God's Own Country - My Travelogue - 3 Munnar

It is worth a visit to the Spice Garden, specially if you have kids in the group. A guide accompanies you for a half an hour tour, and you get to know a lot about different spices, their health and medical benefits etc:

Cardamom - the Queen of spices is the most sought after from Kerala. Although smaller in size, it is of good quality, and the loamy soil and medium slopes are ideal for its cultivation. Every one loves chocolates, and it was my first hand experience to get the feel of cocoa cultivation.

Each of the Spice Farms has a selling outlet, where you can shop for your favorite spice. The home made chocolate bars, without ant preservative are worth a try. With the growing awareness in our eating habits, it is good to understand about organic farming and to develop a taste for the produce.

Cocoa fruit 

Towards afternoon we entered Munnar town, and found it to be too crowded, it has changed its character and has become a bustling town of Tea Planters. We were fortunate to have booked ourselves in  Terrace Green - Sterling resort nestled in the hills, a peaceful heaven at  a distance from the hustle bustle of the town. Club Mahindra also has their property located near by in Chinnakanal.

Many years ago I had stayed in Terrace Green just for a day, but this time round I found the property to be greatly up scaled, with aesthetic room decor, impressive reception area, and large refurbished dining and activity areas. 

It covers a large area, so you can have a relaxing morning walk, and return to have your tea and coffee. The rooms have a small fridge, a microwave, a tea pot and the room service smiling keeps your tea/coffee, sugar / milk sachets full, so you can enjoy many a hot cuppas in the cold climate. 

   

Numerous indoor and outdoor activities keep the tourists in good spirit and cheer. A forest trek, Muuttuputtey Dam and lake, where you can hire a power boat, a flower and plants Nursery, and a visit to the first Tea Processing factory and Tata's Tea Museum, where the original Tea roller of 1905 and other related exhibits are on display, and at the end of the visit, we get to enjoy, complimentary famous brewed Munnar Tea.

The history of Munnar is that the verdant beauty of the place caught the attention of a British Commandant in the later part of the 18th Century, during the Third Anglo Mysore War, when the British  were in hot pursuit of Tipu Sultan, who managed to escape.

It was the British Resident John Daniel Munro in 1870 who had interest in Plantation, that brought Munnar to the outside world. However, it was an European - A.A. Sharp who planted in 1880  the first tea saplings in the 50 acres of land at Parvathy. Now the entire region is covered with Tea plants. The Tata's entered into collaboration with Finlay in 1964. At present the Tea Estates in the entire region by owned and managed by a Co-operative.

After a 3 day stay at Sterling - Munnar we left for Thekkady where the Periyar National Park is located. It is approx: 4 hrs downward journey, with sharp turns and bends, so if you are prone to travel sickness, eat light and take medicine.

God's Own Country - My Travelouge - 2

As we left Kochi after breakfast and headed towards the cool climes of Munnar, why Kerala is called God's Own Country was evident in the breath taking landscape that slowly unfolded before us, as we started to climb the mountains.

On our journey towards Sterling Resort, it was a good decision to check out on one of the numerous Spice Farms that line the road. Spice Farms and Elephant safari are two of the many activities, and there are numerous both in Munnar and Thekaddy. Munnar although at an approx: height of 4500 sq: ft has turned into a bustling township, crowded and noisy, whereas Thekkady is quaint and tourist oriented, although at a lower height, but less polluted.

However, it is better to visit the Spice Gardens and do Elephant safari, while going upwards towards Munnar, as we did, because it is more fun, when you have to trek a slightly hilly terrain, when the Elephant tries to negotiate you down a slope, it is more fun and exiting.

Kerala is famous for its rejuvenating massages. Our Murtaza thought it fit, to have a head massage instead. :)) As for the massage, I went  in for one of recommended place at Thekaddy. There are 108 body points, which are 'woken up' so to say, by experts, who do a 4 year course.

Now it all depends on how much money you are willing to cough up. There are 1/2 hr to 2 hrs 30 minutes relaxing massages, which they claim, the effect lasts for 6 months. All body points are covered,   in all the different categories, but the body points receive the expert attention and time, depending upon the money you have spent !!

After massage there is a detox steam bath which opens all the skin pores. The fellow who gave me a massage, seeing my limp and age, thought that I will not  be comfortable, not knowing that I am a Bohra and a banya to boot with. I was perspiring all over, but was not willing to let go, because I had paid a goodly sum.

