Life's Jigsaw - Zen

Life is like a jigsaw puzzle. Each little piece is an aspect of our journey through it. And when at last we find that last piece and fit it into place, we eventually see the meaning of this life.

UBC Day 30
The Z Piece - Zen

So while we wait for our dreams and desires to come true, lets live the Zen way.

Here are some Zen proverbs that give us a clue to Zen living.

When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be - Lao Tzu

Be still, the quieter you become, the more you can hear - Ram Dass

Be still like a mountain and flow like a great river - Lao Tzu

A good traveller has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving - Lao Tzu

To hold you must first open your hand. Let go  ~ Lao Tzu

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished ~Lao Tzu

To the mind that is still, the whole Universe surrenders ~ Lao Tzu

Chasing after the world brings chaos. Allowing it all to come to me brings peace.

Here's one of my favourites that summarises my philosophy:

Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. 

Don’t resist them – that only creates sorrow.

 Let reality be reality. 

Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.

~ Lao Tzu

And a reminder when I feel disturbed or fearful

If you are depressed, you are living in the past

If you are anxious, you are living in the future

If you are at peace, you are living in the present  

~ Lao Tzu

Be Zen, Stay Zen. Namaste

image source: google images

The Jigsaw Pieces of my journey so far

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Life's Jigsaw - Yearning: Dreams and Desires

Life is like a jigsaw puzzle. Each little piece is an aspect of our journey through it. And when at last we find that last piece and fit it into place, we eventually see the meaning of this life.

UBC Day 29 
The Y Piece - Yearnings: Dreams and Desires

Synonyms for Yearning: Desire, Dream

Letting go of eXpectations however does not mean you let go of your dreams or desires.

When we dream we set an intention and the Universe has something to work with for us. And even if that exact dream is not in your destiny, the Universe will provide the next step in your journey.

The dreams that we have a deep desire for are probably the ones that will come true as I believe they are good indicators of our destiny. But we need to let go of the need for it to come true in the way we want it to or imagine it to come true. And we do need to set our intentions in a way that the Universe can work with.

One of my dreams was to build my own house. But I didn't ask for a magnificent mansion, I asked for a house that was sufficient for my needs. And so 17 years ago, my dream came true of building my own house. I think if I had asked for a magnificent mansion or got too prescriptive, I might still be waiting for that dream to come true. (By the way, magnificent mansions hold no appeal for me. My small cosy home is just perfect for me).

So in other words, we set an intention but from then on we let go and go with the flow. Often we ourselves get into the way of our dreams or dither about constantly changing the parameters of our dreams and then keep complaining that they never come true.

This poem by Lauretta Burns, sums it up very nicely.

As children bring their broken toys with tears for us to mend, 

I brought my broken dreams to God, because He was my friend. 

But then, instead of leaving Him, in peace, to work alone; 

I hung around and tried to help, with ways that were my own. 

At last, I snatched them back and cried, "How can you be so slow?" 

"My child," He said, "What could I do? You never did let go.

Wishing you many dreams come true. 

The Jigsaw Pieces of my journey so far

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Life's Journey - (e)Xpectations

Life is like a jigsaw puzzle. Each little piece is an aspect of our journey through it. And when at last we find that last piece and fit it into place, we eventually see the meaning of this life.

UBC Day 28
The X Piece - eXpectations

Taking a few liberties with the letter X .. sound rather than the start of the word.

There are many ways to make Peace from War. One of the major contributors of "war" is eXpectations of others and one of the ways to make peace is to have none.

When we have expectations of other people and when they don't live up to that expectation then dissatisfaction sets in. Expecting things from others inevitably leads to discontent. So set expectations for yourself not for others.  But set realistic expectations and know your limits as setting outlandish expectations that simply cannot be achieved can also lead to frustration.

There are of course boundaries that we do set for ourselves and having those expectations is not only okay it is necessary. For example, foul language and smoking are not permitted in my house. I expect the kids to place their plates in the kitchen after they finish, put their clothes in the laundry basket, help me bring in the groceries, have a high level of personal hygiene, be honest, have integrity, treat people well and behave well, take responsibility for their actions etc. Remembering of course that children learn best by example!

The kind of expectations I am referring to is where we expect someone to do something for us because we think they should or we believe it is our right to expect that, or be the person we want them to be or set such high expectations that they are simply not achievable by that person.

I have heard a number of times from various people "I can't change but I expect you too". Life does not work like that. All change comes from within. If you aren't prepared to change, did you really think that I would? I have watched so many people frustrated and destroyed because their expectations of others was simply not met. Frustration and destruction has a domino effect, it starts to destroy all in its path.

