It’s only once in a
while that we come across words, people or situation that leaves an everlasting
and profound impact on us.
Robin Sharma, through
his novels,is one such influence in my life who has always got me thinking.
Here is an excerpt
from another of his bestseller that I found in my father’s library.
The Secret Letters
of the Monk Who Sold His Ferrari
is one novel that is bound to leave you mulling over the situations of your
life for a long, long time after you are through with it (just reading I mean).
And, it sure will inspire you to make remarkable positive changes in it.
Through “the nine
talismans” in his novel he has got me inspired yet again to do a reality check
of my life.
The First
Talisman:
A small brass coin.
Actually, a disk the size of a nickel. On one side of it was stamped a sun, its
rays radiating from a raised circle. On the other side, a crescent moon.
The Message:
“The Power of Authenticity”
The most important
gift we can give ourselves is the commitment to living our authentic life. To
be true to ourselves, however, is not an easy task. We must break free of the
seductions of society and live life on our own terms, under our own values and
aligned with our original dreams. We must tap our hidden selves; explore the
deep-seated unseen hopes, desires, strengths and weaknesses that make us who we
are. We have to understand where we have been and where we are going. Every
decision we make, every step we take, must be informed by our commitment to
living a life that is true and honest and authentic to ourselves and ourselves
alone. And as we proceed, we are certain to experience fortune well beyond our
highest imagination.
The Second
Talisman:
A tiny metal skull.
The jaws of the skull is parted, making it appear to be grinning at the
beholder. Or laughing.Made of antiqued bronze perhaps, or some iron alloy.
The Message:
“Embrace Your Fears”
What holds us back in
life is the invisible architecture of fear. It keeps us in our comfort zones,
which are, in truth, the least safe places in which to live. Indeed, the greatest
risk in life is taking no risks. But every time we do that which we fear, we
take back the power that fear has stolen from us- for on the other side of our
fears lives our strength. Every time we step into the discomfort of growth and
progress, we become more free. The more fears we walk through, the more power
we reclaim. In this way, we grow both fearless and powerful, and thus are able
to live the lives of our dreams.
The Third
Talisman:
A tiny golden crane
with a delicate beak and a long gently curved back, its head tilted.
The Message:
“Live with Kindness”
It is important to
remember that just as our words are our thoughts verbalized, so our deeds are
our beliefs actualized. No action, no matter how small, is insignificant-how we
treat someone defines how we treat everyone, including ourselves. If we
disrespect another, we disrespect ourselves. If we are mistrustful of others,
we are distrustful of ourselves. If we are cruel to another, we will be cruel
to ourselves. If we can’t appreciate those around us, we won’t appreciate
ourselves. With every person we engage, in everything we do, we must be kinder
than expected, more generous than anticipated, more positive than we thought
possible. Every moment in front of another human being is an opportunity to
express our highest values and to influence someone with our humanity.We can make the world
better, one person at a time.
The Fourth
Talisman:
A red clay miniature
model of a pyramid.
The Message:
“Make Small Daily Progress”
The way we do small
things determines the way that we do everything. If we execute our minor tasks
well, we will also excel at our larger efforts. Mastery then becomes our way of
being. But more than this- each tiny effort builds on the next, so that brick
by brick, magnificent things can be created, great confidence grows and
uncommon dreams are realized. The truly wise recognize that small daily
improvements always lead to exceptional results over time.
The Fifth Talisman:
A thin delicate paintbrush. Its
handle made of smooth dark-wood topped with a tuft of fine bristles.
The Message:
“To Lead Your Best Life, Do Your Best
Work”
There is no
insignificant work in the world. All labour is a chance to express personal
talents, to create our art and to realize the genius we are built to be. We
must work like Picasso painted: with devotion, passion, energy and excellence.
In this way, our productivity will not only become a source of inspiration to
others, but it will have an impact- making a difference in the lives around us.
One of the greatest secrets to a life beautifully lived is to do work that
matters. And to ascend to such a state of mastery in it that people can’t take
their eyes off of you.
The Sixth
Talisman:
A small piece of
carved wood. An inch wide and half an inch high.A form of two hands holding on
to each other.
The Message:
“Choose Your Influences Well”
We do not move through
our days alone or apart from the world around us. And so we must always be
aware of the things and the people we allow into our lives. It’s a mark of
wisdom to choose to spend time in those places that inspire and energize you
and associate with those people who elevate and uplift you. Whether in our work
or in our personal lives, these most positive friends and peers will inspire us
to be our greatest selves and to lead our largest lives.
The
Seventh Talisman:
A small
cylindrical shell –about two inches long and half an inch wide.
The Message:
“Life’s Simplest Pleasures are Life’s
Greatest Joys”
Most people don’t
discover what’s most important in life until they are too old to do anything
about it. They spend many of their best years pursuing things that matter
little in the end. While society invites us to fill our lives with material
objects, the best part of us knows that the more basic pleasures are the ones
that enrich and sustain us. No matter how easy or hard our current conditions,
we all have awealth of simple blessings around us- waiting to be counted. As we
do, our happiness grows. Our gratitude expands. And each day becomes a
breathtaking gift.
The
Eighth Talisman:
A tiny silver
heart. Handmade and polished with surfaces round and smooth.
The Message:
“The Purpose of Life is to Love”
How well you live
comes down to how much you love. The heart is wiser than the head. Honour it.
Trust it. Follow it.
The Ninth
Talisman:
A tiny marble replica
of the Taj Mahal.
The Message:
“Stand for Something Bigger than
Yourself”
There are no extra
people alive today. Every single one of us is here for a reason, a special
purpose- a mission. Yes, build a beautiful life for yourself and those you
love. Yes, be happy and have lots of fun. And yes, become successful, on your
own terms rather than on those suggested to you by society. But- above all
else- be significant. Make your life matter. Be of use. And be of service to as
many people as possible. This is how each of us can shift from the realm of the
ordinary into the heights of the extraordinary. And walk among the best who
have ever lived.
Those are the nine
inspirational talismans I believe we should all live by to give some
substantial meanings to our lives while we still are around.
Just felt like sharing
these with anyone who would be willing to find and try to put them
to use as much as I did.
