John Harricharan

Often, it seems, we come upon a problem that takes all our strength to even begin to figure how to solve it. As time goes on, it appears that every problem we encounter becomes more difficult than the previous one. How can we proceed when it appears that the world is crashing all around?

What choices do we make? Where do we go for help? How do we cope? What road do we choose? Obviously, Yogi Berra's statement, "When you come to a fork in the road, take it" does not bring us great comfort at such times.

Some of us analyze the facts and study the intricacies of the problem. This is good, but analysis is not always enough. Then again, we may not and cannot know all the facts. Analysis alone may lead to the "paralysis of analysis." And facts may not be facts after all. Many of them may just be opinions.

As many times as I've changed residences, moved from one state to another, even moved from country to country, I've been filled with a mixture of apprehension and excitement.

For many of us, just moving from day to day, month to month or year to year creates a similar anxiety or a subtle excitement. It doesn't matter whether we move in time or we move in space, there is one constant -- change.

I first met Cindy during my second year of college. It was in the cafeteria where she bumped into me. Yes, she literally bumped into me and her food tray went crashing into everything. I heard her mutter under her breath, "What an idiot!"

"Pardon me," I replied, not knowing what else to say, but definitely feeling that it was not my fault.

Within each and every one of us is an inherent guidance system. We are not thrown helplessly into a seemingly cold and cruel world without the necessary tools for taking care of ourselves. Yet, most people go through an entire lifetime never realizing the power they have at their command. This power is not the exclusive province of gurus, avatars or saints, but is available to all people as their cosmic birthright.

When I was much younger, I thought that education would be the answer to all my problems, so I went about obtaining degrees. I collected a good number of them including a summa cum laude degree in chemistry and mathematics, and an MBA among others. But I found that my education, even though it helped tremendously, did not bring real satisfaction. So I framed the certificates and diplomas under glass, hung them in the bathroom and wrote, "Break in Case of Emergency."