Seeking therapy

"You should try therapy,

it would be a great help,

having assisted in my healing,

I vouch for its effectiveness"

She said it nonchalantly, 

as if it's a natural thing,

making me perplexed, 

of what it supposed to mean.

She was the confident one,

taking challenges head on,

achieved so much in life,

that were aspired by many.

So I ponder the reasons,

modern women seeking therapy,

something reserved for specific issues,

entering into normal conversations. 

Does lifestyle change play a role,

burdens associated with being independent, 

loss of community, outsourcing connections, 

a healing journey, or finding validations?

Seeking therapy...

From medical treatment to wellness model,

there's a cultural shift in the narratives, 

it reduced the stigma around mental health,

yet, romanticized it into something regressive...

When used to deflect responsibilities!

Manifestations

We have been told,

to picture our dreams,

believing it wholeheartedly, 

for wishes to manifest.

Many are skeptical, 

doubting veracity of claims,

who questions firm believers,

to show them such miracles.

Manifestations...

I wonder how many prevailed, 

securing a seat at the top,

boasting of a winning mindset,

brought them closer to the goal.

For, when we have achievements, 

we tend to exaggerate moments, 

which were part of ordinary, 

but played important role in success.

And they overlook a thousand things,

that were abandoned, lost in journey, 

getting diverted from starting point, 

a radical departure from what they have been.  

Then again, when we count outcomes,

not the efforts, and disappointments, 

we prefer to emphasize progresses, 

which projects our competence.

Manifestations...

In the cacophony of praises, 

we drown the helpless cries,

of those unfortunate ones,

who have lost to the competitions.

They, too, have trusted themselves, 

pouring heart & soul on the subject,

still faced obstacles, even failures, 

obscured from sights, as others dazzles...

Who truly won, lottery of manifestations!

(P.S. I believe in manifestations, but also a practical person. We  must work towards our dreams along with keeping our faith in the universe)

Popping a pill

It's a generation thing,

or changing lifestyles, 

as people replacing meals,

by popping a pill.

In the era of micromanagement,

there's an emergence of supplements, 

markets flooded with options,

multivitamins, and dietary gummies.

This sudden surge, as rapid boom,

is not happening in a vacuum, 

but shows alarming concerns,

of modern living, & changing nutrition.

Industrial farming has depleted the soil,

reducing availability of vitamins & minerals,

while cooking is replaced by conveniences, 

for saving time, adding some insurances.

There's also rise of health issues,

byproducts of stress and exposures, 

pushing towards preventive measures, 

as promoted by social media influencers.

Popping a pill, I was thrilled,

to fill the gap, clear the bills,

body demands, deficiencies impacts,

to reach closer, to healthier me!

Don't make it a burden

It's your life, 

it's your decisions,

path you have taken,

determines the outcomes,

so, don't make it a burden...

We all have our dreams,

been given different options, 

but choices were made,

taking many considerations.

There will be sacrifices, 

facing trials & tribulations, 

still, we could endure hardships, 

when efforts come to fruition. 

It's a universal occurrence,

some facing few, others more,

testing limits of our tolerance, 

and depth of the character.

One can rebel, or to grovel, 

acting as victim, or get empowered,

when they react, to the pressures,

having the patience, or show frustrations. 

Don't make it a burden...

Face challenges with determinations,

overcome obstacles to attain positions, 

be it your professional, or personal life,

dedicate yourself with love & devotion, 

when you have made a choice,

provide sustained cooperation!

Shared experiences

I always wondered, 

how different or similar, 

they live around the world...

So I watched, 

as they showcased, 

walking down the roads,

in local street markets.

And I saw them experience,

be it Europe, Asia, or America,

them rushing for the work,

buying & selling products,

electric wires tangling overhead,

dented scooters, broken vases,

some places were messy,

while others clean, being cared 

And I felt a connection,

observing routines, their interactions, 

there's a charm, even in imperfections.

It is something I have missed,

while browsing through high societies, 

with tall buildings, elite neighborhoods, 

projecting aesthetics of perfections, 

lacking these gritty, cultural markers, 

as if detached from the realities.

Then again, it all depends,

on the lifestyle, I have lived,

experiences might be different, 

for the ones from higher societies,

where streets become foreign, 

while affluent lifestyles, 

feels closer to home.