After about an hour you are to take a hot bath. I went to the resort and while having the stipulated hot bath, and thinking of 6 months of good glowing skin and robust health, it is what was claimed by the front desk guy. However,  on account of the oil and tiled flooring, slipped badly and fell head long on the floor.  Luckily no major damage resulted, and being fortunate to have the company of my son in law Dr. Aliasgar, who looked me up, and said all was fine.

So friends this much for now and the famous Kerala Massage.

(to be continued Insa Allah)

God's Own Country - My Travelouge

It was pleasant afternoon as our Spice Jet flight touched down at Kochi at around 1 pm on 4th April. Just before touchdown, got a panoramic view of God's Own County - Kerala. The greenery, the laid back feel, uncluttered road,  as we drove straight to Hotel Abad Metro, right in the heart of Ernakulam, was in a way beckoning  us to 'good times' in the days ahead.

Abad Hotel and Resorts have economically priced business class and upscale Leisure class hotels in all the major tourist places spread across Kerala. We found the service courteous and the rooms well maintained. It is off in a quiet lane off the hustle bustle of M.G.Road.

One noteworthy aspect is that the Hotel accepts provisional booking over phone, and confirms the Booking by sending an e mail. I was pleasantly surprised to receive their call 4 days prior to our travel, to reconfirm the booking.

We are travelling in lean season, hope they maintain this service in the peak Holiday season that is October to February.

After lunch and rest, we went to the see Fort Kochi, the old town famed for its Chinese Fishing Nets, the living quarters predominately in blue and white, having porticoes and fused with nature and Santa Cruz Basilica, the first Portuguese Church built in 1555.


Ernakulam has much changed since my last visit many years ago. The swank M.G.Road is lined up with glittering Gold and Diamond Boutiques, at places the entire building houses just one Jeweler store. I think with most of the Malayalees working in the Gulf,  the Dubai Gold souk effect is evident.

With two ladies in our entourage, the temptation to window shop was inevitable, but as we had to leave for Munnar next morning, I somehow managed to convince them that Fort Kochi and the Chinese Fishing Net are a must see.

The Gulf effect is very evident. Lulu has recently thrown open a swank Mall and I was surprised on my return, to find that there are three Mac Donald outlets, one in the Basement Parking, the other on the ground floor and the third one in the food plaza !! These fast food chains will surely change the food habits, in the coming years. I found 20 people lining up, much before the store opening time of 11.30 and would you believe it, it was Thursday.

It will not surprise me, if for the city population,in the coming years Puttu - Kadala - Iddiyappam - the traditional Kerala cuisines will be well forgotten.

Much before KFC and Mac Donald monopolized Fast food, our enterprising fishermen, with the help of these nets used to catch fishes from the shallow waters, 20 or so fisherman would clamber up on the pole, the huge net will be pulled up from  the shallow waters, with a good but small quantity of catch ensnared, and this would be sold immediately , fresh to the locals. The quantity of the catch would be small, but they would operate the net many a times. Fast food right from the shore to the nearby kitchen, and fresh too.

Now, no fishing is done, these large nets lined up on the river front are mere exhibits for tourists like us, while the Fast Food Chains cash counters are raking in.

As I set besides the fishing nets and admired the setting sun in all its majesty, I reflected on how an Eastern idea has been monopolized by the West, and in stead of fresh stuff we are hooked on all that is rich in trans fat leading to obesity and all the problems associated with it.

With this sobering thoughts I returned back to the Hotel and the next morning onward to the Tea Gardens and the cool climate of Munnar.

We are indebted to Bhai Murtaza sk: Hakimuddin Rampurawala for helping us plan the tour, and booking of Sterling Resorts at Munnar and Thekaddy and House Boat at Alleppy.


(to be continued Insa Allah)

ADDICTION - part 3 - catch them young to save from harm

The 'mauhim' to free the community of the growing menace of nicotine use and addiction to harmful substance abuse started by A'li Qdr Muffadal Moula Saifuddin (TUS) is positively impacting the mindset of the community, and has brought the menace on center stage.

Sincere efforts are being made by all concerned, and with the help of seminars, talks, personal interaction, and mumineen Doctors taking an active part, many have come 'clean' in the shortest possible time.

