YOU and I

A Poem

2021-08-13T00:15:00.001-07:00

Friends:

This poem was originally composed in my mother tongue PUNJABI a few months back. At that time my mental state matched with the sentiments expressed below.

At that time my inner-self longed to transcend the status quo.

Some peculiar situations came in between and I kept postponing translating it, into ENGLISH. The thoughts and emotions, which propelled me to write this poem then had somewhat mellowed; yet I vowed to start my blog journey once again with something original after more than two years of indecisiveness.

Friends, hoping that you’ll accept me as you did in the past. I know my creative juices need a lot of practice to flow again.

Suddenly being conscious of sweet fragrance pervading around,

As if shackled in a closet, it was gasping for breath,

As if it freed itself after breaking open chains of inertia,

As if it woke up from the pointless conversations of life,

As if it swept off the hazy sheet from the mind mirror.

As if after decades, it animated the mind to songs of joy,

As if it curtained off life’s qualms in guffaws of laughter,

As if it got rid of the fake persona to face clear waters,

As if it touched the skies perched on the mountain peaks.

A sudden violent nudge disrupted the flow of emotions,

A voice spoke: Oh, ignorant being it was within you forever,

Only it slumbered waiting for you to wake up.

Isn’t it that...?

This short life of ours infuses immense possibilities,

But sadly, the existence stays bound in life’s frivolities.

.....

AGING IS ALSO A PHENOMENON

2021-08-10T04:18:00.019-07:00

I’m aging and trying to evolve into a person who enjoys living within the boundaries of home life. I consider it the right time too to embrace the simple delights of everyday life. Though my monkey mind and my fairly active body balk at the idea of surrender and face the existential reality of pains, aches, and much more; yet choosing a comfort zone is not an option for me but a necessity at this phase of my life. Despite my vibrant disposition of inquiry, and unquenched curiosity, the limitations of aging stare in the face starkly.

My life now has a different calendar. Since outings are minimal these days, my balcony (I spend summers amidst hills) figuratively has turned into a window for interaction with the natural world. It overlooks a narrow valley surrounded by hills covered with thickly growing stately pines and lush greenery. A silent unobtrusive conversation I hold with trees, bushes, and sprawling random vegetation. Sometimes the goings-on in the avian world also becomes a centre of attraction, because of the unique orchestra they play before flying off to their stipulated destination of the day. Regular spells of monsoon showers have caused the flora to glisten when sunrays win the hide and seek game with masses of water-soaked clouds.

My morning starts if it is not raining- with a leisurely walk on my balcony. While sipping my first cup of tea of the day, I instinctively feel connected with the soothing vibes emanating from nature’s marvels around. The feisty scene of majestic pines, their boughs laden with fresh needles swinging happily in the cool moist air makes me feel happy to be alive. The rest of the rain-washed foliage proudly acts as an appendage to fill gaps in between trees and provide a safe canopy for the insect colonies to flourish. This limitless visual spectacle malleable to the constantly changing aspects of climate, on a deeper level, slams us for our rigidities and proclivity to cling to our limiting identities. The charming scenario makes me conscious of the unfolding of the new day, and my resolve to make it more productive than yesterday.

To preserve my sanity and ward off feelings of isolation, I keep inventing things to do. Believe me, all my left-over wools and forgotten multi-colored threads have been made use of by my newfound joyful activity of crocheting. My browsing YouTube videos helped me immensely in learning its basics.

Reading can be a pleasurable activity for us seniors both for time well spent and acquiring insights into human aspirations. My Kindle is well stocked with eBooks which I order online. One can get compilations of all-time Classics in one jacket – a gem to lovers of reading.

I’m on Pinterest as well. Please google to find all information about it. I find it a minefield of wonderful new ideas, quotes, and DIY projects. If one has the gift of a keen creative streak one can learn unimaginable things even at an advanced age. Basic computer savviness is the only requirement separating you from the treasure trove of the universe.

Cooking is therapeutic. Kitchen kingdom is the prerogative, which most of the ladies would loath to pass over wholly to any maid whatsoever. This privilege one should maintain till one's limbs cooperate.

Choicest activity interspersed with restful lie-downs and some exercise makes life satisfying, joyful, and healthy even in grey years

I’m reminded of John Milton’s dilemma, which he versifies in his well-known sonnet titled “On His Blindness”. Having lost his eyesight early in life he was unable to write. However, the thought that God will question him about his wasting the gift of writing gnawed him constantly. But deep down, his mind itself conveys the answer in the concluding line of the sonnet that is, “they also serve who only stand and wait.”

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LOVE, MARRIAGE AND NOTHINGNESS

2021-07-20T04:33:00.013-07:00

Around six that evening, when the doorbell rang, Eshan was busy getting things ready for the evening's party. Wondering who had turned up so early, he grumpily went to the door. It was Nathan. "I'm here to help you," he said with a smile. "How much can you possibly do all by yourself." Holding forward a single rose that had a long, slender stalk, he bowed dramatically. "Congratulations. For now, you could stop being jealous," he sneered. Eshan knew that the emphatic 'all by yourself' was hardly intentional, but it bothered him.

In fact, Nathan's two double-edged statements, Eshan understood obliquely and for a second unsettled him too. But he had no mood for a face-off. Nathan being his one friend who could be relied upon whenever.

Nathan understood fully well how Eshan’s silliness had derailed his ‘Apple Cart’ maybe forever. Eshan had a few good friends who in fact, envied his good fortune in marrying a sensible girl like Nikita. But Eshan’s childishness mistook his friends’ freewheeling as a road to heaven, which he was deprived of because of his family. This immaturity of Eshan always bemused Nathan. Poor foolish Eshan had not grown up indeed.

…

Despite his wavering perception about marriage, things on the surface level seemed tolerable for Eshan till a few months back, when Nikita suddenly left him taking along Appu his toddler son. In fact, Nikita had been walking on spikes for quite some time and had cushioned her feet to avoid the pricks. However, constant prick points do bleed. Her suffocation got accentuated by the tyranny of silence, which had slowly crept into their existential space. Misunderstandings piled up. Scowled foreheads and pursed lips were tell-tale undercurrents of love gone sour. Nikita who had been brought up under the canopy of the overflowing love of her parents was devastated. Unfortunately, Eshan refused to accept it. And this drastic step was the only option for Nikita to save her self-esteem.

With his self-centered approach, Eshan took Nikita’s acceptance of his idiosyncrasies for granted like traditional husbands. She’s not the nagging sort. Her stoicism could weather storms and she had negotiated many. In between, she had tried to vent her frustrations a couple of times though. She hated scenes as she’d do anything to maintain peace, maybe a fragile one. By nature, she was incapable of harming him any which way. Yet his egotistical punches remained unabated ignoring her frequent mild pleas. He balked when she reminded him of his indifference towards her. He expected her to be at her sweetest best robot-like.

