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Bineesh Balakrishnan created new article What music does....
So you've got free time, & you decide to spend some time listening to a song or two. You turn on your music system or iPod, & let the music flow..So out flows the music,with all it's glory & splendour....What happens then?
Music talks to your soul...
Listening to music is not like listening to a speech or lecture, is it? It's much more than that, because music communicates with your soul. It kinda opens up highways into your soul, from where pain,misery or sorrow can drive out. I'm reminded of the fact that African slaves, on slave ships bound for America used to sing songs, while rowing & being whipped by the Americans. How many times have you experienced music permeating every corner of your soul, & making you better?
Music keeps the flame of love alive...
Lovers know how aptly love songs describe what they feel. The melody, the lyrics all add up to increase the feeling of love that exists between two lovers. For ages TV & Radio shows have been flooded with requests of love songs, dedicated by one lover to the other. The Bard of Avon was right when he remarked 'that music is the food of love'...
Music keeps you charged & ready...
Music can keep your body & mind charged & ready to go. Sports men use music during training hours, to help push themselves a little further. A really good song before a game, can alter the performance of a player drastically. There was even an article which showed that exercising with music playing is better than exercising per se...
Music can heal your heart...
Music can heal your pain, & make you better. It can change your thoughts almost instantaneously. Don Henley of The Eagles said:"My happiest moments are when I sing my saddest songs.". Whether it's a heartbreak, or the death of a near one, listening to music can help you cope with sorrow....
Music can relieve stress....
Had a really stressed day?All wired up?? Lay back & listen to some songs, your stress levels will plummet for sure. Different people listen to different kindsa music to relieve stress. For some heavy metal music does the job, & for some relaxation music does it, while some prefer affirmations based music. One thing's for sure, music releases stress, & gives way to a lofty ataraxia...
Music can heal the mind & body...
'Music therapy' is a growing field of research, with a lot of scope. It has been shown that listening to certain symphonies by Mozart, causes an improvement in cognitive function. This effect has been described as 'The Mozart effect', & is used in hospitals the world over. Music has been shown to boost immunity & help tissue repair as well..More research is underway, to see if other beneficial effects accrue from listening to music..
Music can help deal with anger issues...
If you have anger based issues, listening to music can help curb angry outbursts. Some fans of Grunge rock( also known as 'angst ridden rock'), know exactly what I'm talking about. Not just Grunge rock works to this effect, different genres of music, work for different people, to free them from the clutches of anger...
Music helps you clean your room!!
Your room looks like it was hit by a hurricane, & you're in no mood to clean it. Admit it, cleaning your room is like the most boring chore out there!! But turn on the music, & all of a sudden, it becomes a bodacious experience. When you're done cleaning your room, your room looks tidy, & your spirits are high...
Music can make or break you....
Music communicates to your subconscious mind. This is a well known fact, & one you shouldn't take lightly. Lyrics which contain the words-'I' & 'you', can slowly change your subconscious mind, & hence alter who you are. So be choosy in the songs you listen to, or else there could be consequences...
Music can make this world a better place....
This world of our's is no Utopia!! There are loadsa issues which have to be addressed. Songs can help create awareness about important social issues, & hence make this world a better place to live in. Songs like 'We are the world', 'Heal the world', are typical examples of songs that made a huge impact in creating & spurring social change. Concerts like 'Live Aid', 'Help', & other music shows which help support social causes are legion now. So music definitely is a potent agent to bring about social change....
That's it for now...Hope you enjoyed reading this article....
9 years ago
Bineesh Balakrishnan created new article I love Physiatry... .
It was July 17th 2013, I reported to Government Medical College Calicut. I had qualified for doing my MD in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. The qualifying exam was the first official NEET Exam in India. I still remember going all the way to Mumbai, to write my exam. Mumbai is one hotsy totsy place, I must say!!
Opinions..
Well, I enquired about the scope of this field, & well this is what I heard...
"It's a boring speciality, only hemiplegic & paraplegic patients will be treated, by you.."( said a close friend, who was faced with opting for this speciality)
"It's a dry speciality, the only advantage being that it's not hectic.."( said a senior of mine)
"It's a wonderful speciality, & it's really satisfying..."( said a senior who was practising in the UK, after specialising in P.M & R)
Ok, so the opinions didn't coincide, & so I thought I'll join for the course & decide for myself based on my personal experience( I definitely didn't mind working for one more year to get a PG seat)..
First Day...
On 1st of August I reported for my first day of my PG course. After accepting my joining order, the Head of the Department, briefed all the new PGs about the department & how it functions. There were two units, with OPs on alternating days. The non OP days were days where ward rounds were taken in detail. The department also had special clinics, operating under it:-
1.) A Lifestyle disorder clinic
2.) Special child clinic
3.) Musculoskeletal USG
4.) Electrodiagnostics clinic
5.) Sports Medicine clinic
After sitting through the OP, till 1 pm, I had a quick lunch. Then I strolled through the ward, to see the kinda cases admitted. To my surprise there were all kinds of cases. Cases of spinal cord injury, hemiplegia, nerve injuries, cerebral palsy, post traumatic stiffness, parkinsonism, & more. I heard from my senior PGs, that in many cases, Quadriplegics were rehabiltated enough to walk, & be independent in life. The whole image of a patient with paralysed hands & feet, eventually shedding his bedridden life, & walking towards a better life got entrenched in my mind. I decided then & there that my future was beckoning me, & this was the way to go....
Lazy beginnings...
