One Grain of Sand

A Late Night Reflection

2010-05-06T05:02:00.002-04:00

I stay awake for stupid reasons. It's 5AM. I've been "working" all day and night, but really, I should've been efficient and been in bed by midnight. Such is life (particularly in college right before your last final when you're just waiting to sleep in your own bed).

Late nights are glorious in their own right though. I know a number of people who are staunchly against staying up unnecessarily, but there's a special quality to walking back to your dorm at 6:00am as the sun is rising. The world is quiet for a short bit, and you really get a chance to just observe things as they are without distraction from other people, from incessant texts, BBMs, emails, whatever. You're just...present. You focus on what's around you, and the air smells so much fresher. You actually hear birds chirping, and you wonder WHY they only chirp when you're trying to work late nights. It's not that they only chirp then. It's that during the day, we're too rushed and busy to realize their songs.

It's a beautiful thing, really. Although my melatonin levels are completely out of whack, my eyes are dried from wearing contacts for too long, and my back slouches more every 10 seconds despite consistent effort to sit up straight, I love being up right about now. I'm going to love going back to my dorm to take a shower and bang out this final right after despite my lack of sleep. I'm glad I'm ending my freshman year this way.

What else could I ask for than to appreciate the beauty around me? I think it's fair to say that's a pretty baller way to exit.

AS

Protected Interests

2010-04-30T21:09:00.002-04:00

Context: I know I haven't written in this thing in almost a year, but it's okay. Apparently, my tumblr isn't sufficient fun/inspiration/happiness/whatever for people, so after...a lot of requests, I've decided to sporadically update here.

I've been trying to figure out the same practice problem for my Managerial Economics final for the last 30-90 minutes (I've lost track), but perhaps if I write, I can go back to that with a clearer mind.

----

Often times, I notice people get defensive about their interests - myself included. We'll talk about things we're passionate about like our passion is different and special in some way, that no one else can share that with us. I see this all the time when people talk about their music interests ("oh yeah, you're probably not into the stuff I'm into. It's different") or their majors ("Oh, you're doing urban studies? So am I, but what do you want to do with the degree? [I'm just trying to find a way to distinguish myself from you]") and a number of other things. It's kind of ridiculous though.

Why should we have an ego associated with interests? If you're into the same things I am, cool! Let's make some magic and do something awesome with our common interest. What we can create with that common interest could be something totally different and special. We're all much more similar than you think. If you're doing an Urban Studies major and I am too, cool! Let's find a way we can apply that knowledge together and create a better world together. If you are into the same alternative artists as me, great! Let's find a way to create an awesome collection of music and share that with one another to expand our musical tastes.

There's no need to protect your passions and interests. Share them with people and see if magic can be made.

Fighting v. Debating

2009-06-21T04:36:00.005-04:00

The best relationships in my life are those founded upon the principle of debate.

Debate is an art very different from that of argument, which is more closely tied to the idea of fighting, of two opposing sides. Debates are conducted by two intelligent people -- intelligent about the value of relationships, that is -- who are able to open up to each other and not necessarily agree upon things, but can politely and genuinely agree to disagree.

Fights/arguments are conducted by two (not necessarily UNintelligent) people who have probably lost touch of what they are discussing and where they are hoping for the discussion to lead, and hence, it becomes a fight.

We're all different, and that's something we'll eventually have to acknowledge in every relationship. No matter how close you may be with someone else, you have disagreements in small, petty matters and in larger matters such as lifestyle habits and whatnot. Often times, I witness these disagreements turn into dysfunctional relationships that simply cannot stand because one or both of the individuals can't reach a mutual consensus. Why? Because they're fighting, and when you fight, the tendency becomes to (1) tune the other out, (2) ramble on and on about your point, (3) lose much of your own sensibility.

Debates work a bit better in that you realize there's a disagreement, each person expresses him/herself fully without interruption, then you look for some common ground or simply try to understand the alternative perspective. It sounds a lot like a formal set up for discussions, but it's really not. It may be methodical in a sense, but it really does work. It's not frustration-proof, but then again, no disagreements are.

Hold onto your relationships, and don't let unnecessary arguments create dents all over them. Debate a little more, and you might just notice bonds growing stronger as a result of disagreement. It's a beautiful thing.

Love,

Ankit

Semantics

2009-05-30T14:02:00.004-04:00

It might be weird that the first place I learned about semantics was in my chemistry class of all places, but it created a bit of a domino effect where I thought a lot about how I say things and what exactly I say. I'm not talking rhetoric or aestheticizing my language, but rather, how I use my words in day-to-day conversation.

Simply by changing your habitual vocabulary, you can instantaneously change how you think, how you feel, and how you live.

- Tony Robbins

Some words that have caught my attention are "but," "maybe," and "kind of." They all give this sense of uncertainly and doubt. "I'll do it, but if this comes up..." "Maybe I'll come along." "I kind of want to do it, but I'm not sure." All statements we make pretty regularly; however, the word "but," when creating a conditional," makes things a lot more complicated than they need to be. When you say "maybe," chances are you mean "no." When you say "kind of," chances are you're trying to cushion the blow of what you really mean to say.

All of these things create layers between what we are thinking and the message we are actually sending. If you actually say what you mean to say, you don't have to think nearly as much. People appreciate your honesty sometimes, and sometimes they will wonder why you're so definitive, but it's okay. The point is that you walk away from conversations with a clear conscience, knowing that you said what you needed to say.

Lately, I've been saying "no" when I would have otherwise said "maybe," but I will follow it up with a disclaimer, something like, "Just being straight up," or "I don't want to ruin the plans, so it's almost definitely a no." Now, I do not like to provide disclaimers, but I am still in a bit of a transition phase in shifting my semantics, so it's tough, but that's not to say I'm not trying. It's not such a big change in language, but when you make it a habit, it makes all the difference in how you present yourself and how you feel about it.

When you say yes or no, you're able to create a definitive stance and be done with it. If you say yes, you know exactly what you need to do, and you just do it. If you say no, you can toss the thought from your brain and never worry about it again. When you say maybe is when things get fuzzy and the thought remains in your head but no where near the front, but not quite in the back. You know what that does? It takes you away from being present. You can't be where you are, in the moment, if you have all these "maybe," "kind of," thoughts in your head.

Just another example using words like "could" or "would." If you could, then DO IT. If you would, then DO IT. Instead of could/would, just say you're going to. The words you use determine whether you create your plan of action now or whether you say you'll make it later, which most likely means you're never going to get to it while keeping the thought in your head the entire time.

Live awesome,

Ankit

P.S. I've always been saying "yes" a lot more when I would have otherwise said "maybe," (which would've inevitably led to a no), and it really opens me up to the opportunities in life a lot more. Try it. Say yes.

Fail With Purpose

2009-05-26T13:00:00.002-04:00

Before I got a tumblr, I never kept track of the great quotes I heard, so it makes it hard when I want to revolve these posts around those quotes because they are kinda hard to find, but I'll paraphrase:

Success is going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.
- Someone Noteworthy

Yesterday, I realized the truth of that quote. With a bunch of fantastic people, I did random acts of kindness in Central Park. We set up a table with a giant Smile Card poster in front of it, hand out cookies (as our random acts of kindness) and direct people towards a board with ideas of how to pay-it-forward. We present ourselves as just a group of friends trying to create a bit of a ripple effect with the random acts of kindness. Now, compared to what people in New York are used to, this is a totally radical idea -- giving away free cookies? No organizational affiliation? Real kindness? Believe it.

Because it was so crazy, only one of every ten or so people actually stopped to hear us out and receive us (which is actually a lot considering the hundreds and hundreds of people that walked by). It is hard to really be open to strangers when there is so many underlying intentions and relative corruption in the world, but those who are open and do stop to hear us out are our successes. We won them over and were able to produce the domino effect from the idea of paying it forward.

Now, the message here is to continue trying. Especially in the beginning of the day, when we're setting up and before the momentum starts to create itself, we fail over and over as people blatantly ignore the offers for cookies and tune out our introductions -- "Hi! We're doing Random Acts of Kindness today, and [walks away]." We can get upset over our failure, or we can keep the smile on and try again. Of course, we chose the latter, and that's what made all the difference.

One of the best pieces of advice I've ever received is to fail, but to fail with purpose. Succeed from failure. It's the only way to get it done.

Happily failing,

Ankit

The Art of Conversation

2009-05-25T11:10:00.002-04:00

As humans, we are blessed with so many different things, and most of them are rooted in our ability to think and express ourselves. Think about it -- that's why we're (unfortunately or not, depending on how you look at it) as high up on the food chain as we are. Livestock can't express themselves the way we can, and that's why it's "okay" to eat them. Primates are close, but they don't have coherent languages the way we do (they could whoop our butts though, and that's why we don't eat them). Simply put, we should be grateful for our ability to express.

So why do we waste so much of this wonderful power by expressing discontent? Expressing the gossip we heard the other day? Expressing all the drama we're exposed to on a daily basis, whether it be from our friends, business partners, the media, or whatever other source you might get your daily fill from?

We are so addicted to all those things, but most of the time, they all share one similarity -- that they completely dump the potential for precious conversation. Conversation is a very powerful thing -- it fuels diplomacy, it creates connections, it sparks the ideas that keep the Earth spinning (that is, if you were to forget about that whole gravitational force thang).

I'm not recommending we try to make all conversation "serious," but I do think we could better outlet our verbal energy into conversation that does all those things. Find common ground over interests instead of disinterests. Spark relationships through a common desire to improve rather than a common desire to put the next person down.

Think about the content of your conversations. Are you wasting your energy? Kill the drama, the gossip, the negativity. Start creating.

With purpose,

Ankit

Captain Obvious!

2009-05-20T12:04:00.011-04:00

Think about what you do with your life. How many of these do you have?

Yesterday, I was called "Captain Obvious" after pointing something out. Sometimes, things become so ingrained in our nature and obvious to us that we don't think about the intricacies behind them. One of these things is what we do with ourselves on a daily basis -- the people you listen to, the ideas you make yourself permeable to, the things you naturally say to people.

When you step back and ask yourself, "Why?" there's a high likelihood you realize a little something about what you're doing. You learn that some of the things you do might not be so worth it, that you're wasting your energy on something that doesn't really go somewhere, that you could better outlet your energy somewhere where it could yield results, whether those results impact you or the people around you.

I guess what I'm saying is that prioritizing is important. It's obvious, but then again, we forget the obvious sometimes, and I am Captain Obvious :)

Some things' purposes that I wasn't really aware of until I really thought, "Why?":

Friendships I found myself in that yielded nothing but pointless, gossip/drama-filled conversations
Foods that I ate just to put something in my mouth (get your minds out of the gutter)
TV shows I watched that I did just to feast my eyes on something
Classes in school that I didn't really extract much from
My poking fun at people around me for little things (really, just displays of my own insecurities)
Things I'd buy and not use and later realize that some material things only last so long (read: a few minutes, an hour tops)

That's not to mention asking yourself why you don't do things. If you're holding yourself back from doing something, figure out why you won't do it, and see if you're really going to let a hurdle of that magnitude stop you.

Just a thought. Don't waste your time on things you have little reason for. If the reason is sheer intuition, that's legitimate. I'm not saying everything needs to be logical.

Stay good,

Ankit

UPDATE 5:00p: I spoke to a good friend of mine, and she worded one of the ideas of this blog better than I did, so I'm going to quote her to make this point a little clearer:

The thing about stating the obvious is that sometimes it's totally unecessary, but sometimes, it may only seem unnecessary, but it actually reminds us about things that we allow to slip to the back of our minds, things that may be important -- even if we knew them already. For example, your blog is full of things that people may never have thought about, so they learn from it. There are also things that people have thought about though -- the "obvious" things; you just help them reinforce the idea.

To try new things?

2009-05-18T09:49:00.024-04:00

One of the best things about the world today is that you can pretty much do ANYTHING, and I kind of just realized that this weekend. So many times I notice, both in myself and in others, that when we're exposed to new experiences, we respond something like, "Oh my gosh! That's so cool! I would love to try that some time!"

Now if you just said, "I would," when would you do it? Would is the past tense of will, making it somewhere between the past and the future, but certainly not the present. I think it's time for a shift in semantics. Screw the "would" (haha screw the wood - I'm still five years old) and just do it. Try, "Oh my gosh! That's so cool! I'm going to find out how I can do it and do it the soonest chance I get." A good friend of mine put it well when she said, "We're all really good dreamers and planners. Not executors."

That shouldn't and doesn't have to be the case. I think our time here is too short not to be exploring what the world around us has to offer. I don't really know many other ways to express it, but just take a look at this list of things you might want to check out, and actually pick a few and explore a bit. Don't think so much about how something won't work for you. Try it and then figure out whether or not your expectations were confirmed or invalidated. You never know until you try. The essence of life is experience:

Try Bikram yoga (or any type of yoga, for that matter)
Do a charity walk

Raise money for something meaningful
Go to a sports event (if you're going to do it once, make it excellent -- try the US Open [golf or tennis], the Olympics [how often are the Olympics ever going to be within 1000 miles of you? Make an effort], the Superbowl, or something of equal magnitude)
Meet someone random and do something they want to do within the first three hours of the encounter
Go to a botanic garden
Go somewhere scenic and be a photographer for a day
Buy front-row tickets to a concert and really rock out/sing along like you mean it
Listen to some classic rock music
Go rock climbing
Run a local race (whether it be a 5K, 10K, or a marathon -- whatever suits you)
Go skydiving
Go hiking
Be in a movie (even if you're just that guy crossing the street in the background)
Tell the truth
Plant something
Write a letter to a politician or celebrity
Handwrite a letter of appreciation to someone who's really made a mark on your life
Learn how to dance (even if it's just the basics)
Play around at the foot of a waterfall
Sleep outdoors
Go pedal-boating
Build something with your own two hands
Speak to a telemarketer. Seriously.
Go to a driving range
Learn how to ski
Keep a journal for a full month of your life. Update daily.
Act carelessly, in a "childish" manner for a full day.
Smile in the face of humiliation
Live.

I know some things cost money, but really, when else will you have a chance to enjoy life except when you're actually living? Feel free to post some more ideas in the comments or email them to me and I'll throw them onto the post.

The last thing I want to think about when I'm older is, "What if?" or "I should have..." If you can resonate with that, start living.

Love,

Ankit

Don't Stop

2009-05-16T01:17:00.006-04:00

I was looking back at my older posts on this blog the other day, and I saw a comment from my cousin, Arpit, on a post in 2007 where he said something like, "Keep doing what you're doing kid. There's obviously no stopping you." I didn't think much of it at the time, but I look back. It's that kind of thinking that has led me to any success I've ever noted in my own life and the kind of success I see in anybody that has had a hand in revolutionizing our way of thinking in this day and age (think Sergey Brin and Larry Page, founders of Google, Evan Williams, the guy that started Twitter, etc.).

If you want to make something happen, you have to actually make it happen.

There are so many people who are just waiting for your idea to fall apart, and there are just as many people trying to get you to stop just so you can fall back into the pit of the norm (anyone that points out the flaws of your actions and criticizes without construction). The rut that most of society is stuck in, away from ideas that are more progressive (often mistaken for ideas that are more radical), is only improved upon by people who don't let down when they're criticized.

You might have an idea that's awesome to you, ridiculous to others, and the goal might not be clearly within the range of visibility, but that doesn't mean you stop. If you follow through with it, there's a much greater chance that something worthwhile comes to fruition than if you let go of it just because you met some resistance.

And moving on with it doesn't mean that you accommodate all the proposed changes and then move on. Moving on with it means that what you're doing was essentially your idea in the beginning and stayed essentially your idea in the end. If you take suggestions, fantastic. If you absorb suggestions to the extent that your project BECOMES the suggestions, you've lost the point altogether. This is your work -- whether it be a material project, a personal development project, your own life, a recipe, whatever. When I say project, I mean anything that you put time and effort into.

One of the best signs of a great developing idea is the presence of an opposition. Find your opposition. Stick to your ideas. Then stick it to the opposition.

Much love,

Ankit

Jason Mraz - No Stopping Us

Love yourself, and love others

2009-05-09T12:00:00.000-04:00

I don't know if it was the Dalai Lama that said it, but I couldn't find the quote on Google so I'll just paraphrase:

To love others, you must first love yourself.

Think about that. Pause. Okay.

I've slowly come to the realization that there's no other way to love than by loving yourself. It falls in line with the idea that your positivity radiates to those around you. When you appreciate yourself, knowing that you're doing what you think is right, knowing that you're doing what you want to do, you shed that layer of insecurity that surrounds so many of us, and you can look at others with a clearer mind and appreciate them and what they have to offer to the world the same way you appreciate yourself.

There's a difference between narcissism and self-love. Narcissism refers to the superficial appreciation of oneself (i.e. "I love myself because I look damn good today"). Self-love is a true appreciation for what you do. For example, I love myself because what I eat treats my body well. I love myself because I take care of myself in the sense that I make a conscious effort to keep myself educated with academics and current events. I love myself because I do what I can to help those around me whether it be through direct contact or through this blog. I love myself because I surround myself with amazing individuals each of whom offer so much to my life. I love myself because I always have a reason to smile (refer to the four reasons listed above).

Because of this love for myself, I find it a lot easier to see the light in the character of each of the individuals around me. I know each person has his or her own flaws, but I think we stop at the flaws too often and don't really take the opportunity to find the positives because we're so wrapped up in the negatives. When you love yourself, you know you have flaws, but you look passed those and learn to appreciate yourself for what you do have going for you. That mentality essentially trains you to do the same when interacting with other people you meet. You love them after realizing that everyone is flawed.

Try this exercise: during the next week, keep a little notebook on you. Whenever you do something that you look back at and react happily like, "Huh. That was pretty great," write it down. Keep a little log of these things, and after the week. Write anywhere from one to five general reasons you have to love yourself. Remind yourself of these and smile a bit more. If you're ambitious, keep that list with you. Post it up on your wall. Do whatever you need to to remind yourself of why you should be loving yourself and maybe, just maybe, you'll stay to love the people around you a little bit more.

Love (or at least try to),

Ankit

What is this blog even about?

2009-05-08T11:41:00.002-04:00

A common misconception I often see about this blog and others like it (I guess you'd call them personal development blogs, but I stray a little bit every so often) is that the readers assume that the writer is this guy who does everything he preaches. I couldn't imagine a thought more untrue than that when it comes to my writing. I am so far from the ideals I write about here, but I write this blog because all I can truly say about myself is that I've raised my awareness to these different things, whether it be the excessive nature of complaining, the need for some positivity, the lack of individualized action, why we need to live, or anything else.

This blog is filled with things that everyone already knows. You don't need to read this blog to gain insight on any of the things I write about, but I do offer a perspective you may or may not have considered previous to reading this, and that's why it's here -- for your use, to provoke your thoughts.

This might be totally weird, but I even read my own material, watch my own vlogs (which is kinda creepy watching myself talking to myself), and learn from my thoughts even if I wrote/recorded the post a week ago. The way I see if, if someone can resonate with something I'm posting and they might think it's something that they could incorporate in themselves for the better, then humanity might have improved a little bit. Even if I'm not the one improving by incorporating my own words, someone else is, and that's really all that matters right (after you look past the whole personal gain thang).

Someone once called me out on acting totally out of character with my blog, and they saw that as a reason to act blatantly against everything I stand for through the blog. It fell on them like a rock when I told them that the blog isn't about me and my actions. It's about how you might be able to improve yourself with a new perspective.

Love you tons,

Ankit

Expectations? Psht.

2009-05-03T13:00:00.000-04:00

People often tell me my ideas are too idealistic. I believe too much that everyone is going to do what works best, that people will take account for their own actions, that people will understand that complaining doesn't make sense, that people will take control of their health, that people will LIVE. Society doesn't work that way. I know society doesn't.

However, just because society doesn't function a certain way doesn't mean I don't have to. I do what I feel works best. Too often I see people just do what they're "supposed" to.

Society works this way. It's too crazy to think people will (eat the way their supposed to / maximize their lives / live in the moment / stop spreading so much negativity).

People will never say, "What's the point of trying?" but without realizing it, that's essentially the message they convey. Don't fall into that category. Be progressive. Be radical. Be YOU. If you want to take control of your life, defy societal expectations.

Much love,

Ankit

[Vlog] Receiving Criticism

2009-05-02T20:52:00.004-04:00

Vlog: Receiving Criticism from Ankit Shah on Vimeo.

Discussed:
- My '90s teen TV star look (and my pubescent acne/facial hair)
- Our love for criticism, only if it's positive
- How we tend to respond to negative criticism (i.e. nitpicking at fallacies in the opposition's argument, failing to actually consider the criticism as a whole)
- That all criticism is constructive, whether that's the intention or not; there is always something to learn from the criticism.

Happiness: A State of Being

2009-04-26T17:31:00.002-04:00

There's a big difference between pleasure and joy. Pleasure stems from immediate gratification of something that tends to be superficial (i.e. new clothes, gadgets, a successful hookup, whatever). On the other hand, joy, which I personally prefer any day, comes from a sustained happiness that occurs as a result of a good life -- usually from appreciating little daily happenings that might typically run by you without you taking notice (a good friend, quality weather, the trust and respect of your colleagues).

I don't know if there is an answer to which is better (except I thought I did when I started writing this post), but what I do know is that for more people than not, pleasure is not sustainable. It often leads to lows that might not need to be dealt with if the focus were more on overall happiness (aka joy).

The thing about pleasure is that it's nice, but only in moderation. In excess, it loses its ability to be thoroughly appreciated. Unless you're someone like Tucker Max, chances are, pleasure won't do IT for you (whatever it is) all the time. Funny enough, though, it's what most of us seek more than anything. We want new clothes. We want more girls/boys. We want more skin-deep relationships.

It might be a redirection of focus that could make all the difference. The thought, "Will this actually fulfill me? Will I be joyful after this?" might sway many decisions. It's one of the reasons I practice a primarily raw foods lifestyle. Sure, fries, ice cream, bagels and all that jazz provides me that pleasure, but in the long run, I will be happier with myself if I eat healthier foods.

Consider your lifestyle. Are you seeking pleasure OR are you living joy?

Love you,

Ankit

Stoic Appreciation

2009-04-15T13:06:00.002-04:00

Most times, I'm all about experiencing life in abundance -- not in the sense of overindulging, but always believing that the joys of life are infinite. Sometimes, though, I forget these joys. Not that I'm not enjoying them, but I forget to embrace them. I won't smile when the weather's really nice. I won't realize how great it is to be surrounded by so many people and be involved with so many beautiful communities online and in person. Basically, I'll take life for granted.

Shifting back to my continually smiley, overjoyous self isn't as simple as a flick of a switch, though. It might be for some of you, but for others, it might take a more Stoic approach. I often find that to appreciate the little things that go right over our head on a daily basis -- that is, after realizing that I'm totally living sans thanking -- I have to experience the opposite of what I'm used to. I have to take a freezing shower. I have to stop wearing socks around the house. I have to surround myself with less pleasant people (I hate acknowledging it, but I would just interact with some people that don't really help me grow, to say the least).

It's not so much regimental, but whenever I am more conscious of little things I don't appreciate so much, I'll train myself to do so. Today, it was really cold in my house. I was about to get in bed with a sweatshirt and blanket and do my work there. Instead, I walked around my room shirtless, sockless, and with shorts. Some call it stupid and sickness-inducing, I call it appreciation (and I don't really get sick much so whatever).

Now I'm going to take a hot shower and love up every moment of it.

