Imposter syndrome

Am I deserving, I question...

Standing on this podium of life,

with all the respect in greetings,

making me happy yet apprehensive. 

Will I be exposed, of misgivings...

That would disappoint, everyone's beliefs,

for, I am not good enough, to be standing,

alongside ones, gifted & accomplished. 

Am I being delusional or a realist?

Suffering from being a pessimist,

yet, a better term might define,

for, I am imposter refined... 

Imposter syndrome, a curious condition...

Affecting many, in various positions,

holding us back, to reach our goals,

by reminding us, our shortcomings. 

Burdened with self-doubts...

And fear of being exposed, 

we fall victim, to our worries,

even our successes are discomforting. 

And we set higher standards...

Feeling inadequate, compared to others,

investing into work, for proving ourselves, 

yet, nothing satiates, this hunger. 

Imposter syndrome...it will extinguish, 

these flames of our life's energy,

without even once celebrating,

our contributions...value that we bring!

For the sanctuary

It's a tale of three souls,

whose destiny entwines,

for a common goal,

as they chased lofty dreams,

yet, facing hurdles of realities, 

to finally reach...The sanctuary!! 

Sikha, a doctorate PhD candidate,

working a thesis, on local vultures,

trying to find ways, save these species.

Ratan, a village farmer,

losing his produce, to the weather,

struggles to make his end meet.

Nandan, a wildlife photographer,

hoping to find the elusive picture,

to be appraised, for career rise. 

Three people, at different stage,

building path, to desired place,

unaware of a fortunate meeting.

For, Sikha, brought the knowledge, 

roped in villages, created awareness,

While Ratan, found opportunities, 

by caring saplings, planting trees,

Nandan heard of these stories,

in vultures, he found his calling. 

And their efforts, born the fruits,

villagers prospered, with the growth,

from forest produce, to tourism,

local hand loom, saw their sell,

Sikha had her research awarded,

Nandan, capturing prized photos, 

And Ratan, had prospering business. 

Yet, the real winners, were not vultures, 

But us human, celebrating conservation.

A conversation between moon and the ocean

It's a full moon night,

In these pristine shores,

shimmering with lunar light,

As tides rise and fall... 

" Oh moon, listen to my call,"

The ocean pleads in her song,

"why so distant, far from us,

when I carry your reflections, 

carved deep within my heart" 

" Dear Ocean, don't be sad,"

Moon replied, to allay her worries,

" I have always been your ally, 

trying so hard, to bring you closer,

yet, my gravitational pull lack power" 

" My precious Moon, such a tragedy,"

Ocean understood and rued silently,

" I too have the responsibility to carry,

even when my heart seeks your presence,

I couldn't reach, your extended invitations " 

" It's alright, I feel happy inside,"

Moon said, with a big smile,

" When I watch, your blue glory,

And I know, all of your sacrifice,

for your families in earth's kinds" 

Ocean smiled, being teary-eyed,

Moon glowed, a delicate shine,

as wind whispered, in clear sky... 

" We may never meet each other,

But in hearts, remains this picture,

For, we are, other's reflections "

A true companion

We were always together,

from the day, we were born,

only thing is, I needed illumination,

while you were present, regardless... 

I was your first friend,

a company for your childhood, 

letting you experience, adult limbs, 

when you wished, to be like them. 

Your tiny hands grew, 

now, I became your extension, 

creating different life forms, 

It was game, we played together. 

I had seen your struggles, 

flickering with your silhouettes, 

while you study, or watched shows,

under the glow of bulbs or candles. 

I saw those phases of youthful years,

running for love, dreams & aspirations, 

I followed, from morning to the evenings,

even sticking to toes, in harsh noon. 

Times passed, you are a working man,

carrying responsibilities on shoulders,

being forgotten, yet cheering your days,

in hardships or pleasures, of life's events. 

And now, I witness your weary soul,

tired, alone, approaching the end,

bedridden, with thin body and limb,

again discovering, long-lost friend...

In these borders, where lamp is lit,

we would be united, when our ends meet...

For, I am your shadow, a true companion!

How to define happiness

We want to be happy,

yet, our happiness varies,

depending on individuals, 

the perceptions of reality...

So, how could we define,

something that's arbitrary, 

that changes it's colors,

from people, to the society. 

