Success, Wealth, and Fame: Where is Peace?

“Peace begins with a smile.” (Mother Teresa) A smile with innocence…

The desire for fame, fortune, and success frequently takes front stage in our contemporary society. We are inundated with messages all the time that exalt reaching the highest point of these objectives, from inspirational talks to social media influencers. But in the midst of the never-ending search for worldly wealth and approval from others, a genuine interest emerges: where is peace?

The Illusion of Success

The idea of success is both seductive and elusive. It's frequently determined by social norms, like moving up the corporate ladder, buying an opulent property, or occupying a prestigious position. Even so, many people who achieve these benchmarks nevertheless feel unfulfilled. The irony is that inner tranquility and personal well-being are often sacrificed in the name of traditional prosperity.

Think about the innumerable success stories of people who, in spite of their accomplishments, suffer from stress, burnout, and a never-ending sense of discontent. The tremendous pressure to continue and even surpass one's achievements might result in a vicious cycle where peace is constantly put off in favour of the next major project.

The Mirage of Wealth

Riches are sometimes associated with stability and independence, yet it can also have drawbacks. No one can argue against the importance of having money and financial stability as a means of reducing stress in daily life. On the other hand, compulsive wealth building can lead to a unique set of issues.

 

An imbalanced existence can result when riches becomes the main emphasis. Ethical boundaries may become hazy, relationships may suffer, and health may be disregarded. Furthermore, a persistent feeling of inadequacy and dissatisfaction can be fueled by comparing one's financial situation to that of others.

The Trap of Fame

Fame is another strong incentive since it offers the possibility of influence and admiration. However, living in the spotlight is not always glamorous. Prominent people frequently experience extreme pressure to uphold their reputation and cope with invasions of privacy. It can be draining to be under constant public inspection and expectations, which leaves little time for inner tranquility.

Along with fame comes the dread of being fallible. Every slip-up is amplified, and the anxiety of looking foolish in front of others may be crippling. It becomes challenging to take comfort in one's own accomplishments and value when one is ensnared by this external validation.

The Quest for Peace

I'm imagining a world of peace, each person possesses an inner peace…

So, in this the trilogy of fame, fortune, and success, where does peace fit in? Real peace comes from kindness and humanity. It can be attained via developing meaningful relationships, accepting oneself, and appreciating the present.

Achieving Balance

In addition to mindfulness practices like gratitude and meditation, which can help people ground themselves in the present moment and cultivate an inner sense of calm, finding peace in the midst of the pursuit of success, wealth, and fame involves striking a balance. This balance entails setting boundaries, giving self-care first priority, and making time for the things that really matter. Furthermore, it's critical to understand that finding peace is a journey rather than a destination and that it requires constant effort and reflection. By periodically re-evaluating one's values and modifying one's path, one can strike a harmonious balance between ambition and tranquility.

Ultimately, fame, fortune, and success don't always have to be bad things; they can also present chances and happiness. It is the mentality of certain person that makes difference.

Nevertheless, they risk being meaningless accomplishments if there is no basis for inner serenity. The secret is to pursue these objectives mindfully and equably, making sure that the development of inner peace is not eclipsed by the pursuit of outward success. The source of peace is within, fostered by a life lived with intention and authenticity, not in the praises or the cash account.

Kolkata Sanved - The Phoenix at Horizon

Body and soul are interconnected and their united function bears an affine outcome for the elevation of oneself. 

Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) was an unknown phrase to me till 12th February 2023. As a coordinator of Song of Soul (a renowned NGO, working with rural artists for their upliftment and sustainability), I visited Kolkata Sanved along with Rebecca Robson, Stephen Robson (Senior Officers of Women's Community Matters, Barrow-in-Furness), and Catherine Corkill (a writer and activist, Barrow-in-Furness). Kolkata Sanved is a holy place for empowering women, especially the underprivileged and marginalized ones in a very distinct and inspiring way.

