Author Archives: memoriesandsuch

In My Hands Today…

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Henry V: The Astonishing Triumph of England’s Greatest Warrior King – Dan Jones

Henry V reigned over England for only nine years and four months and died at the age of just thirty-five, but he looms over the landscape of the late Middle Ages and beyond. The victor of Agincourt, he is remembered as the acme of kingship, a model to be closely imitated by his successors. William Shakespeare deployed Henry V as a study in youthful folly redirected to sober statesmanship. For one modern medievalist, Henry was, quite simply, “the greatest man who ever ruled England.”

For Dan Jones, Henry V is one of the most intriguing characters in all medieval history, but one of the hardest to pin down. He was a hardened, sometimes brutal warrior, yet he was also creative and artistic, with a bookish temperament. He was a leader who made many mistakes, who misjudged his friends and family, but he always seemed to triumph when it mattered. As king, he saved a shattered country from economic ruin, put down rebellions, and secured England’s borders; in foreign diplomacy, he made England a serious player once more. Yet through his conquests in northern France, he sowed the seeds for three generations of calamity at home, in the form of the Wars of the Roses.

Henry V is a historical titan whose legacy has become a complicated one. To understand the man behind the legend, Jones first examines Henry’s years of apprenticeship, when he saw the downfall of one king and the turbulent reign of another. Upon his accession in 1413, he had already been politically and militarily active for years, and his extraordinary achievements as king would come shortly after, earning him an unparalleled historical reputation. Writing with his characteristic wit and style, Jones delivers a thrilling and unmissable life of England’s greatest king.

The Quest for Perfection

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Perfection is often described as flawlessness, completeness, or supreme excellence. This concept has fascinated humanity for centuries, influencing art, science, philosophy, and even daily life. While striving for perfection can inspire greatness, it can lead to unrealistic expectations, anxiety, and dissatisfaction.

What is perfection? Perfection is a multifaceted concept that varies depending on context. In mathematics, it refers to ideal numbers; in ethics, it signifies the optimal quality of being; and in aesthetics, it denotes beauty or flawlessness. Philosophically, perfectionism is tied to developing human nature to its highest potential. However, in practical terms, perfection often remains an elusive ideal, something we aspire to but rarely achieve.

Why are people obsessed with perfection? Perfectionism is deeply rooted in psychological traits and experiences. It often stems from high parental expectations, social pressure, or a desire for control. Disorders such as generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and atelophobia (fear of imperfection) can exacerbate perfectionist tendencies. These mental health factors drive individuals to avoid criticism or failure by striving for unattainable ideals.

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Modern culture glorifies perfection through social media, academic competition, and workplace environments. Platforms like Instagram showcase curated lives that create unrealistic comparisons. Similarly, cultures emphasising success foster a relentless pursuit of flawlessness as a measure of worth. For some individuals, perfectionism serves as a coping mechanism for past trauma or feelings of inadequacy. By striving for perfection, they seek control over their lives and validation from others.

Philosophers argue that perfectionism stems from humanity’s intrinsic desire to develop its nature fully. While this aspiration can lead to self-improvement, it often results in self-criticism when individuals fail to meet their idealised standards.

Perfectionism can be both a driving force behind achievement and a liability that hinders personal growth. On the one hand, it motivates individuals to excel; on the other hand, it fosters anxiety, procrastination, and fear of failure.

Positive aspects of perfectionism include encouraging high standards, driving innovation and creativity, and promoting discipline and focus. The negative consequences include chronic stress and burnout, procrastination due to the fear of imperfection, hampering productivity by focusing excessively on minor details, and triggering mental health issues like depression and low self-esteem.

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So what should you do when chasing perfection?

Realign Expectations: Recognise that perfection is unattainable. Reframe your goals around meaningful achievements rather than flawless outcomes. The adage “perfect is the enemy of good” highlights how striving for perfection can prevent progress.

Set Realistic Goals: Avoid setting overly ambitious targets that lead to frustration. Break tasks into manageable steps and focus on completion rather than perfection.

Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with kindness when you make mistakes. Self-compassion helps counteract the harsh self-criticism associated with perfectionism.