Well to begin with, I was not accustomed to reporting for duty at 8:15 am, & also had put on a lot of weight. So I let laziness conquer my spirit, & took things easy. The only hardwork I did in the first 5 months was an exercise regime called 'High Intensity Interval Training'(HIIT). This let me lose weight, & also made me tired. Though I was not working to my full capacity, I loved the fact that this was one of the best Medical specialities out there. I was organisedly harassed by senior doctors, so though I didn't trust too many people, I still enjoyed the days going by...
Labour of love...
Eventually I got into the groove, & started working harder. I worked for longer hours, took more cases, attended to the OPD for longer hours. Thanks to the HIIT regime, I had lost excess wait & was much fitter, & more energetic. I loved the work I was doing, & hoped to amass more knowledge by working longer hours. My first presentation went smoothly, & was well received. I attended my first conference, presented my first paper. Everyday was more beautiful, & rewarding. I kept attending more conferences, & participating in educational programs by other departments as well( when my PG course ended, I had attended nearly 18 conferences!!). I learned how to rehabilitate all kindsa patients; how to prescribe orthotic devices; how to assess amputees, with new found zeal!! Well besides the academic work, I also participated in the college functions. After a gap of nearly 9 years, I got a chance to sing Oasis', Travis' & Bryan Adams' songs on stage. I loved that feeling, & judging by the reaction of the audience, they had a pretty good time too..(I eventually performed songs by Rammstein & John Denver in the coming years..)..I never felt this alive in all my life, & loved every single day of my PG life..
I became an official Physiatrist...
I passed the theory exams ( though I didn't score as much as I expected ) & also the practicals. On September 7th 2016, I convocated as an official Physiatrist. My soul was buoying up with hope & joy. The immense joy permaeted every corner of my existence, & lingered on for weeks to come...
The bottom line...
I'm a Physiatrist, & know that I can make a big difference in the lives of patients. I do know that being organisedly harassed, things could be turned against me, but hope will keep things going....
"Hope is a good thing, maybe the best thing & a good thing never dies.."-Stephen King...
9 years ago
Bineesh Balakrishnan created new article I love Physiatry... .
It was July 17th 2013, I reported to Government Medical College Calicut. I had qualified for doing my MD in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. The qualifying exam was the first official NEET Exam in India. I still remember going all the way to Mumbai, to write my exam. Mumbai is one hotsy totsy place, I must say!!
Opinions..
Well, I enquired about the scope of this field, & well this is what I heard...
"It's a boring speciality, only hemiplegic & paraplegic patients will be treated, by you.."( said a close friend, who was faced with opting for this speciality)
"It's a dry speciality, the only advantage being that it's not hectic.."( said a senior of mine)
"It's a wonderful speciality, & it's really satisfying..."( said a senior who was practising in the UK, after specialising in P.M & R)
Ok, so the opinions didn't coincide, & so I thought I'll join for the course & decide for myself based on my personal experience( I definitely didn't mind working for one more year to get a PG seat)..
First Day...
On 1st of August I reported for my first day of my PG course. After accepting my joining order, the Head of the Department, briefed all the new PGs about the department & how it functions. There were two units, with OPs on alternating days. The non OP days were days where ward rounds were taken in detail. The department also had special clinics, operating under it:-
1.) A Lifestyle disorder clinic
2.) Special child clinic
3.) Musculoskeletal USG
4.) Electrodiagnostics clinic
5.) Sports Medicine clinic
After sitting through the OP, till 1 pm, I had a quick lunch. Then I strolled through the ward, to see the kinda cases admitted. To my surprise there were all kinds of cases. Cases of spinal cord injury, hemiplegia, nerve injuries, cerebral palsy, post traumatic stiffness, parkinsonism, & more. I heard from my senior PGs, that in many cases, Quadriplegics were rehabiltated enough to walk, & be independent in life. The whole image of a patient with paralysed hands & feet, eventually shedding his bedridden life, & walking towards a better life got entrenched in my mind. I decided then & there that my future was beckoning me, & this was the way to go....
Lazy beginnings...
Well to begin with, I was not accustomed to reporting for duty at 8:15 am, & also had put on a lot of weight. So I let laziness conquer my spirit, & took things easy. The only hardwork I did in the first 5 months was an exercise regime called 'High Intensity Interval Training'(HIIT). This let me lose weight, & also made me tired. Though I was not working to my full capacity, I loved the fact that this was one of the best Medical specialities out there. I was organisedly harassed by senior doctors, so though I didn't trust too many people, I still enjoyed the days going by...
Labour of love...
Eventually I got into the groove, & started working harder. I worked for longer hours, took more cases, attended to the OPD for longer hours. Thanks to the HIIT regime, I had lost excess wait & was much fitter, & more energetic. I loved the work I was doing, & hoped to amass more knowledge by working longer hours. My first presentation went smoothly, & was well received. I attended my first conference, presented my first paper. Everyday was more beautiful, & rewarding. I kept attending more conferences, & participating in educational programs by other departments as well( when my PG course ended, I had attended nearly 18 conferences!!). I learned how to rehabilitate all kindsa patients; how to prescribe orthotic devices; how to assess amputees, with new found zeal!! Well besides the academic work, I also participated in the college functions. After a gap of nearly 9 years, I got a chance to sing Oasis', Travis' & Bryan Adams' songs on stage. I loved that feeling, & judging by the reaction of the audience, they had a pretty good time too..(I eventually performed songs by Rammstein & John Denver in the coming years..)..I never felt this alive in all my life, & loved every single day of my PG life..
I became an official Physiatrist...
I passed the theory exams ( though I didn't score as much as I expected ) & also the practicals. On September 7th 2016, I convocated as an official Physiatrist. My soul was buoying up with hope & joy. The immense joy permaeted every corner of my existence, & lingered on for weeks to come...
The bottom line...
