To those who have been following this blog thank you for all of your support. Whether you have supported this blog via email, WordPress, Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn your support has been greatly appreciated.
Here is some great news: Celebrating Existence has 74 published posts. At present it has been viewed over 5,100 times in 77 countries other than Trinidad and Tobago.
Here is a quote by yours truly, Rachael Ann Thomas-Jeremiah: “Writing is my passion! It is an expression of who I am! It is a means of defining me as a person! It’s my way of communicating with the world!”
I enjoyed doing the design and I enjoyed creating my page Signature Writing Styles, which like this blog Celebrating Existence is uniquely mine.
Let’s celebrate the Power of Silence or as I choose to call it, The Lost Art of Shhhh! Silence according to the Merriam Webster dictionary is the “complete absence of sound”. But what is the power of silence? It is the ability to search within and find that inner peace that none can disturb. This is not impossible but like everything else it takes practice. I am happy to share these images with you:
“Silence the Mind by Simply Watching the Breath”- HH Param Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji“Mirror reflects body. Meditation reveals Soul.”- HH Param Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji“Experience the Soul”- HH Param Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji
Silence quotes according to HH Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji:
“1) In silence there are no quarrels.
2) Silence lies beyond the realm of judgment.
3) Silence is peace.
4) True silence occurs when the mind is still.
5) In silence there are no questions.
6) Creativity begins with silence.
7) The source of innovation is silence.
8) When the leaves stop rustling, the trees enjoy silence.
9) It is in silence that a fruit ripen to sweetness.
10) A flower gathers its colors in absolute silence.
11) True friends communicate best in silence.
12) Listening to pure silence is bliss.
13) To a screaming mind, silence is unbearable.
14) Silence teaches many things.
15) Silence can be peaceful, uncomfortable or ominous.
16) When thoughts are unclear, silence clears them.
17) A spell of silence brings clarity to situations.
18) Beautiful snowflakes fall so silently.
19) When silence is comfortable, there is peace in the air.
20) Compassion can be shown in perfect silence.
21) The silence of stubbornness is not pleasing.
22) When the mind is silent, the soul gets refreshed.
23) In deep sleep there is silence.
24) Silence speaks more eloquently than words.
25) There is music in silence.
26) Restless minds are frightened by silence.
27) Silence weaves lovely, soothing patterns.
28) Total silence turns the mind off.
29) In silence not even a leaf moves.
30) Words sometimes hinder communication.
31) The mighty and glorious Sun rises in deep silence.
32) The moon beams gently descend in silence.
33) The stars twinkle in absolute silence.
34) Silence empowers.
35) Words create a storm. Silence makes it calm.
36) Silence is sacred.
37) No communication. No conflict.
38) Beyond the realm of judgment lies silence.
39) In peace there is silence.
40) When the mind is still, it is true silence.
41) A questioning mind is not silent.
42) Silence inspires innovation.”
Here we are provided with a lot of great advice! They are priceless words and precious messages. Do not let these messages fall on deaf ears! What do we need to do? We need to Listen, we need to put these words into practice, we need to focus on being more silent. I
In closing please have a look at some of these other quotes which you might find helpful:
August 31st 2017 marks 55 years since Trinidad and Tobago has gained its Independence!
On this occasion, Happy Independence Day Trinidad and Tobago!
Here are 2 videos showing different parts of the Independence Day parade:
The video below shows Independence Fireworks in San Fernando
For those who do not know of our history please visit this link where you can get some very valuable information: http://socanews.com/news/trinidad-and-tobago-celebrates-55-years-of-independence/
Pictures we can all agree tell a story! These pictures all tell a story. Can you find any more that help to tell the story of our Independence? Please feel free to share them!
In closing let me once again extend Independence Day Greetings to you! Happy Independence Day Trinidad and Tobago! Happy Independence Day Trinibagonians! It’s 55 years and counting!
I leave you with this compilation of Patriotic Songs
What is speech to someone who doesn’t have the gift of speech? It is something they cannot use. Then why do some people abuse the power of speech when they have the power of speech?
Honestly I do not know! The tone someone uses can make the world of difference. So too can their choice of words. But many function in ignorance, lost to the teachings of wise Masters and great Gurus, some lost to the teachings and lessons of their own upbringing.
Many people talk down to others, they gossip about others, they spread lies and believe the said lies that they spread but this is not right and should not be encouraged.
How do they live with themselves when they cause pain to others and when they refuse to practice the life lessons which so many others do? Why do they spread untruths? Probably because it helps them feel better about themselves but honestly this is not my modus operandi so I really choose not to venture down this road trying to understand them because that is not the focus of this post.
Based on this what then is my message to you? It is this: “Treat others in the same manner that you would like to be treated” and live according to these beliefs: ‘Carpe Diem’, ‘Qué Sera Sera’ and ‘Semper Fi’ which translates to be: Seize the day! Whatever will be, will be! Always be loyal! The last part ‘Always be loyal’ applies in this regard: always stand by your values and beliefs and do not compromise anything.
