anando

Thank GOD is there:)

Today I witnessed my somebodyness:)
This morning I went to Costco for weekly shopping. After collecting all stuff in my cart I headed for checking out. I felt doubtful if I would be able to unload and load all this into the car! Looking at my cart overflowing, the young man on the counter smilingly asked me if I needed help and promptly I answered “No, Thank you. I am sure I can manage.” In my mind I watched myself thinking – who does he think I am? some week woman who can’t manage life without help? I am a strong woman  yes surely I can manage.

Pushing my much heavy cart I headed for the parking lot. My car was parked very conveniently close to the store and it seemed not so tough to reach it. But again a bird chirped inside – you think some help would have been good? Noway the big voice declared!!!

I parked the cart near my car, opened the trunk and was about to lift the heavy box loaded with multiple things in them. Just then I heard someone speaking to me over my shoulder – “Mam can I help you?” and before I knew I felt my heart jumping with joy. Before the STRONG WOMAN inside me had a chance to say anything, without even looking at who was offering I shouted YES PLEASE. I then turned around to see it was another smiling young guy from the Costco staff. He was actually gathering the carts but seeing my cart felt I needed help.

He looked lke an angle to me at that time. At that moment I realized how I am being taken care of. Happily I asked him ” did GOD send you?” he laughed and said yes. I joyfully shared with him about my hesitation in taking the help and he too shared how his wife too finds it difficult to ask for help. Within next 2 minutes all my stuff was well placed in my van and thanking him for 10th time I left.

On the way I kept thinking on how I always pretend to be strong refusing to take help. If a man offers I feel – what is he thinking? just because I am a woman I can’t do this? And if some woman offers then I feel – come on, I am stronger than you. You take care of yourself, I don’t need help!

No matter who comes forward to help – I am not ready to let go my “I am a strong woman” attitude.
Thank GOD for watching me and my foolish EGO. I suddenly remembered a say I had heard ” GOD gives you not what you want but what you need”

To the Ashtabhooja, ashtalakshmi, ashtaavadhani woman of 21st century!

I am a woman of 21st century. I am independent to take my own decisions and I own complete responsibility for my decisions and their consequences. I  am also free to be, express and act as I take my life as my own. I choose everything right from my husband to my shoes. I fight for my rights and stand for my place in the world. I feel no less than any other person and stand firmly for what I care for. I participate in my life and create my own world.

And so many times I wonder how was a woman of ancient times would be?
According to the Hindu philosophy a woman is seen as a Goddess, it is believed that  –
“A son must always serve his mother even if she has been an outcast.”
“The professor is equivalent of ten teachers, the father is equal to hundred professors, the mother exceeds a thousand fathers.”
“All other sins are expiable but he who is cursed the mother never liberated.”
“An outcast father may be forsaken, but not the mother, she is never an outcast to the son”.
“One conquers this world through respect for the mother, the middle religion (the firmament) through respect for the father, and through service to the preceptor one gains the region of Brahman.”
“Janani Janmabhumischa Svargadapi Gariasi” i.e. The mother and the motherland are superior to heaven.

Then how did she come to a state where she was burnt or made ugly by cutting their hair after husband’s death. How she became a burden on the family that she was married off by paying a dowry. and when she became so cheap that she was disposed off for money, sex and other low desires of a man?
Was it a man’s doing?
Or I the powerful woman was also responsible for this downpath of my own sisters and daughters?

My mother the great woman who liberated many women from their horrible life says who will understand woman other than a woman?
Yes mother this is true.
But history shows how women have destroyed women.
Even today a mother her son to burn the wife.

When are we the women going to realize that neither society nor men are responsible for our suffering but it is WE – NO “I” who is responsible for my own suffering. When will we understand that by supporting and standing for another woman I can stand for my own self.

Traditional our societies have believed that woman is Abala – powerless – the one who has no strength.
Is this true? who says so?
I have never felt physically, emotionally or intellectually any weaker than a man.

Even today in the 21st century women must find answers to many questions.
On the evening of March 8th the international day I appeal to my sisters to see self as the Ahtabhuja (one with eight attributes),  Ashtalakshmi (creator of 8 aspects of richness), Ashtaavadhani (multi tasking one), the great human being who can take care of children, serve older in the family, love and forgive husband, create prosperity, work as an equal with man and still have energy to smile and laugh.
We are the strength, pillars of this world.
We are the creators, nurturers and builders of this world.

Don’t see yourself from the eyes of others.
Be strong, be joyous, be loving, BE SELF AWARE.
Open your third eye and see yourself as nature has made you.