The Illusion of Efficiency

Multitasking creates the illusion that we are getting more done because we’re switching between tasks quickly. However, research shows that the human brain is not designed to focus on multiple tasks simultaneously. What we call multitasking is often just rapid task-switching, where the brain shifts attention from one task to another. This constant shifting comes with a cognitive cost, known as “task-switching cost. It means we lose time and efficiency every time we switch between tasks.

Studies have found that multitasking can reduce productivity by as much as 40%. The brain needs time to refocus after switching tasks, and this refocusing period can accumulate, leading to significant loss of time. Moreover, multitasking often results in more mistakes, as the brain cannot fully concentrate on the details of each task.

As most you might have experienced in life, reading something on the phone while watching a movie, leads to disconnecting from the movie leading to rewinding the wasting more time than actually pausing the movie, reading the stuff and resuming again.

People think they are smart enough than “average” people, and they are special and can do multiple task at once. But its better to realize the truth sooner than later.

Multitasking can not only lead to loss of time but also increase stress levels, degrade the quality of work, create neurological patterns into the brain causing it to switch between tasks frequently leading to loosing concentration power.

Instead of Multitasking, tasks can be prioritized according to their importance. Scheduling is another great tool to tackle multitasking. We need to rewire ourselves from doing all at once to doing one thing at a time in an efficient way.

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We all must have heard the above quotes sometimes in our lives.

In many spiritual cultures it is said that as we breathe in, we take in not just oxygen, but also the subtle energies of the universe. And as we breathe out, we release not just carbon dioxide, but also our worries, fears, and doubts. Breathing is not just a biological function but a spiritual tool that can guide one toward enlightenment.

Breathing is a reminder of the impermanence of life and the continuous cycle of creation and dissolution. Every breath is an opportunity to connect with the divine, cultivate awareness, and live in harmony with the principles of non-violence and self-realization. Through mindful breathing, one can transcend the ego, dissolve the boundaries of the self, and experience the unity of all existence.

Breath has been given so much importance yet it is the least discussed topic in our times. The way a person breaths reflects his/her mental, emotional and physical state, yet nobody ever taught us the right way to breath.

Throughout my life, I have tried many different breathing exercises and techniques. Following are some of the techniques which has helped me and my clients over the years of practice.

Tips & Tricks

Breathing should be deep, long and silent. It should be effortless and subtle. As one inhales the belly should expand and as one exhales belly should contract. Its this simple, yet many of us breath in through the chest or breath the opposite way.

Another good technique is box breathing, which is even used by US Navy seals as per some of the sources. It has enormous benefits such has maintaining blood pressure, sugar levels, controlling anger, activating para sympathetic nervous system, good for brain, oxygenating the blood,etc.

Box breathing involves breathing in 4 step cycle consisting of Inhalation, Holding the breath inside, Exhalation and Holding the breath outside. As per your comfort you may choose 3 , 4, 5, 7, 8, 10 seconds, but maintain consistency throughout the session. Best time to practice this exercise is in morning and night at bedtime for 10mins.

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But what if life was meant to be lived as an experiment? A grand experiment, where we are the curious explorers of our own existence – where nothing is fixed, and everything can be reimagined. Where there are no boundaries of how to’s and Do’s and Don’ts. Very few people are experimenting, living life as an experiment but are demotivated, outlasted by society just because their thinking is Different and not according to socially acceptable norms.

Breaking Free from the Mold

From the moment we are born, we are surrounded by labels, rules, and expectations. These structures, though comforting, often become cages for the soul. The idea of life as an experiment calls us to break free from these invisible constraints and look at the world as if seeing it for the first time. To question what has been passed down to us – not out of rebellion, but out of a deep yearning for authenticity.

What worked for those before us may not necessarily work for us. The traditions and beliefs that shaped their lives were based on their reality, their context. But we live in a different time, with different challenges, and most importantly, with a different soul journey.

What if the very traditions we cling to are the barriers to our evolution?

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No language on earth can fully capture the nuances of our thoughts, the translation of mind to words is an innate skill we’re never explicitly taught. Our words often fall short of conveying the depths of our intentions, leaving a lingering gap between thought and expression.

Language is a living entity, constantly evolving and adapting to cultural, social, and technological changes. Over centuries, words have transformed in meaning, pronunciation, and usage. What was once considered modern and sophisticated can become archaic, while new slang and terminologies emerge in everyday conversations. What was once considered gibberish, suddenly becomes a fad.

This evolution reflects the dynamic nature of human society. For example, the word “gay” once meant cheerful or happy, but over time, it has come to denote a sexual orientation. Similarly, “awful” originally meant “full of awe” but now conveys something terrible or unpleasant. These shifts demonstrate how language adapts to the changing values, beliefs, and experiences of people.

Due to such limitations, almost all of the old scriptures have lost their original intentional meaning and have been misinterpreted throughout. Interpreters and translators may bring their own beliefs, agendas, or assumptions to the text, influencing their understanding and presentation of the original meaning. This can result in a distorted or incomplete picture of the text’s intended message. These interpretations are often found to be inclined towards benefiting the interpreter.