And yet when you do receive, remember to receive it as a gift, honour it and be thankful. The act of honouring and thankfulness itself can be a gift returned.

When we expect something from someone or expect them to do something, we are actually expecting them to live our own life. That simply isn't going to happen. Over the last 6 years I have learned that we each come with our own destiny, our own agenda for soul learning and growth and we each have to learn it in our own way and in our own time.

Relationships are one of our greatest teachers and expectations are one of our greatest destroyers.

My happiness grows in direct proportion to my acceptance, 

and in inverse proportion to my expectations. 

~ Michael J. Fox

May your happiness grow and praying that when your time comes to make that great leap of soul learning, that it comes to you in the nicest possible way. Blessings.


The Jigsaw Pieces of my journey so far

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Written for: A to Z Challenge and The Ultimate Blogging Challenge


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Life's Jigsaw - War and Peace

Life is like a jigsaw puzzle. Each little piece is an aspect of our journey through it. And when at last we find that last piece and fit it into place, we eventually see the meaning of this life.

UBC Day 26
The W Piece - War and Peace, The internal battle

Understanding the Vibrational Energy (or chi, prana) that flows within us and trying to stay in balance wasn't the case some years ago.

I've been through many internal wars before arriving at a place of peace.

Internal wars doesn't mean destruction it just means that I have questioned many of my own beliefs, beliefs of others, beliefs that have been passed through the ages, learned some new things, excelled at some and failed at others, left others incomplete. And there are some "wars" that have occurred between mind and heart.

Eventually my beliefs have evolved from the sum total of all these experiences and no doubt they will keep evolving.

But whereas previously I was uneasy and my mind was forever running in many directions and I felt disconnected and discontented, now I am more at peace with myself and with my world.

There came a point in my life (not long ago) when I learned to surrender completely to a higher and Divine power. That doesn't mean that I kick back my heels and expect things to be presented on a platter. It just means that I accept the course of life as it comes, to know that whatever happens is for a reason, to keep an open mind about things, to act responsibly but without attachment to the result of the action, to be contented with whatever I have.

It has truly simplified my life and it is much easier to live in the present rather than forever dwelling in the future, plotting and planning and creating unnecessary stress.

I have no idea what the future holds, I don't plan my life any more. I simply go with the flow knowing that whatever happens is just as it should be.

Peace comes from total surrender that goes beyond faith.

Abandon all attachment to the results of action and attain supreme peace.

~ Lord Krishna, The Bhagavad Gita

Wishing you peace and joy.


The Jigsaw Pieces of my journey so far

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Written for: A to Z Challenge and The Ultimate Blogging Challenge


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Life's Jigsaw - Vibrational Energy

Life is like a jigsaw puzzle. Each little piece is an aspect of our journey through it. And when at last we find that last piece and fit it into place, we eventually see the meaning of this life.

UBC Day 25
The V Piece - Vibrational Energy

How is it that even though we are millions of miles away,  the Universe and the Divine can communicate with us?   And how is it that we feel connected to people from the different corners of the world?  And if we are all inter connected, how are we connected?

These are questions I've asked constantly and frankly the answer is I don't really know. But what I do believe is that we all have a field of energy that surrounds us. To test this rub your hands together then move them apart and you can actually feel that energy pulsating.

This I believe is our vibrational energy. We use this to set our parameters of our private space. Our vibrational energy also attracts people of similar vibrational levels. When we feel a complete affinity with someone, it probably means that we are at similar levels and when we feel uncomfortable or not in synch with that person, it means that our energies are out of alignment. I'm pretty sure we also use this vibrational energy to sense danger.

If you are familiar with the chakra system or energy centres within our body, our vibrational scale follows that system. A long time ago I used to do Qi Gong. It's aim is to balance the life energy or qi (chi or prana). Unfortunately the classes near my place shut down and moved too far. But while I was practising this regularly I could feel that energy move in me. Perhaps it is time to get back into it and practice at home.

Feeling that energy move through you is an amazing feeling.

image source: google images

Have a balanced and peaceful day. Om Shanti.


The Jigsaw Pieces of my journey so far

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LIfe's Jigsaw - Universal Divinity Speaks

Life is like a jigsaw puzzle. Each little piece is an aspect of our journey through it. And when at last we find that last piece and fit it into place, we eventually see the meaning of this life.

UBC Day 24
The U Piece - Universal Divinity Speaks

What an awesome moment it was to see the Temple in the sky.

I believe that the Universe and the Divine constantly send us clues and messages, answer our questions or simply affirm.