Stay happy, stay real, stay you,

Ankit

One-upping the next man

2009-04-12T10:22:00.002-04:00

It's weird that sometimes, the things I think about most are those that I have least to say about, so I don't know how much this will hit home, but hopefully you can resonate with this in the slightest bit:

We have a very natural tendency of comparing ourselves to others in that we need to one-up the next person in most scenarios. It's not easy to get rid of this mentality. If someone's flattering someone else behind their back, people, including myself, will agree and add a small bit about how great that person is, then they'll throw in a quick, subtle word about something they're doing that's great too (which will often be followed up by a downplaying of that great facet of him/herself to seem modest and totally). If that was at all familiar to you (be honest with yourself), realize two things:

That habit will not change any time soon. It's normal, but...
You can start being more cognizant of the habit. Realize when you're doing it. Take note of it.

What will that do for you? Naturally, you'll turn it down. You'll realize that there's little to no beneficial reason to throwing in that bit about yourself because, even when you're trying to add a little bit of cred to your rep, you're not the focus during that portion of the conversation so either your two cents about yourself was overlooked OR it was noticed and the person who noticed is fully aware of why you threw in that comment.

It's not that you're uncomfortable flattering other people. You probably don't have anything against the person that's being talked up at the time. It's probably because you crave that positive reinforcement too. However, the more you're aware of it, the more able you'll be able to embrace the positives of everyone else around you without needing others to acknowledge you so much.

Just a thought. Not sure if it made too much sense, but if you didn't get it, chances are it doesn't apply to you. If you do though, definitely try to be more aware of it. I do it all the time. I would say, "I wish I didn't," but why would you regret anything? I don't like to waste my energy on ish like that :).

Love you,

Ankit

P.S. Sample dialogue where the above takes place:

1: Yeah, I saw person X at the gym the other day. Did you have any idea they're in such great shape? I had no idea he was so fit!

2: Mmhm, he's in really great shape. He started talking to me about working out a few months back and I gave him some tips about working out and whatever. It's really great that he's doing so well now.

Curiosity

2009-04-09T11:31:00.007-04:00

I love when people ask questions. So many times, they'll preface it with, "Sorry I'm bothering you, but..." and all I can think is how great it is that they're interested in whatever they're asking about. Most people hear about something, they'll ask one or two questions, hesitate, and then stop asking because they don't want to seem like (1) a nuisance or (2) they're obnoxious and interrogatory.

Now, there are situations when you don't want to ask too much, like if you're talking to a superior (in a formal setting), but conversationally with peers, it's the coolest thing to ask questions. Some people are trained to respond and think, "Why is s/he being so inquisitive/nosy? That's weird." But in situations like that, I think it best to think a little more of yourself than what others are thinking of you.

Curiosity is often regarded as a childlike quality, but really, it's the quality that connects people to their passions. Unless you ask questions, you're never going to know if you're actually into something someone else is doing or not. One of my good friends asks questions like its her job, and she gets that her understanding of something is cursory, at best, if she's not asking. She's one of the most thorough people I know when it comes to her thought process, and I would say a large amount of credit is due to the fact that she's curious.

I don't think curiosity is a quality that just some people have. I think everyone has it; it's just a matter of who is too self-conscious to ask questions versus who doesn't give a shit and just wants to learn. I prefer the latter. I was part of the former group before I got into raw foods, simply thinking that it was a crazy diet that wasn't worth my time. I don't know what sparked my interest, but I finally grew a pair and asked some people some questions, and that started a domino effect that would've never happened otherwise.

Next time someone talks to you about something unfamiliar, ask a few questions. It may or may not be worth your while, but you would never know otherwise.

Love you,

Ankit

Socrates' bust was kinda ugly, but his method was pretty stellar.

Love Your Heart Out

2009-04-06T15:52:00.001-04:00

A friend asked me if I loved her once, and I had trouble saying yes because in my head, the only people I loved were my family, my cousins, and a few of my boys that I held close enough to me to call them my brothers.

That was a stupid response. That was a trained response. That was a response that came from thinking that I was supposed to keep my love exclusive.

After some thought and some perspective from various bloggers (a lot of inspiration from Jason Mraz), I'v realized that all you can do is love. Having different magnitudes for how much you like someone and creating a line between "like" and "love" just makes appreciation harder. It makes it harder to connect genuinely. If you keep it at love (not to mention, staying away from "dislike," or "hate"), all you want to do is make the most of your relationships.

I'm slowly becoming a great believer in love. That love that Jason Mraz so effectively describes:

The greatest love imaginable: That Love that dwells inside us all,That Love that makes us so, That Love that makes us all connected whether we believe in it or not.

I'm trying to remind people of that love at the end of my conversations. Whether it be on the phone, on AIM, or in person, it leaves the person thinking - "Wait, did he just say, 'I love you'? Huh. That was kinda nice."

It's weird for me too, but I think it's kinda nice.

Love,
Ankit

A heart? Kind of? It's the thought that counts. I'm trying!

Disclaimer!

2009-04-06T00:26:00.004-04:00

I was talking to a friend of mine tonight about fitness and the more superficial results of it (i.e. defined bod and the like), and naturally, I got into talking about the pleasing consequences of getting back into a 5-/6-day-a-week fitness routine with track and got into the specifics. Then, I started drawing back from the conversation because I took note of the slightly arrogant air I was producing by talking about having a relatively cut figure.

To this, my friend responded: "I feel like we've all trained ourselves to preface everything we say with a disclaimer. Sometimes that's necessary, but I wish it wasn't."

I wrote about this in my moleskine in February and never ended up blogging about it, but true honesty comes in a form without disclaimers. Try to stop justifying yourself before you say things. Try to stop turning back after saying things. These disclaimers we put out there before presenting ourselves are a convenient and unfortunate method we use to to deny ourselves our true selves. In other words, we're lying to ourselves.

The most frequent word used when justifying ourselves is most likely "but." Chill with the but.

But while chillin', stay real,
Ankit

Complaining

2009-03-28T01:59:00.004-04:00

I guess this post would serve as somewhat of a supplement to the last one. Complaining is one of the most common and most intolerable of negative expressions. The way I see it, there are two types of complaining: (1) complaining for the sake of complaining and letting out a frustrating situation, and (2) complaining about a situation that can be remedied but without much thought into what those remedies could possibly be.

To solve the first type, you need more sources of positive energy. It's key to understand that there is light in even the darkest situations and that things happen for a reason. Although not immediately apparent, the universe is functioning on your side. This isn't religious talk. This is understanding the goodness of the world as a whole. Sure, there are always the occasional outliers, but it's your job to look past them, towards the greater light.

For the second type, we need to start realizing that we drain our energy (while creating more negativity) by complaining. When you encounter an unfortunate situation, you've GOT to stop thinking "Aw, man." You've GOT to stop thinking, "Wow, fml." You've GOT to stop thinking, "Why does this always happen to me?"

What you actually have got to start doing is thinking, "Okay. I accept the situation as it is. I understand the past has passed, and the only time I have is the present. Now, what do I do?"

Only you have the ability to change a sitaution. In Kanye West's book of "Kanye-isms," Thank You and You're Welcome, he says something along the lines of "Stop complaining if you don't offer a solution," and I think that's the essence of what I'm trying to convey. Instead of complaining about all the flaws in a situation, offer fixes. Think about improvements.

While only you have the ability to change your situation, you're also the only person with the ability to choose whether or or not you complain.

Much love,
Ankit

The Magnitude of Negativity

2009-03-24T06:44:00.006-04:00

When I went to Spain on a school trip a little more than a month ago, I got in trouble for making mischief and a few of the teachers on the trip weren't entirely pleased with me. To an extent, I lost a bit of their respect, and for me, that was a very, very big deal. It hit me hard to know that it was so much easier to lose respect than to gain it, so this was a really rough ordeal for me. The result? The entire night at dinner one night, I was quiet. I didn't really say a word. All I could think about was how much I blew it and how things weren't going to be the same because I made myself look stupid. A great friend of mine reminded me that everyone noticed my upset nature, and he told me, in a totally straightforward and respectable manner, that it was making it hard for him to enjoy the night. He had no reason to be upset, but my negativity was radiating -- the same negativity that was stemming from fear of what was the come in the future instead of simply accepting things as they are in the present (and that any respect I was to redeem after the incident would only come with my actions, not thought).

I spent about fifteen or so showers since then thinking about negativity and what its purpose was. There's only so many excuses one can make for being negative until he realizes that it really doesn't make sense. You can be negative, but that's not improving a situation. Action and thought about positives and potential solutions improves situations. Not only that, but I've noticed, unfortunately, that negativity radiates with greater strength than positivity. I wish I could say that positivity was stronger, but we have a natural tendency towards negativity (whether it be in the form of complaining, gossiping, pouting, etc.). That said, it's important to make a conscious effort to remind yourself of the positives of a situation.

At the time, I thought there was zero positive in my ordeal. Then I thought a little harder, and this was really one of the first challenges I've ever encountered in regaining something intangible that I lost. If I saw it as an unfortunate struggle, as I did for a while, yeah, it would've sucked. Now, the positive interactions I have with these teachers makes me that much more grateful that I have the relationships I do with them.

As much as I like to embrace diverse perspectives, the one thing I have trouble tolerating is people who radiate negativity excessively. I try my best to avoid people like this so I don't have to condemn myself to what I put the people around me through at the dinner table in Spain. It's not worth my time. It's not worth their time. Out of respect for the people around you, smile a little bit.

Love,

Ankit

Totally dominating her negativity.

We're all students. We're all teachers.

2009-03-23T20:15:00.007-04:00

Often times, I’ll wonder what the purpose of some of my relationships are. For me, relationships are a mutual agreement of usage. I use you. You use me. It’s only logical (and I’d rather be useful than be useless). Occasionally, I forget what I’m actually gaining from a relationship. Lately, what I've realized, in all our relationships, no matter how evident it may be, we’re all teachers and we’re all students.

Now, I'm not into formal education. I like my learning process to be as liberal as possible with emphasis on experiential learning, which is why I like to extract as much from my day-to-day interactions as possible. For a good portion of time this past few months, I lost interest in some of my relationships with some of the people that once played a prominent role in my life. Blind to the fact that I lost this interest, I began to notice the quality of my life decreasing - not because anything was changing, but because I began to lose the variety of perspective I was usually able to incorporate in my daily doings, that same variety of perspective that allows me to maintain a certain level of levity.

It took me a while to notice that I stopped communicating with the diverse group of people that I typically did, and thus, I made a conscious effort to re-incorporate that wide variety of people -- from the ridiculously school-focused type to the relaxed type to the skeptic to the person that just loves life. I used to think there were some types of people I just wanted to stay away from, but come to think of it, there's a reason we are forced in the same space as the people we are. We're meant to create learning experiences from new types of people.

Everyone plays a role in your life, just as you play a role in theirs. Disregard the significance or magnitude of that role, and just be you. Embrace your role. Embrace their role. Understand that we're all students and teachers at the same time.

Stay real,
Ankit

(Follow me on Twitter @ankitshah. Tumblr @ankittt.)

Experiencing life, one sense at a time

2009-01-27T11:18:00.004-05:00

I had a conversation with some good friends the other day, and one of them mentioned an idea of the Zen master, Thich Nhat Hanh. Hanh notes that most of us don't really embrace our sensory pleasures as we should, that we take them for granted (and I might possibly be citing his idea a little bit incorrectly, so if someone is more knowledgable than I am, feel free to correct me in a comment). I thought about it, and that idea resonated really well with my thoughts on single tasking, which I discussed in my recent post.

I thought about it, and I have a proposition: experience your day-to-day actions one sense at a time. It might not be practical if you're in an environment that's really busy, but when you're at home or anywhere by yourself, try it. When you're eating, close your eyes and turn off the music, TV, podcasts, whatever. When you're listening to music, close your eyes and stop eating. When you're viewing photography, stop everything else you're doing. Reduce all the other noise and stop eating. You get the point.

For me, trying this has actually amplified my sensory experiences. It has worked the same way people describe when you lose a sense (i.e. going deaf or blind), your other senses become more acute. Deactivate other sense as much as you can to really enjoy the one that you're working with, with purpose. Maybe it'll work. Just another idea to amplify that other sense we all have (I hope, at least) - the one of gratitude.

Persimmon perfection. (Just noticed how bad my haircuts usually are from this picture. Kind of grateful my most recent one didn't turn out as horribly)

Stay real,
Ankit

P.S. If I'm drinking a really shit smoothie that I made or if anything I made goes bad, I'll blast the music, watch really action-packed movies, and smell everything I can. The taste practically disappears :)

Mr. President Barack Hussein Obama

2009-01-20T21:36:00.007-05:00

I wish I were more familiar with each and every policy of Barack Hussein Obama, the 44th President of our United States. I do understand him, politically, to an extent, but I could certainly do more. Why do I love this glorious man so much if I don't even know his political views as much as I should to make an informed decision? What exactly does his message of hope even mean to me?

I'm proud to be a citizen under Barack Obama's presidency, not because I think he's going to incorporate policies that work magically to fix all our problems, but because he represents all I want to see in a citizen. Not only that, but he invigorates the people of this country to want to be him. He fills us with this love for everything that he is, and I think that's so key to his presidency. Whether or not he gets us out of Iraq, the economic crisis, or the 1,334 other pits we've dug ourselves into, he will undoubtedly inspire us to better ourselves as human beings.

Obama is the one of the few presidents we've ever had that stresses so many of the things that Americans should embrace but don't: exercise, reading & academia, loving his family, composure. Now, if we could all just take one thing away from him. We all see a bit of ourselves in him, but if we could just take a step further and really embrace his virtues to the extent that we live them ourselves, we'll improve the standard of not just the American citizen, but the global citizen.

We'll change the world.

It's important to not negate the effect of small changes. Never forget that a movement can never amount to anything if an individual doesn't put forth his one-man effort. Things add up, and that's how Obama was elected. We must never forget that. The second that happens is when we fail to act on the hope the world has worked so hard for in the last two years.

The nature of a change in our habits is also not to be forgotten. We don't need to be politically engaged to better our country. By reading more, we improve society with our knowledge. By exercising more, we improve society by encouraging healthy lifestyles and we improve ourselves by realizing the more important things in life. By loving more, we improve society by radiating our positive energy to encourage others to pursue all the things they fear.

Obama works out for 90 minutes daily. He is a bookworm beyond the beliefs of many of us. We all find ourselves too busy to incorporate these two habits into our daily schedule. If HE can find the time, can we really say that we can't? Get to work, ladies and gentleman. It's time.

Now is the moment.

Much hope,
Ankit

[Vlog] Just Do It. Now.

2009-01-17T01:00:00.000-05:00

Vlog: Just Do It. Now. from Ankit Shah on Vimeo.

Discussed:
- A sweet anecdote from the blood bank today
- The absurdity of words like, "soon," "later," "tomorrow," and "eventually"
- How cool is it to actually act on your word immediately, right now.
- My lack of drive but newfound influence to do volunteer work
- Another sweet anecdote about the most difficult of random acts of kindness, giving away one of someone's possessions, right now
- Nothing's guaranteed tomorrow and, thus, the importance of doing things now

Loving Yourself and Sharing

2009-01-10T00:28:00.010-05:00

So my brother woke up and my parents came home, and I feel really weird talking to a computer screen when they're around because every time I've done it, someone has walked into the room, I've bugged out, and I've lost my train of thought because I keep thinking of being walked in on. The point is that I'm converting what would have been a vlog to a blog because I have yet to rid myself of that self-consciousness.

How often do we stop ourselves from fully sharing our thoughts, perspectives, emotions, or ideas? How often do we shy from wearing our hearts on our sleeves? How often do we think that doing just that would be a bad thing?

I think it's really important to share yourself with the people around you. It's more important to talk about the way you see it (whatever "it" may be) instead of other people, instead of absurd drama and gossip and other negative-energy radiating topics you don't really need to involve yourself in. Most of us are too scared of judgment because we continually think that our thoughts aren't mainstream enough or that they aren't good enough. It's crucial to (1) forgive yourself for whatever negative energy you've drawn to yourself by thinking that you're not good enough to overcome judgment and (2) love yourself.

Some may call it narcissistic, but I can't love anyone truly until I love myself, and right now, I love myself. You know what that allows me to do? It allows me to share myself with all of you, knowing some of you won't like what I have to say, some of you will love it, and some of you will not really care, but no matter what, I'll still be perfectly content with my state at the moment. Of course, I always aim to improve in one way or another, but that comes with great satisfaction with how I roll at the moment. That might not make much sense unless you actually experience what I'm talking about, but hopefully you can relate to it on some level.

With that love for thyself, you can understand a important concept -- that you are not your emotions. You don't identify with your ideas, perspectives, or thoughts. All of those things are temporary, impermanent. Upon that understanding, we can all truly grasp the fact that we should share these things, further confirming their impermanent nature. I think sharing is the easiest way to let things go/detach from them and also open others' eyes to new things. Who you are is not the way you feel -- your emotions, ideas, beliefs, whatever -- at the time. Those things just are what you're most present to at the given moment. Once you love who you are, generally, you can understand that all that other stuff is temporary. Share it, let someone else gain from it as you grow from it and become something better than what you once were, and love every moment of it. But don't, for a second, believe that you aren't good enough, that you are subject to judgment and should therefore not share. The moment that you believe any of that is when progress comes to a halt.

Love you (and myself),
Ankit

Related links:

LovingRaw video on Reclaiming Your Power, by Philip McCluskey

[Vlog] Single Tasking

2009-01-09T23:27:00.003-05:00

Vlog: Single Tasking from Ankit Shah on Vimeo.

I don't know why I'm smiling so much, but enjoy!

Discussed:

That the ultimate goal is actually being truly happy
Single tasking and immersing yourself in what you're doing at the moment
Coming to a realization that multitasking doesn't exist. You can only do one thing at a time. "Multitasking" is an illusion of doing multiple things at a time; it is really half-assing everything you're doing by doing each for several moments.
That there's no need to plan out your schedule and set blocks of time for your plans; you only need to do what you're doing, and just that.

Love you,
Ankit

Related Links:

Mental Burdens

2009-01-08T01:03:00.004-05:00

Instead of wishing you all a happy new year, I wish you a good new day. It's really important to view each day as a turning point, for it is one. I'm sure we've all heard it several times by now -- that there's no reason to wait for January 1st to formulate your intentions and act upon them, but it really is nice to see that we still have some hope, that January 1st provides a stimulus for some of us. Eventually, however, I think it's important to trust in each new day's promise -- that it is what it is, a new day.

With that, I will briefly (seriously, I'm on a time limit here) talk about what I have been thinking about incessantly for the last few weeks. Now that I'm in college (oh yeah, I never mentioned that on the blog - I'll be at the Wharton School @ UPenn from 2009 - 2013 :), I have had a lot of time to really focus on myself, my living (as opposed to my mere existence), and I have tried thinking of what I could do to ensure that if I died any day, I would be totally at peace. This thought-process has recently been even more fired up as a result of reading Tuesdays With Morrie in my Philosophy class (great read if you haven't checked it out already; it's by Mitch Albom).

Now, I have always thought that I would be perfectly fine with dying at any moment in the last few months, but I really thought about it over my winter vacation, and I realized that I would not be. A few things have been holding me back from that peace, and part of my new intention with this blog is to resolve that peace. My character flaws are something I rarely acknowledge -- if I do talk about them, it is only how I used to make a certain mistake but now it's all cleared up. I really do think that part of resolving character flaws -- which could be a factor in being at greater peace with oneself and could very easily release mental burdens that one may have -- is acknowledging those flaws, not just to yourself, but to the people around you.

I am terribly arrogant. When I do receive honest flattery, I let it get to my head. That flattery allows me to think that a lot of my ideas and perspectives are "right," whatever that means. Then, I started reading the works of many people who have done much more than I have (which, really, is nothing. I just like to think I'm important), and I have realized that my arrogance, my inability to lay my feet flat on the ground and realize that I am but one of 6,600,000,000 people on this planet. This leads me to part of my intention for the rest of my life -- to acknowledge myself truthfully rather than simply the thoughts I consider to be more morally correct.

I just started reading Gandhi's autobiography today, and something he said in the first ten pages hit me hard:

I have gone through deep self-introspection, searched myself through and through, and examined and analysed every psychological situation. Yet I am far from claiming any finality or infallibility about my conclusions. One claim I do indeed make and it is this. For me they appear to be absolutely correct, and seem for the time being to be final. For if they were not, I should base no action on them.

Gandhi, a man who spent his entire life trying to step forward, trying to reach the ultimate goal, for him, of salvation, is so humble as to say that what he does may not be right. I, by no means, am saying that I am anywhere near him in moral standing, but I do think there's something to be learned from him, and that is that nothing is correct, nothing is final, and our perspective is always subject to change. I'm sure if you compared what I've written or spoken about in the last two months, it would be very different from a year ago. What I write about or share is what is most present to me at the moment, and because of that, it is always subject to change. Nothing is final.

Before ending the post before I go on for hours, I'll note a coming trend. Because my perspective always changes, and because this blog is, in strong part, for myself and my own experiments with life, I will be posting more frequently about what I'm thinking on an (almost) daily basis. I find that my thoughts are always shifting from one perspective to another, and I think it would be interesting to note a contrast in the lenses I view life through by posting on a more frequent basis rather than writing everything in a little black book that never really goes into much detail.

With that, I will take off. Enjoy your day, every day.

Stay real,
Ankit

[Vlog] Eventual Gratification

2008-12-06T10:21:00.001-05:00

Vlog: Eventual Gratification from Ankit Shah on Vimeo.

Discussed:
- My patience in waiting for facial hair for more than half a decade
- The importance of patience in life-living
- Activities I've taken on that have slowed down my life, made it less rushed, and what I've gained from these activities
- Patience as a crucial factor in the work of Martin Luther King Jr. and Mohandas K. Gandhi
- Why life eventually works out for all of us, that the universe is on our side, the human race wants us to do well
- Life is beautiful.

[Vlog] Today, I'm Grateful for Vision. What about you?

2008-11-26T15:14:00.008-05:00

Vlog: Today, I'm Grateful for Vision. What about you? from Ankit Shah on Vimeo.

Chock full of "um"s and "so, yeah"s and bad hair/droopy eyes. Recorded at 3:50a this morning, and I was totally not feeling a rerecording, so this is my thanks for your understanding of that. There will be a most substantial thank you post tomorrow night or Friday morning in text form.

Thank you for being you.

Jason Mraz: Gratitude is Good for Your Health

P.S. I think my slight lisp becomes less and less "slight" as I listen to myself. I never know whether to actually care about that or not.

[My first vlog] What are you doing right now? Living.

2008-11-23T20:26:00.003-05:00

Vlog: What are you doing right now? Living. from Ankit Shah on Vimeo.

By the way, tell me that hat is not the best ever.
Also - I don't edit videos (nor do I know how to.) This is completely on the spot. Sorry that it's eleven minutes, but to be honest, I think 11 minutes of video is certainly more entertaining than 5 minutes of reading.

I'm comin' in when I feel like, so turn this thang up only if it feels right.

2008-11-07T03:31:00.004-05:00

Gratuitous Self-Image Wednesday. Yes, it's 3:34a on Friday. ¿Es un problema? I'd hope not :)

Funnily enough, I was trying to get a picture of myself in the reflection but I was blending in with the reflection of the trees. Total fail.

Update (11/10/08): Just realized these "GSIWs" totally take away from the purpose of this blog. The fun, meaningless (but sometimes, meaningful) stuff will now emigrate to my tumblr.