One of the most significant challenges in communication is the potential for misinterpretation. Words can have multiple meanings, and their interpretation often depends on context, tone, and the listener’s perspective. A single word can evoke different responses based on personal experiences, cultural background, and emotional state.

Being said that, words have power to heal, build confidence, rewire old programing, etc, if used in right ways. Few of the people have harnessed the power of words and are freely teaching the same to public.

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The repercussions of living a zombie life are profound, affecting one’s mental, and physical well-being. Spiritually, it leads to stagnation, a lack of growth and evolution, leaving the soul unfulfilled and disconnected from the higher self. Mentally, it results in fatigue, a constant state of apathy and boredom, leading to anxiety and depression. Physically, it causes health issues due to neglecting the body’s needs and well-being. Moreover, it strains relationships as superficial interactions and emotional unavailability harm personal connections.

Life for any other habit or indulgence, the first step in breaking free from a zombie life is recognizing its existence. Mindfulness and meditation are essential practices for awakening, as they bring awareness to the present moment, allowing individuals to observe their thoughts, emotions, and actions without judgment. Self-reflection and journaling help uncover the roots of disconnection, providing a space to explore thoughts and set intentions for change. Embracing change is crucial, as being open to new experiences and stepping out of comfort zones can reignite passion.

Connecting with nature has a grounding and revitalizing effect on the spirit, fostering a sense of connection to the world and one’s place within it. Cultivating gratitude shifts attention from what is lacking to what is present and valuable in life, transforming perspectives and awakening appreciation for life’s simple joys. Pursuing passions provides direction and meaning, aligning actions with core values to nurture a sense of fulfilment in life. Building authentic relationships enriches the human experience, as engaging in meaningful conversations and deep connections with others fosters emotional and spiritual growth.

Awakening from a zombie life requires a commitment to self-awareness, intentional living, and spiritual growth. By recognizing the patterns that lead to a disconnected existence and embracing practices that nurture the soul, individuals can break free from the chains of a zombie life. Life is meant to be lived fully, with purpose, passion, and presence. Embrace the journey of awakening, reconnect with your true self, and experience the profound joy and fulfillment that comes from living a conscious, spiritually engaged life. Your path to a vibrant and meaningful existence begins with a single, mindful step.

Life is not meant to be spent on just living like a machine repeating same activities day in and day out. It is meant to be lived, explored and experimented. Individuals are just spending days , months, years just following their routines blindly, with short holiday breaks and social event breaks.

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Our journey is one of continuous transformation, requiring us to question our routines and challenge our comfort zones. Habits, however, often anchor us in the familiar, creating a cage that restricts our ability to evolve. This cage is built from the fears, doubts, and limiting beliefs that habits reinforce over time.

Consider the habit of negative thinking. It starts as a response to a particular situation but can quickly become a default mode of operation, coloring our perception of reality and affecting our interactions with others. This habit forms a cage that confines us to a limited view of ourselves and the world, preventing us from experiencing the fullness of life.

The essence is to embracing change and the unknown. Habits, though comforting, often resist this dynamic nature of life. By breaking free from the cage of habits, we open ourselves to new experiences and perspectives that foster growth.

The cage of habits can be a formidable barrier, but it is not impenetrable. With awareness, intention, and compassionate effort, we can dismantle the bars that confine us and step into a life of greater freedom and fulfillment. Embrace the challenge of breaking free from habitual patterns, and discover the expansive potential that lies beyond the cage. Your spiritual journey awaits, unbounded and full of possibilities.

Even good habits such as getting up at exact time, hitting the gym regularly, etc can be a hindrance by keeping no room for flexibility. One might feel drowsy and keep cribbing all day if they miss the gym one day or misses their time of getting up. Good habits sometimes become cage in itself.

Habits, good or bad, are patterns. One can take time to reflect on their habits annually, assessing which ones empowers them and which ones hold them back. Let go of outdated ones that no longer serve them and replace them with new, uplifting ones. Meanwhile, one may refine and optimize beneficial habits to maximize their positive impact and unlock its full potential.”

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The Nature of Duality

Duality is inherent in the very fabric of our existence. It is the lens through which we perceive and experience the world. Day and night, pleasure and pain, success and failure – all these contrasts shape our reality and give meaning to our lives. Without darkness, we would not appreciate light, without sorrow, joy would be meaningless.

From a spiritual perspective, Duality is not just about opposites but about balance and harmony. It invites us to embrace both sides of the spectrum, understanding that each is essential for the other’s existence. This realization is crucial for spiritual growth, as it teaches us acceptance and the importance of equilibrium in our inner and outer worlds.

Duality and the Human Experience

Our human experience is deeply rooted in duality. Our minds are conditioned to categorize and label experiences as good or bad, right or wrong. This binary thinking often leads to internal conflicts and a fragmented sense of self. However, spirituality offers a path to transcend this dualistic mindset.

