Action beats idle dreams

A quiet, hollow ache,

felt deep in the recesses, 

watching someone else walk,

a life, I designed in my head.

Childhood and youthful years,

were spent in clearing the path,

for the resources, time, space,

of making it a perfect sense.

But it never arrived, in our mind,

there's hesitancy, something lacking,

but then strangers, & acquaintances, 

started inhabiting that reality.

It starts as admiration, sometimes envy,

might be longings, what could have been,

of the potentials, diverting from the ideals, 

grieving a version of us, that couldn't exist.

But, everything is not as rosy as it seems,

they have their trials, sheer grinds endured,

only few born with silver spoon in mouth,

most of the time, it's our choices & actions.

Action beats idle dreams . . .

As much I try to rationalize, 

I will still lament that dreaming guy,

watching snapshots of others' lives,

to revisit desires, long suppressed . . .

Nonchalant interaction

I was outside, for leisurely stroll,

taking in the view, of outside world, 

hustle and bustles, the busy streets,

quiet, isolate patches, for some stretching.

And there she was, a beautiful cow,

standing alone, besides group of people,

I had the impulse, to pet her head,

but was reluctant, saving face.

I went closer, she was alert with anticipation, 

they were used to being fed with offerings, 

but I avoided eye contact, as I passed,

still had a feel, gently brushing with hands.

She didn't react, I heaved a sigh of relief,

went ahead with walk, to designated point,

now I had to return, after completing round,

encountering same cow, on the route.

This time, she looked straight in my eyes,

letting out a moo, as I was approaching, 

I used same trick, quick scratches on neck,

only to find her unbothered, ignoring me completely. 

Ah, she is acting nonchalant,

but doesn't mind being petted,

and I returned, smile over my face,

outsmarted by the cow.

Adding credentials

Have we ever noticed, 

resumes of the professionals,

where some have multiple degrees,

while others lack basic ranks.

Adding credentials . . .

What are the underlying factors,

creating divide in their positions, 

acquired skills, privileged upbringings, 

or individual ambitions & affinity? 

There might be power imbalance, 

sociological & institutional feedbacks, 

dynamics of opportunities varies

from seeking access to invitations.

For the credibility of initiatives, 

organizations have preferences, 

replacing high risk employees, 

for candidates with pedigree. 

Then, there's motivation, 

getting return for time invested,

finding time from obligations, 

for speculative upskilling.

Adding credentials . . .

Their portfolios evoke envy,

but we don't know the costs, 

of efforts, connections, sacrifices, 

when we enjoyed work-life balance.

In the end, it's about choices, 

of mental peace, or gaining relevance. 

 

Be careful what you wish for

You can't ride two boats,

Harboring contrary ideals,

One wishing for cordial relations,

While opposing its values,

The society becomed a mirror,

For what you want to project,

Independence begets Independence, 

Selfishness begets selfishness,

When you assert your rights,

Other protect their rights,

Everything becomes transactional, 

Weakening the foundations.

So, be careful what you wish for,

For, that's the life you get,

Lies & excuses won't last,

Your actions betrays,

When you build your identity, 

Over choices & interests,

A rebel is considered rebel,

A gentle person as gentle,

Nothing is accepted, 

From declarations & demands.

It was never meant to be

It was never meant to be,

we were too different, 

existing in separate world,

seldom finding convergence. 

Our meeting was coincidental,

as if wheel of fate starts moving,

from greetings to conversations,

a connection kept building.

I was captivated by your charms,

gentle demeanor, smile that disarms,

sharing interests with confidence,

every time we had great discussions.

Before long, my thoughts were occupied,

eyes searching for you in the crowd,

getting excited from getting messages, 

enjoying every moment we interact. 

Gathering courage, I made the choice,

in a confession, convey my sentiments,

aware of distance, we were far apart,

but my feelings, could bridge the gap.

It was never meant to be,

but now we are together,

it all takes a loving heart,

with sincere commitments. 

Changing behaviors

Good or bad personality, 

Seen through attitude or behavior, 

Is not determined by,

Social or economic status,

Rather being a product of,

Upbringings, peers, environment, 

Which influences aspirations, 

Fueling expectations and ambitions, 

Changing them over the time,

Which mold their thinking process,

Creating patterns and tendencies,

That impacts their surroundings,

Making people reevaluate opinions,

Determining or modifying decisions, 

For, they could never escape,

Consequences of their actions. 

Ancient polytheism

It's fascinating to explore,

religious beliefs of ancients,

going through origin stories,

theories of creations.

We may question beliefs, 

but mustn't be too stiff,

allow space in our research,

for their understanding of universe. 

We still watch the same sky,

alignments might have changed,

adding new ideas & information,

with centuries of advancements.

Still, different paths do exist,

influences perceived realities, 

many questions have been answered,

but a lot more hides in obscurity. 

So, let us marvel their imagination,

find common links, between regions,

where cosmic forces are personified, 

while nature & mortals undergo deification.

When seen through metaphysical lenses,

we realize the roles they have played,

instilling values and principles, 

which celebrated relationship . . .

