Lüften

It smells musty, 

the air goes stale,

when windows not opened,

and room remain sealed.

Lüften...

A ritualistic German practice,

of airing out their houses,

for, being well-insulated,

they retain moisture inside.

With high CO2 concentrations,

we are exposed to VOCs indoors,

while our activities and routines,

build up humidity and moisture.

All these gases and odors,

with breeding ground of molds,

create dangerous conditions, 

for our health to suffer.

So, we need to open doors,

unlatch windows for ventilation, 

welcoming the flowing breeze,

ensuring adequate air circulation.

There's might be some concerns, 

of letting dust, or pollutants enter, 

while harsh climate or weathers, 

making it harder to practice.

Lüften...

In the era of sealed architectures,

we can utilize it as our solutions, 

Like Stoßlüften, shock ventilation, 

Or Querlüften, as cross ventilation. 

PS. 

Lüften : German practice of airing out a house.

Stoßlüften : Open window completely for 5-10 minutes. Allow quick air exchange without chilling the window.

Querlüften : Open all window and doors to create a draft. Replaces indoor air in few minutes.

CO2 : Carbon Dioxide. 

VOCs : Volatile organic compounds emitted from paint, carpet, furniture and cleaning supplies.

Fibers

There's so much about nutrients, 

we have gain insights these days,

but sometimes we overlook things,

which are as important to the body.

Fibers...

They are the regulators,

play supportive role in digestion,

as soluble or insoluble ingredients, 

needed by metabolic systems.

Soluble fibers,

it's like a sponge that works,

by slow absorption of sugars,

and binding to cholesterol.

They help carry nutrients,

while prevent spikes of insulin,

being vital to energy stability, 

by dissolving in water in our guts.

Insoluble fibers,

they remain relatively intact,

acting as broom, influencing movements, 

adding bulk to our stools,

speed up passage of waste & foods.

As primary food source of gut microbiomes, 

they play significant role in healthy systems,

soluble fibers get fermented to SCFAs, (Short chain fatty acids)

strengthening gut linings, improve immune functions.

Still, we are creating imbalance,

by limiting our diet to narrow spectrums, 

too many fibers causing bloating & cramps,

whole too less, damages gut microbiomes. 

So, incorporate fibers in our regimens,

protect cardiovascular & gastric symptoms,

with fruits, vegetations, legumes, berries,

while being accompanied by water intake.

Tacenda

What everyone knows,

but no one acknowledges,

occupied our hearts,

still difficult to express.

Tacenda...

How could I convey,

weight of my silence,

of pushing boundaries,

by losing patience. 

A rebellious soul,

that values consensus, 

fighting for my wishes,

without fueling disagreements. 

Then again, not many understand, 

want to dwell in deeper conversations, 

finding no gain, in welcoming views,

that were contrary, tragic or profound. 

May be, there's no other way,

it's better to maintain balance, 

voices can cause disruptions, 

being considered hurtful or improper. 

Tacenda...

The weight of the unsaid,

that remain buried in psyche,

I wonder, what holds in future, 

if I laid bare, every aspect?

Gadha, you donkey...

Gadha, you donkey...

Stubborn and lazy,

keep wasting energy, 

in useless things,

never been meant,

to assist your journey.

You don't listen,

being so slow, immovable, 

as people take over,

name, fame, responsibilities, 

while your family cries,

for some sensitivities 

Gadha, you donkey...

Becoming reliable laborer,

to some companies, 

surrendering your dreams,

hopes of dear ones,

as a proof of your loyalty. 

Your endurance is praiseworthy,

but you are prone to be exploited, 

by pushing people's burdens,

till you have exhausted capacities,

making your personal life suffer,

and destroy, treasured relationships.

Gadha, you donkey...

Living in extremes,

being hardworking or lazy,

but in truth you are occupied, 

striving for peace and security,

making you model person,

that keeps this society running.

Name it to tame it

"Name it to tame it"

How difficult it is,

to convey it properly, 

the emotional turmoils,

lost in obscurity,

making us react,

to explode or escape, 

before attaining clarity. 

Affect labeling, 

as termed by scientists, 

wise ones also advice,

to observe mental activities, 

channeling our thoughts,

into something good,

reflecting on internal battles.

When one carefully observe,

take time to articulate feelings, 

and vocalize them in words,

which explains with detailing,

it opens communication lines,

when heart & mind aligns,

through shared vocabularies. 

For, people are not telepathic, 

and we are prone to take sides,

by making unnecessary scenarios, 

when not provided with evidences, 

so, we need to learn restrains, 

with specific inputs for experiences,

express it with precise wordings.

Dispirited

Nothing do do,

nor do I want to,

life feels gray,

hardly moves,

I am dispirited...

I see the blaze,

which once burned,

till this life,

take rough turns,

consuming my energy.

Might be insignificant, 

unworthy of attention, 

still participate strongly, 

in paralyzing thoughts,

halting my progress.

Outside, the world turns,

and time marches on,

unmindful of my state,

making terms & conditions, 

for ones who followed.

The stasis is gnawing, 

but extremes can be harrowing, 

realities requires making concessions, 

where obligations replaced, 

space for dreams & passions.

May be, it's natural, 

or part of something existential, 

but right now, just my heart,

feeling low, losing hope,

being dispirited...

