Probiotics and prebiotics

Microbiomes, 

these small microorganisms, 

having interactions with human,

through outside, from within.

In the millennia of our evolution,

they learned to keep a balance, 

to live and prosper in harmony,

with its host and ecosystem. 

But, things do change, for the worse,

as a part of our natural selection,

they too carry their respective role,

in this game of survival of the fittest. 

We may develop ways to resist,

even kill them with antibiotics, 

still, we cannot deny their existence, 

they have their ways of persistence. 

So, let us make them our friends,

the one, residing inside our body,

for, millions use it as their dwelling,

as commensal, parasite or symbiosis. 

Most important, are the gut microbiome,

taking part, in many specific functions, 

from nutrient metabolism to immunomodulation,

playing different roles, give their contribution. 

And we can help, these good microbes,

while inhibiting, rise of bad pathogens, 

by managing our diets with prebiotics,

while supporting colonies, through probiotics. 

Prebiotics, are the fiber rich foods,

that let gut bacteria to thrive and grow, 

Probiotics, the living microorganisms,

keeping the balance, of gut surroundings. 

Let's raise the glass to these dynamic duos,

together they help us live healthier lives,

Prebiotics like fruit and vegetables,

added to whole grains and legumes...

And probiotics, from fermented products,

likes of Yogurt, Miso, Kimchi, Sauerkraut,

will help us feed, our guts wisely, 

reaping benefits, through our diet.

Meaningless chatter

On the streets, people gather, 

in markets, they have the chatter,

that goes beyond exchanging pleasantries, 

with gossips, charades, and comments. 

Their words were sharp as blades,

sharing opinions on issues and policies, 

that doesn't confer to their expectations, 

had brought some discomfort or stress. 

But, these expressions were meaningless, 

as they bring no cheers or solace,

and they let their time go waste,

without discussions that are relevant. 

Not having the situational awareness,

of the direction these conversation takes,

that might plant seeds of discordance,

in the naive heart of many individuals. 

Still, there should be healthy discussions, 

societies wouldn't grow with indifference,

but it should be subjected to rationality, 

with mutual respect and understanding. 

May be then, we could bring change,

as it makes us observe and reflect,

where pessimism and envy had no place,

and voices were heard with prudence. 

So, don't fall for such incitement,

take your time before giving statements,

with constructive thoughts, things that matter,

there's nothing good having...meaningless chatter.

Self-respect

A combination of strength and values,

it's the basis of psychological well-being,

influencing our thoughts, and behaviors, 

this love for oneself...drives self-respect. 

So, what are the factors that instill,

our self worth, a sense of being,

is it our actions, or place of birth,

or amount of success and failures? 

Self-esteem, does have its role,

an overall evaluation of oneself, 

the more it is, more is our pride,

while a lack of, make us a coward. 

Even in our childhood experiences, 

quality of relationships with caregivers,

a good support system is determinative, 

providing security and positive reinforcement. 

It also needs a proper understanding, 

of the concepts of our inherent identity, 

being aware of strengths and weaknesses, 

by exploring the essence of our reality. 

Even social norms and standards, 

have it's involvement and impacts,

as other's judgment and opinions, 

diminishes respect or brings enhancements. 

By treating ourselves with kindness, 

facing bravely, rejections and failures,

also understanding and accepting mistakes, 

we can cultivate qualities, of self-compassion. 

But, we also need the ability, 

to maintain some healthy boundaries,

by knowing about our personal limits, 

and asserting them when necessary. 

With a set of ideals and principles, 

acting for our ethics and values,

we experience a sense of integrity, 

that again promotes, our self-respect. 

Finally, an effective emotional regulation, 

balanced, adaptive response to challenges,

acknowledging our flaws and imperfections, 

lead us to achieve, a state of Self-respect... 

Providing us the confidence,

to live a life of fulfillment. 

Esoteric hobbies

I yearn for the kindred spirits, 

one who can understand the allure,

but they are few, and far between,

to whom I should share, without fear. 

I explore its beauty, bask in its fame,

in hushed whispers, I carry its name,

afraid of judgment, of being shamed,

for, these hobbies aren't mainstream. 

We follow what we see,

to be part of the community,

but, sometimes it's difficult to integrate,

getting accustomed to their choices. 