The reality is that not everyone does this! So sad but so true! However we should not follow suit and we must do what is right!
What do they get out of hurting others? What do they get when they insult you? I cannot answer you because this is not my modus operandi but I can tell you this: Don’t worry about them. Remember to keep your focus and always strive to be the best you that you can be. Remember that change begins with you! If you have been doing this, be happy because you are on the right path!
Quite recently I was able to look at a couple videos, all of which are exceedingly relevant in today’s society and for not just us but also for the people we encounter on a daily basis, day in, day out. I will share two of them in particular: the first is a video from The Buddhist Vision (Click on this link: Buddhist Vision’s video on Love, Trust and Sorry) and the second is one by Guru Nanak on the value of life (Click on this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvN4qm5pNlk
While I love the Buddhist Vision video and this above video by Guru Nanak I am quite eager to share some very important messages by His Holiness Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda, founder and pontiff of Avadhoota Datta Peetham. His Holiness Sri Swamiji always provides very valuable messages to people throughout the world and these messages that are relevant to us all and some of these are given to us daily via SGS Posts. SGS Posts for those who are not aware is an app which is available for free download on Android and IOS phones and it is based on H.H. Sri Swamiji’s teaching, “Be Good, Do Good”. These messages by H.H. stressed in so many ways that if you are sure to remember them one way or the other. Here are some very valuable messages from H.H Sri Swamiji regarding the importance of speech:
In the above pictures eight (8) of Sri Swamiji’s messages have been shared. His Holiness Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda says:
1.“Make good use of every moment in life.”
2.“Sweets words with a gentle smile are the greatest gifts.”
3.“Reciprocate goodness.”
4.“Never belittle others.”
5.“Be kind at heart.”
6.“Be nice to everyone.”
7.“Find happiness simply in being good and doing good.”
8.“Insist that wrongs are righted.”
In closing please feel free to share this post with others. Have fun checking the above links and looking at the videos. Also if you haven’t downloaded SGSPosts to your mobile phone yet please do so now. Remember as His Holiness Sri Swami Ganapathy Sachidananda says, “Be Good, Do Good”.
“To every action there is an equal and opposite reaction” Sir Isaac Newton How many times have you heard that what goes around comes around? Also how many times have you heard that life is a circle? And how many times have you heard the line, “Treat others as you want to be treated” or […]
Here I seize the opportunity to celebrate my journey and it is a journey which deserves being celebrated for all that it has brought. My journey at COSTAATT has been in every sense a rewarding, educational and fulfilling experience.
It started in 2012. Back then, after much soul searching I knew what I wanted and it meant working towards that. Those that know me know quite well that ‘giving up’ never fits in my vocabulary and that instead you would find the words ‘determined’, ‘diligent’ and ‘persistent’. I wanted a career change and I wanted to pursue a field that I was very passionate about. It was a decision I thought about long and hard and it is a decision I can confidently say I have had no regrets about.
From the very beginning I was determined to embrace it for all that it was and I knew that my life was going to change. Mind you I was wondering how “Transforming Lives, Transforming Communities, Transforming the Nation, One Student at Time,” works at COSTAATT and I can say four years later I know now.
Along the way I met some really hardworking and dedicated lecturers and I made some really good friends. I found myself doing things I never thought I would be able to. More so, I did courses I never imagined myself doing but I am happy I did and I am a better person for it. At COSTAATT you need to work and this is something I am sure all COSTAATT students can agree with. If you don’t want to, then your reality is a rude awakening!
My first real interactions at COSTAATT came from my then Advisor, Ms Lynette Sampson and Mr Earl Best. Mr Best became my advisor after Ms Sampson left. They were two of my best lecturers and throughout my journey I was fortunate to have other hard working and dedicated lecturers.
Those lecturers I was fortunate to have are:
Mr Joel Nanton
Ms Michelle Mitchell
Mr Kayode James
Mr Michael Griffith
Mr Roddy Batchasingh
Mr Christian Dial
Ms Julie Harris
Mr Mark Wilson
Ms Jada Lee Condappa-Lewis
Mr Gabriel Woodham
Mr Jason Charles
Ms Candia James
Mr Ashford Jackman
Ms Michelle Wooding
Ms Dionne Smith
Ms Anisa Powder
Mr Russell Dhalai
The hardworking Administrative Staff at the Ken Gordon School of Journalism and Communication Studies- Blossom, Jodene and Mitzy- was always helpful.
Though I was not the classes of either our Dean, Ms Clarinda Jack or the Chair- Communication Studies, Ms Sophia Edwards-Knox it was always a pleasure communicating with them and they were always helpful!
To everyone I have listed above and to those I may have forgotten, Thank You all!
From each class and each assignment I had I learnt something valuable. Many may ask how it was rewarding but this I can assure you is a question I can surely answer.
