VALUE OF LIVING WILL

 VALUE OF LIVING WILL

      WILL   is a legal statement made by a healthy citizen detailing the disposal of his estate, material wealth 

 

LIVING WILL is a legal statement made by a healthy citizen detailing not about his wealth but the way he /she desires the way to be taken care, when he/she succumb to incurable illness and how far life supporting measures to carried forward. Such WILL is sure to ease the burden for the sons, daughters as well as doctors

  

Ever since I have come to know of living will it has been in my mind as to

 the value, significance and the necessity of such LIVING WILL.  I have

 operated many Patients with cancer esophagus.Most cases are followed up with Chemotherapy or/and radiotherapy to kill any residual disease or prevent  recurrence. Due to side effects of chemo/radiotherapy {loss of appetite, loss of weight, depressed bone marrow ,low white cells,anemia,hair loss etc  many patients decline to continue such therapy for the simple reason that the treatment is prolonged  for nearly three months. Post operative chemo/radiotherapy does indeed prolong the survival, improve the quality of life. But should such regime is to be insisted/forced on patients when they or the relatives  are not keen especially so when the patient is  above 70 years.

On occasions when the patients are on ventilatory support following a cardiac problem ,comatose patients , accident victims when the relatives are keen to know whether full ,complete recovery is possible and if so they don’t mind to continue the ventilatory support—whereas the attending doctor, justifiably so, say that he will do his best but  cannot and will not give a guarantee  about the out come. This sort of scenario is often encountered when the sons/daughters are living abroad and are keen to get back –not that they desire to abandon the parents.

The physicians while treating a disease the priority should be[Q.O.L.] quality of life after the chosen line of treatment. The most difficult problem the doctor  faces: whether to unmercifully prolong life with suffering in the face of  inevitable death.

The heroic measures ; the ventilatory support,tracheostomy, life supporting

 drugs to keep the patient alive in deep coma with multiorgan failure is

 indeed dysthanasia-  meaning resulting in painful, undignified death

 although the doctors and the relatives know the borrowed time is spent in

 misery for the patient as well as relatives with emotional and financial strain.

The relatives have mixed views whether to continue all measures or cut off the

 ventilator support. Some request the doctor to continue till the last breath to

 avoid retrospective regret. The medical fraternity is also obliged to continue

 for fear euthanasia.

In such circumstances when a LIVING WILL has been drafted by the elder, countersigned by the sons, daughters , notarized by a notary the decision under such situations  are made  easier not only for the relatives but also for the doctors 

HIPPOCRATES pledged physicians not to use drugs to produce death. He

 also forbade administration of remedies to those beyond hope.

Dr.Worcester wrote in his classical book THE CARE OF THE

 AGED,DYING, AND THE DEAD ‘‘Modern methods of resuscitation are

 most decidedly out of place whereby by disease or by accident the body’s

 usefulness has ended’ Especially is this true when resuscitation would only

 prolong the patient’s suffering. Such attempted defiance of nature is even less

 justifiable than are efforts to prolong life when the inevitable approach of

 death offers merciful release. Yet in both these ways many of our profession

 seem duty bound to do their utmost. They ought to know better. The dying

 ought to be allowed to depart in peace. For there is no treatment for death.

Pope Pius XII within the last year of his life stated the official position of the

 Roman Catholic Church as not requiring the physician to use extraordinary

 means when only certain death and suffering lies ahead. He also stated that

 with the consent of the dying person it is permissible to use narcotics in

 moderation to alleviate pain, suffering, even if the narcotics hasten death. In

 this case death is not directly desired but is inevitable.

Documentation and registration of LIVING WILL certainly ease pressures and responsibilities of the relatives as well as doctors

When the bill is enacted the response from the literate and the illiterate of Indian citizens remain to be seen. Is there any room for misuse?

Having said all that one might ask –What is my view and decision with regard to my life.

Before I pen my views I would like to narrate two incidents in my family when I have to take two completely different decisions.

1} My mother aged 68 yrs, known hypertensive was on irregular treatment.