Here in this post, I would like to bring into focus how the 'mauhim' is rendering a singular service, in making the school going children, who are more likely to fall prey to this menace, to make them aware of the immense harm of substance abuse.

I personally vouchsafe of the positive impact on young minds going to MSB and Badariyah School in Pune, as I had the opportunity to interact with a few school going children, who narrated how the talks by Doctors and videos, have made them realize and impacted their mindset.

As the topic of muharramat was being discussed among family members my grandson Moiz, who was busy with learning animation, was also 'all ears' as the family discussed the effects of nicotine, in the context of my two earlier post.

It was a welcome surprise for me, that after an hour or so, he presented me with an animation, which I am proud to share with my readers. It is my grandson's small khidmat. This goes to show how, if we bring into open our shortcomings, we in a way our helping our future generation.   

http://youtu.be/LqnWPBaK3SI

Animation by Moiz Dr. Aliasgar Lokhandwala. Abu Dhabi 

AN ACHIEVER AND AN INSPIRATION TO OUR YOUNGSTERS WHO DARE TO DREAM

DR AQUIL BUSRAI - Chief Executive Officer at AQUIL BUSRAI CONSULTING

 GURGAON - INDIA

 During his more than 39 years of his professional life Dr. Aquil Busrai has won many awards and accolades.

My personal admiration for Dr. Aquil Busrai besides his sterling academic and professional achievements is more to do with his character - everything pales when I see him evolving through long years of my association with him, as a very sincere, hard working, down to earth human being, who has overcome challenges of life with fortitude, courage and foresight.

To many youngsters aspiring to achieve their dreams in spite of their limited means, he is a glowing example, and during my many interactions, with mumineen youngsters I always tell them Dr. Aquil Busrai's story.

 Dr. Aquil Busrai stands tall, he does not require my 'write up' on him, but I requested him, and he reluctantly agreed when I told him that my' niyat' the aspiring youngsters of our community find hope , and get motivation and can dream their dreams.

When I came to know that he has been conferred with another PH.D  my thoughts went back to those years when Late Bhen Bilkis Bengalee - a young divorcee, with fortitude, courage and lots of love managed to raise up her only child. She did every thing possible to see that her young Aquil never felt want.

This Blog of mine is in appreciation of a mother who raised her child and instilled in him all the noble virtues. 

Readers of this blog will love to listen to this beautiful rendering of Maa ki shan. My personal tribute to Late Bhen Bilkis Bengalee.

maa_ki_shan_by_owais_raza_qadri_live_qtv_mehfil_e_naat_reg_45890.3gp

(copy paste on You Tube if the link does not click )

During the course of his Proffessional Career, Dr Aquil Busrai has received hundreds of comments and appreciations. I share with readers, just two.

"Aquil is an institution by himself. He is an open book, rather an open video of learning. When anybody meets him, learning just happens "

Dr. Rakesh C - Corporate Mentor. A.R. Corporate Mentors LLP - United Kingdom.

"Aquil is a great team player and above all a nice human being; is an asset to any organization"

Venkatesh K  - Vice President  Hindustan Lever Ltd:

Aquil Busrai Consulting has focused on three thrust areas.

1) Executive coaching - not only at senior management but also at middle management level.

2) HR strategy

3) Leadership Development and Training

What is most noteworthy is that his Firm is committed to undertake consulting assignments with a difference.

15% of the net revenue of the firm will be contributed to NGO's involved with underprivileged children.10% of time will be offered for honorary training and consulting organizations involved with social cause.

Dr. Aquil Busrai has conducted many workshops for Dawat and educational Idaara. I have been fortunate to learn a lot from him.

It would be worthwhile to click on the below link and read the complete Profile of an Achiever and an inspiration. 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aDSBgzpORIVdoZ0wehMeZpRFmQR57NZDhCjv2rLxQhQ/edit?usp=sharing

ADDICTION - part 2

In this post, would like to share a very in-depth response received to my earlier 'write up' on the subject.  My young friend  BhaiYousuf Rangoonwala is currently Brand Partner (Planning) BBH - Mumbai. 

