Dumb Ass-trologers

On a chilly January morning I pulled out my keyboard and guitar for some music lessons.  It had been a while since I had seen my teacher.  He sported a big smile and some flashy gemstones on his fingers. Curious, I asked him about all those rings.  He had apparently met a fortune-teller.  Intrigued, I forgot about music and began inquiring about his experience with this astrologer. It was evident that my music teacher was highly impressed by this man who had offered remedies to fix his otherwise not so bright future.  He bragged about how this astrologer could change things around and convinced me to visit him.  

Instead of strumming some tunes, my focus shifted and we called up this astrologer.  He asked us to visit his home in the evening.  We reached his tiny house in the far suburbs of the city, rang the doorbell and were greeted by a man with a long beard wearing a saffron robe and some headgear to protect himself from the chill.  The much talked about astrologer had certainly dressed the part.  However, I had no clue what was in store after we exchanged pleasantries.  He asked me a few basic questions, created a chart and began the session.  He went on and on about how my planets had not been great for the last few years and said that if we wanted to fix the planets, I would have to go on a fasting spree twice a week for a year.  Appalled by his suggestion, I informed him that I wouldn't be comfortable starving myself.  As it is I had been on a diet all these years which was as good as a fast, I thought.  

Not pleased with my argument he tried convincing me that fasting was the only way to fix things.  He quickly charted a fasting diet for me and explained that I could have fruits and juices throughout the day.  He said that I could also snack on potato chips, tapioca, sweet pudding and Indian dessert.  Apart from that I was allowed to have one proper meal at night.  Wow!  So much food.  I thought fasting meant eating very less.  However, this diet sound like a feast.  I didn't even eat this much food on a regular day.  The senseless astro-diet was a surefire way to add on some pounds and it would require extra hours at the gym. He also added that I should avoid citrus on Fridays.  What  does Vitamin C have to do with Fridays?  I didn't have the inclination to ask so I began searching for the nearest exit.  As I got up to leave he asked me to visit him again after three months. Hell No! 

What a waste of time. Not only did he manage to wrack my brain, he also made me question his authenticity.  Many such self-proclaimed astrologers misguide people, charge them exorbitant amounts of money, tap on their weaknesses, scare them and earn a living. They fail to mention anything pertinent and suggest random remedies to fix situations.  Without complete knowledge of astrology, they become astrologers and drive people crazy.  Perhaps like other professions they should be required to have a practicing licence or some degree.        

Neither pleased with this particualar mans lack of knowldge nor with my music teachers recommendation, I badly needed a drink.  Astrologers may not be capable of predicting the future but they sure are capable of driving you towards the wine store.  Going to them could very well amount to wasting time, money, energy and most importantly the mind.        

 

Disclaimer:  Follow the Ass-tro Diet at your own risk.  Extra workout required and No garauntee of fixing anything except a gym membership!      

Hook Up Town!

Suddenly I am starting to get an impression that a lot of places are turning into Hook Up Towns. People have their own hidden agenda for dating which often times they fail to communicate directly to their dates.  Most wish to skip the process of conventional dating and take you home on the first date (not to meet their parents, of course!)  If you have been on the receiving end of such frivolous dating behavior and you are unhappy about it, it is time to walk away. 

At the risk of being politically incorrect, mostly it is the guys who wish to date in the fast lane.  There may be some women as well (I just don't know them; perhaps a man could blog about that).  No matter the gender, people who just want to hook up fast and then unhook even faster want instant results; they want to see if you comply to their requests or not? They want to know whether you will do as they say?  If you do, they are happy, if you don't they find a way to disappear on you (which is actually a blessing in disguise).   

Whatever happened to conventional dating? Whatever happened to the old world charm? The flowers, the chocolates, the endless conversations, the brush of love, the butterflies in the stomach...  I am for sure not feeling any butterflies in my stomach while out with the instant pick-me-up wannabe's. 

Has modern day dating taken a turn?  Or are people getting commitment phobic?  Or is it that they want to explore all options available and prove that they are players? 

People in the dating world have to understand that it takes time to build relationships.  Rome was not built in a day nor are relationships. Spending quality time together is important in the getting to know process.  The joy of courtship cannot be compensated with instant date n drop attitude. 

There is nothing wrong with hook ups if both parties are on the same page.  However, using deception to hook up with your date is just wrong.  So to those that want to have flings should have the guts to spell out their agenda from the get go. Your dates may walk out on you if they are seeking a serious relationship or they may agree to fling along with you.  Either ways, it saves time and disappointment for both parties.  People are not as simple or straight forward however.  In an ideal world, maybe!  In the real world, not so! 