One day she complained of severe headache, drooping of one eye lid which is a tell tale sign of P.COM aneurysm-surgeon performed D.S.A to localize the aneurysm—soon she became comatose possible because of internal bleed and was on life supporting ventilator and drugs. Late that night surgeon phoned and wanted my consent for emergency tracheotomy-discussed with my father, brother and even though the chances of recovery was negligible I gave a go ahead signal  for tracheotomy  for the simple reason I didn’t want any stone unturned and avoid retrospective  regret. Next day her soul departed leaving the mortal body behind

2} my father aged 83 yrs was loosing weight, appetite, and getting depressed. Ultrasound abdomen revealed multiple rounded shadows in the liver –possibly secondary metastasis. To confirm we have to biopsy the liver and extensively investigate to identify the primary. In my father’s case I declined to submit him to any investigations for I knew pinpointing the culprit and submitting to chemo/radiation will not improve the quality of life . His condition gradually worsened and his soul departed after a fortnight.

In both cases I feel that I have taken the right decision.

Based on my life experience I will make a LIVING WILL wherein I will state that when I fall sick and any therapy surgical/medical ,will in the opinion of doctors that it will improve my quality of life then I will abide by the decision of doctors. If on the other hand any life supporting measures will not improve the quality of life then I rather prefers to breathe my last peacefully thereby I don’t hold any one of my children responsible

PADAYATRA MY EXPERIENCE

PADAYATRA MY EXPERIENCE








To day 16 th oct.2012 aravendh bought me a laptop from u s

In fact I wanted the system to take it with me when I go the padayatra to Sridi Sai Baba shrine- the total duration will be about 65 days-so that I may be able to journal my views of the walk at night. My friend Mr.Sabapathy suggested the idea of walking all the way, I was very thrilled and excited- and from that day counting the day in Nov: 23rd when we will start the walk.



I have been walking daily for about 1hr.and 15mins early morning for nearly I year, and I was confident to make the trip. To get used to the long walk, twice I walked up the hill at Maruthamalai temple. It was quite thrilling- the fact I was able concentrate appreciating the tranquil mother nature, listening to the birds chipping- trying to imitate the birds sweet melodious voice with my whistling-- not bad I thought-it was fun-I didn’t feel any sort of weakness or pain in my legs –this gave me enough courage and confidence for the long awaited marathon walk. Today31st.oct. D-I-L bought a thermal wear for the trip-nice of her. Wanted to purchase a walking shoe-the puma shoe is about Rs.4000+ -it is far too much let me check up with Bata. O.k all set waiting for nov:23rd. finally ended up with buying a shoe from Ganga hospital for Rs.1300

Tried the new shoe, bit biting –hopefully it should be o.k soon

Today Ramu,my wife came to know through her sister that I am going for padayatra with Sri.Sabapathi and worried as to how I am going to manage,food,and sleep at odd places, she vehemently objected ,she wouldn’t even allow me to talk to her. I would expect her to send me with her blessings, Now what should I do, Go ahead with the programme or call it off for her sake.I wanted to take up this journey only to get rejuvenated. let me see she might cool down in few days. Before I set foot for Sridi let me try it out with padayatra to Palani Temple

On Sunday Mr.Ratnam joined me in skoda and we headed off to Keranam from where we had fabulous hospitality extended by old collegue of Loyola Mr.Jallal.left his place by car –started our padayatra by 6p.m –the edge of tar road was sharp and at times I tended to slip-I felt a little wobbly on the left side,and some pain along the left flank but o.k –I kept on –reached adivaram by 9.30p.m, has taken about 3.30 hrs.night at pattakara madam was a horrid experience with mosquitos singing all around .no mattress – hardly slept for 30.mins-bath early by 3.30a.m refreshing tea-set foot for girivalam –about 30.mins to complete-on the way by the elephant path saw the epitaph of Mr.Murthy-touching words-easy and good dharsan of LORD MURUGA-and back again to Mr.Jalla home for sumptuous breakfast-reached home by 12.30.prior to departure I told Mr.S.that my wife is not keen for me to undertake the shridi padayatra-no problem he said,on reaching home Ramu has been quite cordial and rather agreeable for the sridi trip.let me see if all is well then I will go ahead with shridi padayatra

It is just one week left to begin the padayatra-Ramu seemed to have accepted with some reservation. I have been toying with the idea whether I should go ahead with the trip. Let me see why? I feel not to proceed with the programme- the main reason 1} is because construction is going on at native home and at kerala land.as to how will it proceed in my absence! usual doubting thomas with apprehension_! 2}my patients will miss me –yes it is better in way that D.I.L has chance to cope on her own 3} At Mangarai how aravendh and D.I.L manage the activities –appusamy should not be allowed to have free hand- - hope fully not-D.I.L I hope will manage the payment –a/c details-supervise the garden and kitchen working- well they, D.I.L,and son have to do it latter if not now – I am confident it is a golden opportunity for them while I am still around 4}O.K what will happen at home in my absence-my wife and children will miss me for some time but get used soon _I hope and wish.5} will my physical status stand the ordeal of walking for about two months-I have been walking daily for about 1-1/2 hrs without any hiccough-I have the motivation, enthusiasm above all I have faith in myself. So let us see.