A habit of his that was becoming a major confrontational point was Eshan's throwing parties every weekend. All her pending tasks would remain undone as she expended all her energies in fixing dishes and finishing sundry tasks. For one who was meticulous and loathed to postpone significant responsibilities, it was hard to run the household smoothly.

Thankfully, her mother had painstakingly taught her the basics of cooking though she hated cooking as a young girl. That obviously helped her come up with a fairly sumptuous fare using her imagination and cooking skills. What piqued her, however, was Eshan’s total nonchalance in not recognizing how she consciously tried to do her best as a host. Perhaps for him, that was what was expected and so no big deal. While he felt delighted, seeing people enjoying the food, she felt miserable and ignored. His male ego was too proud to express a few words of appreciation.

The early days of marriage were like moonwalking. She had been crazy about him. He’s her hero. In fact, affection for him carved its special place in her heart even before marriage. Each letter after their betrothal would create sweet turbulence in her whole being making her restless till the next billet-doux. The nostalgia of the romantic meetings on weekends kept her buoyant. Was that phase real or just euphoria she had tried unsuccessfully to figure out? Her caring feelings for him were born out of those ecstatic moments and the consciousness of that allowed her to bail him out of many rash skirmishes he was accustomed to creating now and then.

Even the bile in her heart didn’t make her neglect him in any way. Over time his lack of concern and respect caused a gnawing pain difficult to set aside. Maybe she thought what matters for man is the conquering part. After the battle is won and the hormonal surge ebbs the deeply rooted remnants of entitlements soon cloud the sensitivities. For a woman, a cool serenity and joy take shape in her new role. Why she thought for a woman even for an accomplished and professional one marriage continues to be her lifeline? For Nikita, her home, husband, and child had been the center of the universe. Her commitment to this aspect of married life was total. But Eshan was a man first and foremost, woefully lacking that sensibility.

Her eyes brimmed with stinging tears remembering his callousness once at not informing her before, and coming back at midnight even though she was in an advanced stage of pregnancy. Even today she shudders thinking about the agony of those late hours she went through without any communication from him.

She sometimes introspected and thought how Appu her adorable son was nature’s gift to them but for Eshan it was something which happened as a matter of course. She sometimes mocked herself for passively accepting unjust responses while keeping the hurts locked securely in the farthest corner of her heart.

Nikita recognized that Eshan possessed an extraordinary intellect and was highly qualified (that was what attracted her to him) but as regards the finesse of emotion he had not even entered the kindergarten. His childish perceptions about people sometimes shocked her.

Her emotions for him had purity and honesty. But she always sensed a streak of selfishness in his behavior towards her and Appu. Her persona remained fresh, not even hardened by chilling experiences at the hands of his bizarre family. If only she had not overlooked their idiocies and had learnt to stand firm on the principles, she believed in. However, Eshan would morph into a lamb with blinkers on in their presence. He continued acquitting the brashness of the members of his family. The core values she had inherited made her overlook their outrageous demeanour while she persevered to guard her sanity.

She recalled with pain the bitter experience when she accompanied Eshan to one of his bachelor friends’ party for the first time. Under the influence of liquor, his inhibitions gone, he had remarked how being married was so restrictive. She was aghast at the untruth of that remark. Was his passion for her fake when he’s courting her? Feeling embarrassed and small she noticed his friends sheepishly cast a sideways glance at her while nudging Eshan to be quiet. In the morning he blurted out some conciliating words. But for Nikita it was one more hurt added to the list.

Still, he could keep his hold on her. Stupid girls can’t see through men’s tricks. So easily they’re taken in. A few tender moments would blot those upsetting memories and a false sense of rapprochement would prevail for a few days. Appu her cherished love was the bond that kept the fragile threads of their relationship from snapping. He loved his father. Though, disappointedly she always thought, “Can the leopard change its spots?”

There’s another weekend party and he had invited a number of his colleagues. It was back-breaking for her because it’s luncheon and the maid came late. She had prepared the choicest dishes. She even tasted each one though she never used to do that. In her excitement, she unconsciously picked up her special dish and while offering it to one of the guests remarked, “Please do try this delicious preparation.” A glance at Eshan was enough to tell her that there was something amiss. After some time, all guests departed and Nikita busily finished the winding up of the kitchen. As soon as she went to the bedroom, he came from the study fuming. How he kept that vitriolic subdued till then which he lashed upon her she could not fathom. The anger on his face had enflamed his eyes and he spluttered, “How dare you praise your own dish. What about your manners. What would my friends think?” A deluge of spite followed.

Nikita was speechless. Her heart sank. How dare he! A storm raged inside her. In the heat of the moment, she made a decision which she had never contemplated before.

Her best friend and parents pitched in. She shifted to a flat quite far from this house. She never wished to cross his path even by chance.

It didn’t take her long to adjust. Her professional life got its rhythm back. The maid took Appu to the playschool and brought him back. He was happy because there were many other children of his age group in the locality.

A couple of times Nathan tried to call her but she didn’t pick up the phone. She didn’t wish to entangle any of his emissaries in her private life. Eshan took the hint and retreated into a self-made coop.

Not that memories, remembrances did not torment her but her decision she thought, was warranted under the circumstances.

One day her friend rang her up to inform her about a reputed music company holding a concert in the coming week. Many popular singers were to sing their musical hits accompanied by a band of trained musicians. She agreed and bought online tickets.

Nikita arranged with her maid to stay with Appu until their return.

The theatre was almost packed. Only a few seats remained to be occupied. Her friend and she shuffled a bit to make themselves comfortable in anticipation of an entertaining evening after a long time. As she surveyed the scenario, her heart missed a beat on spotting a familiar figure trying to locate his seat. She was transfixed. Her gaze following his each and every movement. When he looked over his shoulders the pallor on his face was apparent. His gait did not seem self-assuring. There was no mistaking who he was. The look was that of a lost animal. Was he the man she loved? She could not bear that. The pent-up feelings of months flooded every nook and corner within. The stream of consciousness-like placid waves in a narrow stream obliterated all the sins of omission and commission. Love for this lost soul who was searching for his foothold in the sea of strangers around him flowed in torrents. There was no stopping the cascading tears.

Having spent a sleepless night Nikita went to work as in a dream. Her heart was hardly in the job she was doing. Dark clouds of confusion enveloped her thought process. In a sort of delirium, she reached the foot of the stairs to climb up to her flat on the second floor. She had a faint recollection of somebody coming after her. She unlocked the door and looked back.

