Corona shows us what is important in Life
Please read if the Aim of your Life is working to save Money for your Offspring! – 3 Oct 16
I yesterday wrote that you should enjoy your work, as it takes a big part of your day. At the same time I mentioned that a lot of people could also cut down on work and work for just a little less money. They could really be happier in their daily lives. And this is something I would recommend to a lot of my Indian countrymen: work less and enjoy life more instead of working and trying to save everything for your offspring!
Oh, don’t get me wrong, I also save money and of course I also think about my daughter and her future. I know a lot of people however who forget that life is about joy and spending time together, too, not only about working and saving and saving and working!
You have managed to secure your own living and you are making money. Now you are worrying about your children. You have supported them while growing up and you are still continuing this support. You work longer than you would need to so that you get extra money.
Have you ever thought that it might be more important for your children to have you there in person, to be with you, have you as an example, a living and real person and not just someone their mother tells them about? Or whoever takes care of them – it is not only men earning money after all!
Finally, once you have taken care that your kids can go to a school and learn for their own education, don’t you think they will manage further on their own? That they should enjoy living their lives with every challenge that is included? You have made sure that they are able to take care of themselves – now let them put this into practice!
Really, I don’t say you should let your children down or never support them financially. You should however not forget living your own life or bury yourself in work so that whatever they know of you is that you always worked a lot!
I am sure your children will appreciate it!
Lies das, wenn es das Ziel deines Lebens ist, Geld für deine Kinder zu sparen! – 3 Okt 16
Gestern habe ich geschrieben, dass man seine Arbeit genießen sollte, da sie einen großen Teil seines Tages einnimmt. Gleichzeitig habe ich erwähnt, dass viele Leute auch etwas weniger arbeiten und etwas weniger Geld verdienen könnten. Sie könnten in ihrem täglichen Leben wirklich glücklicher sein. Und das ist etwas, was ich vielen meiner indischen Landsleute empfehlen würde: arbeitet weniger und genießt das Leben mehr, anstatt zu arbeiten und alles für eure Nachkommen zu sparen!
Oh, versteht mich nicht falsch, ich spare auch Geld und natürlich denke ich da auch an meine Tochter und ihre Zukunft. Ich kenne jedoch viele Menschen, die vergessen, dass es im Leben auch um Freude und die gemeinsame Zeit geht, nicht nur darum, zu arbeiten und zu sparen und zu sparen und zu arbeiten!
Du hast es geschafft, deinen eigenen Lebensunterhalt zu sichern und du verdienst Geld. Jetzt sorgst du dich um deine Kinder. Du hast sie unterstützt, als sie aufwuchsen und du hilfst ihnen auch immer noch. Du arbeitest länger als du müsstest, so dass du extra Geld bekommst.
Hast du jemals darüber nachgedacht, dass es für deine Kinder vielleicht wichtiger ist, dich persönlich da zu haben, als Beispiel, als lebende und echte Person und nicht nur jemand, von dem ihnen ihre Mutter erzählt? Oder wer auch immer sich um sie kümmert – schließlich sind es nicht nur die Männer, die das Geld verdienen!
Schließlich, wenn du sichergestellt hast, dass deine Kinder zur Schule gehen können und sich bilden, meinst du nicht, dass sie dann selbst ganz gut weiterkommen? Dass sie ihre Freude daran haben sollten, ihr Leben zu leben mit jeder Herausforderung, die dazu gehört? Du hast sichergestellt, dass sie auf sich selbst achten können – nun lass es sie auch ins Praktische umsetzen!
Wirklich, ich sage nicht, dass du deine Kinder enttäuschen solltest oder sie nie finanziell unterstützen solltest. Du solltest jedoch nicht vergessen, dein eigenes Leben zu leben und dich nicht in deine Arbeit vergraben, so dass alles, was sie von dir wissen ist, dass du immer viel gearbeitet hast!
Deine Kinder werden es dir danken!
Enjoy your Work or make a Change! – 2 Oct 16
I explained yesterday that we are very busy these days – but you know what, we are loving it! It is of course a lot to do and I am sure there are always things that remain undone but we are happy about all these changes in life and the work we can do in this way.
I had a longer talk with Ramona about this topic the other day. Obviously there are many people who work less than we do and they are happy, too. There are however a lot of people who work less than us or just as much and are just miserable! People in their offices working from morning to afternoon, coming home and feeling exhausted from their work.
It is a very sad situation actually, because you do spend a big part of your time at work. I know, for many it is only a means of earning a living but you should do every effort to find a work that can earn your living and at the same time is something you enjoy!
I tell you that I have several friends and know an increasing number of travelers to India, too, who reduce the time they work because they realize life is not all about work and earning money! They voluntarily decide that it is alright to have a little less money – but enjoy the daily life more instead!
For a lot of people, this is not only something they can dream. You may shout ‘Impossible for me!’ but is it really so? Realistically, how much money do you spend on new gadgets and technology? Could you not do with less than the latest version of your phone, computer or tablet? What about clothes and shoes? What about eating out every day at lunch? Surely you could cut down on some of that, then cut down on the work which you don’t like and spend the time just relaxing, reading or out in nature? And, at some point, find a work you enjoy!