O.K. that s as far as negative aspects-let me see whether the positive aspects outweigh the negative ones

1} Whenever I come across any write up in the news about people venturing on a highland trip, trekking in the woods I used to get motivation to give it a try-but usually gets erased as I get engrossed in the daily chores of life hospital. mangarai, visit kerala land, supervise the construction work etc,etc.If I miss this opportunity I may not get one latter

So grab it I said to myself.

2} O.K I do realize that I have to undergo some strain physically-the pain-improper food-sleep-mosquito bites – but I am confident that these pains make me mentally a more mature positive person than what I have been earlier. also it is an opportunity to get first hand knowledge of different culture, language, people perspective etc

3}As we age like every one I am also being inclined towards spirituality, seeking to know the purpose of human birth as compared to other forms of life in this planet-birds-animals etc-not that I am trying to become a sanyasi –but as I used to say –this trip - I hope make me better citizen caring more for the society-and concentrate on farming activities.

4}Yes I will miss my family-wife children-grand children and they will also miss me-but I feel this short period will only strengthen the love, compassion understanding amidst us.

5} As a surgeon I am happy what I have achieved even though I don’t claim to have reached a pinnacle, but drawn a line of contention- so it is time for me to try living different life style enjoying it

Yes positive aspects outweigh the negative ones .yes I am going ahead and seek blessings of lord SAI RAM and best wishes from my family. As a precautionary I have written my will ,signed, sealed and kept in my wardrobe drawer .

To day 22nd earlier I have contemplated to call off the padayatra in view of Ramu’s feelings reg. my health while I am away.but Gowtami,ilango,chitra,gugan encouraged me to go ahead. Yes packing is done –hope Mr.K. accepts the luggage-installed skype must get used to it.

My friend Dr.kumaravel at salem is unwell and I must see him before I proceed.

On 22nd my children saw me off to padayatra,yes Ramu was little upset, but children calmed her, she has some cough, but nothing alarming. gowtami suguna and netraa came along with me to salem-went to see dr.kumaravel he is optimistic in spite his problem, poor chap with two tubes sticking out-hats off to his wife Revathy a good compassionate wife.the 4 padayatris sabanayagam,kannapann mr,k had dinner last night fairly good sleep woke up at 3 a.m and getting ready for the walk.

DAY {1} At.Mr.K.house up by 3a.m not opened the bowel didn’t strain, good gathering about 300.bajan invoking the GODS SAI BABA,MURUGA VENKATESWARA,IYYAPAN inspirational beginning,start sharp by 8a.m, disciplined by down to earth by Mr.K-walk for about 4k/m to Sai temple I was pleasantly surprised to see netra,gowthami,suguna how nice of them to come again to see me proceed-rest-lunch at .Bala of salem steel and tried for after noon nap-distrubed by snoring M.kalaiazahan-plan to leave by 4p.m. green tea is being served by Mr.Bala- probably preparatory to a strenuous walk to come-I am mentally more programmed and rejuvenated –let me keep up my tempo-o.k.prayer is being said for our blessings. Reached Karupur after having walked for 7k.m-rest at muruganandan house-I was offered to sleep in the bed room while the rest 3 sabanayagam,kannapan and Mr.K preferred to sleep in the hall, why the priority or partiality? is it because I am senior to others,or I am new to this marathan,or respspect for my profession?!- I don’t know any as Gowthami said I will accept it, had good shower,cupple of iddlies,uppuma o.k.for the night.slept ok.