History in the Making

2008-11-05T01:42:00.001-05:00

You know, as wild as all of this is, I’m really just trying to absorb it all right now. The implications of today are just so immense. It makes me appreciate Martin Luther King Junior to such a great extent. What he did for this present moment in history was so key, and look at us now. 2008, and in 76 short days, we will have a Black&White House. It’s weird shifting from the “imagine” and “hope” mentality to the “oh shiz, it’s here” mentality. Most of my conscious life has been spent under a president I haven’t really appreciated much, so this is going to be something new. This is going to be something I tell my kids. This is going to be something special. This is something special.

A civil war that, in many ways, began at Bull Run, Virginia, on July 21, 1861, ended 147 years later via a ballot box in the very same state. For nothing more symbolically illustrated the final chapter of America’s Civil War than the fact that the Commonwealth of Virginia — the state that once exalted slavery and whose secession from the Union in 1861 gave the Confederacy both strategic weight and its commanding general — voted Democratic, thus assuring that Barack Obama would become the 44th president of the United States.

- “Finishing Our Work,” by Thomas L. Friedman, November 4, 2008

What boggles me most is Obama’s family history. His parents have been dead since before his 2004 DNC Address. His grandmother passed just before not only his greatest moment, but also quite possibly the country’s. We haven’t seen any of his siblings (or maybe we have and I haven’t followed well enough) throughout his campaign trail. His drive has got to be coming from the heart because there’s so few other outlets. Who’s he fighting to impress? There’s no, “Look ma, I did it!” I can’t imagine having moments like the one he just had tonight without the family I grew up with there with me. I don’t know what to make of it, but I think that makes him so much more impressive.

Congratulations, Barack. Please don’t stop sending me emails (even if David Plouffe is writing them). It makes me feel like we’re bros. We’d pound it if I ever met you.

Looking forward to enjoying the next four years.

My gut tells me that of all the changes that will be ushered in by an Obama presidency, breaking with our racial past may turn out to be the least of them. There is just so much work to be done. The Civil War is over. Let reconstruction begin.

- Thomas L. Friedman

Tumblr looks like tummy.

2008-11-03T06:29:00.003-05:00

I'm now running a tumblelog site. It's where I'll share music, photos, videos, conversations, and brief notes on a much more frequent basis than I do anything on this blog. I'll still put up random stuff here, but this will be more dedicated to my thoughts (but that's not to say my thoughts won't be interspersed with music/photos/videos/conversations/briefnotes).

Check it out: http://ankittt.tumblr.com

Letters of Gratitude

2008-11-03T03:25:00.005-05:00

You know what's a really cool idea?

Writing informal letters to friends about how much you like them, why you're thankful for them, and why your life wouldn't be the same without them and mailing the letters to their homes. Even if you see them every day in school and could hand it to them. Getting things in the mail is really exciting (especially when you're not the homeowner at home and everything that ever has your name on it in the mailbox is either from "Herricks High School" or "______ University.") I think I'm going to send letters of gratitude to people. It really takes maybe 15-20 minutes to write letters and another 30 seconds to envelope and stamp them. I'm excited to see what I write and who I write to. I'm so lost right now.

It's 3:28a and I don't know WHAT I'm doing. Except maybe this:

My green smoothie matches my walls. I painted these walls before I knew half my diet could be vomited on the wall and it wouldn't even make a difference because it'd all blend in. I love it.

I need to touch up my ceiling paint. There's still bits and pieces of green paint that somehow found their way onto the ceiling despite the tape we put on the corners to prevent that. Whatever. You should paint your own room in the middle of the night. It's a really fun experience (especially when no one's home and you can blast music from midnight to 6:00am.)

Dave Matthews on "Speeking" One's Mind

2008-10-31T17:12:00.002-04:00

(Yes. That's the real Dave. Follow him on Twitter @ www.twitter.com/DaveJMatthews.)

Apparently this picture day is the new "in" thing

2008-10-29T23:06:00.000-04:00

So I've been frequenting a lot of blogs recently, and a common theme I've found is that many bloggers have a day of the week they choose to take a picture of themselves and they post it that same day every week. SO, I'm going to start that same trend for two reasons:

It'll force me to more frequently update my blog. When I post more pictures, I'm forced to think about more significant things to write about.
It's cool to kind of observe my growth and see trends in my shaving patterns or when I wear glasses and when I don't or when I have bags under my eyes and when I don't. It'd simply be cool to look back and be like, "Oh yeah, I remember that week because of those bags," or "Oh yeah, that stupid pimple that got all pus-filled and wouldn't freaking rid itself from its comfortable home on my forehead was so frustrating."
I got the new MacBook, which is gorgeous and fast and sleek and light and everything beautiful ever. BASICALLY, I have a webcam and photobooth to take pictures and quickly upload them.

Simply put, this is my happiness or my weirdness of the week:
Now tell me Photo Booth isn't cool. This reminds me of the Brady Bunch (and of how much of a loser I am).

I think I'll call this Gratuitous Self-Image Wednesdays.

You can vote however you like!

2008-10-26T13:12:00.001-04:00

Or you could just vote Obama, but these kids are the best.

The Magic of Perspective

2008-10-20T02:17:00.004-04:00

Autumn is beautiful

"I doubt myself a lot." It almost hurts me to hear someone say that. Something I've learned in the last year is that life is all about the lens you look through when enjoying it.

You could doubt yourself, or you could question yourself. Kanye West, in his short but insightful book, Thank You and You're Welcome, says something like this:

I question anyone who questions me, but I question myself all the time!

Doubting yourself is acknowledging your flaws to an extent and telling yourself there's nothing you can do. Questioning yourself opens the doors to "What can I do about it? How can I improve? Where do I go from here?"

You could struggle, or you could welcome new challenges. When you view something as a struggle, there's very little opportunity to move forward. It's hard to march on with a smile. I can't stand struggles, but I lovingly welcome challenges. They give me something to look forward to, something to live for, really. Dhrumil phrases it well in his essay, "Struggle vs. Challenge: My Road to Completion":

A challenge may not be easy, but it can be joyful. A challenge is something that can be embraced even from the begin of the journey. A challenge, while it can be difficult, does not include the added dimension of resistance.

A struggle is being in once place and needing to be in another. A struggle is not only difficult, but it is a burden. A struggle is a challenge that is filled with resistance. A struggle is no fun at all.

How do you know where your journey stands? All you need to do is simply ask yourself, "Am I complete where I am?"

One of the greatest gifts that I've been given is the gift of completion. It didn't start that way and I've had many bumps in the road, but now that I discovered it, I want to help others discover it too.

Challenges are beautiful things.

I'm pumpkin carving this week! Haven't done it since elementary school =)

You could have bad experiences, or you could have learning experiences. So often I witness complainers talking about how terrible a night, a relationship, an experience of any sort was. I hate using this word, but I can't help but pity them. Something I love doing is finding the light in the darkest of situations. There are some occasions when it's harder than others, but when it clicks, it's a lot more gratifying than incessantly complaining. I can't really think of any essay or book that cites something completely relevant, but I know Kanye wrote something like,

Never complain without offering a solution! You rarely see positive results from people who do nothing but complain. The majority of the time, complainers seek only to be heard with no solution in mind. Once heard, they're off to find something else to complain about.

It's all about perspective. Open your eyes a bit to see the learning experiences, to welcome challenges, to question yourself! You'll see nothing but self-growth, and there's nothing like the sense of achievement you get from seeing yourself grow.

Be fresh(-minded),
Ankit

P.S. A way I've tracked my self-growth has been through this blog. Occasionally I track back by checking out my archives, and the change in mindset and the increase openness to new ideas and points-of-view are totally evident. Try blogging and see if it works for you.

The Purpose of Lying (or lack thereof)

2008-10-17T22:57:00.007-04:00

How often do we tell people things that we follow up with, "Keep it on the DL though," or "...but don't tell anyone"? Ever thought of why that happens so often? How about what those things are -- those that we follow up with the disclaimer?

This post was supposed to go up in August when I had a long conversation with a friend about a relevant topic, but because I can't say that the insight is 100% relevant at this point in my life, I'll briefly touch upon what he and I discussed. We had a conversation that almost ended in the fashion described above, but just when we thought it was over, it had just begun. That disclaimer sparked a conversation all about why one would ever want to hide something.

Something I've deduced (don't want to say concluded because it's still open to change) is that we hide the things we're least proud of. We hide the things we'd like no one to know, but most of the time, another person is involved so unfortunately, they have to know. Sometimes we even wish that person didn't have to know. I'm sure a lot of us have even realized this, but I've found, in myself and a lot of individuals I speak to, that very rarely do we actually make the conscious decision to change. Very rarely do we put our feet down and tell ourselves that the only things we want to be doing are the things we'd be happy other people knowing about.

I'm not saying to live your life to achieve the highest regard by others, but if you really think about it, if we can't have someone know what we're doing, there's a reason for hiding these things. In my short past, there are several things I don't like to talk about:

arguments I've had with people about utterly stupid things (but, of course, I realize this AFTER the argument and not during)
girls I've taken interest in/been involved with for absurd or superficial reasons (or no reason at all)
decisions I've made that go against things I typically stand for
the fact that I was gifted with a leather wallet that I currently use despite the material
the fact that I bought a leather belt after going vegan because I was too lazy to go out and find a mock leather one
what I think of myself, whether positive or otherwise

I'm sure there are more, but those are what I could come up with off the top of my head. The common theme among these things, however, is the fact that it's simply embarrassing, sometimes shameful.

Then I look back, and I wonder, why did I do it? Why'd I do something I'd be embarrassed to talk about? There's little to no logical reason, but there is a change to be made. That change is to be conscious of the things you do with a semi-mentality (if that even makes sense) that someone's watching what you do. Your peers know what you're doing. Then, act and be proud of what you do. (Please PLEASE note, however, that I don't encourage doing things that your friends want you to do. Do what you would do, what falls in line with your values and perspectives. Just pick the best decisions based on that rather than what other people may want you to do.)

As wild as this might sound, I challenge you to start talking about the things in your life you don't feel comfortable talking about, things you'd typically avoid discussing. Spilling your flawed actions is the most effective way of reminding yourself WHY you should do things you'd be proud of -- no matter who you're talking to. If I hooked up with girl X, I shouldn't feel bad about it. I shouldn't pretend like I didn't do it. That's not to say I should run around announcing it, but there should just be no shame. As I type this, I'm hesitant to reveal that I had a few leather goods. I'm hesitant because this post is confirming that there are relationships I've had that I don't talk about. I'm hesitant because this post is announcing that I don't live by 100% of the values I discuss in this blog 100% of the time. It's all about taking baby steps, though.

If you're going to eventually lie about it, fuck it. Don't waste your time resenting something you don't have to do.

Stay true to the world (but most importantly, to yourself),
Ankit

P.S. If you have any nice pictures that are aimless but are just nice to look at, send them my way. I'd love to throw other people's material on this thing (and I'm starting to run out of random pictures. I haven't went out much recently to actually take pictures.) Thanks :)

Living Beauty

2008-10-17T19:19:00.004-04:00

World Animal Day was observed earlier this month - on October 4th. Started in Florence Italy in 1931 at a convention of ecologists, World Animal Day has since expanded its focus from its original intent, which was to bring attention to endangered or threatened species. The day is now set aside as a time to reflect on all of the animals we share this world with, and our involvement with them - and to spur action to commemorate that respectful relationship. Half the world's mammals are declining in population and more than a third are probably threatened with extinction, according to an update of of the Red List (an inventory of biodiversity issued by the IUCN), released on October 6, 2008
- Alan Taylor of "The Big Picture"; blog post dated October 17, 2008

A white lion. Who knew those existed?

Beautiful. There's definitely a reason I couldn't eat anything that came from another living being. They're all way too precious. Who wants to go to the zoo with me?

Happiness is Infectious

2008-10-09T11:19:00.011-04:00

My happiness.

It's been too long, and it always upsets me to have people come to me telling me that they've checked this thing numerous times to see NOTHING new, so I'll throw in a quick word to maintain at least a little bit of interest.

I'm writing my college essay as I type (well, I was 5 seconds ago until I got distracted by this heavenly demon (talk about oxymorons lmfao) called the "Internet"), and it's on this line a really grounded brother shared with me: "True happiness is only real when shared."

Think about that line for a second. I'm not saying you have to split your veggie burger and give up half your smoothie for another person (though that would work), but rather, share your indispensable joy. Something I see WAY too often is really purposeful individuals, who have so many things that make their life great, not share their moments. Don't get me wrong: this isn't because they're greedy. Most of the time, it's just that it never crossed their minds.

Why I blog, why I twitter, why I campaign for various things, why I make an ass of myself in school to get people involved in things like Homecoming and Model Congress is all because of this line.

The things I blog about are things that (1) make my life a little more enjoyable, purposeful, (2) make me a little more positive, or (3) make me a little more spiritually grounded -- all things that I think everyone could use (no matter how happy or enlightened they may be).

The things I twitter about are things I'm present to at the given moment that might just be happening OR things that have caught my interest and might catch yours too (i.e. the sun rising, the quality food I may be enjoying, the general environment I'm in).

The sunset from the top of Pier 17 @ South Street Seaport.

The things I fight for -- animal rights via the vegan diet, AIDS awareness, healthy living in general via exercise, diet, and no bullshit drama -- I used to do just for myself. I just kinda did them. They were part of me, but recently, in increasing amounts, I've shared these things with the people around me because I know others might find fulfillment in exploring paths I'm trekking along myself.

Finally, school activities that I talk about so much to kids around school. Let me be straight with you when I say that I wouldn't be the person I am if it weren't for the extracurriculars. When I started high school and jumped into a number of these things, my intentions were split between hmm this could be cool to try out. everyone else is doing it and NICE. now all i have to do is write this on my college résumé that i'll be submitting in a few years. Eventually the mindset transitioned to i'm really getting a lot out of these activities. a lot of who i am and a lot of the way i carry myself is founded upon what experiences in these clubs have given me. Now, as a senior member of many of these activities, I don't only see my responsibility to be to assist in the running of the club and to make sure things are going the way they're supposed to. Being that my life has changed as a result of these activities, I only think it correct to create the experience I had and expand upon it for all the new students. There's a lot of purpose to be gained from these things, and I only see to make that known and available for the students around me.

That's how I share my happiness, my fulfillment, and my purpose. That's how I reap more than I sow. These three things -- happiness, fulfillment, and purpose -- do not come in limited quantities. They aren't scientific, so they don't follow the laws of conservation of whatever. What brings you happiness? What made your day today? Share it with someone. I highly doubt they won't crack a smile. Heck, share it with me. Comment or hit me up personally. I'd love to hear your happiness.

I think success should be measured by the smiles you induce. Something like this (for the math nerds):

Success = ((Average intensity of smile from 1-10)(Number of smiles))^(Number of resulting smiles on other faces)

Stay real,
Ankit

P.S. Tumblr's a great way to spread your joy. I'd use it if I wasn't already settled in with Blogger. It'd be heartbreaking to leave my online home. Here are a few people that have done a great job at making my day with their tidbits:

P.P.S. It's Breast Cancer Awareness month. Wear your jeans and your pink and flaunt your support. For those of you in Herricks, donate a bit of your change in the front office. For those from elsewhere, Avon and the Susan G. Komen Foundation have been doing great things with their money.

Note the pink ribbon-shaped firework on the left. Crazy, no? (Taken October 5)

P.P.P.S. For those that weren't there, Semiformal was RIDICULOUS. Be on the lookout for a winter formal. Big ups to the rest of the Exec Board and the many individuals that made this possible. Love all of you!

P.P.P.P.S. CONGRATS TO OUR HOMECOMING KING AND QUEEN, CHRIS LONGMAN AND NATALIE LI.

P.P.P.P.P.S. (This has got to stop) Other shots from the Semiformal:

After all the dancing (and sweating) lmfao.

Our beautiful banners.

Quick Note

2008-09-15T12:00:00.006-04:00

"Mercy," by Duffy, as featured in the first scene of the beginning of Season 5 of Entourage (which my brother LOVES, and I'm sure you'll figure out why if/when you watch it haha)

Way to be.

Just realized that I haven't written any of my own work in the last [too many] posts (so many that I have to click "Older Posts" to find something that's worth reading for some mind meat (that's the only kind of meat I like)).

A little caught up in school and other business right now to update substantially, but I promise, something will come soon. After Homecoming weekend (Sept. 26-27), my time slots should open up a LITTLE more, so hopefully I'll have a few good ones to check out right after then (if I procrastinate enough, maybe I'll write one before then).

I've had a bunch that I've wanted to write about though, specifically about lying and negativity, but those will have to be put on hold until time opens up. For now, however, I need to write another 7 pages of my science research paper and cite it all by tonight! CAN'T WAIT!

Keep rockin',
Ankit

P.S. Random pics that might compensate for my shortage of meaningful postage:

New additions to my room-decoration family lol. I love these things

Macro-mode. New camera-knowledge for me - thanks to Brian and Natalie and their neverending facebook albums from Costa Rica

My little black book (and the best pen in the world. Yeah it's weird, but I can't write with anything but the Zebra) -- also known as my life in a book. Even more detailed than my pointless twitters.

Wanna Hit Up the Semiformal With Ya Boiii? "Uh, no."

2008-09-13T01:06:00.008-04:00

So for those of you that don't go to Herricks, there's been a huge advertising campaign that I, along with the rest of the Student Gov't exec board (Ella, Devon, Neil, and Natalie), have been developing and putting on the morning announcements (BIG THANKS TO SAJEEB FOR PRODUCING THE VIDS). All these vids are in the form of a "Semiformal Dance Tip" (i.e. how to shave, how to dress semiformally, how to stay clean, etc.), and my favorite is the one on how NOT to ask a girl to the dance.

The night after that vid airs on the announcements, I get the following stream of messages from Greg:

LMFAO. This has got to be the best series of messages I've ever received on facebook.

BTW - First ever Homecoming Semiformal is on the 27th of September (the Saturday of Homecoming weekend). You've GOT to check it out. Nothing like any dance Herricks has ever seen. Tickets are on sale until Wednesday (17th) in the Senior Lounge every day after school. $10. Get yours.

Featuring (many of these for the first time):

Professional DJ (aka no iPod)
Sit-down, catered dinner (yes, it's gourmet-status shit. You're going to love it. Promise)
Dessert, obviously
Semiformal attire lmfao (guys - that means NO JEANS. girls - summer dresses and things similar)
Dates (optional)
Battle points for class with most attendees
The announcement of Homecoming King and Queen
A potentially new Herricks tradition (that is, if every single one of you comes)
Ya boi, A-dog, tearing it up on the dance floor (that should really be reason enough)

See you on the dance floooor kids,
Ank - I mean, A-dog.

Update (9/13/08):

Get to Work!

2008-09-11T04:31:00.001-04:00

Who Moved My Brain? Revaluing Time and Attention

View SlideShare presentation or Upload your own. (tags: gtd time)

[kanYe West : Blog] Love Lockdown - Studio Version

2008-09-11T02:13:00.003-04:00

kanYe West : Blog

Kanye West - Love Lockdown (Studio Version) - first introduced at the VMAs

What do y'all think?

Thanks for the heads up Sajeeb.

[Talent] Nuttin But Stringz

2008-09-07T09:52:00.003-04:00

I don't know how many of you watch America's Got Talent, but I don't. Yesterday, my brother introduced me to this one act that's came a long way on the show (which is apparently in its final round right now), and I think it's something everyone has got to check out. Absurd talent. Absurd passion. It's just too good.

God damn. Ridiculous. Enjoy. Buy their album. They came from small roots -- Jamaica, Queens -- and had a rough childhood. I don't buy too much music, but the bit that I do is always for people who I think actually deserve every penny they receive. They definitely qualify. See them at www.nuttinbutstringz.com. Click on "Store" to buy their album.

2008-09-05T06:08:00.000-04:00

Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.

- Mark Twain

Diddy on Gas Prices

2008-09-02T23:23:00.001-04:00

Sure, he thinks he's a baller, but even ballers gotta face reality once in a while. Too funny (and too real.)

L. Armstrong on Attitude

2008-09-02T00:50:00.001-04:00

I take nothing for granted. I now have only good days or great days.

(from Living Jain's quote of the day)

Why try?

2008-09-01T22:46:00.006-04:00

Sometimes I get the whole, "Ankit, I like what you're doing. It's admirable, but I don't think I could do it. I don't have that kind of self-control/willpower/whatever" thing a lot -- whether it comes to raw foods, fighting for a certain cause, or maybe even a daily habit, but what I thought about recently (and the thought kind of solidified during a discussion at the temple the other night) is that when you do a lot of the seemingly good things you do, it's not because you try to.

I don't like the word "try." "Try" implies you're fighting against some opposing force or that there's resistance present. I don't "try" to eat raw foods. It's just something I do. I don't "try" to be environmentally conscious. It's just something I know is the right thing to do. I don't try to do much. What I TRY to do is feel good, and surprisingly enough, that happens when I stop trying.

(On a totally real note, however, I'm in school. There are going to be things I don't want to do, but I put an effort forth to do them. Not that it's pleasurable, but I make the best of it by revolving my work around what I want to do when I can.)

I think the key to doing things that make you happy and simultaneously help the world around you is to simply become aware. When I learned about the environment and global warming and all that, I kind of brushed it off like, "Okay. Now what? Al Gore will save us all." I became aware when I actually learned about the consequences of our actions, when someone drew out the image of a plastic bag or a styrofoam cup chillin in the same place I put it literally 10,000 years from now, when I realized that buses and other mass transportation were leaving their feces all over our atmosphere even when they weren't full. Now it only makes sense to turn off the AC and open the windows when I'm in the car, to simply get half-naked in my room instead of turning on the fan (or maybe I just do that to feed my ego. Dual purpose. Whatever), to drink out of a reusable bottle instead of a plastic cup, to shower after a morning workout rather than before AND after, to basically do anything that's practical and will minimize the glacial melting caused by my actions. It only makes sense, so I do it. I don't waste energy in doing any of it. It just becomes second nature. It's the same way with food. I just know how I feel and how it impacts me (and the environment, in fact) when I eat processed foods, so I don't do it. When I do, it's because I'm thinking about it and I don't see any reason to hold back. Any time I have a bit of cooked food (yes, I do it occasionally), the goodness of raw living is only strengthened in my mind, furthering my awareness, making me less prone to doing it again. It's all about awareness. I don't TRY to down a green smoothie in the morning. I just do it because it makes me feel like a superhero.

I'm not negating the power of trying; it's certainly effective in getting that bit of activation energy necessary to increase awareness, but from that point on, it's all about awareness. Thinking, trying, making an effort -- it's just not worth my energy. Becoming aware requires a tiny investment, but from that point on, the gains you reap are unmeasurable. Heck, I gave up the whole keeping track thing a while ago.

When you feel enthusiasm to do something, it means you’ve lined up the Energy, and you are being inspired to take action from that point of alignment. When you don’t feel like doing it, don’t push yourself, because your effort is not worth it. But, when you line up the Energy, the feeling of procrastination goes away.

- Abraham Hicks (from Seema's blog)

Stop trying so hard,
Ankit

P.S. Thinking about doing a video-blog for my next post. What do y'all think of the idea?

Minimalism: A Worthy Hit

2008-08-31T21:49:00.007-04:00

I've heard tons of quotes throughout my 17 years (does it not almost-kinda-notreally sound like I'm old?) that have mentioned that possessions welcome grief aka negative energy. I never really got it until -- well, I still don't know if I fully get it, but I can certainly feel the wavelength a little more.

