Reflecting on Reflections

Point to Ponder: Things that are given away are never lost.

Storyline: Reflecting on 32 years of reflections, I like to share some incidences that connected me back to my past in a pleasant and an unexpected way.

In December 2006 reflection I shared a beautiful quote that my eighth grade teacher had told us while retiring from our school. " When you came to this world people were smiling and you were crying. Live life in such a way that when you leave this world people are crying and you are smiling (for a well lived life)." the teaching from the Autobiography of Yogi

A few weeks later I received a note from a person in the Singapore facility of my company whom I had met only once while teaching OBT class during my visit: Gunvantiben (The Teacher) - you mentioned below has been my neighbour for past 28 years in Amdavad. Currently I am here (visiting home) with my parents and met her yesterday. When I read your mail below, I did notice her name there. I told her about your mail and she obviously did not recollect your name but really wanted to know what you had written. When I read to her, She had tears in her eyes. She was very happy that someone even after 35 years remembered her. 

In January 2014 reflection (40 Years Ago: First Encounters In the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave) I had mentioned my first classmate at USC: Way-Seen Wang. A day later a person in our group in Taipei office contacted me and told me that my classmate was his professor in the University in Taiwan and he was also the advisor of the new college graduate we had hired in our group. During my visit to Taiwan a few months later, they arranged a meeting for us. It was Professor Wang's first day in retirement and our first meeting in 40 years. It was a wonderful evening with a lot of laughter and remembering good old times.

Just recently in response to the reflection (The Songs of the Mockingbird), I received a note from my younger cousin in London: I am amazed as to how you can still manifest memories of your school principal in your Friday reflection. And I must share this with you, it was your mum who taught me how to listen to birds singing in the early morning!! Really enjoyed reading this.

She also sent me a very soothing video of the sounds of forest that were similar to what she used to listen with my mother.

 

Reflection: Looking back at 32 years of reflections (last 12 years on internet), I realize that people do come in our life for a reason. Each person and encounter gives us new learning experiences. All of you, Friday Reflections Family, have been part of this journey for many years. From your feedback and encouragement I have learnt and grown. Love and Thank You from the bottom of my heart. 

Comments

[Shawn M.]

Thanks Anand!

Your have so many memories becuase you have such a big heart to touch others on a different level...an everlasting impression.

I hit the friendship lotto when I hit your car with a couch at the dump... who would have thought what was to come?

I love the music in that video of the birds!

[Sam]

Thank you Anand for taking time during your busy work life in the past to always share your wisdom through your stories. You inspired a lot of us to become more focused on people relationships over things that decay over time, even analytically minded people like me! Connecting with the past is something we don't do enough.

[madhuri]

Love That picture!
Dear Anand- You probably have very little idea of the influence you have had on my personal and professional life. And I don't mean in terms of rewards and awards!I mean in terms of how I have begun to change the way I look at things, how I respond. I actually have started to say" good Morning" to my colleagues before jumping to the question that is Burning in my head :). I enjoy the stories of fun that my Boys have- who are now young men- instead of jumping to the questions" Have you met a girl yet? Are you going to look for another job? Are you going to buy a house!!!"
And so at the risk of sounding corny i am going to say "Thank you for being the big boss who was also a friend" :)

[Levi's]

Anand, thanks as always for your friendship and for challenging everyone to pause, reflect, and be thankful.
The fun video you shared above reminds me of the work of Jazz musician and researcher David Rothenberg. He works with birds, whales, and insects to try to understand their musical language, and to jam with them. (If you think that other animals are not capable of language, communication, thought, planning, and emotional expression, you are most likely wrong in your assumptions!). Here is Mr. Rothenberg.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egZrPZQjqSw

[microCEO]

The connectedness of our friendships, our interactions, is a great topic of fascination. My own mother, a school teacher for over 40 years, has an excellent memory, and even in remote areas in Canada or China, she is always running into former students and their families, or friends in the art world (she also paints). This reflection reminds me of the great British science historian James Burke, whom I knew from his columns in Scientific American. Years ago, Burke made an amazing series of video presentations on BBC, called "Connections". Anand, I think you and many of your readers may enjoy them, courtesy of YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAGMNVluHs4&list=PL-teo99ENSypJDyeXmEpLOxWMB9UVPbOS

[ST]

Yes people do come in our lives for a reason. Friday reflections have connected and touched people in so many different ways as is apparent from all the comments above. You do have the ability to bring out the best in every one through your stories, giving a chance to ponder and reflect and be enriched. Your ability to create such reflections based on the comments sent by readers making it so worthwhile and encouraging. Enjoyed both the videos sent by the readers.

[Thomas]

Thank you for seeing in my something I didn't know was there; for changing the course of my career; and for your loyal friendship.

[Richard]

Anand, You used to include the quote, "Things that are given away are never lost", in you signature. This touched me long ago. As I mature, I am finding that giving away my things, talent, and knowledge are far more rewarding than getting them. As such, I have expanded your quote and adopted it as my own. It is critically important for me to be able to give these away. I shared recently with you the stories of my home renovation. In this case, I was honored to be taught how to complete many of the projects. Professional painters, drywallers, framers, flooring installers, all took the time to teach me the tricks to enable my success. I am so thankful for them. Each person is a dear friend who has willingly accepted my teachings in the past (often auto repair, or outdoors talents). I don't do it to get something in return. However, a gift given often grows and, more often than not, that transferred skill grows a brand new garden of talent in our surrounding community. Each seed has the potential to grow into a young plant that can seed others. It is now my responsibility to transfer these new skills to others.

Richard
“Things, talent, and knowledge that are given away are never lost”

["Thank You" from TPE]

Thank you again! Anand.
Things That Are Given Away Are Never Lost -- it's so true. My life has changed a lot under your mentoring. I will always keep my eyes shinning and pass down the passion to next generation.