Having complexes

What name, should I give,

this deep-seated feeling of inadequacy, 

doubting potentials, my abilities, 

putting a ceiling on dreams seen.

Having complexes...

There are traumas, pressure from society, 

also weaknesses, changing my tendencies,

with negative self-talks, constant criticisms, 

eroding confidence, shaking beliefs.

It's not always about incompetency, 

there are influences in my upbringings, 

creating distance from normal conduct, 

by passing judgments, or comparing.

I am aware of these aberrations,

seeing reality in distorted perceptions, 

still feel helpless in changing directions, 

being prone to emotional amplification.

Having complexes...

I don't deny the hurt,

but want to overcome narrations, 

accept shortcomings & setbacks,

as means for the growth...

Of my personality. 

No matter how much time it takes!

Diplomatic communications

The more we refine,

decorate words to avoid conflicts, 

We erode the very foundations, 

Of mutual understandings.

Diplomatic communications...

At first glance, they win hearts,

tactfully advancing their interests, 

navigating through sensitive sides,

without instigating, exposing problems. 

Yet, such cushioning of messages hinders,

when our clarity is exchanged for comforts,

hiding truth in layers of strategic ambiguity,

providing options of plausible deniability.

For, safe terms won't usher the change,

while words, keep losing its meanings,

trapped in mazes, covered in linguistic fog,

we no longer feel, weight of the facts.

There are confusions, struggling for conclusions, 

without honesty, encouraging projections, 

of our fears, biases, personal opinions,

influencing tides of important decisions. 

Diplomatic communications...

As our society proceeds in these directions, 

I am apprehensive, of intellectual stagnation,

lowering frictions, but building resentments, 

of polite distancing, without productive disagreements...

Wasting precious time, stalling our progress!

Water become melodious

Water become melodious, 

whenever it hits the rocks,

changing tunes & rhythm,

with every rise and fall,

in the flowing currents,

in cascades and rivulets,

finding beautiful notes,

in its journey. 

And we listen,

seeing the continuous stream,

gently passing through obstacles, 

as it creates own paths,

over the fallen debris, 

sand, pebbles, sediments,

each acting as membranes, 

that tunes or pitch adjustments,

being euphonic. 

Water becomes melodious, 

accepting every adversity, 

adaptable to changing surfaces,

still retain control over properties, 

bending ways, but not breaking, 

while treating us audiences, 

with pleasant, ethereal atmosphere.

What you want to see?

So, tell me,

what you want to see?

A curated version, 

or unfiltered me...

You may say,

liking honest ways,

still hope in private,

something refined taste,

which might be absent,

currently.

People prefer masks,

to hide unpleasant sides,

while displaying grandeur,

to gain admiration,

of fellow beings.

Yet, there are ones,

who remain unconcerned,

of people judgments, 

to maintain balance,

between expectations, 

and realities. 

So, tell me,

what you want to see?

Things that dazzles,

waiting to be fizzled,

or become assured, 

of the authenticity.

Bela Pana

It's that time of year,

we celebrate with fervor, 

drinking refreshing beverage, 

as we change Odia calendar. (Panjika)

Bela Pana...

A juice made from bael, (wood apple)

from favorite tree of lord Shiva,

adding various condiments,

to enhance its deliciousness.

I love to eat ripe fruit,

cracking them wide open, 

scooping surfaces with spoon,

and having it directly. 

Then, we extract the pulp,

and put it in a large bowl,

mash to separate seeds & fibers,

strain the rest using filters.

We can dilute the creamy mixture, 

have it directly, or being sweetened, 

adding ingredients of our choice,

like banana, chhena, honey or jaggery.

Bela Pana...

It's a rejuvenating summer drink,

a part of tradition, deeply linked,

filling heart with joy & nostalgia,

whenever I take part in this ritual.

Happy Maha Bisubha Sankranti and Odia New year!

** Also known as Pana Sankranti.

Unburdened

Wise one speaks,

to remain detached, and resist,

emotions that trigger reactions, 

as response to inflammatory situations. 

Yet, we can't practice indifference, 

when our interests are at stake,

enduring extreme provocation,

how could we remain unconcerned?

Unburdened...

I want to be free,

from anxieties & apprehensions,

which might take darker turns,

by increasing frustrations.

When event building distress,

it might have lasting impressions, 

in personal habits, our relations, 

weakening mind, body conditions. 

Survival requires necessities,

how could one pursue equanimity, 

if circumstances become unfavorable, 

causing frictions between ideals & realities. 

So, I prefer selective engagement, 

trying to overcome such predicament,

navigating obstacles in life's journey,

without losing patience & calm...

Being truly unburdened!

Moral consensus

Little by little, 

we are being fiddled,

robbed of peace of mind,

when trust were kept aside,

in everyday interactions. 

Moral consensus...

A shared understanding, 

between individuals & societies, 

providing a foundation for rules,

to be followed without disruptions, 

establishing standards to be followed.

For, social order is maintained,

when there are fewer disagreements, 

everyone is aware of their role,

avoiding pitfalls, accepting mistakes, 

striving for constant improvement.

Yet, with changing lifestyles, 

people are getting disenchanted, 

conformity seen as form of subjugation, 

being hurdle to individual autonomy, 

developing resistance, risking defiance. 

Moral consensus...

Once we lose the capacities, 

to have faith, trust in the systems, 

there will be institutional decay,

showing signs of abnormalities, 

in the very function of our societies.