I'm a Physiatrist, & know that I can make a big difference in the lives of patients. I do know that being organisedly harassed, things could be turned against me, but hope will keep things going....
"Hope is a good thing, maybe the best thing & a good thing never dies.."-Stephen King...
9 years ago
Bineesh Balakrishnan created new article THE YEAR THAT WAS.....
2016 crept in unexpectedly, but isn't that the norm!! Before you know it, you've beautifully wasted a whole damn year, & an other one has just begun. The New year resolutions were made with hope. Well, like most people, I did my best to stick to the resolutions, & succeeded to a great extent. In this post I will describe the highs & lows of the year 2016 in my life...
Became a certified Physiatrist
I graduated as a certified Physiatrist on Sep 7th 2016. Physiatrists are a rare commodity in India. I love this field of medicine & love working to help people out as far as I can. This achievement is the best one, & tops all other achievements of 2016. I am currently working as a Senior Resident in Government Medical College, & am loving every single minute of it...
Started writing articles
I started writing blog articles, on a big scale. One of my articles was accepted by the site Bonobology, & got me awesome reviews from my friends & relatives. The best comment regarding that article, is still etched in my mind. One of my friends said that reading that article 'made her feel de-stressed'....That topped all the other statements made regarding that article...http://www.bonobology.com/love/friendship/591-finding-real-friendship-online.....I've also written quite a few articles for this site, as well...I love writing...
The Truth gets out
I've had issues with certain high profile people, & they had put me through some really bad harassment. The truth about their intentions, & also about their shameless acts surfaced, around September to October. This is definitely a high, because I was wondering of ways to expose the atrocities committed against me, & was running short of ways to do so....Like they say-"Justice is the highest of all virtues."...
The trip to Shirdi
I went to Shirdi in August, & Shirdi Sai Baba means everything to me. The visit was such a life altering experience. I've never felt this blessed in all my life. There's something about Shirdi Sai Baba's love for his devotees, that no bunch of high sounding words can express. I visited the Wadas, the paraayan room, & also checked out the book store. I decided to subscribe to the Sai Leela magazine....The visit to Shirdi was the best thing in my life.....
Had a fall out with certain new friends
Not every relationship is supposed to blossom into a meaningful one. When I found out that a bunch of new friends were unworthy of trust, I decided to back away from trusting & interacting with them. It's neither a high nor a low point/note, but it was an essential move, because for me TRUST is more than just a five letter word. If I lose trust in a relationship, it becomes nullified by default for me....R.L Stevenson said:"A friend is a gift you give yourself.".Well, these gifts only came with good packaging, on the inside they were sick & hollow human beings...
The book I've started writing
I've started writing a book on success principles, incorporating Sai Baba's teachings as the guiding light behind those principles. I've written enough material for 6 chapters. I hope I'll complete the book in 2 years....
The books I read
Read a lot in the last year. The best books by far were:-
1.Be as you are-Daniel Godman...The book contains the teachings of Ramana Maharshi, & is stuffed with spiritual wisdom
2.Practising the power of now - Eckhart Tolle...Another mindblowing book by Eckhart Tolle...Loved every single page of it....
3. Freedom from the known - Jiddu Krishnamurti...I love the way Jiddu Krishnamurti's words spin a web of superior logic around your thoughts, making your life simpler & better...
Sprained my ankle
This is a first for me, for I've never sprained an ankle before!! It hurt for around a week, took analgesics, & sang songs to alleviate the pain!! My heartfelt sympathies to the poor souls who had to listen to me singing Oasis & Bon Jovi songs, with ankle pain punctuating the performances!!!. The ankle sprain was a definite low note for the year....
Went to check out a girl with my parents
So after registering on a matrimonial site, I went to check out a girl with my parents. It was nothing like I expected it to be. I thought it would be super boring, but it was actually kinda fun. I'm looking forward to more such rituals, though my favorite protocol would always be eating dinner & getting to know a girl...
Demonetisation
Well I was also hit badly by this radical step, to curb the accumulation of black money. The long queues near ATMs in the hot noon sun, was really frustrating. But I think these memories will leave an indelible imprint on my mind. Demonetisation worked like a double edged sword. It had it's good & bad sides to it...Hmm...
The songs I've written
I wrote nearly 10 songs in the last year, & it was fun. I shared a good number of them om Facebook, & loved the feedback that I received. I love writing songs, & hope to continue doing so, for as long as I can...My favorite songs that I wrote this year are-'Solitude' & 'Rumors'....
The sunset at Kanyakumari
Once while travelling by train, an old woman told me that the sunset at Kanyakumari was the most beautiful sight on this planet. I decided to check out this phenomenon, & study it!! From 5:30 pm to 6pm all I did was analyse the beauty of the sun setting across the beach, in Kanyakumari. I don't think any other sight will be this awe inspiring...It gives you instant cosmic nirvana...
This year was unexpected, fun, challenging & blessed in every way possible. Not all my plans materialised, but like John Lennon( the lead singer of The Beatles) said:"Life is what happens when you're busy making plans.."...Good bye 2016......
9 years ago
Bineesh Balakrishnan created new article Johny be good...
Johny was skating down the road on his skateboard, swerving away from the curb, bustling through the traffic... The sun in the sky, the gentle wafting breeze, & his love for life kept Johny company. He was the brightest student in his class, was an excellent speaker, but lacked a bit in confidence..
He was bullied, for being a skinny boy, & was quite alone all along... Johny used music to get rid of his boredom, & pain. His scholastic performance was nothing short of perfect, but his confidence plummeted, as his abusive father & the bullying at school escalated. Johny's insecurity developed into an inferiority complex. He avoided public functions, as far as possible...