Here are some highlights:
Interesting Projects:
My thesis: The accessibility of the Internet for persons with disabilities living in Trinidad and Tobago (with a focus on the visually impaired and those who have difficulties using their hands)
A comparative analysis of the Media in New Zealand with the Media in Trinidad and Tobago
Conducting an in-depth analysis for my Case Study on GlaxoSmithKline
Developing a full Advertising Campaign in Mr Dhalai’s class using a Business Idea of my choice
Some fun times:
Conducting interviews on Charlotte Street
Singing a jingle for Swinger matches
This was really bitter-sweet: Making a presentation using an Analysis of Ed Sheeran’s Song Thinking Out Loud. I was happy I was able to do it because on the morning of my presentation my Grandfather passed away. My presentation was based on the love he and my Grandma shared.
Gathering information for my Advertising Campaign: I was able to contact individuals in various media houses and get a better sense of how things worked in the industry. This helped me decide what was best for the business idea I had chosen and it was an idea I loved.
Compared to where I was, I can surely say that I am more aware, I am more confident and I am better prepared.
Today, I can safely say that I am proud of who I am and where I am. Who would have thought it would be as it is now? I have grown in so many ways! I am confident; I have made the most of so many experiences.
My knowledge and experience have helped me create opportunities of my own. I have embraced all that has come my way and I will surely continue to do more of this as I move forward.
Just as I walked out of the graduation hall today I was greeted by a most pleasant surprise. Yes, I wasn’t expecting this but I am looking forward to it very much. Small though it may be it should be a start in the right direction!
What’s next? The next chapter of this incredible journey!
Amazing! Memorable! Full of energy and positivity! These are just some of the many words that can describe COSTAATT’s 2016 Graduation Ceremony.
It was filled with priceless moments, familiar faces and friendly but powerful and inspiring voices that have filled our lives in these past years. This journey we can all agree, for those of us who were on it, was an awesome learning experience that we will always value! This is something those before us can agree on and those after us will surely agree on also!
This year approximately 1,500 students graduated from COSTAATT and there were three graudation ceremonies- this is the largest number of graduates in our College’s history.
What exactly defines a COSTAATT student?
someone prepared to go through it for the long haul
someone who knows the value of teamwork
someone who knows a pass mark is 60-70
someone who is endures late nights of work to get assignments in
someone who understands the meaning of plagiarism from the get go and is not scared of “Turn it in” assignment
Here are some useful links to some priceless moments:
Below are some of the other songs performed by the COSTAATT Musical Ensemble which were not only perfectly executed but added to the tone of celebration and festivity!
COSTAATT Thank You! Yes we did it ourselves but you (Management, Board of Trustees, Departments Chairs, Deans, Lecturers, Adivisors) provided us with what we needed along the way! We are grateful for this and we are proud to be students of COSTAATT!
On July 26th, 2016 His Holiness Param Pujya Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda arrived in Trinidad.
It was a day devotees and members of the Datta family were looking forward to and many were determined to spend as much time as they could in the divine presence of Sri Swamiji.
Here are some pictures that show the welcome Sri Swamiji received:
Many turned out in their numbers from the night of Appaji’s arrival to the time of His departure and His visit was marked by a number of very memorable occasions, namely:
Witnessing Appaji performing puja on a daily basis was not an opportunity to miss!
Listening to Sri Swamiji’s discourses were as always very inspiring.
As always there is a message for everyone and it is important to put it to use! Here are some useful links:
Receiving Sri Swamiji’s darshan is indescribable! It is a divine blessing and one to cherish!
The consecration rituals and ceremony for the murtis of Lord Rama’s Parivaar and Lord Satyanarayan at Dattatreya Yoga Centre in Carapichaima.
Appaji, our Swamiji, His Holiness Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda was presented with His 5th Guinness World Record
Epic Hanuman Chalisa ChanTTing here Hanuman Chalisa Chanting was led by His Holiness Sri Swamiji:
The consecration of the Shiva Lingam and the Murti of Mother Durga at the Datta Shiva Ram Temple in Princes Town and the consecration of the Navgrahas at the Sri Sachchidananda Yoga Ashram in Penal were two more very memorable occasions and these will be shared in a later post. Here are some pictures from these events so you have a great idea of what those posts will include:
Many were sad to see Appaji leave but as Appaji says, “I am always here, I am always with you!”
Appaji we love You! Appaji Thank You for giving us Your continued Darshan! Appaji Thank You for showering us with Your Love and Thank You for taking care of us! We are proud members of the Datta family! We are proud and humbled to have You as our Appaji, our Swamiji, our Sadguru and so much more!
Sadguru Maharaj Ki Jai! Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Ki Jai! Jai Veer Hanuman! Karya Siddhi Hanuman Ki Jai!
Today marks a very special occasion as it is the 74th Birthday of His Holiness Param Pujya Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji of Mysore India, who we affectionately call Appaji! Indeed it has been a day of celebration and a day of being thankful for being having our Appaji with us, our Datta family which means devotees of Swamiji from all over the world!
Here are 2 videos showing different parts of the Independence Day parade:
Jaya Guru Datta!
Celebrating Existence 