Taking back from nature...!!!

Taking back from nature...!!!

Recently I have been to the Deorital Chandrashila trek with IndiaHikes! We summited to 12083 feet to view mesmerizing peaks of the Himalayas!

The journey to the peak contained everything you can ask for a trek. It had a beautiful lake where we found peace, heard an ancient story which was full of wisdom, steep ascends and descends, beautiful rhododendron flowers and other Himalayan flowers on the way, clean water streams, dense forest with huge trees, bear claw marks on a tree, huge meadows, changing climates, sunrises and sunsets, stars in the night sky, wilderness containing foxes, viper snake, Himalayan lizards, various kinds of birds etc., challenging altitude and 23 people fighting against all odds to reach to the top! It was a hell of a ride!

We were out there to move out of our comfort zone. With each situation, we learnt to adjust ourselves. While packing, we became minimalistic, and only packed what we needed. Sat on the ground without thinking about anything. Drank water right from streams. Designation or status in society does not matter in front of Nature, we are all equal. We hugged a tree like a friend. We thanked them for their strong long-standing presence which made the forest. We apologized for disturbing them while walking through. We meditated close to Deorital Lake. After closing my eyes, I started listening to voices from birds around me. I tried to concentrate and calm myself but my mind was roaming around. I was thinking about changing the climate, the next day's trek, will we get snowfall or not? I was not thinking about my family or work in that situation. I was thinking about only today and the next day. Weird, right?

20 city people were trying to adjust themselves to the new situations every day. Guidance from the trek leader and 2 strong local guides helped us to face every day with a strong mindset. They made us ready for upcoming challenges. It was difficult but we did our best. Pushing ourselves to the Chandrashila top through the snow after Tungnath Mahadev mandir was one of the toughest parts of the journey. But we did it together and reached the summit. After reaching the summit, everyone congratulated each other. It was the best moment. After being there for a while, we started descending. Getting down through snow was terrifying even after wearing micro spikes tied to our shoes. A few of us started falling but others saved us. The Trek leaders and guides helped us a lot. After a while, we started enjoying the snow by sliding down. It was fun! Summit charged us so much that we had energy even after reaching the campsite.  We started celebrating. Another team from the campsite who were supposed to attempt the summit the next day was surprised. We were happy with this achievement. But the cool-down session reminded us of every muscle in the body!

In just 4 days, we 23 strangers became a strong team. I cannot explain how but it just happened. I think people with the same mindset and goal can gel up easily. Right?

We are so tiny in front of Nature. There are many things we are not aware of! When you stay out of social media, away from the Internet, you start communicating with people, learning new things, and observing others. People usually choose nature for refreshment coz it accepts them, cleans toxicity, and sends them back to their daily routine to face new challenges with a fresh mindset. When I go to the Mountains, they make me humble. I learn that I must be better than earlier. I keep trying to reach the top. Because you got to keep trying, quitting is not an option. Better preparation can help to improve my performance. Along with that, I need the right mindset to reach my goal.

One more thing I have learnt. If the journey is beautiful like a cake, then reaching destination is the cherry on top!

Sunit S. Pendse

23rd April 2023

sunitpendse.blogspot.com

True to oneself!

True to oneself!
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It's been a while I penned down my emotions, my thoughts or wrote a blog. I visited my blog site yesterday and realized it. I started looking for a topic to write and found one.

A lot happened over the years! I was introduced to new people globally, I talked to them, worked with them, learnt new things, polished my skills and understandings, learnt how to handle crisis, learnt how to appreciate things. I see an improved version of myself after these years and I am improving every day. Even a small change can bring a lot to life. Change is inevitable.

I was talking to a friend the other day. I was sharing my life story. During our conversation, I realized how changed I am! I am not the person who I was during my college days. Conversation was over. But it engaged me with my past life. Past life was buried somewhere in my brain and conversation brought it on the surface. I started looking for reasons to change.

It is difficult to live being true to everyone in this world. We have to carry masks and wear them according to person / situation. Sometimes we have to lie to people or hide information just to avoid a crisis, even though it meant no harm. Do we like it? I think not. But, we have to do it. I behave the same way. I try to follow the world. Intentionally or unintentionally, I do lie to people, I hide information. But I don’t mean to harm anyone. I also wear masks whenever needed.

