that defines their identity.

The core fellowship program aims to inspire a new generation of global Indian leaders through structured one- and two-year grassroots service opportunities in India. Indicorps firmly believes that contributing to the development of India at a grassroots level will help Indians around the world better understand their heritage, explore ways to strengthen the global Indian community, and encourage civic responsibility at home in their respective countries. Indicorps projects embody a firm and demonstrated commitment to promoting peace, inclusiveness, secularism, and the empowerment of India's people by encouraging action and understanding at the most grassroots levels.

Further, Indicorps aims to strengthen non-profit organizations in India. Indicorps recognizes that building capacity within local Indian organizations is essential to sustainable change. By placing fellows with small, high-impact grassroots organizations, Indicorps aims to bring new skills and perspectives to our partners. During their fellowship, Indicorps participants dedicate themselves to understanding the beneficiary communities and developing the strength of local partner organizations that have a long-term stake in the projects.


Indicorps' Philosophy of Change:
"By engaging talented young Indians from around the world to tackle India's most pressing challenges, we can nurture a new brand of socially conscious leaders with the character, knowledge, commitment, and vision to transform India and the world. "


Useful links:
Indicorps founder, Sonal Shah won India Abroad Person of the Year 2003 for her efforts behind Indicorps. Read a copy of press releases here: India Abroad - Sonal Shah. (8.84 mb pdf)

Sonal Shah's Acceptance speech for the above award: India Abroad - Acceptance Speech (4.89 mb pdf).

YouTube - Profiles and Promo Videos

A Teacher's Lessons for Business Leaders

Ron Clark is known as "America's Educator," but his formula for motivating students applies beyond the classroom by Carmine Gallo

One of the most inspiring leaders I've met in the last several years does not run a Fortune 500 company, did not launch a startup in his garage, and has not led an army. He's a schoolteacher. But his persuasion skills are so effective they should be adopted by anyone who manages anyone.

Ron Clark taught elementary school in North Carolina. After watching a program about a New York City school that had a hard time attracting qualified teachers, he decided to head to New York with the goal of teaching in one of its toughest schools. Clark eventually landed a job doing just that—in Harlem. He asked if he could teach a class of fifth-graders who had been performing at a second-grade level. The school's administrators wanted to give him the gifted class, but Clark insisted on the underperforming students. In one school year, Clark's fifth-grade class outperformed the gifted class. Clark became Disney's teacher of the year, a best-selling author, an Oprah guest, and the subject of a made-for-TV movie, The Ron Clark Story, starring Matthew Perry. When I was writing my last book, Fire Them Up! I caught up with Clark to discuss how managers can use his techniques to motivate their teams. Here are some of the things he said:

Raise expectations. Students and employees will improve their game in response to a challenge. When Clark walked in to his Harlem class, he announced what seemed to be an absurd goal: The class would test at grade level by the end of the school year. Once the students learned Clark was serious, they responded and began to act like the successful students he had known they could be. One month later, after Clark had seen the results, he began to express a vision nobody had dared to dream—they would outperform the gifted class by the end of the year. As a leader, your job is to think one step ahead of the rest of your team and then equip it with the tools and confidence to get there.

Explain why before how. "It's not enough to set a goal," Clark told me. "You need to tell your students why it's important to reach that goal. For my students, it meant a better future. I told them why they needed to know a certain subject, how it would be an advantage to them in their lives."

When it comes to inspiring your employees, the "why" is also often more important than the "how." Why should they exceed quarterly sales goals? Why should they improve customer service scores? Show your team how accomplishing these goals will improve their lives as well as the lives of those around them.

Encourage celebration and praise. In Clark's book, The Essential 55—his rules for success in the classroom—rule No. 3 is applicable in almost any business setting: If someone in the class wins a game or does something well, we will congratulate that person. Clark believes that anyone—student or employee—will do a better job when he receives praise. But he went one step further in his class. He encouraged the students to celebrate each other's achievements as if they were a supportive family.

He writes: "If you want a team to be successful, you have to create […] an atmosphere where everyone on the team is proud of each other. If you set a goal and everyone is working toward that goal as an individual and not as a team, it can be intimidating. But if you feel like you have the support of an entire team […] then you can set the goal as high as you want because there is no fear associated with it. Every person on that team will want to contribute to achieving that goal because they are doing it together."

Show genuine interest beyond business. Clark cultivated a sense of curiosity and respect in his Harlem classroom, requiring students to respond to a question with a question (his rule No. 6). "You are far more likable and respectful when you are asking about the thoughts and opinions of others," Clark writes.

Showing a genuine interest is a consistent theme among inspiring communicators. Motivating is about bringing out the best in people, but people will not listen to your message until they know you care. Show you care about them personally and you will bring out their best professionally.

Be positive and enjoy life. Clark's can-do spirit is infectious. His words reflect his optimism, and he refuses to let any of his students speak the language of defeat. Rule No. 50 is simply: Be positive and enjoy life. Clark told me a leader must set the tone, especially with the words he chooses to use. It is up to the leader to set high expectations, to praise people, to believe in them, and to do whatever it takes to help people meet their goals and have fun in the process. Despite the challenges Clark faced as a teacher, he remained optimistic and steadfast in his belief that his rules would unlock the students' potential. His passion and positive energy allowed him to see opportunity where everyone else saw obstacles.

Clark's rules are intended to draw out the best in students. They can also help bring out the best in any team. And by inspiring your colleagues and employees in the workplace, you become the kind of person people want to be around.

Buy his book - "The Essential 55"
Visit Ron's Website for more info: http://www.ronclark.info/
Useful Download: Top 10 tips for adding Creativity to the Classroom

Source: Business Week

Learning Journey 2008

13 - 21 September 2008.

£350 for Students / £450 for Professionals.

