RAJEEV VERMA

राजीव वर्मा स्वरचित एवं प्रकाशित – 29 जनवरी -2025

अब किसी आईने पे भरोसा नहीं !

जो नहीं होता वो भी दिखा देते हैं लोग,
आईनों में ख़्वाब सजा देते हैं लोग !!

चुप रहो तो तन्हाई का इल्ज़ाम देते हैं लोग,
बोल दो तो चर्चा बना देते हैं लोग !!

न जाने क्या-क्या उम्मीद लगा लेते हैं लोग,
रिश्तों को बाज़ार बना देते हैं लोग !!

सच कहो तो दुश्मन समझ बैठते हैं लोग,
झूठ को सौ बार सजा देते हैं लोग !!

ग़म मिले तो कहते हैं लोग किस्मत थी ये,
ख़ुशी में क़िस्मत का लिखा देते हैं लोग !!

अब किसी आईने पे भरोसा नहीं !

अब किसी चेहरे पे ऐतबार क्या करें,
हमें हर सूरत नया दिखा देते हैं लोग !!

जो नहीं होता वो भी दिखा देते हैं लोग,
ख़्वाब शीशों में झूठ सजा देते हैं लोग !!

आईनों को सच बोलने की मिली सज़ा,
धूल का पर्दा उन पर चढ़ा देते हैं लोग !!

न जाने क्या-क्या उम्मीद लगा लेते हैं,
साथ चलकर भी दूरी बना देते हैं लोग !!

दिल का सौदे भी करने लगे इस शहर में,
दोस्ती का चोला पहना देते हैं लोग !!

अब किसी आईने पे भरोसा नहीं !

हमने चाहा था मोहब्बत से बात हो,
बेवजह हर जख़्म हरा देते हैं लोग !!

अपने मतलब से बदलते हैं हर अक्स,
परछाइयों को भी रंग चढ़ा देते हैं लोग !!

जो नहीं होता, वो भी दिखा देते हैं लोग,
बात छोटी हो तो उसे बढ़ा देते हैं लोग !!

ख़्वाब आंखों में किसी के सजा कर यूं,
राह में काँटे बिछा देते हैं लोग !!

न जाने क्या-क्या उम्मीद लगा लेते हैं,
हर अपने को भी पराया बना देते हैं लोग !!

अब किसी आईने पे भरोसा नहीं !

जो हक़ीक़त थी उसे अफ़साना कहकर,
सच के हर लफ्ज़ को झुठला देते हैं लोग !!

हमने चाहा था सुकून की छाँव मिले,
पर अंधेरों में ही छोड़ जाते हैं लोग !!

दिल की बातें समझे बिना ही अक्सर,
बेवजह फ़ासले बढ़ा देते हैं लोग !!

जो नहीं होता, वो भी दिखा देते हैं लोग,
हर हक़ीक़त को अफ़साना बना देते हैं लोग !!

आईनों में भी मिलती नहीं अब सच्चाई,
चेहरों पर नक़ाब चढ़ा देते हैं लोग !!

अब किसी आईने पे भरोसा नहीं !

न जाने क्या-क्या उम्मीद लगा लेते हैं,
बेरुख़ी को भी चाहत बना देते हैं लोग !!

जो लफ्ज़ बोले नहीं, वो सुना देते हैं लोग,
ख़ामोशी को भी शोर बना देते हैं लोग !!

रौशनी चाहें तो जला देते हैं अपने ही घर,
चिराग़ों को भी आंधी बना देते हैं लोग !!

हमने चाहा था सच की रौशनी में रहें,
पर साये तक से हमें डरा देते हैं लोग !!

जो नहीं होता, वो भी दिखा देते हैं लोग,
ज़ख़्म ताज़ा हो तो हँसा देते हैं लोग !!

अब किसी आईने पे भरोसा नहीं !

हमने चाहा था सहारा मिलेगा कभी,
डूबते देखा तो किनारा देते हैं लोग !!

न जाने क्या-क्या उम्मीद लगा लेते हैं,
बेबसी में भी इल्ज़ाम लगा देते हैं लोग !!

हम जो टूटे तो आवाज़ तक ना हुई,
अपनी बेरुख़ी को दुआ देते हैं लोग !!

दिल के हालात कोई समझता नहीं,
और फिर भी तसल्ली दिला देते हैं लोग !!

आँख भीगे तो कहते हैं मौसम बुरा,
अपनी बातों से बारिश बना देते हैं लोग !!

अब किसी आईने पे भरोसा नहीं !

इक चेहरे पर कई चेहरे लगा लेते हैं लोग,
जो नहीं होता, वो भी दिखा देते हैं लोग !!

सच की राहों पे चलना हुआ है मुश्किल,
झूठ को हर रोज़ सजा देते हैं लोग !!

दिल की बातें किताबों में बंद रह गईं,
बेवजह अफ़साने बना देते हैं लोग !!

अपनों के बीच भी तनहा सा लगता है,
हर अपने को अजनबी बना देते हैं लोग !!

हमने चाहा था कोई दर्द समझे मेरा,
ज़ख़्म को फिर से हरा देते हैं लोग !!

अब किसी आईने पे भरोसा नहीं !

आईनों में भी अब सच्चाई नहीं मिलती,
हर अक्स को नया रंग चढ़ा देते हैं लोग !!

इक चेहरे पर कई चेहरे लगा लेते हैं लोग,
जो नहीं होता, वो भी दिखा देते हैं लोग !!

बात होती है मोहब्बत की महफ़िलों में,
पर दिलों में दिवारें उठा लेते हैं लोग !!

हमने देखा है सच बोलने की क़ीमत,
अपनों को ही बेगाना बना देते हैं लोग !!

न जाने क्या चाहत की हदें होती हैं,
प्यार को भी सौदा बना देते हैं लोग !!

अब किसी आईने पे भरोसा नहीं !

हमने चाहा था दर्द कोई बाँट ले,
ज़ख़्म पर हंसकर नमक लगा देते हैं लोग !!

आईनों से भी अब डर सा लगता है,
हर अक्स को नया रूप दे देते हैं लोग !!

इक चेहरे पर कई चेहरे लगा लेते हैं लोग,
जो नहीं होता, वो भी दिखा देते हैं लोग !!

सच कहो तो तमाशा बना देते हैं,
झूठ को हर महफ़िल में सजा देते हैं लोग !!

अपनी आंखों के आँसू छुपा कर यहां,
दूसरों के ग़मों पर हँसा देते हैं लोग !!

अब किसी आईने पे भरोसा नहीं !

हमने चाहा था अपनापन मिलेगा कभी,
पर हर रिश्ते को सौदा बना देते हैं लोग !!

दिल के शीशे में दरारें न थीं पहले,
बेवफ़ाई की लहरें उठा देते हैं लोग !!

कभी काँटों को गुलाब बना देते हैं,
कभी फूलों को भी ज़हर चखा देते हैं लोग !!

अब किसी आईने पे भरोसा नहीं,
हर अक्स को नया रंग चढ़ा देते हैं लोग !!