But, this condition brings a question. Am I ever real? Have I lost real "me" in this Masquerade? I need to find out. I must be true to at least myself. I should be able to recognize myself in the mirror every day. Else, I won’t be able to identify mistakes and try to correct them. I won’t be able to improve myself. There won’t be room for improvement if I kept lying to myself. And it may lead to a disaster.

I came across two quotes on the Internet. They helped me understand what being true to myself means and what it can lead to. Jeff Moore says, “Being yourself means shedding all the layers of looking good, wanting to be liked, being scared to stand out and trying to be who you think people want you to be. Being yourself means being naked, raw, and vulnerable.”
And John Wooden says, “Be true to you. Make each day a masterpiece.”

We should be always true to ourselves. Because, only we know our story better than others.

Sunit S. Pendse
15th Jan 2020
sunitpendse.blogspot.com

No exercise, No weight loss!

No exercise, No weight loss!
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Last week, I saw an article on yahoo page titled "7 ways to lose your weight without exercise." After reading the title itself I started feeling uncomfortable. As I was not going to follow whatever mentioned in the article, I did not take efforts to read it thoroughly. But it seemed annoying.

How can anyone suggest such horrible ways? Yes, horrible! Even after not reading them, I call them horrible. How can someone think of such ways which will not only help to lose the body weight but also affect someone's health? Why I am saying that? Let’s try to understand something.

During our school days, we have learnt that various vitamins, minerals are essential for our body. While following such articles, do we try to understand how is it going to affect our body? I have heard from my friends that they feel uneasy after so called “dieting”. Dieting word became so popular nowadays that everyone planning to lose weight starts searching for various diet plans on the Internet without consulting to the doctor. Also, we take meaning of word “dieting” in a wrong way. It does not mean that we should be only on juices or few salads. It actually means to eat right on right time.

Now the question arises, what should we eat when? Where can we get the information? Speak with family doctor who knows your health history. He can suggest you in a better way. Try to read and understand about your own body and how eating anything will affect it. Before applying, consult with doctors or good dietician.

This is about eating right on right time. What about strength? Do we really care about it? We all know that we eat adulterated food. We cannot guarantee that we are getting good quality food even after paying a lot of money. We are more prone towards eating fast food rather than full lunch. As a result and due to seating work all the time, new generation is becoming weaker than older one. How can we become stronger again? There is only one answer, exercise.

If you want to lose your weight in 7 days then follow 7 days diet plan available over the internet but remember, Rome was not built in a day. How do I relate the phrase? As I said earlier, it will make you weaker. If you want to lose your weight and still stay stronger then you cannot say “No” to exercise. In first week, it will hurt. It will be painful because your body is not used to it. But, afterwards you will start feeling good. Get up early in the morning and do some workout either in Gym or at home. Go for walk in the morning. You will feel good and fresh whole day. Also, you will be able to sleep peacefully at night.

While watching a “Ted Talks” video over exercises, a school teacher once mentioned that kids running, exercising every day have improved mental and physical health. If it affects kids then it can definitely affect grown up kids like us. I would like to share live example with you. In our Gym, once an old man came and started working out. As he could walk hardly any distance, the instructor asked him to perform light work outs. After six months of hard work, he was able to walk continuously for 2-3 KM without getting tired. How was it possible? It was possible only because of exercises.

At the end, I can only say that I would love to lose my weight but not without exercises. Because, I want to stay strong and in shape at the same time. No goal ever met without any sweat. A fit and healthy body is always the best.

Sunit S. Pendse
24th August 2016

sunitpendse.blogspot.com

Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship

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(Note – Characters used in this write-up are just imaginative and they are not related to anyone. If anyone found it relative then it is just a coincidence.)

