Get-together

A plan was made, selecting dates,

for a special occasion, to celebrate, 

our connections of past, invisible threads,

by meeting friends or our batchmates.

So we gather, greeting each other,

marvel how time, affected ourselves, 

with some teasing and comments,

lighten up the mood, for the events.

Get-together... 

There's something, that remains,

no matter the years, we have faced,

when we meet, reminiscing older days,

enjoying the evening, in the gathering. 

A lot have been different,

having gone through many events,

some transformations are surprising,

few things have remained the same. 

We have smiles and laugh,

while discussing recent developments,

plans for future, exciting stories,

while nudging the ones that's left behind. 

Even in success, there's little envy,

the boasting too are lighthearted,

a meeting of friends, fellow travelers, 

in this journey, facing similar situations. 

With goodwill at heart, we share concerns,

wishing everyone for a better future,

an outing to have fun discussion,

promising ourselves for another...get-together.

Let's build a garden

Let's build a garden,

filled with native plants,

and provide some shelter,

to the species that's forsaken.

For, these abhorred beings,

are at the bottom of the food chain,

yet, are important for the survival, 

of the beauties in the surroundings. 

We love to hear the songbirds, 

eyes follow the fluttering butterfly, 

much more of these small critters,

along with amphibians and reptiles.

But, they are now a rare sight,

for, their future is not bright,

with habitat loss, and pesticides, 

facing death through thousand knives. 

With the loss of insects abundance,

for development and human encroachment,

bird and mammals have rapid decline,

gravely impacting the biodiversity.

So, let's build a garden,

in every nook and corner,

with small plants, big trees,

to provide better ecosystems. 

The plants capture solar energy, 

insects would be primary dispensers,

those aphids and caterpillars, in turn, 

would feed many other lifeforms.

The garden might look shabby,

but will be brimmed with life energy,

with various insects, frogs and birds,

provided with a safer environment. 

When all of us join hands,

not use lawn as status symbol,

planting native species in private lands,

would be our contribution to the nature.

Each drop would flow to the ocean,

when common people feel empowered, 

our actions do bring destruction,

but it could also be used for...Conservation. 

Epigenetics

Who doesn't want, to extend their life,

live a little longer, on the healthier side,

to be with loved ones, enjoy their time,

spending moments, on favorite activities.

But, things don't go as we desire,

falling victim to disease and injuries,

some are unavoidable, so be cautious, 

but a lot more... are under our control. 

Epigenetic, that studies our actions,

through behavior and environment, 

would bring changes that affects,

how our gene works, giving us advantage...

Epigenetic, influences gene expression,

giving an opportunity, to reverse bad effects,

needing major modifications or minor adjustments, 

through our diet, or simple change of pace. 

Modern lifestyle has its demands,

even clean water and air are rare,

with indulgence in many pleasures,

having no care for any consequences.

Healthcare advancements lengthened lifespan,

but quality of living, is still a far cry...

For, we have been involved in a lifestyle,

that denies mindfulness, and health consciousness. 

So, change your life, while you can,

research your options, that are available, 

like control your diet, limit those sugars,

steps like intermittent fasting, is a struggle.

Have a good night sleep, be stress-free, 

let body be utilized, in repair of the body,

by facing challenges, some of adversaries, 

which might stimulate, our longevity genes... 

Let's include fresh fruit and vegetables, 

limit excess amino acids, through meat products,

it might not be a pleasant way, to avoid cravings,

also we can mimic, by adding researched molecules.

Scientists might soon produce some drugs,

still we need to learn, from many centerians, 

And we could make the masses aware,

make epigenetic...the future of preventive healthcare.

Habit of writing

"Writing, not a mere hobby, 

but a way to declutter,

acting as a release." 

Let's give writing, some dedicated time,

be it minutes or hours, from our hand,

as a mean to diminish, stress and tension,

boost our health, and increase confidence. 

It would then awaken our imagination, 

even act as a decent foundation,

stimulating thoughts, initiating actions,

as a step, towards right direction. 

To understand ourselves better,

we could start with a journal,

where we can write anything,

without judgements & inner criticism. 

Some might take rational approach, 

make things pretty, more presentable,

there would be days, thoughts are blank,

making us lose interests in the endeavor. 

Those days could be difficult,

still, start with even half a sentence,

like our activities, in the morning,

or plans, we have for subsequent day. 

And when we get a hang of it,

we could go a little further,

raising difficulties, by taking topics,

or sharing, our feeling or emotions. 

So, grab a paper, or digital platform,

write without worries, and expectations,

don't feel down, never do comparison, 

express thoughts freely...without inhibitions. 

Habit of writing...

It's a wonderful conception, 

promoting mindfulness, sharpens perception, 

helping us to cope up, with our struggles...

And strive...to become a better person.

