You Don't Need To Be Happy...

"Akira, my beloved, I see sweat beads on your forehead. Is there something that bothers you?", asked the wise old sage.

"I guess... I'm unsure. I don't feel like myself anymore.", said the concerned Akira.

"This 'myself' that you mention, what is that self like?", the sage enquired.

"Well I guess, I used to be crazy, full of life and always happy. My friends say I used to exude happiness anywhere and everywhere I went, you know, like a bundle of joy. But, now they tell me I have changed. They tell me I have lost my spark. I wonder if this is real, you know? Have I really forgotten how to be happy?", said Akira as he poured his heart out.

A faint smile subtly painted itself on the sage's face as he looked at Akira and disclosed, "Akira, you don't need to be happy. Just be content."

_____

Happiness is extremely overrated. The word happiness, with its simplistic connotation of pleasure, has gotten the whole world chasing and running behind an illusion of a perfect, happy life. People are inescapably judged based on their degree of happiness, and the amount of pleasure they derive from life. But really, one should watch out for this vicious circle of societal judgments and the need to acquire happiness as a measure of one's well-being. In this society, we are all just blind, leading blind. 

In the above interaction of Akira with the sage, those few wise words reveal how happiness is not what one's end goal should be. It should rather be contentment. One should work towards deriving satisfaction from their walk of life, rather than blindly running behind what society proclaims as happiness. Learning the skill of contentment is generally neglected as we have been taught to focus on attaining what we don't have instead of finding fulfilment in the realisation of what we do have. Contentment leaves you feeling fulfilled, satisfied and grateful, whereas happiness is fleeting, temporary and always accompanied by sadness. Hence, don't run after happiness, but rather work towards a well-balanced and well-prioritised life comprising of both materialistic and spiritual goals. 

People's perception of your well-being is not important, yours is. Don't worry about forgetting how to be happy, as long as you remember how to be content. 

#LaughingAnanas

A Wishing Well

 

One afternoon, Akira was marching through the forest, carrying a sack of his many troubles on his weary shoulders. He stopped to rest by a well, that according to a famous myth, was magical by nature. The well was known to grant the wishes of all those who sat by it.

Akira looked into the bountiful water of the magical well, as he reflected upon his troubles. He started to feel thirsty and wished for some water. Suddenly, a glass of cold water appeared before him. A shocked Akira inspected the water and downed every last sip of it. 

He then started to feel hungry and wished for a hearty meal. He suddenly had in his hands, a plate full of delicious food items. Perplexed, he examined the food and ate up every last crumb of it. 

Seeing his wishes being granted, he thought he'd test the magic by wishing for a grand house, all for himself. To his disbelief, a mansion-like house appeared right in front of him. Amazed, he thought to himself that maybe he's being tricked and maybe he should seek something more real, more life-like. 

He shot another arrow in the dark and wished for a beautiful maiden to get settled with. And voila! Standing right before him, was an attractive young lady with a big smile on her face. By this time, Akira was almost certain that it was all unreal. To prove it, he touched the girl saying, "There is no way you are real. Someone is just playing a big, fat joke on me. I can't be this lucky!" At the very instant, everything he wished for disappeared in front of his eyes. 

Akira shook his head in pride, picked up his sack of many troubles and said, "I knew it..." 

-----

There is no beauty in the world till you have the eyes to see it. The flowers will bloom, but you will fail to see them. Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. Likewise, there is no Master till there is a Disciple. And likewise, there can be no gift for you till you know how to receive it. 

So many of us go on searching for something without developing a corresponding receptivity in ourselves. We try to see beauty in the world, not knowing that our eyes are shut. We try to seek for a Master, not knowing that the Disciple in us is absent. We expect to be gifted, not knowing we don't know how to receive the present. 

That's what poor Akira was completely unaware of. How could he possibly sustain any of the wishes he was granted, if he didn't believe them to be true, and was unable to be grateful and accept them? A mind in complete disbelief is capable of driving away the most real of things; just as, a mind in hope is able to attract the most unrealistic...

#LaughingAnanas

How to put Aloe Gel in Hair

And it's here; My first VLOG! 

A little bit of a video and a little bit of a blog, only following up on my previous post iUse Aloe Gel on my Hair. 

Check out the video to learn a simple, inexpensive, DIY 3 minute ritual of how to:

1. Prevent hair fall
2. Maintain healthy, shiny and, of course, beautiful hair
3. Promote hair growth
4. Condition your hair naturally

Enjoy!

#LaughingAnanas

A conversation between two friends...

Akira: Anthropophobia. That's it. That's what I think I have. I'm scared of people. So scared.

Kabira: What type of people are you scared of?

Akira: I'm scared of them all. I'm scared of Masters and I'm scared of Minions. I'm scared of the Fair and the Foul. I'm scared of the Smarties and the Dummies. I'm scared of those who appear to be my Friends and those who I've known to be my Foes. 

Kabira: Really? That many?

Akira: Yeah, sometimes I'm even scared of you! And it's fine, you know. Isn't everyone scared of each other anyway?

