Author Archives: memoriesandsuch

In My Hands Today…

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Spy Stories: Inside the Secret World of ISI and Raw—Adrian Levy and Cathy Scott-Clark

From 9/11 to 26/11, Burhan Wani to Kulbhushan Jadhav—the India-Pakistan relationship told from the perspective of the R.A.W. and the I.S.I.

With unprecedented access to the R.A.W. and the I.S.I., the world’s most inscrutable spy agencies, Adrian Levy and Cathy Scott-Clark describe the workings of bitter rivals, mapping their complicated history from the 1960s to the present day. From the Parliament attacks to Pulwama, 9/11 to Osama bin Laden’s assassination, the rise of terror’s shadow armies to the fall of Kulbhushan Jadhav, here are some of the key events that have shaped the region, told from the split viewpoints of duelling enemies.

Levy and Scott-Clark also uncover a darker seam—the destructive impact of C.I.A. interference and how the I.S.I. fought for its life against dark forces it once funded, while the R.A.W. created ghost enemies to strengthen its hand.

The Busy Illusion: Appearances vs. Productivity

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A few months ago, I chanced upon an article about a survey that mentioned that Singaporeans were ranked third globally for appearing busy but not necessarily productive. Now, what does this ranking mean, and how should we interpret it?

In a world that glorifies busyness, it’s no surprise that we Singaporeans find ourselves near the top of the list when it comes to appearing busy. Our lives are filled with work commitments, family responsibilities, social engagements, and more. It’s not uncommon for conversations to revolve around how busy we are, almost like a badge of honour.

But here’s the catch: appearing busy doesn’t always translate into being productive. The survey highlighted that while Singaporeans might look swamped with tasks, the actual output may not match their perception. This raises an essential question: Are we optimising our time and efforts effectively?

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Singapore’s culture of busyness can be traced back to several factors. Our fast-paced lifestyle, coupled with high expectations at work and in our personal lives, often leads to a constant need to appear busy. The fear of falling behind or not measuring up to societal standards can push us to overcommit, making us look busy without necessarily achieving more.

We are known for our work ethic and commitment to excellence. However, this drive can sometimes result in individuals juggling too many tasks simultaneously. The pressure to perform at our best can inadvertently lead to a frantic appearance of busyness, but not necessarily an increase in productivity.

So, how can we strike a balance between appearing busy and being productive? It’s essential to recognise that looking busy doesn’t equate to success or fulfilment. Instead, let’s focus on achieving a healthy work-life balance, setting realistic goals, and using our time efficiently.

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Here are a few practical tips to help us shift our focus from appearances to productivity:

  • Prioritise tasks: Identify your most important tasks and focus on completing them first.
  • Time management: Use techniques like the Pomodoro method to work in focused bursts, followed by short breaks.
  • Delegate when possible: Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks to others to free up your time for more important responsibilities.
  • Learn to say no: Politely decline additional commitments when your plate is already full.
  • Self-care: Make time for self-care to recharge and maintain your physical and mental well-being.

While it’s interesting to see Singaporeans ranked third globally for appearing busy, this survey should serve as a wake-up call. Let’s not be content with the illusion of busyness; instead, let’s strive for genuine productivity and a balanced, fulfilling life. By prioritising our tasks, managing our time wisely, and practising self-care, we can redefine success on our terms.

Remember, it’s not about how busy we appear to be; it’s about the impact we create with our actions and the quality of life we lead. So, let’s break free from the busy illusion and embrace a more meaningful and productive journey ahead.

In My Hands Today…

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Mindful Zen Habits: From Suffering to Happiness In 30 Days – Manuel Villa and Marc Reklau

Do you want to feel happier, more positive and less stressed?

Do you feel anxious or overwhelmed by your fast-paced life?

Do you want to break the cycle of unhappiness and achieve inner peace?

If you answered ‘yes’ to one of these questions, then this book is for you.

Manuel Villa, Spain’s Mindfulness and Zen expert, and Marc Reklau, author of many international bestsellers, have joined forces to bring you Mindful Zen Habits.

