COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

SALMAN KHAN COUNTS HIS BLESSINGS

2010-04-26T23:22:00.001+05:30

This excerpt has been taken from the article, "God in Gucci" in theTimes of India newspaper. Salman Khan talks of his roller coaster life, his philosophy and why he counts his blessings.

"LIKE you all know, my life hasn’t been a smooth sailing one. The world has judged me by their standards, and labelled me within their own limited knowledge about me. I have no issues. It doesn’t bother me. Because I know I am God’s chosen child. Even on this roller coaster ride of my life, I had never, for once, lost faith in Him.

"God and I have a beautiful connection. We all believe the faith we are brought up in. I am Muslim, but I respect other religions equally. Our house is very cosmopolitan with Islam, Hinduism and Christianity harmoniously existing under one roof. My mom Salma is a Maharashtrian Brahmin, dad a Muslim and Helen aunty, a Catholic. We have a place to offer namaz, another corner to perform puja and a small church. And all festivals, like Eid, Diwali, Christmas, are celebrated with equal respect, wherein every member of the family participates. That’s the beauty of my family — co-existing under the same roof without disturbing each other’s faith and respecting it. I believe God is one, our ways to connect with Him are different.

Salman Khan celebrating Ganesh Chathurti at home

"When I am disturbed and want to talk to Him, I meditate. Sometimes, I sit outside my vanity van on the film’s sets and meditate. I can easily detach from my surrounding. I go into my inner world — a very beautiful place inhabited by my thoughts. It’s humane and generous. It’s a very small world, like my own small home which has my family, my dog — MyJaan, and the memories of MySon,who died recently. And of course, there’s God. There’s no room for any kind of negative energy here.

"Sometimes, when I am restless or upset, I walk up to the corridor of my house and look at the watchman. I come back quietly to my room and thank God for He has given me so much. I sit and count my blessings and the love that people have been giving me at every step."
(Salman Khan is an actor)
timeslife@timesgroup.com

SHAH RUKH KHAN | COUNTS HIS BLESSINGS

2009-03-15T18:04:00.004+05:30

INTRODUCTION
Shahrukh Khan who signs his name as Shah Rukh Khan, also known as SRK, is one of the most sought after actors in India. He has been part of many commercially successful films and has earned major critical acclaim for many of his performances. While some of Khan's best-known films, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (1995), Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), Chak De India (2007) and Om Shanti Om (2007), remain some of Bollywood's biggest hits, films like Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001), Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003), Veer-Zaara (2004) and Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006) have been top-grossing productions in the overseas market, making Khan one of the most successful actors of Hindi cinema.
He is also a film producer and a popular television host. He has won a total of 13 Filmfare Awards, with seven in the Best Actor category.(Filmfare awards are the Oscars of India). He has won several other awards and recognitions - national as well as international.

Incidentally 'Shahrukh' means the 'Face of the King'. Today he is the King of Bollywood. And to think that once, when he visited Mumbai for the first time, he had promised his friends that one day he would rule that city! Just goes to show his single minded dedication and focus to make his drams come true.

Shahrukh Khan as King Asoka in the film 'Asoka'

SHAH RUKH KHAN'S PHILOSOPHY:

Shah Rukh Khan's mother was a very strong influence in his life because his father died when he was a young boy. So naturally he imbibed his basic values from her.
He says this about his Philosophy:
"I learned a number of things from my mother. She taught me to love life to the maximum and be truthful and upfront and that has taught me so much and has been my savior all through my times. She also taught me not to hurt anyone. Neither she nor my father have ever hit me. They were very gentle people.

"My mother gave me my present philosophy of life. She taught me that nothing is permanent, including herself. So, enjoy what you have this moment, for it can be taken away from you the very next. Everything is transient. That is why I don't give a damn to anything. But the whole rationale is that if she could be taken away from me, then everything else can be taken away also. If I can live with her absence then I can live with the absence of stardom, money or anything."

