A bunch of red roses, a box of chocolates from the Thorntons, a diamond studded pendant from the Goldsmiths, 21^st century requisites to nourish the intangibles of life. Yes, I am talking about love, harmony and good health. As February 14^th is not far away, I would want to mention some of my thoughts up here on iLand.

The developed nations are running to the rim of the cliff, ready to land on four legs at anytime in context to love and harmony!! Crime rate is rocketing like anything, a night out on a Friday is a frightening venture, in case you get mugged or threatened by thugs on your way back home.

Everyone is busy on the treadmill, running faster and faster to keep up with the bills (energy and water bills, weekend shopping) the same routine, “work, home, sleep” situation. No one has the time even to talk to the neighbours, in fact majority don’t even know who is living next door. Kids are often left on their own after school, as they get busy with their ps3’s or the internet before their parents get home after work. Weekends get busy with shopping and buying all the whatnots apart from food and clothing. Does a family exist? Ie; a family, often mentioned as the foundation to any society is getting weaker and weaker. In other words, consumerism is taking advance. Don’t we all realise this sudden change in our lives?? Why? The ethics of living has gone down to doldrums……moral conscience at its best!!!! No one has time for anyone, “leave me alone I’m busy situation”…….Communal harmony has lost its home….nowhere to be heard of…

But there are a few exceptions, for eg: The Scandinavian countries (Sweden, Denmark, Norway) levels of trust and communal harmony stands first compared to any other nations in the world. I guess it’s the maritime economy that makes the big difference. People are more relaxed and levels of trust are higher compared to market led economies (the rest of us!!).

 A few questions we all need to ask ourselves during this loving & giving season!!

Ladies: Do I need an expensive ornament to adore my neck?

Gents: Do I need to spend so much to prove my love?

Would you donate to charities such as Heart Foundations to help save thousands of heart patients who are counting their days?

Would you give up your seat on the bus/ train for a pregnant lady or would you pretend as if you are asleep?

Would you barge in first to grab a seat on the bus/ train or would you wait for the elderly/ disabled to get in first?

By jotting down these questions, I am just offering some food for thought for you and me. Something to work upon……I guess during this lovey-dovey season we all need to ask ourselves, do we need materialistic things to satisfy each other?