The dangers of the vanity of the body
As I age chronologically, I am reminded of what an Indian doctor once told me in Calcutta. “The body is like an old Mercedes Benz, sir – replace the tires, clean the headlights, and change the oil, and it will run for over 500,000 kilometers.” What he meant by this, of course, is that the corporeal being carries me throughout a, potentially long, life: keep it healthy with prescient and intelligent practices – good nutrition, regular exercise, etc — and it will run for a long time.
Continue reading The dangers of the vanity of the bodyPodcast Episode 13: Incarceration: it is an unnatural way to live our life. There must be a better way to correct the behavior of most people, though some must be sternly punished.
Podcast Episode 12: We are not naturally violent. We are loving, decent and kind.
Believing in the goodness
We are always told to be optimistic — believe in the goodness of life. At first blush, this appears nonsensical, leading to toxic positivity. (1) Even before consciousness at 22 or so, we are aware of our body. Everyone remembers the suffering of adolescence. I suffered tremendously from chronic earaches and debilitating migraines. And, I am not alone — many of my students have related similar experiences.
Continue reading Believing in the goodnessPodcast Episode 11: Soaring to the heavens with my father
Podcast Episode 10: Believe in yourself: never, ever give up on you and your aspirations
There awaits an exciting future!
Tomorrow may bring everything I want and desire, but not without its requisite angst because I’m alive and conscious. We are often exposed to loneliness and a sense of isolation. It is a dominant feeling, especially among the young. (1) As we gain experience, however, many realize this does not always have to be the case.
Continue reading There awaits an exciting future!