Author Archives: Anjani Ghelani

Surprisingly, kindness is a subjective experience. ‘Being cruel to be kind’ and ‘kindness isn’t a weakness’ are some of the contrasting thoughts I have come across over the years.  Reflecting on the many acts of kindness I continue to encounter and remain grateful for, I have observed the reciprocal pleasure experienced by both the receiver and giver.Continue reading “72. Gratitude for Kindness”

Recently, I was asked ‘what causes depression?” I think that amongst many reasons, one of them is the underlying sense of hopelessness and helplessness which arises when we feel that we have no control over our circumstances. Sadly, this feeling of anxiety has become very common for vast numbers of people. One of its causes, whichContinue reading “71. Bouncing Back”

Recently, I had my annual specialist eye hospital appointment. After the usual acuity tests and back of the eye photographs, I asked my doctor if she could see any changes to my retina from the scans. I told her that I had found a slight improvement in the light levels in my right eye. She remindedContinue reading “70. Celebrating What Is”

“What do you see when you look at me” was a thought-provoking title of a museum exhibition that I had seen some years ago. On entering this gallery, under the text there was a large mirror that invited the visitor to look at themselves and any other person in its reflection. This clever prompt startledContinue reading “69. The Spark Within”

The phenomenon of giving biased or selective information as a truth, has often been the norm for many years. Unless we are a witness at an incident, how can we differentiate between reported sensationalism and actual fact?  With the wider influence of social media, vying for our attention using similar tactics, its damaging manipulation has grown exponentially.Continue reading “68. Speaking a Truth?”

Like many, I have been reared with the concept of striving hard and persevering, despite any difficulties or struggles encountered along the way. This ethos has helped me to build my resilience in many aspects of life. Indeed, having grit and determination are admirable qualities to help us achieve success in every path we choose to pursue. However, could theContinue reading “67. The Flip Side”

When observing many interactions objectively, I have often found them quite enlightening. Depending on the people’s personal dynamics, they either result in amicable agreement, an impasse or an argument. The undertone is often directed by who feels more strongly to prove that they are right. It makes me wonder just why do we need other people’s validation, toContinue reading “66. The Need to be Right”

Families often show their love and support through heart-felt hugs. This becomes noticeably special when we are feeling low and despondent. In my case, I feel a warm smile break out when a hug is least expected … which is most of the time as I don’t see it coming! When I heard, ‘a hugContinue reading “65. Power of a Hug”

The parable of ‘the Wind and the Sun’ comes to mind when I consider the different ways of taking action. What is more effective – force or relaxed warmth? The Sun and the Wind set themselves a challenge. As a man walked across a field dressed in a light coat, they decided to see whoContinue reading “64. Relaxed Action”

As yet, I have not come across a single adult who hasn’t experienced some triumphs, reasons for celebration and superlative achievements. Mixed in with this, they have also invariably faced some kind of struggle, hindrance and grief. The quotient of each may differ and may be unique, hence creating the multiplicity of their experiences. Reflecting on these lifeContinue reading “63. Resilient Light”