Does intellectualism encourage liberalism and atheism?

Intellectualism mainly involves a reasoning and questioning mental attitude. Intellectuals want to probe and ask all the scientific process questions of how, what, where and why.They automatically seek freedom to pursue different thoughts, beliefs, practices and assumptions.So they are liberal (I am not referring to political liberalism) in the sense that they adhere to the tenets of freedom or liberty.Now atheism is non-belief in the concept of a single omnipotent and omnipresent
single entity called God as the creator of this universe.This is probably due to a scientific mind seeking evidence and proof for the same.And since that doesn't seem to be coming, they don't want to go along with centuries old religious beliefs and practices propounding the God concept. Intellectuals want free thinking and experimentation to determine their own beliefs.Seems fine to me.Belief or non-belief doesn't matter as long as you follow the right moral ethics of humanity.
However, as a believer it is always comforting to know that you are not alone and someone is looking out for you, plus, its a sobering thought for those tempted to go down the wrong path that divine, final justice is there.

How to handle troubled relationships?

Relationships are an intrinsic part of our lives and a large determinant of how happy we are.Relationships matter,because they are like the wind beneath our wings which help us to soar in our personal and professional lives.Even then most of us are plagued by difficult relationships whether at work or at home.Ideally one should discuss the problem with concerned individuals but that is not always possible because we are afraid of reactions or not wlling to fulfill their expectations.So, one should have certain mental techniques to deal with this.A major reason for damaged or troubled bonds is that we want people to be different from what they are.We want them to think,talk and behave the way we do.The expectation is that they follow our value system and live up to our our expectations from them as per the role the play in our lives(as friends, working colleagues, spouse,siblings ,in-laws, offspring, neighbours,parents, countrymen).The interaction would be much smoother if we accepted others as they are and acknowledge the differences as the "nature of things". Secondly, we should refuse to give the power to influence our peace of mind and serenity to individuals who affect us negatively.If people have a can of worms in their minds why would one want expose themselves to its toxicity.If there is a contentious issue in their mind then its their responsibility to sort it out not yours.Thirdly, difficult relationships are tied to unpleasant memories of the past.So, why let them cloud your present by constantly replaying them in your mind.Forgive and forget.If thats not possible then at least forget. Fourthly,give yourself the gift of not disliking any person or situation intensely as it involves a lot of energy and can be emotionally draining.Its better to be indifferent or neutral leaving a window open for reconciliation in the future.It's better to focus your energies and attention on things and people that are working for you in a positive way rather than on ones that aren't.

What is the nature of human beings?

We are a confused lot.Most of us tend to identify our selfworth with the job or the work we do for a living.It is a crucial part of our identity but not the complete identity.It is the part most visible to the world outside and all the fanfare that goes along with it makes us feel good and important but it is only the tip of the iceberg. Like 90% of the iceberg is hidden underwater, the major part of our identity is hidden in the close relationships of our lives and in the spiritual nature of our being. Somehow, as we grow older we keep focusing on the visible tip while giving stepmotherly treatment to the invisible part of our nature and identity.The part which is embedded in different relationships drifts along on automatic pilot,instead of us taking a conscious decision to examine its health and nurture it.The deepest and the most significant part, that of a spiritual entity, is either blatantly ignored or lost in following mindless religious practices and dogmas.We do everything to nourish the body, mind and heart by following a healthy lifestyle, expanding our knowledge and skills base and building an efficient network of relationships but what do we do to nourish the spirit? We can have the best job,financial abundance and a broad fabric of relationships but the absence of basic principles and ethics which feed the soul will leave us like a ship without an anchor.

NATURE OF CONTEMPLATION

The rhythm
Of
pensive contemplation
is like
still waters.
The flow
deeper, heavier
and
slower to ebb.

Why jump
into them
when shallow waters
of carefree reflections
are
brighter, safer
and
of engaging nature.

Maybe ‘cause
the dangerous depths
of still waters
bring luminous insight
into self & beyond
of me.


ANJALI KUMAR

WAITING FOR INSPIRATION

Do you mind
stopping by
and
knocking on my door
I’m waiting
like a lover forlorn.

What do I say
What do I do
to make you
pass by
my abode again.

Lets try
maybe we’ll be
on the same page again.

Just don’t let
your friend success
create a rift
between us
in vain.




ANJALI KUMAR