Iconography

I have always wondered,

which thoughts have played,

when they conceptualized, 

traditional symbols & images.

Iconography . . .

The more ancient a tradition,

we could see diverse symbols,

in sculptures & representations, 

as narratives in the paintings.

They could have made effigies, 

personified elements, energies,

but they never limit imagination, 

took inspiration from nature.

Mountain, rivers, and oceans,

trees, animals and universe,

they became sacred threads, 

to bind religious & spiritual realms.

Sometimes they take strange form,

which seems irrational to revere,

displaying ranges of emotions, 

being benevolent, fierce, neutral.

Iconography . . .

Our ancestors had reasons,

embedded messages & wisdoms,

which couldn't be contained, 

within natural human forms.

I am tired of this game

I am tired, of this game,

of the fights, of the blames,

putting thousand of hurdles,

before some sweet moments. 

When did it become a show,

put conditions before we disclose,

tender feelings that gently flow,

like rivers towards the ocean.

We don't need barriers, or deviations,

when heart made the decisions, 

our efforts should compliment, 

not find faults or make excuses.

Every concern needs to be addressed,

still our pride overshadows interests,

making us hesitate, lie, even avoid,

when we want to be sincere & honest.

When did it become Herculean task?

Of simple greetings, meets & chats,

testing patience, adding distance, 

creating divergence in our paths.

We have idealized a beautiful life,

where our wishes are prioritized,

but forgot that it demands price,

which we seldom pay . . .

And I am tired of this game,

of walking in an expanding maze,

expending energy in the process,

which should have been reserved,

and time, doesn't wait.

 

Be mindful of words spoken

Be mindful of words spoken,

For, they decide the course of life,

If one embraces goodness of life,

They will find true joy & happiness, 

If one seek, or demand freedom,

They will achieve independence,

Those who work to be busy,

Soon find themselves in own company,

And ones, offended from small things,

Will find it hard to sustain conversations,

So, rather than criticizing others,

Or questioning the fate,

One must look within,

To observe & reflect,

About how one behaves,

And to realize,

No one else is responsible, 

For one's own actions,

That's the true path,

Towards a mature self.

When slogans contradicts

We are proud to proclaim, 

personal ideals, regional phrases, 

to promote virtues we retain.

Yet, ground realities change,

every person is not the same,

putting dent on the image.

People taunts, and they blame,

words ring hollow, meaningless,

making us doubt, feeling ashamed. 

Acts of few, pollutes surroundings, 

breaking the illusion, of familiarity, 

and we pause, dwindling confidence. 

We had faith in the institutions,

trusting the grandeur of the vision,

still lacking in proper implementation.

When values not shared in communities, 

every failure highlights the hypocrisy, 

overshadowing countless believers.

When slogans contradicts . . .

We comment on the futility, 

trivialize the very essence, 

and put it under scrutiny. 

But, deep down we know,

such principles are needed,

to be pursued without noise.

Where emptiness lies

I didn't know,

when it arrived,

I tried to evade, 

but it crept inside.

From school days,

to college times,

springtime of life, 

only hastened the divide.

I got engrossed, 

I was absorbed,

enduring disappointments,

preying on the mind.

A dreamer in real world,

still being stubborn to admit,

holding to the fears & pride,

of the flaws, things lacking.

Averting the gaze,

I couldn't stagnate,

with passage of time,

got rudely awakened. 

Now it whispers, 

once in a while,

when there's rain,

or rays of sunshine.

I let out a sigh,

putting a polite smile,

changing directions,

closing my eyes.

To not let them reach,

Where emptiness lies . . .

Silence & connections

Silence is a dangerous thing,

It could be armor of the strong-willed,

But becomes refuge of liar & weaks,

So, I would respect the ones,

Who are clear on their goals, 

If our paths converge, 

Bringing certainty & consistency, 

I would pursue such connections, 

Or else maintain distance, 

From the ones, 

Playing with silence. 

Accommodation trap

It begins in a place of virtue,

having empathy & open-mindedness, 

welcoming others into our fold,

regardless of cultures & creeds.

But when we over-extended, 

to hostile individuals & ideologies, 

it ceases to be a bridge that connect,

becoming a crack that breaks,

steps taken in good faith.

Accommodation trap . . .

They were not obvious betrayals,

but happens through micro-concessions,

entering like a Trojan horse,

create havoc in surroundings.

For, our tolerance is tested,

when encountering inflexibility, 

as they seize the opportunity, 

by encroaching our boundaries. 

Accommodation trap . . .

They exploit our psychological wiring,

when we desperately cling to values,

of being kind, compassionate & caring,

to the ones being discriminated.