They communicate with us in various ways though not always quite directly, allowing us to use our little grey cells or to seek the answers from within, that is from our soul. For the journey of life is as much physical growth (advancement of human beings) as is spiritual growth (progression of the soul to its ultimate purpose of meeting with the Divine).

I have figured out for myself that it communicates with me mostly through songs, through blogs, through certain friends, through dreams.

Most times my spirits are high and I am at ease with life but yesterday I was feeling uneasy, a little fearful of the future, my mind was at unease.

If you read my post yesterday, I was unable to form a post for the letter T. That usually happens when the mind is moving all over the place. I was also questioning my theme for this A to Z Challenge - did I pick the right theme, am I writing sense or is this the ramblings of a crazy mind?

And then I see the Temple in the sky.

Each time I am in need of some direction or some comfort, my beloved Lord speaks to me. In the last few years, my beloved Lord has spoken to me so many times - all through Divine Darshan (Divine Vision).  For the followers of my blog I have written many posts and poems on those Divine moments.

I feel blessed.

May you feel His presence in every moment of every day. Blessings to you all.

Some posts where I have written about these Divine moments:
Rose Petals At Your Feet     My Sweet Lord     The Vision of You     The Lesson

The Jigsaw Pieces of my journey so far

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Life's Jigsaw - Temple

Life is like a jigsaw puzzle. Each little piece is an aspect of our journey through it. And when at last we find that last piece and fit it into place, we eventually see the meaning of this life.

UBC Day 23
The T Piece - Temple

So having written about my Soul, what could possibly follow on from that?

I couldn't make up my mind what to write for T.  I thought of Tranquillity or Thankfulness, but no words came to mind. I have written on these topics so many times that somehow writing the same thing again didn't feel right and  trying to find something new eluded me.

And then as I was looking at the sky through my lounge window this caught my eye:

And the thought that came into my head instantly was the Dwarkadhish Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna.

I've never been to Dwarka, Gujarat and in fact I have no idea what the temple looks like so I had to look it up and I was quite astonished at what I found.

What a totally amazing moment it was when I saw the Temple in the sky.

I am so thankful for this joyful and thrilling moment that brought tranquillity to my soul.

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take

but by the moments that take our breath away. 

~ Hilary Cooper

Enjoy this very tranquil and melodious bhajan dedicated to Lord Krishna. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6JrW8e-FP0

Wishing you all moments that take your breath away.

Thank you for stopping by. Blessings to all of you.


The Jigsaw Pieces of my journey so far

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Written for: A to Z Challenge and The Ultimate Blogging Challenge


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Life's Jigsaw - Soul

Life is like a jigsaw puzzle. Each little piece is an aspect of our journey through it. And when at last we find that last piece and fit it into place, we eventually see the meaning of this life.

UBC Day 22
The S Piece - Soul

Note that all thoughts in this post are merely my thoughts and beliefs.

Our ultimate relationship is with the Divine. So how do we start that relationship?  I believe we do that through our soul.

Over the years the words, know yourself, love yourself, go within to find yourself, forgive yourself, be your true self, be your authentic self etc,  came at me through many discourses and blogs. I simply could not understand these concepts. How does one love oneself or know oneself or forgive oneself, be authentic, be real, go within. Go within?  - where, how?

Then the theories that we are really our souls, that the physical body is just that a body. That the soul controls all. The idea that we are not us (the physical self) but we are our soul somehow didn't feel quite right. If we are indeed only our souls then why are we always in disharmony with life, after all the soul is all knowing and all loving and peaceful. And how do we explain heinous acts that occur? That could not be an all loving, peaceful and caring entity.

I do believe that the soul is immortal and a spiritual entity that has probably lived many lives via many bodies and that it is ever loving, ever knowing entity. But the ideas that the physical self and the spiritual self are merged entities or that my physical self is only defined by my soul, I constantly questioned.

And so I concluded (for myself only) that the physical self and the spiritual self (or soul) are indeed two separate entities. For the soul to grow and experience life on earth it requires a body and for a body to be a living conscious entity it requires a soul. The relationship between the two is coexistent.

Now the idea of going within, of loving ourselves, of forgiving ourselves, of being our authentic self starts to make sense because our physical self can seek its soul and emulate it.

The physical self is controlled by our minds, circumstances and the choices we make.The soul is our life guide, our compass, our source of wisdom beyond the physical world, our source of Divine love. And when the physical self is in harmony with our soul, when it can tap into its love and wisdom and when it is prepared to be guided by it, then life is in harmony and the soul takes us towards that Divine source. Because meeting that Divine source is our soul's ultimate purpose.