Check out http://www.connectindia.org/ or join facebook group "Learning Journey 2008"

Learning Journey // Ahmedabad (Part 1)

Connecting with India: My Learning Journey
(This is a report on the 8-day Learning Journey to Ahmedabad and Bhuj to discover a different side of India, of humanity and of myself) 15 - 22 September 2007

Click here for a PDF version: Learning Journey Report (17 Pages).pdf

(Right click and "Save Target As" because file is 3.5mb)

As the plane door swings open, that ever so familiar warm dusty air devours my British-born body. As we alight the classic Air India plane, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport welcomes me and my brother, Amal, to Ahmedabad, the once capital of Gujarat.

We are about to join a group of 9 other participants from the UK who have also been selected for this once in a lifetime opportunity – the “Learning Journey” – aptly named by Connect India, a UK based organisation. A girl dressed in a simple Indian top approaches us, we recognise her instantly from our Orientation from a month ago – it was Pooja Warier (part of Connect India and UnLtd India). She had come to collects us from the airport to take us to Sugadh, where we would be based for the first half of the journey.


Day 1

Environmental Sanitation Institute (Sugadh) – a toilet museum and our home
Awaking after limited sleep due to a combination of heat, jetlag and excitement, we leave our simple and clean rooms at the Environmental Sanitation Institute (Sugadh) (“ESI”) to walk out on to the white marble veranda over-looking a beautiful landscape garden.

We begin the orientation by playing games that make us look quite ridiculous – which had the desired effect of breaking the ice quickly, before we sit in a circle on the marble floor to discuss introductions and objectives.

Jayesh Patel, a dynamic social worker wedded to Gandhian philosophy and one of the founders of Manav Sadhna arrives to speak with us. He provides a warm welcome to the Institute, then explains that 80% of disease is water borne and therefore preventable by clean sanitation. This simple reason was what led his father to set up the Environmental Sanitation Institute, or ESI. Jayesh and his father Ishwerbhai Patel had designed preventative methods through the introduction of low cost sustainable toilets for the poor, combined with personal hygiene training to combat waterborne disease. ‘Jayeshbhai’, as he was more affectionately called, also introduced us to his approach to selfless service by seeing God in nature.


Drishti – an NGO with a vision
After a hearty traditional lunch, we set off in Jeeps to Drishti (meaning ‘vision’), an NGO with a difference. Drishti believes in building capabilities of NGOs and communities by using various forms of media, a process through which they are empowering the underprivileged to communicate their stories in the public domain.

Energetic, bubbly and someone who clearly loves communicating, Nimmi Chauhan introduces us to Drishti. “40% of married women in India have been beaten or slapped” she says, opening our eyes to plight of millions of women. She goes on to explain how Drishti assisted NGOs fighting such problems by setting up a media campaign including short but high impact videos. The result has been to give many women courage to speak up after seeing the footage of other women who have shared their experiences. As we saw this and several other short clips, we all sat their stunned by our first glimpses of the challenges India is facing. “The camera is our weapon”, courageously speaks one of the NGO volunteers on film.

How much does the Indian television media actually connect with the people of her country? How influential has Bollywood been to highlight the issues? Directors such as Mira Nair or Deepa Mehta have begun to make noise in this highly influential industry, but the question remains as to what extent TV is representative of the wider population.

Nimmi said something that echoed Jayeshbhai’s approach, which was that her work was not charity. It was in fact volunteering – and she stressed the importance of being clear why you want to do any kind of voluntary service.

A peaceful evening meal experience followed by world-class entertainment
On returning to Sugadh for our evening meal, we find a candle-lit room full of conference delegates about to eat a meal in silence, in the belief that it inspires personal reflection, contemplation and gratefulness. Several of us were asked if we would like to volunteer in serving food to them, so a few of us promptly wash our hands a get stuck in. Afterwards, the Learning Journey group all ate in a similar fashion (well, most of us tried to!).

After a few technical hitches, evening entertainment begins as we sit anxiously on chairs outside in the soothing dusk air. A group of youngsters from Manav Sadhna put on a world-class performance of drama, dance and music that has literally travelled the World, promoting the fundamental principles of Manav Sadhna – love and peace towards all of mankind. Jayeshbhai then delivers a touching speech, giving an insight into the extremely talented children who had just performed for us. One boy used to be a shoe cleaner, earning 2 rupees a time, working as hard as possible to pay for medicine for his sick father. Another boy also demonstrated similar love and commitment to his father, collecting batteries to empty acid and reselling. The acid would burn his hands because he would be opening batteries without protection (more stories).

Day 2

The fight against caste discrimination being lead by Navsarjan
Navsarjan (which means “new creation”) works with the Dalit community, or ‘untouchable caste’, with its primary objective to strengthen the non-cooperation movement against the caste-based discrimination in Gujarat. Manjula Pradeep, a Director of Navsarjan, explained some of the immediate issues addressed by her organisation such as violence against Dalits, ensuring primary education, eradication of manual scavenging and implementation of land reforms.

As we sat in one of the school classrooms at the Navsarjan Dalit Shakti Kendra, we became guests of a school assembly, brought to life by a colourful dance by selected children. We were given a chance to interact and ask questions – which ended up with the each child standing up and stating which profession they wanted to join (as you might guess, cricketer and doctor where popular choices!). As we walked around outside, something inside me had been ignited, a feeling of anguish as much as love and compassion being around such transparent children. I thought to myself, what had these children done to deserve anything less than normal self-respect? Had it not been for Navsarjan, they would have also been confined to a life of cleaning up excrement, often with bare hands, and marred by social exclusion and degradation. How is this possible in such a sacred land, gracefully known as “Dharma Bhoomi”, (translates to a place of righteousness) where millions upon millions of human beings are treated in such inhuman ways? The Government of India has apparently set up systems, e.g. the reservation system where by each company must employ a specific percentage of Dalits, Tribals, and ‘other backward castes’ (or OBCs) to combat discrimination since it was officially outlawed in 1950. However, Manjula made us aware of the harsh realities and failures of the government action to resolve the miseries affecting the 160 million Dalits in India.

“I’m a Dalit, How are you?” is an emotional YouTube video created by Navsarjan and Drishti to raise awareness. After watching this, especially the interview of the school girl towards the end, you will momentarily experience the suffering of her people. I ask myself the question, in this emotionally charged state - can I just sit here? Or will I do something about it?


