Atmachetna - a journey into Happiness! June 12, 2016, Amsterdam

In most societies the pressure on people is increasing and their challenges and issues are becoming more complex. This leads to stress and many relationship issues with people; this impacts them; their families; their colleagues in work place and impacts the society and organizations where they work. The positive things of life are all looking as negative. What is needed that everyone manages their mental and physical wellness leading to a happy self and happiness for others! Happy people make happy society and a happy nation!

Atmachetna- means Self Awakening in Hindi. The journey of happiness begins and ends with self-awakening. This program is designed to invoke the self-awakening which is the beginning and end towards happiness.

What is Happiness?

What is happiness? Happiness is a state of mind where the feeling is pleasant. You eat something good which you love and it brings a pleasant sensation to your mind. You listen to a good music that you like. This brings a pleasant sensation in mind. This can be called as happiness. When, again, you eat the same food, and hear the same music when a tragedy has occurred in your life, you don’t enjoy it.

So happiness is something which is personal—which is totally dependent on the person concerned. That is, happiness is subjective and not objective. The same person, place or thing that brought happiness at one time, may bring sadness at another. Why does this happen? This happens because we are responsible for our happiness or sorrow, and not the external objects of the world. We think that somebody brings joy, this person brings misery, etc. All this is not true. The external persons, places, and things are only stimuli. These stimuli affect the brain and bring joy or sorrow in us, depending upon our state of mind. Thus, all our so-called loves, hates, ambitions, dislikes, successes, failures, and so on are for our own sake, created by us. When we say we love or hate others, it is for our own sake. It is a truth according to Hinduism that all that we do is for acquiring bliss for ourselves.

This happiness programs of Self-Awakening brings you to yourself and helps you look inside and create a sense of happiness which is lasting and which will help you manage self in times of external sorrow and spring back to sense of happiness soon.

It uses the basic principles of Gita and Vedas from Hinduism (but it’s completely different from a religious program). The principles are designed on spirituality and meditation and it takes the basic principles of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) to help you reach a state of Atmachetna.

Some of the concepts and techniques which are used in this program are:

·         Concept of Happiness and “Ananda” (true happiness) – what truly is happiness and eternal true happiness

·         Introduction to Bliss – as per the Gita and how do you find it for yourself and where do you find

·         External vs Internal happiness – is happiness an internal journey or an external fulfilment

·         Stages of happiness – Physical, Emotional and Spiritual – stages in which you currently are and where you wish to go in the happiness journey and the path to be taken

·         Path to Bliss – how to move to the path of the eternal happiness and the bliss and create a positive self  

·         Life Map – the map of life till now in your journey of life and how do you wish it to be in future

·         Positive self – how do you create a positive self and build a connect to self within

·         Positive core – where is the positive core for you and how do you maintain it on a continuous basis

·         Mind map – on the five senses and their linkage to happiness

This is a wonderful program and uses simple language and ideas and helps to bring a sense of positivity and happiness! 

Trainers:

Puneet Rathi - Happiness Coach!

Puneet is a happiness coach and certified Life Coach and Parenting Coach. Though he is a mechanical engineer with double post graduation in  International Marketing and MBA, his passion lies in bringing positive changes to people. 

He has been working with teens, adults and couples in conducting workshops and seminars on parenting, life skills and happiness. He also coaches people on one-to-one basis.

He has more than 25 years experience in India and outside India in making positive changes to organizations through people. He has worked with some of the best brands in multiple industries. In addition he has worked on developing leaders across India and South Asia. He is a certified NLP Practitioner, SHRM-SCP and Hogan certified coach (all from USA).

Joost van der Leij

  Licensed NLP Master Trainer™ Joost van der Leij is one of the very best NLP trainers in the world.  As the creator of NLP, Richard Bandler, says: “NLP is very easy to do, but hard to fathom.” Joost van der Leij is one of a very select group of NLP trainers who actually fathoms NLP.  Helped by his background as an academic philosopher he is like no other, able to clearly explain how NLP really works.

Joost van der Leij has written more than fourteen books, including the Dutch standard reference on NLP, "Brain Training: Handbook of Modern NLP".  Besides the fact that Joost van der Leij is the Dutch expert in the field of NLP and the Enneagram, Joost van Leij is also initiated in three different mystery schools, in North America, in South America and in Germany.  Since his teens Joost van der Leij has worked hard for his own self-development. This development runs via a two-pronged way: philosophy and spirituality.  As a philosopher Joost van der Leij taught at the University of Utrecht while he investigated numerous spiritual training schools and lifestyles.