These 2 poems that I wrote on my poetry blog Reflections Of My Soul depict my thoughts regarding the relationship between our physical self and our soul:

The Mirror Of My Soul

The mirror of my soul my moments reflect

Not just of this life but of sojourns in time

Somehow I know but ever warily suspect

But like a nurturing mother she repeats the mime

If only I look and heed her care

For she is the essence of His love

And yet I rebel and ignore and dare

And close my eyes to her and above

Gently she coaxes and shows me the way

Patience epitomised love never wavering

Until at last in my life breaks that day

When I finally understand my soul's labouring

The mirror of my soul my moments reflect

Not just of this life but of sojourns in time

My soul I am blessed, for you I have met

Now the journey with you in this life is sublime

Running With Me

I can't get away from myself by moving from one place to another

My load I carry everywhere, that much I know

No matter where I run it's never going to be further

For with me I travel wherever I go

I don't know what you look like or from whence you came

But without you I would be lost, that much I know

What would my life be if your guidance you refrain

My life would be more ebb and less of the flow

Wherever I travel, I blend in with the landscape

For earth is my present home, that much I know

My travels with you, my soul, my life does reshape

And through my adventures you learn and you grow

I wish I knew the reason for this life's quest

But you know all lifetimes, that much I know

And each step that I take is a cause and effect

And of journeys you planned a long time ago.

May your journey with your soul in this life be sublime.


The Jigsaw Pieces of my journey so far

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Written for: A to Z Challenge and The Ultimate Blogging Challenge


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Life's Jigsaw - Relationships

Life is like a jigsaw puzzle. Each little piece is an aspect of our journey through it. And when at last we find that last piece and fit it into place, we eventually see the meaning of this life.

UBC Day 21
The R Piece - Relationship

Poetry is the medium that moves a river within me and brings joy to my soul. But life cannot be lived in complete solitude and isolation. Our biggest joys and our biggest sorrows all stem for the relationships we have as we go through our journey. Relationships are also our greatest teachers.

I believe that all relationships are soul connections. Nothing in life is by chance. Everyone who comes into our lives whether they are there for a fleeting moment in time or for a lifetime, we have agreed to meet in this life and we have agreed to part at the appropriate time.

There are relationships that are meant to teach us, sometimes very harsh lessons.  These relationships provide us the greatest opportunity for soul learning. There are others that are karmic, that is they occur to pay off our karmic debts.

And then there are some soul connections that are very special and these I believe are the ones that bring us the greatest joy. There is an inexplicable bond that you share with these souls that transcend this physical existence. These are relationships that continue to exist across different worlds.

I truly believe that my father and I shared a unique relationship. His presence always had a calming effect on me. In the last years of his life, he lost his hearing and communicating with him became difficult. But just sitting by his side in silence was comforting. Even now just the very thought of him brings peace to my soul.

My children are my strength and joy. In the difficult moments of my life, they give me the will to carry on. And they are great fun to be with.

Each of my relationships (those that I still have, those that have ended) has taught me something about myself but more importantly has helped me progress on my spiritual journey. For the ultimate relationship is of course between you and the Divine.

 In the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.
~ Mother Teresa

Enjoy your day with your loved ones. May each step you take be towards that ultimate relationship.


The Jigsaw Pieces of my journey so far

Check out some blogs participating in the AtoZ Challenge


Written for: A to Z Challenge and The Ultimate Blogging Challenge


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Life's Jigsaw - Love

Life is like a jigsaw puzzle. Each little piece is an aspect of our journey through it. And when at last we find that last piece and fit it into place, we eventually see the meaning of this life.

UBC Day 14
The L Piece - Love

If life is governed by the laws of karma then love is surely the way to good karma. Because when we operate from love we operate with the good of all in our hearts and minds. 

I always thought of love as a feeling, an emotion until a message was given to me a few months ago (read my Treasure post).

"Love is not something one gives or an emotion one feels, it is a state of being"

I interpret this to mean that

In a spiritual sense love is connecting with another human being at the level of our soul with understanding that all are spiritual beings.  

In a romantic sense that we connect with another with respect, tolerance, kindness and understanding

And that we do this not on an as needed basis, but on a constant basis. That is, this becomes a way of life for us.

I don't know about you'll but when I connect from my soul I feel as if love transcends lifetimes, that it is something beyond this world and eternal.

About 17 years ago I came across this poem by Rabindranath Tagore "Unending Love" that started me thinking about love beyond the confines of our world, a connection that crosses physical boundaries across the cosmos. And it became one of my favourite poems.

I seem to have loved you in numberless forms, numberless times...

In life after life, in age after age, forever.

My spellbound heart has made and remade the necklace of songs,

That you take as a gift, wear round your neck in your many forms,

In life after life, in age after age, forever.