Railway Children providing living example of generosity
After lunch, we headed to Ahmedabad Railway Station to visit Railway Children, an international charity which operates at large railway stations across the World. It has been found that runaway or abandoned children were most vulnerable during the first few days or weeks after leaving home and few NGOs were targeting early intervention when the opportunity for family reunification, protection and developmental opportunities are greatest. We visited an example of one of Railway Children projects, carried out by ASAG (Ahmedabad Study Action Group) which seeks to provide much needed contact and support for children who find themselves alone at the Station.

The overwhelming experience of sitting on the floor, immersed by runaway and abandoned children, in the place they call ‘home’ was surprisingly comfortable to me. As we sat on a plastic sheet put on the floor for us, you begin to notice the different shapes and forms, deformities, and worn out clothes covering these somewhat excited and happy children. One of the children starts to give out ‘paper soap’ to our Group, which he would normal sell at 2 rupees each. “Don’t do that, otherwise how will you make any money”, say’s one of his volunteered carers, to which he responds “no worries – they are our guests for once in a lifetime”. I thought of the Hindu saying “atithi devo bhavah” (Guest is God). Wise words which comes from the same nation where this child, who clearly has few material possessions, is prepared to give all he has as gifts to these momentary visitors. At this moment I discovered that even when one has nothing, he can still give love – something that came in abundance in what appeared to be a nominal gift. I thought about how much abundance we have back home and how relatively ungenerous we are.

Love all, Serve all – Manav Sadhna and Gandhi Ashram
In the afternoon, we arrived at Manav Sadhna, the NGO based at Sabarmati Gandhi Ashram in Ahmedabad (mentioned earlier). ‘Hridayakunj’ is the small cottage on the banks of the Sabarmati River, which became a place of great historic value when Gandhi resided there from 1915 – 1933, bringing with him the Satyagraha movement. We spend some time wondering around the calm, peaceful museum and heritage site – and witnessing where Gandhi once rested, meditated and spun yarn.

Manav Sadhna is located in a school-like building next to the Gandhi Ashram, a proximity which evidently keeps the Gandhian principles upon which Manav Sadhna is modelled very much alive. The organisation is comprised of a young group of dedicated individuals working for the upliftment of poor and needy children. There appears to be an endless influx of foreign volunteers associated with Manav Sadhna and many speak highly of its quality and impact in the local community.

As we walk into the playgrounds, we appear to be sanctified as guests by being offered paper hats and a paper flower to wear around our necks. A drum roll… and before you know it, a Dhol is blasting non-stop beats as an ocean of happy children surrounds us jumping up and down. As someone who is usually first to hit the dance floor at a party, I lead the way and go crazy with the children! The other participants follow when they realise how much fun this was.

As we enter the main building, in traditional Hindu style, a chanlo/tilak is marked on our foreheads and a rakhi (with a doll hanging on it) is tied.

The never-stop-smiling face of Jayeshbhai is momentarily broken as his begins to speak to talk to us about the spirit of Manav Sadhna. “When Head, Heart and Hand are in Harmony, only then shall we experience Peace.” He truly put into practice what he preached demonstrated by the hundreds of joyful children that seem to float around him like a sea of love. “When the ego dies, the soul arises”, he continues, as he speaks of an overflow of compassion when we stop being so self-centred. “Sharing is caring” Jayeshbhai says, in a simple, clear and comical manner and tells us a fables about such principles.

Manav Sadhna is inspired by the Gandhian principles of truth, non-violence, uplifting the poor and oppressed, promoting health and sanitation and to educate the poor masses. After speaking to volunteers and reading the colourful displays on the walls, we realise this is a movement adapting these ideals to the current and complex issues facing not only India, but the world. It became clear how Manav Sadhna wishes to plant the seeds of hope and inspiration among all people, especially those children who have been neglected by society.

"Be like a ladder, not like a leader. If you become a ladder, then everyone develops themselves. And try to love all, serve all” says Jayeshbhai.

Living Service - Global Oneness Project Video about Jayeshbhai and Manav Sadhna.
Jayeshbhai and Anarben: Partners in Services – descriptive blog entry by a visitor to Manav Sadhna.

Day 3

Every Child in School… Pratham, a NGO with courage to think big
At the regional headquaters for Pratham, we meet this charming couple, Harini and Aditya Natraj, who seem to be like the many once city workers and who have now found their ‘true purpose’. As we sit in one of their training rooms, Harini enthusiastically explains how Pratham provides educational opportunities to child labourers, street children and pavement dwellers. The motto of Pratham is ‘Every Child in School and is… Learning Well’. This is the largest NGO we visit; it is massive and now has reach over 21 states with programmes aimed at pre-school education, accelerating reading technique, developing writing skills and basic arithmetic. Harini speaks with empowering vision and explains to us models of sustainability with education. Education must be fun to encourage learning, so Pratham has devised a unique interactive tangible learning approach, and packaged in such a way that it can be made available to distant villages. As a result, in the last 10 years, more than one million children have benefited through Pratham Programmes.

As we drive between Pratham offices and the slum schools (where Pratham is active), I negotiate to ride the motorbike with Pankhaj so that his colleague could take my seat in the jeep – a totally worthwhile trade except for the unanticipated side effect of my hair blow-dried for some time after!

Lunch was in Barista, the air conditioned up-market espresso bar, a welcomed break from the baking heat of the summer sun. I was slightly disappointed to find that the chilli paneer did not taste as good as the stuff back home, but Dharmesh’s birthday cake was delicious… well, what was left available for eating anyway!


SEWA – Self employed women power!
After lunch we visit ‘Shanti Kendra’, a centre run by SEWA (Self Employed Women’s Association). Dharmesh, one of the Journey Leaders, encouraged my to engage with the women (in Gujarati) as we sat down in a thin room face to face with women workers. I was blown away by the passion and energy with which Madinabhen spoke to me – her conviction to the cause was clear. She described vividly how she, a Muslim, and her fellow Hindu sisters would unite to overcome tension in the region. As she described her struggles, you could see the life emanating from this leader of her community. One seriously powerful woman. We take a walk outside to see the women making bidi’s and agarbattis.