Having said that, it is imperative to respect your date and not treat them like someone who is supposed to cater to you.  The next time you are on a date, show some friendship, show some kindness and be considerate.  If you are just out for a hook up, at least have the decency to let your date know your thoughts.  Taking someone for a ride or disappointing them with false promises are just distasteful.  

To those who wish to genuinely date someone of substance and wish to avoid future dating setbacks, I suggest it is time to get smarter, recognize the morons faster and move on.  That will save you from unnecessary wastage of time.  

         

 

What is it that Really Matters?

The other evening, while engaged in an animated conversation, a friend nonchalantly asked, "What is it that really matters in life?"  Is it money, success, career, good health or is it love, laughter, spending time pursuing our hobbies? Or is it a culmination of all these things and more?

Her question made me wonder what is it in life that really matters? Why is it that some people get so bogged down by frivolous things that don't matter all that much, while they stop pursuing what really does matter to them. 

Each individual has his/her own list of things that tops the chart. For some it could be love, happiness, joy, peace of mind and for others it could be a satisfactory occupation, comfort, money, assets, health, education or overall well being. A number of ingredients come together in creating a delicious life ... the list is endless.  

Different things drive different people.  For an insomniac a good night's rest is a blessing while for the unloved, a small hug is.  The question is, "what is important to you?  What is on your priority list now?  And what does really matter to you in this moment?  Once you know the answer, it becomes easier to pursue the relevant and discard the irrelevant. 

Energy spent on irrelevant things is energy wasted.  So if you happen to be in a spot where you feel uninspired, ask yourself, "What is it that really matters to me in this moment?"  Once you have the answer take inspired action and stop wasting energy on matters that do not serve you.  Only focus your attention to what matters the most and forget the rest. Life is unpredictable so the more good you can get out of good times, the better.    

Things Money Can't Buy!

The other day while sipping coffee at a swank new cafe, I observed a couple sitting across endlessly arguing with one another looking very upset over something quite trivial and I thought, "money can buy the best coffee at a high end cafe but can it buy harmony between lovers? Can it buy true happiness? Can it buy peace and can it buy love?"  

Some would argue that it can buy love. After all, a lot of people consider someone's financial status before they get married to them.  Many guys are heard complaining that women are gold diggers and that they look at their cars before deciding whether to date them or not.  There are other insane versions of similar accusations made by wealthy women. 

Though money can buy convenience and it may even fetch you a significant other, it cannot ensure a smooth sailing relationship. Can money buy true love? I don't think so. You may have the biggest bank balance in the world but if there are no good relationships in your life, would you be happy alone?  Probably not! 

Money can get you to buy good food but can it get you a friend to share it with?  Well, I suppose it could if the friend is really hungry :) Jokes apart, like everything else money too has a place in life.  However, it is not everything.  It can buy luxury, it can buy travel and it can even buy fake companionship but it can't buy love, it can't buy peace and it can't buy happiness. For all the latter things we need a sound mind and a good heart.  

So the next time you are at a cafe with your lover don't just buy coffee, buy into their gaze and use your heart to show some love.  Often times in matters of the heart money loses its value.       

Music and Happiness

The other evening while out for a drive with a friend who happens to be a music director, I noticed a guitar in the backseat of the car.  I looked at it in wonder and asked my very gifted friend to stop over and play something for me.  As we parked the car by the seaside I got a feeling that this would be an interesting night.  He began to sing and strum along effortlessly.  Blown away by his music I lost track of time.  Once we were done I felt soothed, relaxed, refreshed and happy.  Music, it is said, is the highest form of intelligence.  It can make you happy, it can change your mood and it can also heal. Such is the magic of music.  This is one of the finest joys offered to us and it is freely available. 

Today music is being used as therapy to cure people all across the world.  Even plants respond to music.  People with health issues get better much faster if they listen to soothing music and stay happy.  Whether we hum, sing or just listen to it, it is wonderful for the ears, for the body and mind.  So if you are feeling tensed and need some TLC tune into music or start humming a song.  You will instantly feel better.  Try and sing something which makes you happy.  If uplifting yourself is the goal you will need upbeat and happy tunes. Music will heal your mind and soothe your soul; it will help you get through a bad day and heighten your spirits.  Most importantly it will elevate your happiness.  Sing along even if you don't sound good and smile while you do it.  

Those that get to enjoy and appreciate music are blessed and those that know how to create it are even more blessed.  I am glad to have had an evening filled with such joy and an exclusive concert by the seaside.