Jun 9

The greatest social challenge facing humanity is not one of economic divide but one of spiritual divide. The gap between those who want to help others and those that want to hurt others is increasing. The solution is simple; More acts of kindness and more compassion. Just as negativity can be contagious so can positivity too and it can spread faster too. Think of the person you admire the most, the person you find seems to ooze and aura of inner self certainty and mirror them in the things you do.

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Apr 21

Personal Development and the bigger picture

Whatever your perception of the world, there is an undeniable truth in that the change comes from within. Everyone will see the world in a different way, some people will choose to focus on the economic crisis, some will choose to focus on the the upheaval in Tibet,some will choose to focus on the political situation in Zimbabwe and some will focus on the rising fuel prices. Where does Personal Development fit into the the current climate?

It boils down to whether we choose to focus on the symptom or the cure. Personal Development is the cure whereas each individual problem is just the symptom of a greater underlying problem. Trying to tackle each issue one by one is kind of like masking the symptom with pain killers. It never gets to the root of the issue. The solution is understanding. A broader scale understanding that we are all one and have just this one home to share.

Do you see your family as just those around you that share a home with? Or do you see every single soul on this planet as not just an extended family but an immediate family? Try observing a stranger on the street as someone who is part of your immediate family. You will be amazed at the difference it makes to the way you feel about them. Suddenly they’re no longer a threat to you. As soon as you look at the physical differences of language or culture or skin colour or any difference, those differences can make you feel the need to arm yourself. Whereas if choose to look at the similarities instead of the differences a whole different world opens up to you.

Think of them as human just as you are. Think of them as someone who is just trying to find a purpose just as you are. Think of them as someone who is trying to make a lively hood just as you are. Think of them as someone who is creating opportunities just as you are. Think of them as someone who would like to enjoy life and experience some variety. Think of them as someone who believes they are significant just as you do yourself.

Can you feel the shift within you already?

This is where the path of Personal Development makes inroads to the relationships between all beings on this small planet. It begins with a small shift and so, if we can start with ourselves, those beliefs and attitudes spread and eventually will create mass change, especially if we educate our children this way.

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Oct 1

My heart is sensitive and romantic and I believe that everyone in this world has that one special soul who they connect with. However recently, life has illuminated the reality of love, and essentially compartmentalised it into a ‘black and white’ order. I have been granted a brief look into the eyes of others around me, who see love as the manifestation of hormones, lust and desire. Where love has nothing to do with your heart or higher self’s purpose, but more of an indication of what other parts of the body are pulling you to do. The stark realisation of this fact aggrieves me; even though I have known it for years and am no stranger to its concept, I never the less find it a difficult and painful awareness to accept.

Have we as humans become so disconnected that even love has lost its mysterious potency? It has been handed over to our bodies and we are but slaves to its satisfaction.

The more I cling onto the thought that love is a beautiful, transformative, uplifting journey for your soul, the more I am forced to witness its corrupt expression.

However being a firm believer in the teachings of Abraham, I know that my thoughts are the powerful engines which shape my reality, therefore I understand that this moment in time serves me well to uphold my firm beliefs in love and what I REALLY want from the love of another.

Why should I bow down to an unnatural concept when my heart craves to experience the power of my creator through the love of another soul. Do I compromise my hearts calling for the sake of conforming to a lifestyle that is accepted by everyone else around me?

As I transmit my intention of love to others I am consistently made to feel guilty for asking for a love that is innocent and sweet, looked upon as though I have a warped, archaic perception of love. Have I always been the human dreaming of being the butterfly, who is now lost in the psychosis?

As you can see, my internal battle and quest to eliminate this loneliness brings pain, doubt and fear. However even though the world around me adopts such a view, I wish to live in my fantasy and hold on to my concept that this person who I fall in love with, will also have the view that love is a soul connection, and not just the result of chemicals and hormones surging around the body.

If this view is indeed a result of years of misconstrued understanding where the barrier between the dream world and real world has been breached, then I wish to allow this to grow within me. It gives me ‘hope’ and paints a picture of a world I ‘choose’ to live in, albeit a reverie.

So with this in mind, I allow the tears in my heart to dry and hold firm my views in the face of harsh truth and with god’s grace breathe in life and wait for the day when my fairy tale romance becomes my reality. I wish to be saturated in its magic, to bathe in its sweet aroma and to taste its intoxicating essence upon my lips!

Follow your dreams in the face of adversity – no matter what the cost!

