NARA'S NOTEPAD
VOLUME 23
MARCH 2026
NUMBER 3
Saturday, February 28, 2026
THE EMPOWERMENT OF MIND
The empowerment of the mind is one of the most profound forces shaping individual lives and the broader trajectory of human progress. At its core, mental empowerment is not merely about acquiring knowledge, but about cultivating the capacity to think freely, reason clearly, imagine creatively, and act decisively. It is the quiet, persistent strengthening of internal faculties that equips a person to navigate the complexities of life with resilience, clarity, and purpose. Unlike physical strength, which often depends on external circumstances or genetics, mental strength is democratic – accessible to anyone willing to engage in the effort of inner growth.
The mind, complex and intricate,
responds to stimuli in ways both logical and emotional. Its power lies not just
in the richness of its perspectives, but also in its ability to see
connections, to reflect, and to grow from experience. Empowering the mind,
therefore, involves nurturing this inner landscape – training it to rise above
fear, prejudice, and self-doubt, and allowing it to operate from a place of
awareness, confidence, and insight.
Empowerment begins with
self-knowledge. Understanding one’s own thought patterns, motivations, and
beliefs is the first step toward mental freedom. Many people live on autopilot,
reaching rather than responding, driven by unconscious programming shaped by
early experiences, cultural conditioning, and societal norms. When one begins
to examine these patterns – to question inherited beliefs and the validity of
automatic reactions – a space, empowerment takes root. It is here that one
discovers the ability to choose responses, to pause before acting, and to
engage with life more intentionally.
Education plays a crucial
role in this process, not just in the formal sense of schooling, but in the
broader act of learning – reading widely, listening to diverse viewpoints,
engaging in dialogue and reflecting deeply. True education ignites the mind,
encouraging it to stretch beyond boundaries and entertain ideas it may not
fully understand or agree with. This kind of intellectual openness is not
weakness; rather, it is a sign of strength, of a mind unafraid to explore, to
evolve, and to change when new truths emerge. A truly empowered mind is
flexible, not rigid – able to hold paradoxes, accept uncertainty, and remain
curious rather
than defensive.
Alongside learning,
mindfulness and attention are essential tools in mental empowerment. In an age
of distraction, the ability to concentrate has become a rare and valuable
skill. Training the mind to be present, to observe without immediate judgment,
fosters a deeper awareness of both the self and the world. This awareness
grants the ability to see the roots of one’s suffering, to understand the
transient nature of emotions,
and to respond with greater equanimity to life’s challenges. Through practices
such as meditation, journaling, or even contemplative walks, one
can build a steadier, calmer mind – one not easily swayed by every passing
thought or external
pressure.
Another dimension of
empowerment lies in the imagination. The capacity to envision possibilities, to
dream, and to innovate is central to human advancement. Imagination is not just
for artists or inventors; it is a vital faculty for anyone to transform their
circumstances or contribute meaningfully to society. When individuals are
empowered to think creatively, they are more likely to approach problems with
fresh solutions, to challenge the status quo, and to see opportunity where
others see limitation. The imagination, when harnessed, becomes a vehicle for
progress – personal, social, and global.
Empowering minds also dare to confront difficult truths. Whether it is acknowledging a
personal failing or recognising systemic injustice, the path of truth can be
uncomfortable. Yet, it is only through such honesty that real change becomes
possible. This kind of courage requires more than emotional strength – it
demands intellectual integrity and a commitment to reality, however
inconvenient. A mind that can confront, rather than avoid, uncomfortable truths
contributes to both present growth and collective progress.
Moreover, an empowered
mind is not isolated. It seeks connection, engages in empathy, and contributes
to the well-being of others. Intellectual empowerment should not breed
arrogance or detachment. Instead, it should deepen compassion, allowing one to
see the shared struggles and aspirations that bind all people together. When
minds connect through genuine dialogue and mutual respect, they create
communities grounded in understanding resilience and shared purpose. In this
way, the empowerment of one mind can ripple outward, inspiring and uplifting
others.
