Tuesday 23 January 2024

संगदिल!!


संगदिल 

श्रीमती प्रभा दीक्षित को  National level Online writing competition में प्रथम पुरस्कार प्राप्त हुआ, 10 ,000 रुपये नकद , एक certificate और एक बहुत सुंदर फूल बेला वाली कलमकारी साड़ी । 45 वर्ष की आयु में प्रभा के लिए ये बेहतरीन अनुभव था। घर गृहस्ती , परिवार की जिम्मेदारियों,  सामाजिक दायित्वों के चलते लेखन में अत्यंत रुचि रखने वाली प्रभा कभी समय नहीं निकाल पायी। पति और दोनों बच्चों के प्रोत्साहन का परिणाम था ये पुरस्कार।
प्रभा गौरवांवित मेहसूस कर रही थी !

हमेशा सुनते आए है खुशियां बांटने से बढ़ती है और दुख सांझा करने से कम। 
प्रभा ने पुरुस्काकर के साथ एक selfie खींचकर अपने सभी WhatsApp groups में भेज दी। साथ में लिखा कि  समारोह online था,  Gmeet का link केवल participants और organising committee के लिए ही मान्य था इस लिए किसी को आमंत्रित नहीं कर पायी । 
हां ! वो जानती थी कि link share करके भी सभी अनुपस्थित ही होते क्योंकि समय जिनके  पास है  उन्हें Technology की समझ नहीं और जिन्हें है उन्हें दिलचस्पी नहीं।   

टक्क -आ- टक्क बधाई संदेश आने लगे कुछ मित्र,  कुछ पुराने जानकार,  कुछ पहचाने वाले। अब ईक्का दुक्का सच्चे शुभचिंतक तो सभी के होते हैं - कुछ एक ने collaboration का सुझाव दिया, तो किसी ने content writing की सलाह। माँ ने दुलार भेजा और छोटे भाई ने gift voucher . 

लेकिन सबसे शांत था family group. २० वर्ष के विवाह के उपरान्त ससुराल family ही तो कहलाता है!  अमूमन जहां एक दिन में आठ दस इधर उधर के बेतुके messages आते थे आज अकाल ग्रस्त क्षेत्र सा प्रतीत हुआ। 
55 members का group और सब चुप ......

अब इंसानी मन भी अजीब है,  जो मिल जाता है उसका मोल नहीं, किन्तु जो नहीं मिला उसकी के पीछे बेसुध सा भागता रहता है।  प्रभा ऐसी ही भावनाओ से सघर्ष कर रही थी ।

पत्नी का उखड़ा चेहरा पति श्री रघुवीर दीक्षित से जब देखा न गया तो तुरंत  ग्रुप में लिख भेजा 
"Feeling so proud. बस अब रुकना नहीं " 
और फिर शरू हुआ - शब्द खेला यानि messages की war game.

* मथुरा वाली मामी- "वाह वाह,  पत्नी के बहाने ही सही तुम ने भी group में कुछ लिख भेजा"
* जालन्धर वाले ताऊ- "kitchen तुम संभालने लगे हो?"
* गांधीनगर वाले मौसा-" क्यों सीधे साधे भले मानस की टांग खींचने लगे हो , विवाहित जीवन के बोझ का मारा है हमारा रघुवीर प्यारा"
* ससुर- "10,000 से क्या होता है,  इनाम की धन राशि तो ज्यादा होनी चाहिए थी,  प्रभा ने साड़ी देख कर भाग लिया होगा" 
* मथुरा वाली मामी- "चलो नयी साड़ी तो मिल गई,  यहां तो कई सालों से पुराने कपड़ों पे जी रहे है"
* सास- "आप अकेली नहीं है "
* सबसे बड़ी जेठानी-" वाह जी वाह प्रभा,  तुम कैसे भी करके अपने खुद के लिए time निकाल ही लेती हो, life enjoy करना हमें भी सीखा दो"
* जालंधर वाले ताऊ-" घर संभालना अनिवार्य है, शौक पूरे करने बैठ गए तो कंगाल हो जाओगे"
* सास- " किस्मत अपनी अपनी"
* नोएडा वाले बहनोई- "all good?" I thought कोई off हो गया" (just kidding) carry on
* सोनीपत वाली चाची-"ठंड का क्या हाल है?"
* मथुरा वाली मामी-" बुरा हाल है, वो तो भला हो neetu बेटी का जिसने  USA से jacket भेजी है बहुत गर्म , ऐसी quality यहां नहीं मिल सकती"
* सोनीपत वाली चाची-" बिल्कुल सही,  आप तो खैर गए नहीं , मेरी तो skin Melbourne जाकर खिल उठती है Tinku बेटा बेचारा बोलता रह गया......