Between human and world!

Pacification

What does leader do,

to stabilize social disharmony,

from the dissent of citizens,

those asserting autonomy. 

One with unmet aspirations, 

being let down by stagnation, 

getting aggressive with demands, 

once they become disillusioned? 

Pacification . . .

Facing pressure from public,

they work to provide services,

taking responsibility of outcome,

through transparency of actions.

Yet, there are hurdles & obstacles, 

slowing progress, reducing visibility, 

so they develop novel approaches, 

for capturing attention of masses.

From centuries leaders have subdued, 

through fear, hope, devotion, bribes,

which changed forms with time,

but the basis remains the same.

So, now people evoke identities, 

provide subsides to vulnerable, 

constant distractions, cheap sustenance, 

to absorb surplus mental energy.

Pacification . . .

To retain the trust, 

regain lost popularity,

governments neutralize urgency,

by blunting edges of inequality.

Yet, it promotes complacency,

preventing rational discussions,

limiting potentials for growth,

with the certainty . . .

Of small entitlement!

Chasing or avoiding limelight

It's indeed a contrast,

how people do react,

when given the spotlight.

There are ones who chase,

trying to climb on the stage,

while others who instinctively shrink,

avoiding unwanted attention.

To chase the limelight,

they have the competitive drive,

seeking visibility and dominance,

can stem from something deeper

when it's not purpose or passion,

but to project position or status,

trying to prove themselves. 

There's deep sense of inadequacy, 

identity centered around being better,

constantly seeking the dopamine,

accolades become emotional necessity, 

each milestone validating the narrative,

of being special, chosen or superior,

temporarily quieting fear of being ordinary.

Then, there are those avoiding limelight, 

actively downplaying their achievements, 

getting uncomfortable with the praises,

where promotions are traps, not victory,

for, they calculate cost of such attentions, 

increased pressure, loss of autonomy, 

which is not worth the effort & time.

Some are also afflicted by fear,

suffering from imposter syndrome, 

being on background is protective,

against the sting of public judgments.

Chasing or avoiding limelight,

it depends on intrinsic motives,

ones fueled by voids or ambitions,

pursuing their dreams and aspirations, 

or draw it from peace and satisfaction, 

where social posturing is not aligned . . .

With inner tranquility. 

Happy Ganesh Chaturthi

Lord Ganesha have arrived,

for his beloved devotees,

accompanied by celebrations,

with Dhol and Tasha.

You are our vighnaharta,

remover of the obstacles,

lord of new beginnings,

watching over our endeavors. 

Residing in every child's heart,

eagerly waiting for your appearance,

surrendering books, copies and pens,

to receive your blessings.

You are Pratham Pujya, first of all,

spreading knowledge, imparting wisdom,

we bow to your divine manifestation,

guiding us in journey of learning.

Dear lord of auspiciousness, 

please receive our love and devotion,

humble offerings of Modak & laddos,

as we sing praises of your glory.

Om Shri Ganeshaya Namah 🕉 🙏 

Ganapati Bappa Moriya ✨️ 

Lazy day

Lazy day,

I want to stay,

cooping up at home,

read, watch or play,

spending my weekends.

The week was not hectic,

just monotonous routines,

still demanded my time,

to be used in commuting, 

so, I might be weary.

Going out feels tempting, 

trying dishes or cuisines,

hanging out with friends,

travelling to tourist spots,

but, it still demands efforts. 

I would rather miss out,

having snacks inside,

order some foods online,

or keep it on lighter side,

and enjoy hibernating. 

Lazy day,

it may not be a right way,

there's so much to try,

but nothing comes in mind,

so, I am signing off.

Today, I will spend my day . . .

Loafing around!

Meliorism

World has its own pace, 

is neither inherently good,

nor being a bad place,

but certainly is influenced, 

become better with time,

through deliberate effort.

Meliorism . . .

Coined in 19th century, 

it creates a middle ground, 

between passive optimism,

and fatalistic pessimism,

by giving importance, 

to actions and policies.

For, progress is not automatic, 

but depends on multiple factors,

using intelligence, giving attention, 

taking responsibilities for changes,

by solving problems at hand,

and providing, timely interventions. 

Meliorism . . .

Nothing is impossible, 

when we come together, 

from locality to the nation,

if our heart works in unison,

we all have the power,

to make our world . . .

A better place to live!

Time constraints fuels action

Have we ever wondered, 

how speedily we work,

facing deadlines or time limits,

pushing us towards our goals?

It's not mere fear or motivation, 

a spike in function by hormones,

but a combination of factors,

converge to provide the boost.

We all have evolutionary reflex,

fight or flight, our survival instincts, 

but here the stress is minimal,

enough to focus our attention.

While brain makes calculations, 

disabling perfectionism & hesitations, 

aiming for completing the tasks,

through short, higher-impact actions.

Conversely, having too much time,

make us distracted, & complacent, 

causing fatigue, from perceived complexities, 

added through unnecessary overthinking.

For, abundance of time breed inertia,

while the deadlines creates friction,

something that makes us act,

igniting the mental spark!