Central to all of this is
the belief in one’s own agency – the conviction that one’s thoughts matter,
that change is possible, and that growth is within reach. This belief is not
naïve optimism, but rather a recognition of the intrinsic power of the human
spirit so many are held back by internal narratives of inadequacy, fear or
defeat. Rewriting these narratives, replacing them with ones of possibility and
strength, is an act of empowerment in itself. Language matters. The words we
tell ourselves shape our identity. By choosing words of encouragement, by
focusing on what is possible rather than what is lacking, we begin to empower
the mind from within.
The empowered mind is not
free from struggle; rather, it is equipped to meet struggle with purpose. It
does not pretend that life is easy, but it believes that one can become stronger,
wiser, and more compassionate through difficulty. It seeks not control over
life, but clarity in how to meet it. And in that clarity lies a quiet strength
– the kind that doesn’t need to dominate or shout, but simply persists, adapts,
and continues to learn. In the end, the empowerment of the mind is a continuous
journey. It is not a state one reaches and then rests in, but an ongoing practice
of questioning, learning, creating, and connecting.
SPIRITUALITY
Spirituality refers to the human quest for meaning, purpose, and connection with something greater than oneself. That “something” may be understood as GOD, ultimate reality, universal consciousness, nature, or simply the deepest dimension of one’s own being. Unlike organised religion, spirituality does not necessarily require formal doctrine or ritual. It is more about inner experience than outer structure.
HOW TO PRACTICE SPIRITUALITY?
1. Cultivate
Silence: Set aside time daily for quiet reflection or meditation. Even 10-15
minutes of attentive stillness can sharpen awareness. You may observe your
breath or repeat a meaningful word or mantra, or reflect on a passage of wisdom
literature.
2. Develop
Self-knowledge: Examine your actions and intentions. Ask: What drives my
decisions? Where do I react unconsciously? What habits diminish clarity?
Keeping a reflective journal can be helpful.
3. Live
Ethically: Integrity is the backbone of spiritual life. Practice, truthfulness,
non-harm, moderation, compassion. Spiritual insight without ethical grounding
becomes fragile.
4. Practice
Service: Serving others dissolves excessive self-centeredness. Small, consistent
acts of kindness cultivate humility and connection.
5. Study
and Contemplation: Reading sacred or philosophical texts with reflection – not
mere information gathering – deepens understanding. The goal is transformation, not the accumulation of ideas.
6. Gratitude
and Awareness in Daily Life: Spirituality is not confined to meditation rooms.
Eating, walking, speaking, teaching, or listening – all can become mindful
acts.
A SIMPLE DAILY FRAMEWORK
Ø Morning:
10 minutes of silence
Ø During
the Day: One conscious act of kindness
Ø Evening:
Brief self-review without harsh judgment.
Over time, spirituality becomes less about “doing
practices” and more about being attentive, compassionate and grounded.
CELEBRATIONS
Celebrations mark the pinnacles of joy in our lives. We celebrate marriages and partnerships, victories and harvests, growth and new beginnings. At these moments, our joy seems to overflow, and we have an irresistible urge to bring others together to join in our delight. Whether in a crowd of hundreds at a hotel ballroom or with a small cluster of family members at a picnic in the park, joy’s highest highs draw us into communal experience. We pause our daily activities to toast and dance, feast and frolic. We set aside individual preferences, wishes and anxieties to immerse ourselves in a tide of collective joy. From an evolutionary perspective, celebrations seem quite frivolous. All that feasting and frolicking expends valuable resources and energy, while at the same time taking us away from productive endeavours. Yet all cultures celebrate, and so do some species of animals like elephants and wolves.
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO?
v
Don’t
think too much about your future.
v
Focus
on the present.
v
Focus
on yourself.
v
Stop
wasting your time with toxic people.
v
Stop
wasting your time scrolling.
v
Read
books.
v
Watch
movies.
v
Be
successful in your branch.
v
Be
the person that you want to be.
v
Be
yourself and love yourself.
TO QUOTE
If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart. – Nelson Mandela
Success
isn’t about how much money you make. It’s about the difference you make in
people’s lives. – Anonymous
All
truly great thoughts are conceived by walking – Friedrich Nietzsche
JUST TO LAUGH
A man selling vacuum cleaners knocked on the door of a remote farmhouse. When the farmer’s wife opened it, the salesman said, “Madam, I want to show you something you’ll never forget.”
Before she could answer, he threw a bag of dirt onto
her clean floor. “Now,” he went on, “I want to make a bargain with you. If this
latest model Electrosucks vacuum
cleaner doesn’t pick up every bit of that dust, I’ll eat it.”