An invisible shackle of patriarchy is always there around women, they neither can accept nor avoid it. Thus, sometimes, they step into blue tracks and get disvalued; moreover, they can not come back from the nadir. There will start the fight for revival, and an apricity will be needed as zen.

Dance and movement are powerful spirits that move every distressed soul into the euphoria of paradise. When the body feels the free wings, the wings become the wings of Phoenix and illuminate the soul. Making the mind free with bodily movements, creativity, and art is the fundamental philosophy of Dance Movement Therapy (DMT). 

In India and South Asia, Kolkata Sanved was the first to use DMT for uplifting purposes to empower and cure survivors of trafficking, humiliation, exploitation, and violence. Besides, the children and youth residing in red light areas, rural and urban slums, railway platforms, Child Care Institutions, people with mental issues, and children in conflict with the law are also the part and parcel of their sessions. Traumatic nightmares start and end with the body, causing guilt, indignity, and self-abasement as well as stigmas and negativity attached to the body. These must need a panacea and that is Kolkata Sanved.

Dr. Sohini Chakraborty is the secretary and founder director, and the presidency is adorned by Bhaswati Ghosh. The journey had its official outset in 2004, 29th April. After that, it continues its chariot of elixir without any halt with nearly 30 members, besides many collaborating partners and stakeholders trying their best to smoothen their path.

As stated by Rajyashree Datta (Director of Development), the trainers even do workshops in various homes, and shelters of trafficked distressed women and get the best outcome. It is group psychotherapy.

According to Srija Debnath (Executive Member, and DMT Training Expert, Trauma Recovery and Well-being), this women's movement is like a chain; the victims are the next trainers and the healers of other victims. They absorb the traumas from them. Even there is a trans-person who now comes out from his tragedy through DMT practices.

Gender equality is gleamingly practiced breaking all kinds of stereotypes for a violence-free, healthy, and creative world not only for women but for everyone also. Their very motto is: “Heal. Transform. Empower.” Kolkata Sanved is determined to establish a white ecosystem for the pink era of mankind creating more leaders as well as healers. 

The programs they organized:

• Sampoornata Direct Outreach (regular DMT-based workshops)

• Kolkata Sanved Academy (providing a diploma course on DMT collaborating with Centre for Lifelong Learning, and TISS, Mumbai)

• Training of Trainers (employment for new DMT practitioners)

• Advocacy (raising awareness)

To conclude, it can be said that with various awards and acknowledgments, Kolkata Sanved still resumes possessing and radiating great power through DMT acts. The bête noirs of souls irrespective of gender transform into strength, joy, and vitality. 

All start to feel the Zenith in themselves. All become the Zenith.

Acknowledgement:

Kolkata Sanved (https://kolkatasanved.org/ )

Mr. Kaushik Dutta (CEO of Song Of Soul)

The Entire Team of BarrowFull

The Cultural Exchange Project: ‘A New Jute Route’ 

THE VALE OF FLORA - KHIRAI

"Hey Buds, waiting for Sunrise?"

Flowers, the most innocent portraiture of nature, purify us every moment. Here, in West Bengal, there's Paradise under heaven. Angels are busy to bloom the flowers, bees are to scatter honey on life, mild breeze is to make serenity over the Valley of Flowers. 

Khirai (ক্ষীরাই) , the real name of this place is Khirpai (ক্ষীরপাই). On the riverbed of Kangsabati (কংসাবতী/কাঁসাই), the wide floral valley touches the horizon. 

This tiny station, after Panskura junction (পাঁশকুড়া), can be reached simply by train (Kharagpur / Midnapore local) from Howrah; or by car. Then moving right-hand side, after a long walk of 25 minutes (towards Howrah), you can reach the fields of flowers.

Beneath the bridge, the floral beauty is a treat to eyes. The both sides of the bridge are covered with colourful fields. The vast winter-garden cares for Marigold - red, yellow (বাসন্তী গাঁদা, রক্ত গাঁদা), Rose (গোলাপ),Chrysanthemum (চন্দ্রমল্লিকা), Cockscomb (মোরগচূড়া ফুল), Jinia etc.