GOD ACCORDING TO SHAH RUKH KHAN
This is what Shah Rukh has to say about his relation with God.
"The first time I prayed to God was when my mother lay dying. I never prayed earlier, that's the kind of family we were - a regular Muslim family but one which didn't have any hard and fast rules about praying. I really prayed hard, but she died all the same. That's the irony of prayers.....

"I was very angry with God for a little while but then I realized if I remain angry with God there is no chance I will ever meet my mother again. If you are not friendly with God there is no heaven and no hell.

"I love God in my own way. I am a firm believer in Him: my true friend. I don't count the number of times I pray to Allah, because I am always praying in my heart. I don't need to show how I pray.... I don't seek God. I find him in everything and everywhere.
"I thank God for happiness and sadness... if you're never sad you'll never know how good happiness is!"

SHAH RUKH KHAN COUNTS HIS BLESSINGS
" I feel closest to my parents when I close my eyes in prayer. That's how I connect with God. I COUNT MY BLESSINGS but don't count my prayers. Allah has given me so much love through my fans and the people around me - I couldn't have asked for bigger blessings!

SHAH RUKH KHAN | FILMOGRAPHY

2009-03-15T18:03:00.002+05:30

Here is alist of all Shah Rukh Khan's films including the ones in which he has made a special appearance:

1992
Deewana,with Divya Bharti, Rishi Kapoor
Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, with Juhi Chawla, Nana Patekar
Dil Ashna Hai, with Divya Bharti
Chamatkar, with Urmila Matondkar
Idiot

1993
King Uncle, with Naghma, Jackie Shroff
Baazigar, with Kajol, Shilpa Shetty
Darr, with Juhi Chawla, Sunny Deol
Maya Memsaab, with Deepa Sahi
Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa, with Suchitra, Deepak Tijori

1994
Anjaam, with Madhuri Dixit

1995
Ram Jaane, with Juhi Chawla
Karan Arjun, with Kajol, Salman Khan, Mamta
Zamaana Deewana, with Raveena Tandon
Guddu, with Manisha Koirala
O Darling yeh hai India,
Trimurti, with Anjali, Jackie Shroff, Anil Kapoor
Dilwale Dulhania le Jayenge, with Kajol, Amrish Puri, Farida Jalal

1996
Army, with Sri Devi
Chaahat, with Pooja Bhatt, Naseeruddin Shah
English Babu Desi Mem, with Sonali Bendre
Dushman Duniya Ka

1997
Yes Boss, with Juhi Chawla, Aditya Pancholi
Dil to Pagal Hai, with Madhuri Dixit, Akshay, Karishma
Pardes, with Mahima Choudhary, Apurva Agnihotri
Koyla, with Madhuri Dixit
Gudgudee, Special appearance

1998
Duplicate, with Juhi Chawla,Sonali
Achanak,
Dil Se, Manisha Koirala
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, with Kajol Mukherjee, Rani Mukherjee, Salman Khan

1999
Badshah, with Twinkle Khanna

2000
Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani, with Juhi Chawla
Josh, with Priya Gill, Aishwarya, Sharad Kapoor, Chandrachur Singh
Mohabbatein, with Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, Jugal Hansraj, Jimmy Shergil,
Har dil jo pyar karega
Gaja Gamini

2001
One 2 Ka 4,
Asoka,
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, with Amitabh Bachchan, Hrithik Roshan, Kajol, Jaya Bachchan, Kareena Kapoor

2002
Hum Tumhara Hain Sanam,with Madhuri Dixit
Shakti - The Power, with Karishma Kapoor
Devdas, with Aishwarya Rai, Madhuri Dixit
Saathiya (Guest Appearance), with Tabu, Vivek Oberoi, Rani Mukherjee

2003
Chalte Chalte, with Rani Muherjee
Kal Ho Naa Ho, with Saif Khan, Preity Zinta, Jaya Bachchan

2004
Yeh Lamhe Judaai Ke,
Main Hoon Na with Zayed Khan, Amrita Rao, Kirron Kher
Veer-Zaara with Preity Zinta
Swades, with

