"where you sit is also important."

To be honest, I could have started this column with "where you sit is also important."  The reality is that where you sit influences where you stand, but where you stand has a direct bearing on where you sit.  Let me explain.



In our business and governmental world, each one of us is influenced by the position we occupy in the organization as to how we will feel about certain projects that are brought to the decision table.  For example, the research and development department and the sales department like to spend money to develop new products.  On the other hand, the accounting department would probably feel that, in view of the economy, they should be more cautious in investing funds which might not produce a return for a long time.  That's where the decision-making process is so important.  All factors have to be weighed and analysed as to the long-range best interests of the company. Once the facts are in, the decision has to be made and that decision will affect the entire company.  That's the reason input from everyone involved is important.



It's also true that where a person stands influences to a very large degree where they sit.  Research very clearly indicates that people who take a stand for what is right, build on an ethical, moral base and stand on principle, are the ones who end up in the upper echelons of business.  When you put these two factors together, it simply means that the person of integrity (and, obviously, experience and ability) is going to be the one who is most likely to end up making those all-important decisions about the best place to put the company time and resources.  It's still true that the best way is the right way, or the right way is the best way.

"There is only one person who is capable to set limits to your growth:

One day not too long ago the employees of a large company in St. Louis, Missouri returned from their lunch break and were greeted with a sign on the front door. The sign said: "Yesterday the person who has been hindering your growth in this company passed away. We invite you to join the funeral in the room that has been prepared in the gym."



At first everyone was sad to hear that one of their colleagues had died, but after a while they started getting curious about who this person might be. The excitement grew as the employees arrived at the gym to pay their last respects. Everyone wondered: "Who is this person who was hindering my progress? Well, at least he's no longer here!"



One by one the employees got closer to the coffin and when they looked inside it they suddenly became speechless. They stood over the coffin, shocked and in silence, as if someone had touched the deepest part of their soul.



There was a mirror inside the coffin: everyone who looked inside it could see himself. There was also a sign next to the mirror that said:

"There is only one person who is capable to set limits to your growth: it is YOU."



YOU are the only person who can revolutionize your life.



YOU are the only person who can influence your happiness, your realization and your success.



YOU are the only person who can help yourself.



Your life does not change when your boss changes, when your friends change, when your parents change, when your partner changes, when your company changes.



Your life changes when YOU change, when you go beyond your limiting beliefs, when you realize that YOU ARE the only one responsible for your life.

APPEARANCE COUNTS

According to a study I read, the way we look has a direct bearing on our paycheque. Employment data from 7,000 adults was analysed. Interviewers divided the group according to looks and then compared what those working similar jobs in each category were paid. Those who were below average in appearance earned less than those rated "average." Those who rated average earned less than those who were rated "above average."



Appearance includes many things. The style and neatness of your clothing, the shine on your shoes, the crease in your shirt, your choice of colours, and a host of other things affect your "appearance rating." The way you fix your hair, your make-up, and all the elements of your personal grooming make a contribution.



However, the biggest factor is the smile on your face, followed closely by your attitude and sense of humour. A good sense of humour and a positive attitude are particularly important as you move into the upper echelons of business. The reality is that people promote people. Evidence is solid that when everything else is equal, we will promote the person we like versus the one about whom we might feel either neutral or negative almost regardless of their skills.



The question is, who do we like? I believe you'll agree that the people who are pleasant, cheerful and optimistic are easier to like than the ones who are inclined to be dour and even negative in their approach to life.



It's also true that the cheerful, optimistic person is going to get more done and will have more cooperation from his or her fellow workers than will the negative individual. It's a practical matter that employers seek those who "fit," get more done, and are pleasant to be around. So let your "Sunday best" appearance include a smile, a great attitude and an easy sense of humour.

Why should we deeply care about our inner feelings?

Eyes and ears that seek evil, tongue that craves to malign, nose that enjoys the foul, and hands that delight in wickedness—these must be totally avoided. Whoever has any of these must correct them immediately. Or else, one’s future is bound to be disastrous. The wrongs of the five indriyas (senses) will result in the destruction of the five pranas (vital energies) and the killing of the five koshas (sheaths of existence). Of course, the senses yield momentary pleasure and joy but, as the saying goes, “senility lies in wait.” Sensual pleasures bring about great grief quite soon.

Why is it critical to have an open mind with everyone?

It is quite a common occurrence that stories of the Divine are narrated and heard by gatherings of thousands. But Jnana (wisdom) can be achieved only by placing complete faith in what is heard. That faith must result in a cleansed mind, a pure heart.  Whoever listens to the Lord's narrative and imbibes the nectar therein with a heart bubbling over with yearning for the Divine, with unshakeable faith in God, they will attain constant joy and Self-realisation. This is beyond the realm of doubt.

SOCH VICHAR: What is the nature of our minds?

SOCH VICHAR: What is the nature of our minds?: "The mind is engaged in two activities: alochana or planning, andsambhashana or dialogue. Both these follow different lines. Planning is inte..."

What is the barometer of the path chosen by the intelligent?

Liberation is the realisation of awareness, achievement of oneness with the Divine. Each and every living being has to attain this consummation, this goal - the Brahman. That is its true destination. Some day or the other, the urge to win release from the shackles of grief and joy, and the bonds of “I” and “mine” will awaken and emerge. The path that is taken then inevitably leads to freedom (moksha). Seeking that path is the sign of the intelligent person.  Instead of this search, when one considers the objective world as all-important and feels drawn toward its charm, life is barren and is of no consequence.