These quotes were expanded upon when I checked out the "100 Things Challenge" on Zen Habits (credits to Dhru for the ref), and happened to find it all over the place online. The more possessions I own, the more burdened I feel, especially when I start to concern myself with them. I mean, if you can own shit and not care whether or not you lost it, great for you, but I struggle a bit with that. When I buy new bedsheets, shit, I want those bedsheets to stay spotless. When I buy a book, I want to make SURE the corners don't bend because I like the way new-looking books look in my bookshelf. Simply put, increased possessions lead to increased attachment.

Today, I completely cleaned my room, inside the closets and drawers and out. What I found were tons of clothes I don't wear anymore or that I could do without. Sadly, my closet still looks like this:

Mildly successful attempt at combining two pics of the closet?

If I knew I were going to write a post about this 12 hours ago, I'd have taken pictures of it pre-cleaning, but trust me when I say that it was a LOT more jam-packed than that.

Now, is it just me, or do we all get clean feelings inside when we trash, donate, or sell a lot of belongings we don't use/don't need/don't need to use (or any combination of the previously listed)? This 100-things challenge is really getting to me, and when I think of it, besides the things I wear, read, use for school or put around my room, the only things I really use are my iPod, camera, water bottle, tennis racket, blender, juicer, and cell phone. Maybe a few more things, but I really don't think the things I wear/read/use for school/put around my room are necessary at all.

Cleaning out the bit that I did already makes me feel like my life is a little simpler, and that feeling would only be amplified upon ridding myself of more possessions (read: weight). I was briefly mentioning this to Kush earlier, and together, we kind of came up with the idea of having a clothes drive at school where all of us could clean out our closets and bring stuff that other people would actually wear and sell it at school as a fundraiser. It wouldn't be old garb that no one wants, but rather, nice clothes that we've just stopped wearing so much. Upon thinking about it a little more, I expanded on the idea by having a yard sale of sorts at school. With a group of willing individuals, we could all clean out our closets and rooms, and have a giant sale in the gymnasium as a fundraiser for the AIDS Walk or another cause we'd agree upon. It'd definitely take some work to get this by administration, but I think it's TOTALLY feasible. That said, rather than keeping it an idea, let's make it reality -- if you're reading this and you're from Herricks, let me know if you're into the idea via comment/email/AIM/whatever and we could put this together.

Basically, I'm putting the idea out there to challenge all of you. Do you actually need all that you own or could you live a simpler life? I'm still working on it, but I think it's definitely a worthy effort. Personally, I think being able to rid yourself of any number of possessions kind of emphasizes that we could not only be satisfied, but content with fewer possessions. It only makes sense that it would lead to further peace of mind and happiness with less _____ than you're used to getting. Just a thought.

Stay minimal,
Ankit

P.S. I'm thinking of just throwing in random bits of happiness in the post-scripts of these posts when they have nothing to do with the actual post. With that, check out my room -- I finally put pictures in my frames and filling in my box-shelf things. The bookshelf is here and filled (though it's been here for about 3-4 months now. I just never posted it after my old post when I didn't have it [which I think is on the old picture blog]):

Also, school's starting on Wednesday, and to be honest, I'm totally excited. Work's no fun, obviously, but seeing everyone and the constant company you get in school isn't something you find everywhere. Looking forward to that.

XCountry started last Thursday for me, and it's so killer (in a good way). I love the post-workout satisfaction of having completely pooped your body. It's the best. On Thursday, went to Long Beach with the team for a boardwalk run then a sand workout + ultimate frisbee. Did 4.4 miles in 28:30 with Eric. I swear, I didn't think it was possible, but the thought of leaving all the pain for Eric sounded only too kind, so I got some for myself. Friday -- 6 miles at a human pace, dying of the lactic-acid buildup. Only getting ready for a whole season of this. Lovely.

Lastly, a few songs I haven't been able to stop listening to recently:

"Sarandonga," by the Buena Vista Social Club

"Green Light," by John Legend feat. Andre 3000 - you've gotta listen to 3000's rap at 2:53. Too good.

"Human After All," by Daft Punk - their music is what got me through the cleaning day. Always makes me wanna dance.

"Fruta Fresca," by Carlos Vives - sometimes, I wish I were latino.

I'm SO obsessed with this audio embedding thing. Hope you enjoyed the music.

Zen Habits

2008-08-26T11:33:00.002-04:00

I occasionally write posts where I throw in a big block quote from another blog or article and write a few lines of commentary, but I've been skimming this blog recently (skimming because I have to actually work at lab. Otherwise would be reading intensely of course) called "Zen Habits." It's not some spiritual thing, but it has so many great bits about how to lead a more joyful life, and it's totally relatable for everyone, so definitely check this out @ ZenHabits.net.

A little description by the person that runs Zen Habits:

My name is Leo Babauta, I’m married with six kids, I live on Guam, I’m a writer and a runner and a vegetarian and I love writing Zen Habits.

Zen Habits is one of the top blogs on the Internet, and covers: achieving goals, productivity, being organized, GTD, motivation, eliminating debt, saving, getting a flat stomach, eating healthy, simplifying, living frugal, parenting, happiness, and successfully implementing good habits.
(from http://zenhabits.net/about/)

If you slightly enjoy any of the things I write about, definitely check this out.

btw - I don't know Leo Babauta, and he is in no way related to me. He needs little to no help increasing the popularity of his site, but I think you all should definitely consider enriching your lives with its content :)

Much love,
Ankit

Are you kidding me?

2008-08-23T19:56:00.001-04:00

Not only do they not feed cattle corn (which sucks), but not they're moving to potato chips and M&Ms. You are what you eat: junk.

The One Way Nature of Blogging

2008-08-23T10:43:00.002-04:00

Found this online while browsing some blogs -- why we should all be blogging:

There's a woman who reads this blog regularly who I went to high school with 30 years ago. We were two of the "smart kids" in our grade. We took the same classes and had a pretty similar experience in high school (it sucked). Both of us went on to really great schools, blossomed, and have gone on to leave fulfilling adult lives.

She emailed me yesterday about a small problem she had with my Donors Choose Bloggers Challenge (reminder, I still need some help getting to $25k). We traded a few emails and in one of them she said:
That's one of the great things (or maybe not) about blogging. I haven't
seen you in almost 30 years, but I am fairly up to date on your business
and family etc... Of course, you know nothing about mine so it's pretty
one sided.
It's true. She knows a ton about what I've been up to and I don't anything about what she's been up to. I asked her if she blogged. She doesn't and then sent me a two paragraph email update which I read with interest. Her point was she's got nothing to blog about. That's for her to decide, but I am not so sure.

I read blogs all the time from people who ~~leave~~have lives that many would say are not worthy of blogging about. They are some of the best blogs I read. It's not so much about what you do, it's about what you think and how you share those thoughts with everyone else.

But until everyone has a blog, this medium is still going to be pretty one way (me talking to you). That's why I love comments so much. I want every commenter in the entire blog world to have a single page where all of their comments are captured. Then they'll all have a blog that I can subscribe to. And it won't be one way any more.
- Quoted from http://tinyurl.com/6na7ck

Consider it. Check out www.blogger.com, www.tumblr.com, or www.wordpress.com. Maybe there are more hosts. These are three of the biggest though. Let me know if/when you start one. I'd love to read it.

Testing. Testing. 1, 2, 3.

2008-08-20T18:37:00.003-04:00

"Everyone Nose (Remix)," by N.E.R.D. featuring CRS

"I Have a Dream," by Common featuring will.i.am and Martin Luther King, Jr. (who knew he was a hip-hop superstar?)

This is really just a test to see if this audio embedding thing works. If it does, you'll be seeing plenty more songs on this thing.

Enjoy.

Much love,
Ankit

Now Featuring: A Difference Maker

2008-08-18T20:15:00.009-04:00

I love it when people take initiative to do something great. This post is all about someone who's doing just that, and I'm gonna request your help in making it even greater.

Her name is Taara, a fellow senior at Paul Schreiber High School in Port Washington, and she was there to celebrate my birthday last Saturday, and she came back the next day to give me a gift that was unnecessary, but appreciated nonetheless. Part of the gift had a pack of greeting cards with cool prints of Ganesh and a phrase written in Hindi, saying "Om Shanti Om." To be honest, I thought this was some pack of cards she had left over from Diwali or something and she was just giving them to me -- that is, until I turned it over and saw a little informational card, saying that the pack of cards helped donate a bit of money to Autism Speaks, one of the most up and coming organizations when it comes to raising autism awareness and money for research to progress the fight against the unfortunate disease.

I find out a bit later that Taara didn't even buy these cards. She made them. I was completely fooled. They were professionally made, wrapped in plastic, and really...good looking. I just didn't think you could make that kinda thing without machines or a factory or whatnot, but it turns out Taara is not only determined and passionate about the cause, but she's AP Art status, so she pulled this off pretty well.

She took her skills to do something special, and that is to raise money for autism awareness while selling a great product at the same time -- excellent, 100% handmade greeting cards (she used a roller to print! I didn't even know people did that anymore!). She's selling a pack of 5 cards with envelopes and a cute little autism charm for $10 where 50% of the cost goes straight to Autism Speaks (and the other 50% to materials. Art materials cost more than you think -- or at least, I thought.)

Not only do I write this to simply call attention to the efforts, but to encourage you to take part by buying a pack or two of greeting cards. It's a small $10 investment, and you're gonna love these cards. Taara's selling them, and if you're interested (shipping is possible), feel free to contact her at taarahs@aol.com or myself -- I grabbed a few to help her out -- at a.shah811@gmail.com or by commenting.

Make a difference. Take initiative. Taara did.

Much love,
Ankit

Kon the Louis Vuitton Don - Through the Wire / Champion

2008-08-15T07:33:00.001-04:00

Kanye West - Through the Wire / Champion (Live) from Ankit Shah on Vimeo.
Live at MSG. August 5, 2008.

"Open y'all fucking minds."

2008-08-11T23:58:00.006-04:00

On the sidewalk somewhere near 37th Street and 8th Ave.

Two things:

I know this wasn't actually posted on August 11th, but I'm going to make it so it says it just because I like to feel like I actually did something when I intended on doing it. Sorry if that bothers you.
I added an e-mail subscription option to the blog on the top right under the title, so feel free to sign up. This way, you won't have to check back until you get an email notification. I just found the plug-in for that online somewhere, so I don't know how well it works, but let me know if you do subscribe so I know that it works. Thanks a ton.
Okay I guess this is more than two, but new title was inspired by Common's father's words at the end of "Forever Begins," on the Finding Forever album (which I quoted here). If you didn't catch it before, the old title -- You could be anywhere in the world, but you're here with me, and I appreciate that -- was inspired by Jay-Z's intro to "H to the Izzo." Now you know.
New commenting system up -- using Disqus (disqus.com). It's a great way to manage your comments on other blogs and comments on your blog all at once. Also good to find and explore new blogs. Just another networking tool you might be interested in.

Now that that's done, I went to the Kanye concert on Tuesday. I don't have many words to describe it other than freaking absurd. It was absolutely stellar, and not that I've been to many concerts before (John Mayer, Blue Man Group, and a few random Indian shows) -- so I have little to compare it to, but even people who are frequent concert goers agree -- the performance on Tuesday night couldn't be matched by any other performer. I took a bunch of vids, but haven't uploaded them on Vimeo yet (works better w/ my comp than YouTube). Here's one that I did of the general population's favorite song:

Kanye West - Stronger (Live) from Ankit Shah on Vimeo.

More of that will come in future posts when I post some of the rest of the vids. Another bit of Kanye that I got from this concert was a little more of his personal insight on things, and there were a few things I thought were extremely worth noting because he did go on one of his rants at the end of the concert, but some of the points he made were very necessary, I think.

First, Kanye pointed out how he doesn't identify with any particular type of music. He doesn't hate on shit, but he doesn't think he represents hip hop. "Lemme tell you a little something about me: I don't do it for nobody else but me, and if you disagree, fine," he says. I think he pointed something out that most artists haven't acknowledged yet, and that is that he is himself FOR himself, not for his fans. As much as that may upset his fans (myself included), it's admirable.

Everyone asks me if I do it for hip-hop. I don't do it for hip-hop because it has too many rules that need to be broken. At what point did hip hop stop getting new. At one point did everybody start hating on everything that was new, and saying, "You know what? That's not true. That's not the real hip-hop." See, all that fake ass shit has GOT TO STOP.

Next, he spoke a bit on all the negative energy in the rap game and in society today.

You don't have to be Lil Wayne in order for people to say your shit is fresh. I like all kinds of shit -- T-Pain, Jeezy...Andre 3000 (huge applause).

I just said that to get some of y'all back. Open y'all fucking minds. Open your minds. Be accepting of different people and let people be who THEY are.

I don't like Ed Hardy. But if you like it, I LOVE it. It's cool with me! Hip hop -- you know how many people callin' me, calling me gay because I wear my jeans the fresh way -- not the played-out-ass-way? Or because I said, "Ay, dude, how are you gonna say 'fag' right in front of a gay dude's face and act like that's okay? That shit is disrespectful, fam. That's my word -- fam -- and it took me time to learn that comin' from Chicago where if you saw somebody that was gay, you were supposed to step 10 feet away. It took me time to break out of the mental prisons that I was in, the stereotypes, or the fear of the backlash that I would get for believin' in what I believe in, for accepting people for who they are if they're talented, if they do something special in the world.

I've flown across the world, and I've come back to tell you, "Open y'all fucking minds" and live a happier life. Don't hate on people so much.

I love it. And as much as people love to hate Kanye for his arrogance, take his word objectively because his bit makes sense. That's his grain of sand, and it hits hard when you actually listen to it and notice all the close-mindedness around you -- maybe even in you. How often do you catch people saying shit like, "That's stupid," "He/she's gay," or things of the like? I do it every so often too, but this is making me be more aware of it. There's no NEED to hate on shit so much, let alone even dislike it. You don't have to like Ed Hardy, but accept it when other people do. (You shoulda heard the way Kanye said that line. It brought the biggest smile to my face. I recorded it -- will post soon enough.)

Now, aside from the concert, I had a bit of a party on Saturday. By a bit, I mean all sorts of people arrived. I would say my friend circle is pretty sizable because it spans a wide spectrum of individuals -- from the "Asians" that take anywhere from 4 to 31231 AP courses a year to the "white crowd" that "does nothing but party" (note the quotes, as these are all stereotypes) to the out of school kids who hang out for a good time, putting all the high school stereotypes aside. What happened on Saturday is that all these groups partied together, putting aside (to an extent) the barriers that prevented them from having a good time together otherwise.

The best.

Club Shah, as Poorvi would say

I think that's really what needs to happen more often, specifically during the next year -- our last in high school. Even if we all like different things, even if some of us like to party while drinking while some of us don't, we can still all connect on some level or another, and I think finding that level is something special. As much as this sounds like a "Why can't we all just get along?" rant, I mean it in the most sincere way possible. The reason I thought Saturday night was so extraordinary wasn't just because it was a lot of fun, but because everyone had a blast together, which you don't find too often.

Friday night's dinner @ Pure Food & Wine. I met all but two of these great people that night, and we all had a great time connecting. This is exactly what I mean about getting to meet new and different people.

This really ties in with the Olympics, which conveniently enough is aligned with my thoughts. I watched the Opening Ceremonies last night (DVRed it), and it was freaking stellar the way people all over the world could get together in one stadium to appreciate the next two weeks of world unity. Be it by sports rather than politics, all that really matters is the fact that they're all together. I've never really taken note of the Olympics before, but all the hype about them this year really got me interested. When you see all the countries walk out into the stadium with their respective flags...it's just something you don't see often enough.

So basically, what I'm asking you to do is meet someone that's part of a different "crew." Step out of these invisible boundaries most people form around themselves and don't just look at someone as part of a crew and identify themselves with that group, but rather, meet them, connect, and you'll find that the great divide between cliques is totally unnecessary.

Just as an aside: I just wanted to thank everyone who could come out on Saturday and anyone that wished me a happy birthday. Though birthdays don't mean much to be other than a reason to throw a party, you guys really did make it one of the best ever. It really could not have been better, and I don't think I could've asked for more. You all rock at what you do, so keep on doing it.

Poorvi's amazing, completely unexpected (until Mom spilled the beans and told me) and gourmet-style raw chocolate cake. Even my brother liked it, which says something. Love you, tutti.Also, I love Rohan and Vivek (and Amar, but he left earlier in the day so there are no pics of him with us here), who are both all star golfers after one day of training while I still fail. I really can't imagine myself without these guys:

Happy (day before) Birthday!

2008-08-10T21:11:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday Ankit! from Ankit Shah on Vimeo.

Olympic Opening Ceremonies

2008-08-08T20:38:00.000-04:00

There's really just nothing like it.
Pictures from "The Big Picture," by Alan Taylor.

I'm not right, but I don't think I'm wrong.

2008-08-05T18:40:00.003-04:00

Something I’ve gotten a bit throughout the last few months is my seeming to thing that I’m always correct or that I preach what I think to be the ideal to aspire to. Let me be honest – the arrogant, adamant part of me wants to say that I’m always right, but the logical, more thoughtful part of me knows that there’s no right when it comes to ideas. My thoughts and ideas originate from my own thinking in addition to bits and pieces that I extract from the people I meet and things that I read.

I might not be right, or I might, but what is certain is that what I write about is what has worked for me or what I’m currently trying and am in the process of critiquing. I typically only write about the good things/things that work here. Because of that, it seems like I never try things that suck or experience shit situations, but I do. I typically don’t talk about them though. I did at one point, but I looked back at it and realized how unpleasant it was and it just wasn’t too good to look back at and read. I remember my negative situations for the sole purpose of learning from them, and I will talk about the lessons I learn here and in person, but unless completely relevant, I don’t mention the crap situations that led to the lessons, not that they are secret, but I find them unnecessary to discuss (note that not all lessons I learn come from crap situations).

About my opinions though – I don’t intend on telling you that what you’re doing is wrong and that what I’m doing is right, but only that what I’m doing has increased my internal and external peace. In that way, I’m almost a road sign pointing to a route that I’ve taken and enjoyed. Feel free to follow. Some choose not to, and that’s fine, but there’s no need to vandalized with your criticisms (that is, unless they are constructive.) If you dislike me for any particular reason, let me know, but I don’t think the blog is a particularly effective outlet for expressing your negativity because it doesn’t really lead anywhere. If you do think so, however, do what you please. In the spirit of being as transparent as possible, I choose not to delete any comments or posts.

Aside from that – my brother’s birthday was this past weekend. It was a blast, but I didn’t get into the club, which was a bummer. I’ve never had a problem getting in anywhere with my brother, but the one time I actually felt a need to be there, I didn’t. Although it was a failure, the night was still enjoyable. Went to another party then got calls to take care of a few people, so I spent the rest of the night w/ Abhishek making sure people got home safely. The end of the night was a bit of a fiasco, but in its entirety, the night was definitely enjoyable nonetheless. We spent practically the rest of the weekend in the city, coming home after brunch and spending time at home w/ mom for a short bit, then went to a family get together (I don’t think there’s a single weekend this summer I haven’t spent at least a day with extended family), only to go back to the city that night and hang with the siblings, Jinesh, Akhil and Ricky. On Sunday, I made ice cream and hung out with Vivek and his family at Anita’s house (she has a pear tree and a peach tree and failed to ever mention it. I was flipping out in joy).

I’m writing this on the way to the Glow in the Dark concert w/ Kanye, Lupe and N.E.R.D.. I’m probably going to post again later tonight when I get a chance to to update on the concert and all of its amazingness. I cannot freaking wait. This is going to be great. For now, however, I’m going to get to reading A New Earth and trying to not think about the concert until I get to the city. That’s gonna be damn hard.

Much love,
Ankit

Common's Father on Being

2008-08-05T13:36:00.002-04:00

Be. Be here. Be there. Be that. Be this.
Be grateful for life. Be grateful to life.
Be gleeful everyday for being the best swimmer among 500,000
Be-nign. Be you. Be mom's mean pie. Be little black Sambo with bad hair.
Be aware of what a lynch is. Be. Be boundless energy
Be a four star ghetto general.

Be no one except I.

Be food for thought to the growing mind. Be the author of your own horoscope.
Be invited. Be long-living. Be forgiving. Be not forgetful.
Be a proud run, only to return to fight another day.
Be peaceful if possible, but justice in ways (?).
Be high when you low. Be on time but know when to go.
Be cautious of the road to college, taking a detour through Vietnam or the Middle East.
Be able to find Afro-American man; search thoroughly it may be close to the black man
Be amended 5/5ths. Be amended 5/5ths human.
Be the owner of more land than is set aside for wild life.
Be cupid to world government.
Be found among the truth, lost tribe.
Be at full strength when walking through the valley.
Be a brilliant soul, sparkling in the galaxy while walking on Earth.
Be loved by God as much as God loved Gandhi and Martin Luther King.
Be that last one of 144,000. Be the resident of that twelfth house.
Be eternal.
- "It's Your World / Pop's Reprise," by Common

Apparently, August 1st is kind of a big deal.

2008-08-01T01:38:00.003-04:00

Just wanted to wish two really great boys (don't want to call them men just yet) an even better birthday. Each of them have affected me in great ways, whether directly or indirectly. Enjoy this one, Tinu and Dhrumil. You're both great guys who couldn't possibly get as great a birthday as you deserve, but hopefully it'll be as close as possible. Enjoy, brothers.

Much love,
Ankit

P.S. I was just watching Batman Begins, and just as in Iron Man, the superhero drinks green juice. Coincidence? I think not. Drink up, people.

Def Def Jam.

2008-07-31T20:24:00.004-04:00

George Watsky is one of the more conscious Def Jam poets, who has been all over the place spreading his rhymes. He is tough to match. Check out other work of his on YouTube by searching "George Watsky." Saw him @ JAINA 2007, but neglected to keep a tab on him until February at the Bowery Poetry Club, and stupid enough, didn't follow his work until I saw the man, Nirav, interview him. Above, he's at the opening ceremonies of Greenbuild Chicago 2007 in front of 7000+, after which Bill Clinton gave the commencement address.

Watsky, Arpit, Dahlak Braithwaite, another kickass Def Jammer (sample below - amazing), and myself

On "niggas."

Stay conscious,
Ankit

The Street Guru on Time, the Essence of Life

2008-07-29T15:51:00.001-04:00

They've incorporated their culture and their values in the city and they've enriched the city, both, like, from, uh, you know a work ethic. You know the restaurants and the music and it's really a diverse city. I mean you walk through the Vany Oven yu-you know you go through Korean neighborhoods, old Jewish neighborhoods, Arab big neighborhoods, uh, Pakistani-Indian neighborhoods. It's incredible.

The intensity... I think yeah, development has pushed us away from other people. You know, a lot of times people are rude because they want like immediate access or immediate information. You know some things in life can't be immediate, sometimes you gotta wait and let things happen.

People are, like, increasingly rude. Like I'll say someone will get in a cab, we'll say I'll get em there in 5 minutes, and they'll say, "It should only take 3."

Now who gives a shit if it takes 5 minutes or 3 minutes? Who cares? At the end of your life nobody's gonna put shit I got in a cab in five-seven minutes instead of three. It doesn't matter.

Technology has made us slaves of the time. A lot of people that are really have technical jobs they're slaves to time. Time's the essences of life it seems like. And they're basically like losing it. They're losing the essence of their life because, you know, their life is like just going away and, they're not enjoying it because their so engrossed in efficiency and productivity and shit like that. It's almost sad. They all come here from somewhere else like seeking their fame and fortune or their top jobs and their careers - you know, in their industries. They get very engrossed in it and they into these you know these cell phones and computers.

And I think the real important things in life are you know, people and your family. I think you don't realize that. A lot of people don't realize that until they're older.

I think there's going to be a backlash against technology.