In high school, Johny was the most intelligent student, but his sagging shoulders & his frustrated face showed the pain in his soul... He decided to read more books, & reduce the time he spent listening to music. To make himself a better person, Johny walked into the school library. The librarian jeered at Johny, but nonetheless helped Johny to the inspiration section of the library. Johny had no idea about where to start reading from, so he randomly selected a book. 'The Magic of Thinking Big', was the book in his hands. He read it in a week's time, & carried out the tips mentioned in the book. The next week, while walking into the classroom, Johny's head was held high & there was a confident smile on his face. His friends tried to bully him, but when one of them slapped him on the cheek, Johny retaliated with a punch to his attacker's nose. "That day July 12th 1998, was the last time anyone in the school bullied me..Now I know, I'm not made of glass...", wrote Johny in his journal. This young man had just realized the power of books, & more importantly the power of the human mind. His abusive father shifted out of their home & both Johny & his mother were now safe..
Johny regularly visited the school library, & became a voracious reader.... He read & reread many inspirational books, & needless to say went through a sea change. Now the most intelligent student in the class also had an awesome personality..Johny moved out from his house for joining college. He was studying for his degree in Engineering. Everyone in the college noted this young confident genius, & was impressed by him. The first year of college was demanding, but for Johny no challenge was an issue. The first year ended with Johny proving his mettle once again....
Sophomore year was expected to be a breeze, so this young man started to write songs & jam with a band... They called themselves 'Ataraxia' & were 'the self avowed grunge rock lords'. Johny's song writing skills, were pedestrian to begin with, but he honed them little by little. "The first concert was not upto the mark, but it showed us that we can perform together...My song writing skills need to improve, & Joe needs to think of more powerful guitar work..", Johny wrote in his journal. Johny & Joe were best friends, & their friendship blossomed over the years....
Towards the end of sophomore year Ataraxia performed an 8 song concert lasting a whopping 56 minutes.. The crowd went crazy, & shouted 'once more..once more' after each song. Johny's favorite song 'Rockstar super no one'(which like all the other songs, he wrote himself) was the perfect rock song, to end the show. After the show, a really cute girl, came to Johny & congratulated him for his unbelievable performance. Her name was Joanne, & when the two of them met, it was love at first sight..."We're all like jigsaw puzzles with 3 pieces missing, & only our soulmate has those 3 pieces of the puzzle..", he wrote about a week after falling in love with Joanne...
"Joanne is the reason why my life makes sense...",Johny wrote in his journal on the day he celebrated that year's Valentine's day... He took Joanne for dinner. It was an Italian restaurant, with an unbelievable selection of desserts. After dinner, Joanne & Johnhy got busy doing 'all the things that lovers do'...
Time often plays this trick on humans, it swiftly passes by & before we know it-days become weeks, weeks become months, & months become years... After graduating with honours, Johny married Joanne. They both got jobs in the IT field. Their married life was perfect, to say the least. Johny's band Ataraxia, got the chance to cut a full length LP. The first LP was named 'This life' & as was a platinum album in the US...Ataraxia performed live whenever time permitted, but Joe & Johny saw to it that the band jammed atleast once in a fortnight...
"Joanne is pregnant, & in 9 months I'll be a dad..", wrote Johny in his journal.. Johny's first son was named Charles, & parenthood, kept Johny & Joanne busy. "My son will never face any of the pain that I did, he'll have a perfect life, I'll do anything to ensure that...", he wrote down in his journal. After 5 years in the IT field, Johny & Joanne started their own company, & thus got more time, to live their life....
"Thank God, our company is doing good, & also Ataraxia's album sales are good, Joanne & I can travel & lead a richer life...", Johny eventually wrote longer notes in his journal...
Johny & Joanne have been married for 10 years. They have 2 sons, who are loving & loyal to them. Their net assets are now worth $ 30 million. Ataraxia has 3 platinum albums to their credit, & perform in packed arenas, whenever possible. Johny's life so far can be summed up in the lyrics of his favourite song-'Rockstar super no one'..."This life ain't anything but an empty page, do your best or you'll end up like a beast that's caged...."
9 years ago
rambabu replied to the topic Harms of taking excessive antibiotics.
anil wrote:usha manohar wrote:jabeen...
9 years ago
rambabu replied to the topic What is your secret to success?.
Those who want to be successful, look for the best in others and give them the Best in him
9 years ago
rambabu replied to the topic Indian techie killed in Kansas city hate crime...
Yes. An un identified person shot a Sikh, shouting Go back to your Country.Living in America is it safe
9 years ago
rambabu replied to the topic Isn't it fair that the two largest parties form an alliance?.
anil wrote:It is today news that BJP will support SS Both Mayer and Depty Mayer will of SS. So it time to lock this...
9 years ago
vijay replied to the topic Isn't it fair that the two largest parties form an alliance?.
Supporters will naturally support. What is great in that. Congress has no chance but still you will condemn it out if sheer habit.
9 years ago
vijay replied to the topic Indian techie killed in Kansas city hate crime...
Haters always have reason. In India also we see it against lower castes, minorities, specific groups and so on. Now it is emerging in US also but against Indians.
9 years ago
vijay replied to the topic Gods own country - A killing field under CPI (M).
It should have been cadre based and not caste based.Also CPI cadre are getting killed. So it is both ways.
9 years ago
usha manohar replied to the topic Gods own country - A killing field under CPI (M).
I doubt if caste is a factor at all...Communist party is known for its violence and anti social stand. Now that they are in power in Kerala , they cannot stand another party...
9 years ago
usha manohar replied to the topic Indian techie killed in Kansas city hate crime...
An Indian lady traveling by train in New York was abused by a couple of black Americans, who repeatedly asked her to go home , she managed to capture it on her phone. While it...