Dreamily she crossed the threshold. Eshan followed her and gently latched the door.

LEARNING HISTORY IS RELEVANT!

2019-08-29T22:48:00.000-07:00

"Those who don’t know history are bound to repeat it." Edmund Burke

H is for History.

Some believe learning history in the fast-changing modern world is irrelevant. They opine that knowing the present itself is a challenge. It is fruitless to go back to the past. No, it is not so. In fact, past, present, and future are interlinked. There is no vacuum in the epochs of humanity’s progress and evolution. It is essential to be aware of history to understand the present.

The archives of world history enfold numerous eras representing their own specific cultures, beliefs, worldviews, and events. We find them chronicled in history books. In short, history is a saga of all that happened in the past. How families, communities, societies, and nations were formed. How people lived and carried on their daily activities. The knowledge of history is the foundation for further development of the human race.

History has recorded the holocausts, world wars and several harrowing tragedies, which added to the human misery to no end. How Hitler’s megalomania caused two World Wars and heaped untold sufferings on millions of people. These are painful blots on the face of humanity. They do make us pause and ponder.

However, for totalitarian political regimes, history is bunk, therefore it is distorted continuously. The word ‘history’ finds no mention in the public domain. The ruling oligarchy keeps an iron-like grip on people’s memories. By creating a chocking system, it keeps the citizenry on their tenterhooks 24x7. Hit by privations and state-organized hardships people have no time to go deep into finer aspects of human existence. The possibility of citizens creating turbulence in the seemingly stable functioning of the system is almost remote. There is ‘Thought Police’ to crush fatally any deviance. Here I feel like sharing a thought-provoking example.

‘NINETEEN EIGHTY FOUR’(1984) a novel by British author George Orwell published in 1949 warns against the insidious possibility of a world where history would be distorted to fit the controlling needs of the despotic system.


Courtesy Google.

Here I narrate an anecdote from the novel to make my point: News splashes on the TV screen. Weekly chocolate ration has been cut to half. By the evening, the news item not only disappears but also is washed clean. There is no proof that there was such an announcement because it is erased from all records. The people battered by shortages and rations hardly had the pluck to reason out such machinations. The move is meticulously planned and subtle.

Interestingly, after a few days, there is breaking news on state TV channels. The weekly chocolate ration has been increased followed by the canned enthusiastic uproar. In reality, the increase is a pittance as compared to the original quantity. History is wiped out every day leaving the masses without any measure of comparison.

But history can be blatantly misused also. In modern times there is another danger looming large. Our likes, dislikes and other data are being codified to commodify our very existence. Our online browsing history is tracked to influence our future decisions. The thinking process gets stunted. The originality of thought and choice loses its importance.

We should remember that history is a great teacher. By recounting our pitfalls and strengths over the ages, it warns us against the mistakes and blunders of the past. The knowledge should sensitize us against the devastating consequences of selfish and egotistic actions. Otherwise, our indifference to the significance of the past will give credence to the saying that, ‘history repeats itself.’

Leaders, administrators, politicians, and citizens: Be wise and be warned because we write our history every day!

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‘GOOGLE’ THE MODERN DAY TECH GENIE!

2019-08-22T23:57:00.000-07:00

“Today I Googled God. How happy He must be that I am searching for Him.”
― Kate McGahan

G is for Google.

Today ‘GOOGLE’ has invaded our mental space in ways hitherto unimaginable! Google has brought into the focus of each one of us the magnitude of the cosmos and its operations. It has empowered us in all possible ways. It has sharpened our intelligence, cognitive abilities and raised our capabilities manifold. Can't we say it is no less than a miracle? It has assumed the powers of the proverbial genie of ‘Aladdin’s Wonder Lamp’.

From times unknown, humankind has reveled in listening to stories steeped in fantasy, adventure, fairy tales, miracles and all kinds of supernatural stuff. Gaping members of the audience with imagination soaring high on wings of wonder lapped it all. Now Google is the new teller of tales regarding all aspects of the universe in which we live.

The stories and fables told in hugely popular ‘Arabian Nights’ have remained all-time favorites in every generation. Astonishingly Google has become the repository of all this and much more. Google is ‘Alibaba’s Secret Cave’ and a modest click is the magical code ‘Open Sesame’. Yes, a simple click dazzles us with its colossus of knowledge and information with mind-blowing and mind-boggling rapidity. We’ve become so used to its wizardry that no more jaw drops happen.

The information deluge, which Google’s search engines reveal can well be compared to an ocean whose belly, is suffused with infinite treasures and unthinkable entities beyond enumeration.

The sheer reach of Google’s search engines on the World Wide Web is beyond comprehension. Google is our authentic friend and care not for being humored!

Yet the company’s modest mission only says,

“Our mission is to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.”

However, the million-dollar question is how do they organize? One can only make conjectures about the mammoth operational structure. I would remark in a lighter vein that Google people must have laid their hands on ‘Aladdin’s Wonder Lamp’ and the genie is perennially at their disposal.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to ‘Google’ for enabling us to share our creative journeys, via- Google Blogger, Google Photos and YouTube, not to mention the host of other services!

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FIERY AURA AROUND THE RISING SUN!

2019-08-16T04:17:00.000-07:00

"There's never one sunrise the same or one sunset the same." Carlos Santana

F is for Fiery!

A few days back dared to shoot the rising sun with photochromatic glasses! The result was this unusual capture taken from our balcony!

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BE AT EASE

2019-08-09T23:18:00.000-07:00

E is for Ease.

The other day I watched a video of a question-answer session in the ashram of Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev based in Tamil Nadu a southern State of India. Sadhguru is a mystic and a spiritual guru who discourses on all aspects of life and its wellbeing. He is regularly invited by Educational institutions and Corporate houses worldwide to answer questions about life issues. In the ashram in India, interested people are trained in Isha Kriya, which is one of the ways of meditation and attaining overall wellness.

“Isha Foundation is a non-profit, spiritual organization founded in 1992 by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev. It is based at the Isha Yoga Center near Coimbatore, India. The foundation offers yoga programs under the name of Isha Yoga.”

Key people: Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev

Method: Yoga programs, meditation, tree plant...

Location: India; Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

Wikipedia

In the video, an attendee asked him about the causes of modern-day life being so stressful and jumpy. His simple answer was that people have forgotten how to be at ease. Most of us are an amalgamation of past memories, ideas, emotions, impressions, experiences and all sorts of prejudices. They are limiting the innate human desire of boundless expansion. They keep us knotted and deplete our energies. We lose the ease of living.

