Even if we live to be 100 years old, our entire lifetime is just a blink of an eye compared to Earth's 4.5 billion years of existence. Why waste our precious time hating our fellow travellers?
The increasing animosity in our society is crushing my spirit and suffocating my joy. I know that I shouldn’t allow it to do that to me. I decided that I needed to at least try to make a difference. I had given up on social media several years ago because the negativity was pulling me under. I have found that Substack is different—that people can write simply to share what lives in their hearts and support one another. I love that sense of community and I want to use it to spread kindness and joy. I want to lift people up. I want to tell them that they matter and that our differences are what make us special; that they’re something to be proud of, not ashamed. They’re something to celebrate! We can gain so much wisdom from hearing one another’s stories if we stop arguing and start trying to see things from other perspectives. I’m going through a rocky journey that I won’t get into right now and have been pretty down but I am finding that in spite of this pain, I still have love and light in my heart that can’t be extinguished and when I share that light with individuals, I can feel joy, myself. There is something so pure and profound about it. I know in my soul that this is how we are meant to live. If more of us could spread our messages of unity, love and joy, we could still turn the ship around.
That said, there’s still a level of darkness in my heart toward people who are spreading hate and division. I’m trying to change my own frame of mind in that regard; to hate the hatred but love the person but for a couple of individuals in the media, I have so much anger, that it’s been especially difficult for me to shake this darkness, yet I know it’s imperative that I do. I don’t want to keep getting sucked into politics on here but I keep finding myself drawn to it and that may be a big part of my problem. Perhaps there are certain situations that have become too complex to try and remedy with words alone. I can see how dancing can be utilized as a vehicle to crash through that “language” barrier. I’ve been on here for less than a month but every post of yours that I have seen has made me smile before I’ve even read the coinciding note. I didn’t even know anything about you and your expression brought me joy. I can see how experiencing that with a group would be incredibly impactful and life changing. I think these celebrations should happen all over the world. I’d love to experience it at least once in my short stay here on earth! Keep sharing your light! Keep dancing. Keep smiling. Keep spreading joy. Keep inspiring all of us to be better and kinder humans! What you’re doing is beautiful and it’s important!
Dear Tirzah, thank you so much for writing such a long and meaningful feedback. I appreciate it very much. I agree that there is lots of hate in our society and it can easily discourage many people. Negativity shuts us down and makes us private people. It creates barriers and walls. I am glad that you say dancing can be very helpful, and yes, it indeed is. Thanks for appreciating my work. Thank you so much.
Thank you, Gurdeep, for sharing your reflections on the fleeting nature of human life and reminding us to nurture strong and meaningful connections, despite the negativity around us. The world would truly be a beautiful place if we all embraced the understanding that we’re on a temporary journey and should make the most of it.
I absolutely loved the video…seeing those little angels dancing their hearts out alongside the seniors was pure joy.
Thank you Gurdeep for your wisdom it is an island of sanctuary in times of stormy weather and unforeseen darkness in our world today.
Often our individual beliefs whether they be politically or religiously motivated are hiding our own human fears and our own feelings of inadequacy around who we are as individuals.
We as people want to feel that we have some type of control in a world where all of us seem to be at the mercy of others who seem to have all the control over us. Wars, hatred, deception and people holding on to their own beliefs in spite of understanding seem to be the only power that exists for people to have faith in.
Our fears hold us back from the true purpose of our own journey and our enlightenment, the reason for our existence surely is not to be separated from each other because of man’s constructs, rather we must look for our power inside of ourselves which in turn will release us all from the downward spiral of uncertainty and fear. Our own feelings of unworthiness will fool us to believe that someone must be blamed for our situation hence never truly looking inwardly for the power that we all possess for our own joy and happiness that lies in wait for us all to discover and enjoy.
Thank you, Nick, for your insightful thoughts. I completely agree with your perspective, especially when you say that our fears hold us back from the true purpose of our journey and enlightenment.
Thank you, Gurdeep, for this beautiful piece! I have stage IV cancer and feel your message so acutely. But all of us are certain to die, and this should be our default no matter how far away that death might be. Much love to you in the Yukon from the Salt Lake valley! ❤️
Dear Tawni, thank you for your note from the Salt Lake Valley. I'm sending you much love and warmest wishes for your healing journey. I hope you make a complete recovery. ❤️🩹
Hello Gurdeep, I want to thank you for working so hard to share joy and connection. It's particularly relevant for me and my family at the moment because my mum was just diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. I know that if I feel down or hopeless I can watch one of your videos and I will instantly feel better
I'm so sorry to hear about your mom, Barbara. I'm honoured that my videos bring you some comfort during this time. Thank you for sharing with me. Sending love!
