Category Archives: human behaviour

The View from Upside Down

Posted on April 10, 2020 by Archana

The other day, someone remarked, “The air is the cleanest it has ever been, and here we are, forced to wear masks when we go out.” It made me pause. This was irony at its best. I wondered, what else … Continue reading →

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Cling To Your Routine During Times Of Change

Posted on June 30, 2019 by Archana

Ever have a period when non-stop change is getting thrown at you? Nothing will hold still, it seems, everything is in a tearing hurry to take a new and unfamiliar shape, like runny custard mix that wants to mould to … Continue reading →

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Receiving is as important as giving

Posted on June 9, 2019 by Archana

Giving is a good thing. These days, the world feels like it is getting more and more mean-spirited and selfish, so in such a hostile setting it is a soothing balm to find people who are thinking about others and … Continue reading →

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Kind or Smart?

Posted on February 16, 2019 by Archana

Many years ago, I stumbled on one of Jeff Bezos’ commencement addresses. He described an early childhood experience, where he was in a car with his grandparents. His grandmother was a heavy smoker, and Bezos, in an attempt to show … Continue reading →

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Create Things That Matter

Posted on February 10, 2019 by Archana

I recently finished reading “Deep Work” by Cal Newport. It’s excellent for the way he argues about the inimitable value of focusing on a task and going deep into it. Flitting around on social media, from one app to another, … Continue reading →

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Imperfect, Happy Holidays

Posted on December 9, 2018 by Archana

It’s the holiday season, a time when joy is permeating all over the world. I love this time of year because it means boisterous family reunions, time off for self-reflection and personal growth, and festive cheer everywhere. Of course, things … Continue reading →

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The Human-ness of a Real Conversation

Posted on October 21, 2018 by Archana

There is nothing more soul-fulfilling than a friend. I met a dear friend for an evening out recently. He and I have been in touch over digital airwaves, yet the inadequacy of social media technology was fully exposed within the … Continue reading →

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Toilets in India: Now A Seat of Respect

Posted on October 15, 2018 by Archana

“Hey, what’s that?” I asked, rubber necking as our taxi sped down the road. I had seen a row of portable toilets with a big, bold sign on each door. “Did that say Izzat Ghar?” My companion shrugged blankly. “Izzat Ghar … Continue reading →

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Non-Actions Are Also Actions, Beware.

Posted on August 16, 2018 by Archana

I read an article this evening that, hours later, is still reverberating in my head. To paraphrase its main thesis, Actions that we take have consequences. So do actions that we do not take.  (If you want to read the article, … Continue reading →

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Brothers and Sisters

Posted on August 12, 2018 by Archana

I was watching a rerun of New Girl on TV and there was a scene where one of the characters, Schmidt, thinks he may be becoming a father and he and his friend, Nick, are freaking out. Nick: I’m not ready … Continue reading →

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