- "Street Guru," by Nitin Sawhney

Just an addition to the whole bit about being in a rush all the time. I think he says he better than I did. Check out http://tinyurl.com/streetguru1 to actually listen to his bit.

Sawhney is actually an British-Indian fusion artist that makes a very diverse selection of music. Check out his material on YouTube and Hype Machine @ http://tinyurl.com/nsyoutube and http://tinyurl.com/nshypem. Enjoy.

Much love,
Ankit

Real Food 101

2008-07-28T11:30:00.003-04:00

I know many of you might either think (1) I’m crazy/malnourished because of my dietary choices or (2) that it’s great what I’m doing and you wish you could do something close to it but it might just be a little tough for you (or you might already be doing what I’m doing and that’s great too), but this post is for the people that fall into group 2. I’m not going to tell you to go raw, but there are things y’all can do to reach a middle ground between the Standard American Diet (SAD) and eating real foods. I figured writing a post like this would be useful as a brief, informative guide for the people who randomly text me at 1:45a after having a greasy burger with bacon, meat patties, and 8 layers of melted cheese asking for a detox solution because you feel slow, heavy, and very simply put, shitty in all senses of the word (haha you know who you are).

First, it’s realllly useful if you have a high power blender (Vitamixes or Blendtecs are preferred, but you could do just fine without them – but really, great investments whether you intend on going raw or not). If you don’t, it’s cool (eating your food just takes a little bit longer). What I would do first is acknowledge that there’s no need to eat when you’re bored. Food is for nutrition, energy, and taste. Now for the food (and this is assuming that today isn’t a school day. If you’re going to pursue this in school, at the workplace, or wherever, try starting on your off days and you’ll get used to it so doing it away from home isn’t so difficult):

Start your morning off with a good amount of water and fruit. I’ll usually do 32 oz. of water with a full squeezed lemon, some salt, and cayenne pepper (it wakes me up, but do what feels good for you). I’d follow that up with a cucumber or two (can’t get enough) with some celery (both have plenty of fiber to help clean your system out and they’re great for your skin). At that point, I’d make a smoothie of anywhere from 3-6 servings of fruit (or you could eat a few straight up w/o the blending), some olive or flax oil for good fats (they won’t make you fat. Trust me. Just have a spoon or two, and you won’t even notice the oil’s in the smoothie). Some of my better blends are:

Two peaches, two oranges, flax oil (and if you want, pineapple goes great w/ this) (pictured above, settled a bit)
½ cup almonds, 2 cups of water (blended together first to make a milky based) with 3 bananas, 4-6 dates, and a tablespoon or so of cinnamon
Two apples, one mango
Two bananas, an apple, a slice of papaya (which, I’d say is probably an eighth or a sixth of a big one) with some cacao nibs (you could do fine w/o them. I just like the chocolatey flavor)

Right there, you already have a good 500 or more calories to get you started with your day.
I don’t usually go by meals. I kinda just eat when I feel like it, but for those of you that need the breakfast-lunch-dinner format, I’d say for lunch, you could do a big salad with plentiful greens. If you want the extra sugar (and I usually do), go with some fruit, but eat it before the meal (do it after and it’ll start fermenting in your stomach on top of the salad, producing gases you don’t want lmfao). People often wonder how the hell I have a salad without dressing, and really, I don’t know what’s so crazy about it. I always enjoyed my veggies straight up, even before I went raw or vegan), but for the normal population that needs that extra kick, instead of going with the Italian dressing or the hellish Ranch or French, use a little olive oil and squeeze a lemon on top. Add onions and/or garlic to the salad to get more of a kick. You’d be surprised how unnecessary dressing is.

For din, I’d go with another, smaller salad (you REALLY can’t get enough greens. They work wonders. Can’t emphasize that enough). Then try something a little fancy. One of my favorite, simple preparations is lettuce wraps using romaine lettuce leaves with a little guac blend in them. Mash up an avocado with half an onion or so, a clove or two of garlic (minced, of course), a yellow or a red bell pepper (or, even better, both of them), add a little sea salt, a little lime or lemon, and add the mix liberally to the romaine lettuce. Enjoy. You could do the same thing with hummus spreads, tomato pestos w/ cucumbers and onions (below), but I went with the avocado because I can’t get enough of them.

Now this might not seem like enough food for the day, and that’s because it isn’t. You shouldn’t be eating only three meals a day. Eating five or so small meals a day keeps you a lot more sustained than three bigger ones – it’s better for your metabolism, your energy levels, and a lot of other things I can’t remember off the top of my head because I’m writing this in a train w/ no internet lol. Throughout the day, in between meals, indulge in cold oranges, crunchy apples, baby carrots, or whatever else sounds good to you. I’d recommend nuts, but I feel like those are hard to consume in moderation (I find myself chowing down after having just a few. I can’t get my hands off them (don’t think dirty)). If you’re feelin’ them though, don’t resist too much. Have a handful or so. They have great health benefits, but too many slow you down because they are relatively a lot harder for your body to digest. Other things you could check out are dates (soaking them and then eating them and drinking the soak water is great), goji berries (some love them, some hate them. You gotta try them though), pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, tomatoes (eating them like apples is actually pretty great), or tea.

I don’t do as many salads as I mentioned in this plan, but that’s because I use the blender a LOT. Personally, I do green smoothies for breakfast and dinner with a plethora of sweet fruit, almonds, goji berries, cucumbers, celery, romaine lettuce and the occasional avocado throughout the day. Green smoothies are fruit based smoothies – any great blend that you might enjoy – with some sort of added leafy greens. I always do spinach and/or kale, but I’m transitioning into using stronger flavored greens because I’m adjusting to the taste. If you’re starting though, I’d use spinach. It’s definitely the most mild-tasting, so you taste nothing but the fruit smoothie, but you see nothing but the green greatness of what you’re drinking. I know it’s might creep you out to look at this thick green drink while drinking it, but you kinda just gotta do it. It creeped me out for the first three months I was raw, and that’s why I only did 3 or so green smoothies a week, but now I do two-a-days because the green doesn’t bother me. The taste wasn’t really ever a factor. The simplest green smoothie that works every time is two bananas, two apples, and half a pound or more of spinach (I do a pound, but start off gradually if you’re not up for that much yet).

If you’re a fellow raw enthusiast, feel free to add to this post and share advice I didn’t via comments, but if you’re not and you do want to learn more, definitely hit me up @ a.shah811@gmail.com, facebook, or AIM (ankittt). If you couldn’t tell, I love talking about it, and I love helping other people make moves, so you’d kinda make my day if you did start talking to me about it. There’s countless things you do with real food. This was just a brief option.

Keep lovin’,
Ankit

P.S. If you are particularly inspired, definitely check out the 100-day Raw Fu Challenge, starting on August 1. It's all fun, so there's no commitment. See http://tinyurl.com/rawfu100. If you're up for it, join the network w/ all the other challengers who're helping each other out @ http://raw100.ning.com.

John Mayer on Real Love

2008-07-28T01:55:00.004-04:00

So check it out right, I've tried every approach to living. I've tried it all. I haven't tried every thing, but I've tried every approach. Sometimes you have to try everything to get the approach the same, but whatever. I've tried it all. I've bought a buncha stuff. I went "ehh, I don't like that." I kinda came in and out of that a coupla times.

I thought I would shut myself off. I thought maybe that's cool. Maybe that's what you have to do to become a genius is you have to be mad. So if you can get mad before the word genius, then maybe you can make genius appear. Right? That doesn't work either.

And I'm in a good place. I've paced myself pretty well. I'm 30, I've seen some cool stuff. I made a lot of stuff happen for myself. I made a lot of stuff happen for myself. That's a really cool sentence when you're in your 20s, right? "I made it happen for myself." But all that means is that I've just somehow or another found a way to synthesize love. Or synthesize soothing. You can't get that, and what I'm saying is I've messed with all the approaches except for one, and it's gonna sound really corny, but that's just love. That's just love.

I've done everything in my life that I've wanted to do except just give and feel love for my living. And I don't mean like, uh, Roman candle, fireworks, Hollywood hot pink love. I mean, like, "I got your back"-love. I don't need to hear "I love ya." You guys love me. I love you. We got that down. But some of the people who would tell you they love ya were the last people to just have your back. So I'm gonna experiment with this love thing. Giving love. Feeling love. I know it's corny but it's the last thing I've got to check out before I check out.

- "Bold As Love (Live)," from Where the Light Is, by John Mayer

This $123/barrel oil isn't doing it for me.

2008-07-28T00:51:00.004-04:00

Though it may seem really obvious, it never becomes more so until you actually try it -- ending the use of cars and planes when possible. I was in the city a lot this weekend, and the more I thought about it, the more I realized that people used taxis unnecessarily and not enough people rode bikes.

I guess this is a lot more applicable to big cities, but I see no reason why it shouldn't apply to an extent to the suburbs. A lot of us, in my area, at least, will drive everywhere -- whether we're going to the tennis courts at the high school, a friend's house, Starbucks, or the bank. For some reason, the $4.whatever/gallon gas prices don't seem to be stopping anyone in middle class suburbs, but it really is up to the individuals to start taking some incentive and starting to invest in bikes. It takes me 2-5 minutes tops to drive to the high school, Starbucks, the bank, or most of my friend's houses (at least the ones that live in the district).

If I were to bike, it would take me, maybe, 3-8 minutes. The fact that many places need a highway to get to seems to be an impediment for people who want to bike, but as I'm slowly realizing (and maybe this was clear to everyone else and I'm just a little behind), you can get practically EVERYWHERE on Long Island through a local route. I'm just so used to the highway that I never realized this (note that I don't drive. My mom and sister take me everywhere because I fail to take Drivers Ed. or learn how to drive, but I think I'm going to use that as my excuse to not drive and just invest in a kickass bike).

Beyond local destinations -- say I wanted to go to Boston for a college visit, I could drive for 5 hours or fly for 1.5 hours (but go to the airport 1.5-2 hours early and then take the time to get into the city from the airport). Even better, though, would be taking a bus that's going there (to the middle of the city, so no travel from bus station to city after arrival) anyway, whether I choose to or not, for $32 - 40 round-trip. Anthony mentioned a few great bus services that take you where you need to go for cheap, with the convenience of having an electrical outlet at your seat and wi-fi, so you can get what you need to done, wasting no time at all, here.

Maybe this was all too plain to see, but not enough people act. Cars aren't that necessary, and I intend on embracing that. It kind of links with the fact that people are often too rushed. I'm all about efficiency and getting things done, but at a certain point, I think it's worth it (and totally feasible) to do something as simple as leave somewhere a little early to walk and get there at the same time you would've driving or get off the computer more often to bike to the local grocery store and pick up your greens (or cookies or whatever) and put them in your bookbag to bike home w/ them. Every time I walk somewhere, I find that there's something about the outdoors I didn't notice last time I walked around or drove in the area, giving me a greater appreciation for the surroundings and a greater reason to get out of the freaking car.

Try it sometime. Walk to the grocery store and take your groceries home in a backpack. See how easy it is, and make it a lifestyle.

Oh yeah, and you burn a lot more calories. End the laziness epidemic. Technology's great, but you gotta get outside every so often. Stop reading this blog and smell the fresh air (unless you haven't read some of the other posts, then you can read those then go outside hahah OR EVEN BETTER - take your laptop outside and walk and read the posts at the same time. Just don't bump into anything.)

Stay real boys and girls,
Ankit

On the last month of my life, drinking, identity, and the Now (This took longer than that AP Euro Paper on Russia)

2008-07-24T01:52:00.010-04:00

It's been a while, so I thought I'd update with what I've been up to and what has been dominating my thoughts recently.

The last month of my life (broken down into sections for convenience):

Research @Yale: I've been in New Haven every Monday through Friday trying to develop a successful synthetic vascular graft. That's the most I'll say about the actual science of what I'm doing because chances are you're not interested, but if you care, feel free to ask haha. Besides the science, what I've learned in my time here is how to live a lot more independently and how great it is to have my mom. I've had to do all my own grocery shopping, taking care of myself, waking up on time, doing everything I need to with no one reminding me, and really, it's doing a lot for this whole maturity thing. I'm learning tons, and I love it. It makes me appreciate my family for always being around and helping me get through everything I need to, whether it be just having company, taking me to the gym, or grabbing a few things from Whole Foods.
YJA 2008 - Generation Jain in Chi-town: I spent my July 4th weekend in Chicago with 700 extraordinary individuals, learning more about myself, spirituality, and meeting new people from all over the world (by world, I mean the country + one person from the UK). Here I reformed my thoughts on a lot of things (specifically alcohol, the present moment, and identity). I don't even know if reform is the right word; maybe touching up would be more appropriate. I'll elaborate more on my views post-YJA later in the post. What I love about these conventions though, aside from how it impacts me, is seeing it change the lives of others. I know a few people (and I'm certain there are plenty more) who easily decided to adopt a vegan lifestyle after the convention. A person's decision to make the change to embrace an animal-cruelty-free lifestyle probably lights me up more than anything else. Props to Nilay and Nikita and everyone else who made the big move recently (and Apurva, but he's been doing it for a while without really telling me haha).
Getting in Shape (an update from the last post which was way too long ago): Started getting back to the gym and into workout-mode last Saturday when my brother came home. Went to the gym and realized that it felt too good to let go of again. I started dorming @Yale that Monday (7/14), and that's when I met my next door neighbor, Duriel ("it's spelled [Du-ree-uhl], but it's pronounced Darrell. Can I have yo' numba'? Can I have it? Can I? Have it?" I crack myself up), a runner for Brown. He's kinda beast and has been serving as my motivation to rip myself apart physically. He does 10+ milers every morning, 6 days a week, and goes to the gym at night on top of that. Basically, getting anywhere close to his shape would be astounding. I ran a 19:45 5K last week, so I'm hoping I could build on that and maybe go into Cross Country in September with an 18:45 so I could build from there. My brother has been whipping my butt in the pushups, btw. I don't know where he came from because I used to double his rep-count any day, but now when we compete, he hits 60 while I bust at 54 or so. I'm still working on it (but should be doing them a little more often).
Other: I come home on weekends. Stay in the city Friday nights, usually (call me if you wanna do something any Friday evening/night) and spend Saturday/Sunday with family and friends. Couldn't imagine the summer being much better. I have a perfect balance of work and play, and the weekends home give me plenty to look forward to. My birthday's coming up, btw, and my parents are out for the entire week of it. Might be doing something big, but there's a chance I'll keep it small. We'll see. ALSO ALSO ALSO - GLOW IN THE DARK TOUR AUGUST 5TH (I can't imagine anyone being so oblivious, but that's obviously me, one of the more Kanye-crazed kids you'll meet, talking, but it's Kanye, Lupe, NERD, and Rihanna on one stage @MSG). GUESS WHO HAS TICKETS? WHAAAATUP. I canNOT wait

Diddy says it all. Maybe I'll start my rap career after witnessing the greatness.

5. Music: I've developed this obsession with various types of Hispanic music (if you're Hispanic and I used the adjective wrong, don't hate me please.) Sergio Mendes, a Brazilian pianist hooks up with many of today's big names (and some not-so-big names) and creates beautiful work that does nothing but light you up. Check out his new album, Encanto, and let me know what you think. I can't get enough of it. See http://tinyurl.com/leeauxdemars, http://tinyurl.com/funkybahia, and http://tinyurl.com/watersofmarch for a few of his songs, but definitely check out the rest of the album si te interesa. Another artist that's been rockin' my ears is Fulanito. This Latin band mixes merengue w/ some hip hop and reggaeton beats, and it works too perfectly. I can't find much of their material on the web, but if you can download, check out "Aprieta," "Mueve el Culito," "Enciende," "Pa Que Sepa," and the rest of the Vacaneria album. FINALLY, the song in the background of the new "Where the Hell is Matt?" ("Praan," by Garry Schyman) is amazing, but even more so when you watch the video with it, so check this:

Where the Hell is Matt? (2008) from Matthew Harding on Vimeo.
If the video's jerky, see it on youtube (and click Watch in High Quality) @http://tinyurl.com/64skpp

6. Raw Goodness: I have nothing to say other than the fact that I underestimated green smoothies (a fruit base with loads of leafy greens (I like spinach and kale)) before, only doing 3 a week, but I've recently upped it to 2 a day, doing a pound of spinach in the morning and half a pound of kale at night. I couldn't feel better, and that's really the only reason I'm up at 1:15a with shitloads of energy to keep writing right now. Also, I could eat celery and cucumbers (get your heads out of the gutters, for all of you with dirty minds) all day. They're so loaded with freshness and the taste is so light. I can't get enough. People around campus see me walking around with my Nalgene that's solid green and a giant Ziploc of chopped up celery, cucumbers, and romaine lettuce all the time. I always get the whole, "Are you going to feed a bunch of rabbits?" crap, but then they move towards the "That's not such a bad idea for a snack" mentality. Next thing you know, I see them walking around with apples, peaches, and bananas (guessing they don't want to be mistaken for a rabbit just yet, so they're gradually making the transition). I love it.

7. The Present: I'm listening to some light J. Mraz. Finishing up my apple-mango-kale smoothie. Trying to tune out the incessant sound of jackhammers doing their thing outside, but efforts have been a failure for the last 2 hours, so I'm going to close my window and suffer the massive heat wave that comes my way. Luckily I'm in the presence of no one but myself, so I'm half naked and still starting to sweat. Thank gosh I lost the weight I did three years ago. The sweat would be nasty if I didn't. I had too many cashews today, but it's okay because I feel great and that's all that matters. I had a falafel earlier this week and it made me appreciate rawness so much more. Honestly, it tasted good and I savored the fried crap, but the immediate hangover I had wasn't worth it (I guess I'm digressing from the present, so this will stop now haha).

8. Finally, my insight on alcohol, the present moment, and identity:

Alcohol: I had a two-mile-walk-long talk with Nirav (aka DJ MoSoul) about alcohol consumption in Chicago, and what I got out of it is as follows (putting the raw business aside):
Sure. Drinking is fun. You have a great time doing it. You're more approachable and whatnot, but why is that? Alcohol let's down your guard and any insecurities that may be present, but when you really think about it, you're not the real you when under the influence. You're that guy/girl you want to be. One of my typical sign-offs and something I like to live by is "Stay real," and when you're drinking, you're not staying real. If you could let go of the insecurities that you have without alc and be that guy you want to be, alc is unnecessary. I like to stay real most of the time, but playing a game of pong here and there is kind of fun. Conclusion: I don't drink that much, but I'll choose to do so every so often, but I don't get drunk. I don't have more than 3-4 drinks tops a night. I don't use alcohol to hit on girls. I do carry a glass of water while everyone else has a beer in their hands. Do I feel awkward? Hell no. Who ever said I need to mold myself based on the people around me to feel comfortable? Be your own person. If you get shit for being the odd-one-out, whatever. (Disclaimer: a few of the things I say here could easily be argued against, but this is simply how I feel and it's my thought process when it comes to drinking. Feel free to respond w/ your own views.)

The Present Moment: There's a lot of beauty around me at any given moment to sacrifice it for a few thoughts that aren't even relevant. Maybe they are relevant, but are they worth sacrificing my current surroundings? No. I've been reading a lot of Eckhart Tolle's work recently (as a result of Dhru's constant mentions of him), and what I've learned is that when you think too much, the thoughts start to repeat within the first 10 seconds, and you waste time and miss out on everything around you. There are a lot of times I find myself living in the present, simply absorbing my surroundings, then I'll suddenly start thinking about what I'm thinking about in an effort to control my thoughts rather than let them flow. Right then is when I hit a brick wall and my mind starts to fog up with tons of unnecessary thoughts. What I'll usually do, depending on the circumstances/my resources, is listen to a bit of soothing music (i.e. Will Tuttle's piano solos, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's work, light guitar solos) and close my eyes. Ever since I started this (the first experience being at Will Tuttle's session, The Healing Power of Music, at YJA), I've found that I actually hit that state of meditation for a few minutes. I didn't even think I was capable of true meditation, but it just happens, and after the music's done, I snap back to now. It works every time, and it's like the clouds spreading open to reveal the sun on a once-overcast day (couldn't think of a better analogy, but that's exactly what it is). Others use different methods to return to Now (i.e. Falling Still), but you just gotta do what works for you. Living Now reduces the worries of any other time and just makes life a lot easier to live. I can't really say much else without feeling repetitive, so I'll sum this up with a few quotes I found on living in the present:

If you're still talking about what you did yesterday, you're not doing much today.
- Anonymous

Don't let yesterday use up too much of today.
- Cherokee Indian Proverb

Having spent the better part of my life trying either to relive the past or experience the future before it arrives, I have come to believe that in between these two extremes is peace.
- Anonymous

Never looking back or too far in front of me. The Present is a gift, and I just wanna be.
- Common

Maybe that was a little much, but I can't stress enough how important it is to let go of what's not actually present.

Lastly, Identity, or maybe more appropriately, how we all identify ourselves, and attachment. Now, I'm not a master on this just yet (or anything, for that matter), but I'm still in the process of learning about this/applying it to my own lifestyle, so I'll try explaining this the best I can. I can say with certainty that all of us identify ourselves with some sort of external entity -- our clothing style, our hobbies, little things we do. I didn't think it was much of a problem until I started thinking about how attached these identifying factors made me to different material entities. Then, I read J.Mraz's blog, and he wrote a post about how things are just what they are -- things. Attachment to things as a result of trying to identify yourself only leads to pain.

(I can't get rid of these bullets without losing the indent, so bear with me) The way it used to work for me and still does, to an extent, is when I lose something unnecessary that I treasured for how it allowed me to identify myself, I'd bitch.
I lost a black zip-up hoodie that I wore all the time about a year ago, and it was devastating. I flipped out because I would never be that kid who wore the black sweatshirt all the time.
I lost my Coach wallet at the US Open last year. Again, I flipped because I felt that having that Coach wallet, despite the fact that few people knew about it (and why should they?) made me who I was -- a little bit cooler than that guy who got his wallet on the street in Manhattan -- because I spent whatever amount of money on it just to own it and being a guy that owned something from Coach made me a little more exclusive.
Earlier on my raw journey, I felt I couldn't deviate for an instant because I was Ankit, the only 16-year-old raw enthusiast anyone knew (heck, I was the only raw enthusiast most people knew). I was the health conscious dude that would never break because he was just so full of will power and determination to stick to his word. I would hold my "raw identity" so close to me that I wouldn't have a roasted almond, no matter how badly I wanted it. I needed to make sure the dressing on my salad at restaurants was raw because I didn't want anyone thinking that I was half-assing it. I didn't do what I wanted to do. I did what other people wouldn't criticize me for. Now, I do what feels right. Even if people still think of me the way I described earlier, it's all good. I had plantain chips on Sunday. I had a falafel on Monday. Does that mean I'm no longer "that guy"? Fine by me. I don't need the identifying factor to be who I am.

