One Foggy Morning in Spring

It was dimly light. A foggy early morning in Spring.  The bird of the recent days was chirping sweetly outside the closed curtains.
He rolled his head and looked at her.  Her eyes were already open.  She smiled.
He smiled back and propped himself on his elbow, looking down at her sleepy eyes.  She told him about her joyful dream, he laughed and gave her a kiss.  She then told him about her plans for the day.  He made a couple suggestions.  Then got up to make breakfast.  Her favorite instant coffee was ready when she got out of shower.
They walked the kids to school and head back home.  But the hills were too charming to be ignored.  They set up the hills, embracing the foggy fresh air.  The muddy dirt under their feet making them slip every often, giving them an excuse to laugh at each others' clumsiness.  They found a more decent path and climbed some more before they set off on their decent.  They talked about the kids a bit, how one got excited at a recent news and how the other was troubled with a recent mishap at school.  Then switched to their plans for their upcoming vacation.
They were already home now.  And one hour late for work.  Yet, hundred hours ahead in life.

Women, Promotion, Pregnancy

Recently my dear friend, FH, recommended me to read the book Lean In by Sherly Sandberg.  I just watched her TED Talk, Why we have too few women leaders, and really enjoyed it. Particularly being pregnant and being interested in promotions   I hope for a motivating job to go back to after maternity leave inshala. And I am hopeful.  Enjoy this TED Talk!

The Path, Self Compasion, and Less Stress at Work

Today's Harvard Business Review of the day was interestingly calling in the same direction The Path calls us.  Enjoy the read:

MARCH 22, 2013

Reduce Stress with Self-Compassion

You have too much on your plate, deadlines are looming, and people are counting on you. Since you can't eliminate bouts of intense stress, you have to learn to deal with them. Studies show that people who practice "self-compassion" are happier, more optimistic, and less anxious and depressed. This is the willingness to look at your failures with kindness and understanding — without harsh criticism or defensiveness. Most of us believe that we need to be hard on ourselves to perform our best, but it turns out that's plain wrong. A dose of self-compassion when things are at their most difficult can reduce your stress and improve your performance, by making it easier to learn from your mistakes. So remember that to err is human, and give yourself a break.

Today's Management Tip was adapted from "Nine Ways Successful People Defeat Stress" by Heidi Grant Halvorson.

Read the full post and join the discussion »

Happy Nowruz!

All the blessed wishes for the New Year!

The Little Miracles of Life

A little miracle today reminded me of "the little miracles that sustain this world".

When there is a energy drainer, when there is a cancerous cell, when there is a stinking piece eroding somewhere in the house, it takes courage to get rid of it.  But when you do, even if it pains (it most likely will for a short while), then something, miraculously, is going to fill its place.  And no doubt, it will be a nicer experience that wont drain or stink but most probably will energize and bring back pleasure.

The key is to be able to identify it, and to be courageous to let go of it.

Here is to all the little miracles of life, every day!

Strategic Thinking in Management

Per the Gallup StrengthFinder2.0 analysis, Strategic is my dominant strength.  In the description, it say: "The Strategic theme enables you to sort through the clutter and find the best route. It is not a skill that can be taught. It is a distinct way of thinking, a special perspective on the world at large. This perspective allows you to see patterns where others simply see complexity. Mindful of these patterns, you play out alternative scenarios, always asking, "What if this happened? Okay, well what if this happened?" This recurring question helps you see around the next corner. There you can evaluate accurately the potential obstacles. Guided by where you see each path leading, you start to make selections. You discard the paths that lead nowhere. You discard the paths that lead straight into resistance. You discard the paths that lead into a fog of confusion. You cull and make selections until you arrive at the chosen path -- your strategy. Armed with your strategy, you strike forward. This is your Strategic theme at work: "What if?" Select. Strike."
This deems to be pretty accurate.  I see patterns and shades and underlying reasons when most cannot see, analyze, and decide quickly.  I sometimes make bold decisions but staying in an indecisive state is far from me.
Given this, having a person who doesn't have strategic vision around bores me: an individual who cannot see the patterns, is very nearsighted, is unsure about his ideas but accept your ideas to turn around and ignore them.  I am figuring out that this is a strength that is not necessarily present to all. It is too much to ask all to have similar perspective.  But the art is to be able to pass along the vision and ideas and help rest to be able to see it.  I have been contemplating on Socrates approach; how he guided people to see his vision so patiently and compassionately.

charshanbe suri

Tomorrow is the last Wednesday before the new Spring, which marks the beginning of the Persian New Year.  So people are out having parties and cleansing themselves with the fire.  We are planning on an outing next Tuesday night.  But it was fun to hear the announcement on NPR on my way home.

The Missing Thing

A girl friend.
The thought of it makes me feel so lonely. The thought of confessing to it, even more so.
Once my aunt asked me about a series of questions the answers to which would tell you about you... So there is a road ... It ends to a hut... You open the door... There is a table... What's on the table? I said a bowl of fruit. She said you like company and you care for your friends.
I do. Both.
But I miss my friends. Someone who cares deeply for me.  You has my back. Who is strong when I'm weak and who shares her weaknesses with me wanting my strengths.
I am so lonely here. May be it is like so everywhere.

The Answer

"All of your frustrations are due

to your seeking your wishes.

If you didn't, all wishes would

come to you like offerings.

Love all of the Beloved's ways,

and not just Her affection,

so that the coquettish Beloved

would come to you as a desperate lover."

Divan Shamsi Tabrizi 323

Love's Ripening pp. 11-13

Kabir Helminski