Thank you for the reminder that divisions are man made. As a speech therapist in education I've seen the negatives of categorizing people by disabilities rather than a strengths based lens. When labels are created assumptions are fueled and stereotypes + generalizations take hold. Focusing on our shared humanity we can bring more light to our short journey. Peace Gurdeep. Thanks for having eyes to see the human spirit.
Thank you, Kari, for sharing your thoughts. I totally agree that when labels are created, assumptions are fueled and stereotypes and generalizations take hold. You said it very well—focusing on our shared humanity is the way to go.
Cheering you on Gurdeep as you dance Bhangra in my Native Country with joy and exhilaration the humanity it generates consoles my homesickness for 🇨🇦 & compassion.
I am so glad I subscribed to your newsletter! Especially in these difficult times your messages of positivity & joy are so important & your dancing always makes me happy! Thank you!🤗💖
Truly wonderful posting my friend. Providing eldercare to my blind, almost 96 year old, special mom provides an opportunity to put these words into daily action. We may not do the Bhangra each day but we try to make a positive difference in each other's lives.
Thank you so much, my friend, for your kind words! I hope your wonderful mom is doing well, and that you're thriving as you provide her support. It's heartwarming to see how you both make such a positive difference in each other's lives.
Thank you for offering this wonderful perspective!! Three of my friends lost relatives this week . . . and this article gives me an opportunity to pause and reflect on the fleeting nature of human life!
Wonderful message. When my children first chose to be estranged, I had a hard time swallowing the squandering of love and kindness that they chose. Still I can pass it on to those I am in contact with, whether it is brief or long term. Thank you for the warm message.
I spend limited time on Facebook and built an account on Bluesky.social because I noticed that the anger and negativity I was reading was making me angry and resentful...for no reason.. And as luck would have it, one of Gurdeep's posts popped in via Feeds and I knew this would be a place where I could find some quiet and peace when needed. Such an uplifting change. I might just take a road trip to the Yukon this summer to thank him in person. I really like Canada (I proposed to my wife there). I think I'll make the time to do it.
Hi Gurdeep!
If I could heart this a million times, I would.
The increasing animosity in our society is crushing my spirit and suffocating my joy. I know that I shouldn’t allow it to do that to me. I decided that I needed to at least try to make a difference. I had given up on social media several years ago because the negativity was pulling me under. I have found that Substack is different—that people can write simply to share what lives in their hearts and support one another. I love that sense of community and I want to use it to spread kindness and joy. I want to lift people up. I want to tell them that they matter and that our differences are what make us special; that they’re something to be proud of, not ashamed. They’re something to celebrate! We can gain so much wisdom from hearing one another’s stories if we stop arguing and start trying to see things from other perspectives. I’m going through a rocky journey that I won’t get into right now and have been pretty down but I am finding that in spite of this pain, I still have love and light in my heart that can’t be extinguished and when I share that light with individuals, I can feel joy, myself. There is something so pure and profound about it. I know in my soul that this is how we are meant to live. If more of us could spread our messages of unity, love and joy, we could still turn the ship around.
That said, there’s still a level of darkness in my heart toward people who are spreading hate and division. I’m trying to change my own frame of mind in that regard; to hate the hatred but love the person but for a couple of individuals in the media, I have so much anger, that it’s been especially difficult for me to shake this darkness, yet I know it’s imperative that I do. I don’t want to keep getting sucked into politics on here but I keep finding myself drawn to it and that may be a big part of my problem. Perhaps there are certain situations that have become too complex to try and remedy with words alone. I can see how dancing can be utilized as a vehicle to crash through that “language” barrier. I’ve been on here for less than a month but every post of yours that I have seen has made me smile before I’ve even read the coinciding note. I didn’t even know anything about you and your expression brought me joy. I can see how experiencing that with a group would be incredibly impactful and life changing. I think these celebrations should happen all over the world. I’d love to experience it at least once in my short stay here on earth! Keep sharing your light! Keep dancing. Keep smiling. Keep spreading joy. Keep inspiring all of us to be better and kinder humans! What you’re doing is beautiful and it’s important!
Much love!
-Tirzah
Dear Tirzah, thank you so much for writing such a long and meaningful feedback. I appreciate it very much. I agree that there is lots of hate in our society and it can easily discourage many people. Negativity shuts us down and makes us private people. It creates barriers and walls. I am glad that you say dancing can be very helpful, and yes, it indeed is. Thanks for appreciating my work. Thank you so much.
You are most welcome! Thank you for always putting a smile on my face and lifting my spirits!
Thank you, Gurdeep, for sharing your reflections on the fleeting nature of human life and reminding us to nurture strong and meaningful connections, despite the negativity around us. The world would truly be a beautiful place if we all embraced the understanding that we’re on a temporary journey and should make the most of it.
I absolutely loved the video…seeing those little angels dancing their hearts out alongside the seniors was pure joy.
Keep sharing your wisdom—much love to you! 🙏🏽💝
Thank you, Manu, for adding your wise thoughts! Greatly appreciated.