Yet, the true sign of maturity, 

is being graceful & discerning,

being true to inner convictions,

while facing social frictions.

So, draw the line at foundation, 

as we accommodate preferences, 

that might cause minor discomfort,

or create major disagreements. 

When core value remain intact,

acting as foundations & pillars,

we can withstand inconveniences,

while retaining our integrity. 

Professional autonomy

Don't get too dependent,

spending your whole life,

working under an organization, 

dedicating space and time,

for, when things go hard,

they make you scapegoat, 

for protecting their place,

with better connections. 

You might feel secure,

to be under the radar,

being content with less,

as others rise & progress,

but remember the game,

it's not the king or queen,

always pawn is sacrificed,

in keep the play going.

So, build career leverage,

accumulating skills & networks, 

giving you bargaining power,

for not getting forced into corners,

so, create multiple paths,

continuously upgrade your value,

strengthen your positions, 

to never fall into desperations. 

Political & ideological activism

Political and ideological activism,

Have damaged so many good souls,

Their strong belief on something,

Pushed them into negative spirals,

Their perspectives becomes gloomy,

Getting binded to beauty of this world,

Those gentler, softer, inspiring sides,

Which fills heart with joy & bliss,

Subsequently impacting relations, 

Alienating their wellwishers, 

Because everything became an issue,

To send message, be fought upon, 

Making others tiptoe,

For, there's no discussions,

In this class of egos,

There's only frustrations, 

And disappointments. 

Those who stands

When crisis hits,

how people react,

by getting overwhelmed 

or have courage to act,

so, what differentiates, 

between those who bail,

and ones taking a stand.

When facing a threat,

survival mechanism engages,

instinct of self-preservation,

influences our impulses,

we were given a choice,

to be controlled by emotions, 

or do cognitive reappraisal.

There are many factors, 

their personality also matters,

to believe in their strength,

more inclined to intervene,

while one feeling powerless, 

leave it to luck or fate,

avoiding responsibility altogether. 

Those who stands . . .

It's not limited to specific few,

but depends on contexts & identities,

varying with obligations & proximity, 

having the clarity of their roles,

anyone can take the lead,

for, we can train, cultivating skills,

by deliberate exposures & mental conditioning. 

Showing sincerity in devotion

This festive times,

we have seen kinds,

marketing themselves 

while pushing narratives 

under the guise of devotion.

Activism is not devotion, 

exhibitionism is not devotion, 

coming with placards or slogans,

or showing off is not devotion, 

where deities are in backgrounds, 

but people's acts are pronounced, 

using platform for personal cause

instead of sharing prayers.

For, we naturally bow,

to ones who truly show,

sincerity of their hearts,

through vyavhar & samarparn.

You are free

You are free,

to select a life,

where your talents,

are emphasized,

but remember, 

you are not alone,

in promoting sides,

when others are involved,

there will be exchanges,

of wishes & expectations,

might need adjustments, 

to make things right,

when opinions differs,

you want to conform,

or lead to fights,

but if you truly value,

want them to continue,

you will pursue ways,

to protect bonds in life,

as you communicate, 

either accept or negotiate,

willing to pay the price,

it's always your choice,

to embrace the changes,

or hold them tight,

as long as you convince,

your heart to proceed,

with positive vibes ,

whichever path taken,

becomes your journey,

giving you a specific prize,

for, you are free . . .

P.S.

So, ask yourself, 

What's your definition of freedom,

Which you follow wholeheartedly, 

Regardless of other people opinions, 

It's personal to every person,

Then, hold on to that beliefs,

Without questioning or criticizing, 

Other's way of finding freedom,

For, such actions also means,

You are not truly free,

Mentally...

Chronic sleep deprivations

"A good sleep is the foundation for a healthy body and mind, promoting emotional stability, empathy and patience."

Chronic sleep deprivations, 

induce profound alterations,

in brain & body physiology,

causing shift in behaviors, 

be it personality traits,

or emotional regulations. 

Extended wakefulness, 

impacts cognitive processes, 

reducing blood flow,

to the prefrontal cortex, 

needed for logical reasoning,

impulse control & risk assessment. 

It also hyper-activates amygdala, 

decoupling it from prefrontal control,

making brain prone to exaggerations, 

of emotions, fears & stress response.

Physiological disruptions in brain,

manifests as observable patterns,

making people irritable & volatile,

lowering threshold of frustrations,

which further reduces resilience,

mood swings were pronounced,

displaying rigidity, fixed viewpoints,

being disorganized, forgetful,

with hypersensitivity to criticisms. 