In the evening, we visit the central offices of SEWA, one of India’s largest trade union organisations for poor, self employed women workers. After we manage ourselves through numerous women and floors, we finally get to a padded floor room. A PowerPoint presentation is delivered which explains SEWAs main goals – principally to organise women workers for full employment and self reliance. We learn that SEWA is both an organisation and a confluence of three movements – the labour movement, the cooperative movement and the women’s movement.

As the sun sets, we head to Agashiye Restaurant for a roof-top terrace banquet with guests from Manav Sadhna and Indicorps.

Day 4

Heritage Walk to discover the old city
We discover the historical city of Ahmedabad with a Heritage Walk. The walk began from the picturesque Swaminarayan Mandir in Kalupur and ended in the glorious architectural legacy of the Jumma Masjid, covering in between the numerous pols, havelis, ornamental facades, workplaces of artisans and number of magnificent Hindu and Jain temples.

Slum tour: Stepping into the lives of slum dwellers – literally
This was perhaps the single most powerful parts of the Learning Journey. We immersed ourselves into a slum tour (Ramapir no Tekro), which took around 3 hours and probably changed the lives and perceptions of everyone who went on it.

After walking for 20 minutes, we eventually reached the actual thick of the slum (which most of us though began 20 minutes ago!). We were surrounded by small shacks and crowded spaces. As we continued to walk, we crossed over one of the sewers pouring into a stream. After carefully crossing the bridge, we came across piles of rubbish – and the rag-picking children, trying to find select pieces they can sell on for money. This was Gujarat’s largest slum and rag-picking was big business, which usually involved lower caste or dalit women and children separating trash into piles of plastic, paper and other materials to sell on to recycling barons (“middlemen”). I roam ahead and see some boys picking trash, next to which hungry cows and dogs are looking for scrapings. The stench of urine from the open toilets is overwhelming in the blistering heat as I gulp, realising that this is how they make their living.

As we progressed, Jayeshbhai, who was guiding us, seemed to know everyone single one of the 150,000 residents of the slum. He introduces us to one of the Manav Sadhna families and we take the opportunity to go inside their home. They have a small TV, a mirror on a shelf and pictures of Bollywood superstars on the walls – iconic of the dreams and transformation they are seeking?

We keep walking through until we come across many a new construction – a building that seems so clean, so strong and standing so proud in the midst of poverty. A place of hope and strength – this is the new Community Centre. An amazing building, built completely out of recycled materials and incorporating all faiths into its architecture. The complex has a large circular space in the middle, several classrooms and computer suites. We discover that this building has been a central focus for many of the slum dwellers, for it provided something solid and robust, a sense of family and unity they could rely on.

I see a dog in the corner, she is a mother and her body is withered showing her bones. Underneath, are two puppies trying to feed – analogous, I thought, to the situation of most mothers in the slum.

I think we all walked away incredibly humbled – with a renewed sense of gratefulness for what we have been blessed with.


Sewa Café – living is giving
Volunteer Anjali Desai explains the vision behind Seva Cafe, a pay-it-forward restaurant in Ahmedabad, where each patron makes a donation toward the next person's meal. Devoted to the principle of "think globally, act locally," Anjali describes how this communal experiment in giving reminds us that every individual act of goodwill resounds in the collective human consciousness. (Watch the YouTube Video, also YouTube Video 2)

We head back to Sugadh to collect our bags and make our way to the bustling Ahmedabad Railway Station – to board the 7 hour sleeper train to Bhuj, in the northern Gujarat district of Kutch. Our friends from Railway Children manage to come and find us as we share another cup of chai, engaging in more testing Gujarati conversations. The stations is nothing like Euston or New Street… it appears even more crowded but with an added layer of dust and character. The station is a mini-ecosystem with its range of stores and food outlets to inhabitant ‘koolies’ (porters) and homeless people. It is here I realised where our parents get the incessant need to over pack – I’ve never seen so much luggage per person at a station!

On the way Bhuj, some lucky participants have the opportunity to sleep in the non-AC carriage – Amal being one of them, recollects it being a ‘good experience’, with the full range of sights, smells, and sounds!

Learning Journey // Bhuj (Part 2)

(continued from Part 1 - Ahmedabad)

Day 5

We arrive in the morning to Bhuj Station and make our way to Pranav Farm Resort, the health-retreat style accommodation that would become our home for the next few days. There is a swimming pool (which we did not get round to using!) surrounded by beautiful gardens, with our 2-bed round huts sitting in clusters like some kind of smurf village. The accommodation here and in Ahmedabad was clean and relatively simple – it would have felt uncomfortable visiting slums and then coming back to a 5-star hotel! After unpacking, a quick wash and powernap we have breakfast. Fully loaded up, we jump in our cars to visit Abhiyan.

Abhiyan, the umbrella NGO
Abhiyan is an umbrella organisation covering 30 NGOs and 450 Villages. Sandeepbhai and Sushmadidi host us at the Abhiyan office and enlighten us with a very informative and interactive presentation. Abhiyan set out in the late 80’s to create, nurture and enable communities. To build local leadership and confidence, through a sense of belonging and combined ownership.

Sushmadidi explained that the following factors made Abhiyan successful: commitment to locality; Acceptance of vulnerability and ability to ask for help and collective strength of all or “constructive transformation”.

After a ‘big-picture’ insight, we are able to see huge difference in environment compared to urban Ahmedabad. Kutch is a sparse land with different NGOs operating at large distances apart. Kutch has been made famous for earthquakes and we discover that not all efforts have been good.


KMVS – women’s self sustainence and empowerment
We have lunch at KMVS, one of the NGOs Abhiyan supports. KMVS (Kutch Mahila Vikas Sanghathan) is a collective of self-sustaining producer groups of over 6000 rural women. In addition to producing crafts, KMVS works on a range of empowerment/development issues such as savings and credits, legal aid, environment, health, education and local governance.