Peace and Blessings – From a slightly broken heart, but i know i will heal! Kavi xxx

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Aug 15

StuHis passion is music (although he would argue it is chocolate!). His voice, so deliberate yet strategically subtle, gentle teasing you into submission for the message he brings. A winning combination to the lyrics, which are layered like a rich tapestry of life experience, higher learning, faith, goals and love. It’s like the poetic murmurings of a beautifully sung prayer – it touch’s your heart and leaves light in your soul!

Read the following in depth interview to uncover why this inspiring new artist is promoting the one thought “the human solution is a divine evolution” and why he has decided to donate his profits to a charity close to his heart.

So Stu, when and why did you start playing guitar, and when did you discover you had the talent to sing?

I asked for a guitar on my 16th birthday, as soon as I knew a few chords I started writing my own songs. A few months later I made my own studio by lashing together my ghetto blaster to my girlfriend’s dad’s stereo.
I knew I could sing as a child because I could imitate all the songs I liked, but I was v shy.

What are your fondest musical memories?

Playing my old Walt Disney record, yes vinyl! My favourite “I wanna be like you” over & over. Still know it word for word & every monkey noise.
Then my next favourite memory is when I was 17 & went to Dingwalls Jazz club on a Sunday afternoon. Giles Peterson was playing frenetic but musical 60’s bebop & two guys (I think maybe “brothers in Jazz”) were dancing, the floor just cleared for them. I can’t describe in words how I felt, the sound & the sight just moved me to tears as I stared, it was a v deep experience. They had such style, grace & physicality, the rhythm, joy & energy was shinning from them, the sound … it was a high that no drugs could come close too.
That experience got me into dancing, so I went every week to these Sunday afternoon jazz clubs, even on my own, it was so cool. Never packed & always full of interesting souls struttin n stepping, expressing their thing. You can see a person s soul through the eyes & how they move to rhythm.

So who are your influences?

The person who is the single biggest influence on me musically is my music teacher, Professor TV Gopalakrishnan, a master of Classical Indian music.

Who are your favorite musicians? Groups?

Musicians & influence is such an enormous question for me; so here goes. My musical training came from listening, first to the radio, with whatever caught my ear. As a young teenager I loved rock n roll, especially Little Richard, but the radio is so diverse & so my taste has always been diverse, but generally its Black music in its many forms. Growing older I could afford records: I loved the songs Prince did, up until about 90’s, loved hip hop beats, conscious lyrics of KRS1 & Chuck D, but the best flow was Big Daddy Kane. At that time you were either an indie kid or hip hop, I was the odd ball, I did like both, though I could only dance to hip hop. Indie songs, bands I appreciated. The breaks in hip hop got me into funk, JB being the obvious, but then the breaks began to get more obscure, jazz influenced & soon my record collection was well over 10,000; gospel, jazz, funk, soul etc.
No one name really stands out, but sooo many songs & artists have influenced me.

So how do you handle mistakes during a performance and do you ever get nervous before a performance?

Mistakes, if u don’t make a big deal of it, other people won’t either. When buskin on the underground I would actually be trying things out, writing, working ideas. True performance art ! the energy & vibe of all those people would become part of the creation. Busker’s do 2 hour slots, its all v official, sometimes for those 2 hours I’d work on 1 song, but people only hear 10 seconds of it so it cool. Any way if I didn’t make “mistakes” I wouldn’t get ideas. Of course I got nervous. The mind is such a trickster. Some days u listen to its crap more than others.

Do you work with other artists, If so who? and why?

Yeah, I got into doing my own stuff by working with others. My first single “Money” by Coco & the Bean, I did the rap for it. These guys did hip hop in their bedroom so this inspired me to do likewise. Currently I’m working with Sali, a Carnatic (south Indian classical) singer on an innovative dance track, also an RnB singer called Kavita, she’s great but keeps burping like Barney (Simpson’s) after a great vocal take.

Ha ha, very funny – I’ll get you back for that!
So, tell us about the REAL Stu?

Big question eh? I’m special, there’s no one quite like me. Then we are all unique & special so I guess I’m ordinarily special. I’m very blessed, I’ve had the opportunity to experience a “western” & “eastern” family life. I’m v healthy. Funny, well I laugh at myself. V positive, love life, especially people, but I think our potential is nowhere near reached. I’m also blessed with many talents, musical creations being the primary. But the more I witness people struggling with themselves, religion, God etc the more I realize that my most treasured blessing is having a direct communication with the divine. I always feel truly at ease with my personal faith & this actually also makes me feel at ease with any religious faith. Religious texts are words but the wisdom is woven between the words, interpretation depends on the heart & mind of the reader. The essence of love is universal, humanity is corrupted by ego. Music transcends all this political egotistical crap because its feeling comes not from words but the movement of notes. Like love it has its universal law. I study Carnatic music because the “laws” that define this music have evolved over thousands of years & its focus is more internal, it has more culture, not to say its better, but it has a different emphasis. It will be many more years before I will master this art but its influence will permeate into my creations.