“Here’s a spoon,” the farmer’s wife said. “We haven’t
got electricity.”
LINES I LIKED
Ø Hard labour, dedication, sincerity and patience do bring their rewards.
Ø Harmony is the natural order of life.
Ø Have a sense of wonder about life and the universe.
Ø Have faith in faith.
Ø Have faith in your ability to take care of yourself
and be physically independent.
Ø Healthy thinking helps bring about healthy feelings.
Everything is subject to
change!
Meet
you next month –2026
Professor A. Narayanan, Ph.D., FISPP
SEND YOUR
COMMENTS TO:
E-mail: arumugakannu@gmail.com
Ph: 0422 4393017 Mobile: 75399 15614
(NARA’S
NOTEPAD)
Sunday, February 1, 2026
MEMO FROM NARA
January
2026 was a festival month starting from the New Year, Pongal festivals, Mahara Vizhaku at Ayyappan Temple,
Sabarimalai, and above all, the 77th Republic Day Celebrations. Every
citizen of India was happy because of the holidays and their vacation for
visiting various places, including their relatives. All of them are back to
their work and have started their regular duties. We could also hear day in and day out
of Donald Trump’s threatening speeches on Greenland, Venezuela, Gaza, Iran,
Ukraine and Canada. Added to all these, the Australian Open tennis match started
in Melbourne and ended on 1 February. Finally, we could see the sad demise of
Ajit Pawar of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, in a flight accident at
Baramati. - NARA
LIFE
Life is a complex journey full of twists and turns, ups and downs, and unexpected surprises. Amidst the chaos, it can be easy to lose sight of the simple moments that make life worth living. These simple moments are often the ones that we overlook, but they are also the ones that can bring us the most happiness. Followings are the simple moments of life that we can easily follow.
The first simple moment
that we can follow easily is spending time with loved ones. This could be as
simple as having a conversation with a family member or having a coffee with a
friend. We often take the people in our lives for granted, but spending time with
them can provide us with a sense of connection and belonging that is hard to
find elsewhere.
The second simple moment
is finding joy in the little things. This could be listening to a favourite
song, taking a walk in nature, or enjoying a good meal. These small pleasures
can bring us immense happiness and help us to appreciate the present moment.
Thirdly, cultivating
gratitude can also be considered a simple moment in our lives. Focusing on
what we have rather than what we lack can shift our perspective and help us to
see the world in a more positive light. Taking a few moments each day to
reflect on the things that we are grateful for can make a big difference in our
overall well-being.
Lastly, slowing down can
be considered as one of the simplest moments in life that we can easily follow.
In our fast-paced world, it can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and
bustle of everyday life. However, taking the time to slow down and be present
can help us to appreciate the beauty and simplicity of life.
In conclusion, life can
be overwhelming and complicated, but by focusing on the simple moments, we can
find joy and happiness in the present moment. Whether it is spending time with
loved ones, finding joy in the little things, cultivating gratitude, or slowing
down, we can all make a conscious effort to follow these simple moments and
live a more fulfilling life.
FOOD PRODUCTION
There are different ways to increase food production, depending on the type of food, the location, and the resources available. Some of the common methods are:
-
Reducing food waste: According to some estimates, one-third of
all food produced is wasted. This means that a lot of resources, such as land,
water, energy, and labour, are also wasted. Reducing food waste can help save
these resources and make more food available for consumption. Some ways to
reduce food waste are improving storage and transportation, promoting
consumption of imperfect produce, donating excess food to charities, and
composting organic waste.
-
Shifting diets: Another way to increase food production
is to shift diets to more plant-based foods, such as grains, fruits,
vegetables, nuts, and seeds. A diet high in meat is very wasteful, as it
requires a lot of land, water, and feed to produce a small amount of animal
protein¹. Plant-based foods are more efficient and sustainable, as they use
fewer resources and emit less greenhouse gas. Shifting diets can also improve
human health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
-
Improving crop yields: Crop yields refer to the amount of food
produced per unit of land. Improving crop yields can help increase food
production without expanding the cultivated area. Some ways to improve crop
yields are using improved seeds, fertilizers, irrigation, pest control, and
crop rotation. Genetic engineering can also help create crops that are more
resistant to drought, disease, or pests.