‘We should stop fixing the world,’ he says. The limitless potential of each human being goes waste in managing inanities. He says that we should try to obliterate the boundaries of individuality and open up to life. The lesson, in a nutshell, is to free oneself from the shackles of the past. He calls it ‘living with the dead.’

In a way, according to him, the identification with the burdens of the body and mind is limiting the growth of enormous power of each life. One should be conscious of life, of each breath and countless possibilities will open up every moment. To be at ease requires erasing of self-created bounds by our physical and psychological structure. The secret of a meaningful existence is distancing ourselves from these two.

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IT IS TIME TO DATE EVERYDAY PLEASURES.

2019-08-01T05:57:00.006-07:00

D is for date,delight.

Friends it is the time of my life when I need to learn to date simple delights of everyday life. However, the monkey mind being a restless entity keeps provoking me to be up and doing. It cautions me against embracing the comfort zone come what may. It is aware of my inclinations, my spirit of inquiry, and curiosity. It is slowly resigning to the limitations of aging though.

Since outings are a less preferred choice these days, I’m evolving into a person who enjoys living within the boundaries of home life. My balcony (I spend summers amidst hills) figuratively has turned into a window for interaction with the natural world. It allows me to converse with it whenever. My balcony overlooks the narrow valley surrounded by hills covered with groves of refreshed pines and lush greenery. Regular spells of monsoon showers have brightened the ambiance.

My morning starts-if it is not raining- with a leisurely walk in my balcony. While sipping my first cup of tea of the day I watch lanky pines in their crowning glory. Either they are very still or I see their boughs laden with fresh needles swinging happily in the cool moist air. The rain-washed bushes, shrubs, and random vegetation release placid smug vibes. Well soaked and saturated they look cheerful and secure under the protective canopy of pines. The visual intoxication fills me with positivity and I look forward to the unfolding of the day. The glowing morning messages me to make the most of the day.

There are a few other harmless but joyful activities I indulge in. My newfound liking for crocheting keeps me satisfyingly busy when I’ve nothing else to do. You Tube

videos have helped me in learning the basics of crocheting.

I love reading books. Hubby uploads books on my Kindle, which I select from Amazon.com’s Book section.

I'm a creative person by nature. I keep visiting some sites suggested by Pinterest for DIY projects. I may not do them but then the marvelous ideas are sometimes overwhelming.

There is so much to learn and do but the hitch is if your physicality enables you to carry on the struggle, which new ventures entail.

I‘m reminded of John Milton’s dilemma, which he versifies in his epic poem ‘The Paradise Lost’.

Milton lost his eyesight early in life and was unable to write. However, the thought that God will question him about his wasting the gift of writing gnawed him constantly. In his poem, ‘On His Blindness’ he poses this question to himself. Then deep down his mind conveys the answer as well. Here is the poem.

On His Blindness

(1655)


WHEN I consider how my light is spent
Ere half my days in this dark world and wide,
And that one Talent which is death to hide
Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent
To serve therewith my Maker, and present	5
My true account, lest He returning chide,
“Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?”
I fondly ask. But Patience, to prevent
That murmur, soon replies, “God doth not need
Either man’s work or his own gifts. Who best	10
Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state
Is kingly: thousands at his bidding speed,
And post o’er land and ocean without rest;
They also serve who only stand and wait.” Friends draw your own conclusions about the theme of the poem! Friends welcome here as always! Sharing with: ABC Wednesday Nature Notes My corner of the world

CARING IS ENNOBLING

2019-07-24T22:40:00.002-07:00

Take care of all your memories. for you cannot relive them. Bob Dylan

C is for 'Caring'

Note: Pl. scroll down for sky watch shots.

For this post, I’ve taken up a C-word, which subsumes under its sweet canopy one of the priceless emotions. The word is ‘Caring’. It is a seminal concept, encompasses our cardinal emotions, which make us human. Our life would be barren if nature has not endowed us with feelings of love, compassion, kindness, and concern. Someone who cares is the lucky bearer of all these qualities.

Caring conjures up in the mind many sweet sensations. Nothing is comparable to the nurturing care our parents bestow on us. If I relive my purest memory, it is that of our beloved parents who used to take care of all our needs when we’ ere growing up. I still remember how my mom would indulge me with tea/lemon water/ milk or whatever I wished for while I sat at my study table for long hours during exams. At times when I’s unwell how she used to hover around me to comfort me and to ensure that I felt better. In some situations, I would be selfish and demanding but my parents never took notice of that. They cared. They loved unconditionally.

Caring for others does wonders for their growth, confidence and personality development. It is like anchoring somebody to reach his potential.

Caring also means never hurting others. Before passing nasty comments, keep in mind that we've no right to rob others of their peace of mind.

Giving a helping hand in discharging household duties is also a form of caring.

Caring for others is ennobling and divine. It is a selfless regard. It blesses the one who receives care and for the one who gives.

Family life would be much more stable and devoid of conflicts if every spouse tries to understand and care for the other while facing life’s countless challenges.

Everybody knows caring and loving our pets is so rewarding. They are not only our faithful friends but great stress busters as well.

I think life would be much more joyful if we consciously do our bit for people around us.

...

Some sky shots taken during the week for Sky watch Friday

It is rainy season here and clouds are supreme for the most part of the day.

Shot was taken from a friend's balcony while on a visit.

Mist rising from the hilltops.

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MONSOON SKYLINE BECKONS...

2019-07-18T06:13:00.000-07:00

B is for Beckon:

At the moment rainy season is at its peak in India. Monsoon clouds captivate nature lovers as well as camera aficionados. They exhibit mercurial tendencies, especially in hills. Cloud families act like gypsies as their designer formations keep changing constantly. Unlike us they come and go at their own will.

There is the down side too.

In some states of India however, continuous rains have caused floods and lakh of people are affected. They have been shifted to safer places. The Government agencies are on their toes to provide all assistance to the people who are rendered homeless as their makeshift dwellings units could not stand the raging fury of the floodwaters.

Ironically, many parts of India are rain deficit. In some states crops are rain-fed because of lack of irrigation facilities. Sufficient monsoon showers are a much needed boon for farmers and everybody else to prevent the further depletion of groundwater. Water scarcity is looming large not only in India but in many parts of the world. Global cooperation is needed to rectify the situation.

...

Some images of rain clouds from here and there!

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TIME'S RUTHLESS SICKLE...

2019-07-12T01:40:00.000-07:00

ABC Wednesday's 25th round is special and offers a new challenge for our creative juices to flow ragingly!

A
AGING UNLAYERED!!!

A is for Aging

Time’s ruthless sickle is unsparing.

Its onslaught never misses its mark.

Slowly ambushes man's dynamism,

And grins at his feeble labors.

Its roguish persona is a sly robber,

Of the vitality of the sinews.