Why do you want to record and release your own music?

I make one big assumption in life: if I like something, other people will also like it, not everyone, but then not everyone likes Thai red curry, but I do.
“I admit, this rhyme is not mine, it’s inspired, divine….” That’s a quote from “Beats n Love” but it reflects my music. I feel that my music will inspire other people, whether it’s a social or political comment or whether its lust or love, my tunes are varied, but whatever the message & emotion that combination of notes conveys, other people will share & appreciate hearing it.
I feel I have a “product” which is not eclectic, cliquey but has a wide appeal. I want to get “mass” appeal, that will mean more influence, power & of course money. With those ingredients I stand a chance of creating a school for deprived kids.

How do you describe your music to people?

It depends who I’m talking to. Music is a science, its full of maths, symmetry, structure, its incredibly beautiful. Its nature & nature is not as crazy & abstract as many people think. If you are not aware of the fundamentals of it, then how can it be discussed? If u wanna chat like a critic then its all about your perspective, your interpretation & feeling. Many people may share that feeling but not everyone so its not really a discussion.
My music is natural, so without trying it has a structure, symmetry, flow etc. its natural because its inspired: by the millions of songs, rhythms & nature, by life, energy & love.

Out of the songs that you have written so far, which one is your favorite and why?

“On my way” seems to be a big favorite, I like it cos its catchy & has a great positive message. Its not my personal favorite. My favorites are some of my earlier tracks which wont be released till I’m in a position of having a great studio & engineer to do them justice. The sound scape of them is amazing, I would spend sometimes up to 4 months on one track. Now I spend about 4 weeks.
What challenges have you had to face in order to pursue music?
Time has been the biggest challenge. I’ve needed a lot of time to be ready for this release. Physically, spiritually, mentally as well as musically. I’ve practiced yoga for 15 years, studied martial arts, Sufiism, Carnatic music, ayervedic medicine, dance, all to get a balance in my life. I trained to become a school teacher, its all part of the BIG plan, its starting to come together. My drive has pushed me through some v tough times, fate has continually pulled me along. I’m ready now.

Why have you decided to donate your profits to charity and why have you chosen this charity?

The Parry Charitable foundation is a small independent charity that provides a loving home for handicapped children. It’s standard of care is high & there is a big waiting list. Every penny from donation goes into helping the kids NOT on administration. ALL the workers are volunteer, most charities 70% of your donation goes into paying their admin costs.
I know this charity & sometimes work there myself, for these reasons I donate to them.
In the long term I want to set up my own school for deprived children. I’m a qualified school teacher, yoga teacher & scientist as well as many other “life” skills. From a young age I would talk to God. When I was 12 years old I received instructions to help deprived children. This goal is my purpose, music is the vehicle to propel me there.

OK, finally what does “the human solution is a divine evolution” really mean?

It’s from the track ‘On my way’….
Ok this small phrase has a big meaning, & rather like a sutra in yoga text, a surah in the Holy Qur’an or verse from the Holy bible its open to interpretation. Unlike those wonderful books of wisdom the writer is fortunately for me still around. So here’s the intended meaning: evolution; this word is kicking up a big fuss lately, in America some schools are refuting the scientific evidence & claiming the “literal” bible version of evolution. Well books of ancient wisdom such as the Old Testament were written with hidden meaning & depth that belies a superficial surface. The true value of the words lie in studying those hidden meanings. The Darwin theory of evolution & the scientific evidence is compatible with religion in fact it’s magnitude & beauty reinforces a divinity & creation. However this is not the platform for this debate & as I said before, interpretation is dependant on perspective. What’s important is that evolution is not HISTORICAL its continuous. We are still evolving & compared to the history of the world we have just climbed down from the trees. If you look at how we behave we are still as ruthless as we ever were as beasts. Capitalism is the law of the jungle but applied to the City. “Only the strong survive. “ Fortunately this is not the whole story. All over the world people are silently working, giving unconditional love to those who are in need or weaker. I believe that right now, historically, we are at a cross roads of evolution. Technology is changing our lives & the global communication phenomena can & is spreading a message of love. It’s mixed up with violence & sex but Its harder to get any more violent than we are, its impossible to take off any more clothes, but the message of love is limitless & individuals & groups everywhere are able to contribute & unify in a way even the hippies never dreamed off. I read in a Sufi book once (can’t remember which one, sorry). “When we act like animals we are worse than the animals but when we act like angels we are better than the angels.”
Its just a case of time. When will we choose the path of love?

