Compassion as cure for depression

Ever had the feeling that we see the world in our own self chosen colour, and that the fact that we are happy or unhappy has nothing to do with how the world is, but instead, it all depends on us? I think it is true, and while there certainly is the possibility that you are deluding yourself when you ought not to be happy, it doesn't seem like it works any other way. Just take a look at those righteously indignant people fighting for truth, justice, honour and what not- the moment they get some power, they go and stop people from doing the sort of things they don't want them to be doing.

Anyway all this is of no consequence, it is just that I was confirmed in my theory to read that compassion and kindness go a long way than anti-depressants in curing depression.

Rather than taking anti-depressants, people suffering from depression have an inexpensive way out - practising acts of kindness and compassion, new research claims.

Acts of kindness or compassion might serve as an effective treatment for depressed people, say researchers from the University of California, Riverside, and the Duke University Medical Centre.

I am reminded of this news item about something Dalai Lama said,

By feeling compassion for others -- seeing even our enemies in a new light -- we can ease our own stress and anxiety , the Dalai Lama told a crowd of thousands, gathered for his visit to Atlanta in October 2007. Through "inner disarmament" -- reducing anger, hatred, and jealousy -- we create a path to our own happiness and world peace, he said.

This has to be true- depression is more likely the result of your screwing up on people in your life, than some chemical messing about in your brain. In most cases, of course. There will be exceptions.

The game's not cricket, definitely not

This is merely worth a status message on Facebook or Twitter- sad truth is despite all the sanctimonious bluster of Sunil Gavaskar, looks like India ought not to have run out Ian Bell and claimed his wicket. The world might be an evil place, everyone jealous of India's supreme prowess, but this is not the way a champion team plays. Not sneak some underhand thing when you are all but beaten.

I've never liked sunil's sermons, and my dislike grows with age- his patriotism sounds more inane and senseless by the day.

Seems there's nothing new with cricket. Everything is justifiable. Sorry it is not Australia this time, it is India and where we would feel happy, railing against Australia, here we are, having to defend what is obviously wrong and misguided.

A victory of this kind is more bitter than any defeat.

Hope India lose massively from here.

Not so free ride in Bangalore

I was standing on M.G.Road near St.Marks road signal looking out for an Auto to go to my Client place for work. It was 7.50 AM and for nearly 10 to 15 minutes not a single auto came in my direction. Autos were running in the opposite direction but I was hesitant to cross the road as already I tried one on that side of the road when I was coming out of my hotel. He was not interested and keen to go to City (railway station). In attempting to try at that side again I do not want to miss any auto coming on this side. Time ticked along. It was getting late and that's when a white Santro slowed down towards me.

The man in the driver seat asked me if I want a drop. I said, am going to Indira Nagar. He said he would drop me as he is passing by Indira Nagar. I got into the car and it moved. Sooner, I learnt that he is a part time driver, which I didn't realise while getting into the car. After initial enquiries he raised the windows and switched on the A/C. My alarm bells rang, and thought he could be up to some mischief here. Asked him if he wants A/C. He said 'No'. Requested him to lower the windows as I preferred the natural air. He hesitantly obliged. "I just wanted to check the wind flow as my owner complained of it. Nothing else is the reason", he said. Our conversation veered around our native, family size, and his third girl who defied tubectomy. We were entering into Halasoor (Ulsoor) when he suddenly put his left hand in between my thighs, and touched the seat. I was taken aback by his act. Asked him what's he doing? "just cheking the wind flow. my owner madam was complaining about it". He kept his hand there while I made every effort to widen the space around his hand. He kept asking me to keep it the way I was. I said 'no problem'. Within seconds he removed his hand. Was he really checking for wind flow? By the way, what wind flow he is talking about? "Sir do you have 5 minutes. we will go to the Sai baba mandir and then go?"  he asked me. I said "no problem, I will get down and take an Auto from here". He dropped the idea and said he will drop me near at my client place and then go to the temple. As we approached the place I am to get down he accelerated a bit and I told him strongly to stop. He took a turn on the side road. When he didn't stop, I almost shouted at him to stop. He stopped and brought his hand again to my thighs saying "just 5 minutes". Bloody ********, I swiftly got down while throwing his hand back. Asked him how much to pay, he said nothing to pay and that he didn't give me lift for money. I knew it by then. I quickly walked away and as I turned the corner the Santro was slowly moving away.

I was enraged. That man has the right to have the kind of sexual preferences he likes but then it must be with like minded people who give their consent to it. I have taken lift in Chennai and Bangalore when in hurry. But this is the first time something like this has happened. The only difference is, the car came to me instead of me asking for a lift with a thumbs up sign.

As I entered the meeting hall at my client place, the thought that this man, I was talking about, is a part timer driver and that he is employed to drop and pick up the children of the car owner at school everyday, made me feel terribly bad. What can those kids do if this man approaches them (boy or girl) with this kind of intention. I am worried even as I type these words. God save those kids.