And it affects their surroundings, 

in the interactions & relationships,

minor annoyance perceived as threats,

casual remarks as personal insults,

conversations quickly become defensive, 

where arguments frequently escalating,

misreading expressions as hostility, 

forcing them into survival mode,

as they lose capacity to tune in...

To other's emotional needs.

Chronic sleep deprivations...

They need proper remedies,

of addressing the patterns,

& support physiological rhythms, 

by psychological interventions, 

along with supportive medication,

to regain control over the mind,

achieving uninterrupted sleep,

through fine tuning daily habits,

with discipline and consistency, 

willing to put required efforts.

to change their lives.

P.S. 

I know that this is research heavy, but we need more awareness on the importance of sleep for our mental wellbeing. 

There are effects on physical health, as rest and recovery, helps in proper functioning of body.

 

Is art universal?

I have wondered,

as I encounter creations, 

in dances, paintings & songs,

and ways, stories were spun,

ones I consider as masterpieces, 

deeply moving my heart,

still, not stirring emotions, 

treated as just another work.

Is art universal?

We have learned it so,

admiring them without thoughts, 

for, every known human cultures,

have their journey of expressions,

in rhythms, narratives, representations, 

as if hardwired into our nervous system,

which have survived, flourishing,

timeless, transcending generations. 

Yet, they don't resonate with all,

ones standing outside the frequency, 

wouldn't perceive complexity & richness,

its artistic insights, philosophical layers,

without the contexts, and inclinations, 

having emotional requisite, or passion,

they only wander on the surface,

getting frustrated, losing interests. 

Is art universal?

We share the same physical space,

still live in different internal universe, 

having own aesthetics & perceptions, 

making us kindred spirits or outliers,

when things click, it's like a miracle,

if not appreciated, being acutely aware . . .

Solitude of inner world.

Does it make us lonely or grateful?

Dolce far niente

"The sweetness of doing nothing"

An Italian phrase,

with a deeper message,

a state of mindful relaxation, 

conscious enjoyment of moments. 

It's not mere idleness, 

but slowing down our pace,

appreciating the simple pleasure,

of our peaceful existence. 

Like sipping tea savoring flavors, 

Not distracted by screen or paper,

witnessing beauty of the sunset,

or breathing fresh air of mornings.

For a world rewarding productivity, 

constantly questioning our worth,

it acts as a gentle reminder,

valuing stillness & mental rejuvenation. 

Dolce far niente. . . .

Let us instill wisdom shown,

each corner of world knows,

we need peaceful interlude,

in between busy schedules.

 

On the fence

Chronic decisions, 

not being on positions, 

to assert my convictions, 

unfavorable situations, 

of higher expectations, 

or betrayal of trust.

On the fence . . .

Caught in-between,

thought paralyzed, 

choosing inaction,

as protective mechanism, 

weighing the choices,

for potential losses.

May be, it's about perfections, 

differentiating good from bad,

when stakes are higher,

by scrutinizing each flaws,

as conflicting values,

put hold on desires.

I tried to be neutral,

paying the hidden cost,

of draining my vitality,

in worries & concerns,

I was stripped of control,

as time took over the rein.

On the fence . . .

I need to make up my mind,

to avoid this slow decay of life,

showing trust, choosing actions, 

commit towards providing result,

for, sometimes, taking the risk,

gets the ball rolling!

Spirit of Dussehra

Triumph of righteousness,

the good over the evil,

they were not legends,

but story of human spirit.

Vijaydashami . . .

Lord Rama, the ideal man,

followed moral & ethical rules

willing to fight, make sacrifices,

for upholding dharma.

Ravana, the powerful demon king,

an epitome of false ego & arrogance,

even after mastering every knowledge,

had uncontrolled senses as vice.

It's an eternal conflict,

between wisdom and impulses,

spiritual struggle of every person,

which needs awareness & discipline.

So, let us invoke lord Rama,

an embodiment of honor & duty,

of learning virtue of composure,

for walking on the path of truth.

May we all win over our vices,

Keeping spirit of Dussehra alive!

Happy Dussehra 🕉 

Jai Shree Ram 🙏 

Durga Puja celebrations

Comes the auspicious month,

of invoking Maa Durga name,

in the Navratri, temples & homes,

last few days for community pandals. 

Every region have their own,

doing garba & Kanya pujan, 

some follow willful abstinence,

doing fasting of various degree.

Every person here is involved, 

even taking leaves from work,

to be together with their families,

welcoming home divine mother.

For, in this sacred month,

we surrender to Maa Durga,

immersing in the atmosphere, 

of chanting, aarti, darshans.

And here, the famous attractions,

were the medhas, artificial pandals,

built with elaborate artistic themes, 

craftsmanship of rich silver filigree.