My esoteric delights, enrich the soul, 

but sharing them, is a daunting goal,

for a society that prefers uniformity,

expecting us, let go of our individuality. 

So I keep it secret, close to my chest, 

wary of ridicule, of being dismissed. 

still I cherish these hidden gems, 

knowing they are a part of me, nonetheless. 

In the realm of the esoteric, 

we find solace, and our freedom,

for, someone out there, will care, 

loving us, for who we are...even if it's rare.

Free will

Do we have a free will?

A question that baffled many...

Do we truly have the power to choose,

or an invisible force pulling the string ? 

Some say, it's all an illusion, 

a myth we believe, to ease our confusion, 

that, every decision were predetermined, 

by a force beyond our comprehension. 

Then again, others argue, it being real,

the feels and emotions, are ours alone,

only we, have the true power...

To create our reality, shaping own destiny.

There were also times, it was chained,

others had decided, how we behaved,

then came revolutions, breaking those shackles,

finally roam under the sky, imbibing the freedom. 

With individual rights, as an ammunition, 

free will was promoted, had the acceptance, 

societies flourished, under liberal institutions,

celebrating diversities, among the creations. 

But, how much of it, is accountable?

For, excess would be bad, even unstable,

as everyone start acting on their impulses,

bringing chaos, without any supervision. 

For free will, there were no right answers,

perhaps the solution, lies in having balance,

having the power to follow our heart,

while respecting boundaries of others. 

So, cherish your gift of free will,

don't take it for granted, as per your wish,

become wiser and take care, not to breach,

for, your actions does affects, your surrounding. 

Feeling of longing

Sun spread its shining rays,

springs come and goes away,

as the planet completes revolutions,

I was left with longing and wait. 

Seasons changes, days passed, 

I stand suspended, on this path,

watching them break and wither,

all the plans that I ever had. 

Am I the only one to be blamed,

even with the dedicated mindset,

carving the place, building a nest,

building a home out of this place. 

I might have been too stubborn, 

with desires for some perfection,

but was disappointed too often,

to find a spark, the connection. 

Yet, the life hadn't been fair,

wiser me cultivated perseverance,

to find a path of acceptance,

in the chaos of desires and expectations. 

I was aware of those missed chances,

for the sake of aesthetics and ideals,

so, I don't lament the lost past,

even if I felt stranded and parched. 

Loneliness do teach us lessons,

it's an opportunity to gain wisdom,

let me take these moments to learn,

for, I might not have been the only one... 

And there's a lot of us out there,

with these feelings, in crevices of the heart,

when the emptiness start gnawing inside,

bringing these realities to our attention. 

Greetings and compliments

Sometimes I wonder,

are greetings a mere formality,

compliments are not sincere,

while using it in meetings or interactions. 

Like a show of our respect,

an act of being polite or courtesy,

are these words lies mere on surface,

and not coming deep from the heart ? 

May be, we were conditioned,

to provide simple superficial words,

and commence our work or meetings,

without giving it a second thought. 

Compliments, are a different matter,

we hesitate, to make things awkward,

being insecure of the reactions,

even avoid the chances, out of fear. 

But I do believe, if there's kindness, 

a warm hello would bring happiness, 

a genuine compliment given with grace,

might brighten someone's day. 

Yet, the world is often cold,

not knowing the worth of these gestures,

that break down walls, building bridges,

reminding us, people have the goodness. 

So let's not be afraid to greet or praise,

warm our hearts with its gentleness, 

in the world where love is all we need,

greetings and compliments....

Can plant the seed.

This morning,

This morning, I had a thought,

of having a visit to heavenly realm,

with you my dear, hand in hand,

to ease our heart under its charm. 

You have been overworked,

from the burden carried in the head,

so, let's take a break for now,

letting loose, away from the crowd. 

Just us, sharing those moments,

in the company of nature's symphony,

as mountains echo, the voice of our heart,

and gentle rain showers, ever welcoming. 

Let us just roam around the wilderness, 

without the thought of tomorrow plans,

as we explore, wherever curiosity demands,

following the instincts from days of innocence. 

A bit of adventure, pleasant surprises, 

planning something spicy, for night pleasures,

anything and everything that would ignite,

the flame of passion, within our mind. 

Our time together, would be the treasure, 

let us fill it with precious memories,

and we would return to mundane life,

with warmth and sunshine of these times.

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.