Being unconventional
Srinivasan Ramanujan, the world’s renowned Mathematician did not rely on formal education to make his mathematical discoveries. He followed his intuition along the way to work out on what interested him. We love to be in a well-charted territory or a well-trodden path. A big drawback is that we perceive only what is familiar. We see the world through the eyes of those who have taken the path ahead of us, and we fail to notice what is a rare find.
“I have not trodden through the conventional regular course which is followed in a university course, but I am striking out a new path for myself.” – Srinivasa Ramanujan, in his letter to Hardy
Festival of light
It is a festival of lights in India. It reminds me that a festival can be a unifying shared context for millions of people. Over many years, I have used this as an opportunity to connect with people I have lost touch or seldom connect with. I have always found that this shared context makes people receptive to reconnection or even forging new connections. Celebrating the Festival of Lights is a way to warm our hearts and lighten our minds.
“Give light, and the darkness will disappear of itself.” – Desiderius Erasmus
Transformative journey
When someone undergoes a personal transformation, it impacts even those who have supported them. As I started working as a coach and helping people grow, I can see how their growth journey has impacted me. I realize that
1) It is a big privilege to be part of someone’s growth journey
2) Change is not easy and love and empathy can be a powerful catalyst
3) Hope is contagious and even small changes can pave the way for something bigger
The depth of our transformation can impact how we help others. Human transformation does not happen in isolation. It impacts even those who are witness to it.
“It is ourselves we are helping. It is ourselves we are healing.” – Dr. Govindappa Venkataswamy