Embrace Mistakes: Mistakes are opportunities for growth rather than failures. Learning from imperfections fosters resilience and adaptability.

Gain Perspective: Understand what truly matters in life. Grades or achievements may seem critical at one moment but lose significance over time. A broader perspective can help reduce stress related to perfectionist tendencies.

Seek Support: Communicate with loved ones or professionals about your struggles with perfectionism. Therapy can help reframe irrational beliefs and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

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The journey toward overcoming perfectionism requires conscious effort and mindfulness. Here are actionable steps:

Challenge Irrational Beliefs: Identify thoughts that fuel your perfectionist mindset and replace them with balanced perspectives.
Take Breaks from Social Media: Limit exposure to curated content that exacerbates feelings of inadequacy.
Adopt “Done Is Better Than Perfect”: Focus on completing tasks rather than perfecting them.
Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge progress instead of fixating on flaws.
Engage in Mindfulness Practices: Meditation can help reduce stress and cultivate acceptance.

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The quest for perfection is deeply ingrained in human nature but fraught with challenges. While striving for excellence can lead to remarkable achievements, an obsession with flawlessness often results in anxiety, dissatisfaction, and missed growth opportunities. By understanding the roots of perfectionism and adopting strategies such as self-compassion and realistic goal-setting, individuals can find the balance between ambition and contentment. Ultimately, embracing imperfection allows us to lead more fulfilling lives—ones where growth matters more than unattainable ideals.

In My Hands Today…

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Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease: The Revolutionary, Scientifically Proven, Nutrition-Based Cure – Caldwell B. Esselstyn Jr.

Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease challenges conventional cardiology by posing a compelling, revolutionary idea-that we can, in fact, abolish the heart disease epidemic in this country by changing our diets. Drawing on the groundbreaking results of his twenty-year nutritional study, Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Jr., a former surgeon, researcher, and clinician at the Cleveland Clinic, convincingly argues that a plant-based, oil-free diet can not only prevent and stop the progression of heart disease, but also reverse its effects.

Furthermore, it can eliminate the need for expensive and invasive surgical interventions, such as bypass and stents, no matter how far the disease has progressed. Dr. Esselstyn began his research with a group of patients who joined his study after traditional medical procedures to treat their advanced heart disease had failed. Within months of following a plant-based, oil-free diet, their angina symptoms eased, their cholesterol levels dropped significantly, and they experienced a marked improvement in blood flow to the heart. Twenty years later, the majority of Dr. Esselstyn’s patients continue to follow his program and remain heart-attack proof.

Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease explains the science behind these dramatic results, and offers readers the same simple, nutrition-based plan that has changed the lives of his patients forever. In addition, Dr. Esselstyn provides more than 150 delicious recipes that he and his wife, Ann Crile Esselstyn, have enjoyed for years and used with their patients. Clearly written and backed by irrefutable scientific evidence, startling photos of angiograms, and inspiring personal stories, Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease will empower readers to take charge of their heart health. It is a powerful call for a paradigm shift in heart-disease therapy.

Recipes: Moth ani Mugachi Usal aka Sprouted Moong & Moth Curry

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A powerhouse of nutrition, offering protein, fibre, and essential vitamins, this recipe is perfect for a balanced and wholesome meal. Served in all Maharashtrian homes, this usal is both spicy and healthy and even those who do not like sprouts will enjoy this dish. 

Sprouts are high in digestive enzymes that aid gut health, rich in *vitamins A, C, and K, boosting immunity, low in calories but high in protein and fibre, making them weight-loss-friendly, improve heart health by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, and are great for blood sugar control due to their low glycemic index.

Moong sprouts made with whole green gram are high in protein, good for muscle repair and growth, and rich in folate, making them beneficial for pregnant women, easy to digest, suitable for all age groups, and help detoxify and promote glowing skin. Moth or Matki sprouts are packed with iron and folate, helping to prevent anaemia, are excellent for gut health, promote better digestion, are a good source of complex carbs, provide sustained energy, and are rich in antioxidants, supporting cell repair and reducing inflammation.  