It is my good fortune to know Yousuf from his growing up years, and he has written with fervor and truth. His 'write up' makes us realize the problem of addiction from different perspective. How our young Proffesionals, working in very  challenging and competitive environment, over come peer pressures, how difficult it is for them, and yet there are thousands, who have said NO to addiction in any form. Believe me friends, it is really very very difficult.

This post of mine is a humble tribute to all those young friends, who have shown courage and determination. It is on account of their upbringing in accordance with the tenets of our DEEN - their 'ohibboka ya Moulaya' elixir instilled from young age by their Parents. I salute all those Parents who have always been vigilant, aware and given their growing children advice with love and compassion. Parents who have been role models. 

So please read and reflect on what this young Proffesional has shared, hope many like him will come forward, overcome their inhibitions and thereby help many of their mumineen brethren. 


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Thanks for putting up such a thoughtful post uncle. Really well-written. Some points I'd like to add-

A very critical point you mentioned is the feeling of euphoria that nicotine induces. One must ask, why is the euphoria needed? And why is its unnatural induction through nicotine harmful?

In the manifold answers to these questions lies the core of the problem - low self-esteem and the inability to cope with failure, limitation and mistakes. If you notice, most smokers cite stress as the reason to consume a cigarette and the likes. The stress is the result of a lack of belief that things can go wrong in this world, we all can make mistakes and we must not fear making them. The problem is compounded when there is a fear of reprimand for for even the smallest of errors.

Hence, to deny limitation, failure and mistakes whether it be in relationships, at work, at home or any other aspect in life, people want euphoria. They want to deny that they could have made a mistake, that the mistake will have consequences which must be faced and that they are limited and imperfect. They essentially want to deny the basic tenets of being human.

The dangers of such induced euphoria are, of course, shuddering - one suffers from low self-esteem because of not being brave enough to admit mistakes and associates a feeling of being a loser or failure with the actual mistake or failure. This causes fear. And fear clouds thinking. Hence, in the search for control, people can't see beyond the craving that you mentioned.

The euphoria also induces feelings of magnitude and, hence, megalomania in severe cases and a high sense of arrogance and narcissism in most. It also reflects self-hatred and, hence, a lack of compassion. You'll notice that people who smoke are harsh on others for even the smallest of mistakes, they are highly intolerant of change or difference and so low is their self-esteem that they believe they are limitless. They get angry easily and avoid getting emotional even for the right reasons.

Because the euphoria is short-lived but it tampers with the brain's natural ability to deal with change, failure, loss of control, etc, smokers find it hard to accept reality and have delusions. Delusions don't necessarily have to be of a hallucinatory nature. But they reek of fantasy - the constant need to prove intelligence, knowledge, superiority and rank: these are symptoms of fantasy as an escape from the humility of reality. And, hence, smokers keep craving for a smoke because they get jittery and nervous about the unknown, what's going to happen. How on earth can one expect smokers to believe in God? They believe they are always in control or need to be in control and can dictate the proceedings of their own life and can make anything happen. When things don't go according to plan, it's always others' fault and that everyone else is stupid.

A tendency that has also been noticed (although this is more with druggies, artists, alcoholics) is the development of maladaptive perfectionism  which is a negative obsession with perfection. Smokers can't live in chaos. The irony is they think they are intelligent when errors, chaos, imperfection, bravery, compassion, faith and vulnerability are essentials for being creative and intelligent. Striving for excellence is very different from being obsessed with being perfect

I work in advertising, so I know this problem inside out because a lot of people in our business smoke and drink. They cover up for their mistakes through these addictions. They think making mistakes is bad and that they can't make them. They think smoking and drinking is part of being cool and creative. That's utter rubbish. Research has long proven that invulnerability or the inability to deal with mistakes and failure is the first and biggest deterrent to creativity. I've also noticed that the ones in our business who don't smoke or drink are actually the ones who are the best writers and artists. they are ready to keep trying, don't quit easily even if their work is rejected by clients or their bosses and are genuinely nice people.

I would strongly recommend watching the TEDTalk of Dr Brene Brown on the "Power of Vulnerability" and "Listening to Shame" for those who want to quit this habit, recover their lost self-esteem and lead normal and happy lives. Be brave. Quit smoking.


Also, Dr Jitendra Nagpal - head of psychiatry and addiction resolution in children and young adults specialist at AIIMS Delhi is an authority on this. I had met him as part of my interest in understanding how children think and personality development. He told me that addiction is a trap, because it makes you feel you've done nothing wrong, it reduces your ability to cope with mistakes. You feel you're getting over loss and failure yet what it is actually doing is dragging you further into it.