अब किसी आईने पे भरोसा नहीं !!

Poem by Rajeev Verma, Published on 29-January-2025

People wear many faces over just one !
They even show what has never been done !!

Speak the truth, and they turn it to a play !
Yet lies are adorned in every display !!

Hiding their own tears deep inside !
They laugh at others’ sorrow with pride !!

I wished for love, a bond so true !
But they turned relations into deals anew !!

There were no cracks in my heart before !
Yet betrayal shattered it to the core !!

At times, they turn thorns into a rose !
And sometimes, even flowers taste like woes !!

Now I trust no mirror in sight !
For people paint reflections in a different light !!

What doesn’t exist, they make it appear !
They decorate dreams in mirrors, people do !!

If you stay silent, they blame it on solitude !
If you speak, they turn it into gossip, people do !!

Who knows what all expectations they have !
They turn relationships into a marketplace, people do !!

If you speak the truth, they consider you an enemy !
They reward lies a hundred times, people do !!

When sorrow comes, they say it was destiny !
In happiness, they write it as fate, people do !!

Now, whom should we trust in any face !
They show us something new every time, people do !!

राजीव वर्मा, स्वरचित एवं प्रकाशित 28-जनवरी-2025

चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला

पर हर गहराई में दर्द का मंज़र मिला।
चमकते हुए मोती हाथों में आए,
मगर इन आंखों को न तेरा ही हुनर मिला।

चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला

मुझे सब-कुछ मिला, पर तू न मिला।
खुशियों का कारवां सजा हर राह पर,
चाँदनी सी रातें थीं हर चाह पर।
मगर ये दिल तेरा इंतज़ार करता रहा,
हर सुबह मिली, पर तेरा सवेरा न मिला।

चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला

तेरे बिना बहारों ने भी रुलाया,
मौसम ने अपने रंग बदलकर दिखाया।
फूल खिले, मगर खुशबू अधूरी थी,
हर ग़ज़ल में तेरा नाम अधूरा लिखा पाया।

चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला

अब खामोशी से बातें करना सीखा है,
तेरे बिना ज़िंदगी को जीना सीखा है।
मिलते हैं सपने, पर अधूरे हर बार,
क्योंकि तकदीर से बस तेरा नाम छूटा है।

चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला

मगर उस समुंदर में भी तेरा किनारा न मिला।
तेरी आरज़ू में खुद को भुला बैठे,
चाहत के हर आईने को सजा बैठे।
सूरज की हर किरण ने तेरा नाम पुकारा,
पर वो शाम आई, जब हम ही खुद को मिटा बैठे।

चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला

दिल में थे अरमान सितारों को छूने के,
पर तकदीर ने आसमान से जुदा कर दिया।
तेरे ख़यालों में बसा था जो जहां हमारा,
उस जहां को भी अजनबी बना दिया।

चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला

तुझसे दूर होकर भी तेरा एहसास पाया,
हर साज़ पर तेरा नाम गुनगुनाया।
वो हवाएं भी अब सवाल करती हैं,
कि तेरा दर्द कैसे हर पल निभाया।

चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला

चाहत की तस्वीर अधूरी रह गई,
ख्वाबों की तकदीर अधूरी रह गई।
समुंदर मिला, उसकी गहराई भी मिली,
पर उस गहराई में तेरी तस्वीर अधूरी रह गई।

चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला

तू जहां है, वहां चांद भी रोशन होगा,
तेरे कदमों के नीचे हर गुलशन होगा।
मगर मेरे सफर में सिर्फ धुंध ही है,
तेरे बिना हर मंज़र बस एक उलझन होगा।

चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला

अब लिखता हूं ग़ज़ल, मगर बिना रूह के,
तेरी कमी जैसे साज बिना सुर के।
चाहतें समुंदर की थीं, वो भी मिल गया,
पर उसकी लहरों में तेरा नाम ही खो गया।

चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला

तेरे बिना हर मोड़ सूना-सूना लगा,
भीड़ में भी दिल को अकेला लगा।
चमकती हुई इन आंखों ने देखा जहां,
वहां भी तेरा चेहरा धुंधला-धुंधला लगा।

चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला

साँसें चल रही हैं, पर जीने का नाम नहीं,
खुशियां तो मिलीं, मगर उनका अंजाम नहीं।
हर रात तेरे ख्वाब में गुम हो जाती है,
सुबह होती है, पर तेरा कोई पैगाम नहीं।

चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला

फिजाओं से जब तेरी बातें की,
उन हवाओं में भी तेरा सुरूर था।
दिल ने हर धड़कन से तुझको पुकारा,
पर किस्मत का हमसे एक और दूर था।

चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला

चाहत ने हमें तोड़कर बना दिया,
तेरे इश्क ने दिल को सजा दिया।
हर जख्म हँसते हुए सह लिया हमने,
मगर तेरा नाम हर आंसू में बसा दिया।

चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला

अब आसमान से शिकवा करना छोड़ दिया,
हर टूटते तारे से मन्नत माँगना छोड़ दिया।
तेरा इंतजार मेरी आदत बन चुका है,
खुदा से तेरा सवाल करना छोड़ दिया।

चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला

ये जिंदगी भी अब एक फसाना लगती है,
तेरे बिना हर खुशी बेगाना लगती है।
मगर उस समुंदर में तेरा ठिकाना न मिला।

चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला,
मगर उस समुंदर में तेरा ठिकाना न मिला।

चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला

हर खुशी का सामान मुझे बेखबर मिला।
ख्वाब थे आसमान छूने के मेरे,
पर दिल को तन्हाई का सफर मिला।

चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला

मुझे सब-कुछ मिला, पर तू न मिला,
हर राह पर उजाला था, पर तू न मिला।
चमकती रौशनी में भी अंधेरा रहा,
तेरे बिना हर मंज़र अधूरा रहा।

चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला

खुशबू थी बहारों की, पर एहसास नहीं,
जिंदगी थी करीब, पर तू पास नहीं।
हर मुस्कान में दर्द का साया मिला,
तेरे बिना हर पल मुझे पराया मिला।

चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला

तेरी तलाश में भटकते रहे हम,
हर कदम पर खोते रहे हम।
समुंदर की लहरें भी पुकारती रहीं,
पर उस आवाज़ में तेरा नाम न मिला।

चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला

अब वक्त से गिला नहीं, शिकवा नहीं,
जिंदगी से कोई अरमान बचा नहीं।
चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला,
मगर उस समुंदर में तेरा किनारा न मिला।

चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला

हर कश्ती में मेरा ही मुकद्दर मिला।
बहाव संग बहा, पर किनारा न पाया,
तेरे बिना हर मंज़र बंजारा मिला।

चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला

मुझे सब-कुछ मिला, पर तू न मिला,
हर चाहत का जहां था, पर तू न मिला।
खुशियों की बारातें भी रास्तों में थीं,
मगर इस दिल को सुकून का जरिया न मिला।

चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला

लहरों की बातों में तेरा जिक्र हुआ,
हवाओं की सरगोशियों में तेरा जादू था।
हर तरफ तेरी ही मौजूदगी का गुमान था,
मगर मेरे हिस्से में खाली एक गुमसुम खामोशी का मुकाम था।

चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला

चमकते हुए मोती हाथों से फिसल गए,
सपने मेरे थे, मगर पूरे अधूरे निकल गए।
जिन गहराइयों में खुद को ढूंढा मैंने,
वहीं दर्द के खज़ाने छुपे हुए निकल गए।

चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला

अब चल पड़ा हूं बेनाम रास्तों पर,
जिंदगी कट रही है ठहरे हुए लम्हों पर।
चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला,
मगर उस समुंदर में तेरा किनारा न मिला।

चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला

गहराई मिली, पर सुकून न मिला।
लहरों की आवाज़ें भी तन्हा लगीं,
हर मंजर में दर्द का सफर मिला।

चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला

ख्वाबों के जहाज भी बहकते रहे,
हर कश्ती के पत्ते सिमटते रहे।
दूर तक था रोशनी का कारवां,
पर अंधेरों में तेरे निशां न मिले।

चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला

मुझे सब-कुछ मिला, पर तू न मिला,
हर जीत अधूरी थी, क्योंकि तू न मिला।
मुकद्दर ने हर बार हाथ थामा मेरा,
मगर तेरी कमी का एहसास न छूटा।

चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला

हर गुलशन से बहारों को चुरा लाया,
पर तेरी खुशबू कहीं न पाया।
सूरज की हर किरण तुझे पुकारती रही,
मगर उसकी रोशनी में तेरा सवेरा न आया।

चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला

तेरे बिना हर ग़ज़ल अधूरी लगी,
हर नगमा जैसे खामोशी में सिमटी लगी।
तस्वीरों में रंग भरे भी सही,
मगर तेरी मुस्कान कभी कहीं न दिखी।

चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला

अब मौसम बदलते हैं, मगर एहसास नहीं,
तेरे बिना जिंदगी का कोई वजूद नहीं।
चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला,
मगर उस समुंदर में तेरा किनारा न मिला।

चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला

रास्तों पर हर कदम तेरा नाम लिखा,
मगर उन राहों ने मुझे तन्हा ही रखा।
तेरी तलाश में हर सितारा गिराया मैंने,
मगर आसमान ने भी तेरा पता न दिया।

चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला

दिल की किताबों में सिर्फ तेरा नाम है,
आंसुओं की कहानी में बस तेरा पैगाम है।
जिंदगी तो मिली, पर उसका मतलब खो गया,
क्योंकि वो जो चाहिए था, वो कभी न मिला।

चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला

अब समुंदर की गहराइयों में डूब गया हूं,
तेरे बिना अपनी पहचान भूल गया हूं।
चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला,
मगर उस समुंदर में भी तेरा किनारा न मिला।

चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला

हर लहर में एक नया मंजर मिला।
चमकती थीं गहराइयां उम्मीदों की,
मगर उन गहराइयों में दर्द का सफर मिला।

चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला

मुझे सब-कुछ मिला, पर तू न मिला,
हर राह का मुकाम था, पर तू न मिला।
खुशियों के दीप जले हर मोड़ पर,
पर उन दीयों में तेरा उजाला न मिला।

चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला

सितारों ने राहें भी दिखाईं मुझे,
मगर तेरी तस्वीर कहीं न पाई मैंने।
हर झोंके में तेरी खुशबू ढूंढता रहा,
पर हवाओं से सिर्फ खामोशी पाई मैंने।

चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला

फूल खिले हर बगिया में, मगर रंग फीके थे,
तेरे बिना सारे मौसम अधूरे ही जी के थे।
चाँद भी हर रात पास आ बैठा,
मगर उसकी रोशनी में तेरा चेहरा न दिखा।

चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला

हर आंसू से कहानी बनती गई,
तेरी याद से ये ज़िंदगी सजती गई।
ख्वाबों के काफिले तो मिले हर तरफ,
पर उनमें तेरे साथ की तस्वीर अधूरी रही।

चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला

चाहत का दरिया बहा, पर किनारा खो गया,
हर चाहत ने मुझे खुद से ही जुदा कर दिया।
समुंदर की गहराइयों ने आवाज़ दी,
मगर उसमें भी तेरा नाम खो गया।

चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला

अब शब्दों में तुझसे बातें करता हूं,
तेरी यादों में अपनी रातें क़तरा-क़तरा जीता हूं।

चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला

मगर उस समुंदर में भी तेरा किनारा न मिला।

तेरे करीब आने का हर लम्हा सुलगता है,
हर सांस में तेरा नाम धड़कता है।
चाहत की लहरें जब मुझसे टकराती हैं,
तेरे बदन की खुशबू मदहोश कर जाती है।

चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला

हवा में तेरी गर्म आहट का एहसास है,
तेरी छुअन में जैसे आग का आकाश है।
तू जब करीब होता है, बदन कांप उठता है,
जज्बातों का समंदर दिल से लहर बनकर फूटता है।

चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला

तेरी उंगलियों का सफर मेरी त्वचा पर,
जैसे तपते रेगिस्तान पर बारिश का असर।
तेरी गर्म साँसें जब मेरे गालों को छूती हैं,
रग-रग में जैसे बिजली सी दौड़ती है।

चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला

तेरी आँखों का काजल भी कोई जादू सा है,
तेरी मुस्कान में एक खुमार सा है।
तेरे होंठ जब नाम पुकारते हैं मेरा,
जिंदगी का हर एहसास बेहोश सा है।

चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला

मुझे रोक न सकोगे तुम, अब पास आना है,
तेरे लबों से अपने हर राज़ को बताना है।
चाहतें दरिया की थीं, पर तू समुंदर है,
इस समुंदर की गहराई में डूब जाना है।

चाहतें दरिया की थीं, तो समुंदर मिला

Rajeev Verma Published on 25-January-2025

Someone is awake, let them awaken us too,
Let us also walk, bathed in light anew.
Dreams like lamps glowing in the sky,
Turning every desire into reality high.

The paths are dark, fear grips the heart,
Let the flames of courage play their part.
Let there be someone to fill us with might,
To show us the way through every fight.

The stream of time flows fast and deep,
But our spirit is unique, steadfast to keep.
Someone is awake, let them awaken us too,
Let us step forward with hope in view.

राजीव वर्मा स्वरचित एवं प्रकाशित 25- जनवरी – 2025

हम भी चलें, रौशनी में नहाएं।
सपनों के दीपक जलें आसमां में,
हर एक ख्वाब को हकीकत बनाए।
कोई तो है जागा, हमें भी जगाए।

राहें अंधेरी, दिलों में है डर,
साहस के चिरागों को कर दें उजागर।
कोई तो हो जो हौसला दिलाए,
हर मुश्किल में मंज़िल का पता बताए।
कोई तो है जागा, हमें भी जगाए।

वक्त की धारा है तेज़ बहुत,
लेकिन जज़्बा हमारा है सबसे अनूठा।
कोई तो है जागा, हमें भी जगाए,
हम भी उम्मीद की राह पर कदम बढ़ाएं।
कोई तो है जागा, हमें भी जगाए।

Rajeev Verma Published on 24-January-2025

Some bonds are priceless,

some are treasures divine,

Life’s gems, sparkling, in their shine.