9 years ago
Bineesh Balakrishnan created new article What music does....
So you've got free time, & you decide to spend some time listening to a song or two. You turn on your music system or iPod, & let the music flow..So out flows the music,with all it's glory & splendour....What happens then?
Music talks to your soul...
Listening to music is not like listening to a speech or lecture, is it? It's much more than that, because music communicates with your soul. It kinda opens up highways into your soul, from where pain,misery or sorrow can drive out. I'm reminded of the fact that African slaves, on slave ships bound for America used to sing songs, while rowing & being whipped by the Americans. How many times have you experienced music permeating every corner of your soul, & making you better?
Music keeps the flame of love alive...
Lovers know how aptly love songs describe what they feel. The melody, the lyrics all add up to increase the feeling of love that exists between two lovers. For ages TV & Radio shows have been flooded with requests of love songs, dedicated by one lover to the other. The Bard of Avon was right when he remarked 'that music is the food of love'...
Music keeps you charged & ready...
Music can keep your body & mind charged & ready to go. Sports men use music during training hours, to help push themselves a little further. A really good song before a game, can alter the performance of a player drastically. There was even an article which showed that exercising with music playing is better than exercising per se...
Music can heal your heart...
Music can heal your pain, & make you better. It can change your thoughts almost instantaneously. Don Henley of The Eagles said:"My happiest moments are when I sing my saddest songs.". Whether it's a heartbreak, or the death of a near one, listening to music can help you cope with sorrow....
Music can relieve stress....
Had a really stressed day?All wired up?? Lay back & listen to some songs, your stress levels will plummet for sure. Different people listen to different kindsa music to relieve stress. For some heavy metal music does the job, & for some relaxation music does it, while some prefer affirmations based music. One thing's for sure, music releases stress, & gives way to a lofty ataraxia...
Music can heal the mind & body...
'Music therapy' is a growing field of research, with a lot of scope. It has been shown that listening to certain symphonies by Mozart, causes an improvement in cognitive function. This effect has been described as 'The Mozart effect', & is used in hospitals the world over. Music has been shown to boost immunity & help tissue repair as well..More research is underway, to see if other beneficial effects accrue from listening to music..
Music can help deal with anger issues...
If you have anger based issues, listening to music can help curb angry outbursts. Some fans of Grunge rock( also known as 'angst ridden rock'), know exactly what I'm talking about. Not just Grunge rock works to this effect, different genres of music, work for different people, to free them from the clutches of anger...
Music helps you clean your room!!
Your room looks like it was hit by a hurricane, & you're in no mood to clean it. Admit it, cleaning your room is like the most boring chore out there!! But turn on the music, & all of a sudden, it becomes a bodacious experience. When you're done cleaning your room, your room looks tidy, & your spirits are high...
Music can make or break you....
Music communicates to your subconscious mind. This is a well known fact, & one you shouldn't take lightly. Lyrics which contain the words-'I' & 'you', can slowly change your subconscious mind, & hence alter who you are. So be choosy in the songs you listen to, or else there could be consequences...
Music can make this world a better place....
This world of our's is no Utopia!! There are loadsa issues which have to be addressed. Songs can help create awareness about important social issues, & hence make this world a better place to live in. Songs like 'We are the world', 'Heal the world', are typical examples of songs that made a huge impact in creating & spurring social change. Concerts like 'Live Aid', 'Help', & other music shows which help support social causes are legion now. So music definitely is a potent agent to bring about social change....
That's it for now...Hope you enjoyed reading this article....
9 years ago
Bineesh Balakrishnan created new article I love Physiatry... .
It was July 17th 2013, I reported to Government Medical College Calicut. I had qualified for doing my MD in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. The qualifying exam was the first official NEET Exam in India. I still remember going all the way to Mumbai, to write my exam. Mumbai is one hotsy totsy place, I must say!!
Opinions..
Well, I enquired about the scope of this field, & well this is what I heard...
"It's a boring speciality, only hemiplegic & paraplegic patients will be treated, by you.."( said a close friend, who was faced with opting for this speciality)
"It's a dry speciality, the only advantage being that it's not hectic.."( said a senior of mine)
"It's a wonderful speciality, & it's really satisfying..."( said a senior who was practising in the UK, after specialising in P.M & R)
Ok, so the opinions didn't coincide, & so I thought I'll join for the course & decide for myself based on my personal experience( I definitely didn't mind working for one more year to get a PG seat)..
First Day...
On 1st of August I reported for my first day of my PG course. After accepting my joining order, the Head of the Department, briefed all the new PGs about the department & how it functions. There were two units, with OPs on alternating days. The non OP days were days where ward rounds were taken in detail. The department also had special clinics, operating under it:-
1.) A Lifestyle disorder clinic
2.) Special child clinic
3.) Musculoskeletal USG
4.) Electrodiagnostics clinic
5.) Sports Medicine clinic
After sitting through the OP, till 1 pm, I had a quick lunch. Then I strolled through the ward, to see the kinda cases admitted. To my surprise there were all kinds of cases. Cases of spinal cord injury, hemiplegia, nerve injuries, cerebral palsy, post traumatic stiffness, parkinsonism, & more. I heard from my senior PGs, that in many cases, Quadriplegics were rehabiltated enough to walk, & be independent in life. The whole image of a patient with paralysed hands & feet, eventually shedding his bedridden life, & walking towards a better life got entrenched in my mind. I decided then & there that my future was beckoning me, & this was the way to go....
Lazy beginnings...