Thank you to Stu for sharing his work with us and giving us the time for this interview, and thank YOU for reading the article.

Peace and Love

If you would like to know more about this artist, then please check out his website WWW.STUSOUNDS.COM

Special thanks to the designer of the website: Pj (www.websitedesignz.net) and Phil (www.macpips.com)

Article written by: Kavita Sohanta - I DO NOT burp in between songs! :)

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May 11
Free Tasneem!
icon1 Amit Sodha | icon2 Current Affairs | icon4 05 11th, 2007| icon3No Comments »

I’ve had some terrible news that a fellow blogger and friend has been arrested by Military Police in Bangladesh. First and foremost my prayers go to his close family and friends and to the safe release of Tasneem Khalil. My friend Sunny has posted this message and is planning to organise a protest in London at the Bangladeshi High Commision to free Tasneem.

Tasneem is an avid supporter of Human Rights so please do show your support whether that be through you thoughts words or deeds to getting freed from prison.

Thank you.

UPDATE: Our friend has been released and is in good health. Thank you to everyone who showed their support! :)

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Dec 17

Our path in life is uncertain
And often the road is unsteady
With each step you bring your fair share of burden
In an effort to reach this new life, waiting and ready

Do not be beset by doubt or fear
For this journey your on is essential
Proud angels in heaven will shed a tear
As they see you reach your potential

From the boy you were to the man you become
New light, no hope, shines through your heart
A dramatic change has now begun
This new you, and new life is about to start

But dear Amit, never loose faith in what you can do
You’re a warrior in mind, heart and soul
Remember there are always angels to guide you
That will show you true meaning and make you feel whole

There’s a chance that I am here for you
To carry you through this changing state
I will offer my kindness, my wisdom and truth
Because maybe I am here due to fate

Don’t look to far for the friends here to guide you
Because there are reasons we are surrounding you now
We are here to help you succeed in what you want to do
All you need to do is ask, and we will say when and how

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Nov 16

Here. Enjoy!

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Nov 1

On the 2nd and 16th of Novemeber Larry King will be interviewing some of the figures that appeared on The Secret. Among them will be Joe Vitale. I don’t have access to CNN or CNN international but if anyone does have the facility to tape the shows and send them too me it would be greatly appreciated! :D The Secret is taking the world by storm so if you haven’t already got your copy grab it here today!

Here are the details of when the shows will be aired.

- The Larry King special on Beyond Positive Thinking is a two-parter. Get out your calendar and mark down the following — Part 1 to air Nov 2nd. Part 2 to air Nov 16th.

Guests on Part 1 (Nov. 2) are -

Bob Proctor www.bobproctor.com
John Assaraf www.onecoach.com
JZ Knight www.ramtha.com
Rev Michael Beckwith www.agapelive.com
Dr. John DeMartini www.drdemartini.com

Guests on Part 2 (Nov. 16) are -

James Ray www.jamesray.com
Jack Canfield www.jackcanfield.com
Dr. Joe Vitale www.mrfire.com
George Pratt www.drgeorgepratt.com
Jayne Payne www.theintensiveprogram.com

Larry King Live airs on CNN at 6 p.m. pacific and re-airs at 9 p.m. pacific and 12 midnight (which is 9 p.m. eastern, midnight eastern and 3 a.m. eastern; 8 pm central, 11 pm central, and 2 am central).

The show airs overseas on CNN International, as well.

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Sep 27

I was just quickly going perusing the blogdom and came across a post by Mr Stevie P regarding his personal experiment on giving up his news addiction. :)

It sort of coincides with two of my other recent blog posts: Virus Alert and What are your biggest spheres of influence.