Every heartbeat holds a hidden tale,

Close to the heart, where love prevails.

Some bonds bloom without a name,

Like dry trees flowering in a new trail.

Sometimes they define friendship, sometimes love

These bonds are blessings from above.

With them, every sorrow feels light,

Like barren lands touched by rain’s delight.

Joy’s colors brighten life through their way,

Some bonds are heaven’s gifts, they say.

Some treasures lie deep in the heart’s layers,

Unlocked by true emotions and prayers.

They fill life with music, love, and peace,

These priceless bonds, life’s sweetest release.

राजीव वर्मा,  24- जनवरी – 2025

कुछ रिश्ते अनमोल तो कुछ खजाने होते हैं
जीवन के ये मोती बड़े सुहाने होते हैं।
हर एक धड़कन में कुछ एहसास छुपे होते हैं,
दिल के करीब जो पास होते हैं।

कुछ रिश्ते बिना नाम के पनप जाते हैं,
जैसे कभी सूखे पेड़ पर फूल खिल जाते हैं।
वे कभी दोस्ती, कभी प्रेम की परिभाषा बनते हैं,
इनसे ही तो जीवन के मायने बदल जाते हैं।

संग उनके हर दर्द हल्का लगता है,
जैसे बंजर में बरखा का छलका लगता है।
खुशियों के रंग इनसे जीवन में आते हैं,
कुछ रिश्ते तो जन्नत से भी पाए जाते हैं।

कुछ खजाने होते हैं जो सच्चे भावों की बाहों में।
उनसे ही तो जीवन का संगीत आता है,
तो कुछ रिश्ते अनमोल प्रतीत होते हैं।

Rajeev Verma, 23-January-2025

You’ll pass through life, for you’ve learned the art,
But I can’t master living with a broken heart.
Every breath speaks only of your name,
Living without you is beyond my claim.

You left, but dreams still cradle your face,
Memories cling, refusing to give space.
You’ve learned to wear a smile and move on,
While I can’t even fake it until dawn.

They say time heals every wound,
But this heart sings an eternal tune.
Each day I try to forget you somehow,
Yet lying to myself—I don’t know how.

You’ll pass through life; that’s your truth to find,
But the light of my love still lingers behind.
Once lit by your presence, it still brightly burns,
Unyielding to darkness, as the world turns.

Rajeev Verma, 23-January-2025

We lose ourselves in trying to make you ours,
Dreaming endlessly, building heart’s towers.
Every heartbeat writes only your name,
Yet we fail to convince ourselves the same.

We lose ourselves in trying to forget you,
Struggling to erase paths that lead to you.
The shadow of your laughter stays by my side,
Tears fall silently, though emotions collide.

Your words echo through the air,
Like a melody that binds, beyond repair.
Every time we think we’ll move on,
Our steps falter, your memory’s too strong.

We lose ourselves to these emotions deep,
Bound by the promises our hearts keep.
Perhaps love is meant to feel this way,
A victory hidden in every defeat we display.

****❤️******❤️******❤️******❤️*****

राजीव वर्मा, देहरादून

गुजार ही लोगे जिंदगी,

मुझे तो यह फ़न भी नहीं आता,
तुम्हारे बिन जीने का सलीका,

मुझे जानना भी नहीं आता।
हर साँस में बस तुम्हारा नाम लिया है,
तुम्हारे बिन कोई लम्हा काटना भी नहीं आता।

तुम चले गए, पर ख्वाब अभी भी तेरा है,
दिल से तुम्हारी यादों का रिश्ता गहरा है।
मुस्कान ओढ़ कर जीना तुमने सीख लिया,
मुझे तो दर्द छुपाने का हुनर भी नहीं आता।

कहते हैं वक्त हर जख्म को भर देता है,
पर इस दिल का सच कोई क्या समझता है।
तुम्हें भुलाने की कोशिश हर दिन करता हूँ,
मगर खुद को धोखा देना मुझसे होता नहीं जाता।

गुजार ही लोगे जिंदगी, ये हक़ीक़त सही है,
पर मेरी चाहत का दीया अब भी वही है।
तुम्हारी एक झलक से जो रोशन हुआ था,
वो उजाला अब अंधेरों में ढलता नहीं जाता।

राजीव वर्मा,  23- जनवरी -2025

हार जाते हैं हम तुम्हें पाने में,
दिल के सपनों को बस सजाने में।
हर धड़कन में तेरा ही नाम लिखते हैं,
और फिर भी खुद को समझाने में।

हार जाते हैं हम तुम्हें भूल जाने में,
यादों की राहों को मिटाने में।
तेरी हँसी का साया साथ चलता है,
और अश्कों को चुप कराने में।

तेरी बातें हवा में गूंजती हैं,
जैसे कोई नगमा जो दिल में बुनती हैं।
हर बार सोचते हैं आगे बढ़ जाएंगे,
पर कदम रुकते हैं तुझे भुलाने में।

हार जाते हैं हम इन जज़्बातों से,
जो बंधते हैं तेरे ख्यालों की बातों से।
शायद प्यार ऐसा ही होता है,
हर हार में जीत का एहसास छुपा होता है।

Rajeev Verma Published on 19-January-2025

Symbiosexuality is a niche term within the broader realm of sexuality and relationships. The concept generally refers to a form of attraction or relationship dynamic based on interdependence and mutual benefit, much like symbiotic relationships in nature. Let’s explore this concept in more detail.

Defining Symbiosexuality

The term “symbiosexuality” combines the prefix symbio- (from “symbiosis”) and sexuality. Symbiosis refers to a close, often long-term interaction between two organisms of different species that benefits one or both parties. Translating this idea to human relationships, symbiosexuality emphasizes:

Mutualism: Both partners derive benefits, such as emotional, psychological, or practical support.

Dependency Dynamics: The relationship might involve a degree of dependency where each individual fulfills a specific role or need for the other.

Growth and Co-evolution: Partners support and influence each other’s personal development, akin to how symbiotic species evolve together.

Characteristics of Symbiosexual Relationships

1. Deep Emotional Connection: These relationships often involve an intense emotional bond rooted in shared values, goals, or mutual support systems.

2. Complementary Needs: Partners may have differing strengths and weaknesses that harmonize well, creating a balanced dynamic.

3. Purpose-Driven Attraction: Beyond physical or romantic attraction, the relationship centers around shared missions, such as personal growth, creative collaboration, or caregiving.

4. Long-Term Commitment: Symbiosexual relationships are often sustained over long periods due to the intertwined nature of the partners’ lives.

Examples in Practice

While symbiosexuality is not widely recognized in mainstream sexuality discussions, parallels can be drawn in certain contexts:

Codependent Relationships: Though sometimes unhealthy, these relationships highlight how two individuals can become intertwined through meeting each other’s needs.