Grandma and her granddaughter were having coffee at home. Both of them were discussing about life after college.
“Piyu, why mom was shouting at you in the morning? What did you do wrong?” Grandma asks.
“Nothing granny. She shouts at me every day. Keeps asking why am I still at home doing nothing. College is over and final results are awaited.” Piyu responds.
Grandma nods and says “Hmm. So, what’s your plan? Job or further studies?”
“Not decided yet. If I will go with further studies then I will prefer the distance way. And I have no idea about job. I mean which profile will suit my course. I am totally blank.”
“Hmm. Did you not do any research on your own during last year? Or even checked with senior student who are working?”
“I did. But there are number of job profiles and I have to choose something. I am confused and tensed.”
Granny stays silent for few moments and asks, “Have you ever thought of doing business?”
Piyu is surprised with this question and asks, “Business? What kind of business?”
Granny responds, “Anything from your field which you are aware of.”
“I have no idea which kind of business runs from my field.”
“Oh really? But you mentioned about job profiles before. Those you know.”
“Yeah that is true but how can I run a business?”
“Why can’t you?”
“I have no idea what is going in market and which kind of business will be successful. What if I fail?”
“Start again. Look, our home in native was washed away by flood many times. I and your grandpa started again and we are staying in this big house now. So if you fail, just start again.”
Piyu is still scared and says, “But granny, I have really no idea about business. I don’t know anything about market. What should I do?”
“You have time, use it for research. Use Internet and start searching. Read articles from famous businessmen or businesswomen. Study more and more. And then decide which business you want to run.”
“But, why business? Why not job?”
“Why not business and why job?”
“Because business is risky and job is secured.”
“You can’t say that. Job is even risky nowadays. But, job has limitations. Being a businesswoman sky is the limit for your imagination. You can expand and earn more.”
“But, I am a girl. How can I run it properly?”
“Being a girl you can cook well so why can’t you run a business?”
Grandma had answer of every question and Piyu could not refuse her idea. Piyu starts thinking. Grandma finishes her coffee and looks at her tensed grandchild. She says, “Dear, I always wanted my elder son to run a business but he preferred job. And even that choice was according to the situation. Your grandpa was a business thinker but we had many responsibilities. You are free. No responsibilities whatsoever. So, you can think of it. If you want, I will help you in this. We will see how far we can go. If it succeeds then we will continue. If it does not then you will learn something from it and can prefer job. What say?”
Grandma winks her right eye to Piyu while speaking with her. Piyu smiles and says, “That will do. I will start searching from today itself. Granny, you rock.”

Both of them started laughing. Both of their mugs were empty but minds started filling with business ideas.

Can anyone help her to get ideas and tips for her business and become successful businesswoman?

Sunit S. Pendse
6^th Jan 2016
sunitpendse.blogspot.com

No pain, No gain!

No pain, No gain!
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Last week, we were working out at the fitness center. Our trainer was encouraging us to work out more. He was looking after each individual and assisting whenever needed. Kapil, one of our friends, was not able to do push-ups. Trainer asked him the reason. Kapil said, “Push-ups are quite painful and hard for me. I am not able to lift up my body.” By looking at his overweighed body, that was quite possible and obvious reason. But, the trainer gave him a hard look and said, “If you really want to be fit, then you should do as I say. Remember one thing, no pain, and no gain! Now start doing push-ups. Do as much as you can.” And he left the room. We all were shocked by those words from such a friendly trainer. Although they were harsh, they were true!

In our life, we come across many situations where we do not wish to face them by looking at pain they will cause. Also, we do not want to take risk. At times, we forget that most of the successful people in this very world could achieve their goals only after taking risks. Risks treated with ample amount of efforts and given appropriate time can help us reach our goal. But, this thing is overridden by fear. And fear is of the amount of pain we might face during the process.

Fear is a good thing but it should not control us. It should not occupy our mind completely which will lead us giving up. Fear should not lead to losing. Rather it should lead us to take precautions during risks resulting achieving desired goal. Always, there should be plan ‘B’ when we are preferring plan ‘A’. And plan ‘B’ is prepared for precautionary purpose. What if I got failed?
Sometimes this pain is not of considering failure. It could be about valuable time which will be wasted while facing the situation. We want to perform another task which is as important as of current situation. Even though there is pain of wasting time, understand the difference between what is important and what is important and urgent; and act accordingly.

Also there is one thing which is equally important in our lives. When something bad happens, we remember it. It is destiny. I heard during childhood, whatever happens is for a good reason. So, do not get frustrated by looking at the situation. Just face it. You will surely get something good at the end of it.

