Welcome to my blog! For some time now I have had various ideas, thoughts and resources I have wanted to get out for wider discussion and dissemination. Well this is the start!
It’s by no means the final word and there will be much that is ‘in process’ thinking, but I would be delighted if you could join me in a dialogue with the issues. I would certainly not describe myself as the ‘guru’ with all the answers and offer the following quotes as inspiration for what I will be sharing. I don’t necessarily agree with everything these writers have said, but on these quotes I do agree with them;
“I am not a teacher: only a fellow traveller of whom you asked the way. I pointed the way – ahead of myself as well as you.”
– George Bernard Shaw“If I am able to see further than them, it only comes from being able to stand on their shoulders and not because of anything about me.”
– Isaac Newton“It is unwise to be too sure of one’s own wisdom. It is healthy to be reminded that the strongest might weaken and the weakest might err.”
– Mahatma Gandhi
Here is my plan. I am aiming to write a new post at least weekly. It will be around the areas of spirituality, leadership, mental health, cross cultural thoughts or just something from my life.
My overall purpose is to provide wisdom and insight into the complexities of 21st century life. Please do provide me with feedback, I want to hear what you think!! If you disagree with me or want to provide an alternative perspective, go for it! The important thing is to tell me what’s on your mind.
However, there are two guiding principles:
The first is that in comments and discussions we treat one another with honour and respect. Every individual is uniquely valuable and has a right to express their opinion so long as they do it in a way that is considerate and respectful. I have worked with people with learning disabilities for many years and one thing this has shown me is the importance of showing respect to everyone regardless of their abilities, opinions or beliefs.
The second guiding principle may be more challenging. This is that opinions and ideas are not all worthy of the same respect. Some ideas (such as that human beings are intrinsically valuable) can be respected more than others (such as the earth is flat or one race, religious group or social class is somehow superior to another). The problem is it can be very hard to separate our opinions and ideas from our personal identity or even our very selves. It is so easy to feel that if my view or idea is challenged then my identity is being challenged. Or to put it bluntly, it is very easy, consciously or subconsciously, to jump from saying ‘because you think my view or opinion is stupid’, to then assume ‘you think I am intrinsically stupid’.
Psychologists talk about how our default way of thinking is to make decisions for emotional reasons and then try to justify them logically. Our natural reaction, rather than reflecting on the message we hear and its implications, is then to shoot the messenger. Instead of being a shooting match, I hope this blog can be a forum to gently challenge and provide a platform for mutual learning and growth in a way that is respectful of others.
You can subscribe to my blog by clicking here.
Question: So, what do you think? What particular issues would you like to explore? You can leave a comment below.
Sounds like the website will be interesting to follow as you address different areas Sunil.
A subject idea I thought of is about supporting someone with anxiety and depression. Are there any suggestions on how best to do this?
Thank you for your question Tom. I will make this the subject of a future post. Suffice it to say at this stage it is vital to get the balance between unconditional love and support and sensitively and appropriately encouraging and challenging. That needs wisdom according to the person and circumstance. The other issue that comes to mind is deciding when is the time to get professional help. Great question we will explore in the near future!
Hello Sunil,
It has been my great pleasure to have had your friendship over the last twelve month’s. I believe god works in mysterious ways, and that people cross paths for a reason. I sincerely believe if our paths had not crossed when they did, I would not be here today typing this comment with a positive approach to life.
I would like to share some words I came across recently with all the members:
“Problems and Challenges are like washing machines. They twist us, spin us and knock us around; but in the end we come out cleaner, brighter and better than before.”
Thank you Dr.Sunil,
God bless, good luck and keep spreading the positive vibes, I’m sure it will help many people in the world.
Thank you for your kind words Sudhir. I pray and trust our friendship and this blog will be of great benefit to you in your spiritual journey. Kind regards Sunil
Hello Sunil, thanks for starting this blog and for your willingness to share your experience and wisdom. I hope that this blog will be like a candle in the dark for many who come across it. Looking forward to reading more of your posts. Keep them coming.
Many thanks for your encouragement Dale – I appreciate it! Kind regards Sunil
Hi Sunil, As a ccef student and a prayerful supporter of the Carswell family, I am really looking forward to reading your blog. Just thought you might like to know that some pages (eg. https://us5.campaign-archive2.com/?u=20ca43e202e81c848c07e9250&id=96e8a1c22b&e=e3daeeede2) are not displaying images properly on google chrome. All the best with your writing.
Thank you Katie for introducing yourself and for highlighting the image issue – I will see what we can do about it.
Kind regards
Sunil
Well done for starting this and I pray it will be followed by those who need to hear your words.
Many thanks Cathy! Appreciate it!
Hello Sunil, I am really looking forward to following and getting involved in the conversations on your blog. As someone who is continually striving to integrate my faith with my work and all other aspects of my life, I think this will be a great help and encouragement!
Thanks Liz – glad to have you on board!
Dear bro Karl at this point of your life and what you are facing whatever I say to you will not convince you you have to go to God’s word and read book of Job from the bible chapter 1-3 and then 38-42 it is in his word that you will find refuge even though you don’t want to go
“Think of me as a fellow patient in the same hospital who, having been admitted, a little earlier, could give some advice.” C. S. Lewis (A Severe Mercy)