“Hi Lulu” I
called out.
“Hi there! How
are you doing?” Lulu, my parrot, responded.
“The year is
coming to end. Yet another annus
horribilis!” I said thinking about the year that was coming to end.
“You say that
every year end. Quite obviously you want only good things to happen all the
time.” Lulu remarked.
“Ha ha. Yes,
that is the wish.”
“And now don’t
talk of New Year resolutions please.” Lulu pre-empted me, flipping his wings.
“Oh no. I have
resolved not to make any New Year resolutions long back.”
“So what is
happening?”
“Reading a
book.” I replied. “‘The Biology of Belief.’ Somewhat difficult reading, but yet
a good book.”
“What’s the
theme?”
“Our
perceptions shape our biology.” I answered.
“Why don’t you
speak simple language? Could not follow anything.” Lulu said with a tone of
annoyance.
“OK, ok. To put
it differently, our beliefs shape our perceptions and thus our health; it is
what Mahatma Gandhi said....
“Your beliefs become your thoughts.
Your thoughts become your words
Your words become your actions,
Your actions become your habits
Your habits become your values
And your values become your destiny” I explained.
“That’s better. Good beliefs will create good health as well as good
life in general. We parrots are guided by instincts; human beings have free
will, so it is more important for you” said Lulu.
“I agree.”
“So corrupt
beliefs will create corrupt people and corrupt nation.” Lulu took the line
further.
“You put it so well.”
“So focus on the thoughts
and foster good beliefs.”
“That is a lifetime’s
work.”
“Not much of a
choice. That is perhaps the only way to avoid having every year as annus horribilis.” Lulu tapped on my
head and looked at me expectantly.
Vivek