DAY {2}: SATURDAY: early to rise by 2.30. a.m,quick brush,wash,fresh cup of black tea, to pep up, begin the walk at mile stone 195 to Bangalure.nice climate no rain,no wind either, steady walk –say about 3.5k.m per hour-pep up tea after I hr-about 3k.m before pusaripatti Mr.DEVARAJ and his wife sctoored all the way just bring tea and bun both of them very simple,and with sincere cordiality-again at the junction they waited to pick us to their house-sukku coffee at the temple-latter-Mr.DEVARAJ and his wife did pada puja for 4 of us- this is totally astonishing –I was humbled by the simple but very sincere affectionate way it was done-for I never believed in such puja, however this nearly brought tears in me.Again may be for the some reason known only to Mr.K I was asked to sleep n the bed room while other 3 slept in the mariamman temple.plan to spend eve,visting Chinna Tirupathi temple and after dinner start the walk by 3.a.m. Yes Chinna tripathi as the name suggest it is very Chinna compared LORD VENKATESWARA at THIRUMALA.Again the wonderful hospitality of Mr.D. But I just took two paniyaram and gulped 5 bananas to make sure of my bowel movement next day.

DAY:{3} SUNDAY 15 th November: Reasonable sleep- woke up at 2a.m, tummy has been a little cranky-may it should be o.k. –had a glass of water-[I used to take one glass of real hot water,followed with a thumbing cup of hot green tea-to kick off the bowel movement-I tell you it was the most horrid experience in my life to try and adopt a squatting posture {I used to do yoga but never tried a squatting posture} had I known earlier about the walk most certainly I would have trained by physique for such ordeal. I firmly held on to the metal pipe firmly making sure my foot doesn’t get stuck in the Indian closet-when my co walkers have to undergo tug-of-war trying to scoop me out. I should mention about my co walkers.-we are four of us 1} Mr.Kanakasabapathi hereafter I will call him as Mr.K. the organiser-discilplined personality,down to earth punctuality.2} Mr.SABANAYAGAM let us call him as Mr.S. sincere disciple of Mr.K.3}Mr.Kannapan aged about 80 and who has done about 8000k.m. of padayatra 4} of course none other than myself.O.K coming to the toilet drama-I managed partial load shedding without breaking the pipe-something is always better than nothing I consoled. Trekker’s club members and myself in line along white line. It was sheer joy,gossiping,teasing,pulling each other’s leg, all the time concentrating on the white line. The salem trekker’s club are just a friendly bunch, jovial lot. Disciplined by Mr.K-five of them they came by car for 18k.m, at 3 a.m just to keep company upto THOPUR our next halt-great guys-hats off to them. Donned the monkey cap,cardigan,torch and redlight flickers strapped to our back to alert the vehicles behind-walked to make sure we don’t end up with broken right leg or arm by the mad speeding vehicles. This concentration takes away all negative thoughts as we are focused on the white line and making certain, that path ahead is clear of human washouts, or any creeping snakes. I must say it has been a form of meditation –for as meditation is focused concentration I was given to understand. The invigorating cool mountain breeze-even though I was sweating underneath the monkey cap.As the SUN GOD beamed behind the mountain-the fabulous fluffy cotton wool clouds caressing and powdering the mountain after the early morning dewdrops. I have traveled this way many times but never stopped to appreciate the nature which is at its best. Of course the usual rural site in the early morning with youngsters and elders alike easing themselves at the way side- we the urbanites used to frown at the lack of civic sense, express our anger, outrage at the selfish politicians-even when public toilets are provided rural people rarely use them. O.K.when I looked at one senior man oblivious of our troop, puffing a beedi and his- come what may attitude- he just grinned at me with his edentulous mouth _ as if to remind me that no sooner I have to take up such a posture and telling me that it very simple posture. O.K. we arrived at THOPUR and we are booked to spend our night at a marriage hall till 3.a.m. –our usual starting time. When I saw the big marriage hall I was happily relieved expecting a western toilet in such big hall ,rushed first to the toilet –horribly disappointed to see Indian toilet-but by the time I opened the door the residue is ready to force its way out-only I have to do is relax the external sphincter-thank goodness total relief, latter a good breakfast as usual-had little nap. We went a Muslim Tharka-which I must say totally surprised me the complex, about 3 halls each to accomadate1000-above the total silence, the tranquility of the shrine to be seen to believe. Most of the laborers I saw were Hindus sweeping the area. people with psychiatric problem are said to be cured.I also prayed for family harmony.

DAY{4} MONDAY 26TH Nov: Stay at NALLAMPALLI, at Singaram marriage hall nothing specfic expect the hall being renovated –bang-bang by the shutter workers-the floor full of cement dust and mosquito with their lullaby-o.k.it is all in the game –I took it

Lunch puliasatham brought by Mr.Murugu while on the way to Chennai -small nap-walk up the hill for about 4k.m.