Well to begin with, I was not accustomed to reporting for duty at 8:15 am, & also had put on a lot of weight. So I let laziness conquer my spirit, & took things easy. The only hardwork I did in the first 5 months was an exercise regime called 'High Intensity Interval Training'(HIIT). This let me lose weight, & also made me tired. Though I was not working to my full capacity, I loved the fact that this was one of the best Medical specialities out there. I was organisedly harassed by senior doctors, so though I didn't trust too many people, I still enjoyed the days going by...
Labour of love...
Eventually I got into the groove, & started working harder. I worked for longer hours, took more cases, attended to the OPD for longer hours. Thanks to the HIIT regime, I had lost excess wait & was much fitter, & more energetic. I loved the work I was doing, & hoped to amass more knowledge by working longer hours. My first presentation went smoothly, & was well received. I attended my first conference, presented my first paper. Everyday was more beautiful, & rewarding. I kept attending more conferences, & participating in educational programs by other departments as well( when my PG course ended, I had attended nearly 18 conferences!!). I learned how to rehabilitate all kindsa patients; how to prescribe orthotic devices; how to assess amputees, with new found zeal!! Well besides the academic work, I also participated in the college functions. After a gap of nearly 9 years, I got a chance to sing Oasis', Travis' & Bryan Adams' songs on stage. I loved that feeling, & judging by the reaction of the audience, they had a pretty good time too..(I eventually performed songs by Rammstein & John Denver in the coming years..)..I never felt this alive in all my life, & loved every single day of my PG life..
I became an official Physiatrist...
I passed the theory exams ( though I didn't score as much as I expected ) & also the practicals. On September 7th 2016, I convocated as an official Physiatrist. My soul was buoying up with hope & joy. The immense joy permaeted every corner of my existence, & lingered on for weeks to come...
The bottom line...
I'm a Physiatrist, & know that I can make a big difference in the lives of patients. I do know that being organisedly harassed, things could be turned against me, but hope will keep things going....
"Hope is a good thing, maybe the best thing & a good thing never dies.."-Stephen King...
9 years ago
Bineesh Balakrishnan created new article I love Physiatry... .
It was July 17th 2013, I reported to Government Medical College Calicut. I had qualified for doing my MD in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. The qualifying exam was the first official NEET Exam in India. I still remember going all the way to Mumbai, to write my exam. Mumbai is one hotsy totsy place, I must say!!
Opinions..
Well, I enquired about the scope of this field, & well this is what I heard...
"It's a boring speciality, only hemiplegic & paraplegic patients will be treated, by you.."( said a close friend, who was faced with opting for this speciality)
"It's a dry speciality, the only advantage being that it's not hectic.."( said a senior of mine)
"It's a wonderful speciality, & it's really satisfying..."( said a senior who was practising in the UK, after specialising in P.M & R)
Ok, so the opinions didn't coincide, & so I thought I'll join for the course & decide for myself based on my personal experience( I definitely didn't mind working for one more year to get a PG seat)..
First Day...
On 1st of August I reported for my first day of my PG course. After accepting my joining order, the Head of the Department, briefed all the new PGs about the department & how it functions. There were two units, with OPs on alternating days. The non OP days were days where ward rounds were taken in detail. The department also had special clinics, operating under it:-
1.) A Lifestyle disorder clinic
2.) Special child clinic
3.) Musculoskeletal USG
4.) Electrodiagnostics clinic
5.) Sports Medicine clinic
After sitting through the OP, till 1 pm, I had a quick lunch. Then I strolled through the ward, to see the kinda cases admitted. To my surprise there were all kinds of cases. Cases of spinal cord injury, hemiplegia, nerve injuries, cerebral palsy, post traumatic stiffness, parkinsonism, & more. I heard from my senior PGs, that in many cases, Quadriplegics were rehabiltated enough to walk, & be independent in life. The whole image of a patient with paralysed hands & feet, eventually shedding his bedridden life, & walking towards a better life got entrenched in my mind. I decided then & there that my future was beckoning me, & this was the way to go....
Lazy beginnings...
Well to begin with, I was not accustomed to reporting for duty at 8:15 am, & also had put on a lot of weight. So I let laziness conquer my spirit, & took things easy. The only hardwork I did in the first 5 months was an exercise regime called 'High Intensity Interval Training'(HIIT). This let me lose weight, & also made me tired. Though I was not working to my full capacity, I loved the fact that this was one of the best Medical specialities out there. I was organisedly harassed by senior doctors, so though I didn't trust too many people, I still enjoyed the days going by...
Labour of love...
Eventually I got into the groove, & started working harder. I worked for longer hours, took more cases, attended to the OPD for longer hours. Thanks to the HIIT regime, I had lost excess wait & was much fitter, & more energetic. I loved the work I was doing, & hoped to amass more knowledge by working longer hours. My first presentation went smoothly, & was well received. I attended my first conference, presented my first paper. Everyday was more beautiful, & rewarding. I kept attending more conferences, & participating in educational programs by other departments as well( when my PG course ended, I had attended nearly 18 conferences!!). I learned how to rehabilitate all kindsa patients; how to prescribe orthotic devices; how to assess amputees, with new found zeal!! Well besides the academic work, I also participated in the college functions. After a gap of nearly 9 years, I got a chance to sing Oasis', Travis' & Bryan Adams' songs on stage. I loved that feeling, & judging by the reaction of the audience, they had a pretty good time too..(I eventually performed songs by Rammstein & John Denver in the coming years..)..I never felt this alive in all my life, & loved every single day of my PG life..
I became an official Physiatrist...
I passed the theory exams ( though I didn't score as much as I expected ) & also the practicals. On September 7th 2016, I convocated as an official Physiatrist. My soul was buoying up with hope & joy. The immense joy permaeted every corner of my existence, & lingered on for weeks to come...
The bottom line...