Thank you Gurdeep for your wisdom it is an island of sanctuary in times of stormy weather and unforeseen darkness in our world today.
Often our individual beliefs whether they be politically or religiously motivated are hiding our own human fears and our own feelings of inadequacy around who we are as individuals.
We as people want to feel that we have some type of control in a world where all of us seem to be at the mercy of others who seem to have all the control over us. Wars, hatred, deception and people holding on to their own beliefs in spite of understanding seem to be the only power that exists for people to have faith in.
Our fears hold us back from the true purpose of our own journey and our enlightenment, the reason for our existence surely is not to be separated from each other because of man’s constructs, rather we must look for our power inside of ourselves which in turn will release us all from the downward spiral of uncertainty and fear. Our own feelings of unworthiness will fool us to believe that someone must be blamed for our situation hence never truly looking inwardly for the power that we all possess for our own joy and happiness that lies in wait for us all to discover and enjoy.
Thank you, Nick, for your insightful thoughts. I completely agree with your perspective, especially when you say that our fears hold us back from the true purpose of our journey and enlightenment.
Thank you, Gurdeep, for this beautiful piece! I have stage IV cancer and feel your message so acutely. But all of us are certain to die, and this should be our default no matter how far away that death might be. Much love to you in the Yukon from the Salt Lake valley! ❤️
Dear Tawni, thank you for your note from the Salt Lake Valley. I'm sending you much love and warmest wishes for your healing journey. I hope you make a complete recovery. ❤️🩹
Your kind, thought provoking posts and dancing always make me smile! Thank you 🙏 😊
Thanks, Hardy, for your feedback!
Hello Gurdeep, I want to thank you for working so hard to share joy and connection. It's particularly relevant for me and my family at the moment because my mum was just diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. I know that if I feel down or hopeless I can watch one of your videos and I will instantly feel better
I'm so sorry to hear about your mom, Barbara. I'm honoured that my videos bring you some comfort during this time. Thank you for sharing with me. Sending love!
Thank you for the reminder that divisions are man made. As a speech therapist in education I've seen the negatives of categorizing people by disabilities rather than a strengths based lens. When labels are created assumptions are fueled and stereotypes + generalizations take hold. Focusing on our shared humanity we can bring more light to our short journey. Peace Gurdeep. Thanks for having eyes to see the human spirit.
Thank you, Kari, for sharing your thoughts. I totally agree that when labels are created, assumptions are fueled and stereotypes and generalizations take hold. You said it very well—focusing on our shared humanity is the way to go.
Cheering you on Gurdeep as you dance Bhangra in my Native Country with joy and exhilaration the humanity it generates consoles my homesickness for 🇨🇦 & compassion.
Thank you for your cheering, Cathy. I hope wherever you live, you find peace and joy. Much love.
Your picture clearly shows your vibrant and wonderful philosophy against a rather bleak looking world.
Thanks, John, for your kind words!
I am so glad I subscribed to your newsletter! Especially in these difficult times your messages of positivity & joy are so important & your dancing always makes me happy! Thank you!🤗💖
Thank you, Claire, for subscribing to my newsletter and sharing your wonderful thoughts! Much appreciated.
Truly wonderful posting my friend. Providing eldercare to my blind, almost 96 year old, special mom provides an opportunity to put these words into daily action. We may not do the Bhangra each day but we try to make a positive difference in each other's lives.
Thank you so much, my friend, for your kind words! I hope your wonderful mom is doing well, and that you're thriving as you provide her support. It's heartwarming to see how you both make such a positive difference in each other's lives.
Thanks very much, Gurdeep, for this insight. Always good to hear from you and keep up with your joyful dances and messages. Best wishes from Bob & Ika
Dear Ika, I am so delighted to read your words. I hope you and Bob are doing well. Much love! I miss all of you.
Thank you for offering this wonderful perspective!! Three of my friends lost relatives this week . . . and this article gives me an opportunity to pause and reflect on the fleeting nature of human life!
Thank you, Susan, for your words! I am sorry for your loss. Sending much love!
None were personal losses . . . and knowing them and their situation makes me more aware of the transient nature of life!
Wonderful message. When my children first chose to be estranged, I had a hard time swallowing the squandering of love and kindness that they chose. Still I can pass it on to those I am in contact with, whether it is brief or long term. Thank you for the warm message.
I spend limited time on Facebook and built an account on Bluesky.social because I noticed that the anger and negativity I was reading was making me angry and resentful...for no reason.. And as luck would have it, one of Gurdeep's posts popped in via Feeds and I knew this would be a place where I could find some quiet and peace when needed. Such an uplifting change. I might just take a road trip to the Yukon this summer to thank him in person. I really like Canada (I proposed to my wife there). I think I'll make the time to do it.
Your messages always lighten my heart.