Nap no no- you can’t call them a nap because I was literally toying in the rexine spread-next of course dinner which I wasn’t really interested because my tummy has been rumbling for reason known only to it- however not to disappoint Mr. Pattabi and family I took just one-spicy to my standard-night was horrid-gas exploding both ways-vomited once-however since I have taken 5mg.of valium to make sure I get some sleep tonight –best sleep I have had so far.

DAY{5} TUESDAY 27 th Nov: Stay at farm house Mr.Patabi’s friend farm house, first at the portico and latter in the house. It is Sow Gowthami wedding day I have already sent greetings by 123 greetings. Gowthami spoke to me and I wished her the best all the way in her life.As usual up by 2 a.m-rather cold bath, walked for 13 K.M –breakfast at Puliakarai and taking rest at a farm hose portico-for I believe is the principle of Mr.K. not to sleep in a residence-waiting for break fast-mean while vinod phoned me about the inadequacy of tiles for the kerala home I will talk to Alkesh and sort it out. I must get skype working for the sake of my Netraa. Had little tummy upset-had few bulky motion-no mucus or blood-may be I have picked up amoebic-sabanayagam got me few cyclopam-better chitra and mapillai phoned and wished us happy journey.first time slept well - we didn’t go for eve.walk. I am unable to connect with internet-may be server problem. Latter the house has been opened and it was very comfy.

DAY{5} WEDNESDAY 28TH.NOV: feel better-walk for 20 k.m-completed 100k.m.so far-settled at a perumal temple.gugan brought fabulous lunch-sapathi,bread,soft drinks etc-washed the cloths tried to get some sleep. Abi phoned--.my tummy o.k. had curd rice, and lime juice. Tiles problem sorted out.gugan changed the password. unfortunately I didn’t get it –hence asked Revathy and suguna to sort it. evening walked leaving behind Suresh to look after things.Mr.saba drove the car for distance of 4k.m and then we walked for 4k.m.Mr.saba was sent back to get the car-Mr.K in a car driven by inebriated 4s-when Mr. Saba came back to take us hopefully sobre.got into sleeping bag –slept reasonably

DAY {6} THURSDAY 29th Nov: As usual 3.a.m no bath due extreme cold walk, staying at murugan temple at Agram village. Yesterday’s sapathy delicious,had banaa,pappya-setlled at a hall. As usual we decided to take a eve.walk so that we cover the distance earlier-since it was only 4.30.p.m with bright sun we didn’t take our torch or the night flickers-by 6p.m we covered about 3 k.m. and with our positive enthusiasm we o.k.ed for another k.m-Mr.K was walking about 50 ft ahead of Mr.S and myself while Mr.Kannapan was only 20ft behind Mr.K while the Bolero was about 50 ft ahead of Mr.K---with darkness slowly creeping Mr.S.with the mobile light guiding to avoid the edge of the tar road-suddenly we saw Mr.K falling down by the parapet wall by the side of the road-both Mr.S and myself yelled out in agony-by the time we reached the site Mr.K. lay unconscious-happy that his pulse volume and rate was o.k-the irony is that a bus without head light was just passing by the side of Mr.K when he fell down—naturally we presumed in our anguish that it is the bus that pushed him-or may be the youngsters who were clinging to the bar brushed him down –in our anger we blasted the driver for using the bus without head lights full of young students—o.k.time to resuscitate Mr.K and not waste time –took M.r.K to a hospital at Hosur-not satisfied shifted him to NIMHANS at Bangaluru- it was 7.30.p.m –mad crowd with accident victims in the sprawling o.p hall-waited till 2a.m to register-take C.T.scan-xray chest –luckily they were clear-kept Mr.K in the hall itself-next day contacted Dr.Partosh Pandey over phone-no problem he assures-discussed with Dr.Barat –suspicious of aneurysm- may be we need to D.S.A-I.N.R,creatinine was elevated-so DSA not advised-repeated the IND at St.Johns it was only .9 still the D.S.A not contemplated-discussed with sivabalan,sivagami and other close relative and in view of the risks decided not to push for D.S.A-managed to get single room-both forearms edematous due to extravasations of i.v.fluids-nurse wanted to start a neck line-requested the nurse to be careful at the neckline and if needed call the duty doctor-since I have seen neck line done only by the doctors –the nurse got infuriated and refused to start the line and gave the phone to duty doctor-I have explained my views-nurse calmed down and started the line at arm –spent 4 days at NIMHANS-decided against D.S.A-Mr.K also got much better and since Sivabalan,Sivagami felt that it will be better if Mr.K is shifted to Coimbatore rather than Salem. Shifted him to Ramakrishna hospital –seen by Dr.murali,Dr.balakrishnan-all well- next day performed M.R.I.-minimal haematoma at left cerebellum and frontal lobes no need or any intervention-discharged –moved to sivagami house.