Steve has given some very clear and interesting reasons on why this experiment illustrates the illusion of wanting to keep up with current affairs. I’m not saying I agree, but I like ya shtyle Shteeeve! :D

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Sep 6

VirusWoah! It’s been an absolutely manic couple of days at work. Unfortunately we got hit by the W32/Opanki.worm virus which affected many of our servers and computers at work that had yet to be patched correctly. Thankfully though, we’ve now managed to get it all under control and with a bit of TLC our servers and computers are well again! :)

The virus got me thinking though. It got me thinking about viruses that affect humanity. I’m not talking about the common cold, or the flu, I’m talking about the human mind. When I talk about viruses of the human mind, I’m talking about negative images, thoughts and words that are spread which ultimately create a result that we do not desire. Just a quick flick through the tabloids and papers will give a good indication of peoples thoughts are directed. Or does it? Is it actually, the other way around? Are those words and images being printed creating and stirring feelings within us that affect the way we think and feel? I truly think it is the latter and it is with that I have consciously decided to keep steer myself away from those things.

I picked up a tabloid paper recently and I found that my physiolgy and emotional state changed in accordance with what I was reading! That was the first time, I consciously felt those sorts of changes, I actually felt the various chemical reactions going off in my body…what does that say about the things being written about?

I don’t want to close myself off completely from what is going on in the world. Nope, that wouldn’t be just as counter productive as those things ruling my life. What I now do is I very briefly watch the news in the mornings and I have an extremely quick skim through the headlines of the newspapers in the canteen at work in the mornings. I do this to stay informed of events around the globe. For those events might require my attention at a later stage. Someone may ask my opinion, and for that, I may have a valid and constructive one to offer. It’s important to keep abreast of current affairs but i think it is unwise to be overwhelmed by events to the point where is creates stress within me because it makes me less productive.

Because I’ve reduced the amount of attention that I’ve given to t.v., newspapers etc, I’ve found that I’m much more able to focus my thoughts and attention in the area that I choose. Recently I did an experiment on seeing all humans as angels and had interesting results. More recently I’ve been creating and guiding my thoughts towards creating more abundance in my life and again I’ve had some very interesting results!

To conclude, I would say to anyone, stay informed, but don’t be overwhelmed. The feeling of being overwhelmed acts like a virus, it spreads not only through your being but to the others around you.

May the power of choice be with you! :p

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Apr 7

Bye Bye Alcohol!The title initially maybe a little misleading, firstly I would like to clarify that I am not an alcoholic or anything, far from it, infact, I’m the opposite, I’m a tea total! I have drunk in the past however. When I was younger my parents owned an off licence and so on the odd occasion the would allow me the odd tipple. That was when I was about 13 or so. After we got rid of the off licence I made a conscious decision not to drink alcohol. Not an easy task when you’re a teenager surrounded by curious teenagers who want to do nothing but drink! But I managed throught my late teens and early twenties to avoid alcohol altogther. It was not until last year that I decided to drink just for a weekend while I went away on a stag weekend with some friends in Amsterdam? Why?

Well firstly it was a personal experiment. I wanted to see if through meditation I could overcome the effects of alcohol (which it did to a certain degree) and second of all I wanted to know what it felt like to be drunk so that I could give an objective opinion to people about alcohol. So I did it, I went away for the weekend with the lads and had loads and loads to drink. I drank plenty and found the alcohol generally had severly adverse effects on my emotions. Some people become extra loving and kind and friendly, but for me, I found myself to be angry and irritable. It taught me a lot about myself and alcohol in general, but, it was just a personal experiement which I decided to try on myself so that I could know of the effects first hand.

The are a few things in particular about Alcohol that worry me greatly;

Read the rest of this entry »

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Apr 2

Gadgets GalloreI personally think technology is great, there are so many wonderful things that you can do with it, I love my ipod because I can carry all my favorite music where ever I go. I love blogging because it gives me a chance to exchange ideas with people across the globe. With my computer it’s easy to keep in touch with friends and relatives and of course that love hate relationship that we all have with our cell phones! :)

Albeit that technology can be beneficial but it is not the be-all and end-all of our lives. The question also arises on how long before we hit a metaphorical reality of the Teminator and The Matrix? (or are we already there?) We must not forget that there is so much out there other than technology. Technology can lead to imense stress and so it’s worth remember that there was no T.V. at some point in the past and that people used to live much simpler lives. There are so many other wonderful things in the world that could be experienced other than what is in your bedroom, do not become alergic to nature!

Think about this…

1) What would you do if there was no blogging?
2) How would you communicate with people without phones or cell phones?
3) If there were no T.V. what would you do for entertainment?
4) When was the last time you went out for a walk, just for some fresh air?!
5) If a massive EMP wiped out much of the worlds electrical devices, would you still be here and would life still go on?
6) Would you get bored without technology or would you find other things to do?

(A huge thanks to the following bloggers for the ideas and links - graham, upon us all a little rain must fall, Twiss, and at face value)

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