Whenever I hear old chronicles of love, it's age old pain,

It's ancient tale of being apart or together.

As I stare on and on into the past, in the end you emerge,

Clad in the light of a pole-star, piercing the darkness of time.

You become an image of what is remembered forever.

You and I have floated here on the stream that brings from the fount.

At the heart of time, love of one for another.

We have played along side millions of lovers,

Shared in the same shy sweetness of meeting, the distressful tears of farewell,

Old love but in shapes that renew and renew forever.

Today it is heaped at your feet, it has found its end in you

The love of all man’s days both past and forever:

Universal joy, universal sorrow, universal life.

The memories of all loves merging with this one love of ours –

And the songs of every poet past and forever.

Sending you all virtual love and hugs. May you find that unending love.


Written for: A to Z Challenge and The Ultimate Blogging Challenge


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Life's Jigsaw - Karma

Life is like a jigsaw puzzle. Each little piece is an aspect of our journey through it. And when at last we find that last piece and fit it into place, we eventually see the meaning of this life.

UBC Day 12
The K Piece - Karma

When we live in a state of joy, we bring about good karma for how can joy create anything else? But what is karma?

Karma has been defined in many ways:

cause and effect
payment of debts (debits)
receipt of debts owed (credits)
what goes around comes around
you reap what you sow

Karma is definitely all of those things. But these are all things we think of in our human, earthly tangible way. Somehow I can't help thinking there is something more.

I've pondered on this for years. And here is my additional twist to karma (my thoughts only) ...

Perhaps it is also the life we've agreed to live:

no debits, no credits - just an agreement to live this life, to experience happiness and joy, grief and sadness, success and failure. sometimes even fame and fortune
to learn and to teach

 All of course for the betterment of all life, for soul growth.

This is the only way things make sense to me particularly when we see little children / babies go through difficult times like grave illnesses. Or when good people go through traumatic events or unimaginable grief. How can our generic definition of karma make sense?

Perhaps these are effects of previous lives, but perhaps it isn't that and they come to learn perhaps more to teach, to perhaps even change the course of history, or to bring about a social change, or to shake the roots of civilisation, to begin something new for mankind.

Here's my own quote on life:

Life is like a game of cards. You play the hand you're dealt the best you can. 

That hand of course could be the one we've pre agreed to play.

When the purpose of this life of mine is complete and I return to my home in the sky, I hope that I will have learned and experienced all that my soul set out to learn and experience. That I would have taught all that I hoped to teach. That all that I did was with kindness, in the betterment of the human race and with due consideration to Mother Nature. That I played the hand I was dealt the best I could.

Enjoy life. Learn and teach.  Help someone make a better life for themselves. Collect good karma.


Written for: A to Z Challenge and The Ultimate Blogging Challenge


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Life's Jigsaw - Joy

Life is like a jigsaw puzzle. Each little piece is an aspect of our journey through it. And when at last we find that last piece and fit it into place, we eventually see the meaning of this life.

UBC Day 11
The J Piece - Joy

Joy is my word for 2014 and Joy I hope to find in all things I do as I hope by living in joy I will also spread joy. After all we are all interconnected.

"Happiness is not a pursuit, it is a state of being" are words that came into my head not long ago.

I take that to mean that happiness cannot be found, it's not something we can search for. We choose to live each moment in joy, to see joy in everything, to look at the bright side of life and that even when hard times hit us, we are able to live in acceptance and move through it.

Big events bring us great joy, but little things bring us great joy as well. There is joy in receiving as well as in giving. We live in joy when we think joy. 

Your joy comes from how you think, the choices that we make in life

~ Joyce Meyer

Think joy. Celebrate joy. Be happy.

Written for: A to Z Challenge and The Ultimate Blogging Challenge


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Life's Jigsaw - Interconnected

Life is like a jigsaw puzzle. Each little piece is an aspect of our journey through it. And when at last we find that last piece and fit it into place, we eventually see the meaning of this life.

UBC Day 10
The I Piece - Interconnected

My belief is that all of life is interconnected so it is vital to all of our well being that we keep out mind, body and spirit healthy.

The Upanishads (ancient texts of the Hindu religion) say

When a blade of grass is cut, the whole Universe quivers

I came across this many many years ago but at the time it made no sense to me. But as my spiritual understanding grew, the quote started to make perfect sense.

All of life is interconnected. That's why collective consciousness is so powerful. All our actions affect each other. There are no chance encounters or chance events. All of life is part of a great plan. The great epics of India, The Ramayana, The Mahabharata, The Puranas (Shiva Purana, Vishnu Purana) depict how life is connected, how karma and dharma (duty) play a part and influence the current life we are experiencing. 