In the end, we all crave,

for that shared experiences!

Choosing our diet

 From ancient times, human species are flexiterian omnivores. Their menu depended on climate, geography and cultural era.

So, people can be vegan, vegetarian, and non-vegetarian under the ambit of our evolution. Even now, what we eat or how we eat is influenced by availability, interests, culture, and environmental conditions. Like people in temperate climate or colder regions are high-meat diet while people living in tropical or equatorial locations have high-plant diet.

Personally, I have a plant centric diet, with occasional inclusions of meat, predominantly eggs, and fish. It is primarily influenced by upbringing, as part of vegetarian household and a general aversion for animal-based diet.

I, like many in global communities, consider egg as vegetarian and as per traditions, consider milk product as best nutrition. 

But I completely understand the allure of protein heavy and highly pleasing taste of meats of higher animals be it chicken, mutton, pork, or others. 

The use of livestock as food resources can't be ignored when we see how much entrenched they are in people lifestyles. Still, I also understand the viewpoint of animal lovers to reduce sufferings of these sentient creatures. That is the very reason I have limited my intake, in special days or celebrations. Does it make me a hypocrite?

Looking back, I always had soft spot for animals. I stopping fishing in childhood, because I couldn't see them struggling once captured and taken out. Avoided the visits to meat stall or butchery. Even recently when visited chilika lake, I avoided crab curry because he asked me to choose the crab to kill and make it fresh. 

They say, people will stop eating non-vegetarian in commercial setups when they see how animals are treated in slaughterhouse. Sometimes I wonder how people can regularly visit or work in such places without impacting their mental health. Have they become numb, or lost their abilities for empathy or compassion. Then again, they have to feed their families, and someone had to do these works. Hunting is separate thing, when done for pleasure, thrill and display of power. 

So, I don't think we could reach any consesus on choosing our diets.

I like the world today

 I like the world today,

this era of globalization, 

having access to knowledge, 

which expands our perceptions. 

Having secured their basic survival, 

people have become more conscious, 

valuing aesthetics and individuality, 

with care for environmental concerns. 

For, we now have the conveniences,

allowing moments for inquisitiveness, 

reading, writing, indulging in plays,

creating personal space in digital age.

Our diets have become diverse, 

learning to optimize our nutrition, 

we kept moving towards efficiency, 

both in quantities and flavors. 

There's a drive for sustainable practices, 

we have been learning from mistakes, 

using technologies and innovations, 

to diversify the source of essentials. 

Yet, things haven't changed much,

with acceleration of modernization,

population still puts massive pressure,

through our consumption of resources. 

I like the world today,

as civilizations have matured enough, 

still greed for power & possessions, 

fuels the engine of global systems.

Hopefully, with newer technologies, 

we arrive at universal consensus, 

to protect, to cherish, to revive, 

what we have damaged...

Daily chores

I got bored,

doing routine chores,

these daily grinds,

of attending works.

I was supposed to have fun,

being passionate for my job,

feeling of joy and excitements, 

occupying my thoughts.

Yet, days were ordinary & predictable, 

there's no enthusiasm in my heart,

performing duties, engage in hobbies,

splitting time between office & home.

Sometimes having existential crisis,

re-evaluate my current directions, 

of desires and wishes fulfilled, 

beyond the graveyards of aspirations. 

Daily chores...

When I navigate real world,

I become weary of repetitions, 

in the monotony of living, 

for paychecks or elusive goals.

But then, I heard a voice,

speaking of my contributions, 

bringing smile in the faces,

facing hardships, & sufferings.

And I kept going...

Burn the bridge

I tried to evade,

look past the traits,

which seem intimidating, 

disappointing at best.

Burn the bridge...

An intuitive nudge,

I tried to ignore,

optimistic in outlook,

I opened the doors.

And it flooded,

bringing the elements,

of something raw,

of something important. 

Never have I felt,

feelings so intimate,

ignoring warning signs,

occasionally surfaced,

driven by hormones,

and naive imaginations,

I indulge on the treats.

Burn the bridge...

From fairy tales,

I was thrown into real world,

asking difficult questions, 

which were much needed.

Each time I gave a chance,

endured conflicting viewpoints, 

it furthered the distance, 

till nothing remained.