As crowd throng in numbers,

eager to appreciate these works,

intricate designs seen in medhas(pandal),

admiring the sculptures and artworks.

It's like a festival outside,

but this space is for the devotees, 

connecting with sacred energy,

which emanates from the medium . . .

Be it home, temples, medhas, or idols.

We lose softness

We have opinions, and beliefs,

which we follow with conviction, 

there are leaders we support,

community or social issues,

which are close to our heart,

we promote, strongly defend,

using sarcasms & cynicism, 

being flooded with feeds,

pushed by the algorithm.

Have we ever wondered, 

we might lose something important, 

constantly dwellings in thoughts,

which were negative or endorse, 

selective views or judgments, 

even if morally, ethically correct, 

reduces interactions & exposures, 

to gentler, softer, inspiring contents,

by influencing perceptions & interests. 

We lose softness . . .

The more we indulge, 

fighting for perceived injustices,

burns out emotional reserves, 

there's no space for kindness,

when harshness becomes habit,

as if we block our tenderness, 

while sharpening our retorts,

and we stop listening altogether. 

P.S. 

Our softness is not only measured,

When thing are going well for us,

But how we respond or react,

Encountering contrary views.

Mental travelling

I have always wondered why,

real life outing & touring,

doesn't evoke same emotions,

which I could experience,

watching or reading travelogue, 

or when I fantasize journey,

seeing dreams or planning.

Mental travelling . . .

I used to daydream,

transporting self into scenes,

whenever I immerse,

in novels, television, & songs,

even memories lights up,

reminiscing fond moments, 

spent in golden old days.

Yet, when travelling for destinations,

I do enjoy those explorations, 

still, somewhere they lacked,

having some struggles & gaps,

which dampens the sensations, 

influenced by moods & situations, 

affecting my perceptions. 

Mental travelling . . .

It may never compete, 

real life excitements of visits,

still I cherished these wandering,

providing me joy and felicity,

sans the stress and fatigue, 

while saving time and money,

letting me traverse . . .

Without leaving my room.

Selling assumptions

It's so common, when we see,

how some creators, build theories,

presenting them as hard facts,

to manufacture panic or outrage,

influencing viewer's lifestyles. 

Selling assumptions . . .

They don't have the expertise, 

of different field or insufficient practice, 

still they exploited curiosity gaps,

taking advantages of the audience,

to present hypothesis as realities. 

They rely on sensationalism, 

target prevalent norms & practices, 

showing them as ignorance or risky,

damaging health or future prospects,

giving advices on better alternatives. 

Yet, they rarely verify, with peer review,

using words dressed as definite proofs,

or use snippets from larger researches,

which were inconclusive but favorable, 

to provide credibility to their content.

Selling assumptions . . .

They are playing a dangerous game,

just for attentions and ad revenues, 

eroding ability of critical thinking, 

with skewed perception of reality, 

locked in an algorithmic loop . . .

Reinforcing their biases!

P.S : 

There are many genuine voices,

being better than popular figures,

offering data, reasons, arguments,

helping us learn from their knowledge. 

How people resonate

There will be limited understandings,

If we have different state of mind,

Like ones prefering slow, melodic tunes,

Don't resonate with loud, heavy music,

For, one pursue peace & tranquility,

While others prefer power & swag,

Our nature is influenced,

From things that we crave,

Matching or breaking harmony,

Be it aesthetics or vibes,

So, let's be aware of our true self,

What attracts, where we gravitate,

For better communication,

Clarity of our purpose. 

Noble lies

Spoken by elites,

falsehood that multiply,

for the greater good,

of the society. 

Noble lies . . .

They had to justify,

make people comply,

accepting roles given,

respecting ruling authority. 

For, we need shared purpose, 

believing in the narratives, 

bring diverse population,

under common values & identity. 

The foundations are strong,

when there's stability & order,

preventing factionalism, unrest,

by securing faith of the public.

By promoting social cohesion,

the state creates the hierarchies,

limiting potential of individuals,

they prevent social mobility. 

Noble lies . . .

They demand respect and sacrifice,

but once people trust gets broken,

it triggers cynicism and polarization, 

paving the way for newer lies.

Wish, wish, we would wish

 Wish, wish, we would wish,

buried in recesses, not in lips,

drop by drop, making an ocean,

difficult to swallow or spill.

Every time we come closer,

we falter, making it harder,

fighting our fate or surrender, 

to our fears or constraints. 

Wish, wish, we would wish,

going blank, when desires conflicts

expectations clashes with dreams,

and realities suppress our screams.