(Again, this is part of the previous bullet. It just bothers me if I lose the indent even though it happened several times in this post) Identifying with an entity or idea makes one force themselves to embrace that identity and do things to further fit that identity. Someone who wants to live a green lifestyle might start recycling, but at some point, they'll start carrying around their reusable water bottle (which is what I did, and I still do it now but for more practical purposes than for the identity) to show their greenness. They'll take part in things that they wouldn't have originally just because they acquired this "green identity." Don't get me wrong -- I think doing things like that are great, but do it because you're genuinely interested, not because you declared your green identity and now must do everything in your power to fit that mold.
Going back to attachment - I think losing a few things here and there, as frustrating as it is, has helped me realize that I don't need 99% of the things I own and I therefore have no need to attach myself to them. I left my sunglasses on the shuttle from the hotel to the airport in Chicago. I dished out $60 on them two months ago, but after the initial thought of "shit fuck ass bitch this sucks so much i'm just gonna keep cursing my brains out because i loved those sunglasses and now i'm gonna get cataracts and uv rays are gonna poison me fuckshitmotherbitchshit," I thought, "Whatever. I didn't need them anyway. Somebody else will find them and make use. They didn't really make me me." It's the same way J.Mraz said in that post I linked to: "In the last 5 years, I’ve purchased a $500 pair of jeans, a $1700 sport coat, and an astonishing $2100 cashmere sweater with an image of a pot leaf sewn on it. All but the watch I’ve outgrown, passed on to friends, or donated to goodwill. I’m not attached to any of it. Most of it was purchased on a whim because I was bored and wandered into a mall, or because it was the most comfortable choice, or like the $800 watch I bought to celebrate quitting smoking, because I knew I was worth it and could now afford to be ridiculous." Money's money, but the less attached you are to it, the more freely you can live. The things I enjoy most are free: fresh air, running outdoors, laying in the grass, the smell of flowers, quality music (which shouldn't be free, but its excessive availability through whatever means makes it so). Obviously, there are things I enjoy that cost a bit of dough, but I could do without it. I indulge because I have the ability to every so often, but it isn't a requirement (Note: I am not a monk. I'm not relinquishing all possessions upon publishing this post. Don't hate on me because I own a few brand name items. I acknowledge that I don't need them, but I have them, so I use them.) The things I used to be most attached to were clothing, Nalgene bottles, and my bathroom products (yeah yeah call me a girl, but any time I went on a trip, no matter how long, I brought shampoo, conditioner, pomade, cologne, toothpaste, face wash, body wash, body cream, face moisturizer, and gosh-knows-what-else), and probably a few other things, but I can't think of them right now. Now I really just don't give a shit for it all. I wear the same jeans every day. I wear the same collection of a few t-shirts. I don't bother with casual shoes v. running shoes. I just wear the one pair of running shoes everywhere I go (or a pair of flip flops). I can get water anywhere (though I'm staunchly against bottled water) without having my Nalgene 100% of the time. I bring a toothbrush, toothpaste, and use whatever's available when I travel. I've become more of a minimalist because I've become a lot less attached to the things I once was attached to.
I used to long to build up this identity via my possessions, so I constantly wanted more and more to create this grandiose identity for myself rather than settling and using what I have to live the way I wanted -- unattached to most of the possessions and uncaring for them. If anything happens to something I own, I'll just make do with whatever else I have instead of replacing what I lost. I'll further elaborate on this when I can think more about it, but I can't really think of any more ways to explain it, so I guess that's that on identity + attachment.

If you actually made it to the bottom, I applaud you. I don't even think I could read all this over again, but writing it certainly helped me clarify my own thoughts. Now that it's 3:47a, I don't think I'll be waking up at 5:45 to run, but I'll do my thing after lab tomorrow.

As for my next post, it'll come sometime next week with a rant on clichés and why they're underrated. Hopefully I can do more pushups by then so I can talk about that too lmfao. This weekend, I want to go to Coney Island (as I intended last weekend and the one before that), but I don't think that's happening. They have fireworks @ 9:30p every Friday, so if any of you want to take me on a date (or a masculine hangout), let me know. I haven't been there since I was 3, and I think my mom's lying to me when she tells me that I went there when I was 3. I don't think I've ever been there. I'm probably having din w/ some interesting folk on Friday, which I have no doubt will be a great learning experience. Otherwise, I'm just hanging around, loving family and whatnot. Hit me up sometime. I'm more available than I'd like to be hahah

Keep smiling,
Ankit

If you haven't noticed by now, 90% of these pictures are totally pointless and irrelevant, but I figure they make reading the blog a little more entertaining, and they all took place within the last month, which is what this post is on, so it kinda makes sense (but not really at all). Hope you enjoyed =)

Summer Fitness

2008-06-24T00:08:00.003-04:00

I thought about this about 30 seconds ago, and I figure I should act on it before pussying out because I've been telling myself this since spring break. This summer, I'm going to set out some fitness goals to ensure I stay active and maintain some sort of resolve in my daily activity. That said, I'm intend on reaching the following by the end of the summer (and I post this for two reasons: to solidify my goals so that I actually follow through with them and so maybe you could set some fitness goals for yourself as well to stay in shape, especially because you have a lot more time now than you did throughout the school year):

70 pushups (As of 5 seconds ago: 46)
30 chinups (Currently: 25)
30 pullups (Currently: 22)
5:25 mile (Currently: 5:40)
Running 12 miles at once, preferably in between 1:15 and 1:30 (Currently: unknown. Haven't maxed out since cross country season)
Weighing 145+ pounds (Currently: 137 ± 2 pounds)

I guess that's all for now, but I think/hope posting this will push me a little harder to continue pursuing these goals by the time school starts (and to keep me in shape to maybe make my last year of cross country worthwhile...and maybe to try to keep up with Eric for a change. He's getting too good for his own good (that is to say, too good for my self-esteem haha)). As of now, I intend on updating on this journey every two weeks or so. That way, I can kick my own ass if I'm not making progress.

While I may/may not be inspiring you to make fitness goals for yourself, check out "An Enduring Measure of Fitness: The Simple Push-Up," by Tara Parker-Pope, one of the more prominent Health and Well columnists for the NYTimes. In the article, she discusses the prominence of push-ups as the most frequently-used measure of fitness; however, even beyond that, push-ups are an extremely good measure of fitness, physically speaking. She says,

The push-up is the ultimate barometer of fitness. It tests the whole body, engaging muscle groups in the arms, chest, abdomen, hips and legs. It requires the body to be taut like a plank with toes and palms on the floor. The act of lifting and lowering one’s entire weight is taxing even for the very fit.

Obviously, I wouldn't swear by pushups, but they should definitely build a good portion of the foundation of any workout routine, so get down and give me as much as you can do. Then strive to double that if you're anywhere less than the 20-25ish range. Might sound impossible, but you can do it. Trust me. I'm the kid who couldn't run a full mile without pausing for a break just 3.5 years ago. Now I'm pushing to run 12 straight. Aim high. You got this.

Get healthy (and stay there),
Ankit

Alone Time

2008-06-23T00:04:00.003-04:00

I get quotes every day from this online service called Living Jain (and if you don't know already, I'm not the most religious of individuals, but I certainly like to live by a set of positive ideals), and a little less than a month ago, I got this quote by a man named Arthur Brisbane who I now know, through the divinity that is Wikipedia, was a huge newspaper editor in the late 19th to early 20th centuries. He said,

Get away from the crowd when you can. Keep yourself to yourself, if only for a few hours daily.

I read this a month ago, but in the midst of all the nothing I was doing, I kind of forgot about it a few seconds after I read it, but I was looking back at the Living Jain quotes to rekindle something that I lost in me. I don't really know what it is, but whatever it was, it's back now (by the way, if you care to receive the quotes daily, check out the Living Jain site and subscribe. It's not religion-based at all despite the site name. Totally worth it). I thought about the quote, though, and realized that the time I spend alone is certainly the most peaceful time I ever have. Now, I'm not antisocial or anything to the slightest extent, but often times, I'll decline invites to places simply to spend time with myself. I haven't completely analyzed it, so I don't know what exactly I get out of these solitary sessions, but what I do know is that my mind is so much clearer post-solitude.

Though I'm trying, I don't think I can control my emotions -- specifically, the occasional anger/frustration that comes at really random times (aka the male PMS) -- any better than the next person, but when I spend a little bit of time just sitting, breathing, and simply existing, I have been able to flush out the unnecessary chaos in my mind. I'm currently reading The Power of Now, by Eckhart Tolle (pronounced Tole-ay. Don't make the mistake when talking to people that know about him because you'll just sound stupid like I did), and a good point he makes is that when you boil it down, negative emotions are all a consequence of some form of pain -- fear, stress, anger, frustration -- or resistance to the present moment. Negativity is denial of "the Now," and living anywhere but the present allows these negative emotions to build up and it certainly reflects in one's poise or responses to different circumstances. Giving myself time to breathe, unaffected by the circumstances around me, has helped me brush off negativity from others and prevent it from rising within myself in the last few weeks, and I've found that the pain has returned any time I went more than a day without at least 15 minutes to myself.

I tend to have a very light perspective on negative situations, but I don't think this would be at all possible if I were to dwell in the past or anticipate the future. If the title weren't indicative enough, Tolle's book is all about how living in the present moment, focusing on what's occurring right now without judgment from past experience or what something may lead to in the future. Trying to be where I am has proven to reduce the fog in my mind, allowing me to approach things a lot more positively, and in my opinion, it's just another huge stride in the direction of true happiness (that is to say, pure, constant joy, as opposed to pleasure from something external that could easily be flipped to its unfriendly counterpart, pain).

If that all didn't make sense to you, grab The Power of Now and read up. Tolle can explain these things much more effectively than I can. It's one of the few books everyone should read and will be able to appreciate (and if my recommendation isn't enough, Oprah agrees with me). Even if you don't read his book for a while (as I didn't read it for at least six months after I was told about it), try giving yourself some alone time to clear out your mind, breathe, appreciate what you have, or to simply think about anything every other day or so without any distractions (not the way you do your homework with "no distractions," but rather, with actually no distractions). Tell me what you think.

Stay you,
Ankit

I thought Mulberry was just the name of a street.

2008-06-18T23:41:00.002-04:00

No, this isn't the more insightful, thoughtful post I said I was going to write, but I have something far more interesting that excited me more than anything since I've started this raw business. While I was walking to Vivek's house with Vivek, Naomi, and Grace, we passed a tree with lots of berries all over it, and I was thinking of maybe eating a few being weird and whatever, but then I thought they might be poisonous, but then Naomi ate one so I had one and they were really good. Then I spent the next 15-20 minutes eating these purple berries (there were red and white ones too, but they were less ripe. They'd turn purple and sweet eventually, so I let them be).

SHOCKINGLY ENOUGH, I go to the blog of Anthony Anderson (the Raw Model) just about 10 minutes ago and find that he JUST blogged about finding mulberries along the west side highway. Basically, now I know that I just found a whole stock of mulberries that'll only be good for the next two weeks or so, so I'm going to go back at least every other day and harvest them because berries can cost anywhere from $5 - $10 per pound, and here I am getting all these kickass berries for free, straight from the source.

Simply put, I was on a natural high upon eating these berries, and if you speak to Vivek, Grace, or Naomi (or the few people that passed by as they were walking home -- Timmy Joyce, Chung Hei Sing, and a few others), they'll testify to my absolutely creepy excitement at the time. Tomorrow, after my English Regents, I'm going to go back and take pictures while I'm collecting just to add them here.

If you think I'm crazy, you really have got to try picking wild fruit (that you know is safe, of course). You get to appreciate nature so much more when you directly receive from it, rather than buying its gifts from the supermarket.

Love your mother,
Ankit

My inability to give this a title is part of the reason I don't do posts like this.

2008-06-09T22:47:00.007-04:00

As I've gotten requests for a dive into my "normal teenager life," I'll give y'all a brief update as to what I've been up to (because I'm sure you're so interested):

School's over. I have my English Regents tomorrow and Thursday, US Regents Friday, Physics next Wednesday. Finally, summer will have begun (is it weird that after my Spanish final today, I can't stop thinking of "haber + past participle" every time I say have/had + something?), and I don't really know what'll change after that. Life seems to be just too good right now to get any better. I'm doing everything I want to, and I've removed myself from my computer screen for more than 23 of the 24 hours a day, and what I've found is that I have a lot of trouble sitting down in one place and doing things at a desk. It's a rare occurrence that I'm actually in the mood to do quiet, desk work. That's not to say I don't like doing work. I just need to be moving around and need my blood to be flowing, ergo I dread sitting at the computer.

I threw Rohan a surprise party Saturday, June 7 (it feels like it couldn't have been more than a week ago. Time really flies), and because I don't have much to say about it other than that it was a freaking blast and that I love Rohan more than he even knows (and he doesn't even read this blog, so there's no need to elaborate on that. I profess my love for him more than enough to him. No homo, for the few unrelenting individuals), I'm just going to throw in a bunch of pictures from the party.

I don't know what I'd do with myself without these guys.

Oh yeah, and I just found out about this raw event in the city on Thursday evening. An inspiration, named Tim VanOrden (www.runningraw.com), is going to be speaking at Bonobos for a presentation that's going to be documented by Food Network. They're doing a special on him and his journey to prove the effectiveness of raw veganism (sans supplements) for any individual by pushing himself as a 40-year-old to various athletic limits. He's close to breaking a 4-minute-mile, among his many other amazing athletic accomplishments. He's been doing it raw since 2005. Can't wait to hear him speak.

I have some more general things to discuss, but I'll probably write about that tomorrow. Time for bed!

Stay real,
Ankit

P.S. I really had no purpose to this post. I just wanted to put up pics from Rohan's =). If you were looking for something "faker" (i.e. more interesting, thoughtful stuff), come back soon hahah

P.P.S. Watch Oprah's Commencement Speech for the Class of 2008 at Stanford:

(If you're in a rush, skip to 6:50 and watch from there)

P.P.P.S. I found the video of Steve Jobs' Commencement Speech (for Class of 2005) at Stanford that I referred to in one of my earliest posts, so I thought I'd put that up for your viewing pleasure as well. Great lessons to learn from Oprah's and Jobs'.

The entire speech is golden. Don't forget this one.

Raw in the Mainstream

2008-06-03T23:53:00.002-04:00

I just wanted to share that Jason Mraz has been a raw vegan since April 1 (just a day after I started). Simply put, we're twins. See his blog at http://freshnessfactorfivethousand.blogspot.com/ (catchy title, no?)

Aside from that, his new album, We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things, is a hugeee hit. I haven't been able to get my ears off it for the last week. My favorite tracks are "Make It Mine," "Dynamo of Volition," "Coyotes," and "Lucky (featuring Colbie Caillat - who's voice is beyond belief)." Definitely check them out on youtube or iTunes (yes, I actually paid for his music. Shocking, no?).

Make It Mine - Jason Mraz

Okay. I don't have much else to share, but just thought I'd throw Mraz's rawness out there. Hopefully his new health conscious living will inspire more of his fans to follow his practices (as much as I hate it that it takes a celebrity to make something popular). He even quit smoking :).

Stay real,
Ankit.

P.S. I drink the same green "sludge" Mraz does every day. So good.

Child Rebel Soldier - Us Placers

2008-06-01T18:25:00.003-04:00

Thanks to Sajeeb for introducing me to this hip-hop supergroup. This video isn't official, but it was produced by an amazing fan. Lupe Fiasco is the child, Kanye is the rebel, and Pharrell is the soldier. Looking forward to seeing more work from them.

P.S. Big ups to Kelly Lester from Long Beach. She's taking on a one-week raw challenge starting today. Can't wait to hear how she's feeling about it.

P.P.S. Happy Birthday to Arpit! You have no idea how much influence you've had on my life. Words can't begin to describe how much I appreciate your presence in my life. Stay real, bro.

Yes, You Can.

2008-05-26T02:34:00.005-04:00

AIDS Walk 2008 was a freaking blast. Can't wait till next year! (Let me know if you're interested in helping out @ a.shah811@gmail.com)

Often times, when I encourage people to do something or another, be it to go veg or to cheer up, I'll get responses about how not everyone can do what I do or live their lives the way I can. There's a reason why I'm able to do what I do -- stay raw, maintain a positive attitude, stay as ecologically friendly as I can, and whatever else it is I do -- and that is that I want to do it.

It may sound obvious, so let me elaborate. I take things extremely lightly; when you take things too heavily, failures are amplified and your mood and perception suddenly becomes negative. On the other hand, when you don't take things too seriously, you brush off small problems. If you really think about it, most of the things people get upset/worked up over are menial matters that may seem important in the moment but really aren't. You'll start to realize that more when you decide to simply let go of your problems. Within hours, if not minutes, they disappear as if they were never present.

I think this has a lot to do with why people are afraid to take action. Now, I'm not the perfect example of the person to take on the world's problems, but I can definitely say I do my part against various crises. The easiest-to-describe example of my doing something people wouldn't ever consider is going raw. If anyone asked me in before late March if I were ever going to consider going raw, I'd call them crazy. I didn't think it was possible for anybody short of radical to be raw, and that's probably what you're thinking. It's definitely hard to conceive eating only plants and the fruits they bear; however, what I've realized is that it's only hard to conceive if you think of it as a discipline. The second you think of anything you do as a discipline or as something you have to do simply because you have to (sounds redundant, but makes sense if you think about it), it'll become immediately less enjoyable. The reason I can stay raw is because I don't think of it as an inconvenience or a difficult endeavor. I enjoy the food preparation (note that before I went raw, I didn't prepare ANY food for myself. I wouldn't even cut my own lettuce for my salads.) I take pride in knowing that everything in my body is clean and pure. Most of all, I enjoy the fact that people want to eat more fruits/veggies when they're having a meal with me (well, most people).

This mindset can be applied to practically anything that would seem to be an inconvenience. A lot of people refuse to go green not because they enjoy destroying our environment but because it's a pain to do more environmentally things (i.e. using a reusable water bottle instead of plastic water bottles, taking colder showers, not turning the AC or the heater on when they're the slightest bit uncomfortable). When you stop thinking of it as a pain, you'll do it without regard for the amount you have to go out of your way. Too often do I hear people correlate their desire to do things with how much they have to go out of their way to do them. Get real, guys. You're not going to make changes unless you go out of your way. Remember this, though: going out of your way to make a change for a few days magically makes that once-inconvenient activity a habit that isn't so inconvenient anymore. You've got to think about why you're doing things and then act upon them. I live the way I do because it's all second nature to me, but if you think that was always the case, think again. I have no more will power or determination than you do, but I know why I'm doing what I'm doing. That's what allows me to do it.

I guess if I want you to take anything from this post, it's to not be afraid or hesitant in turning a new leaf. Things become easier, and you suddenly become more open to changes when you think about why you're doing them.

BTW - check this out: http://tinyurl.com/4yx3ks. It's a group of kids at Oberlin College unafraid of making changes. The idea isn't so uncommon.

Time is a Doorway

2008-05-14T22:35:00.004-04:00

Short Update on Life:
APs are over. I would say they went pretty well, but obviously, they could've been better had I started studying earlier, but such is procrastination. Since then, we've been working on the hallway for Battle of the Classes, which was yesterday (we won a respectable second place although we were disadvantaged by some of the judging). Now that that's over, I have this weekend to take it easy and go to the AIDS Walk tomorrow with 15-20 other Herricksers. That should be a blast (if you're reading this on May 17 and want to join, go here and select "Herricks High School - 8145" on the menu. I'll get an email that you registered and I'll email you from there.) For the rest of the school year, I have periods 1, 2, 3, and 5 off every other day, and 1 and 3 every every[?] other day because I'm done w/ AP Stat and Bio.

I thought about what I'd do with all this extra time, and we have "Quest" projects to do to replace AP classes, so I'm spending 5 hours a week for the rest of the year on my Raw Food Gourmet project. It's really what I would do in my free time anyway, so there's no big change there, except maybe I'll start working on the presentation of my food a little more. I initially anticipated spending the extra time sleeping in a lot more, but after the first few days of going to school late, I realized I got to bed earlier, so I woke up around 7:00 - 8:00 anyway, so I still have an extra hour or two in the morning.

I see the extra time as a doorway to actually do something I wouldn't have if I had a lot more schoolwork, so I'm still trying to figure out what I'm going to do to be productive in a more (relatively) creative way, which doesn't say much when you're talking about my life, but I'm going to try to do something interesting.

I took on swimming two summers ago, where I swam about 4-5 times a week, and not to inflate my own head, but I got pretty good, but I slowed the habit and it eventually stopped. I'm thinking about taking that on again from now until the end of the summer and seeing what I can do with that. Maybe I'll finally invest in a bike and take good morning rides. It's a lot more appealing that morning runs, so maybe I'll do that. Not that I need to exercise for weight or anything, but I do want to increase my aerobic activity (as opposed to simply doing pushups, yoga, and other calisthenics all the time), so I'd probably get more into it if I biked more.

Another thing I want to do is start planting and taking pictures (totally unrelated to each other, but I want to pursue both). It might sound stupid to you (unless you're raw and/or you eat fruits/veggies all day long), but imagine how cool it'd be to grow your own fruits and vegetables and eat them rather than buying them from the produce aisle. I've never gardened, ever, but my mom does a bit, so maybe she could teach me a little so I can get started. About the pictures, I just feel like I don't capture moments often enough, so I'm going to try to do that. No, it's not for facebook, but rather, so I can look back on these pictures and enjoy the past as much as I do the present. Also, this blog would be a lot more interesting if I threw in random pictures, so yeah, the reasons are multifaceted.

I can't really think of much else to say now, so I guess I'll end this rant. If you were interested, great. If you weren't, I'm sorry (I agree this was one of my more bland posts, but you take the good with the bad). Anyhow, take care until next time (and after that, too).

Much love,
Ankit

"I Can't Live Without It." Yeah, right.

2008-05-06T21:15:00.003-04:00

A not-so-well-known philosopher named Kanye West was once quoted, "What's your addiction? Is it money? Is it girls? Is it weed? I've been afflicted, by not one, not two, but all three." It seems that in modern society, although these seem to be prevalent addictions, a much more distinct addiction is present: to meat. I know I probably talk about this a lot, but really, I have these little periods where I think about it excessively. If I had an addiction (and I know I have a few small ones), I'd be terribly ashamed of it. I'm not targeting you (assuming you eat meat), but I just would like more people to take it into consideration.

When people ask me why I don't eat meat or animal derived products, I ask them why they eat meat, and the most common response I get is, "It tastes SO good. I can't imagine life without chicken." Step back for a second, and think about that statement. Last time I checked, we only needed water, shelter, and food to live. Accounting for the excess of non-meat items available in the aisles of your local grocery store, I'm pretty sure there's more vegetarian food than there is non to sustain yourself. So think again - do you need meat? Is that Big Mac so good that you can't let go of it? If that's the case, I'm sorry for you.

This meat addiction people have is like smoking. The only difference is that it's so ingrained into what society deems "acceptable" that no one sees it as a problem. Any addiction, really, is shameful. It's even worse when people think, "I know the ethics behind not eating meat, but I just can't help it." You can help it. Anyone can help it. The problem is the unwillingness the do something about it.

I speak from experience when I say that it feels freaking good to conquer your desires. Getting rid of an addiction, whether it be meat, bread, the internet, facebook, cigarettes, money, girls, weed, feels amazing. It's amazing because you work towards it, and not caring about that addiction anymore is a huge achievement in your own self-development. You don't want external entities controlling your life. Of course, you don't think meat controls your life, but if you picture not eating it for the rest of your life, you realize that it plays a huge role.

PETA is offering a million dollars to anyone who can successfully produce an acceptable substitute for meat in a lab. Yeah - great idea, but doesn't that just add to the case that people are so addicted? Call me crazy, but I think it's time for a change. Screw lab meat. Go veg.

I know this was a totally aimless rant, but it's frustrating. I'm no extreme animal-rights activist, but I do what I do to not contribute to animal cruelty and the other problems that go along with the industry; I just think everyone else can do the same. Try yourself. You'd be surprised what you could resist.

Earth Day, Every Day.

2008-04-23T03:34:00.007-04:00

Last night's dinner (Best Guac EVER)

Today, I had a bit of free time, so I spent a good portion of it on AIM and facebook (still in the process of relieving my addiction). I found something that was pleasant, for the most part: a lot of people had statuses about Earth Day. It was good to know that everyone was at least aware of the day and knew that today was a day dedicated to increased friendliness towards our mother.