2005
Kuch Meetha Ho Jaaye, Special appearance
Kaal, Special appearance in song Kaal Dhamaal
Silsiilay, Special appearance in song Jab Jab Dil Mile
Paheli,

2006
Alag, Special appearance in song Sabse Alag
Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna with Preity Zinta, Abhishek Bachchan, Rani Mukherjee
Don - The Chase Begins Again, with Priyanka Chopra, Isha Kopikkar
I See You, Special appearance in song Subah Subah

2007
Chak De India with debutantes
Heyy Babyy, Special appearance in song Mast Kalandar
Om Shanti Om, with Deepika Padukone, Arjun Rampal, Shreyas Talpade.

2008
Krazzy 4, Special appearance in song Break Free,
Bhoothnath, Special appearance with Amitab Bachchan, Juhi Chawla
Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, with Anoushka Sharma

2009
Luck by Chance, Special appearance
Billu with Irfaan Khan, Lara Dutta
Dulha Mil Gaya,
Koochie Koochie Hota Hain, Filming
My Name is Khan, Filming
Kal Kisne Dekha, Special Apperance

How to count your blessings

2009-03-03T18:48:00.003+05:30

HOW TO MAKE THE SCIENCE OF GRATITUDE WORK FOR YOU

CELEBRITIES COUNT THEIR BLESSINGS

2009-03-03T18:47:00.008+05:30

SHAH RUKH KHAN -

SALMAN KHAN -

COUNTS HIS BLESSINGS

SCIENCE OF GRATITUDE AND KINDNESS

2009-03-03T18:45:00.001+05:30

ORIGIN OF COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

2009-03-03T18:44:00.000+05:30

HOW TO MAKE THE SCIENCE OF GRATITUDE WORK FOR YOU

2009-03-03T17:28:00.003+05:30

Science has proven that 'Gratitude can make you Healthier, Happier' and that 'Appreciation creates positive feelings' in people. But how do you use this science of gratitude in your lives? Gratitude is a demanding and rigorous quality that doesn't come easily or naturally. It has to be developed into a habit. It can be done if you are dedicated, consistent and have an open, unbiased mind. Here's how you can make 'Gratitude work for you'.

GRATITUDE JOURNAL-

Take a moment during the day, just before bedtime, to jot down three things that made you feel uplifted, special or just brought a smile to your face, that day.
Write down why this situation was good for you.
Make a note of who, if anyone played a role in making that situation.
Note how that person had an impact on your life.

The Gratitude Journal will make you look at life in a positive, concrete way, reminding you of how much others add to the quality of your life. It forces you to focus on what went right instead of all that went wrong. And in the long run it will enhance your self-esteem as you start feeling quite special to some people.

SEE THE PATTERNS-
After a while go back and read through the journal. You will see a consistent pattern within the lists of things and people you are grateful for.

You will realise, maybe for the first time, the people who are most important in your life. You may have been taking them for granted all these years.
You will be reminded of the meaningful and happy experiences that you would otherwise have forgotten.
You will see that you made some things happen and feel special pride in yourself for your achievements.
You will realise that you are special to some people in this world and that surely will go a long way to raise your self-esteem.

CATCH THE BOOMERANG-

Gratitude when expressed to others, almost always comes back around. People who feel appreciated, are more willing to make an effort for those who make them feel valued. They have no hesitation in doing things for you and that in turn makes you feel special.

BE KIND AND REACH OUT-

Reach out to others. A small gesture towards another person costs you little but can bring many benefits as these actions increase your opportunities to feel grateful.

"Gratitude has the potential to change everything from its ordinary state to being a gift" says well known psychologist Barbara Fredrickson.

Note: Excerpts have been taken from 'Thank you Power' by Deborah Norville.