Disables their power of renewal,

And dries up the linkages of the limbs.

It mocks man’s morbidity,

Being immune to age’s frailties.

Carries on aiming its callous arrows,

At man’s vulnerabilities.

How funny to say, age is only a number!

Why fool with rosy euphemisms.

Do they disarm the attack of disintegration?

Can they stop the furrows of time’s plough?

Can any potion bring back the swagger in the gait?

Or carefree run on the stairs of life;

Or falsify verities of fears, insecurities, and dwindling life force;

Or prevent dipping assurances and lurking letdowns.

Time wields its power in equal measure,

Over mighty kings, rulers or humankind.

All surrender to its karmic symbolism,

‘It is our destiny’ they echo.

………………………..

An epilogue for the aging:

Be engaged, be good and be wise!

...

An old post shared again as it corresponds somewhat to my state of mind these days!

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ZITS: ADOLESCENTS NIGHTMARE!

2019-07-05T01:51:00.001-07:00

Zits cartoon strip. Courtesy Internet.

Z for Zits

I happen to read the comic strip ’Zits’ in a Newspaper our son subscribed for when I’s visiting the US many years back. I enjoyed the well-timed humor of the main character Jeremy Duncan. I didn’t know the meaning of the word ‘Zits’ at that time and looked it up in the dictionary. It surprised me to know that it meant pimples, which most adolescents experience in their teens.

However, I failed to notice any correlation between the word 'Zits' and the theme of the strip. There was seemingly no character having zits on his/her face. After that though, I forgot all about it as no publication known to me carried the specific comic strip in India.

...

Since I’s to write something on the prompt word ‘Z’, I suddenly remembered the comic strip named ‘Zits’ as a possible starting point. The significance of the title ‘Zits’ occurred to me there and then like an act of serendipity.

For most of the adolescents, teen years constitute a phase of confusion turmoil and tribulations of mental and physical nature. One of the miserable circumstances of the phase is the appearance of unexplained zits on their young healthy faces. The untold misery this condition causes in young minds can be described as depression, isolation and being extremely conscious.

Similarly, the hero of ‘Zits’ Jeremy Duncan a tall somewhat clumsy but intelligent 16-year high school sophomore who aspired to become a rock musician faced extreme harassments and miseries in his growing up years. Hence the title 'Zits' of this comic strip seems to be symbolic, subtle and imaginative one.

So much for the comic strip!

I recall somewhat vividly the horrifying scenario when I’s in my late teens and enjoying summer vacations. I started noticing the slow arrival of small eruptions on my face. Within a few days, the whole face was dotted and looked ugly. I felt devastated. I remained closeted in my room for days. I covered the offending things with Band-Aids. The mirror became the most hateful object. Fortunately, for me, the pimples cleared away soon enough. The vacation period was a Godsend.

I think only a few teens escape this disfiguring episode in the most impressionable period in their lives. Both my kids had more than their fair share of this scourge too.

I do not care what the dermatologists say about the causes of this upsetting condition (hormonal changes, clogging of pores, etc.) generally; blemishes fade away on their own or with some acne medication in due course of time.

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SET YOUR OWN YARDSTICKS.

2019-06-26T21:18:00.000-07:00

"Quality is never an accident, it is always the result of intelligent effort." John Ruskin

We’re on this planet on a short journey. Therefore, we’ve to make the most of what we have. Possibilities for personal development are endless if we are aware of who we are. Being conscious is vital to evolve and to cross the limits of mundane routine life. Furthermore, we should be careful about expending our energies on superficialities, which might consume all our energies leaving no time to involve in life to the fullest.

It is not easy to overcome chronic doubts, hurts, hatreds and perceived inadequacies. For this to happen we have to set our own standards and constantly try to transcend them for the better. We’ve to bid adieu to the egocentric cliché –‘I’m like this’, as an excuse for not coming up to expectations. This is a restrictive statement. Life progresses in expansion, being able to respond to the infinity of experiences. A conscious life is always evolving. A static life is like stagnant water, which gives stench after some time. A vibrant pulsating existence means observing life anew every day.

Setting your yardsticks also means not to lose sight of the core values- the voice of conscience in the course of facing life’s challenges. This voice has to be ever ready to notice and embrace the joyful and the elevating.

In this context, traveling is like a handy learning app. It is a prolific book on understanding the diversity of humanity. It makes you humble and receptive.

The ideals on which we decide to live life by, stand for engaging in a battle with ourselves on a daily basis. It keeps us on our toes. Yet it is worth having.

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THE LETTER 'X' IS A PHENOMENON.

2019-06-21T07:03:00.003-07:00

X is not simply another letter!

Though X is the 24^th letter of the English alphabet and the least used yet it is formidable in its persona. It is powerful, it is mysterious, and it is iconic and somewhat vain. Its symbolism has multiple profound references in history.

Here is a short sampling of X in some of its numerous avatars:

X growls its way in words with dominance. It makes its presence felt come what may.

X words enjoy the literary onomatopoetic effect. EXaggerated (hyperbolic) and eXcruciating are good examples of words where the jarring sound nearly hints at the meaning. Phonetically these demand tough articulation in tune with their semantics.

You can’t ignore the word ‘eXtraordinay’ for example. It is special, awesome much more than the ordinary.

Some X words possess slightly negative connotations. ‘Extreme’, ‘Excess’-something not desirable, ‘Xenophobia’-fear of foreigners- something frowned upon. In clothing, line XL- extra-large and XS extra small signify the choice of the few.

X’s presence in some words invariably characterizes them with elements of mischief, intrigue, chauvinism or an authority or novelty e.g. Axe, tax, sex, maximum, Xerox, axis, nexus, Xanax (name of medicine).

Then there are original expressions having alluring properties, which make you sit up and think. You are enticed to explore their origins, meanings, and contexts. A few of them are:

Xmas- Its spiritual association with Christianity. X is an abbreviation of Christ, which has been accepted for centuries.

X rated- drawn towards sex or pornography.

Generation X- those born between 1969-1979 in America.

Malcolm X – a Muslim revolutionary.

X rays – A diagnostic tool.

X sports- short for extreme sports with the risky and daredevil component.

Swastika X or cross- signifies evil, used by Hitler in Nazi Germany.

X files- documents containing mysterious and secret information about state matters.

X a sign of multiplication in Mathematics and in Algebra signifying a variable.

X stands for the Roman numeral 10.

X has many more diverse, historical and exciting associations waiting to be explored.

...

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ONLY THE WEARER KNOWS WHERE THE SHOE PINCHES.

2019-06-14T20:34:00.002-07:00

"It is the one who lives in the house who knows where the roof leaks."
African Proverb

Courtesy Google

W for wearer

Of course, who else does?