But then, I passed out at 9:30 PM, and upon waking up an hour ago, I decided to stalk a few raw blogs because that's the other thing I do in my free time, and what I realized was that so many of these raw foodists didn't need to celebrate Earth Day. They didn't need to embrace it as a day unlike any other because they were environmentally friendly every day. Now, I'm not saying you're environmentally unfriendly if you're not raw, but one thing that I can certainly say is that any nonvegetarian diet is environmentally unfriendly. I'm not trying to make you feel guilty, so if I'm doing that, I'm sorry, but check this out:

The livestock sector generates more greenhouse gas emissions as measured in CO2 equivalent – 18 percent – than transport. It is also a major source of land and water degradation.

With increased prosperity, people are consuming more meat and dairy products every year. Global meat production is projected to more than double from 229 million tonnes in 1999/2001 to 465 million tonnes in 2050, while milk output is set to climb from 580 to 1043 million tonnes.

It generates 65 percent of human-related nitrous oxide, which has 296 times the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of CO2.

Livestock now use 30 percent of the earth’s entire land surface, mostly permanent pasture but also including 33 percent of the global arable land used to producing feed for livestock...As forests are cleared to create new pastures, it is a major driver of deforestation, especially in Latin America where, for example, some 70 percent of former forests in the Amazon have been turned over to grazing.

Source? A report by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. If you want more, see http://www.fao.org/newsroom/en/news/2006/1000448/index.html. (Also check out http://www.scribd.com/doc/24163/CO2-Emissions-of-Foods-and-Diets and http://www.traumkrieger.de/virtualwater/)

It's disconcerting to see so many "environmentalists" eating meat every day. You can drive a Prius. You can use a reusable water bottle. You can recycle all you want. When it boils down to it, though, you're forgetting about that other 18% (the figure is probably around 19 or 20% today). Organizations for the environment encourage a crap load of solutions to the crisis we are facing today, one of them being going vegetarian for a day. What boggles my mind is why people don't do it for life. You're all going to start firing back at me with the whole, "You've been vegetarian your whole life. You don't know how it is, Ankit." That doesn't even matter. I've been vegetarian my whole life, but I've had NO issue finding quality food that satisfies me just as much as meat satisfies you. Additionally, I've eliminated the bulk of my previous vegetarian diet by going vegan in July and raw vegan, as of 3.5 weeks ago. I didn't make those choices because of the environment, but I did take notice of them in the process. So yeah, I know what it's like to get rid of the foods you love most, but on the same note, I found foods that were just as good. It's a matter of how much you want to make that change.

Maybe you don't want to make that change, which I've heard from countless people in the last few months (being one of the few vegans of the people you know tends to lead to the whole "Why do you do it and why should I do it?" conversation with another person practically every day), but I sure do hope you realize the impact you're having on the environment. Sure, one person leaving the Standard American Diet for something better might not make a monumental impact, but it's about the principle. If you start giving me the whole, "It doesn't make a difference because no large mass of people is going to do it," I could say the same exact thing about using reusable water bottles, turning down your thermostat, driving a hybrid, or one of the things that most "environmentalists" do. Focus more on your personal carbon (and other greenhouse gas) footprint. When more people do that, noticeable changes will take place.

Maybe you do want to make that change, but you don't know how to. Read up a little bit. There are tons of websites and blogs online all about vegetarian/vegan/raw diets. Come to me. I'm more than happy to help you make a transition. Even if we don't talk that much/at all, this is something I think is worth it, so feel free to shoot me an email (a.shah811@gmail.com).

I know I'm a few hours late on this, but it doesn't really make a difference for me. I'm going to do the same exact things I did today as I did yesterday. The same should go for all of you. Don't use Earth Day as your reason to go green for a day. Make it a lifestyle. Whatever you choose to do, go all out. In the grand scheme of things, you're not making a difference, but other people seeing you act makes them want to act. Trust me on that one.

Much love,
Ankit

P.S. It's been 25 days since my last non-raw meal =)
P.P.S. (I hate when people use extra P's but whatever) If you want to make that guac, follow the recipe. It takes five. Ten, tops.

2 avocados, peeled
1/2 red onion, diced
Juice from one lemon
3 garlic cloves, cut up into small pieces (or minced, for you chefs)
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
1 tomato, diced

Throw all the ingredients in a big bowl and mash them up with whatever you want -- hands, spoons, whatever. It's extraordinary. If you're storing it, do it in an airtight container, but really, this is something you should have fresh. It'll go bad if you store it for more than 1-3 days.

Food Matters

2008-04-14T01:14:00.003-04:00

I found this looking around the John Butler Trio website, and shockingly, it has a lot to do with what I've been exploring recently, so I thought it'd be great to check it out. Initially, it's only going to be released for online streaming view, so go to http://www.foodmatters.tv and enter your name and email at the bottom to get the notification when it's available for viewing. Enlighten yourselves and live life the way it should be lived.

Food Matters Official Trailer from foodmatters on Vimeo.

Raw Goodness - Day 8

2008-04-06T20:46:00.004-04:00

Just a short update that will be expanded upon later: I've been 100% raw since Sunday, March 30. The constant flow of information that I'm taking in about this lifestyle is astounding and freaking awesome. Contrary to popular belief, I feel better than ever, and yes, I have more than enough energy to keep me going. Since Sunday, I've made two relatively intricate items (basically, anything more fancy than a salad or a smoothie): zucchini-based hummus and this burrito-esque filling that really could be eaten plain, in a collard green wrap (as I did) or in a bell pepper. The ability to do practically anything with raw foods makes it all the more fun, and really, if it weren't for school, I'd be in the kitchen all day.

My hard work and toil to rip that coconut open. Spent way too much time with that one.

You'd be surprised how good a little lettuce, tomato, a hummus could taste.

The burrito filling. It tastes a LOT better than it looks.

On Getting the Friend Card, and Keeping It

2008-03-31T23:56:00.003-04:00

Once again, I've returned with an essay I wrote for English. Not surprisingly, I don't remember writing this one either, but I got it back today and read it over. I found it hilarious, and yes, I'm tooting my own horn, but whatever. I didn't think I could be so funny =). It's a process analysis piece, so we were supposed to guide/instruct the reader on how to do something that we would choose. I decided to throw in my own little spin by making it a satirical piece while doing whatever the assignment required. Enjoy, and don't mind the little notes to my teacher about the number 13. There's a story behind that.

I have been blessed with a talent since 7^th grade, and it has recently begun to wear off, so I feel the need to pass on my wisdom before it’s too late. Now boys, if you really take this to heart, you, too, will be able to receive what you have, without a doubt, always wanted: the friend card.

Now, before you moan and groan about the friend card, ensure that you know exactly what it is. The glorious friend card is a card that will be presented to you by a female friend informally and indirectly through interactions and words. This metaphorical card represents the potential of your relationship with this female friend.

Once received, you may never get involved with this female friend (i.e. ask her on a date). However, you do receive all the perks of the platonic friendship! All those special perks that you never received from the other four hundred “friends” you have on Facebook! You will finally get the opportunity to spill your heart to this girl about all the affairs you have in your life: namely, all those other female acquaintances who have also given you the friend card. You will have someone to attend to whenever they need you, someone to spend your valuable time on because she just needs some time away from her boyfriend who isn’t treating her properly.

Now, to actually accomplish the task and get that treasured friend card, you have to find a girl between the ages of 13 and 17 (and yes, Ms. Nelson, I said 13),and first thing you do when you meet her is compliment her. Tell her you like her scarf or her highlights. The more you compliment her on first encounter, the more you’ll send the signs that you want her (to give you the friend card, that is). She’ll know she can always come to you for compliments when she’s down.

Next, you want to make sure she has your phone number so she can call you when she needs to. To really make sure you get the friend card, enter your number into her phone yourself. Edit the name so that it says something cute, like “AnKiT My bFf!” In my history, I’ve never done anything like that, but it sounds like it would work. They would definitely get the message that you were not, by any means, looking for anything past friendship.

This next step you should take with caution, for girls with an older mindset may actually find this attractive (meaning they want something past friendship, which you obviously do not want), as I myself am learning now. Listen to her when she talks to you, even when she rambles about her problems. Provide her with mature advice that actually works. Draw on your previous experience. Younger girls (especially those around 13) will want you even more as a friend because you help them maintain sanity during their relationships with their jerk boyfriends who do not listen to them, do not provide them with comfort, and therefore do not get the friend card. Older girls, on the other hand, may see this as a sign of maturity and may see long term potential with an intelligent guy such as yourself, but you want to make sure that doesn’t happen because you wouldn’t want to get involved in that sort of relationship.

Forgetting to give this girl attention whenever she calls for it and sometimes when she doesn’t will most likely revoke the friend card. Ignoring her requests for attention may make her wonder what you are doing that is so important, and that may lead to her gaining interest in you. Do not let that happen.

Take these steps and precautions, and you’ll have that friend card in the bag. Trust me, you can never get enough of the friend card, so feel free to practice this method on as many girls as you meet. You really can never hear girls vent enough about their boyfriends. It really gives you that great feeling that you are not her boyfriend. Maintain these habits, my friend, and you will live your life a celibate. All your guy friends are going to be SO jealous of all your female friends (not to be mistaken with girlfriends).

I hope you at least cracked a smile because I cannot stop laughing right now.

P.S. I've been fully raw foodist since Saturday (except for a smalll nonraw dinner on Saturday, but still.) Feeling good =)

Randy Pausch on Life, and some less important things

2008-03-20T00:22:00.004-04:00

one of the more important videos i've ever seen. it seems everything we do nowadays is an investment of time, you know, because we're too busy for most things. this is not most things:

in other news (and i'm really hoping you're reading this AFTER watching that video rather than just skipping over it, because i really think it's way more important than anything else in the blog), i've been slowly evolving my diet and different physical habits of mine in the last month. since february break, i've been exploring the raw food diet intensely, and in trying to adapt it, i've learned a lot about myself and eating habits in general. i'm probably going to go off on tangents, but it all relates back to physical health in one way or another. enjoy.

for the most part, i've been eating about one non-raw meal a day for the last month. my breakfast usually is a smoothie of some sort, where i blend various fruits/veggies with ice and some flax oil to start off my day. it was definitely a departure from the typical hot oatmeal with vanilla soymilk, cinnamon powder, and dates, but it was refreshing. i've been starting most of my days waking up (that is, when i haven't been up all night) and taking a shower. i'd run the water burning hot for about 3-4 minutes, then i'd switch it to cool, then to freezing cold for the next 10 minutes. it's completely revitalizing, and you can't help but close your eyes in the close water and really just breathe in the cold air around you. it sounds painful, but trust me, it's anything but that. it's truly blissful. getting out of the shower almost feels dirty, but you gotta do it sometime or another.

continuing the morning with a quality, pure smoothie really provides for a great morning, despite any obstacles that you may encounter in the coming hours (and yes, it's satiating). throughout the day, i'll have a pretty big, varied salad, a bag of mixed nuts and dried fruit, a larabar, an apple, two bananas, and at least a liter of water. trust me, it's filling. when i get home, i'll make another smoothie and continue doing what i do till din, where i usually have my nonraw meal (usually a vegan burrito, pitas with romaine lettuce, tomatoes and hummus, or indian food), and really, dinner is the most pleasurable meal when i'm eating it, BUT (don't disregard the but), it is also the least satisfying after i finish it. i feel crappy about the way the complex carbs rest in my stomach, about how it's gonna take five times longer for that one meal to digest than it took for all the other meals in my day combined, about how during my workouts, i'll actually have to worry about burning those calories rather than simply working my heart, and most of all, how i just can't let go it.

i've realized that i have an addiction to bread and refined foods. i've realized that we ALL do. there's a reason people consider the raw food diet crazy. that reason is because they're afraid of it. adopting the diet is leaving the food that's most familiar to them. since going vegan, i've detached myself from a lot of the gluttony in my life, but now that i'm trying this new diet, i can't help but frown upon my own lack of self-control. now you may be thinking, "oh ankit, what are you talking about? you're vegan. isn't that enough?" no. it's not. i'm not vegan for my health. i'm vegan for a purpose that is besides me. you can be an overweight vegan. you can load up on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and live off as much high fructose corn syrup and refined carbs as you want, or you can follow a healthier path. there are plenty of different routes you can take, but i prefer the raw one. there's plenty of scientific evidence to back up the benefits of a good approach to raw foodism (and note that i say "good approach," for there are plenty of ways to screw up and not get everything you need).

aside from the scientific evidence, though, eating raw food just makes you feel good. an hour after i make myself a smoothie from a few strawberries, an apple, a banana, and a kiwi, my stomach is empty. "well that sucks. maybe you should start eating some bread, ankit." my stomach is empty in a good way, though. blending the fruits -- stem, seeds, skin, and all -- makes it so much easier for my body to process to foods and absorb all the nutrients and vitamins in them that such a relatively minimal portion of my energy is dedicated to digestion. my stomach isn't empty because i haven't eaten. it's empty because it has done its job quicker than it usually does, and my body has absorbed all the energy i'm gonna need for the next few hours. the food does nothing to slow me down, and i never feel heavy after eating it, which is something completely new to me (and probably would be to you too, if you tried this for a few days).

on top of all that, you just feel cleaner. you can't really substitute anything for feeling pure, which brings me to something else i tried in the beginning of the month. the day after the SAT, my sister proposed trying bikram yoga. i figured it'd be a good way to relax, and i saw it on celebrity fit club three years ago. i've always wanted to try it, so here was my chance. we went and took advantage of the the one week introductory plan, going four times in that week. i don't think i've ever had workouts like i did that week. bikram yoga, if you haven't heard, is yoga art that's done in 90-minute sessions in rooms that are around 100-110 degrees. it allows your muscles to stretch much more than they'd be able to in room temperature, and you sweat out the toxins present in your body. once you get by the whole "oh my god. this is so hot. how am i going to survive in here for 90 minutes?" mentality and you really become present in the room, it's a really spiritual experience. the internal body cleansing that takes place isn't just in the blood stream; you begin to think clearer. i found that i became detached from so many of the stresses in my life, and i just came out of the sessions thinking so positively and i was really just liberated from the unnecessary distractions that surrounded me. i definitely intend on going back on a somewhat regular basis when i have a more regular flow of income and my mom doesn't have to pay for my gym membership and the yoga classes. i would definitely recommend it to anyone, whether you're into spirituality or not. an intro week is just $25, so you can go to up to seven sessions. there's really not much to lose, so definitely check it out (in carle place, next to q-zar).

i guess this post was just me rambling on about these different things i've tried recently that have impacted my physical health, but it really is more than just that. i don't really know how to emphasize it enough, but physical health is so heavily linked with mental and emotional health. i mean, i'm sure we're all happy with our lives and our relationships and whatnot, but really, when you are by yourself, detached from external factors, can you truly say you're happy with yourself? if you are, fantastic, but i'm very sure we can all be a little more satisfied. a huge factor in this is your physical health. i may be preaching to a deaf audience because i know a lot of people don't care to hear this (and i think it's partially because they prefer indulging in things that counteract physical health), but taking care of yourself -- eating right, exercising, sweating, getting your heart rate up -- is extremely correlated with your happiness. with me, i'm most unhappy when i sit idly in front of the computer all day. my best days are those when i eat a crapload of fruits and vegetables, play tennis for three hours, run to the gym, do an hour of cardio, and run back. it gives me a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction with my physical self. when you are physically healthy, and you're making strides to make that so, you have a reason to be confident and happy with yourself. it may not make much sense to you right now, but when you actually make it a priority, it becomes very clear.

that basically sums up the last month of my being. i've been keeping my heart healthy and making smoothies. now that we have off from school for another five days, i'm gonna try to take on one of the harder raw food recipes i've encountered -- soft corn tortillas with spicy "beans," avocado-corn guac and tomato lime salsa -- but it'll definitely be a worthwhile one. let's hope this tastes good.

take care of yourselves guys. much love.

John Butler Trio - Ocean

2008-03-07T21:24:00.003-05:00

A great guitar solo. Definitely worth watching. I think he's using a 12-string to get that sound.

A more thoughtful post will come very soon. Keep on the lookout.

Much love.

P.S. Congrats to all of you at DECA and Math Fair this week. Keep kickin' ass =). You're all amazing.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe on Potential

2008-03-01T18:29:00.001-05:00

If I accept you as you are, I will make you worse; however, if I treat you as though you are what you are capable of becoming, I help you become that.

Today's smile.

2008-02-18T19:49:00.005-05:00

Music: Sergio Mendes - Timeless (iTunes)

Doing for others makes for a much better smile than doing for oneself. Try it sometime. I find that I help people with problems every so often. I'll help my mom with what she needs to do once in a while. I do a little something for my sister way too rarely. I do genuinely kind things only a few times a week rather than daily (and no, small things like opening a door for someone don't count). Until now, I really thought this was sufficient, and it made me happier than most. However, I've been thinking about it a bit today, and a lot of my happiness stems from the deeds I've done yesterday, or worse, the selfish things I've done today. With the former, it's truly leftover happiness that I'm using to produce this smile that I have.

As is the case with all food, the fresh product is always better than yesterday's leftovers (and don't give me that "but I like pizza better when I reheat it" crap. You know what I mean). So basically, rather than condemning you to another one of my 1000-word posts, I'll cut it short. Not to discredit your acts of kindness yesterday, but perform them on a more regular basis. You'll spread more smiles and yours will be a lot wider than it is right now. For another perspective on this idea, check out Anthony Anderson's take on Valentine's Day -- http://rawmodelcom.blogspot.com/2008/02/valentines-day-is-not-for-lovers.html.

What have you done for someone else today? The more often you think about it, the more you'll realize that your idea of your I-self contribution is coming from what you did in the past, not the present. So make it a point to commit selfless acts daily. Your days will be a lot fresher and more ripe, if you will.

Much love.

Common's Father on Forever

2008-02-15T04:36:00.005-05:00

It may not make perfect sense to you, but it's up for interpretation. Make what you may out of it. Feel free to share your thoughts. From the outro of "Forever Begins," by Common (on the Finding Forever album):

Origin is forever
well, well, well,
Here we are back in the studio again.
Look at that.
Hey, I don't need no cue cards.
They got the engineers holdin' up cue cards.
What that say?
Oh they say, "Just talk. Don't sing."
Son, I bet you feel like you and I've been here Forever.
30 years old red eyes, beholding red eyes
I see my world's tears
Yeah, origin is forever
Every peak will have 2 values:
Hopeful eyes in the comfort of true protection
and admiration of the chime.
That's forever.
Forever is to strive,
a place of endearment.

Forever.
Forever is what I leave:
my I-self contribution
Damn, what I'm gon' leave?
Okay.
I leave my one and only grain of spiritual sand:

To universal scales of humanity
All humanity
Forever is finding a solution to a solution:
tsunamis, hurricanes,
following the trails of the African slave ships,
war, war, and more war,
floods, Columbine, global warming, earthquakes.
Another somebody's done me wrong, son.
Virginia Tech is not an old "what the heck?"
We're still. Did you place your one grain of spiritual sand forever?

Confusion need a solution.
Blend and stir. Stir and blend the part of humanity.
Sift the ingredients of acknowledgment, apology, amendment, atonement.
We gonna work with the four A's here
Forever part
Common good is forever
God's memory is forever

Henry J. Kaiser on Progress

2008-02-02T00:18:00.000-05:00

I make progress by having people around me who are smarter than I am and listening to them. And I assume that everyone is smarter about something than I am.

My Inspiration.

2008-01-28T16:35:00.000-05:00

I wrote this narrative for English at 4:30 in the morning. I was really unaware of what I was writing, but it kinda described why I do some of the things I do pretty well. It mentions what inspired me to start this blog and whatever, so check it out (and yes, I'm corny. I talk to my teacher in my essay):

Someone I know taught me once that the rhetoric involved in conveying an idea determines, more than anything else, how hard it hits home (coughYOUcough, and it’s funny because I just coughed my lungs out while typing that). Sometimes, an idea doesn’t even need much rhetoric to get across because the idea gets itself across. Sadly, some ideas that any normal person would declare completely obvious are the ones that the fewest people actually incorporate into their daily lifestyles.

In July, I reluctantly agreed to endure a two-hour journey to Edison, New Jersey for a Jain convention to, in my father’s words, “learn [my] country and be a better Jain,” for “[I] have no respect for [my] blessings.” What I was soon to learn was that there was little religion being preached at this convention. Surprisingly, the organizers of the convention understood my point-of-view. Instead of teaching me prayers, instead of making me feel guilty for my sins, instead of assuming my goal in life was to reach moksha (liberation), the organizers of the convention invited people of all different cultures who represented Jain ideals to speak about their experiences practicing these various ideals.

Nipun Mehta was one of these speakers. Here I was introduced to a man unlike any other I had ever met in my life – one who dedicated his life and soul to spreading happiness and the wealth of kindness. It took me a whole 15 years and 11 months – 5,812 days – but it was on this day that I finally learned the true value of altruism. The session was called “Paying It Forward,” and I was convinced that it would be some speaker talking about how to thrive in the business world while maintaining Jain principles. I was barely interested in that, but I had nothing better to do.

“Paying it forward” was really a simple concept that by spreading kindness from one person to the next, a ripple effect will be produced; it was certainly not an economic theory to make millions of dollars. Nipun started his presentation by counting the 50 people in the room and putting this ripple effect into perspective: if the first person in the room received a giant piece of paper and folded it in half and every subsequent person did the same with that sheet of paper just once, the paper would be thick enough to reach the moon (that is, if paper could be folded that many times).

I was still thinking superficially by that point. Obviously, people should be nice to each other. I don’t need some weird analogy to tell me that much.

I listened anyway to hear him share his insight on the idea of spreading smiles by referring to an anecdote about a rickshaw driver in India. The driver looked like a bum just out to get whatever money he could; according to Nipun, his “teeth were tobacco-ridden, and he seemed like the kind of guy that would spend on his money on alcohol.” He probably would buy cigarettes and alcohol, I thought. For some reason, though, Nipun decided he was trustworthy, and he told his story.

“How much money do you make a day, doing this [driving a rickshaw]?”

“Usually about 240 rupees. Why?” the driver responded, beginning to hold onto his pockets in defense.

He opens his wallet and takes out all the money he has and tells the driver, “Here’s 250 rupees. Now I want you to do two things. Give free rides to anyone that rides in your rickshaw, and use this money for someone else.”

“But sir, you can’t trust me. For all you know, I’ll charge all my rides tonight, and I’ll use all the money on cigarettes. Don’t give me so much money.”

“No. I’ve already entrusted you with this money. I cannot take it back. I have faith that you’ll do the right thing. Goodbye.”

“Wait, sir. Please, let me just take your e-mail address or something. I want you to know what I will have done with this money.”

“There’s no need. Just promise me that you’ll make your best effort to continue to commit various acts of kindness.”

From that point on, the story is completely up in the air; the sincerity of the taxi driver may have only lasted for that day, or it may have continued for weeks, months, or even years. We’ll never know, but we can probably bet that he paid Nipun’s kindness forward in some way. What is certain is how hard Nipun hit me with the point he was making in the story, not to go out and give all the taxi drivers I can find their daily wages, but instead, to trust in the naturally positive nature of humans. Hearing the love in his voice just talking about his day-to-day actions gave me the kind of shivers down my spine that I’d get while hearing a national anthem in a large crowd just because that sense of unity among so many people isn’t frequent nowadays. Just the same, people like him are not so frequent nowadays.

