Quality Time, Quality Bonding....

When a devotee engages in intense prayers and gets lost in the divine feelings of faith in God, and when they start feeling that God is present with them to look after them, that is the moment they develop a true and profound bond with God. The day a devotee experiences this real connection, miracles begin to happen in their life. We have heard the story of Shravana, a true devotee of God, who believed that after God, his parents were the real gods on this earth. To honor them, he carried both of his parents on his shoulders and took them on a pilgrimage, demonstrating to the world the unimaginable bond between parents and a son. Similarly, the bond between Draupadi and Lord Krishna was miraculous, exemplifying the relationship of a brother and sister. Another example is the bond between Ratan Tata and his employees, which has set an example for this generation. All these examples were only possible because of the quality time devoted to each other. This time was meaningful and filled with high intentions, sincere efforts, intelligent direction, and skillful execution by both sides involved in creating these extraordinary bonds.

Science explains that animals have specific body structures and behaviors that help them adapt to their environment. These adaptations tend to persist and enable animals to survive long enough to pass these genetically determined traits to their offspring. The presence of species like animals and birds, which exhibit typical behaviors called "instincts," highlights a significant contribution of biology to behavior. This specific quality has been remarkably well-maintained over the years in animals and birds. Their quality time and bonding with their young are extraordinary and often unimaginable. The best part is that nature supports and nurtures this quality time and bonding, ensuring the continuation of these behaviors across generations.

I have witnessed this firsthand during my visit to Africa, where I closely observed the animals in their natural habitat. I also experienced it while watching a group of whales traveling effortlessly across the Atlantic Ocean. It’s not just the environment that influences the behavior of these animals and birds; the remarkable part is that they largely remain in the same habitat and share a common genetic heritage. This is why most animals and birds exhibit similar behaviors across generations. However, when it comes to human behavior, the situation becomes significantly more complex due to the presence of a higher cortex. This advanced brain structure allows for tremendous behavioral flexibility. Unlike animals, one of the main outcomes of human evolution is that behavior is heavily influenced by learning, particularly through unique events and experiences in an individual’s life. This intertwining of evolution and individual experiences has made human behavior highly dynamic and diverse.

After our parents, we spend some of the best moments of our lives with our friends during school. It is where we share the maximum quality time, forming long-lasting bonds with them. We often hear phrases like, "You’ve been my close friend since childhood; that’s the only reason I tolerate your nonsense, otherwise, I’d have cut ties with you long ago!" or "Friends are those who stand by you in times of need." Another common one is, "We will always remain friends, no matter where life takes us." Friends are those special people who can make us forget all our worries in just a few minutes of conversation. During school, we were all in the same "habitat" of education, which might be why the quality time spent together nurtured such strong and lasting bonds. But what happens after that? Does science—or perhaps society—change our "habitat" into divisions like religion, caste, or other parameters that make maintaining these bonds more difficult?

Learning in the same habitat, such as school, brings so much positivity. Perhaps when we transition to a different habitat, like the corporate world or the realms of competition, comparison, and jealousy, this shift influences us so deeply that it alters our learning and, consequently, our behavior, often leading to negativity. Think about this! Why can’t we stick to the predominant behaviors we developed during our school days—behaviors that were free from the biases of caste, religion, or economic background? Instead, we allow ourselves to adopt programmed behaviors influenced by today’s social media, which often steers us toward specific, and sometimes detrimental, ways of thinking and acting. Shouldn’t we strive to preserve the authenticity and inclusiveness of those early, positive behaviors rather than let external forces reshape us into something less genuine?

Sometimes, I feel it might be better to have a brain predominantly driven by instincts, like animals, rather than a highly flexible human brain that often struggles to differentiate between what is good and bad for us. Today's generation, in particular, seems so programmed by influential behaviors that they are losing sight of the importance of valuing quality time and developing meaningful bonds with loved ones. Whenever I travel, I love traveling with my daughters. Spending quality time with them not only strengthens our bond but also helps me, as a parent, stay young at heart. It allows me to understand how positively this generation embraces technology. However, as parents, we also need to guide them in growing with a balanced approach—one that harmonizes emotions, feelings, and technology.

Spirituality plays a significant role in spreading positivity in this universe, a lesson passed down by our ancestors over generations. We can best learn spirituality and faith in God by spending time with our parents, who have lived through years of experience and wisdom. Their dedication to prayers and their connection to the Almighty are invaluable teachings for us. I never miss an opportunity to spend quality time with my parents. Their guidance and life lessons not only help strengthen my bond with them but also enable me to connect with and support others in need. Spending quality time with friends creates bonds that last a lifetime. Similarly, dedicating time to your kids and parents, apart from connecting with God, truly helps you become a better human being. It also fosters meaningful relationships with others, regardless of the habitat or environment you are in.

The essence of any meaningful relationship lies in the time we dedicate to it. Quality time isn't just about being present physically; it’s about being emotionally and mentally engaged with those around us. Radha Krishna's bond created history not because of the quantity of time but the quality time they spent with each other. It’s because of the moments that built trust, understanding, and affection. When we invest quality time with our loved ones, parents, children, friends, or even ourselves, it naturally leads to quality bonding. These bonds are the threads that weave the fabric of our lives, providing strength, support, and a sense of belonging. In a world filled with distractions, prioritizing such time helps us stay grounded, connected, and balanced. Whether it’s sharing a laugh, offering a listening ear, or simply enjoying each other’s presence, every moment counts. Because, ultimately, quality bonding is the legacy of quality time well spent.