There's another story in this flowery fairy land, the story of Antheia. The creators of this Paradise are poorly not omnipotent. They are the Gods of huts. A certain portion of income comes from these fields. 

Now, especially this time of late December and January nature lovers, anthophiles and tourists come to cherish the honey of the season. This values aesthetically as well as economically. 

Why, beyond the sea? India has its own beauty within her. Just expand the inner eyes and find the soul in the lap of nature. 

ধর্ম,রাজনীতি এবং

                           প্রেম।।

হায় রে কুসুম ! 

'তোমার জন্যে' 

  তোমায় ক'জন নেয়?

 

The Paradise Paradox

Touching the shore of New Hour, let's make the outset sparkle with heavenly bliss...

 ■ Mary, is this you Mother? ■

■ Yashoda Nandan playing with his Chakra - the Universe ■

■ Can't we turn our sorrows into bubbles? HE can ... ■

■ Of course, Jesus can be hungry too.■

■ The Bethlehem Boy ■

■ Had the Pandora's Box remained locked for ever...■

■ If this is the river Yamuna and the story... once again...■

■ I'm seeing the Holy Grail, aren't you? ■

■ Fallen Angels searching for their Eden here ■

■ She's not just a Goddess, the Entire Universe is in HER, in HER SUPREMACY ■

~~~~      ~~~~     ~~~~

The Silence Bliss

The Ocean of Solitude in me

        can feel the Loneliness in you...

Solitude, I seek, the silence of soul...

O, thou Solitude

After the midnight ---

Behold 

And behold 

The mirror of era, Blue;

A breath, a voice ---

Voice of time,

The Grass

Thine eyes surely touch,

Beyond the horizon. 

~~~~~~~

The World of Introverts

           How do Introverts see the world 

A flower is blooming and a butterfly is flying around that innocence. This is a random picture of nature. Four among five persons would see this. But only one can notice the small details and the inner beauty in it, only one can feel the joy of the butterfly and the smile of the flower.

Introvert - a familiar word in day to day life. Being an introvert is a bliss as well as an obstacle for the regular world. 

A Portraiture of an Introvert-Soul :-

"I want to be alone…. with someone else who wants to be alone." - Dimitri Zaik

• They are very much sincere to choose people they share their thoughts with.

• They have their own world in which they don't allow others to enter.

• They love to spend time alone and also refuel themselves being alone.

• They think a lot, but keep themselves quiet.

• They like to keep their time, spirit and intensity specifically for the persons who reflect themselves.

• They have a great observation power and analytical intensity. Sometimes they are actually minimalist. 

• They have the creative mind.

Various kinds of Introversion we can see :-

Psychologist Jonathan Cheek (Wellesley College) has made some research and categorised the Introvert. But at the end, all get amalgamated into a single one. Still we should know about the diversity to relate ourselves and accept the reality with guts, and get prepared to face the challenges of the outer world.

1. Social Introvert - They sincerely avoid social gathering and communication. They get uncomfortable or shy or timid to join with the social crowd. They have few people to break their regular solitude.

2. Thinking Introvert - They have a special kind of intensity to think common happenings in a different perspective. While thinking they just ignore the social environment, the presence of people. They live in a dreamy imaginary world.

3. Anxious Introvert - They basically become very nervous and feel uncomfortable with unacquainted persons or in a social crowd. So they intentionally try to isolate themselves from social issues. For the lack of self-confidence, they feel awkward unreasonably.

4. Restrained Introvert - 'Think before speaking' - this defines the Restrained Introverts. They try to avoid unprompted circumstances. They become shy and puzzled. They have to get prepared before they open up.

Some Self-Care Sparks:-

Though people think that being Introverted is a behavioral disorder or may be a psychological issue, it isn't a problem at all. They are just like others. All people are different, so they are just a kind of people. So there is no problem, so no need for a solution. But I can suggest some self-care points which are especially effective for the Introverts.

