Sunday, October 15, 2023

The Habit of being Proactive



I've finished reading the first habit of effectiveness, "Be Proactive," and I want to share what I've learned. Being proactive means taking charge and being responsible, not just watching things happen. It's about looking after our growth, understanding our mistakes, and working on getting better. Being proactive also means knowing what we can and can't control. We don't waste time worrying about things we can't change, but focus on the things we can. The idea of the "circle of concern" and "circle of influence" was interesting. The "Circle of Concern" includes things we care about but can't control, while the "Circle of Influence" involves things we can directly impact and change through our actions. Covey emphasizes focusing on our Circle of Influence to become more effective. Instead of worrying about things we can't change, we should focus on improving ourselves and being more proactive, which can make things better.

The author, Stephen Covey, also talked about the power of "Have" and "Be" attitudes. I could relate to this. When our concerns are full of "haves" like "If only I have a better job" or "If only I had a nicer car," these are things we can't always control. Instead, we can make a positive change by shifting to "be" attitudes. For example, "I can be more hardworking" or "I can be more creative." If we want things to be different, we need to work on the things we can control.

After reading this, I'm taking a thirty-day challenge that the author suggests. Here's what I'm planning to do to be more proactive:
1. When I make a mistake, I'll admit it, fix it, learn from it, and correct right away.
2. I won't blame/ accuse others.
2. I'll be part of solutions, not problems. I'm going to try this for a month with myself, my family, my students, and my friends. I'll share my experiences after a month. If you're interested, you can try some of these too and tell me how it goes in the comments.

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

P/PC

There’s this concept I find very valuable (again from the same book, "7 Habits of Highly Effective People"), and it's called "P/PC," which stands for "Production" and "Production Capability." Let me break it down for you in my own words:

 

Production (P): This is the result or output of our efforts. It's what we get when we work on something. For example, if we have a garden, the vegetables we grow in it are the production.

 

Production Capability (PC): This is like the health and quality of the garden itself. It's the ability to produce more vegetables in the future. So, if we take good care of the soil, water it, and keep it healthy, our garden will have a strong production capability. Now, balancing P/PC means not just focusing on the immediate result (the vegetables) but also taking care of what allows us to produce more in the long run (the healthy garden).

 

Here's how we can use this concept in our life:

Example: Let's say we have a job, and we work really hard to get a promotion (that's the production). But if we work so hard that we get stressed and burn out, we might harm our production capability (our health and well-being).

 

Balancing: To balance P/PC, we should work hard for our promotion but also take care of our health by managing stress, getting enough rest, and staying physically active. This way, we can achieve our short-term goals (production) while ensuring we can keep performing well in the long run (production capability). In our life, we should not just think about the immediate results but also about the ability to produce more in the future. It's about finding a healthy balance between what we do now and what helps us do it better over time.

 

In today's world, where things are very challenging in every aspect, I feel this concept is very relevant. It reminds me to not just focus on what I can achieve right now but also on what helps me keep achieving in the future. It's about finding a smart balance between what I do today and what keeps me going strong over time.



My understanding of Proactivity, Positive thinking, R and I

In the book "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey, proactivity and positive thinking are two distinct concepts. Proactivity means taking charge of your actions and choices. It's about being in control of your life and not letting external circumstances or other people determine how you respond to situations. Proactive people understand that they can choose their responses and take responsibility for their decisions. On the other hand, positive thinking is about maintaining a hopeful and optimistic outlook. It's about looking for the good in situations and believing that things can improve. While positivity is essential, it's not enough on its own. Proactivity goes a step further by encouraging you to take action and make positive changes in your life. 

The concept of "R" and "I" stands for Resourcefulness and Initiative. Resourcefulness means finding creative solutions to challenges and making the most of the resources available to you. It's about thinking outside the box and finding innovative ways to overcome obstacles. Initiative, on the other hand, is about taking the first step and being proactive in pursuing your goals. It means not waiting for someone else to tell you what to do but taking the initiative to make things happen. Together, resourcefulness and initiative are essential qualities for personal and professional effectiveness, as they empower you to overcome challenges and achieve your objectives.