World's happiness report,

used for ranking the nations,

might influence our opinions,

showing glimpses of prosperity....

And we wonder, how it feels,

living life in such countries, 

ignoring the inherent biases,

in making such statistics. 

For, it involves economic well-being, 

choosing countries that are wealthy,

having assess to all the amenities,

and freedom to live without worries.

In contrast, the poorer countries,

are expected to be sad, unhappy,

without steady income, or freedom,

good governance to support citizens. 

Yet, they exclude many valuable factors,

of having interests and some purpose,

psychological issues which might disrupt,

deeper connection, with our surroundings. 

For, our culture, too plays a role,

protecting us from social isolation,

policies prioritizing universal welfare,

promoting healthy, & fulfilling lifestyle. 

P.S

And so, we learn from pioneers, 

who created GNH ( Gross National Happiness)

factors, that might be much closer,

of defining, the path to happiness...

Blame game

Don't fall into the temptations, 

of blaming others, for misfortunes, 

it's the path, we have chosen,

that determined, the seen outcomes... 

We might have a difficult upbringing,

not enough opportunities, in the baskets,

our voices might have been silenced,

by the difficulties, of our situations. 

But, have we ever tried?

Make the most, of given chances,

or our hesitancy and pessimism,

lead us to our present condition? 

Then it hurts, to even listen,

all the mockeries and ridicules, 

for, somewhere in those taunts,

lies an ugly truth, unspoken... 

And, we have no answers,

still, we fall into procrastination,

for, it's our pride or ignorance, 

making us apathetic, to our situation. 

Disappointments, feeling like a failure,

our tears, couldn't comfort anymore,

pushing us more, to social isolation,

with our heart, filled with resentment. 

So, have we ever asked ourselves...

How much of blame game is justifiable?

Malaise

A chill seep through,

in damp, dreary days,

getting under the weather,

as my spirits feel astray... 

Malaise...

I am feeling low,

a bit feverish, my body aches,

craving the warmth, 

of a cozy bed.

With hot soups,

or strong ginger tea,

having some cut fruits,

and food lighter on belly. 

Then I lie,

wrapped in my blanket,

preserving body heat,

while soothing my soul.

Too weary and tired,

I am closing my eyes,

letting the sweats out,

to cool down my body. 

These are the times,

we become more alone,

seeking a gentle touch,

and a comforting presence.

With loved ones, we feel safe,

their support, gives us solace,

so, let me rest and recuperate, 

and finally prevail, over malaise!

PS : 

Do visit doctors,

If symptoms deepens... :)

A flowering plant

It all started, on my whims,

to watch, a flowering plant,

growing on the earthen pot...

Brightened by rays of sunshine,

that warms up, it's chilled surface,

only morning dews, left behind. 

Listening to the chirruping birds,

with cool breeze, freshens up mind,

my eyes, accustomed to daylight...

And I observed, the stems above,

carrying the weights, of the leaves, 

gently swaying, in the internodes. 

It seems insignificant, but customary,

to start my day, looking at the greenery,

as it grew taller and taller, all alone...

And I was intrigued, by its growth,

without blooming flowers, still flourished,

going against will, of life's processes. 

And then came, days of bad weather, 

strong winds, shaking its foundation,

bending its stalk, and the branches...

Next morning, I was surprised, 

to find a bud, a single flower,

that had sprouted, on the top. 

Yet, branches bent, lost its strength,

to sustain burden, nothing was left,

breaking down, leaving parts behind...

And, I nurtured, the broken stem,

watching in morning, as a routine,

letting it expands, until it heals...

Treating me, with bounty of flowers. 

And I wondered why it grew taller,

without giving a single flower,

while providing bouquets, 

after being broken?

What do you see?

Everything cease,

in this single breath,

make a deep inhalation, 

closing your eyes...

What do you see?

Let your mind waver,

like ripples, on water surface,

expanding, spreading further away,

losing its force, getting steady,

to provide you, a tranquil space... 

Now, hold that breath, 

visualize, the vast nothingness, 

yet, your senses get sharper,

getting attuned to the noises,

and you arrive, in realm of silence... 

Exhale slowly, relax your body,

you have achieved that mindset,

of finding the prized composure,

even in most troubled days,

if you practice it to perfect... 