Discipline

Making us anxious in childhood,

when enforced by our parents,

not knowing that it's a process,

of reining over unreasonable acts. 

Discipline, a word that brought apprehensions, 

to our innocent mind, that sought freedom,

but later we learned its importance, 

in helping us become a better person. 

For, we were needed to be taught,

the way of living in the society,

through various methods developed,

including praise, rewards and punishment. 

And so, it molded certain behaviors, 

we learned skills for use in future,

but later, with new-found liberty,

we could have fallen to depravity. 

Thus came Self-discipline, 

an ability to control own emotions,

through practice and proper planning,

we could walk towards our destination. 

The advantage of discipline is many,

that could lead us to success in endeavors, 

by following self-control, we resist temptations,

helping us to be motivated and focused. 

For, we valued our long term goals,

than to invest in early gratification,

with strong will, facing many challenges, 

we could achieve our aspirations. 

But, not all are well adapted, 

to the routines, that are needed,

to incorporate discipline in life,

and avoiding inherent impulses. 

A path to success, is through hard work,

with clear intent, setting realistic goals,

by breaking it down into many steps,

putting consistent efforts, rewards on completion. 

When it becomes our habit,

we would finally be... Disciplined. 

World's Health Day

Let us take some moment,

and celebrate this wonderful occasion,

highlighting the values and importance, 

of having a healthy mind and body.

" My health, my right "

we have to understand this theme,

chosen by World Health Organization,

to champion for the rights of everyone.

For, we deserve a healthy life,

having access to quality services,

drinking safe water, inhaling clean air,

proper nourishment, provides better care.

To be informed of medical advancements, 

being educated enough, to seek the same,

even our working or living conditions,

should be supportive, without any discrimination. 

So, let's come together, 

spread awareness, in this special occasion,

as everyone takes a step forward...

To achieve the goals, of universal Healthcare.

Happy World's Health Day to everyone.

I understand

I understand, 

you had your reasons,

trying things, exploring options, 

finally making your decisions. 

For, you have the initiative,

a perceived status of superiority, 

more experiences, better communicative,

making choices out of whims and fancy. 

I understand, 

it's not a big deal,

for you, it's something routine,

very few delve into finding meanings. 

So, I have learned to be wary of lies,

let you reevaluate at your sweet time,

get more open to what you're trying, 

to find the partner of your kind. 

I understand, 

so don't hide or be shy,

tell me anything, that you desire,

if it's acceptable, I would comply. 

We could always break this dealing,

no one gets hurt, have hard feelings,

life is long, expectations are natural, 

why can't we be, more honest and sincere?

Quiet quitting

A term coined,

to signify a social problem,

a consequence of present lifestyle,

dousing the flame of excitement. 

To be disillusioned, 

from this corrupt system,

where hard work are not rewarded,

rather influenced by luck and position.

Compounded by the rising greed,

a lack of interests in people's need,

competitions that are taking toll,

while selected few, are enjoying leisure. 

For, everything is publicized, 

facade of success and happiness,

leading to rising expectations,

to live a certain lifestyle.

Creating barrier between hearts,

with their opinions and valuations,

rather than thought and communication, 

to build long term relations. 

So, we compare with others,

disappointments of being powerless,

becoming unhappy and sadden,

with our present conditions.

We stop putting efforts,

and live for bare minimum, 

to be in background, not taking leads,

even at home, we become lazy. 

But why do things come to this?

is it for having unattainable needs,

and it's fulfillment is the criteria,

for having better involvement...

Even in research, we have hierarchy of need,

from physiological needs to safety needs,

with love, belonging and self esteem being,

the pathway that leads to pinnacle of living. 

But things are not in our control,

world too is spiraling towards hostility,

if every attempts end up into nadir,

it would make anyone apprehensive. 

Yet, hope should never be forsaken, 

rather than quiting, get better at noticing, 

of the imbalance present in our life,

make a chart or exercises to understand. 

Only then, we could choose right direction,

by acting upon things we are lacking,

rather than making commitments for results,

we could invest through consistent efforts.

Anything that provides incremental joy,

like a purpose, we could incorporate,

by figuring out, our non negotiables,

then making concessions, for a better future. 

Find your passion

"Find your passion"

It's a beautiful saying,

that inspire, and excites,

giving us purpose, to be alive...

Wishing to get bigger, than routine kind. 

But not many would seek,

get distracted in frivolous spirits,

needing more than just advices,

to be motivated, in right direction. 

Passion...

Not something to be discovered, 

that already exists somewhere,

but is developed with an intent,

and followed with our interests. 

It begins, with sparks of curiosity, 

then requires repeated engagements,

with knowledge, positive experiences, 

finally becoming a part of our life. 

