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Realize Your Self
Its March, close of financial
year and performance appraisal time. Everyone is working overnight
everywhere in corporate world to do his or her best for that
good appraisal from his senior and yearly raise
My Managing Director called me today morning and said on intercom, "Anand,
can you please come in and meet me immediately" His tone
revealed nothing but for me the 20 steps to his office seemed
the longest I have ever walked.
I get the butterflies in my stomach wondering what I did wrong
for MD to call me first thing in the morning. With anxiety
writ large on my face when I walked in, he gave me a good handshake
and handed over a letter elevating me to the position General
Manager.
It took me sometime to realize that I have been promoted.
As my Boss elucidates on my performance and seeing results
in past few months, which are very good, I could only but think
the change in my work style and performance is all on account
of one truth - PARAGLIDING.
The first thing I remember saying to my- self is
"Thank you , Avi" . "Thank you Tanaji"
Avi my Friend, Philosopher and Guide happens to be chief instructor
of Temple Pilots.
I never knew paragliding could be so spiritual, healing and
challenging for individuals who are caught up in their workplace.
As a manager in Senior position in a company, for me human
relations and thinking thru problems have to be the utmost
skill to extract the best out of people.
As I sit back and today reflect on past one year, from my
very first solo in April 2003 to extended soaring in Feb 2004,
it has made me realise how positive and enthusiastic paragliding
has made me.
With Avi my instructor understanding my fears and trepidation
and taking me thru the paces with good instructions and dedicated
interest to make me a club pilot, I get a bonus of becoming
a better person, excellence in human relations and go - getter.
My colleagues in office have often remarked on Monday mornings
after a weekend of flying how much younger I look (you would
if you climb Shellar a few times),. They have often remarked
where I get the pep in my stride and strongly believed I am
romancing someone during weekend. I have often replied my love
is with ARIEA, her ASPECT is Medium (they never understood
it is the wing I am flying).
Paragliding I believe is all about anticipation and feel for
your glider. The initial flew flights is all about inflation,
co-ordinated turns and getting comfortable in air. The real
fun begins when you start understanding on your own why weight
shifts and not too much brake are important for extended soaring
flights and go for spot landings. You also learn about weather
and start respecting Mother Nature in her entirety.
Each and every flight makes you realise that if you can do
this in air you can do it in your life anywhere. I guess flying
and taking your own decision in air has finally helped me perform
better at my work place.
Ridge soaring is just the beginning. Thermalling and cross
-country is yet to come, What fun!
Somewhere between doing Wingovers, Big Ears, Top landing on
Tower Hill you realise your self, which is
what as humans we have to strive for.
So all you corporate dudes if you want a promotion and raise
in your pay check go to Temple Pilots. Flying during weekends
will teach you to take good decisions and give you adrenaline
rush which is far better than a whisky and soda at weekends - S
Ananda Krishnan
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