Due to KMVS’s sustained efforts over the past decade, these women have helped each other, their families and their communities extricate themselves from a vicious downward spiral of commercial exploitation by middlemen and traders.


HunnarShala – reconstructing communities
We take a drive out to the earthquake hit regions to see new sites being developed with housing for people made homeless by earthquakes. HunnarShala, an earthquake-relief NGO has been working out here on reviving old construction techniques and promoting new eco-friendly techniques of construction. Its aim is to reinforce the dwellings in durable matter for the poor populations, to encourage the integration of craftsmen in the processes of current constructions and to promote economic and ecological local materials.

It was saddening to find how long many had waited, but also pleasing to see how house proud they were now. An idea I picked up whilst backpacking previously to India is to take balloons where ever you go. They make great toys being so simple and easy to carry around. I inflate a couple and play with the local children – it’s great to see how within in a matter of seconds all hesitations and language/cultural barriers disappear and we are having fun like fellow villagers!

I recollect what Sushmadidi said about what makes Abhiyan successful and saw it in practice out in the field.


A Thread of Life - Shrujan
To provide contrast we then visit a more established NGO called Shrujan Trust, whose main objective is to provide design, marketing and training support to the traditional handicrafts sector of Kutch to make the artisans economically self-reliant. The organisation works as a kind of cooperative; It was quite interesting to see how the men created simple patterns with ink on sheets of cloth, packaged with bundles of expensive colourful thread and then sent these out to the women in villages. Shortly after the women would send back the finished products so that they can be taken to market. We see examples of the beautifully intricate ‘craft-womenship’ that are available for sale in the refreshingly cool air-conditioned shop.

Shrujan was started with artisans of one village in Kutch in 1969. Today, it offers help to over 3,000 women and 200 men in 120 villages of the Kutch district. We meet one of the founders of Shrujan, whose wife was recently chosen as a Laureate of the Rolex Awards for her plan to ensure the survival of an exquisite art form in a way that creates a sustainable source of income for the women of Kutch.

“Thread of Life” – Shrujan – is the beautifully carved motto on the stone outside the entrance. The website is particularly good example of the work – http://www.shrujan.org/.


Day 6

VRTI – institute devoted to developing innovative agriculture techniques
We begin the day by visiting VRTI (Vivekananda Research and Training Institute), formed in 1975 to make village economies self-reliant and sustainable. We take a walk around and discover how VRTI works on a range of issues from watershed management, agriculture, animal husbandry and eco-restoration. It was especially interesting to see the experiments they were conducting on alternative farming and bio-gas (plenty of cows around to support this work!).


KMVS Mundra – central office and distant shores
We first visit KMVS offices and have a discussion in the hall with select members of this organisation. A combination of midwives and other workers join us later. We discover how these women have been working since 1989, primarily as a collective of rural women focusing on development and empowerment issues around, handicrafts, savings and credits, legal aid, health, environment and citizens’ rights. They also run a radio programme – a powerful tool for women to relate to other women speaking free of men!

Having lunch was insightful – sitting on the floor with these local women interspersed between us. My conversational confidence had increased and I no longer hesitated. After a delightful insight, we travel out to a fishing community.

Even with the windows wound up full, air conditioning on max, the first thing to hit us was the stench. Stinking drying fish combined with salty sea air was putrid. As our cars drove up to the make-shift homes of these families, we begin to see a vast landscape, miles upon miles of sand and in the distance we see Mundra Port, famous for its ship building and being a central point of trade. Mundra is in fact one of the national “Special Economic Zones”, and currently receiving significant investment from the wealthy Adani Group. Walking around I didn’t feel anything special about what I was experiencing. As we walk around we see fences made of drying fish (e.g. Bombay duck) and the huts in which the families resided. As I walk in front of one of the huts the children come out, interacting with us. I notice their mother cooking food, with flies all over everything. Speaking to the fishermen, they tell us that every few days they have to pay for a tanker to come and deliver fresh water since the sea water is to salty for any kind of use. Combined with difficult prices received for fish, they are struggling to survive. As some of the girls retreat to the cars, we all decide its time to leave for breathable air!

Although it was uncomfortable to be in such a strong smelling environment, it was a powerful way to experience their lifestyle. People treat these fishermen as untouchables also, because when they come into the villages they bring the smell, the same one that was causing us to retreat.

We spend the remainder of the day in discussion. What are the challenges being created by economic advancement? What is the integrity of multinationals and is there any value to their promises to consider locals? We saw first hand the impact of the port development to the detriment of the Mundra fishing community. Is this the price we need to pay? Can anything be done?


Discussions and role plays
Full of energy for discussion, arguments and thoughts we begin the evening activity of a role play/group discussion. We are put in three groups – local village NGO, fishermen community, and the Company (i.e. Mundra Port Corporation / Adani Group). The position to argue: Adani Group wants expansion of the Port and we are to argue for/against this in front of a panel of Government Officials. Some interesting, and somewhat entertaining and even heated debate followed, before the judges went away to decide a verdict.



Day 7

Building bridges that connect national resource to local needs – Setu
Setu, meaning "bridge," is a NGO formed in the aftermath of the 2002 Kutch earthquake, to coordinate relief efforts and distribute resources based on localised need. Under the guidance of Abhiyan, Setu developed a vast local network that bridged the information gap between affected villages, the government, and NGOs. Setu’s current role, similar to its role during the relief efforts, is to collect accurate information to guide and implement development procedures. Setu bridged information in both directions: (1) Setu collected information at the village level and centralised it for use at organizational levels; (2) Setu took information from central bodies and distributed it through its village hubs to inform locals about government schemes and other rehabilitation efforts. In this way, Setu has played a pivotal role in numerous interventions involving village resources, health, education and livelihood.

We visit one location, Dhamadka, where Setu operated, and got a fantastic opportunity to visit a vibrant small village. After a short walk, we sit down on the floor in what seems to be the town centre (a big open space with a Mandir at the front!). A group of men join us – they look like they have just walked out of a bollywood movie as gangsters, but behind the oil slicked hair and hasslehof-shirts, we discover that these are the men with power in the village. They are the elected chiefs and local government or “panchayat” members. To our surprise, we find one of the women sitting there to also be a member!