One last point, an addiction and religious affinity map of the world will reveal that atheism, religious discontent and discord, debt, weapons and breakdown of family structures and destruction of values for a harmonious society and, most importantly, depression, is directly proportional to places where alcohol and tobacco addiction and drugs consumption is high. The USA (barring the mid west) and parts of Europe are a prime example.

Creativity has a lot to do with failure etc so these areas and addiction have long been an interest of mine. Because, after all, I am also human and it often perplexed me that my habits and what I had been taught seemed to be quite the opposite of what the so-called creative people used to practice and preach. I was caught in a moral dilemma - excelling at one's work is also a virtue and one must do what it takes, yet we'd been told to abstain from such habits.

Often, I would also feel compelled to take to alcohol because I thought that would make me cool or more creative, but somehow I resisted it. maybe it was Moula TUS that came to my rescue. Over the years, as I forayed into understanding logic and imagination and creativity and the idea of being because these subjects seemed to be inseparable from my work, I realized that all along, I had been on the right path and that the source and the true king of all logic, creativity, knowledge, lateral thinking and imagination is our Aqa Moula TUS.

Low self-esteem is the cause of most problems on earth and we must consider ourselves SERIOUSLY LUCKY that Aqa Moula and his dawat work so hard (yet make it look effortless) to keep us from straying into the dungeons and abysses of shame, suffering and that nagging feeling that " I am not good enough, loved enough, smart enough, rich enough, etc".

Khuda behve moula TUS ni umr shareef ne qayamat na din lag daraaz karjo. Ameen

Yousuf Mohammadbhai Rangoonwala -  Mumbai

E Mail: yrangoonwala@gmail.com

http://www.campaignindia.in/Article/277880,bbh-india-brings-in-yousuf-rangoonwala.aspx


References and sources for the above write up:


Dr Brene Brown's TEDTalk "The power of vulnerability" and "Listening to shame"

Castro, J.R.; Rice, K.G. (2003, February 9), "Perfectionism and ethnicity: implications for depressive symptoms and self-reported academic achievement", Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology

Melissa Jackson, (2004, June 19). "Why perfect is not always best". BBC News.

Martin P (2008). Sex, Drugs & Chocolate: The Science of Pleasure. London: Fourth Estate

Conversations with Dr Jitendra Nagpal, Head of Psychiatry (specialist in addiction resolution and mental health development in children and young adults) at Moolchand Fortis Hospital and Consultant Psychiatrist at AIIMS.

ADDICTION

ADDICTION in any form is harmful to the individual and the society at large. Addiction to power, addiction to self,  addiction to be 'always right' etc: but in this post I will be talking about addiction to Nicotine (cigar rates, chewing tobacco, zarda, kaat, kheni  etc:) the harmful effects of which are well documented and also well known to the addicts, but sadly very hard to overcome.

A'li Qdr Muffadal Moula Saifuddin (TUS) has given a clarion call, has started a 'mauhim' in earnest to free the community of the growing menace of nicotine use, and within a short span of time, positive results are being witnessed. Not in the distant past, the community has freed it self from the clutches of 'interest' and now is the time to rise up and help each other, in what ever way possible, to free the festering underbelly of the community with the immense harm of nicotine use.

This than is my humble effort in that direction. There are many families who may be having their loved ones, addicted to this menace. There may be friends, tanzeem members, co-workers, who I am sure very well know the immense harm they are bringing on themselves and their loved ones, by their addiction.

What I feel is that they - our fellow mumineen , need our empathy and understanding  and mere sermonizing and admonitions will not do. You are said to be  doing a disservice to your loved ones, friends and colleagues, if you merely sermonize, admonish and feel smug, that you have done or duty. Sorry no, you have to reach out, and in order to to do that, one  should first understand, why it is so hard to kick the habit ? What is nicotine ?  What are the causes for addictions ? What are the consequences ? What are the remedies and solutions ?

First and foremost the family / friend addict needs your empathy and understanding, and you must also feel that for his condition, you are also responsible in a sense. So this post of mine, is in that direction of understanding the addiction, and how best to overcome it.

