NARA'S NOTEPAD
VOLUME 20
SEPTEMBER 2023
NUMBER 9
Thursday, August 31, 2023
HELPLESSNESS AND ITS MANAGEMENT
Helplessness refers to a feeling of being unable to control or influence
a situation, often leading to a sense of powerlessness and despair. It can be a
challenging emotion to cope with, but there are several strategies that can
help manage feelings of helplessness.
1.
Identify the Source: Recognize the specific situation or circumstances that are causing you
to feel helpless. Understanding the root cause can be the first step towards
finding a solution or a way to cope.
2.
Practice Self-Awareness: Pay attention to your thoughts and emotions. Notice when feelings of
helplessness arise and try to understand the patterns and triggers associated
with them.
3.
Shift Your Focus: While you may not have control over everything, there are often
aspects of a situation that you can influence. Shift your focus to what you can
control and take proactive steps in those areas.
4.
Set Small Goals: Break down larger problems into smaller, manageable goals. Achieving
these goals can provide a sense of accomplishment and empowerment.
5.
Seek Social Support: Reach out to friends, family, or a support network. Talking about your
feelings with others can provide comfort and perspective.
6.
Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation, can
help you stay present and manage anxious thoughts associated with.
7.
Challenge Negative Thoughts: Cognitive restructuring involves identifying and
challenging negative thought patterns. Replace them with more balanced and
realistic thoughts.
8.
Learn
and Adapt: Use situations of helplessness as learning experiences. Assess
what you can learn from the experience and how you can approach similar
situations differently in the future.
9.
Engage in Activities: Participate in activities that you enjoy and that give you a sense of
accomplishment. Engaging in hobbies or interests can boost your mood and self-esteem.
10.
Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and understanding. Recognize that
feelings of helplessness are a normal part of life and be patient with yourself as you work through them.
11.
Seek Professional Help: If feelings of helplessness are persistent and interfering with your
daily life, consider seeking support from a therapist or counsellor. They can provide
guidance and tools to cope with these emotions.
12. Focus on Gratitude: Cultivate a sense of gratitude by acknowledging the positive aspects of life. This can help shift your perspective and improve your overall outlook.
Remember that managing feelings of helplessness is a process that takes time. It’s okay to ask for help when needed and to explore different strategies to find what works best for you.
LONGEVITY AND OVERALL WELL-BEING
Living a healthy lifestyle can contribute
to longevity and overall well-being. Here are some suggestions:
1.
Eat a
balanced diet: Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins,
and healthy fats in your meals. Limit processed foods, sugary snacks, and
excessive salt intake.
2.
Stay
physically active: Engage in regular exercise suitable for your age and
physical condition. It could be walking, swimming, yoga, or other activities
you enjoy. Consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best
exercise routine for you.
3.
Maintain a
healthy weight: Strive to maintain a weight that is appropriate for your
height and body type. Excess weight can increase the risk of various health
conditions.
4.
Get
regular check-ups: Visit your doctor for routine check-ups and screenings to
detect any potential health issues early on. Follow medical advice and take
prescribed medications as directed.
5.
Stay
mentally active: engage in activities that stimulate your mind, such as
reading, puzzles, learning new skills, or socializing with others. This can
help maintain cognitive function and overall mental well-being.
6.
Prioritize
sleep: Aim for sufficient and quality sleep each night. Establish
a consistent sleep routine and create a comfortable sleep environment.
7. Manage stress: Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as practicing
relaxation techniques engaging in hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or
seeking support from a therapist or counsellor.
8.
Stay
socially connected: Maintain strong social connections with friends, family, and the
community. Engage in activities that bring you joy and foster a sense of
belonging.
NOTRE DAME DE PARIS
Notre Dame de Paris, also known as Notre-Dame Cathedral, is stunning medieval cathedral located in the heart of Paris, France. It is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the world and attracts millions of visitors each year.
The Cathedral was build between the
12th and 14th centuries, and history buffs will be
fascinated by its turbulent past. It has been the site of coronations, royal
weddings, and even the liberation of Paris during the World War II. The
Cathedral was badly damaged during the French Revolution and was nearly
destroyed during World War II, but it has since been restored to its former
glory.
One of the striking features of
Notre Dame de Paris is its stunning facade, which is adorned with intricate
carvings and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, St. Anne, and the Last Judgement.
The famous rose window is also located on the facade and it is one of the
largest and most beautiful stained glass windows in the world.
Inside the Cathedral, visitors can
admire the soaring nave, the beautiful stained glass windows, and the ornate
altar. The Cathedral is also home to a number of priceless works of art, including
sculptures, paintings, and tapestries. The Cathedral’s most famous resident is
the bell known as Emmanuel, which weighs over 13 tons and has been
ringing since 17th century.