-
Using controlled environment technology: Controlled environment
technology refers to using artificial systems to create optimal conditions for
plant growth. Examples of controlled environment technology are greenhouses,
hydroponics, aeroponics, and vertical farming². These methods can help increase
food production by extending the growing season, saving water
and space, and reducing the use of pesticides and herbicides.
-
Expanding arable land: Arable land is land that can be used for
growing crops. Expanding arable land can help increase food production by
providing more space for cultivation. However, this method has some drawbacks,
such as deforestation, soil erosion, biodiversity loss, and greenhouse gas
emissions. Therefore, expanding arable land should be done carefully and
sustainably.
-
Increasing animal productivity: Animal productivity
refers to the amount of animal products (such as meat, milk, eggs) produced per
animal. Increasing animal productivity can help increase food
production by making more efficient use of animal feed and resources. Some ways
to increase animal productivity
are using improved
breeds, feed supplements, vaccines, hormones, and genetic engineering. Animal
welfare and environmental impacts should also be considered when increasing
animal productivity.
POPULATION
There are several possible impacts of a growing population in India over time, both positive and negative:
1.
Increased demand for resources: As the population grows,
there will be a greater demand for food, water, energy, and other resources.
This could put pressure on natural resources and exacerbate existing
environmental problems, such as deforestation, water scarcity, and pollution.
2.
Strain on infrastructure: As more people move into urban
areas, there could be a strain on infrastructure such as roads, schools, and
hospitals. This could lead to overcrowding, traffic congestion, and longer wait
times for services.
3.
Economic growth: A growing population could lead to
increased economic growth, as there will be more consumers and workers. This
could lead to more job opportunities and increased investment in infrastructure
and services.
4.
Ageing population: As the population grows, the proportion
of elderly people may also increase. This could lead to strain on healthcare
and social support systems.
5.
Pressure on government: The government may face increased
pressure to provide services and support to a growing population, particularly
in areas such as healthcare, education, and social welfare.
Overall, the impact of the growing population in India will depend on a range of factors such as
government policies, economic conditions, and demographic trends. It will be important
to find ways to manage population growth sustainably and ensure that everyone
has access to the resources and services they need.
THE COST OF LIVING
The cost of living is a term used to represent the amount of money that is required to maintain a certain standard of living. It is the amount of money that people need to spend on day-to-day expenses like food, housing, clothing, transportation, healthcare, and education. The cost of living varies from place to place, and it can have a significant impact on human survival.
The increasing cost of
living is a growing concern for people all over the world. The cost of living
has been rising steadily for the past few decades, and it shows no signs of
slowing down. Inflation, low wages, and high taxes are just a few of the
factors that contribute to the increasing cost of living.
The rising cost of living
affects people in many ways. For starters, it makes it difficult for people to
make ends meet. People are forced to spend more of their income on essential
items like food and housing, leaving them with less money to save or invest in
their future. This can lead to financial stress, debt, and a lower standard of
living.
The increase in the cost
of living also impacts healthcare. Healthcare is becoming more expensive, and
many people are unable to afford it. This can lead to people avoiding doctor
visits or delaying medical treatment, which can have serious consequences on
their health. People who are unable to afford healthcare may also resort to
self-medication or alternative treatments, which can be dangerous.
The increasing cost of
living also affects education. The cost of education has been rising faster
than inflation, making it difficult for people to afford higher education. This
can limit their job opportunities and long-term earning potential. The rising
cost of living has a significant impact on human survival. People are forced to
live in sub-standard conditions or make sacrifices to stay afloat. They may
have to choose between paying for bills or buying food or healthcare. This can
damage their physical and mental well-being. The increasing cost of living can
also lead to social issues, such as poverty, crime, and homelessness. In
conclusion, the increasing cost of living is a major concern for people all over
the world. It affects their standard of living, health,
education, and well-being. As the cost of living continues to rise, it is essential to find
solutions to protect people. Policymakers, businesses, and
communities must work together to find ways to make essential items more
affordable and increase people's earning potential. This will help to alleviate
the stress and financial burden of rising costs and ensure that everyone has
access to the resources they need to survive and thrive.
TO QUOTE
Painting is about more than creating beautiful images – David Gentleman
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