Caregiving Dynamics: A partner may take on a nurturing role, supporting the other through illness, emotional struggles, or life challenges.

Creative Partnerships: Relationships where both individuals fuel each other’s creative or professional aspirations.

Potential Benefits

1. Enhanced Personal Growth: Partners can inspire and challenge each other to grow in meaningful ways.

2. Increased Resilience: A sense of mutual support can help both individuals navigate life’s challenges more effectively.

3. Deep Fulfillment: Symbiotic relationships often lead to a strong sense of purpose and belonging.

Challenges and Risks

1. Loss of Individuality: Over-reliance on a partner for emotional or practical needs can hinder personal independence.

2. Imbalance: If one partner becomes overly dependent, the relationship may become strained.

3. Blurred Boundaries: It’s crucial to maintain clear boundaries to ensure both partners’ needs are met equitably.

Cultural and Psychological Perspectives

1. Psychological Lens: Symbiosexuality can be seen as a natural extension of human social bonding, reflecting our innate need for connection and cooperation.

2. Cultural Contexts: In collectivist cultures, symbiotic dynamics might align with cultural norms emphasizing interdependence and family cohesion.

Conclusion

Symbiosexuality offers an intriguing framework for understanding relationships built on mutual interdependence and shared growth. While it can lead to deep fulfillment and purpose, it also requires careful navigation to avoid challenges like imbalance or loss of individuality. This concept invites us to reflect on how interdependent dynamics shape our emotional and relational lives.

राजीव वर्मा, स्वरचित एवं प्रकाशित 10- जनवरी-2025

नीलेश, तू जीवन का उजाला,
सपनों का तारा, दिलों का सहारा।
तेरी हर राह हो सुखद और सरल,
तेरे कदमों में हो सारा संसार।

सदा हंसते रहो, मुस्काते रहो,
जीवन की हर खुशी अपनाते रहो।

तेरे जीवन में हो सच्चाई का साथ,
ज्ञान का दीप जले दिन और रात।
संघर्ष में भी तू न घबराए,
तेरा साहस तुझे हर राह दिखाए।

सफलता तेरे संग, विजय तेरे संग,
तेरे नाम का हो सदा अभिमान।

तू बड़ों का आदर करे, छोटों को प्यार,
सद्गुणों से भर दे ये जीवन का द्वार।
तेरा हर दिन बने एक नई कहानी,
नीलेश, तेरा भविष्य हो सबसे सुहानी।

आशीर्वाद तुझे, प्रेम तुझे,
तेरी जिंदगी हो खुशहाल।

तेरे सिर पर माता-पिता का हाथ,
सदैव बना रहे तुझ पर ये साथ।
तेरी तरक्की से हो हमें गर्व,
नीलेश, तू चमके हर एक पर्व।

सदा हंसते रहो, मुस्काते रहो,
जीवन की हर खुशी अपनाते रहो।

राजीव वर्मा स्वरचित एवं प्रकाशित 9-जनवरी-2025

दिल की बातें कह दूं आज,
सपनों में बसती है तेरी आवाज़,
तेरे बिना अधूरी ये दुनिया,
संगीत से सजती मेरी हर ग़ज़ल।

आई लव यू ,
दिल से कह रहा हूँ ये वादा,
आई लव यू ,
तू ही है मेरा इरादा।

चमके जैसे तारा रातों में,
वैसे तू है मेरी यादों में,
तेरी हँसी से रोशन जहां,
संगीत बन गई मेरी दुआ।

आई लव यू ,
दिल से कह रहा हूँ ये वादा,
आई लव यू ,
तू ही है मेरा इरादा।

तेरे बिना अधूरी है मेरी दास्तां,
तुझसे जुड़े हैं ख्वाब और अरमां,
संगीता, मेरी जान, मेरा जहां,
तेरे बिना सब कुछ वीरां।

आई लव यू ,
सिर्फ तुझसे जुड़ी मेरी दुनिया,
आई लव यू संगीता,
तू है मेरी धड़कन का जादू।

Rajeev Verma Published on 8-January-2025

40 life “cheat codes” everyone should know.

1. Never think twice about investments in yourself.

2. When you think something nice about someone, let them know.

3. Put your alarm clock in the bathroom.

4. To improve at anything, do it 30 min per day for 30 straight days.

5. Hire a writer to document your parents’ stories.

6. Write 3 things you’re grateful for every night.

7. Go for a 15 minute walk every morning.

8. Pursue the larger luck surface area.

9. Tell your partner one thing you appreciate about them daily.

10. Do things you’ll be excited to tell your kids about.

11. Spend 15 minutes in the evening preparing for the next morning.

12. If someone tries to put down your accomplishments, cut them out.

13. Take yourself out for a meal alone monthly.

14. Swallow the frog for your boss early in your career.

15. If someone brags about their success, assume the reality is 50% of what they say.

16. When someone is going through hell, just say “I’m with you.”

17. Reread your favorite books annually.

18. Never delay difficult conversastions.

19. Do the “old fashioned” things well.

20. If you’re going to say yes because you think you’ll have more time in the future, say no instead.

21. Give people a second chance, but never a third.

22. If you want something, ask for it.

23. Never take advice from people on the sidelines.

24. Be bored for at least 15 minutes per day.

25. Learn one dance move you can reliably bust out when you get pushed into a dance circle at a wedding.

26. Invest in personalized stationery.

27. Use the 4-7-8 method to fall asleep fast.

28. Make decisions your 80-year-old and 10-year-old self would be proud of.

29. Do one hard thing daily when you could do it the easy way.

30. Spend more time doing things you never regret.

31. To break a bad habit, wear a rubber band on your wrist and snap it lightly on yourself each time you do the thing you’re trying to stop.

32. Ask someone what they’re working on that they’re most excited about.

33. If you’re about to take an emotion-induced action, wait 24 hours.

34. Be interested in everyone.

35. To start the day with energy, do my 5-5-5-30 morning routine right when you get out of bed.

36. Shop on the outer perimeter of the grocery store.

37. Treat your credit card like a debit card.

38. Create an automated monthly deposit into an investment account.

39. Carry a small notebook everywhere you go.

40. Have one thing in your life you’re bad at (but love).

Rajeev Verma Published on 8-January-2025

The 5-5-5-30 morning routine is a structured way to kickstart your day with focus and intention. It combines key elements of physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Here’s the breakdown:

1. 5 Minutes of Gratitude

Spend five minutes reflecting on things you’re grateful for. This sets a positive tone for the day and fosters a mindset of abundance and contentment.

2. 5 Minutes of Affirmations

Repeat affirmations that align with your goals and values. These can be phrases like, “I am capable,” “I am healthy,” or “I will achieve my goals.” This boosts confidence and motivation.

3. 5 Minutes of Visualization

Visualize your ideal day or your long-term goals. Picture yourself succeeding in your tasks or achieving milestones. This helps clarify your intentions and mentally prepare for the day.