Notre – Dame de Paris is not just a
religious monument, it is also a symbol of French culture and history. It has
inspired countless works of literature, including Victor Hugo’s famous novel
The Hunchback of Notre Dame. The Cathedral has also been the site of numerous
concerts, including a performance by the legendary composer and pianist Franz Liszt.
In 2019, Notre Dame de Paris suffered a devastating
fire that caused extensive damage to the Cathedral. The restoration process is
ongoing, but the Cathedral remains closed to visitors. Despite this setback,
Notre Dame de Paris remains an iconic symbol of Paris and is a must-see for anyone
visiting the city.
SENIOR CITIZENS
In twilight’s embrace, they softly glow,
The cherished
ones who’ve seen life’s flow.
Senior citizens,
with wisdom’s grace,
They’ve walked
through time, at their own pace.
Their eyes hold
tales of years gone by,
Moments
cherished dreams that fly.
They’ve
weathered storms, faced life’s trials,
With hearts that
brim with endless smiles.
Their laughter
echoes, a sweet refrain,
A lifetime’s
worth of joy and pain.
Through ups and
downs, they’ve held on tight,
With courage, love, and inner light.
Each wrinkle
etched upon their face,
A roadmap of
time, a cherished trace.
A testament to a
life well-lived,
Through every
moment, they’ve thrived.
They’ve
seen the world, both near and far,
Guiding
us, like a guiding star.
With
wisdom shared and stories told,
They’ve
warmed our hearts in love’s stronghold.
Their
hands may tremble, but still, they reach,
To
comfort, teach, and gently preach.
With
open arms, they welcome all,
Embracing
us, both big and small.
So
let us cherish, respect, and hold,
These
precious souls are more precious than gold.
For
in their presence, we find a key,
Unlocking
doors to empathy.
In
senior citizens, we find a wealth,
Of
knowledge, kindness, and good health.
Let’s
honour them, for they deserve,
All
our love, admiration, and preservation.
In
twilight embrace, they softly shine,
The
treasures of a lifetime’s line.
Senior
citizens, with hearts so pure,
Their
legacy forever will endure.
TO QUOTE
You have your way. I have my way. As for the right way, the correct way, and the only way, it does not exist. - F. W. Nietzsche
JUST TO LAUGH
A newly appointed camp commander was
inspecting the place, when he saw two soldiers guarding a bench. He went over
and asked them why, “We don’t know. The last commander told us to, and so we
did. It’s some sort of regimental tradition.”
The new camp commander searched for
the last commander’s phone number and called him to ask him why he wanted this
particular bench guarded. “I don’t know. The previous commander had guards, so
I kept the tradition.” Going back another three commanders, he found a now 100
year old retired General.
“Excuse me, sir, I’m now the CO of
the camp you commanded 60 years ago. I have found two men assigned to guard a
bench. Could you please tell me what’s so special about it?”
The retired General said, “What? The
paint is still wet?”
LINES I LIKED
Ø
It is the difficult
things that really develop us.
Ø
It is the job of the
environment to present obstacles; that is the way nature is built.
Ø
It is a matter of
time before the child becomes polluted with the sins of society.
Ø
It is the men who
must be liberated from their outdated ideas and thoughts so that they treat
women as equals.
Ø
It is the power of
mind, which makes some people wise and some people otherwise.
.
It
is wise to speak less, speak sweet and speak for the good!
Meet you next month –2023
Professor A. Narayanan, Ph. D., FISPP
SEND YOUR COMMENTS TO:
E-mail: arumugakannu@gmail.com
Ph : 0422 4393017 Mobile : 75399
15614
(NARA’S
NOTEPAD)
Wednesday, August 2, 2023
LOOPHOLES IN DEMOCRACY – A THREAT TO FAIR GOVERNANCE
Democracy is a system of governance that is based on the principle of equal representation and participation of citizens in decision-making. It is a system that values the voice of the people and aims to ensure that every citizen has a say in how they are governed. However, despite its many benefits, democracy is not without its flaws. One of the most significant challenges facing democratic systems today is the presence of loopholes that can be exploited to undermine the very principles upon which democracy is built.
One of the most significant loopholes in democracy
is the influence of money in corporations that can use their financial resources to
influence political campaigns and sway the outcome of elections. This can
result in policies that favour the interests of the wealthy few over the needs
of the majority. In some cases, it can even lead to the outright purchase of
political power, with politicians owing their allegiance to their wealthy donors rather than the people they were
elected to serve.
Another significant loophole in democracy is the
manipulation of the media. In many countries, the media is owned by a small
group of individuals or corporations with vested interests in the potential
system. This can lead to the spread of fake news and propaganda, which can be
used to manipulate public opinion and influence the outcome of elections. It
can also result in the marginalization of certain groups, with their voices
being drowned out by the dominant narrative.