For, here lies the secret,

a wisdom, of the ancients, 

to master, this art of living,

through controlling, flow of prana,

in their path, to the enlightenment... 

So, whenever you feel conflicted, 

just tap into your life's processes, 

focusing deeply, in your breathing,

with or without, closing the eyes...

Ask self...What do you see??

In the whispers

In the whispers,

I would sing this song,

of spending lovely moments, 

as we start, living together. 

Would it be morning sunshine,

drinking tea or having coffee,

listening to tweeting birds,

admiring the day's delights. 

In the heat, of the noon,

we would savor, something cold,

having giggles and fun challenges, 

taking shelter, to somewhere cool. 

In the afternoon, we make plans,

for an outing, or some recreation,

delving into each other's interest,

deepening bond, by learning ourselves. 

Would it be evening sunsets,

walking in parks, beach or mountains, 

holding hands, meaningful glances,

using shoulders for resting head. 

And our emotions would surge,

under the blanket, of the darkness,

diving into a night of passion,

or spend our time, in sweet talks. 

Yet, they are still whispers,

would they become the song,

growing as melodies, of our heart...

Or remains inside, as a wishful thought.

Hold on or move on

It's a predicament, we do face,

In this journey, in our days,

Where patience remains a virtue,

Until we fail, or procrastinate... 

Yet, letting go, might be frowned,

Missing opportunities, we have longed,

So, it pushes us, into a conundrum, 

Of letting it go or keep holding on...

To our dreams and aspirations! 

So, I wondered, what's the line,

To resolve issues, making up my mind,

When, every step, throws a question,

Tightening, like an invisible bind...

Lessons of patience

We are always in a rush,

to reach early, in our station,

not giving a thought for peoples,

that too are participating...

In this race for life. 

As everything was built,

for our conveniences,

from widened roads,

to faster vehicles. 

Have we ever wondered,

How life would be...

if privileges were lost,

under the weights, 

of nature's constraints? 

We have to learn, be conscious,

having left with no other options,

becoming mindful, of the movements, 

in concurrence with our surroundings. 

And we let them teach lessons,

while driving in difficult terrains,

along their twists and turns,

for understanding the true value...

Of our patience. 

For, we have to surrender,

our urges to race or overtake,

when, the paths were unforgiving,

and we couldn't afford mistakes. 

So, we learned to be humble,

regardless of perceived status,

calming anger or frustrations,

while becoming part of the traffic... 

Finally realizing, 

this lesson, of patience.

A conversation between scientists

 * The following conversation is between Leonardo da Vinci and Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam 

Scene: Sitting on a bench, in a serene garden, bathed in ethereal light 

Sitted on the bench,

they were genius figures,

one, a Renaissance polymath,

other, Missile Man of India... 

Leonardo: 

Oh, Kalam, you great man,

fancy meeting you, in this realm,

tell me, about your motherland, 

as we ponder, dreams for humankind. 

Kalam:

Leonardo, you are just brilliant, 

keeping art & science, hand in hand,

it is my pleasure to meet you here,

who's legacy have inspired us human... 

Leonardo:

I had a dream, of soaring the sky,

satiate my curiosity, with my eyes,

create world, where knowledge flows,

inspiring souls, to chase their dreams. 

Kalam:

Ah, dreams, they transform thoughts,

and our thoughts, result in action,

by taking responsibility, we would reach,

all the dreams, we dared to achieve. 

Leonardo:

That's wonderful, that's why we learn,

for, learning, never exhaust our mind,

but knowing isn't enough, we must apply,

being willing not enough, we must do... 

Kalam:

Also, we mustn't fear failures,

it will never overtake our determination,

for, our will power let us succeed,

overcoming frustration and obstacles. 

Leonardo:

Yet we falter, in our perceptions, 

Unaware, that exprience never errs,

there's a pleasure, in joy of understanding, 

For, the truth of things...is the nutriment, 

Of superior intellect! 

Kalam:

Those were inspiring words,

I would love to share them all,

to the youth, with divine fires inside,

I want to give wings, to this fire!! 

Leonardo:

Oh Kalam, our word won't die,

it's etched in their memories,

they would take world to it's zenith,

afterall, poor is that pupil...

Who doesn't surpass his master!! 

They both smiled, 

and vanished in thin air....

And a strong wind sways the grasses.