Bring back sweetness

Bring back sweetness, 

sprinkled into our hearts, 

this world has become toxic,

poisoning people's thoughts,

making them weigh actions,

building walls for precautions,

seeking benefits from interactions, 

than genuinely enjoy talks.

It was much easier in childhood, 

or villages, untouched by modernity, 

when interactions were sincere,

now becoming memories of past,

For, we have been conditioned, 

limiting perceptions for our growth,

putting burdens of expectations, 

misplaced priorities, for fleeting successes. 

Bring back sweetness,

enshrined in gentle hearts,

which softens the atmosphere, 

filling it with tenderness & comfort,

when it doesn't remain situational,

shared unfiltered in conversations, 

irrespective of age, and relations, 

creating warm and happy world.

Change of plans

Sometimes we face situations, 

where we run into hurdles,

as we embarked on the journey,

towards specific goals in mind.

From mild annoyance, to distress,

we might react to the predicament, 

caught off guard, being at a loss,

we may experience thought paralysis.

Then there are optimistic fellows,

using the setbacks as opportunities, 

to explore new, uncharted paths,

to clear objectives, salvage goals.

For, it's not end of the world,

sometimes things goes wary, 

even with the precautions taken,

we have to be prepared, for eventuality. 

Change of plans...

Not something we want,

but remain open to possibilities, 

without taking it to hearts, 

then maybe, we were blessed...

With something pleasant!

Too passionate a performance

Too passionate a performance, 

seeking hearts for resonance,

stirring emotions of the audiences,

for leaving a lasting impact.

One, two, there are many,

from pioneers to newer talents,

each bringing something different, 

to capture the attentions. 

When atmosphere is charged,

they consume energy so vast,

engaging senses of spectators,

till their interests were lost.

For, there's a limit to our concentration,

there's evaluations and distractions, 

if things happens as continuous sets,

some participants have advantages. 

Too passionate a performance, 

with similar skills and competence, 

creates a vicious cycle of fortunes, 

demanding ingenuity and artfulness.

May be, many develop the tools,

to gently hold, shifting the moods,

touching baselines, increasing thresholds, 

providing a fighting chance...

For performance!

Geomythology

When many have rejected, 

the beliefs of native people,

some researchers have understood, 

importance of this information. 

Geomythology...

It's the study of myths & folklore,

passed down through generations, 

which were not mere oral traditions, 

but record of real-world geological event.

For centuries, we have dismissed,

labeling then as primitive superstitions, 

but now, we have made discoveries, 

making it archives of eyewitness observations. 

When ancient people observe events,

which were catastrophic or spectacular, 

they translate into divine or heroic tales,

narrating floods, earthquakes & eruptions.

There were doubts and criticisms, 

of how memories not contaminated, 

when we couldn't remember for long,

false ideas are easier to manufacture. 

Yet, human brain works miraculously, 

when existence is under severe threats, 

imprinting precise wordings & information, 

to be spread without deviations.

Geomythology...

There's so much to be unearthed,

if we are attentive to these descriptions,

finding geological contexts in stories,

to reach the true history of humanity. 

Aroused

I see you in crowd, 

really standing out,

being so gorgeous, 

my heart skips a beat.

And I was drawn,

your mysterious charm,

as emotions swarm,

making my body hot,

I was aroused...

You came closer,

noticing my gaze,

wearing a smile,

eyes full of mischiefs.

I felt nervous,

so hard to converse,

while mind is racing,

whiffing temping scent,

trying to savor...

And we part,

couldn't give compliments, 

these overflowing desires, 

spilled into fantasy world.

I imagined our dance,

in the heights of romance,

where passion takes over,

exploring corners of body,

I wanted to devour...

Aroused...

Forgive me for indulging, 

envisioning your silhouette,

projecting my cravings,

for fleeting pleasures. 

Infiltration or migrations

The world had seen conditions, 

where people leave native region,

travelling to newer locations,

for alleviating hardships,

or following their ambitions. 

For, people want experiences, 

opportunities to attain higher positions, 

fulfillment of dreams and aspirations, 

meeting commitments towards obligations, 

providing for necessities & protection. 

Most of us love our homeland,

very few abandons without plans,

when it becomes uninhabitable, 

adversely impacting lives from reasons,

situations of economics, political & environmental. 