THUS ENDED MY PADAYATRA IN A VERY SAD NOTE



Sad indeed,but the positive aspects of the yatra are worth it I believe. The new friendly companionship ,with good understanding all focused on our goal of reaching the abode of SRI SAI BABA AT SHRIDI –The early morning walk-the break every 6 k.m for a cup of tea,biscuits –I used to take a deep inhalation and exhale fully while walking to perfuse my heart and brain well oxygenated –this is real refreshing to the mind ,the painful experience of sleeping over a rexine spread, mosquito bites, the agony of toilet experience, all vanquished into thin air when we are focused on our goal. The early morning sun rise above the ever green mountain while the cock’s coco-ro-co welcoming the sun rise, peasants getting ready to take the farm field are not only the sites to behold but also to experience –as OSHO puts it “Meditation is not an activity but a life style”. Somehow while walking I was always positive, absolutely no negative thoughts entered my mind



The morale I have learnt is that, “I asked for all things that I might enjoy life, I was given life, that I might enjoy all things” we are all puppets enacting a drama in the planet earth .I take it as a blessing that unfortunate accident happened near Bangalore- if such accident happened further north –not conversant with the language, hospitals we would have been in deep trouble. All is well that ends well

LIVING A LIFE

LIVING A LIFE.


This phrase oft quoted by philosophers, spiritual speakers,gurus and others always intrigued,fascinated, me beyond the understanding of true meaning .As I understand human body is a architecture marvel designed by GOD and which is kept going with regular breathing, blood circulating, with decay of cells, and regular replenishment of new cells.In due course the decayed cells are not completely replaced and hence we age with wrinkled skin, memory loss, defective vision,hearing impairment etc.This way our anatomical body has lived physiologically, until we meet with the eventuality .
Then what is living a life ,? Is it life well lived? What is well lived?Can we say that going through daily mundane drudgery of getting up,brushing,shaving,bathing,time for breakfast,drive to workstation {as for me out patient clinic,operating for more than 45 years}is a life well lived ? No doubt that I derived immense pleasure with my surgical work day in and a day out.The diagnostic challenge, the surprise at times at the operating table,above all developing a good rapport with the patients and the relatives are very demanding but at the end of the day it is very soul satisfying Many a times my patients spotted me after many years at a social gathering and when they say hello, I tell you it the best prize we get and which I enjoyed it most.No other profession can boast of such faithful remembrance After nearly 5 decades I was reminded of the quote “If you are doing same thing what you have been doing all these years you will get what you have already got”
Yes, I lived happily with my regular surgical work,enjoying every moment, but I thought if I continue the same work then I will only exist doing the same mundane work and not live a LIFE- I am reminded of BUDDHA’S words ‘TO BE BORN AS A HUMAN IS AS RARE AS A MORNING STAR”
Hence decided to take an alternative lifestyle, disengaging from surgical career ,to live LIFE fully again. As we live we seek pleasure which is momentary,-happiness which is short lived,- and contentment which is blissful rapture. To achieve this contentment we have to live a life with a purpose and not just go through the mundane chorus of daily routine. Now this leads us to a question What is purpose? When I toyed with the idea to find the meaning of purpose I stumbled upon many words which have amazingly four letters.

The three basic most important elements in our LIFE are MIND,BODY and SOUL must act in harmony with a singular purpose to achieve a GOAL and which is contentment . Easily said than done, for it is the most difficult exercise to get this three elements to come into understanding and be in harmony but not impossible . SOUL warns against smoking but the BODY obliges the MIND and picks up the cigarette .It is said that MIND is a wonderful servant but a terrible master Rishis meditating achieved it with the power of silence. Sure not all of us can become rishis- although we may attempt for the three elements to work in harmony- but How? Let us see.!

