The Screen

The Screen has really started ruling lives.
We wake up and check for emails on our phones or computers, key in a quick response.
Move on to social media.
Tap in a few Likes, Birthday wishes, comments on updates, even manage a quick status update.
All in bed. Or maybe just out.

Work for those who work is again predominantly with the Screen.
Creativity flows on them, powerpoints bring alive strategies.
Emails clog up pipelines.
Youtube entertains.

Back home.
Children watching TV.
We watch our own shows.
Go back to the phone and /or computer.

And do feel satisfied.

Till I realised yesterday that I, for one, am ignoring quite a few Screens that have always been there and are still there, waiting patiently.

The windows of the living room, overlooking the vast stretch of the township.
The balcony from where I can see the lush green with kids playing.
The car windows through which I see people, nature, landscape, life itself.
The sky overhead in all its magnificence.


Nature is a big  screen, showing us beautiful colours and wonders.
It is entertaining, a reality show and yes, always live.

In our obsession with phone, computer , tablet screens, we often forget to look at what can be a true respite. A great relaxation.
What can open our minds to fresh thoughts.
New potentials.

Can we afford to ignore these.........

It's time to quit...

When...
everything we do is a pain and not a passion
we spend more time posting seemingly happy pictures
workplace becomes an escape from home and relationships
conversations at home are about shopping lists and kids and never about ourselves
we  don't look forward to waking up

When...
frowns are flashed more than smiles
and laughter is a reluctant guest paying a fleeting visit
life runs like clockwork
there are no surprises
or anger or outburst- happy or sad

When...

the very word "love" seems to have lost all meaning
and we start questioning whether "hope" exists
we are afraid of silence, because it is only then we question ourselves

We know it is time to pack that bag
from work
or relationships
or anything we are involved in

And say
It's time to quit.

Coz it's only when we quit, that we see new opportunities.
Or that second chance lurking just round the corner.

A musician, chef and workplace

What is common between a music composer, a chef and a workplace?

Surprisingly, lots.

We often make the mistake of learning within the industry or the category.

Limiting experiences as well as codes that are relevant to team work and motivation and even ways of working, regardless of the industry or job profile.

Music for instance, can help  the workforce go through a mind and body enrichment experience.

Even enhance productivity at work.

Cooking is another way of stress relief, experimentation, playing with colours and flavours.

Both these professions are about uplifting spirits and creating joy and happiness.

About larger social good.

Sessions on music, cooking can tickle our imagination, improve team building and relationship skills.

Also inject innovation in the work place.

Cross Pollination Programmes  are a good way to leverage this.

Can start with workshops across categories. 

Invite musicians, chefs, artists who are known for their human resource management related workshops.

These are entertaining sessions as well and will draw in the team. 

Besides being a great learning, it is big mind opener to new possibilities.

So who knows- the next big idea could have been sparked off from the kitchen shelf.