The very idea of its prominence, 

led many people to hold back,

rather than promoting the subject,

investing personal time and cultivate. 

In various studies, we have learned,

that people can be divided into groups,

having a fixed, or growth mindset,

when exposed to newer experiences. 

Even if the stimulus does work,

for, people were influenced by thoughts,

the fixed mindset, would never follows up,

while growth mindset, start their research. 

Still, things could be changed, 

by striving to become flexible,

with activities and interventions,

we can instill, seeds of passion. 

By giving ourselves novel tasks,

that would lead us, to desirable path,

involving personal or professional aspects, 

creating opportunities...to find our passion.

On the canvas of imagination

 On the canvas of imagination,

I paint my unfulfilled desires,

with a brush dipped in dreams,

creating a vibrant, colorful painting. 

In the realm of my mind, 

the home to infinite possibilities, 

like a fertile ground to grow,

and let my spirit flow...freely. 

Here I can live occasionally, 

reliving moments, connecting emotionally,

I would mend the broken heart,

filling pieces with goodness and hope. 

In this world of disappointments, 

the constraints of physical domain,

imagination comes as my savior,

providing me help and guidance. 

Away from the prying eyes,

judging and correcting mistakes,

pushing shame, guilt of actions,

that influences many interactions. 

As an innocent child, or a wise person,

making many scenarios in my head,

building life, that would be interesting, 

with every means at my disposal. 

To bring some unnatural things,

that excites, are awe-inspiring,

or indulge in guilty pleasures,

that would be unspeakable otherwise. 

Imagination, our treasured friend,

walking together, hand in hand,

a chance to escape from reality,

plan for some wonderful experiences. 

Anything and everything, in my reach,

within the expanse of its borders,

from gray shades to kaleidoscopic emotions,

I would paint them all...in this canvas of imagination.

Dreaming of you

Let me fall for you, my dear,

your beauty is like seasons' flair,

let me savor these moments,

that are radiated with your grace. 

The beauty gleams, in winter's embrace,

falling from the sky, those soft snowflakes, 

your lips like roses, sweet and tender,

eyes like jewels, captivating my soul. 

Our love unfolds, with spring's arrival, 

as we become bold, in our calls,

your gentle touch, make heart flutter,

the fragrance, heightens my senses. 

Our love ignites, in summer blooms,

when desires rose the temperature, 

and we give into the temptations,

let our passion take the control. 

Our bond strengthens, in autumn hues,

I make promises of eternal love,

for, my affection is forever true,

and I will always cherish you. 

Your memories still brighten my days,

as I wait for us to unite someday,

when I see that smile, like a sunshine,

capturing gaze, warming my heart. 

Till then, I would dream and sigh,

watching falling raindrops from the sky,

in passing drizzle, the occasional thunder,

bringing back the reality, to my attention. 

Blank

Blank, a clear state,

not a single thought,

delivered to my brain.

It does put me in a bind,

when tried with focused mind,

couldn't even put a dent. 

Is the lack of stimulus,

that led to ceased work,

as a mark of a protest.

For, it had been busy, 

now it's a bit too fatigued, 

being pushed to the limits. 

Multiple exposures of information,

filled the vessel to the brink,

leaving no space for experiments. 

Now, it's taking time to upload,

while I wait with my eyes closed,

to find opportunities to manifest. 

Everything needs a proper approach,

conductive environment and exposures,

to bring out the best of us.

Yet, I make those mistakes,

too occupied in my amusements,

to provide proper attention to the craft. 

Blank, there's nothing, 

a lot can be added with researching, 

to find a way to convey feelings. 

It takes sincere commitment,

without excuses or lack of interest,

to bring out the flow from within.

Holi celebration in my childhood

"A festival of colors,

celebrating arrival of spring,

also symbolizes love & friendship,

a playful, yet divine love story." 

followed by many generations,

an opportunity, to be together,

yet, things changes with time,

from social or personal compulsions. 

And I went down in memory lanes,

reminiscenting my childhood days,

waiting impatiently for this moment,

playing our Holi, in full fervor. 

With no distractions and obligations, 

communities too accepting this culture,

we had no distinction or comparision,

be it our friends, families or strangers. 

We prepared with dry colors,

filled water balloons, made things better,

running around, smearing on faces,

or threw balloons over the passersby. 

Even in our mock fightings,

being competitive in our smudging,

if things ever get more heated,

we would shout...

Don't feel bad, it's Holi !! 

Getting tired of all running,

we return for some snacking,

with poori, bhajiya, vada and dosa,

with mouth watering sweet dumplings*. 

(* Gujia and Gulab Jamun) 

It was those moments of gatherings,

where neighbor met, sharing greetings,

the atmosphere felt joyful and ecstatic, 

forever remaining etched, in heart & mind. 

A very happy Holi to everyone. :)