Truth is stranger than fiction

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=7298ae6f-d90a-45f5-bfbe-45bd95e7cef3 It may be surprising to note the unique sources of learning that we humans can acquire lessons from. A keen observation of certain species of the animal kingdom can inspire us to draw morals which will help us emerge as wiser beings. One such living being is a frog. Frogs are those creatures which do not get noticed or cared for by humans due to their unattractive appearance. They are often found doing a little jig on their own or hopping around happily in the lush green gardens or fields. And they render their useful services to the hard working farmers by clearing the unwarranted pests away from the flourishing plantations. Their presence is especially felt as the spell of showers descends from above. With the pitter patter musical rain drops one can hear their eager croaks trying to contribute to nature’s orchestra. At the same time they try to gain a competitive edge over t...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=e8d1ba1b-9e7f-40db-b1c1-b3cfcd5a8d1a Happiness: A simple word yet not so common in today’s scenario. The rarity of this psychological well being has emphasized its eternal quest for it. Several connotations have been attached to this term. So what is it that defines this magical state of being? Humans attribute different meanings to 'happiness’. Some denote material comforts and wealth as factors contributing to immense satisfaction. Others go on to equate it to power, fame and affiliation. Despite achieving everything, one still tends to remain in melancholy. This depicts the strange aspect of human nature. A further insight into this mysterious phenomenon brings to light the complexity of the cognitive aspect of individuals. Is it because: They have attached false notions to happiness? Greed engulfs them into aspiring for more that they fail to realize the value of what they have? A mere case of dependence ...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=19607b13-55d7-494e-8a58-e4ac0f5fe55d ”Expectations reduce joy” is one of the famous pillars of the art of living. A simple quote and yet, a most challenging principle to follow in life. Akshay and Rakesh were best friends from childhood. What one did, the other was always aware of. Their friendship was one that would cause envy to many others in their lives. Both matured into young handsome adults and as fate always predicts, their paths took two different directions into the further journey of life’s expeditions. Solemn promises were made not to let such opposite routes come in the way of their friendship, thereby assuring one another of the going-on in each others lives. Akshay joined Hotel management while Rakesh went on to climb the corporate ladder of a multinational firm. Their professional lives took a toll that promises once made had to be forgotten as the demands made on each of them stifled them of their...

-Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=e40316f6-c2bd-43e2-b41c-c4325fca3a16 Often I wonder that, there are several people we encounter in our journey of life. Some stay till our end. Some just accompany us till a certain point after which we are on our own. And some just make their deep impact for that short span of time and disappear only to never to appear again. So what do we learn from this? An analysis of this provided me some thought provoking interpretations. People come into our life for a reason, season, treason or a lifetime. When someone is in our life for a reason, it is usually to meet a need we have expressed. Such people probably include our parents who are there to hold out our tiny finger to lead us into the bigger steps of our lifelong pathway. Teachers who assist us through difficulty in terms of our studies and later on,spiritually.Doctors who treat us during our physical ailments and psychologists who help us to help ourselves during ...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/Contribute/Lifestyle/UCStory146.htm Relationship is like a rose garden, be it a parent-child, husband-wife, grandparents-grandchildren, teacher-student, boss-employee or between friends. Thorns in the form of misunderstandings, anger, irritation, jealousy and EGO are present in plenty. Just like we hold a rose with determination and pluck away the thorns which prick us, can we throw away the thorns that disrupt our rosy relationships? Communication which comes as a package with human relations, should be emphasized as a crucial factor in maintenance of harmony. An idea, thought or a viewpoint can be put across effectively if one concentrates on the way it is presented to the other person. Being assertive, yet polite, can work wonders for a message to be conveyed to a single individual or a mass of audience. Soothing words, keeping the sensitivities in our minds along with a pinch of thoughtfulness is a very good recipe to liven up millions of ...

I came across this tale which is capable of leaving a trail. A scorpion was trying to cross the river after completing the task of collecting food for her children. As she was debating on how to get to the other side, she incidentally met this jackal who happened to wander by the river side. Seeing her difficulty, the jackal stopped by and offered a ride on his back while he swam across the river. But it was on one condition that the scorpion wouldn’t sting the jackal while cruising. However, halfway through the journey, the promise was broken as the poisonous sting of the scorpion pierced the jackal to the jaws of death. On questioning this venomous act, the scorpion replied saying” It is my nature to sting. I can’t help it. But why did you help me in spite of knowing my nature?” For which the Jackal replied” It is my nature to help. By stinging me you have destroyed not only me, but also yourself and in the process deprived your children from a healthy living." An interesting le...