Finally, there is the issue of voter suppression.
In some countries, certain groups are systematically prevented from voting
through a variety of means, such as gerrymandering, voter ID laws, and other
forms of voter suppression. This can result in the disenfranchisement of
significant portions of the population, leading to a situation where the interests
of the majority are not adequately
represented.
The presence of these loopholes in democracy is a
significant threat to fair governance. They undermine the principle of equal
representation and participation and can lead to policies that do not reflect
the needs and desires of the majority. To
address these challenges, it is essential that we work to close these loopholes
and strengthen our democratic system.
One way to do this is through campaign finance
reform. By limiting the amount of money that can be spent on political
campaigns and increasing transparency
around political donations, we can reduce the influence of money in politics and ensure that politicians are accountable to the
people rather than their wealthy donors.
Finally, we must work to address voter suppression.
This can be done by promoting voter education and awareness, ensuring that
voting is accessible to all citizens, and cracking down on any attempts to
suppress the vote.
DREAMS
Dreams are like a silver stream,
Flowing through our minds at night,
They take us to places unseen,
And fill our hearts with pure delight.
We close our eyes and drift away,
To lands of wonder and mystery,
Where anything becomes okay,
And we can be whoever we want to be.
We journey through time and space,
Exploring the depths of our imagination,
And in this magical dreamlike place,
We find a sense of liberation.
Dreams inspire us to reach for the stars,
To chase our passions and pursue our goals,
They lift us up when life leaves us scars,
And rekindle the fire within our souls.
So let us dream with all our might,
And never doubt the power they hold,
For in the world of dreams, we take flight,
And find the courage to be bold.
INSTEAD OF SOCIAL MEDIA, DO THESE
If you’re
looking to reduce your time on social media, there are plenty of alternative
activities you can do instead. Here are some ideas:
1.
Read a book: Reading a book
is a great way to relax and unwind, and it can also be an excellent way to learn
something new.
2.
Exercise: Exercise is not
only good for your physical health but also your mental health. Try going for a
run, doing yoga, or taking a fitness class.
3.
Spend time outdoors:
Spending time in nature can help reduce stress and boost your mood. Go for a
walk in the park, go hiking, or have a picnic.
4.
Learn a new skill: Learning
a new skill, such as cooking, painting, or playing instrument, can be a fun and
rewarding way to spend your free time.
5.
Spending time with friends
and family: Make plans to hang out with friends and family whether it’s going
out for dinner, having a game night, or going to a movie.
6.
Volunteer: Volunteering can
be a great way to give back to your community while also meeting new people and
gaining new experiences.
7.
Practice mindfulness: Take
some time to practice mindfulness techniques such as meditation or deep
breathing. These techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety and improve your
overall well-being.
There are
many other activities you can do instead of using social media. It’s essential
to find activities that you enjoy and that help you relax and recharge. By
reducing your time on social media, you can improve your mental health, build
stronger relationships, and make the most of your free time.
AM I ADDICTED TO SOCIAL MEDIA?
Social
media is a growing concern in today’s society. Here are some signs that you
might be addicted to social media.
1.
Spending
excessive amounts of time on social media: If you find yourself spending hours
on social media every day, it may be a sign of addiction. You may also find it
difficult to stop using social media, even when you have other responsibilities
or tasks to complete.
2.
Neglecting
other important activities: If you are neglecting other important activities,
such as work, school, or spending time with friends and family, because of your
social media use, it may be a sign of addiction.
3.
Feeling
anxious or irritable when you can’t access social media or are force to take a
break from it, it may be a sign of addiction.
4.
Checking
social media first thing in the morning and last thing at night: If checking
social media is the first thing you do when you wake up and the last thing you
do before going to bed, it may be a sign of addiction.
5.
Using
social media to escape negative emotions: If you are using social media as away
to escape negative emotions, such as stress, anxiety, or boredom, it may be a
sign of addiction.
6.
Prioritizing
social media over personal relationships: If you are prioritizing social media
over personal relationships such as spending time with friends and family, it may be a sign that social media has
taken over your life.
If
you recognize any of these signs in yourself, it may be time to take a break
from social media or seek help to overcome addiction.
TO QUOTE
Remember, hope is a good
thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies – Stephen
King
Success is not a public thing.
It’s a private thing. It’s when you have fewer and fewer regrets. – Toni
Morrison
JUST TO LAUGH
A: Did you hear that a baby was fed on elephant's milk and gained twenty pounds in a week.
B: That's impossible. Whose baby?
A: An elephant's.
"Am I the first man you have ever
loved?" he said.
"Of course," she answered "Why
do men always ask the same question?".
When I was young I didn't like going to
weddings.
My grandmother would tell me, "You're
next"
However, she stopped doing that after I
started saying the same thing to her at funerals.
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