So, we see constant movements, 

towards the places with abundance,

trying to find a place for themselves, 

by taking strenuous, menial jobs,

needed by developed societies.

But it comes with disadvantages, 

with competitions for the resources, 

changes in demography & cultures,

which influences political discourse,

challenging nation's sovereignty. 

Infiltration or migrations...

We may never find the balance,

to protect the rights of citizens,

while negotiating their intrusions, 

by creating legal boundaries,

for having regulated interactions. 

Mamihlapinatapa

From yaghan people of southern America,

comes one of the most succinct word,

capturing complex social dynamics,

which doesn't rely on sounds.

Mamihlapinatapa...

A look shared, by two people,

each wishing, other to initiate,

something, that they both desire,

but neither is willing to begin.

We have encountered, unspoken silence, 

either have witnessed, or experienced,

in professions, gatherings, & romances, 

where situations push us into stalemate.

In meetings, volunteers were expected,

we look at others, for speak up first,

being with crush, stealing glances, 

fearing rejections & awkwardness.

In the fights, conflicts & disagreements, 

when we feel sorry, wanting forgiveness, 

making eye contact, still being hesitant, 

pride takes over, making us reluctant.

Mamihlapinatapa...

A deeper connect, for mutual understandings, 

shared acknowledgement, accepting vulnerabilities, 

sometimes, we need a profound reminder,

that communication happens, in quiet space.

Look in the mirror

Look in the mirror, 

before you judge,

life's not some questions, 

that you can dodge.

We have tendencies, 

to look at what benefits, 

ignoring concerns of others, 

before we start to preach.

Each one have their flaws,

very few willing to show,

hiding behind pretence, 

to protect fragile ego.

Those who acknowledge, 

willing to rectify mistakes, 

open the possibilities,

to evolve, to be awakened.

Still, we are too fixated,

to our wishes & expectations,

getting hurt from disappointments, 

when things didn't work out.

So, look in the mirror,

before you judge,

when you are no better,

in actions and thoughts. 

 

"Things will work out"

I have heard her say,

as if comforting worrying brain,

faced with setbacks and failures, 

she was overcome with dread.

It's therapeutic to ears,

reducing anxieties and fears,

when such affirmative sentences, 

dispel the gloom, evoke optimism,

providing space, for fostering resilience. 

"Things will work out"

I admired her convictions, 

still felt a sense of disillusionment, 

watching her wait for divine interventions, 

having no urgency to take actions, 

hoping the problem solves by itself.

Becoming passive is not the answer,

or dismissing yearnings & emotions, 

it takes years to build safety nets,

which could protect us from situations, 

where it didn't pan out as intended.

"Things will work out"

I let out a sigh,

when she uses it as charm,

admiring her positive outlook,

still feel for her wishful thinking, 

when realities can be hard.

Take your rest

Take your rest,

you have done your best,

now it's the time,

to relax and rejuvenate.

So, enjoy, laze around,

let me serve, hold your crown,

all your demands will be met,

today is your special day.

I know you might feel uneasy,

to break away from routines, 

trained your mind and body,

anticipate orders or biddings. 

Society works in a curious way,

even socialization is exhausting, 

here, you will not face expectations, 

every moment is your vacation.

Let's make this atmosphere serene,

as if watching turquoise oceans,

swaying palm fronds, crimson sunsets,

enjoying refreshments in tropical islands.

Or would you prefer emerald valleys, 

towering pine forests, mist-shrouded peaks,

melodic chirping, with rushing streams,

as if transported to some hill station.

Take your rest,

make the most of these moments,

have some delicacies, play games,

share your thoughts, lighten burden...

For, today, you are the guest!

Happy Raja Parba!!

Clothes maketh the man

A century-old proverb,

still stands to this day,

of society making opinions, 

and confidence we gain,

when we wear better dress.

In our upbringings, it is shaped,

from financial status, interests, 

being affiliated to institutions, 

might demand certain uniform,

until we were freed from obligations. 

So, it begins with personal freedom,

influenced by aesthetics & opinions, 

dressing to express, make impressions, 

carving our unique interpretations, 

of comfort, style and presentations.