'ONLY THE WEARER KNOWS WHERE THE SHOE PINCHES' is an old saying that is the distillation of ancient wisdom. Its implications are relatable to the whole humankind and always teach us a lesson or two as social beings.

Our life is an amalgamation of binary oppositions. In fact, this dual nature of life imparts meaning to it. Otherwise, our life would not have been worth living. If there is, happiness there is suffering too. Most of the time nature maintains equilibrium between these two states. However, sometimes it is not so.

We can fairly make a guess about the episodes of joy in other people‘s lives. They are similar for everyone though the scale may be different. However, can we make the right guess about the miseries and agonized events in other people’s lives? No. Such incidents are painfully deep and personal. It is impossible to decipher the lurking doubts and embedded traumas, which others pass through.

There is a need to sensitize ourselves when we approach such individuals for sharing their grief. Mere preaching and thoughtless comments sans figuring out the extent of pain and suffering instead of soothing taut nerves will rather prick more. What is needed is your solid backing and reassurance in measured words.

The pain of desertion, divorce, recurring disputes in family matters, chronic disease, and death of a loved one, loss in business, filial ingratitude and scores of other tragic moments are too deep for words. One who experiences these suffers the scars inside; others can only offer lip service.

Since It is hard to interpret others’ sufferings one should be extra conscious not to hurt their sensibilities by casual remarks.

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VERBOSITY IRRITATES.

2019-06-06T23:09:00.001-07:00

“Some people talk too much without saying a lot.”
― Mokokoma Mokhonoana

V for verbosity:

Dictionary says verbosity is the use of unnecessary words in conversation, speech, debates, etc. Another word ‘tautology’ is a literary device with the same meaning. Verbosity is also called clutter, which in any form is hardly appreciated.

On a lighter note, I can say verbosity is an art that specializes in confounding what really matters. Interestingly some individuals are adept at taking recourse to superficial long-winded interventions to scuttle the real issues being discussed and confuse the listeners.

Luckily the discerning listeners gauge just at the beginning the frivolousness of the arguments and refuse to suffer the blah blah. They lock up their cognition and go to sleep with open eyes signifying a subtle way of showing their disapproval of mere rhetoric. Who likes the ones who exhibit their grandiloquence in everyday situations?

In a small group sometimes, a particular person compulsively indulges in a type of wordy monologue to the discomfiture of all. He goes on babbling in so many words the same thing. He loves his own voice so much that nobody else gets a chance to participate in the discussion. Others try to ignore in the first instance. However, if the speaker doesn’t take a hint, they start looking at their watches, fiddle with their smartphones, or simply yawn. Even then, the garrulous fails to end his dull ramblings.

I think each one of us sometimes or the other by mistake or willingly must have watched political debates on TV channels. Such channels are a little too many in my country. Dear hubby calls them ‘unwholesome nonvegetarian stuff.’ Spokespersons of various political parties throw verbal venom at each other so much so that the viewer senses unhealthy vibes polluting the atmosphere around. In fact, their verbiage makes hardly any sense as it diverges from the specified topic and takes recourse to disgusting wordplay to score points.

For me, such shows are a BIG NO.

In fictional writings, some novelists give so much space to descriptive passages that the reader who is always curious to know ‘what happened next’ often skips those lengthy pages. The repetitive style truly bores.

In Shakespeare’s Hamlet one of the characters Polonius remarks,

“Brevity is the soul of wit,

And tedious the limbs and outward flourishes, I will be brief…..” endorses the logic of preferring conciseness to pompous style.

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LET’S TRY TO UNDERSTAND NATURE’S MESSAGING

2019-05-31T22:14:00.002-07:00

U for understanding....

I am once again sojourning amidst imposing Shiwalik hills in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The hills here don statuesque pines, numerous types of shrubs and sundry vegetation.

This morning I happened to go up to our community lawn for the first time after arrival. A delightful sight was waiting for me in the form of various kinds of blooms in their prime. I stared at them unabashedly so fascinating was their glowing persona. They personified pure charm yet unlike us, there wasn’t any sign of snobbish pride nor they turned their backs upon me in disdain. In fact, they were welcoming me warmly with their adorable looks. Their smiles and sweet winks were for all who cared to look at them. In disbursing happiness around neither do they discriminate based on caste, color, creed or race nor are they xenophobic about strangers? Rather they spread their wares for everybody to relish.

Their cheerful persona inspires and is meant to be shared by legions. While in this ruminating mood, sitting under the canopy of an iron structure, my gaze fell on the gently swinging tiny lower branches of a pine tree. The rest of the tree was still in its serene exuberance born out of a peaceful and harmonious appeal. The vibes emanating from the scene were in perfect sync with its surroundings. The message of peaceful coexistence of the forces of nature was loud and clear. It impacted me too.

Suddenly I became conscious of the melodic twitter of birds hopping on the branches. The atmosphere enamored the buzzing bees and fluttering butterflies as they appeared from nowhere. The cuckoo appeared shortly and I saw it flying down on the grass. A little later, the high-pitched notes of the cuckoo filtered through throngs of trees and reached me.

The exhausting restarting of the household after a long gap of seven months was compensated profusely by the natural phenomenon. Its utilitarian aspect is indescribable.

Yet a grave churn of thoughts reminded me of the warring regions, where the fire of hatred destroys man and material. Does it mean that humanity in man is slowly dying and perceived victimhood and fascist tendencies of usurping others' territorial spaces are in the ascendency?

It is sad to realize that man has been a part of nature for millenniums, but he hasn't learnt any lessons.

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TURNING THE PAGES of THE GREEN BOOK

2019-05-22T06:41:00.001-07:00

My green book is actually a raconteur of an ecological narrative. I name it ‘a green book of nature's gems.’

T is for trees/turning the pages.....

This green open book is none other than the all-encompassing natural phenomenon in all its magnificent manifestations. Its pages perennially juxtapose change and consistency. It follows a perfectly orchestrated paradigm set by the cosmic power. I adore this prized book, which not only stands by me in the darkest moments of life but also unequivocally inspires me, excites me and gladdens my heart.

To the initiated, this book has infinite dimensions upon which to play the game of life. It is there for us by the grace of some mysterious power. None can compete with its munificence. It neither divides nor discriminates. It unites. It embodies peace and goodwill. It showers its blessings upon all freely. It feeds, shelters, and elevates. It is a resurgent force. It carries potent restorative properties.

How it has patterned effusively with its green cover: our plateaus, valleys, glens, mountains, and hilltops. It creates humanity’s food bowl through wheat stalks, corncobs, and numerous grain-bearing plants. It makes our life beautiful by its statuesque trees greening our avenues, river banks, our parks, and backyards. Its presence is palpable in every leaf, bud, and bloom.