Did I go away from our subject a little bit? Did I only write about facing bad incidents ruining our growth and get rid of them? I think yes. I did not mention other side of the coin. Sometimes we have to try hard to reach at top of the mountain. We have to look at the hurdles. Plan our strategy to overcome them. We have to pay more attention to the progress and may need change in plan at times. We should be ready to do so. Slow and steady wins the race.

At the end, it reminds me of two quotes. First is “Don’t quit. You’re already in pain. You’re already hurt. Get a reward from it.” And second is “Pain is temporary, pride is forever.”

Sunit S. Pendse
2nd December 2015

A lesson from Nature…!

A lesson from Nature…!
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God has gifted us a world with beautiful things known as nature. The sea and sea beaches are one of the excellent gifts of god. The beach is motionless for number of years. The unfathomable ocean is trying to move it with the help of its strong waves. But, every strong wave makes beautiful designs on sand and returns to grab more energy. Both, the ocean and beach have not changed. Ocean keeps trying and beach doesn’t respond. It is pleasure to watch their struggle, an immense beauty of nature. But, is there anyone else apart from us getting benefit from this battle? Yes, it is sand. Sand enjoys Sunbath like humans and keeps itself clean with the help of waves resulting Sand to shine and become more attracted. Sometimes tide also brings gifts for Sand in the form of Shells, pearls and beautiful ornaments made up of them.

I always feel happy and fresh when I am with all three of them. Altogether they teach us a lesson. If we keep trying like ocean with strong and unstoppable efforts, be loyal to our principles; then we will be shining like sand being successful human being. Isn’t it?

Sunit S. Pendse
27th May 2015
Sunitpendse.blogspot.com

Courage

Courage
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Courage to me is like to convert weakness into ability, obstacles into the stepping stones and disaster into triumph. Courage is not the absence of fear, it is the conquest of fear.
- Navjyot Singh Siddhu, Former Cricketer, India

I was looking for videos of Navjyot Singh Siddhu's opinions about Sachin Tendulkar, the God of Cricket on YouTube. I found a video of his inspirational speech which he gave at Discon 2010 arranged by Rotary club of Bombay in Mumbai. He was talking about courage. In a video of around 48 minutes, he had given various examples of his cricket life which supported the topic. Wow, what a man with such amazing thoughts! He began the speech with first two lines which are the beginners of this article too.

Sometimes we are in a life or death situation. Not actually meant to the words, but it involves risk, may be smaller or bigger. Somehow, we are not ready to face the situation by taking risk. "let's continue whatever is going on or look for the easy option to face the situation." is our thought most of the times. Is something bothering us? If yes, then what it is? How can we tackle this to get better outcome?

Fear is a part of life. Being afraid of something is not bad, fear has to be there in life. But, it should not take control of our mind. If it does, we are not ready to face challenges, not ready to look for any options. And yes, we are not ready to choose better option to get better outcome, rather we accept the options which will give us minimal or no results. And we become a losers.

Why to become a loser and think about it rest of the life? Disasters are not in our hands, but we can find better solution to get rid of the situation. the only thing needed is courage. Just stand still and control your mind. Be strong. Control your fear and keep calm. Try to be calm even though conditions are against you. Being at peace gives eternal comfort and helps to be courageous. It helps to find out multiple solutions of a problem. Look for the better option and go with it. "What will they say?" is a killing dialogue. It kills most of the actions which will help you to grow. Remember, you are responsible for your actions. The society will talk in many ways. They will talk good and bad about it. But you have to believe in yourself to achieve something. Like Siddhu said, You got to be a believer first and then you can become an achiever. Never have doubt on your actions, have faith. Because, doubt creates a mountain and faith tunnels through that mountain. it just erases that mountain.

Most importantly, do not expect immediate results. Give relevant time. Edison had tried 1000 times to create a light source. He never said that he failed, rather he said that he found 999 ways of failure and one way of success. Never give up. You never know when the situation will change and you will start walking on path of success instead of failure. Just keep trying, keep trying and keep trying!

Sunit S. Pendse
18th March 2015
sunitpendse.blogspot.com