Nicotine is addictive. It contains powerful chemicals such as carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen. It is the prime cause of cancer, heart disease, blood sugar, Chronic Bronchitis, Respiratory failure, depression etc:

What it does ?

It causes changes in the brain , which induces a euphoric state of the mind. Here it is prudent to recall the Nashihat of Syedi Sadiq Ali Saheb : ' zahir ma halavat chhe, pan zehr chhe khufiya ma'. With recent scientific studies and many Research Papers published on the Net, it is no more 'khufiya' the addict also knows, that it is bringing harm to him and his family.

Nicotine is a psychoactive drug that produces dependence  Nicotine releases Dopamine, which stimulates sensation of pleasure, motivation and reward.  Nicotine levels drop relatively quickly, which causes the sense of craving.

When an addict tries to overcome the addiction, very unpleasant withdrawal symptoms are experienced, the addict feels depressed, irritated and unable to concentrate. So these are real issues, and they need our understanding and empathy.

So if one wants to reach out and do a singular service, one has to accept the fact that nicotine addiction is a hard nut to crack. But studies have shown, that it can be overcome, and there are thousands of success stories.

What is needed to overcome the addiction ?

We mumineen are blessed to have our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS) his doa mubaraka and his nazarat rahima and the world wide community awareness campaign initiated by his Mansoos A'li Qdr Muffadal Saifuddin Moula (TUS) is for ever there. What is needed is a firm resolve on the part of those addicted and the firm belief that 'we will overcome'

These are some of the other points.
1. Determination and inner strength.
2. Encouragement and understanding from the loved ones and community at large.
3. Healthy diet.
4. Adequate exercise. Tanzeem can start clubs, where physical activities are encouraged.
5. Homeopathic - Naturepathy - Herbal treatments.

According to Associate Proffesor of Medicine  Franck T Leone - " My patient are people who smoke, but they know they should stop. They describe feeling sad, angry and hopeless. They tell me it is frustrating and confusing, embarrassing and shameful. They are trapped between desperately - wanting to stop and desperately not wanting to stop. Their lives are literally on the line - they know it.

Nicotine works in that place of the brain, where survival instincts are born. The more a person wants to change - the more the instinct tells him - change is bad for you'

So my friends, if you  really want to 'reach out'  you have to first respect the problem, and also respect the people struggling to find a way out from it. Start working on solution based thinking 

Determination and inner strength can be achieved by meditation, mindfulness and deep breathing exercises. There are hundreds of resources on the Net. In my own family one of my sister, who is very much into alternate therapy, overcame the urge of chocolates, by being 'mindfulness' and being 'aware' at each stage, from opening of the chocolate wrapper, the twirling of chocolate in her mouth, the taste etc: It did surely work for her.

For effectively overcoming  the addiction, here are several other tested measures. 

Drink water at regular intervals. take cough drops or chewing gum in the initial stages only.

Understand that the craving last for not more than 5 minutes. So when the craving arises, find a distraction, move away from what ever you are doing, take a walk or call a friend or listen to soothing music. Laugh out loud -' mein tara sinkaja nahi avoo, mane uloo ghana waqt thi banavto rahyo, mari zeet chhe - tari haar chhe ......... go on and on - what ever works best for you.

Homeopathic remedies help to lessen anxiety, restlessness, and irritability. One has to consult a practicinor  for proper evaluation, as the treatment is fully symptom based. Some of the recommended medicine to kick the habit, are Nux Vomica - Avna Sativa which is made from wild oats, Carbo Animalis, Plantago etc: The doctor should explain to the addict, what each type of medicine will do. Understanding and awareness is the key to complete recovery.

Some of the herbal remedies are - Oats - Lobelia - Marsh mellows.

So it is not the end of the world for one who seriously wants to overcome addiction. Knowledge is Power. Addiction can be defeated, one deserves more from life than just being subdued by addition, and if our well organized community lends a helping hand, the goal of complete eradication of addiction from the community, similar to being completely free from the clutches of 'interest bearing transactions' will be surely achieved in the shortest possible time.

The difference for complete transformation from ILNESS to WELNESS is to substitute the suffering 'I' with the 'WE'  of compassion, friendship and altruism. Let us all join hands in this noble 'mauhim'  by advising , encouraging, motivating our brother addict, but most of all by empathizing. If compassion is there, miracles will surely happen.