APPRECIATION CREATES POSITIVE FEELINGS

2009-03-03T13:15:00.001+05:30

Science has proven that to 'Count your Blessings' is good for you (see, Gratitude can make you Healthier, Happier.) It also has shown that "expressing Gratitude' can create positive feelings not only in you, but also in the person to whom you show your appreciation, as illustrated below.

SCIENTIFIC STUDY ON APPRECIATION-
Psychologist Alice M. Isen, a Cornell University professor, conducted a small study, wherein, a group of doctors were given a bag of sweets as a token of appreciation. Surprisingly, it was observed that this group of doctors were better able to process the facts of difficult medical cases and think outside-the-box about the possible causes of the ailments. And they were correct in their diagnosis because they didn't just jump to conclusions but checked their diagnosis against new information. On the other hand, doctors who were not given anything, were found to be less methodical.

Explanation:

Isen's hypothesis is that the expression of appreciation helped to generate good positive feelings in the doctors, which in turn intervened to release Dopamine, (a chemical that is produced in the brain when one is feeling good or excited). The Dopamine activates parts of the brain in which complex thinking and conflict resolution are thought to be located. Hence this may be the reason why the 'appreciated' doctors were able to solve the difficult medical cases. Moreover, it has also been found that positive emotions, (like being appreciated) make people more helpful to others as it makes them feel good about themselves.

CATCH THE BOOMERANG -

Gratitude when expressed to others, almost always comes back around. People who feel appreciated are more willing to make an effort for those who make them feel valued.

In one study, waitresses who wrote 'Thank You' on the bill before handing it to their customers received, on an average, 11 percent more in tips than those who didn't. In today's world, where personal connections seem increasingly limited, small gestures of gratitude are valued.

So while it is important to Count your Blessings, it is also worthwhile to show your appreciation in any small way to someone who has had a role to play in making you feel uplifted or happier.

GRATITUDE NOTES-

So how do you start to show your appreciation? The answer is, start a 'Gratitude Journal'. It takes only a few minutes a day, but it requires dedication and an open, unbiased mind. It's not as difficult as it seems and can be developed into a habit. Here's how:

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS-

Take a moment during the day to jot down three things that happened during the day that brought a smile to your face or made you feel happy.
For each situation, write down why this was good for you.
Also, make a note of who, if anyone played a role in that situation.
Recall how that person had an impact in your life.

SEE THE PATTERNS -
If you keep updating your 'Gratitude journal', it won't be long before you notice a consistent pattern within the list of items you are grateful for. You will realise the importance of some people in your life and you will start valuing them without taking them for granted anymore. In fact it may prod you to acknowledge their positive impact and express it directly to them. Imagine their surprise and the resulting positive feelings, which in turn, will make them do anything for you more willingly and without hesitation.

Note: Excerpts taken from 'Thank you Power' by Deborah Norville .

GRATITUDE CAN MAKE YOU HEALTHIER, HAPPIER

2009-03-03T11:52:00.000+05:30

SCIENTIFIC STUDY ON THE EFFECTS OF GRATITUDE -
Robert Emmons, PhD, a California based professor of psychology has for long, been studying the role that GRATITUDE plays in the physical and emotional well-being of people. In the year 2003, along with another psychology professor, Michael McCullough, Emmons took three groups of volunteers and randomly assigned them to focus on one of three things -
* The first group concentrated on HASSLES only, everything that went wrong each week.
* The second group focused on things for which they felt GRATEFUL in their lives.
* The third group just recalled the EVERYDAY events without focusing particularly on either the bad or good.

The Results-
* The group that focused on Gratitude appeared happier. They complained less about negative physical symptoms like headaches, colds etc. and were more active. They had more joy and energy, felt more optimistic and were perceived as more helpful towards others.
* These positive effects were not observed in the other two groups.

Emmons was surprised with the results of this study, as it appeared that gratitude not only made people optimistic and happy, it seemed to make them more pro-social and more compassionate.