4. 30 Minutes of Focused Work or Exercise

Dedicate 30 minutes to an activity that energizes you. This can be a workout to improve physical fitness or focused work on a key task to build momentum for the day.

This routine helps create a balanced start to your morning, integrating mindfulness, positivity, and productivity.

Rajeev Verma, 7th-January-2025

Mentoring is a powerful tool for personal and professional development when executed correctly. It requires commitment, communication, and mutual respect from both the mentor and mentee.

Mentoring is a professional or personal relationship where a more experienced individual (the mentor) provides guidance, advice, and support to a less experienced individual (the mentee). This relationship helps the mentee develop skills, gain knowledge, and achieve their goals in a structured and nurturing manner. It is widely used in personal development, education, career growth, and organizational success.

How to do correct mentoring?

Effective mentoring involves several key steps and principles:

1. Establish Clear Goals

* Define the purpose of the mentoring relationship.

* Set short-term and long-term goals for the mentee.

2. Build Trust and Rapport

* Create a safe and respectful environment for open communication.

* Show empathy and genuinely care about the mentee’s growth.

3. Active Listening

* Pay full attention to the mentee’s concerns and aspirations.

* Avoid judgment and provide constructive feedback.

4. Offer Guidance, Not Solutions

* Encourage the mentee to find their own solutions while guiding them.

* Share personal experiences when relevant but avoid imposing your ideas.

5. Provide Resources and Opportunities

* Suggest courses, books, or workshops for skill development.

* Introduce the mentee to helpful networks or professional connections.

6. Maintain Regular Communication

* Schedule consistent meetings or check-ins.

* Use feedback sessions to evaluate progress and refine goals.

7. Adapt and Be Flexible

* Adjust your mentoring style to suit the mentee’s needs.

* Be open to learning from the mentee as well.

Advantages of Mentoring

For the Mentee:

1. Personal Growth: Gains confidence and develops soft skills.

2. Professional Development: Learns technical skills and industry knowledge.

3. Networking Opportunities: Access to valuable connections.

4. Goal Clarity: Receives help in defining and achieving career or personal goals.

For the Mentor:

1. Satisfaction: Fulfillment from helping others grow.

2. Improved Leadership: Enhances coaching and communication skills.

3. Continuous Learning: Gains fresh perspectives and knowledge from the mentee.

For Organizations:

1. Enhanced Performance: Employees become more skilled and productive.

2. Retention: Employees are more likely to stay in companies with mentoring programs.

3. Improved Culture: Promotes collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

Disadvantages of Mentoring

For the Mentee:

1. Dependency: May rely too much on the mentor for decisions.

2. Mismatch: Poor alignment of goals or communication styles with the mentor.

3. Limited Perspectives: Mentor’s advice may be biased or outdated.

For the Mentor:

1. Time Commitment: Mentoring can be time-intensive.

2. Emotional Strain: Managing mentee’s expectations can be challenging.

3. Unproductive Relationship: Lack of engagement from the mentee can lead to frustration.

For Organizations:

1. Initial Costs: Setting up mentoring programs can be resource-intensive.

2. Inefficiency: If mentoring pairs are poorly matched, the program may fail.

Practicing mentoring involves a combination of developing interpersonal skills, gaining knowledge in your area of expertise, and actively engaging with mentees. Here are actionable steps to practice mentoring effectively:

1. Understand Your Role

* Be a guide, not a fixer. Focus on empowering the mentee to find solutions themselves.

* Balance offering advice with active listening and understanding their needs.

2. Develop Key Skills

* Active Listening: Pay full attention, ask clarifying questions, and acknowledge their feelings.

* Communication: Articulate your thoughts clearly and adapt your style to suit the mentee.

* Empathy: Understand and share the feelings of your mentee to build trust.

* Patience: Allow the mentee to grow and learn at their own pace.

3. Set Clear Goals

* Collaborate with the mentee to define objectives and expectations.

* Break down goals into manageable steps to track progress effectively.

4. Build Trust and Rapport

* Be approachable, non-judgmental, and consistent.

* Share relevant personal experiences to establish relatability.

5. Encourage Self-Reliance

* Ask open-ended questions to promote critical thinking and problem-solving.

* Resist the urge to provide all the answers—encourage exploration and learning.

6. Provide Constructive Feedback

* Be specific, actionable, and supportive in your feedback.

* Balance praise with suggestions for improvement to motivate the mentee.

7. Reflect and Improve

* Seek feedback from your mentee about your mentoring style and adjust as needed.

* Reflect on each session to identify areas for personal growth.

8. Be Consistent and Committed

* Regularly schedule sessions and show up prepared.

* Demonstrate a genuine investment in their success and well-being.

9. Leverage Resources

* Share books, articles, tools, or courses relevant to their goals.

* Connect them with other experts or networking opportunities if needed.

10. Practice Mentoring in Real Scenarios

* Volunteer in community organizations, professional networks, or educational programs.

* Offer informal mentoring to peers or juniors in your workplace or community.

Here’s a detailed list of resources, tools, and scripts to guide your personal growth mentoring sessions:

Resources for Mentors and Mentees

* Books

1. Atomic Habits by James Clear (building and sustaining habits).

2. The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey (personal leadership and growth).

3. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck (fostering a growth mindset).

4. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz (self-reflection and personal freedom).

* Podcasts

1. The Tim Ferriss Show (personal development strategies from experts).

2. The School of Greatness with Lewis Howes (mindset and growth stories).

3. The Mindset Mentor by Rob Dial (motivation and tools for growth).

* Apps and Tools

1. Habitica or Loop Habit Tracker – Habit tracking and motivation.

2. Notion or Evernote – Goal tracking, journaling, and session notes.

3. Calm or Headspace – Mindfulness and meditation tools.

* Articles and Videos

TED Talk: Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are by Amy Cuddy.

Blog: Zen Habits by Leo Babauta (simplicity and mindfulness).

Online courses: Personal development on Coursera or Udemy.

Tools for Mentoring

* Personality and Strength Assessments

1. MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator): Helps understand personality traits.

2. Gallup StrengthsFinder: Identifies strengths and talents.

3. Emotional Intelligence Quiz: Assess and develop EQ.

* Goal-Setting Frameworks

1. SMART Goals: Help mentees craft clear and achievable goals.

2. WOOP Method (Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan): For goal visualization and execution.

Reflection Journals

* Create prompts:

What went well this week?

What challenges did you face, and how did you respond?

What are three things you’re grateful for?

* Scripts for Mentoring Sessions

Opening a Session

1. Check-In:

“How have you been feeling since our last session?”

“What progress have you made on your goals?”

2. Goal Review:

“What specific goal or challenge would you like to focus on today?”

* Exploring Growth Areas

Use open-ended questions:

“What is currently holding you back?”

“If nothing was stopping you, what would you achieve?”

“What are the three biggest changes you’d like to make in your life?”

* Providing Feedback

1. Acknowledge effort:

“You’ve made great progress in [specific area].”

2. Constructive suggestions:

“One thing you might want to try is [specific suggestion].”

3. Empower:

“I believe you have the skills to handle this. What support do you need from me?”