It beckons us in spring to the magical charm of new life. In summer, it fructifies and ripens our fruit and berries. The color and splendor of autumn is a feast for the eyes. Winter is there for reunions and renewals. Can one ask for more?

At the beginning of this creation of ours, this book supported and fed not only the human animal but also legions of live organism nestling in its magnanimous fold. Our very existence owes its survival to the forces of nature. Our relatedness to nature is inherent in our very being. Modern man seems to have separated himself from the overwhelming aspect of nature through the arrogance of his sharp intellect. However, man can neither sever his relatedness to nature nor ignore its significance in our lives. To do so would be at his own peril.

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THANK YOU NATURE FOR THE CHANGING SEASONS.

2019-05-14T23:13:00.001-07:00

"To be interested in the changing seasons is a happier state of mind than to be hopelessly in love with spring." - George Santayana

Now we are nearing the end of spring. Most of the flowerbeds show dry seed pods ready for storing if you are into sowing seeds for future saplings.

Fortunately, gulmohars in our area are resplendent with orange colored delicate bunches of flamboyant blooms. They provide a visual feast that is noticeable even from a distance. Their flower-laden branches, filter through the spread of other trees to mesmerize the initiated. Wherever you sight a gulmohar these days, you’ll find it in full bloom.

Frankly speaking, nature has ensured that there is not a dull moment in our lives. The change of seasons, though we take it for granted is the greatest benedictions of all. When we are amidst one we look forward to the next. The cycle goes on and on earnestly and regularly. The yearly clock of nature never wavers or pulls a long face even in trying conditions. It brings back wholesome equilibrium soon enough. Just imagine our misery if we had wintry conditions the year round. We’d be crazy with boredom. The world will be peopled with intolerance, conflicts and what not. The idea itself is scary.

I salute the utilitarian forces of nature for gifting us happiness, joy and lasting bliss. If there is something amiss, the fault lies with us.

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Here are some images of blooming gulmohars in our area captured during the week!

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RADIANT MORNINGS PROMPT IMAGINATIVE POURINGS

2019-05-08T00:59:00.000-07:00

R is for Radiant.

Some remnants recalled of past experience:

You encounter a sanctified world if by chance you wake up early in the morning one fine day. All at once, you realize wistfully the magic you had been missing all the while. The sensuous and eerie silence of the early hour suffused with strange rhythmic otherworldly sounds engulf you into a session of divine reverie. The extraordinary hour resonates with endowments which nature has thoughtfully reserved for us. The tumultuous turmoil of the existential odyssey temporarily goes off the radar of the mind. The privileged moments steeped in uncanny spirituality lifts the self above the drudgery of daily life.

The unseen aura of pious vibes around you in the early mornings does what the unusual flavor of some ancient potion is meant to do i.e. to energize the sagging spirits and inert limbs.

Slowly the mystery of the hour is embellished with the humbling cacophony of invisible avian families starting the day with those enigmatic choruses. Yet they deepen the nuttiness of the special time zone. Your immersion in the piety of the hour is short-lived, though. Soon hypnosis caused by the unique experience is intruded upon by the creepy sounds of the waking world.

The soft blazing hues appear imperceptibly in the east. The sun’s brightly lit chariot is on its way. The strangeness evaporates giving way to sensing the exigencies of another day to be lived with renewed vitality and positivity.

It is well said: "One small positive thought in the morning can change the whole world."

PS. Missed writing posts for two consecutive weeks due to the visit of dear ones.

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OLD IS GOLD

2019-04-19T06:23:00.000-07:00

google image

O is for 'Old is Gold.'

Sorry for posting late. Sometimes it takes a while to zero in on a topic. Yet here I'm:

The proverb “Old is Gold” has always enjoyed a kind of universal endorsement in everyday conversations. Without going into the history of its emergence, it can be safely asserted that it has sustained its significance in subtly enfolding in its rhymed persona some acclaimed truths. It evidently epitomizes the wisdom of centuries propounded by some great soul. Let’s widen our discussion by first trying to understand its meaning.

“Old is Gold” subsumes under its sagacious canopy that old things have priceless value not measured by any prevalent benchmarks. Antique furniture, old artefacts, ancient architecture of famous monuments, old designs and quality of textiles , old friends, strong family bonds and ancient corridors of learning et all are fantastic testimony of our ancestors' fertile imagination, utilitarian outlook, deep intellect, intense creativity, loads of patience and single-minded devotion to explore every avenue of life.

Taj Mahal at Agra India, a marvel of enchanting beauty.

For example, ancient alternative medicine Ayurveda’s herbal potions with proven medical benefits signify and manifest the glory of the past. There used to be a few ailments, a lot more contentment, and positivity. The hollowness of individualism has not yet crept into the human psyche.

Most of us will agree that our past too was undoubtedly a golden period of new ideas. The scientists and mathematicians of the past grappled with the hypothesis and did intensive experiments and laid the foundations of future researches in specific fields. Their footprints paved the way for unraveling the mysteries of the cosmos. The past intellectuals left a path-breaking legacy that helped the present day researchers to have a foothold rather than start from scratch.

Their visions and painstaking efforts in diverse fields acted as vanguards for modern technological advancements. Our life in the 21^st century is so different from the past still we keep singing paeans of the virtues of good old days.

In some respects, old will be cherished as something very sacred. Simultaneously we realize how much the present day innovative miracles have revolutionized our lives in a manner unimagined even half a century back.

Human life is unique with unlimited possibilities. Man will keep evolving to mind-blowing heights. Yet the continuity of past with the present and future will remain and there will never be an absolute break.

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NATURE’S BRIDAL WEAR

2019-04-09T07:14:00.002-07:00

Bottle Brush in bloom.

Spring is nature’s bridal wear and offers an incredible visual feast. Indeed everywhere around you be it parks or flowerbeds maintained by residents or trees lining the roads, spring’s sparkle is unmistakably there. Mesmerizing sights of spring’s freshness overwhelm the responsive onlooker.

Spring’s arrival has finally bid adieu to lingering remnants of winter. People are feeling upbeat and thronging the roads for evening walks in the cool breeze.

Let’s soak spring’s riot of colors till the summer is upon us with its heat waves and scorching sun elevating temperatures to sweaty limits.

Lilies in their prime in my front yard.

A profuse presence of fully rounded marigolds at a religious place.

A richly budding mango tree in our neighborhood. I'm expecting cuckoo's arrival from her secure abode any time now since her visit coincides with the emergence of buds on mango trees.

Curry plant growing outside our boundary wall is donning glistening green leaves once again. I's missing their exotic flavor in my curry, rice pulao, and some other dishes.