To confirm this, Emmons and McCullough took their study a step further. They rounded up college kids and divided them into two groups, one that focused only on Hassles the other that concentrated on their Blessings, on an everyday basis instead of every week. They were also asked to note down personal details like, how many alcoholic drinks they had, how many pain releivers they took, how much of sleep they got, how did they compare themselves with others, (whether they felt they were better or worse off) etc.

POSITIVE EFFECTS OF GRATITUDE-
The results yeilded a lot more information on the positive impact that a regular Gratitude check had on the overall well-being of the person. The study found that people who were conciously grateful:
* Felt better about their lives.
* Were more optimistic.
* Were more energetic.
* Were more enthusiastic.
* Were more joyful and happy.
* Were less depressive, envious and anxious.
* Were more likely to help others.
* Were less materialistic and more likely to part with possessions.
* Exercised more.
* Had fewer illnesses.
* Got more sleep.

Related studies have found that, when practised over a long period of time, there are other benfits as well, that can be linked to a grateful mindset.
* Clearer thinking.
* Better resilience.
* Higher immune response
* Less likely to be stressed.
* Longer life.
* Closer family ties.
* Greater religiousness.

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS-
This is a fairly comprehensive list of what most of us would wish for in our lives, and if it can be achieved by just 'Counting our Blessings', why not practise it and make it a habit. It definitely cannot cause harm!

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS | WORDS

2009-03-01T20:00:00.000+05:30

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

The words of this Hymn were written by Johnson Oatman, Jr., 1856-1922, and the music was composed by Edwin O. Excell, 1851-1921.

This hymn is my favourite from my book of hymnals and the one I most enjoy singing. Being a Christian and having studied in Christian schools and Colleges, I have heard these hymn innumerable times. It goes like this:

(Verse 1)
When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

(Refrain)
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done!

(Verse 2)
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

(Refrain)
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done!

(Verse 3)
When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

(Refrain)
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done!

(Verse 4)
So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be disheartened, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.

(Refrain)
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done!

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS | ORIGIN

2009-03-01T19:55:00.000+05:30

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
Ephesians 1:3

Count your Blessings -
This hymn certainly ranks as one of the most familiar in our hymnals. It is one of the songs that many of us first sang with gusto during our early Sunday School days, yet one that we still enjoy singing in our gospel type of services. It has been sung all over the world. One writer has stated, "Like a beam of sunlight it has brightened up the dark places of the earth." This hymn was written by Johnson Oatman Jr. and the music was composed by Edwin O. Excell.

Rev. Johnson Oatman Jr.1856-1922 -
Rev. Johnson Oatman, Jr., was one of the important and prolific gospel song writers of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. He was born near Medford, New Jersey, on April 21, 1856. As a child he became acquainted with the hymns of the church through the singing talents of his father. At the age of nineteen Oatman joined the Methodist Church and several years later was granted a license to preach in local Methodist congregations. Oatman was busily engaged throughout his life in a mercantile business and later as an administrator for a large insurance company in New Jersey. Though he wrote over 5,000 hymn texts, "Count Your Blessings" is generally considered to be Oatman's finest hymn. It first appeared in Songs for Young People, compiled and published by Edwin O. Excell in 1897.

Edwin O. Excell 1851-1921 -
The composer of the music, E. O. Excell, is a well-known name in early gospel hymnody. He was born in Stark County, Ohio, on December 13, 1851. At the age of twenty he became a singing teacher, traveling around the country establishing singing schools. For twenty years he was associated with Sam Jones, a well-known Southern revivalist. Excell was recognized as one of the finest song leaders of his day. In addition to writing and composing more than 2,000 gospel songs as well as publishing about fifty songbooks, he administered a successful music publishing business in Chicago. While assisting Gypsy Smith in an evangelistic campaign in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1921, he was suddenly stricken at the age of seventy and taken home to join the immortal heavenly chorus.