Can we really change our life in 30 days?

Yes, we can—by changing our habits and doing little things a little bit differently day after day. Changing the habit of excessive thinking, of not giving enough room to our emotions, breaking the routine of not listening to our body—all of this and more can indeed transform our life.

In this book, you will learn:

  • How to enjoy the present moment
  • How to calm down your thoughts
  • How to improve your focus and productivity
  • How to finally find peace of mind
  • How to create lasting habits and so much more…

You will find teachings and tools that your mind, your heart and your body need to undertake. We are eager to accompany you on this exciting journey.

Recipes: Chana Dal Sundal

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During the festival of Navaratri, I usually make something as an offering or prasadam to the goddess every day. In previous years, I have also made a sweet to go along with the sundal, but this year, because I have to go to work in the morning, I have been making only sundals as an offering.

Chana Dal Sundal is made from split chickpeas or chana dal which is healthy and protein-rich. And the best part about sundals is that you can make it in under 10 minutes, which is such a time saver when you are rushing in the morning!

Chana Dal Sundal

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup chana dal or split chickpeas
  • 2 tbsp oil or ghee
  • ½ tsp mustard seeds
  • ½ tsp split urad dal
  • ¼ tsp asafoetida
  • 2-3 dried red chillies, broken into pieces
  • 10-12 curry leaves, torn
  • 2 tbsp grated coconut, fresh or desiccated
  • Lemon juice to taste
  • Salt to taste
  • Coriander leaves to garnish

Method:

  • Wash the chana dal thoroughly under running water, and then soak it in 2 cups of water for 2-3 hours. After soaking, drain the water and set the chana dal aside.
  • Cook the chana dal with fresh water and a pinch of salt until it is just cooked. We don’t want it cooked like a dal, just until a piece can get crushed between your thumb and index finger.
  • Heat oil in a pan or kadai over medium heat.
  • Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then add urad dal, asafoetida, dried red chillies, and curry leaves. Sauté for a minute until the spices release their aroma.
  • Add the cooked chana dal and salt to the pan. Stir well to coat the dal with the tempered spices.
  • Reduce the heat to low and cook the chana dal, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes.
  • Add the grated coconut and stir well.
  • Turn off the heat, drizzle with lemon juice and stir well.
  • Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot or cold.

Other Navaratri Sundal recipes: Green Moong Sundal, Green Peas Sundal, Peanut Sundal, Sweet Corn Sundal, Chickpea Sundal

2023 Week 44 Update

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It’s been a week now since BB enlisted and all of us are slowly getting used to just talking on the phone every night and only seeing him over the weekend. This weekend he is still in confinement and will only come back next weekend, just in time to celebrate Diwali with all of us.

American actor, director and activist Christopher Reeve, best known for his iconic portrayal of the superhero Superman in the 1978 film “Superman” and its sequels, is the author of today’s quote. In this quote, Reeve conveys the idea that the journey toward realising our dreams often follows a progression from initial doubt and scepticism to ultimate achievement. At the outset, our dreams may appear unattainable or “impossible.” As we continue to work toward our dreams with determination and effort, they may start to seem more attainable but still “improbable.” With unwavering determination and willpower, we can ultimately make our dreams “inevitable.” This means that with persistence and belief in our abilities, we can overcome obstacles and reach our goals. This quote encourages individuals not to be discouraged by the initial sense of impossibility or improbability that often accompanies ambitious dreams. Instead, it emphasizes the power of will and determination to transform what once appeared unattainable into a reality. It’s a message of perseverance and belief in one’s ability to make the seemingly impossible achievable.

In October, I reached the town of Ongole in Andhra Pradesh and am making my way through India’s east coast, the Coromandel Coast, on my way to Kolkata, where I will turn north. I’ve not been walking as much as I used to because of a hectic work schedule and the fact that R is away in India. But I will buck up and hopefully make up the difference in the last two months of the year.

In October, I only managed to read 5 books and I am sure this will continue in November. By the end of November, a big work project should end and I hope that in December I will have time to read more.

That’s all from me this week. Stay safe, stay positive everyone!