Moth ani Mugachi Usal 

Ingredients:  

  • 1 cup sprouted moong or green gram  
  • 1 cup sprouted moth beans or matki  
  • 2 tbsp oil or ghee  
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds  
  • ½ tsp cumin seeds  
  • ¼ tsp asafoetida 
  • 1 sprig of curry leaves  
  • 2 green chillies, chopped  
  • 2 medium-sized onions, 1 finely chopped and 1 sliced
  • 1 medium-sized tomato, finely chopped 
  • 3-4 cloves of garlic
  • 1 inch piece of ginger
  • 2 tbsp coconut (either dry or fresh) 
  • ½ tsp turmeric powder  
  • 1 tsp red chilli powder  
  • 1 tsp goda masala 
  • 1 tsp coriander powder  
  • ½ tsp jaggery 
  • Salt to taste  
  • Water as needed
  • 2 tbsp grated coconut 
  • 2 tbsp fresh coriander leaves, chopped  

Method:

  • Wash and soak moong and moth beans overnight with enough water to cover the beans. In the morning, drain the beans and put them in a colander and keep covered for another 10-12 hours. Depending on the climate you are in, this make take less than 8 hours or upto 2 days to sprout. 
  • Heat 2 tbsp oil and in a pan and once the oil is hot, add the sliced onions, garlic and ginger and saute on medium flame until it changes colour slightly.
  • Then add the coconut and saute until it turns golden brown and the coconut is completely devoid of water. This is important because if the coconut is still fresh and wet, the curry may spoil if kept outside. You could also use dry coconut and if using dry coconut, just saute till it turns brown.
  • Cool completely and blend to a smooth paste adding enough water. Keep aside.
  • Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.  
  • Add cumin seeds, asafoetida, curry leaves, and chopped green chillies. Sauté for a few seconds.  
  • Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.  
  • Add tomatoes and cook until soft.  
  • Add turmeric, red chilli powder, coriander powder, and goda masala. Stir well.  
  • Add the sprouted moong and moth beans. Stir to coat them with spices.  
  • Add salt, jaggery (if using), and about ½ to 1 cup of water.  
  • Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes on low-medium heat until the sprouts soften but remain slightly crunchy.  
  • Garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with rice or rotis.
  • You can also squeeze a lemon wedge before eating for extra flavour. 

2025 Week 43 Update

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BB finished his national service earlier this week and is now an Operationally Ready NSMan! This marks the end of his two-year service to the nation, and after this, he will be liable for his reservist stints over the next decade or so. Now that this stage of his life is over, he needs to think about what and how his life will look moving forward. 

Today’s quote by Culadasa, or John Yates, an American meditation teacher and neuroscientist best known for his book The Mind Illuminated, a comprehensive guide that bridges ancient Buddhist meditation techniques with modern cognitive science, highlights how doubt can act as one of the greatest barriers to progress. When we are uncertain about ourselves, our abilities, or our path, it can freeze us into inaction: a kind of mental paralysis. However, when we confront and move beyond that doubt, through clarity, confidence, or understanding, our motivation doesn’t just return; it becomes stronger. Having faced uncertainty and chosen to move forward anyway, we develop resilience, purpose, and inner strength.

GG is finishing up this semester and has exams to look forward to in early to mid-November. After a short break, she starts her internship, which is a graduate requirement, so she is busy, and I barely see her when she is at home.

Today’s motivation seems meant for me. What it says is that there is no need to react to every single thing that triggers an uncomfortable emotional reaction in you. Reactions that stem from anger, fear, or frustration take a lot of your energy. And those reactions don’t do anything to improve your situation. In fact, they tend to make the situation worse, leaving you feeling drained. Pausing allows space for a balanced response. You’ve worked so hard to find acceptance and balance in your life. Do not allow anyone to disturb your inner equanimity. It is likely that even if you react, it won’t automatically change other people’s minds. Sometimes, it’s better to just let things be. Let go of the need to be right or prove your point to others. Choose your peace. I should take my own advice!

That’s all I have for you this week. Stay safe, stay positive, and keep smiling!