We speak about the challenges faced in the village – such as electricity, school buildings and water supply. They explain how with the help of Setu, the local government has begun to consider their requirements. We get to see some of the evidence of progress made so far and walk around further, experiencing more great village life!


Train ride home and live entertainment Antaksharee
The train ride home was one of the most enjoyable social aspects of the trip! We spend endless hours playing Antaksharee, to the amusement (and probably eventual annoyance) of fellow travellers. It gets so late that the carriage lights go out for everyone to sleep, so we decide to stop playing and just chat. Due to the size of our group, we are spread over several carriages, so I manage to hop between a few to enjoy a variety of social gossip!


Day 8

Concluding thoughts and constructive action to take away… from Indicorps Anand Shah
“What does it take/will it take for change?” – wrote Anand Shah, one of the founders of Indicorps, on to a small chalk board as we all sat round in a circle on the veranda at ESI.
Anand, also a Harvard Graduate, sat quite simply on the floor in his kurta speaking with conviction of purpose. He spoke about how to challenge our thinking and to step out of our comfort zones.

He mentions Thomas Friedman’s “Golden Straight Jacket” as a way to describe the future and globalisation. Globalisation is inevitable, but there are two inherent struggles here – a drive for prosperity and development versus the desire to retain identity and traditions.

Anand continues to describe the shortage of people with the kind of thinking necessary to drive the right kind of change for India. From our visits to a variety of NGOs we saw the variation in leadership abilities. This is what Indicorps does I guess – brings the outside of the box thinking into the NGOs that would benefit from it most. Enabling projects to get much needed leadership, enthusiasm and skills as well as enabling eager Indicorps Fellows to get an amazing growing experience.

We come to some sort of conclusion to his initial question – What does it take for change? … People It takes people – a paradigm shift in peoples thinking – that will cause change. It was quite an open question with an open answer. Not specific to India, UK, your home or your community or even the World. “One should try and the leave the world better off by your existence”, said Anand. I share my opinion that I felt it was also leadership; genuine and integral, that was necessary to drive forward responsible change.

Another memorably quote to that came to mind from previous reflection session was:

“If you have come to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.” - Lila Watson

To lead or even simply serve in India, one must consider his intentions carefully.


In Summary
There are two India’s. The developing India and the developed India. One resides in the cities and the other in the villages and slums. The pace of progress in the cities makes every Indian proud. However, it hurts to think that the shine from this golden India is blinding the world so that they cannot see the poor India, which unfortunately makes up large numbers.

I have discovered a glimpse, a day-in-the-life type experience of a person in poverty facing the type of challenges they do. I have experienced the joy, simplicity and innocence of slum children. To realise that money, wealth, clothes, lifestyle… ultimately are meaningless. When you look into the eyes of a child in poverty, you only get truthful expression – and when they show you love and joy, it is a pure sincere experience. Similarly, when they express sadness and distress, you feel it. You really feel it.

A vision, a dream and mission – call it what you want, but we met many individuals, leaders of NGOs, who so evidently lived up one in mind. They taught me what it means to live a life that makes a difference to the world, regardless of the size or scale of the problem. That anything is possible if you believe it so, especially with the overwhelming power of love and compassion.

I’m inspired. I’m ready to roll my sleeves up, get my hands dirty and purify my heart.

PRAMAL



Acknowledgments
I would like to thank first and foremost Connect India: Meenal Sachdev, Dharmesh Mistry, Pooja Warier, and Meera Manek. Without their vision and dedication, this experience would not have been possible.

In addition, I am grateful to the following people: Jayeshbhai Patel and everyone at Manav Sadhna/ESI who welcomed us into their home and lives, redefining our understanding of love and service. To all those who have fed us along the way and provided us a comfortable bed to give us much needed rejuvenation, and of course, the people of India – you may not realise, but you gave us much more than we were ever able to give you. From the bottom of my much more evolved heart, I thank you.

7 Habits of Highly Effective People

This is a summary of the 7 habits of highly effective people and can be found on his website (www.stephencovey.com). I purchased the audio CD and it was very useful and easy to follow. Check out Stephen's website for a community you can log into and access a whole range of (free) resources and e-learning tools!

Habit 1: Be Proactive
Your life doesn't just "happen." Whether you know it or not, it is carefully designed by you. The choices, after all, are yours. You choose happiness. You choose sadness. You choose decisiveness. You choose ambivalence. You choose success. You choose failure. You choose courage. You choose fear. Just remember that every moment, every situation, provides a new choice. And in doing so, it gives you a perfect opportunity to do things differently to produce more positive results.

Habit 1: Be Proactive is about taking responsibility for your life. You can't keep blaming everything on your parents or grandparents. Proactive people recognize that they are "response-able." They don't blame genetics, circumstances, conditions, or conditioning for their behaviour. They know they choose their behaviour. Reactive people, on the other hand, are often affected by their physical environment. They find external sources to blame for their behaviour. If the weather is good, they feel good. If it isn't, it affects their attitude and performance, and they blame the weather. All of these external forces act as stimuli that we respond to. Between the stimulus and the response is your greatest power--you have the freedom to choose your response. One of the most important things you choose is what you say. Your language is a good indicator of how you see yourself. A proactive person uses proactive language--I can, I will, I prefer, etc. A reactive person uses reactive language--I can't, I have to, if only. Reactive people believe they are not responsible for what they say and do--they have no choice.

Instead of reacting to or worrying about conditions over which they have little or no control, proactive people focus their time and energy on things they can control. The problems, challenges, and opportunities we face fall into two areas--Circle of Concern and Circle of Influence.

Proactive people focus their efforts on their Circle of Influence. They work on the things they can do something about: health, children, and problems at work. Reactive people focus their efforts in the Circle of Concern--things over which they have little or no control: the national debt, terrorism, the weather. Gaining an awareness of the areas in which we expend our energies in is a giant step in becoming proactive.


Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind
So, what do you want to be when you grow up? That question may appear a little trite, but think about it for a moment. Are you--right now--who you want to be, what you dreamed you'd be, doing what you always wanted to do? Be honest. Sometimes people find themselves achieving victories that are empty--successes that have come at the expense of things that were far more valuable to them. If you ladder is not leaning against the right wall, every step you take gets you to the wrong place faster.

Habit 2 is based on imagination--the ability to envision in your mind what you cannot at present see with your eyes. It is based on the principle that all things are created twice. There is a mental (first) creation, and a physical (second) creation. The physical creation follows the mental, just as a building follows a blueprint. If you don't make a conscious effort to visualize who you are and what you want in life, then you empower other people and circumstances to shape you and your life by default. It's about connecting again with your own uniqueness and then defining the personal, moral, and ethical guidelines within which you can most happily express and fulfil it. Begin with the End in Mind means to begin each day, task, or project with a clear vision of your desired direction and destination, and then continue by flexing your proactive muscles to make things happen.

One of the best ways to incorporate Habit 2 into your life if to develop a Personal Mission Statement. It focuses on what you want to be and do. It is your plan for success. It reaffirms who you are, puts your goals in focus, and moves your ideas into the real world. Your mission statement makes you the leader of your own life. You create your own destiny and secure the future you envision.


Habit 3: Put First Things First
So live a more balanced existence, you have to recognize that not doing everything that comes along is okay. There's no need to overextend yourself. All it takes is realizing that it's all right to say no when necessary and then focus on your highest priorities.

Habit 1 says, "You're in charge. You're the creator." Being proactive is about choice. Habit 2 is the first, or mental, creation. Beginning with the End in Mind is about vision. Habit 3 is the second creation, the physical creation. This habit is where Habits 1 and 2 come together. It happens day in and day out, moment-by-moment. It deals with many of the questions addressed in the field of time management. But that's not all it's about. Habit 3 is about life management as well--your purpose, values, roles, and priorities. What are "first things?" First things are those things you, personally, find of most worth. If you put first things first, you are organizing and managing time and events according to the personal priorities you established in Habit 2.

Two Keys to Making Deposits

• Deposits need to be frequent and consistent. The closer the relationship, the more frequent and consistent the deposits need to be.
• Deposits do not occur until the recipient considers it a deposit. You simply don't know what constitutes a deposit until you understand the other person. If your motives for making a deposit are not sincere, others will feel manipulated.

Remember that when it comes to relationships, little things are big things.


Habit 4: Think Win-Win
Think Win-Win isn't about being nice, nor is it a quick-fix technique. It is a character-based code for human interaction and collaboration. Most of us learn to base our self-worth on comparisons and competition. We think about succeeding in terms of someone else failing--that is, if I win, you lose; or if you win, I lose. Life becomes a zero-sum game. There is only so much pie to go around, and if you get a big piece, there is less for me; it's not fair, and I'm going to make sure you don't get anymore. We all play the game, but how much fun is it really? Win-win sees life as a cooperative arena, not a competitive one. Win-win is a frame of mind and heart that constantly seeks mutual benefit in all human interactions. Win-win means agreements or solutions are mutually beneficial and satisfying. We both get to eat the pie, and it tastes pretty darn good! A person or organization that approaches conflicts with a win-win attitude possesses three vital character traits:

1. Integrity: sticking with your true feelings, values, and commitments
2. Maturity: expressing your ideas and feelings with courage and consideration for the ideas and feelings of others
3. Abundance Mentality: believing there is plenty for everyone

Many people think in terms of either/or: either you're nice or you're tough. Win-win requires that you be both. It is a balancing act between courage and consideration. To go for win-win, you not only have to be empathic, but you also have to be confident. You not only have to be considerate and sensitive, you also have to be brave. To do that--to achieve that balance between courage and consideration--is the essence of real maturity and is fundamental to win-win.


Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
Communication is the most important skill in life. You spend years learning how to read and write, and years learning how to speak. But what about listening? What training have you had that enables you to listen so you really, deeply understand another human being? Probably none, right? If you're like most people, you probably seek first to be understood; you want to get your point across. And in doing so, you may ignore the other person completely, pretend that you're listening, selectively hear only certain parts of the conversation or attentively focus on only the words being said, but miss the meaning entirely. So why does this happen? Because most people listen with the intent to reply, not to understand. You listen to yourself as you prepare in your mind what you are going to say, the questions you are going to ask, etc. You filter everything you hear through your life experiences, your frame of reference. You check what you hear against your autobiography and see how it measures up. And consequently, you decide prematurely what the other person means before he/she finishes communicating. Do any of the following sound familiar? "Oh, I know just how you feel. I felt the same way." "I had that same thing happen to me." "Let me tell you what I did in a similar situation." Because you so often listen autobiographically, you ten to respond in one of four ways:

• Evaluating:- You judge and then either agree or disagree.
• Probing:- You ask questions from your own frame of reference.
• Advising:- You give counsel, advice, and solutions to problems.
• Interpreting:- You analyze others' motives and behaviours based on your own experiences.

You might be saying, "Hey, now wait a minute. I'm just trying to relate to the person by drawing on my own experiences. Is that so bad?" In some situations, autobiographical responses may be appropriate, such as when another person specifically asks for help from your point of view or when there is already a very high level of trust in the relationship.

Habit 6: Synergize
So put it simply, synergy means "two heads are better than one." Synergize is the habit of creative cooperation. It is teamwork, open-mindedness, and the adventure of finding new solutions to old problems. But it doesn't just happen on its own. It's a process, and through that process, people bring all their personal experience and expertise to the table. Together, they can produce far better results that they could individually. Synergy lets us discover jointly things we are much less likely to discover by ourselves. It is the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. One plus one equals three, or six, or sixty--you name it. When people begin to interact together genuinely, and they're open to each other's influence, they begin to gain new insight. The capability of inventing new approaches is increased exponentially because of differences. Valuing differences is what really drives synergy. Do you truly value the mental, emotional, and psychological differences among people? Or do you wish everyone would just agree with you so you could all get along? Many people mistake uniformity for unity; sameness for oneness. One word--boring! Differences should be seen as strengths, not weaknesses. They add zest to life.


Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw
Sharpen the Saw means preserving and enhancing the greatest asset you have--you. It means having a balanced program for self-renewal in the four areas of your life: physical, social/emotional, mental, and spiritual. Here are some examples of activities:

• Physical:- Beneficial eating, exercising, and resting
• Social/Emotional:- Making social and meaningful connections with others
• Mental:- Learning, reading, writing, and teaching
• Spiritual:- Spending time in nature, expanding spiritual self through mediation, music, art, prayer, or service

As you renew yourself in each of the four areas, you create growth and change in your life. Sharpen the Saw keeps you fresh so you can continue to practice the other six habits. You increase your capacity to produce and handle the challenges around you. Without this renewal, the body becomes weak, the mind mechanical, the emotions raw, the spirit insensitive, and the person selfish. Not a pretty picture, is it? Feeling good doesn't just happen. Living a life in balance means taking the necessary time to renew yourself. It's all up to you. You can renew yourself through relaxation. Or you can totally burn yourself out by overdoing everything. You can pamper yourself mentally and spiritually. Or you can go through life oblivious to your well-being. You can experience vibrant energy. Or you can procrastinate and miss out on the benefits of good health and exercise. You can revitalize yourself and face a new day in peace and harmony. Or you can wake up in the morning full of apathy because your get-up-and-go has got-up-and-gone. Just remember that every day provides a new opportunity for renewal--a new opportunity to recharge yourself instead of hitting the wall. All it takes is the desire, knowledge, and skill.

Source: http://www.stephencovey.com/

Downloads:

• 7 Habits Posters - this is EXCELLENT!
• 7 Habits Profile - Self Scoring Guide
• Franklin Covey Library & Resources Page

Example of material available on website:

Free University Courses

No tuition money? No problem! There are many top universities that offer free courses online. That’s right, more and more universities are following the open movement and are offering some of their courses for free. And the contenders are not your third class institution, they are international universities of an Ivey league calibre.

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Access the free MIT courses

There are More than 1,800 free courses are offered through the school’s OpenCourseWare project. Courses are in text, audio and video formats and can be translated into a number of different languages.

2. Open University
Access the free Open University course

The Open University is the UK’s largest academic institution. The school’s OpenLearn website gives everyone free access to both undergraduate and graduate-level course materials from The Open University. Courses cover a wide range of topics, such as the arts, history, business, education, IT and computing, mathematics and statistics, science, health and technology.

3. Carnegie Mellon University
Access the free Carnegie Mellon courses

Carnegie Mellon University offers a number of free online courses and materials through a program called Open Learning Initiative. OLI courses are intended to allow anyone at an introductory college level to learn about a particular subject without formal instruction.

4. Stanford University
Access the free Standford courses on itunes

Stanford University, one of the world’s leading academic institutions, has joined forces with iTunes by providing access to Stanford courses, lectures and interviews. These courses can be downloaded and played on iPods, PCs, and Macs and can also be burned to CDs.

5. University of California, Berkeley
Access the free UCLA courses here

UC Berkley has been offering live and on-demand webcasts of certain courses since 2001. Hundreds of current and archived UC Berkley courses are now available as podcasts and webcasts. Courses cover a wide range of subjects, including astronomy, biology, chemistry, computer programming, engineering, psychology, legal studies and philosophy.

6. University of Southern Queensland
Access the free USQ courses

The University of Southern Queensland in Australia provides free online access to a number of different courses through another OpenCourseWare initiative. Each of the five faculties are available and cover a broad range of topics, including communication, science, career planning, technology, teaching and multimedia creation.

Source: http://www.vincentcassar.com

Peaceful Warrior (Movie)

"It's not the destination that brings happiness, but the journey."

Peaceful Warrior (2006) is a film about a gymnast who is in need of mental training to achieve his life ambitions. An accident causes him to shatter his leg and through the help of Socrates, this random friend he meets, he is able to compete once again in the championships. The movie is jam packed with words of wisdoms and great inspiring quotes.

What makes this powerful is that fact that it is based on the true lifestory of the man behind the film, Dan Millman.

Watch the trailer below or go to http://www.thepeacefulwarriormovie.com/.

Some useful quotes from the movie:

1. Life has three aspects: Paradox, Humour, and Change.
2. Paradox: Life is a mystery; don't bother figuring it out.
3. Humor: No matter what circumstances, do not lose your sense of humor.
4. Change: Do not be so sure in life; anything can change.
5. There is never nothing going on. There are no ordinary moments.
6. This moment: The past and the future do not matter; all that matters is now, this moment.
7. It's not the destination that brings happiness, but the journey.
8. The ones hardest to love are the ones who need it the most.
9. Take out the trash from what's inside your head.
10. Empty your mind.
11. Anger, hatred, and violence are only products of fear.
12. People are afraid of what's inside of them; when you are alone lying on your bed, do you feel empty?
13. If you lend someone $20 and they don't come back, it is probably worth it.
14. When making a peanut butter and jelly sandwhich, you must first apply the peanut butter.
15. Every action has its price and its pleasure.
16. Everything has a purpose, even this, and it's up to you to find it.
17. A warrior does not give up what he loves, he finds the love in what he does.
18. I call myself a Peaceful Warrior... because the battles we fight are on the inside.
19. A warrior is not about perfection or victory or invulnerability. He's about absolute vulnerability.
20. There is no starting or stopping - only doing.
21. There's no greater purpose than service to others.
22. Everyone wants to tell you what to do and what's good for you. They don't want you to find your own answers, they want you to believe theirs.
23. I want you to stop gathering information from the outside and start gathering it from the inside.
24. People are not their thoughts, they think they are, and it brings them all kinds of sadness.
25. Death isn't sad. The sad thing is: most people don't live at all.
25. What the time? The time is now