Neetu typing...
Tinku typing...
‐------------------------------------
दीक्षित दंपती messages पढ़ रहा था । 
मौन ¡
उदास ¡
और एक ही विचार - 
आखिर परिवारजन क्यों है उन दोनों के प्रति- 
 ईर्ष्यालु ।।
 स्वार्थी ।।।
 संगदिल ।।। 
----‐----------


प्रिय पाठक आपका क्या कहना है?





Sunday 21 January 2024

Mind Matters

Unloop The Loop!

 The World Health Organization (WHO) conceptualizes mental health as a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and can make a contribution to his or her community.

Mental Health Day is celebrated on 10th October every year. The theme for 2023 set by the World Foundation of Mental Health is “Mental Health is a Universal Right”.

Mental health issues are just as real as any other ailment affecting physical health.  The manifestation of physical ailments is evident but it may take years at times for mental disorders to surface. Since the approach and management involve the treatment of deep recesses of the mind outcomes are slower.  

Let’s break free from a few myths surrounding mental health.

1)    Myth: Women are vulnerable to mental health issues.

Fact: Mental health issues are gender-neutral and can affect all ages. Men in Indian society are stereotypically considered as physically tougher and emotionally stronger. Due to social taboos, men hesitate to consult a professional.  

2)    Myth: Mental health disorder is directly proportional to low intelligence quotient.

Fact: Mental health issues occur due to conditions resulting from a complex interaction of social, psychosomatic, and biological factors. Anyone regardless of socioeconomic status or intelligence quotient can show signs. An otherwise high achiever student doing well in school may not be in the best mental health state. She/he too can experience anxiety.

3)    Myth: People with psychological issues cannot perform day-to-day activities.

 

Fact: Most often people with mental health disorders can be just as productive as any other person. A lot of times families/employers do not come to know if someone is battling a condition. Only in severe cases, do individuals need assistance. 

4)    Myth: People with psychological issues turn violent and aggressive.

Fact: Violence and mental health have a very complex connection and the expression of anger alone cannot be a manifestation of a disorder. On the contrary, a lot of victims of violence have shown symptoms of psychological disorders. Research shows freedom from violence and abuse promotes mental well-being.

5)    Myth: Therapy is a waste mental health patients should be directed towards religion and spirituality.

Fact: Treatment for mental health conditions varies depending on conditions and severity. The treatment may include medication, therapy, or both. Recovery is better and relapse is less when individuals get adequate support from family and community. Following superstitions or mindless rituals is not a solution.  

6)    Myth: Mental health issues are a sign of a weak mind or character.

Fact: Psychological disorder is not a character flaw or a glitch in brain functioning. Many factors contribute to mental health conditions, including:

·         Genetic factors.

·         History of trauma or abuse.

· Life-changing events like relocation to a new place, birth of a child, death of a loved one, or sudden change in financials may result in a psychological issue. In fact, it takes nerve to accept the condition and even more courage to approach a professional.

 

7)    Myth: Overweight or obese people are more affected by psychological dispersers.

Fact: Contrary to bizarre societal judgments individuals with flawless skin and perfect appearance can also be affected by mental health disorders. If we look around there are a lot of cases from the fashion industry where otherwise physically fit celebrities have succumbed to psychological disorders. Moreover, physical well-being is a requirement.

8)    Myth: People with mental health disorders are possessed.

Fact: Mental disorders are demonstrated in thought, behavior, and expression. It may become difficult for people to comprehend what exactly is transpiring. Ignorance causes families to feel that the person is possessed.

9)    All people with mental illness should be institutionalized.

Not all ailments need hospitalization. Individuals with psychological disorders recover fully and show no further episodes. For a few, mental illness may require medication throughout their lives. However such individuals do learn to cope and manage their conditions without compromising the quality of life.