By recognizing the dual nature of our thoughts and emotions, we can begin to see them as transient and impermanent. This awareness allows us to step back and observe our experiences without judgment, fostering a sense of inner peace and clarity. Embracing duality means acknowledging our shadow selves-the parts of us we often reject or ignore – and integrating them into our whole being.

Without duality, life becomes dull straight line, however do not get entangled in it. Do not consider it as an enemy to be won over. Embrace it, experience it, and overcome it. It is the very essence of life.

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That’s because of Conditioning. We humans are hardwired to think of danger as our default response. Down the line, when we were in jungles looking and hunting for food and saving ourselves from other animals, we developed this instinct to always remain alert. Even today, unconsciously our psychology is always alert of danger.

So we have to re-condition ourselves to start thinking in a positive way. We have to understand and be aware about out default settings, only then can we move forward. Being in denial that, “I am above others”, “I am more evolved than others”, “I am holier than thou” mentality, oh please, stop lying to your self. If you were holier, then u wouldn’t be reading this article in the first place.

Positive thinking can be a tricky subject to discuss. There are has been examples of monks and nuns only practicing positive thinking for years and yet turns to negative thinking once they face any danger unexpectedly. Media and public has bought the revolution of conditioning people to chase images, concepts, techniques , philosophies, etc. of positivity, ignoring the fact that they arnt serving the individual in any beneficial way.

So is positive thinking better than negative thinking? I am not here to provide any judgment or impose my ideas on anyone. I am here just to reiterate my views on the topic at hand. Will this article create an impact on you? No, it will not. I don’t expect it to create any impact. I would just like you to brainstorm how free you are in this world.

Tips and Tricks

Instead of fighting the darkness bring its easier to bring the light. Instead of trying fight the negative thoughts, try thinking more positive ones. This way one be at peace instead of cribbing about why the negative thought has entered their mind. Believe me when I say, even the yogis, monks,etc get negative thought now and then, only difference is, they nether enjoy the this luxury nor act upon it.

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Yes, you heard that right. Not everybody can afford to spend time with their thoughts. Not everybody has the courage to face themselves as they are, beyond the tags and labels the world has superimposed. Not everyone is ready to free themselves from the prison of their own mind.

The human psyche is wired to seek autonomy and dominance. Any hint that this control is illusory or beyond their grasp can trigger a profound sense of disquiet, causing some to become unhinged or defiant.

Spirituality and Religion are two different things, yet both words are often used interchangeably. Religion is a cult, a group of individuals gathered with a common belief, while spirituality holds a personal meaning for each individual. We cannot limit spirituality to the boundaries of language.

While religion is all about superimposing beliefs and ideas from a top-down hierarchy, spirituality is a journey of searching for and forming beliefs based on one’s own unique experience. Although the beliefs may seem similar to a third person, the meaning they hold for the individual makes all the difference.

There is a difference between knowing and believing. Knowing comes from external sources, while believing something requires personal experience. Everyone knows that fire burns, yet it takes an experience, such as a child burning their finger at least once, to transform knowing into believing. Knowing is potential power, while believing has both the fire and fuel behind it.

Spirituality is the only luxury which is available for free, yet its expensive.

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So what is the right diet? what are the dos and don’ts?

What is the right diet?

The right diet is any combination of foods that an individual consumes which provides the necessary fuel and nutrients for their body. It’s that simple. Despite the simplicity, the media and various influencers have created so much hype around diet trends and nutritional plans that the basic essence of eating well has been overshadowed.

In reality, a balanced diet doesn’t need to be complicated or restrictive. It should include a variety of foods that supply the essential vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates your body needs to function optimally. The key is to listen to your body, understand your nutritional needs, and make choices that suit your lifestyle and preferences.

Unfortunately, the constant bombardment of conflicting information and the promotion of fad diets have led many people to believe that there is a one-size-fits-all solution to nutrition. This can lead to confusion, frustration, and even unhealthy eating habits.

The truth is, what works for one person may not work for another. Factors like age, gender, activity level, health conditions, and personal goals all play a role in determining what the right diet is for an individual. There is no one size fits all, anyone claiming otherwise is just a marketing technique. Instead of getting caught up in the latest diet craze, it’s more beneficial to focus on whole, minimally processed foods, pay attention to portion sizes, and maintain a balanced approach to eating.

Remember, the right diet is not about strict limitations or depriving yourself of the foods you love. It’s about nourishing your body, feeling good, and having the energy to live your life to the fullest. Don’t deprive yourself of favorite foods, limit their consumption so that you may continue to savor them for years to come.

Tips and Tricks

Basic practices such as not drinking water before and after meals, avoiding bad food combinations, not mixing different digestion food items, avoiding oily and heavy breakfast,etc should be followed additionally to promote better digestion and holistic health in the long run.

What’s more important is to experiment and observe the effects of food habits in day-to-day life. Once the sweet spot is found, one can clearly see what works and what doesn’t.

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