There are of course those who now tell that they are very careful with their spending and cannot find a better job – I believe you! Yes, I know, there are also those who do not spend a penny more than necessary but still have to work longtime. Try to make it enjoyable, make the best of it and keep your eyes open for another chance.
If you don’t enjoy, find a way to enjoy it – or make a change and find work you like!
Hab Freude an deiner Arbeit oder ändere etwas! – 2 Okt 16
Gestern habe ich euch erklärt, dass wir zur Zeit sehr beschäftigt sind – aber wisst ihr was, wir lieben es! Natürlich ist viel zu tun und es gibt sicher auch immer Dinge, die nicht erledigt werden, aber wir freuen uns über all diese Veränderungen im Leben und das, was wir mit unserer Arbeit erreichen.
Ich hatte neulich mit Ramona ein längeres Gespräch über dieses Thema. Natürlich gibt es viele Leute, die weniger arbeiten als wir und die auch glücklich sind. Es gibt jedoch auch viele Leute, die weniger arbeiten als wir oder genauso viel und einfach nur unglücklich sind! Leute in ihren Büros, die von Morgen bis Abend arbeiten, heimkommen und sich von der Arbeit total ausgelaugt fühlen.
Das ist eigentlich eine sehr traurige Situation, weil man einen großen Teil seiner Zeit bei der Arbeit verbringt. Ich weiß, für viele ist das nur ein Weg, seinen Lebensunterhalt zu verdienen, aber man sollte sich sehr bemühen, eine Arbeit zu finden, mit der man etwas verdient und die man gleichzeitig genießt!
Ich sage euch, ich habe mehrere Freunde und kenne eine immer größer werdende Anzahl Indien-Reisender, die ihre Arbeitszeit reduzieren, weil sie erkennen, dass es im Leben nicht nur um Arbeit und Geld geht! Sie beschließen freiwillig, dass es in Ordnung ist, etwas weniger Geld zu haben – doch stattdessen den Alltag zu verdienen!
Für viele Leute ist das nichts, wovon sie nur träumen können. Du rufst vielleicht ‚Für mich unmöglich!‘, aber ist das wirklich so? Wie viel Geld gibst du realistisch für neue technische Geräte aus? Könntest du nicht auch mit weniger als der letzten Version deines Handys, Computers oder Tablets auskommen? Was ist mit Kleidung und Schuhen? Was ist mit dem täglichen Mittagessen auswärts? Sicherlich könntest du doch etwas von all dem etwas zurückschrauben, dann die Arbeit, die du nicht magst, etwas zurückschrauben und die extra Zeit zum Entspannen, Lesen oder einfach in der Natur verbringen? Und irgendwann eine Arbeit finden, die dir Freude macht!
Es gibt natürlich diejenigen, die dir nun sagen, dass sie mit ihren Ausgaben sehr vorsichtig sind und keine bessere Arbeitsstelle finden können – und ich glaube euch! Ja, ich weiß, es gibt auch diejenigen, die keinen Pfennig mehr ausgeben, als sie müssen und trotzdem lange Arbeitsstunden haben. Versuche, es zu genießen, das Beste draus zu machen und deine Augen für eine weitere Chance offen zu halten.
Wenn du keine Freude an deiner Arbeit hast, finde einen Weg, sie zu genießen – oder verändere etwas und finde Arbeit, die dir gefällt!
Look back on Life – and marvel, nothing else! – 23 Sep 16
Yesterday, Ramona looked through an old photo album together with Apra. Upon seeing her mother in her teenage years, Apra exclaimed ‘But why did you look like that?’ Ramona didn’t know what to answer on this peculiar question. Apra finally asked further ‘When I will be a woman, will I also look different?’ Yes, of course – but we could not answer the following questions as to where she will be or what she would be doing. That brought me to today’s topic: our way in life.
From time to time, it is good to pause your daily routine for a while, take a breath and look back on where you have reached. What you have become and what you have done. Not to judge whether it is good or bad but to marvel in the development!
Of course a trip down memory lane will always bring you memories that you are happy about and you can take them and simply enjoy them. Others will make you sad or even angry. Let the emotions come and pass through.
Finally, you will look back onto your path and then onto your current position. Isn’t it amazing where life leads us through its own turns, our decisions, influence from the outside and more? Could you have guessed ten years ago where you would be now?
I couldn’t have. And that’s how I don’t even try to imagine where I will be ten years from now! I will be just fine, happy and enjoying life – I know this much. Anything else will emerge on the way there!
Enjoying Moments in Life which cannot be bought with Money! – 4 Aug 16
Money is definitely not everything in life! There are joys in this world which are far away from anything that money can buy!
Yesterday, when the restaurant was about to close, a big monsoon rain started. It rained down hard and strong, lots of water pounding down. It is beautiful weather when you are sitting inside and looking out. We had to however still close the restaurant and go back to our bedroom! So Ramona and I wrapped the computer in a towel and a plastic bag, took an umbrella and then went very close to each other to the back of the Ashram. We were walking close, Ramona had her arm around my waist, I held the umbrella over her and we walked as slow as necessary and as fast as possible.