THE POWER OF MIND:

We are all aware that if we don’t control the MIND it will control
us .MIND is the power house of thoughts and which leads to our words and action.If the mind is not positively occupied it tends to dwell with negative thoughts brooding over the past, worried about the future. Worrisome thoughts must be nipped in the bud or else it will become monumental, draining the energy day in and day out .At such instances get out , to get some fresh air with deep breathing and try to spilt the problem with intuitive thinking rather than rational thinking. To get out of the focus of negativity push yourself to think positively for another subject –say watching the moving clouds, appreciating the color of rainbow, stillness of the lake, the army of birds flying in unison back to their nests all these are nature’s gift and feast for the soul, thereby we are able to get out of the mental clutter and clear the cobwebs .Positive thoughts are vibrant, energizing, inspiring to proceed to realize our dream Once we train our MIND to listen to the voice of the SOUL cigarettes are no longer desired and the BODY will not touch the cigarettes
MIND is the greatest gift GOD has bestowed us. Such positive thinking will enhance our self-esteem, courage,confidence. It has been observed that a average person thinks about 60000 thoughts per day. 95% of thoughts are repetitive, out of this most are negative thoughts.

Now what is this MIND? Does it has a form, shape? In which part of the brain MIND dwells? No one knows for sure, even though we claim to posses MIND we are at loss to answer all queries about MIND. One thing for sure is that human MIND can discriminate between good and bad thoughts,events,actions whereas the animal and birds lack this unique ability.
MIND is the greatest gift GOD has bestowed on us and we must nourish it with positive thoughts otherwise MIND will be clouded with weeds. All our words,actions,first originates in the MIND as blue print thoughts .

Down memory lane in my LIFE there are few instances which are evergreen in my memory and I believe, then I have lived those moments.
1} When I failed in my first year in the medical college it was a lesson for me, that is when I decided to take my studies seriously. I lived then with a new experience
2} While in U.K. for my studies due to work load and living away from family, stressed and had a G.I. bleed. I summoned up all my will power,courage and decided to fight it alone without telling my family at home. It is then I believe I lived with a different experience.
3} in the year 1990 my mother developed aneurysm of a vessel in the brain, and the day prior to operation she died .My father,two sisters,and brother cried uncontrollably –me being the eldest in the family , bottled all my emotions to take care of them and also arrange to transport the body back home. Reaching our ancestral home the bottled emotions burst and I cried uncontrollably . That is when I believe I lived with a different experience

4}After retirement I have established a home for senior care and ever since I can feel myself being molded as a different person ,limiting my expectations,accepting other’s views, and above all developed the art of listening to elders’s grievances .I don’t claim to be empathetic but at best compassionate towards them. Now I am not existing in LIFE but living a LIFE .Certainly it is very demanding and challenging career dealing with elders,their grievances, expectations, but at the end of the day I am happy I chose such twilight LIFE.Now I have learnt my purpose in LIFE

Now as I am typing I believe I am living, creating a new avenue with a perspective to recharge my brain

Well so much has been written by eminent scholars, philosophers’ spiritual leaders –now my MIND says enough is enough.

Let me take up the next dimension the BODY

BODY is the temple in which the SOUL resides
As much as we take care of the mind we have to take care of the BODY as well.The most vital aspect to keep the BODY in sound shape, is regular exercise which helps us to burn extra calories,driving away fatigue,laziness ,rejuvenating to become vibrant.Early morning brisk walk is very helpful – that is time we are able to breathe fresh unpolluted air. Another most important aspect is YOGA, which in addition to making the body supple helps the MIND to be focused. Focusing the MIND is the prerequisite for meditation which takes us to the inner journey of self realization without being disturbed by outward influences

Let me pass on to the next vital ingredient which is exclusive to humans is SOUL.This is most perplexing –Do we know what is this SOUL? Where does it remain? Is it the same as subconscious or super conscious? I s the MIND and SOUL are one and the same?
Certainly not- for we all know that MIND does not always listen to the SOUL and decides with its whims and fancy which are mostly harmful to others and self as well. MIND and BODY must work in harmony for enlightenment which is what all of us trying to achieve. Is that possible? I am at loss to offer any answer but narrate some of my views of other four lettered words

FOOD: No need for me to elaborate on the essentialist of FOOD to maintain life. One aspect I wish to emphasize all the ingredients carbohydrate,proteins,fat,minerals, vitamins etc must be in balance
To really enjoy the food it must be eaten slowly,well masticated and swallowed with total concentration. This is meditation in eating –after all meditation is focusing on whatever we do. Poor quality food drains our energy,and clouds our MIND .Live uncooked food are more energetic and rejuvenating .