This unique combination delivers a training program that is unparalleled.  New insights, techniques and considerable personal growth are guaranteed.  More important is the ability of Joost van der Leij like no other to train your subconscious mind.  Knowledge transfer and learning consciously are very valuable. At the same time most of what you learn is practical and of use in real life.  NLP is especially best learned through the unconscious mind so that you do it automatically.

Contact email: info at worldisflat.nl 

Koh Samui - serenity at its best!

Koh Samui (called as Samui by locals) is a beautiful place to visit – in case you like serene place with beautiful sceneries, clean air and not much crowded beaches like Pattaya or Phuket.

It’s a beautiful island (part of Thailand) and a must visit place for all including families.

Reaching Koh Samui

Expensive option - You can take a direct flight from Bangkok to Koh Samui (1 hr)

Economical Option – Take a ticket on Air Asia which covers : Air ticket from Bangkok (Don Muang Airport) to Surat Thani (50 min) + A bus Coach Ticket (1.5 hours from Surat Thani Airport to Donsak Pier (to get a ferry) + Ferry Ticket (Donsak to Koh Samui – 1.5 hours). Whole trip is quite unique and well-co-ordinated. Not much tiring as you see lots of new places and serene sea

Where to stay

Being an island, Koh Samui has many beaches and many beach properties. You can choose any of the beach / property however Chaweng Beach area is most happening place. And those of you who like Indian food – this is the area to stay.

We stayed at Baan Talay (a property on the beach - see pic below taken from hotel) – Its quite nice with good breakfast overlooking sea and a small pool. There are many more on the beach, but I like as it was away from Noisy part of Chaweng and right on the beach. Chaweng takes 40 mins by taxi from Ferry Pier to reach.

Sunrise from Baan Talay Hotel

How to travel

From airport/ferry to Hotel and back – its better to take a cab (don’t be surprised if cabby asks you how many people – as they quote the rates by person J

Local Travel – you can hire a scooter or a car – depending on your choice and enjoy Koh Samui as per your wish. Those not wanting the same can take Tuk-Tuks or Taxis. Tuk-tuks and taxis are expensive.

Where to eat

Samui has a number of options – Thai, Italian in plenty, fast foods like KFC, McD, Cafes, many Indian restaurants with amazing food. Actually the number of restaurants some-time look too much. There are large supermarkets also like Tesco, Big C.

What to do/see

There are plenty for all. You have animal safari, tiger zoo, elephant park, big Buddha, Amazing snorkelling experience (would recommend Calypso Diving – as they take small groups); a number of Water & adventure sports like Jet ski, Banana Boat, Jet , Snorkeling, Scuba diving, Shooting gallery with real gun. A day trip to other islands. Evening music and bars and parties. A number of Thai massage parlors to take care of your fatigue.

The beaches (lamai, Chaweng, Bophut etc) are very nice and not too crowded. My favorite being Chaweng Beach.

The best part is you can relax, have good food and enjoy Thai hospitality. Whole Island is extremely clean and you will find everything so well taken care off.

Enjoy Koh-Samui and contact if you need more info!

Happiness Workshop - Jan 26, 2015

Loss of a mother!

God could not be everywhere – so He created Mothers!

When I lost my father in 1999, it was huge setback for me. It was an early death for him and for the 1^st time I visited a crematorium.  I am feeling the void every-day since then. First time in life I understood what death is. Life soon started to come back and we as a family moved on with our “Karma”. I was always worried about how my mother would take it; but was happy that she stood as a strong force for us – the kids and managed whole family very well. She has always in her life has stood as a strong pillar for us and everyone in family and society she impacted.

Coming from a very humble background – both our parents really worked very hard to bring the family to this level. My brother and I were given the best of everything as per their means and they inculcated the best values in us (as they both were teachers – building students and building nation).

Now loss of my mother, Mrs  Saroj Rathi last week on 18^th April has created a bug vacuum in our life. I am really sad as she has also left us at an early age. Now I am more mature and counsel people as Life Coach after my certification from US but this sudden loss has shattered all of us in family. I understand that life must go on and I also believe in God and lessons of Bhagvad Gita but still feel that this is a huge setback for all of us. Most relatives and friends would be there for a short while but this incident would remain with us forever.