Now, people might call Nipun crazy for “wasting” his money on this rickshaw driver. They might call me crazy for even believing that Nipun makes sense in his actions. I think that his focus lies in the virtue of selflessness, however. It doesn’t matter whether our actions ever come back around, and it doesn’t matter if people treat us the same way we treat them because our behavior should not be at all connected to our expectations of others. In fact, we shouldn’t even expect anything of anyone else. When spreading kindness, we should get rid of this inevitable thought of “What am I getting out of this?” and rather start thinking “Imagine the smile I’m bringing on the opposite end. That smile is enough to keep me doing what I’m doing.”

This may even be hypocritical, for within a few hours of hearing Nipun speak, I was complimenting a girl I met at the convention, hoping maybe I could walk away with a number, or even more valuable in today’s day, her AIM screen name. It was later that night before bed, when I was reflecting on my day that I realized my hypocrisy. I walked out of that room earlier that day feeling like a new person. I felt virtuous just hearing Nipun talk about kindness. But that wasn’t enough. At that point, I had only taken the first step: becoming aware of the selfishness of a lot of my acts. I had admitted to myself that I had a problem, and I had also realized that that’s further than most people get in their entire lives. So rarely do we find people that reflect on life in the same perspective as Nipun. He assumes the mentality that his happiness is inevitable when bringing the same to others’ lives. Typically, people assume the mentality that their happiness is achieved when others return the favors that the originally kind person delivered.

Now, it’s been five months since I heard Nipun speak. Am I selfless? Can I say that my best effort is put into making others smile? Have I really achieved this level of virtue that I so admired in Nipun? No, no, and again, no. Am I more selfless than the 15 year, 11 month old who reluctantly went to the convention? Can I say that I put a very strong effort into making others smile? Have I achieved a higher level of virtue than I had five months ago? Yes, yes, and again, yes.

Five months ago, I’d turn on my computer, log onto AIM, talk to whomever I needed to about things specific to me, and sign off. Then, I’d log into facebook, check out all my new wall posts, messages and all the flattering comments on my photo, and sign off. Within the last five months, I’ve presented myself in a new light to the people around me. I’ve opened this almost-24-hour-a-day shop for people to come to at any time in stressful times. I leave my AIM account at all times with an away message, but everyone knows I don’t do anything but sit in front of my computer all day, so I’m waiting for people to instant message me asking for help with their introductions for whatever English paper they have due the next day (and I probably end up making others’ introductions more solid than the ones in my own papers). I’m waiting for Sally to message me looking for comfort after some guy just cheated on her. I’m waiting for Tom to come to me looking for the answer to number 32 on the AP Bio homework, but we all know I won’t give it to him; I’ll direct him towards the page in the textbook he could read up on it for himself though. On facebook, I got rid of my wall to make people more comfortable approaching me via personal messages instead of on a public page where everyone can see our conversations. I created a blog where I share my oh-so-brilliant insight on the world today, my thoughts on social systems around me, and my values and morals. In making these things public, I allow anyone to learn how I feel about a lot of things, so they can check it out even if I’m not available for them at the given moment.

Obviously, I’m not completely selfless. I do plenty of things for myself, but more than anything, I find satisfaction in smoothening the bumps in the lives of the people around me. I have learned to rely less on what other people will do for me because I really could care less. I will need the people around me every so often, but I know that, without fail, there will always be someone willing to help. Even if that’s not why I do what I do, it is a given outcome, and most certainly a favorable one.

Hope y'all enjoyed. Much love.

UPDATE (1/28/08, 7:31 PM): I shared this post with Nipun, and in his reply, he sent me the link to his story of the rickshaw driver. My retelling of it really does the full story no justice, so if you enjoyed my sub-par clip of the story, definitely check his version out at http://nipun.charityfocus.org/blog/ar/pilgrimpost/000945.html.

Why Happy?

2008-01-26T03:13:00.000-05:00

I couldn't really put it into better words, or maybe I could, but this is certainly an easier way to convey the message than writing it all out. And watching a video is definitely more appealing than reading my 8-page blog posts. I've seen one or two other videos by this guy, and yes, he's a little flamboyant and whatever, but listen to his message more than his voice inflections. He's got a great point, and I think it's a great living style. I tell people things of this nature all the time, and they say they listen, but then they come to me complaining about their next problem. I have no problem with trying to help, but I think people should really filter their problems and try to solve them themselves. Usually, avoiding a problem is the best way to not suffer its consequences. Most people would say, "Oh, you're just being naïve and ignorant. Everyone has to deal with problems in his/her life." But, you know what? More than 95% of problems are a load of bull. They don't need to be dealt with and cause completely unnecessary stress, which way too many of us deal with nowadays. So try to take what Mr. Buckley says here seriously.

Much love.

7-5 6-3 7-6 (7-5)

2008-01-25T14:19:00.000-05:00

Today, Novak Djokovic defeated Roger Federer in the Australian Open Semifinal match. Now, I love Roger Federer, but I love Djokovic even more. I just thought I'd share that with the world. Today has been one of the more exciting ones in my life. I'm really just writing this blog so that I can look back at it ten years from now when Djokovic has won 10+ Grand Slams (and yes, I know Federer isn't dead, but Djokovic will continue getting closer and closer to the number one spot) and just reminisce. I saw Federer and Djokovic practice the day before the US Open 2007 began (where Djovokic and Fed faced each other in the final, but Djokovic lost) after Djokovic beat Fed a few weeks earlier, and Djokovic was just rising in the ranks. There, I got his autograph. I almost got Fed's, but he gave me the cold shoulder. Now I'll post some pics just to share them:

Yes, that is me with Roger Federer. No, he did not sign the ball I waved in his face.

That's Djokovic right after he blessed my ball with his signature.

I'll post again when Djokovic is the Australian Open champion.

Cockiness and Appreciation.

2008-01-20T05:50:00.000-05:00

Finally. It's 3:20 AM. I told Naomi I was going to be in bed by 2:35, but whatever. I will finish this post if it's the last freaking thing I do. I have half a post written from New Years Day. I have bits and pieces of about three other posts saved, none of which are posted.

---

Okay, so I fell asleep while writing this post. It's now 1:38PM, and I'm laying in bed watching the Australian Open, sucking in all the glory that is midterms week (and I'm not doing any work today. Glorious.)

I've been slacking a lot with this blog, and I'm hoping to get back to regular posts every so often (more so than once every one or two months). If you've actually been here looking for some reading of substance, I'm sorry for leaving you with nothing, but here's what I'm thinking at the current moment (and I'm might mention things totally unrelated simply because they have crossed my mind in the last two months and I've always wanted to write blogs about them but I know I won't in the future so I'm going to jumble a buncha things together here):

Thinking about the people around me, I realize that my life is not mine. It belongs to the people around me. And no, that doesn't mean that I submit to them, but more, everything I do is for others in one way or another, whether it be bad or good. Even the most selfish acts I commit affect the people around me, and recently, I've considered that immensely. It's cliché (as most of the things I think about), but it is so crucial to view situations from every possible perspective before making decisions about them. I understand that sometimes this isn't possible considering the imminence of certain cases, but every time you have a second to think about something you're about to say or do, consider the people around you. Consider who they might share what you did with and how those people may interpret your actions.

Sadly, there have been crucial moments when I've screwed things up majorly recently, but without those mistakes, I wouldn't have thought about this, so I try not to regret too much. Plain and simple, though, before you make a sarcastic comment, before you make a joke that may be funny but isn't completely necessary, before you do something you think you're ready for, before you tell somebody something they may not want to hear, think about the people around you. Think about the people that are around you mentally. And don't just think of that present moment, think of your history with that person and how that may impact the decision you're about to make. Something I've noticed too often in the recent past is that many people tend to keep their feelings stashed away in this hidden part of their hearts, but when that stash gets too full, things start leaking and everything spills out. You then realize all the things you may have done to evoke these feelings. You then realize that maybe it would've been a good idea to practice some tact earlier on.

(This is a terrible transition, but these ideas connect in my head so I'll just continue)
This all brings me to the thought that comes up too commonly in our minds -- "I don't like them/They did [insert crappy thing here] to me/I don't even know the person/What happens to them doesn't affect me, SO I will conduct myself the way I like without regard to them because they do not matter." All of us have thought this one time or another in our lives (unless your name is Sanchita, in which case you are perfect and have not thought negatively about anyone for more than 5.2 seconds at a time). Now, I'm not one to judge because I'm a victim of these thoughts as well, but I'm certainly entitled to my thoughts and opinions. So think about a situation when you've thought this, and now hear me:

I don't give a crap who you are. I don't care what your status is. I don't care how much more important you may be than another person. Regard that person, and treat them as you would your own brother or sister because they are a freaking person. Everybody has emotions. Everybody is affected by emotions. Just because you don't know or care about a person does not make it justified or correct to treat them shittily. Assume you are the guy a girl cheats on her boyfriend (whom you don't know) with but you've never cheated on a girl of your own in your life, you are not justified. Okay, you don't know the girl's boyfriend, and perhaps he'll never find out about you, but that doesn't matter. Say he does, he'll be crushed. Say he doesn't, the girl will either have this mentality that she can do these things and get away
them or the girl will feel guilty and the relationship will go downhill from there. Maybe that example didn't work so well with most of the people reading this, but I'm sure you can see where I'm going with this. Maybe sometimes, you can't do things that don't affect the others around you negatively completely perfectly all the time, but minimize the negative effects of your actions.

Put the six billion people of the world in front of yourself. It would take a saint to do this all the time, but take care of what you need to do, and for everything else, look out for the people around you. Doing so will lead to a mentality that's a lot less arrogant and unpleasant than the one you may (or may not) have right now. You keep your feet on the ground. (It's way too late for me to think of a clever way to incorporate these quotes into this paragraph, but consider the following:

No matter how much I elevate I kiss the ground.
- Common

Those who make the right decisions keep their feet on the ground.
- Deepak Jain, dean at Kellogg

When your shadow becomes longer than your body, you know the sun has set.
- Deepak Jain)

If you think less and less about how you feel about things all the time, your actions become more determined on how they work to improve things for the people around you. Once that happens, a much better satisfaction is reached than when your actions are determined on how they benefit you. I've always thought people just said that just to encourage you to be a better person, but it works. I think I'm starting to get repetitive now. Either that or I'm just not making sense in my head, so I'm going to mention one last thing before I change topics.

Staying away from cockiness and self-importance is important, not just from a character/principle standpoint. What I've noticed recently is how much I take the things and people around me for granted. The last week, I've really tried to almost start fresh, and by that, I mean to take a look at the things I've grown to become accustomed to as if I had just received them: the home I live in, the mother I'm blessed with, my cousins and my siblings who have always been there every year I've been alive, the computer I'm writing this blog post on, the clothing I wear every day, even the clean water I've been able to drink 12 glasses of every day in addition to all that soymilk. I think about how I felt when I had just received these things (except for my mom and my family because I don't really remember when I received them. And the water.), and I remember how pumped I was to have my friends come over my new house, how excited I was to play with my new Mac and convert my friends into Apple-lovers, how much I loved chocolate soymilk because it tasted better than any smoothie I'd ever drank. Today, I walk into my house like it means nothing. I get on this computer as if it were any other. I drink my soymilk within a minute of brushing my teeth, not even bothering to really taste it because I'm so used to it that it barely matters anymore, sacrificing the chocolatey goodness for that nasty mix of chocolate and Colgate Total Plus Whitening mint flavor. It bothers me that it is so hard to fully appreciate these things because I've gotten so used to them. It's necessary to take a step back and really suck in the glory that is the conglomerate of all the pieces of your everyday life. It will force you to stop thinking about all the shit that may be taking place at that given moment because you have so much more to be appreciative of and happy for every. single. freaking. day. of your life.

This doesn't only apply to material goods. Think about your friends. Some of the relationships I have with some people are just so extraordinary. I will talk to these people so often that I will forget just how blessed I am. And sometimes, I may abuse that privilege I have of being surrounded by these people. When that happens, you have to, again, take a step back and thank those around you for being present in your life. They may think it's totally weird. But after they tell you how weird you are for randomly throwing in a random "dude. you're freaking awesome. thanks for everything" into your conversation, they'll think about what you meant. That is when they'll know they are appreciated, and being appreciated is really one of the best feelings you can get, so let people know what they mean to you once in a while rather than just assuming they know what they mean to you or taking them for granted. Polishing the shoes you bought a year ago make them look brand spankin' new, and sometimes, you're even more excited to wear them after that year than you were when you just bought them.

It's 5:45 AM on Sunday morning. I was in bed reading this week's Time 1.5 hours ago, but I got up to write this blog post. I'm kind of glad I just spilled everything I was thinking about, and I'm kind of glad you read all the way to this point. If you just scrolled down here and are now reading this, I guess I'm glad you took the effort to scroll all that distance, but I'd like it more if you read the above. I don't even know if there's a central idea to this post, but if there is, I'd have to say it were appreciation. So now I'm going to title this blog, listen to the rest of this Michael Bublé song ("Everything"), then I'm going to get to bed.

Looking forward to starting the rest of today fresh. Wonder how good the soymilk's gonna be today.

Much love.

Success

2007-12-20T20:45:00.000-05:00

Now, I have been planning a massive blog post for some time now, and that will either be coming tonight or tomorrow, but in the mean time, I feel it's necessary to share this quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson with you all. My brother introduced me to it, I think, six years ago. It has been only recently when it really hit me how much we should all try living by it. Thinking of this quote will, on most days, really determine a lot of my actions, and it's really refreshing to know that you've done some of the things that are mentioned in the lines.

Obviously, it's not the only measure of success, but I think it really hits the important things, the deeper, not-so-superficial aspects of success. What I do know is that it would be ignorant not to strongly consider Emerson's words, so please, enlighten yourselves.

Tap Dancing =)

2007-12-16T18:02:00.001-05:00

Start watching at 0:30. This is pretty sick -- wish I could do something like it. Yeah, I'm weird, but tap dancing is SO cool.

Feed me young children!

2007-12-10T13:59:00.001-05:00

I know I haven't posted in some time, but I still have plenty to say. I'll be posting after Thursday, most likely to keep y'all updated.

In the mean time, I've been sick for the last week, and I didn't go to school today, and my sister sent me this conversation between her and my brother. I thought it was kind of cute:

(1:50:16 PM) Poorvi: btw ankit is really sick
(1:50:20 PM) Tinu: again?
(1:50:24 PM) Poorvi: after the weekend he stayed in the city
(1:50:24 PM) Tinu: is this a weekly occasion?
(1:50:26 PM) Poorvi: yes
(1:50:29 PM) Poorvi: he didnt go to school today
(1:50:35 PM) Poorvi: he hasnt gotten better since last week
(1:50:45 PM) Tinu: i thought he went away this w/e?
(1:50:50 PM) Poorvi: hes coughing like a monster
(1:51:01 PM) Tinu: feed him some young children
(1:51:02 PM) Poorvi: he did
(1:51:09 PM) Poorvi: lol
(1:51:10 PM) Poorvi: WHAT
(1:51:17 PM) Tinu: monsters eat young children
(1:51:23 PM) Poorvi: ok
(1:51:24 PM) Poorvi: go
(1:51:24 PM) Poorvi: bye
(1:51:27 PM) Tinu: you didnt know?
(1:51:32 PM) Poorvi: yes i did
(1:51:38 PM) Tinu: you know how many times i saved you from monsters when you were younger
(1:51:41 PM) Tinu: you forget now
(1:51:47 PM) Tinu: bc you were too young
(1:51:52 PM) Tinu: ah the good old days

Maybe that made you smile. Maybe that made you think my family is retarded. Whatever. I just wanted to share. I'll be back soon.

Much love.

Thanks.

2007-11-25T06:16:00.000-05:00

Now, I know thanksgiving was three days ago, but I didn't get a chance to post on Thursday. Actually, I had many chances. I just wasn't sure how to word everything, and I'm still unsure, but I know if I don't post this now, I never will.

First and foremost, I'm thankful for my family. More than anyone, my mommy, my brother, and my sister, have been there for me at any time of the day, literally. My mom and my sister will wake up at any point in the night and spend an hour trying to wake me up so I can get my work done, and they never give up no matter how many times I burst out screaming. My brother has been there to hear everything that goes on in my life -- all the trials and tribulations of school and other activities I partake in, the fights I'm having with my sister, the girls I think like me but really don't (and he knows they don't but will listen as if I have a shot anyway), my weird philosophical beliefs, and really, just anything.

Thank all of you, more than anything, for accommodating me in my conversion to veganism. It may have started off as a small endeavor in July, but my diet has really become an integral part of my life, and my mom and sister have had to make different foods, use different ingredients, and learn new recipes simply to make sure my stomach is just as full as it was when I was a regular vegetarian. It has probably been more difficult for you two to handle my changes than it has been for me to make them, and for actually putting up with it, I thank you.

There's so much more to thank them for, but this post would be infinitely long if I were to really discuss it all. Simply put, there are more than ten times a day I should say thank you to them, but sadly, of those 3650 times I should've said "thank you" to them, I'm only taking advantage of this one. Hopefully within the next year, I'll begin thanking them more often.

Of course, however, my family is not the only component of my life. There are my friends, my mentors, and my teachers:

Arpit - You've been there for me through thick and thin. You're really my family, but I had trouble deciding whether to put you in that paragraph or here as one of my best friends. 24 hours a day, I know I can come to you (well, maybe not 24 hours, but you're awake a lot of hours of the day, so really, during that time) and just ramble about the music I'm listening to or how badly my life is going at the time or how I want to change my life direction. When you're home, I want nothing but to see you. I really could care less whether I get another opportunity to kick your ass in tennis or whether we go out. As cheesy as this sounds, I really just like being with you. I've been blessed to have you as a cousin, and I'm really happy you never abandoned me as a cousin in the first ten years of my life.
Naomi - I get angry at you way too often, and as badly as I'd like to stop, our fights are really what strengthen our relationship. I'm glad we've stayed friends over the last five years, and the time I've spent procrastinating late nights by talking to you has shown to pay off. You have been, and still are, an amazing friend. For everything we've been through together, for all those times after school you've waited eight hours for me to get my shit from the locker room, for all those times you've sent me your homework when it was 4 in the morning and I was too freaking tired to do my own work, I thank you. You keep me sane because I always know there's someone a little bit weirder than I am (and really, take that as a compliment.) Don't ever change.
Greg, Matt and Eric - If it weren't for you guys, I would probably still be fat. I joined track and cross country because of you, and despite my hate of running, you've all kept me coming back to practice (sometimes, haha). You all may think I joined because of you and stayed for the perks (and I'm sure you know what I mean), but really, you have kept me going. You guys tolerate me when I start getting retarded in our little ping pong games, and I'm sorry you even have to do that. I just get impatient watching you guys play when I'm not lmfao. I don't know what my 3:00 - 5:00 PM Monday - Friday and my Friday nights would be like without you. Thanks for always being there.
Rohan and Vivek - I don't even know what to freaking say to you guys. Despite our minifeuds and whatever, you're my second and third brothers, and I know we'll remain that way for years to come. You guys will probably always kick my ass in basketball, baseball, football, and anything that has to do with balls, but I'll still play with you nonetheless. It's sad we don't hang out as much as we should, but when we do, it never feels like we've even been apart. I was extremely lucky to meet you two - to have you as my almost-next-door neighbor for three years Rohan and to have you be in my sixth grade class Vivek. I'm sorry I couldn't spend Thanksgiving with you two, but my thanks were there in spirit.

There are plenty more people to thank, and by no means should anyone be offended if I didn't mention them specifically here. Even if I don't shout you out, I can guarantee you that I am thankful for your presence in my life whether it is a negative one or a positive one, for I've learned great amounts from all of you.

Just because it isn't thanksgiving anymore doesn't mean we shouldn't be thankful for everything we have and all the people we know and meet in the future. The holiday just provides us with an incentive to say it (and yes, the holiday is more than football, turkey, and getting fat). Hope you all had great thanksgivings!

Paul McCartney - Dance Tonight

2007-11-12T20:02:00.000-05:00

I was just listening to this song all day today, and it made me really happy. Thought I'd share it with y'all (and I kinda just wanted to try this whole embedding YouTube videos in my blog lol).

Also, it'd be so cool if people were like that in America, inviting random people in for tea without having to worry that they'll rob them or do something creepy. Yeah maybe I'm weird.

Constant Awareness (or Unagi, as Ross would say)

2007-11-06T23:44:00.000-05:00

Music: Modest Mouse
Current Agenda: finish Pride and Prejudice response; study biology; study spanish; write research plan for LISEF

I know I said I'd comment on the previous post, and I will get to that. However, I just wanted to post to thank my friends for being there. This is so cheesy, but I don't appreciate people for who they are and for what they've done for me, so I think this is kind of necessary. Just thought you should know -- anyone that has ever dealt with my shit willingly, anyone that takes time out of their day and pays me attention, anyone that reads this blog -- that I appreciate that. A lot.

I think to really suck in the benefits of everyday things, it's really necessary to appreciate everything you have. There are so many things we all take for granted, but once we think about how fortunate we all are, we begin to think about how there's so little we could possibly ask for. Everything we could ever wish for is right in front of us. We just have to open our eyes.

Much love,
Ankit

Social System

2007-11-01T19:14:00.001-04:00

Recently, I've thought a lot about the social system that exists in my life. I'd say my friends vary along a very wide spectrum, for I try really hard not to stick to one clique. I like to talk to different people all the time, and in doing so, I think I get to incorporate a wide range of views in my daily thinking.

My good friend Ashley vented in her AIM profile discussing her thoughts on a similar topic, and I don't think I could convey it any better, so here it is:

i've been thinking of all the people i've become friends with and all the people i used to be friends with. it's incredible the scope of people that i have met and then of the people that i might never. it's incredible that because i take my friends for granted, losing one that i was not all that fond of seems like a miniscule issue, or perhaps it's the complete opposite. i mean, i have more to take his or her place. but isn't it kind of scary to think that i will never ever have the same conversations, funny moments, and tragedies as i have had with that one friend who i have lost? all the people that i used to talk to, all those people who i have had humongous, deep, conversations, the type of conversations that i strive to have with everybody, that the interaction i have with them can never be replicated? and that if i lose them as a friend, i will never be able to have those experiences with anybody else except for them. because no matter how much every single person in the world seems like a clone of another, they are all individuals. some are more unfortunate than others, burdened with the weight of wanting to be something they wanting, striving to become people they cannot be, hoping they can replace somebody in somebody's life. it is impossible to be friends with everybody, but pathetic not to try. or is it more pathetic to try? to make yourself likeable in every aspect, looks, personality, speaking intonations? then don't you transform from an individual that other individuals could connect with into a shadow that everybody sees and realizes is there, but cannot get close to? i guess that could mean that the boundaries and lines of groups and cliques that people wish could disintegrate are necessary. Because without them people cannot be unique. Or perhaps they are too unique. If you think about all the cliches and stereotypes people place on others based on their appearance, instead of wanting to break past those names and labels, people just want to flock to others where they do not feel different. Why would you ever want to be the same as anybody else? Would it not feel suffocating? Stuck in a rut of unchanging and unflinching conformity? But then the paradox comes of being different just because you dont want to be the same. If everybody is different, they are still all the same. Basically things are the way they are because they work the best that way. And to question them is to add unnecessary conflict to circumstances that have already been dissected to their current stage. Maybe this is the best weve got. Maybe striving for better will only make it turn into a cyclenever ending and never changing. Whatever you choose, nothing will happen.

I'm a little busy at the moment (11/1/07, 7:21 PM), but hopefully tomorrow or some time this weekend, I'll elaborate a little more on my thoughts of that. Between now and then, I'd recommend checking out what she wrote.