I'm a Physiatrist, & know that I can make a big difference in the lives of patients. I do know that being organisedly harassed, things could be turned against me, but hope will keep things going....
"Hope is a good thing, maybe the best thing & a good thing never dies.."-Stephen King...
9 years ago
Bineesh Balakrishnan created new article THE YEAR THAT WAS.....
2016 crept in unexpectedly, but isn't that the norm!! Before you know it, you've beautifully wasted a whole damn year, & an other one has just begun. The New year resolutions were made with hope. Well, like most people, I did my best to stick to the resolutions, & succeeded to a great extent. In this post I will describe the highs & lows of the year 2016 in my life...
Became a certified Physiatrist
I graduated as a certified Physiatrist on Sep 7th 2016. Physiatrists are a rare commodity in India. I love this field of medicine & love working to help people out as far as I can. This achievement is the best one, & tops all other achievements of 2016. I am currently working as a Senior Resident in Government Medical College, & am loving every single minute of it...
Started writing articles
I started writing blog articles, on a big scale. One of my articles was accepted by the site Bonobology, & got me awesome reviews from my friends & relatives. The best comment regarding that article, is still etched in my mind. One of my friends said that reading that article 'made her feel de-stressed'....That topped all the other statements made regarding that article...http://www.bonobology.com/love/friendship/591-finding-real-friendship-online.....I've also written quite a few articles for this site, as well...I love writing...
The Truth gets out
I've had issues with certain high profile people, & they had put me through some really bad harassment. The truth about their intentions, & also about their shameless acts surfaced, around September to October. This is definitely a high, because I was wondering of ways to expose the atrocities committed against me, & was running short of ways to do so....Like they say-"Justice is the highest of all virtues."...
The trip to Shirdi
I went to Shirdi in August, & Shirdi Sai Baba means everything to me. The visit was such a life altering experience. I've never felt this blessed in all my life. There's something about Shirdi Sai Baba's love for his devotees, that no bunch of high sounding words can express. I visited the Wadas, the paraayan room, & also checked out the book store. I decided to subscribe to the Sai Leela magazine....The visit to Shirdi was the best thing in my life.....
Had a fall out with certain new friends
Not every relationship is supposed to blossom into a meaningful one. When I found out that a bunch of new friends were unworthy of trust, I decided to back away from trusting & interacting with them. It's neither a high nor a low point/note, but it was an essential move, because for me TRUST is more than just a five letter word. If I lose trust in a relationship, it becomes nullified by default for me....R.L Stevenson said:"A friend is a gift you give yourself.".Well, these gifts only came with good packaging, on the inside they were sick & hollow human beings...
The book I've started writing
I've started writing a book on success principles, incorporating Sai Baba's teachings as the guiding light behind those principles. I've written enough material for 6 chapters. I hope I'll complete the book in 2 years....
The books I read
Read a lot in the last year. The best books by far were:-
1.Be as you are-Daniel Godman...The book contains the teachings of Ramana Maharshi, & is stuffed with spiritual wisdom
2.Practising the power of now - Eckhart Tolle...Another mindblowing book by Eckhart Tolle...Loved every single page of it....
3. Freedom from the known - Jiddu Krishnamurti...I love the way Jiddu Krishnamurti's words spin a web of superior logic around your thoughts, making your life simpler & better...
Sprained my ankle
This is a first for me, for I've never sprained an ankle before!! It hurt for around a week, took analgesics, & sang songs to alleviate the pain!! My heartfelt sympathies to the poor souls who had to listen to me singing Oasis & Bon Jovi songs, with ankle pain punctuating the performances!!!. The ankle sprain was a definite low note for the year....
Went to check out a girl with my parents
So after registering on a matrimonial site, I went to check out a girl with my parents. It was nothing like I expected it to be. I thought it would be super boring, but it was actually kinda fun. I'm looking forward to more such rituals, though my favorite protocol would always be eating dinner & getting to know a girl...
Demonetisation
Well I was also hit badly by this radical step, to curb the accumulation of black money. The long queues near ATMs in the hot noon sun, was really frustrating. But I think these memories will leave an indelible imprint on my mind. Demonetisation worked like a double edged sword. It had it's good & bad sides to it...Hmm...
The songs I've written
I wrote nearly 10 songs in the last year, & it was fun. I shared a good number of them om Facebook, & loved the feedback that I received. I love writing songs, & hope to continue doing so, for as long as I can...My favorite songs that I wrote this year are-'Solitude' & 'Rumors'....
The sunset at Kanyakumari
Once while travelling by train, an old woman told me that the sunset at Kanyakumari was the most beautiful sight on this planet. I decided to check out this phenomenon, & study it!! From 5:30 pm to 6pm all I did was analyse the beauty of the sun setting across the beach, in Kanyakumari. I don't think any other sight will be this awe inspiring...It gives you instant cosmic nirvana...
This year was unexpected, fun, challenging & blessed in every way possible. Not all my plans materialised, but like John Lennon( the lead singer of The Beatles) said:"Life is what happens when you're busy making plans.."...Good bye 2016......
9 years ago
Bineesh Balakrishnan created new article Johny be good...
Johny was skating down the road on his skateboard, swerving away from the curb, bustling through the traffic... The sun in the sky, the gentle wafting breeze, & his love for life kept Johny company. He was the brightest student in his class, was an excellent speaker, but lacked a bit in confidence..
He was bullied, for being a skinny boy, & was quite alone all along... Johny used music to get rid of his boredom, & pain. His scholastic performance was nothing short of perfect, but his confidence plummeted, as his abusive father & the bullying at school escalated. Johny's insecurity developed into an inferiority complex. He avoided public functions, as far as possible...