There are many who aspired,

allure by the beauty and desires,

flaunting capacities through attires,

using it to further their empire,

within relations, groups & communities.

For, dress functions as silent communication, 

commands respect, projects competence, 

inspiring confidence in self and others,

when we give attention to the details,

there's a positive shift in our behaviors. 

Yet, we have seen many examples,

of billionaires were rejecting fashion,

by wearing simple, casual dresses, 

not allowing outfits to define characters,

letting their work make the statements. 

Vintage ambience

There's an allure,

of these retro settings,

creating such spaces,

in restaurants or gatherings.

Vintage ambience...

There's increase demands,

of old-school aesthetics, 

using incandescent bulbs,

earthen pots & brass utensils. 

The walls show paintings,

of village life, humble designs,

nostalgic for older generations, 

exotic style for youthful enthusiasm. 

The decorations were added,

of bamboo handicrafts, wall hangings,

care taken for lights and music,

to gently envelop surroundings. 

Vintage ambience...

Triggers anemoia in my heart,

like an antidote for modern life,

transporting us to an era,

simpler, slower, more authentic. 

It shows...

It shows...

How you feel inside,

changing your features, 

getting it shadowed,

or shining right.

Not only your glow,

it changes your life,

letting people know,

how to be identified. 

People tend to project,

trying to see through lenses,

getting excited or disappointed, 

from your external appearance. 

When you get personal,

one discovers newer sides,

they might like or dislike,

changing behaviors or blinds.

It shows...

Still, a lot depends,

on how we see ourselves,

which then influences opinions, 

enhancing or waning interests. 

So, be mindful of your acts,

this art of making an impression, 

whose heart you want to capture,

or characteristics, you want to amplify.

Going down memory lane

Going down memory lane,

what was lost, what remained,

treasured songs echoing inside,

or the yearning, never attained...

Browsing through writing & pictures, 

from childhood to youthful years,

where days were colorful hues, 

feelings were latched, still blues.

Going down memory lane,

it's not nostalgia that stayed,

but regrets of lost times,

where goals have failed.

I tried to romanticize,

but the ache, made me wise,

it's not just symbolic explorations,

but requires judicious engagement. 

Going down memory lane,

I visited dreams forsaken, 

remnants of a radiance,

once inhabiting body.

And I lament, the stalemate,

ruminating through mistakes,

questioning actions, & my fate,

still leaving me in the lurch...

Going down memory lane,

provided me with some solace,

for the distance I have travelled, 

from my starting point!

Missed greetings

I keep forgetting, 

everytime needs reminding,

small hints and complainings, 

for this blunder...

Missed greetings...

I was preoccupied, 

been distracted this time,

having urgent works to do,

or I wouldn't have neglected. 

There are people keeping memos,

with mental notes, having demos,

to refresh, planning in advance,

leaving nothing to chance.

I do feel guilty, when I failed,

ruining such an important day,

when you are anticipating, 

something special coming your way.

So, I will not make any excuses,

greet properly, asking forgiveness, 

I might be late, but have well-wishes,

so, put a smile, it's time for celebration!

Staying honest

It's not easy to blend,

when society has requirements, 

to welcome us into it's fold,

by playing visible roles.

Staying honest...

I chose the difficult path,

to be transparent in my acts,

not lying, hiding my thoughts,

for personal advantages. 

I am not benevolent, 

been selfish for my turn, 

still, value other's contributions, 

not exploiting their goodwill.

So, I avoided such situations, 

limiting my involvement in activities, 

which might become unethical, 

swayed by lapse of judgments. 

Still, I understand circumstances, 

which forces others to take chances,

to pursue aspirations or obligations, 

that were contrary to my expectations. 

Staying honest...

I might be respectful for other's plights, 

wishing them happiness, as they rise,

still, be wary of deception and betrayals, 

when they show signs, having associations...

Which can have long-term ramifications. 

 

Peace or chaos?

"Better to be a dog in times of peace than a man in times of chaos" 

A Chinese proverb,

telling us something deep,

which the world today,

is lacking...

To be a dog in tranquility,

free from existential dread,

provided with comfortable living.

There's no sudden changes,

exposure to unpredictable weathers, 

stealing away peace and harmony. 

Chaos brings disturbances, 

putting immense toll,

on human consciousness.