LOVE : Every human wish to be loved by all –this is a basic desire. To achieve this I feel that we have to love ourselves first and next we must love whatever our work is . To quote Thomas Edison who recorded 1093 patents “I never did a day’s work in my life time.It was all fun” We need to accept people as they are and not as we wish them to be. Every human being is different and no one is perfect.Being critical of others leads to hatred and destruction of self and friendship.

READ: Reading is to the MIND what exercise is to the BODY and what prayer is to the SOUL.When we read a book it must be studied in depth, contents analyzed, with introspective thoughts. It is only then we have studied the book .Autobiography books by eminent scholars,philosophers,scientists will guide us as to how they were able to overcome difficult times in their LIFE and their strategies could as well applied in our LIFE.The inspirational words will awaken our dormant abilities, characters, to spring back to LIFE. The one book I read and reread often is Reader’s digest condensed book ‘How to live with life”, Reflections by Akbar Ali Jetha,”Inspirational gems to empower your life” By Patel.”In the power of silence” by Vijay Easwaran, Most of the books by Robin Sharma, “ The life of Vivekananda”, “The art of Happiness”-An intriguing encounter between east and west by Howard Cutler. etc and many more inspirational books which have truly charged me to look into myself and more than that, my positive outlook about others.

TIME: Let me type down the poem I have written long time back about TIME
The most precious jewel in our LIFE
That magical number 24
Once lost can never be regained
From one sun rise to another
No room for expansion
Nor to curtail
One and only four letter word TIME
No TIME to procrastinate
Act now to make a purpose in LIFE
Categorizing work to suit your LIFE style
Cellphone,voice mail,e-mail to save TIME,
TIME for everything and any thing
Eat while you eat
Work while you work
Play while you play
3 in 1 all round chaos
TIME to do nothing
Remain in silence
Introspect to rejuvenate
To a journey within
Waste no TIME to say
I am sorry, Thank you,
Take no TIME to forgive
For next sunrise not to be
Forgiveness –good house keeper of the MIND
Dirt, hatred, ego, anger all washed away
Ensure all round peaceful sleep
Wake up to fresh sunrise
Recharge the MIND with prayer and meditation

PRAY: Let me quote Tennyson’s words,” More things are wrought by prayer than these world dreams of”. Prayer is the most powerful energy by which MIND, BODY and SOUL assemble in harmony. Miracles are nothing but answer to the prayer. Prayer has the healing power. I am ardent believer in prayer, and pray, for me to deliver my best while operating –and when I am concentrating in the operation I believe then, I am living and not just existing.
As our MAHATMA GANDHI said”Prayer should be our first choice rather than our last resort” Does Prayer change things? No! Prayer change people,and people change things.-Burton Hillis.

GIVE:HELP: These two four lettered words have more or less denotes the good ,one has done for others. Givers and helpers in return receive the goodness in abundance.When my patients spot me at social functions after many years and enquire about my welfare I am living then,and not just existing .Also when students send SMS on doctors day,happy birth day I am living then with pride and happiness and not existing as anatomical body, with physiological functions

HOPE: All of us hope only to get the best in everything. It is when my left thumb got cut and when it took a long time to heal I hoped to take up surgery.I lived with such hope and thankfully I got into medical profession. Lived with the HOPE and dream and became a surgeon.Living with my HOPE further I qualified as surgeon from Edinburgh university in spite of all the hardships which I have endured, enriching my HOPE and dream every day
HOPE and dream are not just enough, we have set a GOAL and to attain our GOAL we have to meticulously PLAN,setting priorities. As we do that daily on a regular basis and assessing the progress it then I believe we are living rather than just existing

EARN: SAVE: In my profession I have earned enough ,acquired basic materialistic comforts and SAVED enough CASH to take care of myself and wife in our second innings.

WILL: As my hair line receding ,with wrinkled skin I am still living with never ending HOPE,wanting to set new goals. yes it is time for me to write a WILL to make things easier for my children .After more than seven decades in this planet I have learnt to listen to others and most importantly l am learning to forgive which is rather mind-boggling –hopefully I will live and be able to clear the cobweb clutter.

Now I am living happily with my family, looking after the retirement home I have established, and also spending time in my farm trying out new things like vermicomposting, tree planting, goat farming etc. So long I keep exploring new avenues I will continue to LIVE thanking almighty for HIS benevolence

Am I living a life? A big yes I am living a life and not just existing