Now I realised that I have suddenly become big and I also have to act & behave as a “grown up” as for most of the societal, family and personal issues we were so dependent on mummy that we never bothered to worry about that “she will take care and guide us”.

These instances of life also help you to learn about many things in life – about how people really are; how society acts; role of elders; challenges of managing a family and many more. Being a sensitive and emotional person, I am feeling the responsibility of managing the family and youngsters and also control myself in front of them. I am already feeling the big void that this incident has created in our life.

Our kids are feeling the loss too as they have lived so closely with her. My mother was a strong pillar and always gave us courage and comfort that she is there to take care. Even after her death, she donated her eyes for others to be benefited.

In last couple of years we have tried our level best to give her the comfort and love but realised that Mother is a unique creation of God which is always there to give her love and comfort than ask for it.

While going to Haridwar, I understood the cycle of life or journey as people call it – when we are born a Mother carries us in her arm with love and care and now I was carrying her ashes in my hand to be immersed in Ganga.

I pray to God to give her soul, peace and love and bless all of us forever and help us by guiding us to follow the righteous path shown by our parents!

Where is Singapore of India - Gurgaon !!

Heard a statement by a leader some years back that we will make Gurgaon Singapore of India (Haryana). Lets find - Where are we ??

Lets start with some good points:

• Raahgiri day ( an initiative by pvt agencies and Gurgaon Traffic Police)
• Rapid Metro

Could not get more than this…

Where Govt has failed:

• No proper planning – unplanned growth in Gurgaon.

1.   Places like DLF 5 which is hyped by DLF (the builder) does not even have a proper shopping area wherein you can buy day to day stuff & government is not even aware or bothered about basic amenities not there as per civic laws; rampant construction with height of greed
2. No proper parking available in Gurgaon (this growth was evident many years back)

• No infrastructure – bad roads, lack of power and water ; most roads are so dirty and in bad shape; construction is rampant and no accountability. Gurgaon earns 90% of Haryana revenues but Govt is really not concerned about infra development
• No proper governance – no single authority to manage rapid growth; builders like DLF are doing whatever they want and government ignores totally; blatant violation of consumer laws
• No government initiative on education: Most children travel to Delhi University; Haryana govt failed to create a quality university and institution in Gurgaon. Whereas setup so many in Rohtak (a political decision rather than logical); Rohtak is struggling to get good teachers.

Where we Citizens have failed?

• Poor Hygiene – most public places are poorly maintained (we can’t blame government for this); except for Galleria market most shopping areas are dirty, filthy and smelly.
• Poor Civic Sense – no one is concerned really for areas around them; no traffic sense; no concern for elders or children
• Height of greed – most businesses small or big try to poach as much area around them – not really concerned about safety, aesthetics or others.

Soon Gurgaon, like Delhi, will reach a point of no return and will forever be a chaotic place. So we are still trying to find the Singapore of India !! God help us!

The maze of Toll Plazas in India !

Off-late there are many news stories about people showing aggression at toll-plazas in India. One has to go deeper into the issues. Having travelled 5-6 states by road; here are some observations which may be the cause of these aggressions:

•          Collecting toll without proper roads
•          No proper management of toll traffic
•          Quite funny toll tax rates – with 22.50; 33.50; 21 – in most parts of the world this is simplified and the rates are rounded-up or down. In India, many instance people are waiting for exact change and many smart guys give Rs 1000 or Rs 500 notes to the toll guys (as they say toll person is bound to give them change) – all leading to waste of time and energy
•          Untrained staff at toll plazas
•          In Gurgaon-Delhi toll: The operator gives a packet of Namkeen instead of Rs 5 and that’s a on-going currency as taxi drivers can also return the Namkeen packet to them next time for Rs 5 :-)
•          Unplanned tolls – a number of toll plazas in short distances
•       No single Toll card which can work across state(s)

Am not an expert on toll-plazas, but common sense says that instead of making life easy; people get frustrated that they are paying money and wasting their time and energy. This leads to chaos and as a nation a lot of fuel gets wasted. 

photo courtesy: Business Today

Happiness Workshop : Gurgaon - June 2013

The 1st  public workshop for "Happiness and Positivity" is planned for June 2013 in Gurgaon. Its a Power Point Free program and fully experiential.

Please note: 100% of the earning after removing the cost would be donated for charitable purposes.

Venue: Most likely would be DLF Club Phase 5 Gurgaon

Details are as below.