Why I am against the Modern Feminism

“The feminist movement is just not compatible with happiness. They are not for equality; they want to kill everything masculine.” — Phyllis Schlafly

I am well aware that I am going to face a lot of flak, rage, disagreement & loathe for this piece of article. But I want to say this out loud as everyone is entitled to have their own opinion, so am I. I am not a feminist!

What is feminism? It is the advocacy of women’s rights on the ground of the equality of the sexes. Gradually the meaning of feminism has been completely altered. It’s now more about demonizing, overpowering & showing superiority over men, blaming them for anything & everything. Sorry! this gibberish is not feminism. It’s not inclusive (of men) & something that doesn’t includes everything can’t be equated fairly. And so, I don’t stand for it.

Feminism has been the hottest topic of sociocultural conversations for some time now. People just want to be a part of this growing fad to show how intellectual and in vogue they are. Whereas majority of them don’t even know the basis of feminism, what rights are they fighting for? The word is being used so recklessly & habitually that it has lost its real essence in today’s world. I would be wrong if I deny the fact that we as a society do need an upliftment & empowerment for women. But please not with this muck. The rants on social media against men are endless with perfectly curated hashtags like sexist, male chauvinist pig, bigotry, patriarchal for saying even simple things like “Oh! you know how to drive!’’ This is not what Feminism advocates; it talks about equality. How can you achieve equality when all you are trying to do is prove that your gender is better? Why has feminism reduced to seeking and screaming for validation for everything a woman does.

I have always associated women as softer, more gentle, delicate section of society. It’s feminine, it’s natural, it’s god made. And by no means it should be perceived as humiliating or demeaning. Men & women are different. Why did we make a war of this?

There has never been a better time than now to stand up & preach about equality & humanism. Let’s devote our energy, thoughts & actions to these noble virtues which are worth fighting for.

P.s: I don’t hate women, but neither do I hate men.

IKIGAI - The Japanese Secret to a Long & Happy Life: Lessons

“He who has a why to live for can bear with almost any how” — Nietzsche

Summary:

Ikigai is written by Hector Garcia & Fransesc Miralles. It’s a book that makes an attempt for you to understand your Ikigai (the happiness of always being busy). The book covers an extensive research on the people of Okinawa, Japan where supposedly the most centenarians of the world live. It even gives a detailed explanation of their traditions, lifestyle, cuisine, customs & culture.

An Insight:

1. Whatever you do, don’t retire! People in Japan continue to do what they love doing even after they retire. In fact, there is no such word as ‘retire’ in the Japanese language. Having a purpose in life is so important for them that they simply continue doing it till the end of their lives. One of the most conventional way people of Okinawa keep themselves engaged in through gardening. Almost every house in Okinawa has their vegetable garden. It’s an activity which is good for both your mind & body.

2. Diet There’s this Japanese saying ‘Hara Hachi Bu’ which means eat until you are 80% full. Food is usually served in five small plates, it’s like you feel that you are going to eat a lot, but you end up feeling little hungry. That’s the crux, to not fill your stomach full. The Japanese eat up to 18 different food throughout the day. Their food ranges from variety of fruits, vegetables, sushi, green tea, shikuwasa — a lime like fruit completely filled with an antioxidant punch, tofu, tuna fish etc. They rarely eat sugar if at all they consume its cane sugar. Tip: To check if you are eating enough variety ‘see for the rainbow’ on your plate.

3. Moai: It’s an informal social support group. Moai is a Japanese word which means “meeting for a common purpose”. The key ides of such groups are to maintain harmony & close bonds with the local community. Monthly contribution is made by the members of the group, the funds are then used for get-together activities & so on. Every month on rotation basis one member of the group receives the surplus money.

4. Using flow to find your Ikigai There is always a flow a rhythm when you do things which you love. You are completely concentrating & are focused on the task which you are doing. You are soaked in it. And, it’s always this flow which makes you become a part of what you are doing. You can always use this streak to find your Ikigai.

Off lately I have been suggesting this book to everyone I have been meeting as I have immensely enjoyed reading it. There are so many things which I would want to implement in my life. I can say it’s like a reference book now, which I will always keep going back to.

A casual thought..

Hello!

So, winters have arrived in India. The most calm of all seasons, though not my personal favourite. I have this doltish notion in my mind that people argue a little less in winters. No?? Anyway, new year is approaching too. Such a dazzling word ‘New’ is. It strikes right in our minds that ”New is Better”, afterall that’s what we have been taught right from our childhood.

It is a known fact that India is a land of festivals & no doubt we all love & wait heartily for our respective festivities, but with new year it’s something different. For some it is just another day of the calendar, but for many it’s a reason to celebrate & to be nothing but simply happy. We expect a change in the coming year, a change for better. We as humans have our own idea of happily ever after & with new year we wish to be in that happy space that we are always longing for. Is it really silly of us to think so?? No! Not according to me. Infact the foresight of new year gives us such a tremendous backer you see to be a little more closer to what we desire. And let’s not deny, we all need it. It’s a good time of the year where we take ahead our pleasant remembrances & are so grateful that the bad was not worse.

The most widely asked question for the month of December still remains “Where are you celebrating your new year’s eve?” It has become so mandatory you know in today’s time that you have to be a part of some social group or attend some extravagant event at some plush place to show that you are in vogue. What to do! We are living in such times that if you are out of sight you are out of mind. Thanks to social media for this?? Over the decades the meaning of the term ‘Social Responsibility’ has completely revolutionized. Smile, if you know what I mean.!

Whatever it is, celebrations are the wellsprings of our happiness. So be cheerful, live vibrantly & do celebrate in whatever way you can. Wish you all a Merry Christmas & a blissful New Year.

Soulmates

The best relationship usually begins unexpectedly.

Hello everyone!!

The word soulmate doesn’t need any annotation, still I want to pour out my soul on it. This topic has always intrigued me, fascinated me. I have read immensely about them, hoping & dreaming to find mine. Yes, I love building castles in the air. And voilà, it works.

Soulmates are wonderful people to have. Once you find them, the urge for having someone else so close to you slowly fades away. Because, with the passing time they simply grow on you. They are constantly besides you no matter where they are in real. They understand you the way only you know yourself. It’s like they have tapped your thinking process, they speak what you think. They trust your beliefs because every little thing you believe in is alluring to them. Usually people around you know what you like, soulmates know what you love & equally what gives you distress. Yes again, they know it all. Their mere name is an assurance for you in any situation. They care for you the most; in the most whimsical manner. No, it’s not always that your spouse is your soulmate. And yes, they can be anybody. I believe you just can’t go around searching for a soulmate, it’s only when you already have one you understand the charm of this relationship.

If only words could convey the perfect feelings, this post would have been much longer.

P.s: I have the best soulmate in the world! 🙂