Kabira: Possibly.

Akira: Who is it that you're scared of the most? 

Kabira: The fine man I see in the mirror everyday. Myself.

_ _ _ _

Don't we all feel like Akira time and again? Sometimes we're afraid of people, other times we're afraid of heights. Either way, fear is a major part of our lives that we externalize onto people, things and events. 

But on reflecting upon oneself, we realize that fear is within us. It's all in the mind. It's like our own personal demon based on accumulation of our insecurities, failures, traumatic experiences and ego, along with many other factors. This demon within us drives our day-to-day lives, affects our decisions and of course, determines our behaviours. Consequently, the demon in our minds paints our outer reality. 

In that case, should we find threat and be scared of what's outside of us? Or should we let go of and recognize the threat that lies within us? 

#LaughingAnanas

iUse Aloe Gel on my Hair

Aloe Vera, my miracle plant. Put it on your burnt skin, it'll start healing. Put it on your falling hair, it'll start growing. This plant of immortality is an all-rounder, multipurpose agent - like literally! It's an answer to a lot of my questions, but lets get to the point first ...

Why do I use the aloe gel on my hair? Simply because it leaves my hair feeling fresh, long and strong. In essence, aloe vera prevents hair loss and premature graying, and promotes hair growth by strengthening it. It conditions and moisturizes your hair, and bids farewell to your dandruff. With a continued use of aloe vera, you are looking to thick, strong and healthy hair in no time. 

And how do I apply aloe gel on my hair? Easy.

1. Slice to oldest leaf close to its base with a sharp knife. I normally cut a leaf that's at the far bottom base of the plant. These outermost leaves are the best to use, as they're the oldest and largest, and contain lots of thick fleshy gel. I don't support plant cruelty, and I definitely would never steal from my aloe plant. Hence, I suggest cutting only those leaves that have started discoloring and would affect the overall health of the plant if not pruned and controlled.

2. Wash your leaf with lukewarm water, making sure you clean away any brown gel-like goop. 

3. Cut off a smaller chunk from the leaf. Judge the size of this piece according to how much of the gel you think your hair may need. I normally go for a 1.5 cm piece in length.

4. Slice off the serrated edges of both the sides of your aloe piece. Aloe leaves can be spiky and you really don't want its thorns to poke you while you're treating your hair. 

5. Separate the gel into two halves by cutting the piece in the middle. This will expose the entire layer of gel making it easy to apply on your hair.

6. And finally, rub the gel on the piece directly on your scalp. Apply this gel evenly on your entire scalp and when done, massage it briefly. I usually put it on after washing my hair, and allowing it to dry. You can also put it on semi-damp hair.  

   

So give this a shot and let me know how happy your hair feels. 

For more uses of aloe vera gel, read NaturallyCurly's 5 Ways to Use Aloe Vera Gel. 

Go natural, stay beautiful! 

P.S. I'll soon follow this post with a video to put my words into action. Keep reading :)

#LaughingAnanas

iAm Loved ..

.. and Blessed.

I didn't know how it would go when I first started penning my thoughts down in this alter-ego-avatar-blog of mine, aka Laughing Ananas. My sole aim was to encourage a healthy lifestyle and express that it doesn't have to be that difficult to be incorporated in our same ol' day to day lives. And now I wonder.. how's it going? Big hit, big fail? Readers healthy, readers unhealthy? Well, me no know.

But, when I get whatsapps and inboxes, from the most unexpected, asking when the next Ananas post is scheduled for or saying they can't wait for more posts and that the Ananas should keep writing ..

And then I see those who religiously like, share, comment their words of motivation on every single post inspiring the Ananas to laugh even more ..

And those anonymous friends, who probably follow the Ananas by mail just so they can, by default, post their feedback under every post as soon as it comes out ..

And of course those who are completely nonexistent when it comes to social media, and too busy to even shoot a hello once in a blue moon. But, when the Ananas first spoke, they revived their close-to-dead accounts, and spread his word of mouth on, oh yes, la social media!

And the others who actually walk the walk of the Ananas by practicing his suggestions habitually as an everyday thing - eating the avocados, singing to their plants and going as far as hula hooping at the dinner table! Not to forget, getting back to the Ananas to inform how much they enjoy their daily avocado ..

And then some other newly-mets, who don't just keep an eye out for the 'coming up on Ananas', but compare his words to that of the Grand Master Osho's!

Makes the Ananas feel blessed. Feel loved.

So loved, that there are so many genuinely interested in what a random, high-on-life Pineapple has to say.

Thank you for supporting and keeping the Ananas in your kitchen :) You know who you are.

#laughingananas

The Life of Akira

"My dear Akira, I see worry lines on your forehead. What is it that brings you here today?", asked the wise old sage.

"I... I don't know", said the hesitant Akira.

"Is that so? And what is it that you don't know", prompted the sage gently. 

"It's just... nothing makes me feel happy. I don't look forward to anything. I don't even feel like I'm entirely here in front of you", confessed Akira.