* Closing a Session

1. Summarize:

“Today, we talked about [key points].”

2. Next steps:

“What specific actions will you take before our next session?”

3. Encourage:

“You’re on the right track. Keep going—I’m here to support you.”

Summarising, Mentoring is a powerful tool for personal and professional development when executed correctly. It requires commitment, communication, and mutual respect from both the mentor and mentee. By recognizing its advantages and mitigating its disadvantages, mentoring can lead to profound growth for individuals and organizations alike.

Rajeev Verma Published on 5-Dec.-2024

This article delves into how trauma can lead to overthinking, the psychological mechanisms behind it, and strategies for breaking free from the cycle.

Overthinking is a common mental habit where individuals ruminate excessively over events, decisions, or possibilities. While it can stem from a variety of factors, overthinking is often deeply tied to unresolved trauma.

What Is Overthinking ?

Overthinking involves repetitive thought patterns where a person fixates on problems, decisions, or the past. It often manifests in two forms:

1. Rumination: Dwelling on past events or mistakes.

2. Worrying: Excessive focus on potential future problems.

While occasional reflection is normal, overthinking becomes problematic when it hinders daily life, decision-making, and emotional well-being.

How Trauma Leads to Overthinking
Trauma disrupts the brain’s ability to regulate thoughts and emotions effectively. When faced with distressing events, the brain processes information differently, often prioritizing survival. This can result in heightened alertness and hypervigilance—key features of overthinking.

1. Hypervigilance as a Survival Mechanism: Trauma survivors often feel the need to anticipate danger to avoid being hurt again. Overthinking becomes a way to “predict” or control outcomes.

2. Fear of Making Mistakes: Trauma may instill a fear of repeating painful experiences. Survivors overanalyze decisions to ensure they don’t lead to regret or harm.

3. Inability to Process Emotions: Unresolved trauma can leave emotions like fear, guilt, or shame unprocessed. Overthinking serves as a distraction, preventing individuals from confronting these feelings.

4. Distorted Sense of Control: Overthinking creates an illusion of control, where analyzing every detail feels like a way to prevent further trauma. However, this often leads to mental exhaustion and increased anxiety.

Signs That Overthinking Is Trauma-Driven: Replaying Traumatic Events: Constantly revisiting details of the trauma, wondering if something different could have been done.

* Perfectionism: A need to control outcomes to avoid perceived dangers or failures.

* Self-Blame: Obsessing over past mistakes, even when they weren’t within your control.

* Difficulty Trusting Others: Overanalyzing people’s intentions, stemming from past betrayals or harm.

* Excessive Fear of the Future: Continuously worrying about worst-case scenarios.

The Psychological Impact of Trauma-Induced Overthinking

1. Increased Anxiety: Overthinking fuels anxiety by reinforcing fears and insecurities.

2. Depression: Persistent rumination can lead to feelings of helplessness and hopelessness.

3. Sleep Disruptions: Racing thoughts make it difficult to relax and fall asleep.

4. Impact on Relationships: Overthinking can create misunderstandings, as individuals may misinterpret or overanalyze interactions.

5. Burnout: Mental exhaustion from overthinking can leave individuals feeling drained and unmotivated.

Breaking Free from Overthinking

1. Understand Your Triggers:
Identify situations, people, or environments that lead to overthinking. Journaling can help uncover patterns.

2. Practice Mindfulness:
Mindfulness techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or grounding exercises can help redirect focus to the present moment.

3. Challenge Negative Thoughts:
Replace irrational fears with evidence-based reasoning. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is particularly effective in addressing overthinking.

4. Allow Yourself to Feel:
Avoiding emotions keeps trauma unresolved. Working with a therapist can help you process these feelings safely.

5. Set Boundaries for Thinking:
Allocate specific “worry time” each day, allowing yourself to think about concerns without letting them dominate your life.

6. Seek Professional Help:
Trauma-focused therapies like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) or somatic therapy can address the root cause of overthinking.

The Healing Journey

Overthinking as a trauma response is a way of coping with unresolved pain. While it may feel like a protective mechanism, it often perpetuates the cycle of anxiety and distress. Healing requires addressing the trauma that underlies these thought patterns and cultivating healthier coping mechanisms.

Recovery is not linear, and setbacks are part of the process. However, with patience, self-compassion, and professional support, it is possible to move beyond overthinking and regain a sense of peace and clarity.

Understanding the connection between overthinking and trauma is the first step toward healing. By recognizing its origins, individuals can take meaningful steps toward breaking free from the cycle and reclaiming their mental and emotional well-being.

Rajeev Verma Published on 11-November-2024

Fasting is the voluntary abstention from food, and sometimes drinks, for a specific period. It has been practiced for centuries, often for religious or cultural reasons, but in modern times, it has gained popularity due to its potential health benefits. Here’s a detailed look into how fasting works, its benefits, and the possible drawbacks.

Types of Fasting

1. Intermittent Fasting (IF):

16/8 Method: Fast for 16 hours and eat during an 8-hour window.

5:2 Diet: Eat normally for five days of the week, and on two days, reduce calorie intake to around 500-600 calories.

Eat-Stop-Eat: Involves a 24-hour fast once or twice a week.

Alternate Day Fasting: Alternate between eating normally and fasting every other day.

2. Water Fasting:

Involves consuming only water for a set period, typically 24 to 72 hours.

3. Extended Fasting:

Fasting that lasts for several days, ranging from 48 hours to up to a week or longer.

4. Religious Fasting:

Examples include Ramadan fasting, where individuals fast from dawn till sunset, and various fasting traditions in Christianity, Jainism and Hinduism.

Health Benefits of Fasting

1. Weight Loss and Fat Loss:

Caloric Restriction: Fasting reduces overall caloric intake, leading to weight loss.

Increased Fat Burning: During fasting, the body switches from burning glucose to burning fat as a fuel source (a process called Ketosis).

2. Improved Metabolic Health:

Insulin Sensitivity: Fasting can improve insulin sensitivity, which is beneficial for preventing or managing Type 2 diabetes.

Blood Sugar Control: Reduces blood sugar levels and helps stabilize insulin production.

3. Cellular Repair and Autophagy:

Fasting stimulates Autophagy, a process where the body removes damaged cells and regenerates new ones. This may have anti-aging benefits and lower the risk of cancer.

4. Improved Heart Health:

Fasting can reduce levels of Cholesterol, Triglycerides, and Inflammatory markers, which are linked to heart disease.

5. Mental Clarity and Brain Health:

Fasting enhances the production of Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), which supports cognitive function, memory, and overall brain health.

It may also reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

6. Hormonal Regulation:

Fasting helps in regulating Hormones like Human Growth Hormone (HGH), which is essential for fat loss and muscle growth.

7. Increased Longevity:

Some studies suggest that intermittent fasting could increase lifespan by improving metabolic function and promoting cellular health.

8. Reduced Inflammation:

Fasting can help reduce inflammation levels, which is a risk factor for many chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and autoimmune conditions.