In high school, Johny was the most intelligent student, but his sagging shoulders & his frustrated face showed the pain in his soul... He decided to read more books, & reduce the time he spent listening to music. To make himself a better person, Johny walked into the school library. The librarian jeered at Johny, but nonetheless helped Johny to the inspiration section of the library. Johny had no idea about where to start reading from, so he randomly selected a book. 'The Magic of Thinking Big', was the book in his hands. He read it in a week's time, & carried out the tips mentioned in the book. The next week, while walking into the classroom, Johny's head was held high & there was a confident smile on his face. His friends tried to bully him, but when one of them slapped him on the cheek, Johny retaliated with a punch to his attacker's nose. "That day July 12th 1998, was the last time anyone in the school bullied me..Now I know, I'm not made of glass...", wrote Johny in his journal. This young man had just realized the power of books, & more importantly the power of the human mind. His abusive father shifted out of their home & both Johny & his mother were now safe..
Johny regularly visited the school library, & became a voracious reader.... He read & reread many inspirational books, & needless to say went through a sea change. Now the most intelligent student in the class also had an awesome personality..Johny moved out from his house for joining college. He was studying for his degree in Engineering. Everyone in the college noted this young confident genius, & was impressed by him. The first year of college was demanding, but for Johny no challenge was an issue. The first year ended with Johny proving his mettle once again....
Sophomore year was expected to be a breeze, so this young man started to write songs & jam with a band... They called themselves 'Ataraxia' & were 'the self avowed grunge rock lords'. Johny's song writing skills, were pedestrian to begin with, but he honed them little by little. "The first concert was not upto the mark, but it showed us that we can perform together...My song writing skills need to improve, & Joe needs to think of more powerful guitar work..", Johny wrote in his journal. Johny & Joe were best friends, & their friendship blossomed over the years....
Towards the end of sophomore year Ataraxia performed an 8 song concert lasting a whopping 56 minutes.. The crowd went crazy, & shouted 'once more..once more' after each song. Johny's favorite song 'Rockstar super no one'(which like all the other songs, he wrote himself) was the perfect rock song, to end the show. After the show, a really cute girl, came to Johny & congratulated him for his unbelievable performance. Her name was Joanne, & when the two of them met, it was love at first sight..."We're all like jigsaw puzzles with 3 pieces missing, & only our soulmate has those 3 pieces of the puzzle..", he wrote about a week after falling in love with Joanne...
"Joanne is the reason why my life makes sense...",Johny wrote in his journal on the day he celebrated that year's Valentine's day... He took Joanne for dinner. It was an Italian restaurant, with an unbelievable selection of desserts. After dinner, Joanne & Johnhy got busy doing 'all the things that lovers do'...
Time often plays this trick on humans, it swiftly passes by & before we know it-days become weeks, weeks become months, & months become years... After graduating with honours, Johny married Joanne. They both got jobs in the IT field. Their married life was perfect, to say the least. Johny's band Ataraxia, got the chance to cut a full length LP. The first LP was named 'This life' & as was a platinum album in the US...Ataraxia performed live whenever time permitted, but Joe & Johny saw to it that the band jammed atleast once in a fortnight...
"Joanne is pregnant, & in 9 months I'll be a dad..", wrote Johny in his journal.. Johny's first son was named Charles, & parenthood, kept Johny & Joanne busy. "My son will never face any of the pain that I did, he'll have a perfect life, I'll do anything to ensure that...", he wrote down in his journal. After 5 years in the IT field, Johny & Joanne started their own company, & thus got more time, to live their life....
"Thank God, our company is doing good, & also Ataraxia's album sales are good, Joanne & I can travel & lead a richer life...", Johny eventually wrote longer notes in his journal...
Johny & Joanne have been married for 10 years. They have 2 sons, who are loving & loyal to them. Their net assets are now worth $ 30 million. Ataraxia has 3 platinum albums to their credit, & perform in packed arenas, whenever possible. Johny's life so far can be summed up in the lyrics of his favourite song-'Rockstar super no one'..."This life ain't anything but an empty page, do your best or you'll end up like a beast that's caged...."
9 years ago
rambabu replied to the topic Harms of taking excessive antibiotics.
anil wrote:usha manohar wrote:jabeen...
9 years ago
rambabu replied to the topic What is your secret to success?.
Those who want to be successful, look for the best in others and give them the Best in him
9 years ago
rambabu replied to the topic Indian techie killed in Kansas city hate crime...
Yes. An un identified person shot a Sikh, shouting Go back to your Country.Living in America is it safe
9 years ago
rambabu replied to the topic Isn't it fair that the two largest parties form an alliance?.
anil wrote:It is today news that BJP will support SS Both Mayer and Depty Mayer will of SS. So it time to lock this...
9 years ago
vijay replied to the topic Isn't it fair that the two largest parties form an alliance?.
Supporters will naturally support. What is great in that. Congress has no chance but still you will condemn it out if sheer habit.
9 years ago
vijay replied to the topic Indian techie killed in Kansas city hate crime...
Haters always have reason. In India also we see it against lower castes, minorities, specific groups and so on. Now it is emerging in US also but against Indians.
9 years ago
vijay replied to the topic Gods own country - A killing field under CPI (M).
It should have been cadre based and not caste based.Also CPI cadre are getting killed. So it is both ways.
9 years ago
usha manohar replied to the topic Gods own country - A killing field under CPI (M).
I doubt if caste is a factor at all...Communist party is known for its violence and anti social stand. Now that they are in power in Kerala , they cannot stand another party...
9 years ago
usha manohar replied to the topic Indian techie killed in Kansas city hate crime...
An Indian lady traveling by train in New York was abused by a couple of black Americans, who repeatedly asked her to go home , she managed to capture it on her phone. While it...
9 years ago