Monday, August 21, 2023

Discovering Mindfulness through Youngey Mingyur Rinpoche's Videos

In today's rapidly changing world, the significance of mindfulness has grown immensely. As the world evolves around us, remaining present has become crucial. Mindfulness isn't just a fleeting trend; it serves as an anchor connecting me to my inner self and the external world. For the past six months, I've been immersing myself in the mindfulness videos of Youngey Mingyur Rinpoche, actively practicing what I've learned.
Rinpoche's remarkable ability to simplify complex ideas and explain them like a friend truly sets him apart. But what's even more appealing is his approachability and positive vibe. It's refreshing to see that a meditation guide can be relatable, humorous, and uplifting. Reading his book "Restful Mind" last year has inspired me to learn more and engage in mindfulness practices. Additionally, I've become used to watching his YouTube shorts, which are catchy and easy to enjoy. These shorts, typically under a minute, are not only convenient but also highly enriching. I've also been using Rinpoche's videos to help my students grasp the concept of mindfulness. They connect with his charm and relatability, finding his guidance both endearing and appealing. Introducing them to this wonderful resource feels like sharing a treasured secret, enabling us to collectively unwind and forge deeper connections. If you're contemplating the journey into mindfulness, I strongly recommend delving into Rinpoche's videos. They've opened my eyes to the beauty within each moment, revealing the profound impact that even a handful of videos can have. Why not give it a shot? I'm certain you'll find it as rewarding and enlightening as I have.

Sunday, August 13, 2023

Discovering New Perspectives: Lessons from 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Sometimes, reading books is easy when we just read and know the meanings of words. But, it becomes harder when we really want to understand and digest the meaning. So, for me, reading books needs a lot of effort and energy. That's why I get bored and lose focus when reading non-fiction books. To fix this, I started writing down the main things I learn from books in my blog. I hope this will help me understand better and stay interested, and also keep me going with my blogging.

Lately, I began reading a book titled "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey. At the start of the book, it talks about "Paradigm and Principles" before introducing us to the 7 habits. The portion on paradigms and principles focuses on helping us understand the significance of paradigms and how they affect the way we behave and the results we achieve. He defines paradigm as the way we see, perceive, understand and interpret the world. 


Picture: Google


While the author was explaining why changing how we see things is important, there was a story that really made me think. I want to share it here:

 

“I remember a mini-paradigm shift I experienced one Sunday morning on a subway in New York. People were sitting quietly- some reading newspapers, some lost in thought, some resting with their eyes closed. It was a calm, peaceful scene.

 

Then suddenly, a man and his children entered the subway car. The children were so loud and rambunctious that instantly the whole climate changed.

 

The man sat down next to me and closed his eyes, apparently oblivious to the situation. The children were yelling back and forth, throwing things, even grabbing people's papers. It was very disturbing. And yet, the man sitting next to me did nothing.

 

It was difficult not to feel irritated. I could not believe that he could be so insensitive as to let his children run wild like that and do nothing about it, taking no responsibility at all. It was easy to see that everyone else on the subway felt irritated, too. So finally, with what I felt was unusual patience and restraint, I turned to him and said, "Sir, your children are really disturbing a lot of peo- ple. I wonder if you couldn't control them a little more?"

 

The man lifted his gaze as if to come to a consciousness of the situation for the first time and said softly, "Oh, you're right. I guess I should do something about it. We just came from the hospital where their mother died about an hour ago. I don't know what to think, and I guess they don't know how to handle it either."

 

Can you imagine what I felt at that moment? My paradigm shifted. Suddenly I saw things differently, and because I saw differently, I thought differently, I felt differently, I behaved differently. My irritation vanished. I didn't have to worry about controlling my attitude or my behavior; my heart was filled with the man's pain. Feelings of sympathy and compassion flowed freely. "Your wife just died? Oh, I'm so sorry! Can you tell me about it? What can I do to help?" Everything changed in an instant.”

This story made me realize that sometimes we don't really know much about things that happen in our everyday life. We live alongside others, but sometimes we quickly decide what we think about them based on what they say or do. We don't really stop to think more, and just one talk or thing they do can completely change how we see them. But, like the story says, it's very important to know everything before we decide. I believe if we take time to really understand instead of just guessing and assuming, the world could be much better. It could make our minds feel calm and make life easier even when things are hard sometimes.

 

But you know, it's not always easy. We have a lots of things happening in our own lives, and trying to really understand what someone else is feeling or thinking can be hard. But we can't just ignore what they're going through. We need to understand and help each other, but sometimes we don't realize how important it is to be connected and help each other. So, where and how should I decide what to do? How can we be nice to others even when we're having a tough time ourselves? I'm curious about these things as I keep reading.

 

There's something else the author talked about that caught my attention. When we have problems, we usually look for quick ways to fix them, like getting advice or watching videos that seem to tell us how to fix things. But the author says it's like using makeup or taking medicine for a headache. Although it solves our problem temporarily, the real issue is still there. I'm really excited to learn how to actually fix the real problems instead of just the quick answers through this book and the 7 habits we need to imbibe to become an effective person. I'll keep sharing what I learn. Please comment to help me encourage writing and sharing my thoughts.


Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Hope

As the sun adorns the valley
And the river flows in silence
I sit by the river on a wooden bench
my mind filled with imaginations

Dreaming, you sitting next to me
Together we watch the birds sing and swing
I watch you smile
Till the sun embellishes the whole valley

Slowly, you disappear with the colorful birds
Despite my urge to hold your hands
I stop myself and dare not to hold
For power, I don’t have over reality

Although futile my wish
I walk around with hope
undivided we shall be
In our thoughts.

What a beautiful day!




What if?

If I am a flower of free in your field
What color do you think I would be
Pink, Red, Yellow or White?
I bet Red indeed would be a treat!

If you were a bee of free in my field
What color do you think you would choose?
Pink, Red, Yellow or White?
I bet Red indeed would be the best!

If we were a flower and a bee
Would you have frequented me
Or gone when the nectars done
Or when the spring's over

If I am a flower of free in your field
Would my fragnance fill the air?
If you were a bee of free your field
Would your charm fill the sky?

Together, would we create a beautiful field?
Together, would we glow in the dark?
Together, would there be pure happiness?
In the field of gentle light and breeze!

Friday, June 3, 2016

Closer to Home

Shall we go for a picnic? Lets go for shopping. Are we going for the Wang (Blessing)? The answers to the questions are always a NO. A polite NO with pretty good excuses.

Are you going to play the upcoming football tournament? Are you taking part in these and that.....all out of home.... A delightful Yes! Basically, he likes to go out and encourages me to go out as well. He often said, he missed his free bachelor life.

When we first married, he was the one who gave me lots of love and attention. He loved to spent more time together with me. He once asked for a date over a Dzongkha movie which now he never watches even if its compulsory. After marriage, it became just the opposite. I was the one seeking attention instead. My married life became unromantic day by day. I was the housekeeper and our home was just a shelter. I wanted him to spend more time with me but for him, his friends and social life was more important. I think this is the point of time when most husband and wife faces controversies. Husbands misses their free life while wives want to see them fulfill their promises.

He was playing endless football tournaments when I was pregnant. I earnestly wished him to stay by my side, comforting me and listening to me. I am not telling that he did not care me at all.  He did all the household chores and prepared delicious meals every time. He is a good cook and I always proudly tell this to almost all my friends. By the time he comes home, it will be already dark. Then he would do the cleaning, washing and prepare dinner. I would be already angry when he returned home and there would be not much of talking by then. 

After Thuksel, my life changed a lot. He play games, he goes out but he has time for us. He loves going out with us, loves taking pictures and spending time at home. He takes care of our son more than I do and he cares me too. He quit drinking and that's the biggest appreciation I have.

I thank you Thuksel, for bringing your dad closer to you, closer to me and closer to home. You did what I can't! I hope you will always do what I can't and what I didn't even think of in your life. I don't know how long this happiness will last as everything is impermanent but will always be thankful for the happiness both of you give me. 

Friday, October 16, 2015

Golden Jubilee celebration in Tang Central School

Tang Central School is one of the oldest school in Bhutan. It was established in 1965.On 8th October, 2015 we celebrated Tang Central School's golden Jubilee. From Pre- primary to Middle Secondary and now central school, TCS nurtured various individuals. TCS is now 50 years old and one of the institution that contributed a lot in shaping Bhutan.

As a remembrance and tribute to the school, the alumni of TCS formed a body to help Tang Celebrate it's 50th birth anniversary. From the fund generated from the community, we built a Jamyang Phodrang in front of the main academic block. Mr. Sonam Wangdi and Mr. Renchin Thinley coordinated the whole program and made our school look even more beautiful. An alumnus, Thinley, sponsored all the wood materials on top of being the head architect for the structure.

Newly constructed Jamyang Phodrang


Dr. Pema Jamtsho, the opposition leader and alumnus of this school was the chief guest. Many other distinguish guests, alumni, officials from the dzongkhag and the people of Tang celebrated the occasion. 

Apart from cultural programs, we also had many interactive programs, bridging the gap between the the alumni and the present students. Chocolate race was a very interesting program. 





One Such Program was identifying the oldest student and the youngest student. Ap Sangayla, the oldest student and Norzin Selden, the youngest student with the chief guest, Dasho Nima and the Dzongda of Bumthang.



Hitting the bell blind folded was also one cheering program among many. 

There was also several sports events by the students which added fun to the grand occasion. 



Golden Jubilee celebration will always be remembered. It was a great one! Congratulations Tang. May your journey of building the nation continue till eternity.

The Habit of being Proactive

I've finished reading the first habit of effectiveness, "Be Proactive," and I want to share what I've learned. Being proac...