The words of Elton John's song Can you feel the love tonight, illustrate this in a nicer way

There's a time for everyone if they only learn

That the twisting kaleidoscope moves us all in turn

There's a rhyme and reason to the wild outdoors

When the heart of this star-crossed voyager beats in time with yours.

(In the context of my illustration, star-crossed = spiritual)

If we look at each life as individual aspects of a complete kaleidoscope, we can imagine how just one small turn moves us all to a new pattern. We can't move one aspect and not impact the rest.

I try to remember when I feel negative emotions that I am affecting others. I does not mean me, it means us, interconnected.

Wishing you all a twist of that kaleidoscope that brings you good things


Written for: A to Z Challenge and The Ultimate Blogging Challenge


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Life's Jigsaw - Health

Life is like a jigsaw puzzle. Each little piece is an aspect of our journey through it. And when at last we find that last piece and fit it into place, we eventually see the meaning of this life.

UBC Day 9
The H Piece - Health

Sometimes Divine grace comes in unexpected forms as blessings in disguise. We usually recognise them as grace in hindsight.

About 9 years ago one day at work, I was suddenly unable to stand. It was a scary moment. It was like my brain had forgotten how to make me stand. My knees gave way in so much pain, I had to push myself up with my hands on my desk.

That began my quest for better health and fitness. And I lost some weight and got fitter. I felt better and more energetic.  I even took up karate about 6 years ago but unfortunately had to give that up as it started to affect my knees and my back. That also brought about an understanding that one must honour one's limitations and exceeding one's limit is also not a good thing to do.

We take our health so much for granted. But when something like this happens to us, we learn the value of good health.

Of course there are times when I slip back into bad habits, but the trick is to acknowledge that sometimes it is okay to simply blob but that when one has done enough blobbing it is time to get back on the road again.

Rest when you're weary. 

Refresh and renew yourself, your body, your mind, your spirit. 

Then get back to work. ~ Ralph Marston

Wishing you'll good health and healing.


Written for: A to Z Challenge and The Ultimate Blogging Challenge


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Life's Jigsaw - Grace

Life is like a jigsaw puzzle. Each little piece is an aspect of our journey through it. And when at last we find that last piece and fit it into place, we eventually see the meaning of this life.

UBC Day 8
The G Piece - Grace

Having learned the lesson of forgiveness sometimes in difficult and harsh ways, I am also reminded that we are constantly being showered by His grace. 

Some years ago, I came across a youtube video where a guest speaker (forget who) read some Rumi poems. This one really stood out for me and Rumi became one of my favourite poets.

The wine of Divine Grace is limitless

All limits come only from the faults of the cup.

Moonlight floods the whole sky from horizon to horizon;

How much it can fill your room depends on its window.

Grant a great dignity, my friend, to the cup of your life;

Love has designed it to hold His eternal wine.

~Rumi~

The verse is a good reminder that God showers his love and Divine grace in abundance. But how much we are willing to receive is up to us.

Until very recently I was one of the many who found it real hard to accept a compliment or a gift graciously. But compliments and gifts are all part of His Divine grace. I have now learned to receive graciously and with gratitude.

And in doing that we not only bring the giver joy but we also send a message to the Universe that we are open and willing to receive.


May the cup of your life hold His eternal wine.


Written for: A to Z Challenge and The Ultimate Blogging Challenge


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Life's Jigsaw - Forgiveness

Life is like a jigsaw puzzle. Each little piece is an aspect of our journey through it. And when at last we find that last piece and fit it into place, we eventually see the meaning of this life.

UBC Day 7
The F Piece - Forgiveness

My belief is that we all come into this life to fulfil a soul purpose, to experience, enjoy and also to learn. As the Universe lines up events that lead to those aha moments, it also lines up events that provide us opportunities for soul learning.

So how do we recognise what our soul learnings are?  I guess the best way to do that is to look back on our lives and find a pattern.

So one of my learnings I am sure is Forgiveness. There have been so many events where I've had to learn to forgive. Forgiveness however is not an easy lesson to learn. But the lesson must be learned and the Universe will persist until it is. After so many times (I've lost count there are so many), your spirit grows weary and forgiveness just feels like the easier thing to do.

I've always thought about forgiveness as an action but about 3 months ago these words were planted in my brain..

 "Forgiveness is not an action, it is a state of being"

I interpret that to mean that we should live mindfully, constantly without grievance or vendetta or revenge and with the understanding that the actions of people are done for their own reasons.

This does not mean that we condone the action of the person nor does it mean that we have to be the best of pals again (though of course you can if you want to). It just means that we choose to let go and move on. We choose to not let the event or action affect us any more.  If we want to look at it from a purely selfish view, we do it for ourselves not for them.