It was just great. It was fun, although our shoes got soaked. It was romantic as well, although the umbrella was too small and dripped water on our necks. It was beautiful.
A small thing to enjoy which does not cost a penny, which does not need anything, just a perfect moment and the readiness to enjoy. I want to fill my days with such instances – why don’t you try, too? It fills life with beauty and happiness!
A small Action can change your Life forever – live consciously! – 11 Dec 14
I wanted to share a thought with you. Basically, the thought is just how precious life is – and how we can change it and even finish it completely with just an action of a second. Always remember!
When you are in the middle of life, when you are following your daily routine and are just immersed into events, happenings and actions, you sometimes forget to see the bigger picture. You do five things at the same time and while you do them, you are already at the next step. You get upset, your emotions are flowing up and while you do one thing, you are fighting inside. Fighting against yourself and others around, imaginary struggles that don’t bring you anywhere. That just keep you inside, letting your hands move without your mind.
You move through life without being consciously alive. Without even paying attention to what you are doing.
You forget that one little action can change your life forever. A moment of negligence at home. A candle knocked over. A gas oven that was not turned off properly. Abstraction in traffic. An oversight while driving. One step to the wrong side without looking first.
It can end your life. It can leave you changed forever – physically, mentally, emotionally.
Remember this and start living consciously. Be in the moment – not in order to make a step further on your spiritual path. No, to live properly and so that you never have to regret one inattentive moment’s work.
Inspired by the events of yesterday, about which I will write to you next week.
How Life continues even after Tragedies – 26 Oct 14
Back in Germany in the beginning winter of 2006, Yashendu and I just worked as we had done before my sister had died. Travelling from one place to the other, staying everywhere for about a week, giving workshops and individual counselling sessions. When something tragic happens in life, you have to go on but tragedies do change life – and you notice that in your every day’s work as well.
We travelled, together with our Indian flute player, to many different towns in Europe. We were horribly sad but even in such a state of mind, we connected with people, did our workshops, smiled and shared. When you occupy your mind with something else than your grief, it is easier not to think of it, not to fall back into the sadness and to just react, think and talk as you usually would. During the individual counselling sessions however, I was reminded of my sister many times.
People come to me to share their troubles and many times those are emotional. When a woman came to me in that time and told me that her husband had passed away, how could I not think of my sister? I shared my own grief with her. Together we just sat for a while, feeling the love for the one who had left and sharing the feeling of missing a loved one in daily life. In the end, I told her we had to go on and we looked at each other, knowing that we both would.
Another time, a young woman came and told me that she had a fight with her brother. So bad that she had finished all contact with him. She told me in tears that she loved him but also felt that she never wanted to see him again, feeling very conflicted in those emotions. I could not help but be glad that my sister and I had never had such a fight. I reminded this woman of the fact that life can be very short. She loved him and knowing this, she should not let this fight be the last thing that had happened in between the two of them. Don’t end it all with a fight – you never know about tomorrow!
Several times I cried with friends who had known her. We remembered her and I felt support once more from those who love me.
Life really moved on and at the same time, Para remained with me and no day went by that I didn’t think of her.
Only unsatisfied People ask for the Purpose of Life – 28 Jul 14
I recently had a session with a man who had some very typical questions. Obviously, when I have such a conversation with someone, I think of my blog and you readers, sure that you would enjoy sitting with us there, participating in the talk. As this obviously cannot be, I am writing our words down in this blog entry for you.
The man who came to me for an individual session told me that he was, all in all, actually quite content with his life. He was retired, had family and some hobbies he really enjoyed. Yoga was one of them. He added, however, that in his yoga class, there were many people who considered themselves seekers and who asked him whether he was not looking for answers to the ‘essential questions of life’: why am I on this earth? What is my purpose?
He added that now he had the feeling he needed to find an answer, too, or at least search for it. He had already considered different possibilities, among them the idea that this is just one of his many incarnations and he should live as well as possible so that he can reach nirvana one day, complete liberation. He asked me what I thought about this.
I replied that I believed all these questions were actually unimportant. You live here and now. As long as you are sitting here on this earth and have everything you could think of, why do you worry about this? You are healthy, you have food, you have a family and friends. You even tell me that you are really happy right now! So why does it even matter?
These questions are for those and of those who are unhappy. Who are not satisfied with what they have in their lives. You are here, now! Instead of concentrating on this, instead of making sure that you get what you are missing, you think of the time after this life!
Nobody knows what will come and what will be after we have taken our last breath. But I think it doesn’t actually matter. Really, it is not relevant at all for this very moment.
I think it is only religion and people who take benefit of the spiritual confusion of others who like to support such questions, make them bigger and bigger and thus present them as important which they are not at all.
Just be happy in the here and now. You are? Then don’t start searching for something that is missing or get confused about questions that don’t really have an answer anyway. Don’t let others bring you to this confusion! Be happy with who you are and what you have – you don’t need to start searching!