"I see. Tell me Akira, is there anything you did to overcome this feeling?", interrogated the sage further.

"Of course I did. I did it all to realize my dreams. I've been there all to find my happiness. I wandered in the deserts and I voyaged in the seas. I flew over the moons and I dug under the soil. I saw my tomorrow and I relived my yesterday. No luck. Tell me, o knower of all, am I dying?"

To this, the sage finally revealed:

"My dear Akira, you have been there all. You wandered in the deserts and you voyaged in the seas. You flew over the moons and dug under the soil. You have seen your Tomorrow and relived your Yesterday. But the only place you haven't been to, is Today."

#LaughingAnanas #CarpeDiem

51 fun things to do this Spring

Want to have not a single dull moment this spring? Read on!

Instructions for the List

Print it out. Put it in your pocket. Do it. 

The Springler's List

1. Go jogging

2. Wake up with the Sun

3. Re-dream your dreams

4. Write your dream on a piece of paper

5. Laminate your dream paper

6. Look for a seed

7. Plant the seed

8. Find out what plant the seed grows into

9. Make a smoothie

10. Feed a dog

11. Burn your jacket

12. Burn your coat

13. Burn your hoodie

14. Paint a sheep

15. Drink aloe vera juice

16. Write a story

17. Dance in the streets

18. Learn to play violin

19. Make your own band

20. Get a gig for your band

21. Play in your band

22. Make your own game

23. Build a sand castle

24. Do the rain dance at a signal

25. Enact Superman

26. Make your own cartoon

27. Name your cartoon Schindler

28. Go on a picnic in your backyard

29. Camp in your local park

30. Ride a tricycle to a club

31. Play a flute in a restaurant

32. Sing to a flower

33. Plan a sleepover

34. Print your own book

35. Name a vegetable after Spiderman

36. Name a flower after Spongebob

37. Name a star after Pinocchio

38. Cut your own hair

39. Cut other people's hair

40. Spin a hula hoop at the dinner table

41. Make your own paper boat

42. Eat all kinds of berries

43. Swing

44. Run a marathon 

45. Eat Avocado Toast

46. Master the art of french cooking

47. Write a message in a bottle

48. Find a message in a bottle

49. Grow tomatoes in your garden

50. Go to Spring Break

51. Bake malteser cupcakes

1 down, 50 to go

iWelcome The Sun

The Sun, The Moon and I are celebrating the First day of Spring, and oh, so is Google. I woke up today to the foggiest morning, not knowing today is THE day. The First day of Spring. The fog obviously didn't help my case.

Forwarding fast to the point of the day I realized the importance of today, thanks to that picture I received on my WhatsApp. Yes, it was The Solar Eclipse. I cannot believe I missed it. But then again, it wasn't as crazy to the local eyes of London as BBC portrayed it. That type of image probably just comes with equipment, and clearer skies of course. Else you're just stuck with your fog. But, you're not alone ..

Spotted: A randomer Googling The Infamous Eclipse

Lots of us would much rather rely on our good ol' mate Google for the latest gossip. I like how the Eclipse marked the First day of Spring this year. Makes it nothing but all the more special. 

I stepped out, without my jacket, yes, to Welcome the Sun. Turns out, I wasn't the only one. 

Exhibit A: The daring Pigeon tanning himself at the edge of a London Platform

Exhibit B: The Mighty Spring Flowers blooming away

Everyone has their own way of Welcoming the Sun. You might be packing your essentials to go out for a picnic, or you're probably camping in your backyard. Either way, get ready to go out with Miss Sunderella, she's back and she's here. 

And for me, I'm only thrilled to have my shadow back.

Peace Sir

#HappyMothersDay

Today's most sensational hashtag is probably #HappyMothersDay.

Technically, everyday should be mother's day, but today, in particular, is that one day that all the children around the world devote to celebrating and hastagging how special their moms are. To be honest, for a large part of my life, I never even knew when mother's day was, let alone celebrating it. Things have changed now. I've realized that its not always enough to feel that your mom is the most special person in your heart; expression matters. It makes her so explicitly happy, even the smallest expression, that its so totally worth it.

Your mom is probably the most unconditional person there ever is when it comes to you. The only thing she's qualified in is Love, and she expects nothing back. Oh yes, she's done her PhD in How to Love, Unconditionally - something most people can only dream of achieving. I wonder how they do it. In fact, even now, I am undoubtedly my mom's career. She's worked on me since I was born. And even in my worst times, I am my mom's Star Project - All day, Everyday. 

In my opinion, mothers should be celebrated everyday. But let's ask ourselves, how much does that happen in reality? So many mothers, and women in general, are controlled, beaten up and/or insulted. In short, treated as worthless. Fair? I don't think so. Jonathan Simpson, a Labour Councillor, tells us of ways we can help these women and these mothers out in his blog A Happy And Safe Mother's Day. Have a read!

For now, lets all go make our moms feel special, with maybe a small collage, a FaceTime call or something as little as saying "I love you Mom". 

Happy Mother's Day!