What you should look for in your work?

The work we do is an extension of our self so it is imperative that we choose it carefully.The relationship that we share with our work or the service we render is as significant,complicated and intense as with our personal relationship with our human life partner.Essentially the things that we look for in both are the same-- character and personality.In the competitive and morally deprived times of today we get seduced by the personality ethics of the job like power & influence, glamour & charm, public image and social recognition/ acceptance. However,these traits only feed our ego and bring only temporary success.For our relationship with our work to be long lasting and satisfying at a deeper level the nature of the "service we render" and the people we collaborate to do it with should help us integrate character ethics like integrity, honesty, fairness,high self esteem, nobleness,generosity, giving back to society etc. into our lives as much as possible.As parents, educators,counsellors,administrators and managers we need to realise that character ethics form the basis of our work.It is what builds us up as individuals and gives meaning and purpose to our work life.Ideally it would be great if we could have a healthy combination of both personality and character ethics in our work but if not possible then character wins hands down.

Can contentment and discontent coexist?

Contentment with the present moment is the secret of truly living happily.However,being at peace with the present moment doesn't mean absence of motivation to do better.One can be content and still be looking forward to new experiences in the future.This uneasiness which pushes us to strive for an enhanced experience of life is discontent.So discontent is good when its the source of constant quest for improvement and reformation of the present situation. Also it can coexist with contentment and they are not mutually exclusive.The opposite of contentment is the absence of peace and happiness in the present moment rather than discontent.It is discontent which prevents stagnation,prods us into striving for personal growth and setting a higher bar of aspiration for ourselves.

PURITY

When
you walk into
my personal space
respect it.

Leave
all your
negativities
and
prejudices
at the door.

Walk in
clean,
pure
and
transparent
so that
I can see you
and
you can see me
as
we were meant
to be.


Anjali Kumar