Whenever I feel I'm being attacked I think of my ever loving, ever forgiving Divine Maker and I try to look at life from the view of my soul. Is it easy? No it's not and it takes a lot of practise and will power and self control.

But I've found that I am not as quick to react to situations as I was before and that helps me to stay calm. Of course being human there are times when I do feel hurt or wronged, but I can quickly move out of that rather than dwelling on it.

"Forgiveness is a funny thing. It warms the heart and cools the sting" 

~ William Arthur Ward

May your heart be warmed and your sting cooled.


Written for: A to Z Challenge and The Ultimate Blogging Challenge


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Life's Jigsaw - Enlightenment

Life is like a jigsaw puzzle. Each little piece is an aspect of our journey through it. And when at last we find that last piece and fit it into place, we eventually see the meaning of this life.

UBC Day 5
The E piece - Enlightenment

All through life in our journey towards our destiny, we are all given a Divine helping hand. An answer is presented, or a message is given. More often than not these are indirect answers and messages but they plant a little seed of thought and the ever patient Universe lines up events that eventually lead to that moment of enlightenment, that aha moment that suddenly brings about clarity to take the next step or make some sense of events.

A few years ago a psychic friend said to me that my work in the future would take a different turn, working in the international aid arena. I was quite surprised but it got me thinking. And looking back on the strange events of my life, a pattern started to emerge. Steve Jobs summed this up nicely as joining up the dots.

About 7 years ago at a leadership course we played this game:

2 teams are competing to get a rare flower that has special medicinal properties from the government of a country. One team has been given unlimited money to purchase it for commercial use, 1 team (mine) are representing a charity to obtain the flower free for humanitarian aid. I was the spokesperson for my team and basically we stood no chance. But surprisingly we won. The feedback I got was that I spoke with so much passion that I completely convinced them that the flower should be donated for a worthwhile cause rather than sold for commercial use. 

About 10 years ago at a "life course".

The facilitator asked us to draw a picture of the life we would like to have in 20 years time. This was to be done without conscious thought, drawing from the heart. I was surprised at what I drew -  it was making a difference in the lives of people, bringing them joy and giving them an opportunity to live a great life.  

About 17 years ago at a leadership course:

The facilitator having observed all of us, was giving each one individual feedback on our leadership styles when suddenly he turned to me and said, "And someday, you will go out and do some humanitarian work". I was startled but then gave it no further thought.

Looking back to my childhood

For those who are regular readers of my blog already know about my grandmother who dedicated her life to humanitarian services. The seeds of this must've been planted in my brain since I was very young. And what an awesome role model I had. 

During my senior years in school I joined the interact club and some Saturdays we would visit the St Anthony's Orphanage, Byculla, in Mumbai. The children just gave me so much joy and I loved being there with them. They also seemed to flock to me. 

And the words of my friend, became my moment of "enlightenment". Perhaps my life's work truly lies in a completely different direction to where I am now.

I do not know how and when that destiny will come into view, but no doubt the Universe will line up more events that will take me there.

I have learned to pay attention to the messages and answers the Universe throws my way.

Knowing others is wisdom, knowing self is enlightenment ~ Lao Tzu

May you too have an enlightening day.


Written for: A to Z Challenge and The Ultimate Blogging Challenge


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Life's Jigsaw - Destiny

Life is like a jigsaw puzzle. Each little piece is an aspect of our journey through it. And when at last we find that last piece and fit it into place, we eventually see the meaning of this life.

UBC Day 4
The D piece - Destiny

If adversity is sent our way to build character, then is that our destiny?  And if we can change our destiny why create adversity for ourselves?

I can only answer those questions with what I believe. These are my views only.

I believe that our destiny is pre-determined by us before we decide to take on this life. Along the way however, we do have the free will to make choices and choose our paths to that destiny.

And as always, the benevolent Universe lends a helping hand in many ways.

Sometimes it quietly nudges us onto the path we should take. When life is humming and all things seem to fall into place, we are usually aligned to our destiny and the path we are walking is the one we are meant to be on.

Sometimes it nudges us off the path we are on because it isn't the path we are meant to be on. The Universe sends us many signs and signals that the path we are on isn't the path we should be walking.  A sign for me is usually a restlessness and dissatisfaction - an urge to move on and try something new. But often we don't heed these signs. And then eventually the Universe is forced to shove us off that path. 

Sometimes it creates circumstances that are required so that we build ourselves up to face our ultimate destiny. This is usually to build up some skills we need as illustrated in my previous post on character.