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MONDAY MINDSET

2019-04-03T19:33:00.000-07:00

When I’s thinking of an M word, in a flash it occurred to me why not write about Monday itself. Being the first day of the week, it is infused with uncharted seeds of significance

“‘The names of the days of the week were coined in the Roman era in Greek and Latin.” In the case of Monday as “day of the moon.” Wikipedia.

Based on my experiences and observations, Sunday has always been the busiest day- a total workday. However, it is not so with Monday. It is the vanguard of the week. It sets the tone of the week ahead. It is as good as axiomatic to say if you plan your Mondays well your whole week will take care of itself as the most productive one.

Monday is the first born of the week as precious as the first child in a loving family is. Remember the nurturing, which goes into helping the child to grow into a great human being. Similarly, if we schedule our Mondays earnestly, we’d be far ahead of others who resent Mondays as strict taskmasters.

Monday is relaxing in a different way. Your body feels energetic and light simultaneously after Sunday’s ‘me time’ indulgences of pedicure, manicure and a luxurious bath. Your hair shining and bouncy after proper shampooing gives you a dapper and more confident look.

Your wardrobe organized with properly folded and freshly ironed clothes (Sunday’s labor) offers a wide choice for looking smart on Monday wherever you’re heading to.

Whether at home or at your workplace you are highly focused, being yet free from the overload of the coming days.

One is also relatively stress-free on Mondays minus any piled up tasks and ready for challenges.

Monday signifies fresh start with unimaginable possibilities for achieving wonders during the week. It is like a clean slate to write anything upon.

If you love beginnings of every aspect of life, you're bound to acquire self-motivation and achieve fulfillment in whatever you undertake to do.

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“LAUGH AND THE WORLD LAUGHS WITH YOU, WEEP AND YOU WEEP ALONE.”

2019-03-27T20:10:00.002-07:00

The above proverb has its origin in Ella Wheeler’s poem ‘SOLITUDE’ (1883). An American novelist STANLEY GORDEN WEST gives a slight variation to it in his novel ‘GROWING AN INCH” by saying “SMILE AND THE WORLD SMILES WITH YOU, CRY AND YOU CRY ALONE.”

Whatsoever!

Our life experiences teach us that people converge around a person who has a cheerful nature and shun the one who is a sob storyteller. When you are having good times people will enjoy your company, laugh at your jokes and even try to flatter you. You would be in great demand in get-togethers if you can narrate humorous incidents or satirize people in subtle ways.

This reminds me of Alexander Pope’s mock-epic poem “THE RAPE OF THE LOCK” which lampoons British aristocracy and high society and the hypocrisies of those days. Its enjoyable reading makes you chuckle off and on.

Coming back to our theme of people liking your company when your life is in the ascendancy and deserting you in adversity is common indeed. We console ourselves by uttering these oft-quoted clichés like ‘this is the way of the world’ or ‘life is like that’. Yet it is painful no less to be left alone when facing misfortune or bad times. Such an outlook only reflects our selfishness and insensitivity to sufferings of others. It is, of course, a sad state of human bonding. Is it so fake and fickle? How easily one forgets the fact, that hardships can come about on anybody without notice! Maybe serious introspection to analyze our behavior Vis Vis others in trouble can lead to some changes in our attitude.

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google image

On the other hand, we cannot overlook the established facts that laughter is immensely advantageous to our overall wellbeing. It reduces stress hormones, stabilizes blood pressure, and unlocks the dormancy of our system.

“He who laughs, lasts!” Mary Pattibone Poole

Laughter triggers the release of body's natural feel-good chemical endorphins, which results in the creation of optimism in our lives. It boosts our moods and brings enthusiasm and zest for productive living.

A good laugh opens up blood vessels and improves blood flow keeping our cardiovascular system healthy. Thus promoting longevity.

It diffuses tense situations and conflicts and improves relationships. One tends to forget all worrisome situations while surrendering to the act of laughter.

Laughter touches our soul by blowing away all negative emotions.

It is a magical medicine, which is fun, free and forever available.

It exercises the body, burns calories and helps in weight loss.

When we were children, we would laugh in guffaws but as adults, we shy away from laughing even when the situation is funny. Sad indeed!

Let’s indulge in genuine laughter in our daily encounters with life. This wonderful but short journey of ours is replete with precious hilarious moments too. We have to do it for our mental, emotional and physical wellness.

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KNOWLEDGE AND KNOWING

2019-03-20T06:58:00.001-07:00

"Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited, imagination encircles the world."

Albert Einstein

ABC Wednesday’s prompt letter K for this week made me pick ‘Knowledge and Knowing’ to discourse upon. These two interesting K words aroused my curiosity to explore the two concepts and their semantics. This doesn’t however, mean that I’m going to philosophize and talk scholarly about less traveled realms. It is nothing of the kind. I simply wish to comprehend the difference between the usage of the two.

Knowledge to my mind is the huge database stored in our minds, gathered from books, internet searches, information received during formally educating ourselves, the information imparted through print, electronic media and ever-increasing other sources being developed in the modern technological world. Knowledge though vast is taken as finite and quantifiable.

However, knowing, as I understand is entirely different. It is an experience that is personal, subjective, and infinite. Knowing has depth and is experienced like mindfulness. It is like waking meditation. It helps to unwind, to find joy and to promote uncommon mental upswings. It is not 2+2=4. It is very private and without boundaries.

Here I take a simple example of my special bonding with a creature, who is endearing. Surprisingly I love squirrels and keep them in high regard. They are my all weather friends. Occasionally my rendezvous with them happens when I go for a walk in an adjacent park filled with trees, shrubs, flower patches etc. Soon after I enter the park and take a few steps, invariably, I encounter a pair of squirrels hopping and frolicking on the pavement in front of me. It seems as if they recognize me and take me as their admirer. Joyfully and teasingly, they lead me bouncing and stopping alternatively to match my speed. To tease them back I make a sudden jump towards them and Lo with lightning quickness, they make an effortless and lovingly graceful long jump onto the sturdy trunk of a Neem tree.

Their frolicking and romping spree continues as if to entertain me and attract my attention further. My focus narrows down to their antics. Totally, inspired I feel feathery light. I experience their experience. My observation parameters reach optimum levels and I feel a transient seeping in of energized otherworldliness. The baggage of cynicism sweeps away. A new me enthused to make my day the most productive one emerges. The peak of gladness in the sun-filled ambiance rubs in on me. I come back refreshed, relaxed and eager to go. Such moments I think are knowing moments.

This perhaps is knowing, something very distinct from knowledge and very original.

Friends pl. share your perspective on it!

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