Burdens of moral dilemmas,

navigating difficult choices,

forcing into hypervigilance.

Humanity with superior intellect,

could've prevented global unrest,

still corrupted by greed for power.

So, tell me, with limited capacity,

but maintaining equanimity, 

deprives them of growth...

Or truly become a luxury?

The essence of nature is to give

The essence of nature is to give,

return in full, what it received,

flowering plants, fruiting trees,

pays the price for what it needs.

What human calls food chains,

were the examples of that maintained,

from inorganic to organic matters, 

there's a presence of an invisible force.

The river flows to the oceans,

playing roles in water cycles,

and when we delve deeper,

every element goes through recycles. 

Oxygen and carbon dioxide in the air,

nitrogen, phosphorus in ecosystems, 

even rocks transforming with time,

going through geological activities.

The essence of nature is to give,

all organisms sustain another being,

creating a web of mutual reliance,

that is rooted in very design of life.

Yet, human being are sole exceptions, 

acting purely as consumers, 

having broken the sacred cycle,

destroying this delicate balance...

Which is difficult to reverse!

Efficient thinking

I don't know when it changed,

random thoughts became scant,

oscillating between extremes,

dopamine surge, or being productive.

Efficient thinking...

As I grew older, having exposures, 

climbing the ladders, focusing career, 

before long, filling specific contents,

restricting space for imaginations. 

It's natural for our reasonings, 

recognize patterns, process information, 

using mental shortcuts, early decisions,

maximize capacities, optimizing systems.

Society prefers the ones finding solutions,

having the skill set for crisis management, 

to become a cog in ceaseless machine,

necessary for the long-term survival. 

Yet, it does come with demerits, 

being susceptible to cognitive biases, 

while missing nuances, creative pursuits,

in my inclinations for over-simplification. 

Efficient thinking...

I am fortunate to have learned, 

still wish for exploring dimensions, 

diving into the creative artistry, 

beyond the boundaries of reasons.

Trophy travels

In old days, people stays,

living their life in one place,

where travelling is dangerous, 

and responsibilities, 

kept dreams at bay.

Trophy travels...

With advancements of technologies, 

we have reduced time for transit,

having every tool at our disposals, 

we are visiting newer locations,

for work, leisure and learnings.

Yet, there's growing narratives, 

of flaunting it as achievements,

creating a form of status symbol,

by gamification of visiting countries,

passport stamps as visual currency.

Now it's more tourists than explorers, 

vacationers were replacing seekers,

where casual visits were entertained,

to clear bucket list, adding memories, 

adding as feat of accomplishments. 

Trophy travels...

Even if the journey is exhausting, 

facing crowds, procedural delays,

they still attract ordinary people,

for the sense of personal growth,

when in reality, it's curated isolations. 

So, I wonder, 

What makes it as trophy, 

To be gloated upon?

El Niño and Monsoons

The arrival of monsoon delayed,

forewarning coming bad days,

our much loved monsoon,

is facing some interferences.

El Niño...

Abnormal warming of pacific oceans,

disrupting global atmospheric circulation,

as it influences, altering wind patterns,

pulling rainfall away from us Indians.

Cross-equatorial winds carried moisture,

with transforms into seasonal rainfall,

but these warming heavily suppressed, 

causing below normal, potential downfall.

These gloomy backgrounds are concerning,

but weak westerly winds weren't helping,

too disorganized to push moisture inland,

to replace vast stretches of clear skies.

And we worry, of severe dry spells,

as El Niño gradually gain strength,

impacting central & northern states,

of life dependent on monsoon rains.

White space

We were used to working,

by following schedules, 

where time is utilized, 

by planning & performing.

Yet, not all days are same,

sometimes we are occupied, 

sometimes remain free,

depending on demands met.

White space...

These deliberate gaps,

between meetings & tasks,

acting as buffer, mental reset,

or for planning & reflections. 

But, now things have changed,

with arrival of information age,

life became easier & convenient,

adding distractions in its place.

With constant flow of dopamine,

watching reels and playing games,

these empty moments being unsettling, 

increasing the feeling of restlessness.

Many create schedules, define boundaries, 

learn newer skills, refreshing knowledge, 

others include movements, and exercises, 

or just do nothing, taking power naps.