Potential Disadvantages and Risks of Fasting

1. Nutrient Deficiencies:

Extended fasting or poorly planned intermittent fasting can lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes.

2. Muscle Loss:

Without adequate protein intake during fasting, the body may break down muscle for energy, particularly during prolonged fasts.

3. Fatigue and Low Energy:

Some individuals may experience fatigue, dizziness, and low energy, especially when first starting a fasting regimen. This is more common with water or extended fasting.

4. Increased Hunger and Overeating:

Fasting can sometimes lead to intense hunger and, in some cases, overeating during non-fasting periods, which can negate the benefits.

5. Hormonal Disruptions:

Fasting can impact hormones, particularly in women. Prolonged fasting or calorie restriction can lead to irregular menstrual cycles or fertility issues in women.

6. Social and Psychological Challenges:

Fasting can be difficult to maintain in social settings and may lead to feelings of isolation or stress around food. It can also trigger disordered eating patterns in individuals with a history of eating disorders.

7. Not Suitable for Everyone:

Fasting may not be safe for everyone, particularly for pregnant or breastfeeding women, individuals with eating disorders, or those with certain medical conditions like diabetes or heart disease.

How to Start Fasting Safely ?

1. Consult a Doctor:

Before beginning any fasting regimen, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional, especially if you have underlying medical conditions.

2. Start Slow

Begin with intermittent fasting and gradually increase the fasting window as your body adapts.

3. Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, which is especially important during longer fasts.

4. Listen to Your Body

If you experience dizziness, severe fatigue, or other health issues, it’s important to break the fast and re-evaluate your approach.

5. Focus on Nutrient-Dense Foods

During eating periods, consume balanced meals rich in fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, proteins, and whole grains to ensure your body gets the nutrients it needs.

Concluding, Fasting offers a range of potential health benefits, from weight loss to improved mental clarity and longevity. However, it’s important to approach fasting thoughtfully, with an understanding of your own health needs and limits. While many people benefit from fasting, it’s not suitable for everyone, and there are risks if it’s not done properly. For those interested, starting with intermittent fasting and maintaining a balanced, nutritious diet during eating windows is a practical and safe way to explore the benefits.

Rajeev Verma Published on 6-November-2024

Overthinking is a mental process that involves analyzing, rethinking, and dwelling on situations or problems longer than necessary. It can take many forms, including obsessing over past mistakes, worrying about future scenarios, or getting caught up in hypothetical situations. While often viewed negatively, overthinking has both advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these aspects can help us navigate our thoughts and make better decisions in life.

Causes of Overthinking

1. Anxiety and Stress: People prone to anxiety or stress are more likely to overthink. When situations feel out of control, they may seek comfort in analyzing every possible outcome.

2. Perfectionism: Perfectionists often overthink because they want every decision or action to be flawless. This mindset can make it difficult to act without first considering every detail.

3. Lack of Confidence: Individuals who lack self-confidence may overthink their choices and actions, constantly second-guessing themselves and fearing judgment or failure.

4. Fear of Failure: Many people overthink because they want to avoid mistakes at all costs. This fear can lead them to consider every possible outcome, hoping to prevent any negative result.

5. Need for Control: Some individuals feel a strong need to control every aspect of their lives, which can lead to excessive analysis as they attempt to foresee and manage every outcome.

Advantages of Overthinking

While overthinking is often seen as a negative trait, it can have certain benefits when managed effectively:

1. Improved Problem Solving: Overthinkers tend to examine problems from multiple angles, which can lead to a deeper understanding of the issue. This analysis can help them develop more effective and well-thought-out solutions.

2. Attention to Detail: People who overthink often have a strong attention to detail, which can be advantageous in fields that require precision and thoroughness, such as science, engineering, and art.

3. Preparation for Multiple Scenarios: Overthinkers are often prepared for various outcomes. By considering multiple possibilities, they may be better equipped to handle unexpected events or changes.

4. Risk Reduction: Overthinking can lead to a more cautious approach, which might help in avoiding unnecessary risks. People who overthink tend to analyze potential risks before taking action, which can be beneficial in certain situations.

5. Empathy and Understanding: Overthinkers are often more introspective and empathetic, as they spend a lot of time considering how their actions might impact others. This can lead to stronger relationships and a deeper understanding of other people’s perspectives.

Disadvantages of Overthinking
Despite its potential advantages, overthinking has several downsides that can hinder a person’s mental health, productivity, and overall well-being:

1. Increased Stress and Anxiety: Constantly analyzing and worrying about every detail can increase stress and anxiety levels. This mental burden can lead to chronic anxiety, which can affect physical and mental health.

2. Decision Paralysis: Overthinkers may become so bogged down in analyzing options that they struggle to make decisions. This phenomenon, known as decision paralysis, can cause missed opportunities and lead to regret.

3. Reduced Productivity: Overthinking consumes time and mental energy, which can negatively impact productivity. Tasks may take longer than necessary, and important projects can suffer due to constant second-guessing.

4. Negative Thought Patterns: Overthinking often leads to rumination, where people repeatedly dwell on negative thoughts. This can worsen mental health issues such as depression, as the focus remains on the past or hypothetical situations rather than constructive action.

5. Impact on Relationships: Overthinking can cause people to misinterpret situations, leading to misunderstandings in relationships. Constantly analyzing a partner’s words or actions can create tension and mistrust.

6. Loss of Creativity and Flexibility: When overthinkers focus too heavily on rules, outcomes, or hypothetical situations, they can lose sight of creativity and adaptability. This rigid thinking can make it difficult to embrace new ideas or explore innovative solutions.

Managing Overthinking:

While overthinking has its pros and cons, there are ways to manage it and prevent it from becoming a hindrance. Here are some effective strategies:

1. Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness encourages individuals to focus on the present moment, reducing the tendency to dwell on the past or worry about the future. Techniques such as meditation and breathing exercises can be helpful.

2. Set Time Limits for Decision-Making: Allow yourself a specific time to make decisions, and try to stick to it. Limiting the amount of time spent on analysis can prevent decision paralysis.

3. Challenge Negative Thoughts: When negative thoughts arise, try to challenge them with positive alternatives. Recognize patterns of negativity and consciously replace them with constructive thoughts.

4. Focus on What You Can Control: Overthinking often involves worrying about things beyond your control. Shifting your focus to aspects within your control can help alleviate anxiety and reduce excessive thinking.

5. Seek Support: Talking to someone you trust, such as a friend, family member, or therapist, can help you gain perspective and identify solutions that you may have overlooked on your own.

6. Engage in Hobbies and Physical Activities: Redirecting your energy toward hobbies, physical exercise, or creative pursuits can help relieve stress and take your mind off excessive thinking.

Concluding, Overthinking is a double-edged sword. While it can foster attention to detail, risk reduction, and empathy, it can also lead to stress, indecisiveness, and negative thought patterns.

Learning to recognize and manage overthinking can allow individuals to leverage its benefits while minimizing its drawbacks. By cultivating mindfulness, setting time limits, and focusing on positive thinking, overthinkers can channel their analytical tendencies in ways that enhance rather than inhibit their well-being.