About 11 years ago after working in an organisation for 10 years, I lost my job in a company restructure. Until then I had only ever worked in the private sector but jobs in the private sector were scarce and opportunities were only available in the public sector. With great trepidation I took a role there, was completely surprised and have never looked back.

Prior to that event, a restlessness had started to grow within me. 10 years was a long time. The role held no further challenges for me and the work was now starting to get mundane. 

The Universe, I am sure, created the circumstances for my redundancy and channelled me into the public sector by suppressing private sector opportunities.

The redundancy also gave me an opportunity to look at myself, my skills, my likes and dislikes, my strengths and weaknesses, it took away the fear of losing a job and it fostered great trust and faith in my Divine Maker, that having put me into this, He would also take me through it.

Perhaps this was one of the turning points in my Spiritual quest and a turning point in alignment to my ultimate destiny.

"We are not permitted to choose the frame of our destiny.  

But what we put into it is ours" 

~ Dag Hammarskjold

The choices we make and the attitude we have determine the way in which we reach our destiny. 

Wishing you a day when the choices you make takes you on an easy path to your destiny.

Written for: A to Z Challenge and The Ultimate Blogging Challenge


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Life's Jigsaw - Character

Life is like a jigsaw puzzle. Each little piece is an aspect of our journey through it. And when at last we find that last piece and fit it into place, we eventually see the meaning of this life.

UBC Day 3
The C piece - Character

All things in life must balance, so when we receive blessings, we should also be prepared for some rough moments too.

But the rough or difficult moments are great teachers.

And it is in those moments that our true strength of character shows.

Some years ago someone at work abused and insulted me. She was a powerful lady with a lot of clout. Obviously I had no chance against her and luckily for me the project got cancelled and so I left.

At a moment like that it is very easy to either play the victim or behave in a similar manner. But that would not have helped me in any way.

I was quite dejected and it took a while for me to get back on my feet again. The women had shattered my confidence but not my dignity, not my self respect and not the respect of others towards me as I behaved professionally and graciously toward her. I could look at her, but she couldn't look at me. I left with my head held high with the best wishes of my managers and workmates some of whom I still keep in touch with.

Friends told me I should take action against her and the managers who stood by and did nothing. But revenge only keeps that cycle of karma going for what goes around then comes around. There is no escape as that is the law of the Universe. Besides which, when karma and God are sweet revenge why bother taking on that additional burden!

I did however tell those managers that I did not accept their silence as that only condoned her actions, but I did understand their reason for it.

As all things must balance, the difficult times are then neutralised by blessings and so the benevolent Universe soothed and comforted me by bringing to me some awesome jobs and wonderful managers and workmates.

Adversity builds character.

I'm a better person as a result of that incident.

"You express the truth of your character with the choice of your actions"

 ~ Steve Maraboli

Written for: A to Z Challenge and The Ultimate Blogging Challenge


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Life's Jigsaw - Blessings

Life is like a jigsaw puzzle. Each little piece is an aspect of our journey through it. And when at last we find that last piece and fit it into place, we eventually see the meaning of this life.

UBC Day 2
The B piece - Blessings

So when we ask and it is given, we consider ourselves blessed.

When we find that great job, fancy house and car etc, we consider ourselves blessed.

When money starts to pour in, we consider ourselves blessed.

There was a time when I too looked at the materialistic things in life as blessings, didn't appreciate all the things I had in my life, craved for more and more.

Then about 10 years ago, the Gods above started to throw me some curved balls. These are moments of great learning. If only we understand and care to learn.

And then 4 years ago it dealt me the biggest blow of all. My father passed away unexpectedly and suddenly. It shook me to the core.

I missed him so much - all the little things - breakfast with him each morning - a cup of tea now and then on the weekend - sudoku puzzles - reciting Rabindranath Tagore's "Where the mind is without fear" together, watching cricket or tom and jerry cartoons - playing trivial pursuit - watching him play with my kids - and many more.

His death taught me the meaning of life - to appreciate whatever is thrown our way, to also see the small things as great blessings, that this life is but a transitory moment in time and that we come with nothing and we go with nothing.

All we take with us are the knowledge we acquire, our experiences in this journey we call life, the choices we make, and the love that we share.

Blessings come in small packages every moment of every day.

My family, friends and wonderful workmates
The food on my table
Clean fresh air, the wind, the sunshine
Night time and sleep (rest heals our body)
Good health, the ability to see hear, speak, smell, taste, think
The hills I see each morning
The trees and flowers in my garden
The birds that drop by to feed on left over bread

And there are so many more little packages.

Be Blessed, Stay Blessed.


Written for: A to Z Challenge and The Ultimate Blogging Challenge


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