• First and foremost, there is no need to change yourself. Be what you are. Cherish your true self.

• Being an introvert does not mean not to care for others. I know you do. Do in that way you are comfortable with. 

• To avoid stress and depression, you should spend time with your family or with your closest ones or with your non-human buddies.

• Stay in your own imaginary world, but sometimes try to touch reality. It's important. Try to enrich others with your intellect and get enriched from other precious thoughts, get enriched with the practicalities.

• Don't ever think that you are worthless. Don't ever lose your self-confidence. Go and stand in front of the mirror, see the sparkle within yourself .

• There is a kind of bad introversion. If you have those qualities, you need to be changed. Specifically, I can say, don't preserve the arrogant or bad attitude towards others. Whenever it is needed, you have to communicate. Nobody can read minds. Whenever your hands need to assistance , come out of your shell. That's enough.

A tiny concluding message from an Introvert:-

Yes, I'm also an introvert. That's good. It will be monotonous if each person will be the same. So don't ever belittle yourself. You are great in your own way. So be faithful to yourself and be kind enough to mankind.

Suicide - Not A Remedy

"Have nothing to live for…"

"There's no reason for me to live…"

There may be many causes behind a death, but only one for your living- that is your willingness to live. And all the causes of death come to this ultimate point of reluctance to live. 

"Nothing to get from this life. So goodbye."

Why? Just think, now, this is the time to give your life something, time to adorn life. 

Today's teenagers are so much progressive in all respects, this is good indeed, but not great. We forget to notice the problems arising from it. In this era of speed, they may be unacquainted with the word 'patience'. Sometimes they may think that hurting oneself is a tricky way to get one's desired thing from elders or others. Sometimes, the little scolding of parents becomes the cause of committing suicide for a teenager.

Sad but true, there are two types of teenagers, rather two types of mentality. For one, death is a trick, a weapon, and for others, death is the ultimate way to get rid from all adversities. But sadly, no one has  faith on the word 'try', no one has belief in themselves. But they are the genius generation of the 21st century. Actually suicidal tendency is not a new one, years after years almost above 60% death happens by committing suicide. But nowadays the rate has increased and most importantly, teenagers who are the blooming hope of future, are prone to suicide, without trying the last resort. Actually there does not exist any problem which has no solution. 

The source of the debacle is depression, because sadness may create a desire for committing suicide, but there will be no courage to commit . But when sadness turns into depression, it reaches a mental condition of the thought - "I have nothing to lose, I have nothing, I am nothing." ; and in this phase, the dark shadow of suicidal tendency veils the person. 

Actually in the state of sadness, there is still a touch of hope, but depression is the complete darkness.

There's no remedy for this 'disease'. But some points of fact can be shared.

• Firstly, patience is the key word for achieving your goal. In all fields, in all conditions, to fight against any problem, you have to be patient first. Then everything will be gradually sorted out. 

• Over ambitiousness is a serious issue behind this. Having ambition, goals is quite important. But when it turns into over ambitiousness, it creates a void of uncertainty and quite possibly it makes the person disappointed and hopeless.

• Excessive stubbornness, anger and anxiety - these three have to be avoided. Keep yourself calm and face the Nether world. The peace within your soul can make the hellish fire the light of hope, faith and elevation. 

• Try, try and try hard. At the end of the day, you can see that you have reached the pillar of victory. If not, be satisfied that you reach almost near your aim, just can't touch it. Then take a breath and try again. And this effort actually makes a man winner, not the trophy in his hand.

• Last but not the least, never lose hope. Never belittle your own value, never forget your dear ones' smile. 

Live the Life with full vitality, if you think there are no reasons for spring, do one thing. Start finding the reason, you may get tired, may increase doubt on hope, may get irritated, but don't stop searching. While you are searching, you can find new hope, new vitality, new flowers blooming in every step. With each try you'll find something new to explore every new day.