10)                       Myth: The treatment for mental illness involves extreme procedures such as electric shocks.

Fact: Treatment of mental health conditions has come a long way from rudimentary methods of electric shocks and isolation. Today, with the advancement in pharmacology and intervention therapy, the treatment is more humane, empathetic, and rational.

 

Monday 25 September 2023

HEAL WITH YOGA

  

Presenting the complete article , part of which was published in 

www.timesofindia.com  Hyderabad edition on September 20th , 2023.

 It was a chance visit to Auroville , Pondicherry in the December of 2022 that awakened inside me a quest to unite my mind, body, soul  with mindfulness of time , space , surroundings and consequences of my choices.

When Ms Smita my friend who is a certified yoga expert offered to assist I began learning restorative yogic practices at the age of 45. For past eight months that I have been attending yoga sessions. The outcomes are apparent- lesser episodes of headaches, thoughts less jumbled, body more flexible with definite inch loss. Yoga is much more than a framework of complex asanas or chants or speedy toolkit to nirvana. It is about realization and reorientation of our inner energy.

There is a need to dispel misconceptions around yoga being meant for older people, skinny youngsters or for the ones looking to attain spirituality. Yoga should not be considered a mere adjunct to other forms of exercise but a complete workout in itself. It is effective and enough to meet the fitness needs of all. Yoga is far more comprehensive because it promotes mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. 

I was recently detected with early signs of arthrosis in both knees. I had witnessed my mother suffer the pain of osteo arthritis. It was practices of meditation that helped me absorb the shock that I too was diagnosed with same ailment and precisely at the same age. I understand that the condition is irreversible, progress gradual and i might have to live with arthritis rest of my life. The belief in yoga is helping me to reconcile and repair. The strengthening of mind is as equally essential as strengthening of muscles. I am sure I will glide through it.

I proudly submit that Yes yoga has changed my life and I am glad to embrace the change. 


Sunday 24 September 2023

Guest Post - The Trigger


This poem is contribution by my teenage daughter - 

Ms Snighda Sharma. 

An engineering student who likes to play guitar and write  poems when she is not doing the regular teenage stuff. 😈





The Trigger

whoever said t'was supposed to be easy

trying to find your path

create a life of your own

remove the shackles of your binding mindset behind

whoever said t'was supposed to be easy

never pondered enough

on what is like to find the trigger

that binds you to your old habits

preventing better ones to flourish

whoever said t'was supposed to be easy

never struggled or slogged

never had sleepless nights or wandering thoughts

never held a pen or lifted  a weight

lived as easy as a feather's touch

little does he know

that feather or nail

hold equal weight

struggle is struggle

however small however great. 



Sometimes Silly Sometimes Sweet #Mirage

Mirage 
( published in Anthology)
by
https://www.verseskindlerpublication.com

Sitting in the counselor's office,  waiting for his turn, 19-year-old T.J was silently staring at the wall. Dressed in blue overalls once a good-looking teenager he looked nothing but destitute. The huge framed quote hung on the wall of the waiting room felt penetrating into his soul. He felt waves of shooting pain in his head, his hands trembled and the agonizing spasms in the abdomen began. He looked around for help but no one appeared to care. After all, it was all a regular in the rehabilitation center.

T.J dropped out of school because he thought schooling was ordinary.  He turned into a recluse in his own home for he thought the family system was outdated. He fled to live the ultimate bohemian dream. Freedom for T.J was all about -

Ask no questions. Expect no replies. Do as you choose. Live as you desire.

 T.J had no formal training, no skill, and no exceptional talent. Once money exited his pocket the friends left and then the optimism. The wild-spirited guy went on without food for days. He begged outside temples, ate with monks, and slept on the beach.

Nothing appeared free.

There were who commanded work for money and others demanded favors. Some jobs mocked his dignity and the others hurt his pride. The harder he tried to break away free, the faster the rebound.

Nothing came free.

 T.J realized confine of his home provided more independence.  He felt far from free in the rehabilitation center. Here he was today slave of choices he made.

The quote on the wall - 

“ You are free to choose,

But you are never free from the consequences of your choice”

-        A universal paradox.