Uncertain Advisors

What we read has always influenced our perception about things around us to a great degree. Of course, am talking about stuff that appears in sources more reliable than, say, TOI (if there is a disagreement, you have my sympathies). Cutting to the chase, a lot of advice and 'scientific findings' that we encounter in newspapers and magazines are extremely primitive. My advice is not to take their's too seriously.

How often has it been seen that these 'masters of good living' contradict their own findings weeks later? Any research that they undertake is, more often than not, either too personal or too complex. When they research personal issues, the results depend largely on their subjects' mannerisms. When they try to investigate issues like the ones concerning the working of the brain, say, they slip into complex domains. The brain remains to be very mystical and elusive. I am often struck by how much more we know about distant galaxies light years away, than of that which is why we know these things. Also, another interesting thought - The human brain is the only entity in our known existence to know of its own existence. Simply put, nothing in this world ( or any other that we know of) knows that it exists, save the human brain.

So, when it comes to brain usage, development, capacity and what not, your judgement can suit you the best. Be open to ideas like GTD (Getting things done.. something that Srik lives by), but keep in mind to restrict their influence only to the degree to which they can come to your aid. If any of these are overdone, the results could be detrimental to the development of your own personality.

Road Nirvana

The first thing that hits me when I get back to the good old city is the tremendous increase in traffic density. To keep the above said statement from becoming literal are a few measures that every indian should take. ( Can be broadened to encompass other parts of the world as well)

"Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?" -- George Carlin
 
It is absolutely essential to keep a clear mind while driving, especially if you like to drive fast, to make sure that maniac on a yamaha doesn't take up the form of the divine being who also shares the same name.

Unpainted humps hiding in the dark can break a lot more than just you speed. The city's roads can surprise you with a pothhole under the least expected circumstances in perfect accordance with Murphy's law.

To dogde and survive the many encounters bad traffic can throw up, one should develop an elevated state of mind while driving, which I term road nirvana. Whilst in this state, one neither experiences joy, nor sorrow while on the road. Joy on the road is dangerous in the city as loss of joy is the cause of sorrow. So when you can never possibly derive joy while driving, there is no sorrow in its absence as well. No longer do your shake your fist at the guy honking behind you. No longer do you swear at the slowpoke in front, but try to seek the path of least resistance to cut through the road, in perfect harmony.

Hoping to stay safe on the road. 

Road Nirvana! May its tribe increase. ( 'Chin mudra held' ( Yes, this is a tribute to another blog if you are wondering))