We are disillusioned, going numb,

follow the routines, collecting crumbs,

maintain a facade, of calm & diligence, 

as we dive, into bottomless abyss.

Wish, wish, we would wish,

to make our hurt, cease to exist, 

to be saved from misfortunes,

by knight in shining armor. 

And we regain, spark in the eyes,

with abundant love, and blessings, 

we don't have to fight, lowering guards,

enjoy the moments, memories that last!

Making the organization fail

How do competitors prevail,

when power remains unchanged, 

where following the system, 

doesn't reward them points,

for, they couldn't convince, 

being known for incompetency, 

and contrasts were very clear, 

giving advantage to the ones,

who won trust through work.

The competitors have no answers,

so they keep blaming others,

using every trick in the book,

to gain advantages for their side,

from harmless, to plots sinister,

they try to bypass placed systems,

undermining the voice of majority,

by using underhanded tactics,

which have long-term repercussions. 

Nothing happens in isolation, 

they rely on weakness displayed,

using the fractures & loopholes,

to set the stage for performance, 

from defiance to the resistance,

building foundations for rebellion, 

where small factions act as diversion, 

putting pressure to gain attention, 

manufacture crisis for reaping benefits.

We have seen many examples, 

where the majority remain ignorant,

when selected few destabilize,

already functioning administrations, 

for, they were swift in their actions,

evade accountability by riding on emotions,

overwhelming even the robust systems,

if not checked by rule and regulations, 

making the organization fail.

Evening sun

Returning home from work,

I saw it in mirrors reflection,

stopping for a second,

I marvel at the view.

It was a mesmerizing sight,

a perfect, unblemished disk,

molten gold in honeyed light,

suspended in a softening sky.

A gentle breeze streams,

cooling the warm surface,

in the hushed rustle of leaves,

daytime noise fades.

And I exhale, forgetting the rush,

soaking in the serene atmosphere, 

gazing the vast expanse of sky,

dipped in delicate shade of periwinkle. 

As the daylight thinned,

casting long and lazy shadows,

air grew still, night takes over,

I witnessed the steady decent . . .

Of evening sun!

Happy Navratri

May the divine energy of Maa Durga,

Guide our life forward,

Protecting us from negativity, 

Bringing joy and prosperity. 

I bow to sacred feminity,

May she be manifested,

Make people humble & kind,

Showing compassion to every being,

Where we protect the values,

That make this world gentler,

Cradled in the grace,

Of Maa Durga.

Happy Navratri 🙏 

I have heard stories

I have heard stories,

from our parent's times,

when they were younger,

living a different era.

They lived in villages,

untouched from developments,

roads difficult to access,

surrounded by dense forests.

The places now being cleared,

farmed for fruits, and vegetables, 

were once territories of wildlifes, 

predators like tigers & bears.

Elephants roamed freely,

causing havoc to the pastures,

with communities being alert,

keeping vigil against dangers.

Still, they were part of adventures, 

children & adult working together,

collecting woods, foraging resources,

traversing through the jungles.

It was risky, there were casualties,

they have to strictly follow directives,

gradually expanding village boundaries,

shrinking borders of forested areas.

I have heard stories,

with a hint of loneliness,

of the subsequent loss,

in the quest of development. 

For now, there's nothing exciting,

those spikes of the adrenaline, 

seeing the glimpses of wildlifes,

every task becomes thrilling. 

They say we fear

They say we fear,

meekly follow others,

but truth is much deeper,

for, we are very clear,

to protect peace of mind.

Not many dare,

take risks without care,

living in the moments, 

letting emotions steer,

ignoring the consequences.

We are not scared,

but control our impulses,

knowing the priorities, 

responsibilities we bear,

to obediently accept directions. 

When we have enough, 

not struggling in our work,

it's natural to avoid conflicts, 

and maintain status quos, 

to preserve harmony.

They say we fear,

but it's sign of maturity,

of making adjustments,

being part of society,

for, rules and regulations . . .

Are binding for all!

We become villians

We become villains,

In someone's else story,

More so, when disappointed,

From conducts, & activities, 

Holding to beliefs,

Pursuing certain dreams,

Which sometimes clashes,

With other's perspectives,

So, let's hope to find,

Someone who harmonize,

Not enforcing their ways,

And open to our thoughts,

Willing to share space,

Understand & experience,

Things together.

Ambivalence

It's difficult to conclude,

when opinions are renewed, 

evaluating someone's actions,

which constantly moved,

sometimes good, sometimes bad,

being on the spectrum,

I struggle with emotional ambivalence. 

Holding mixed, opposite feeling,

Of respecting the good qualities,

still being wary of toxic traits, 

displayed through their actions, 

and I am confused to interpret,

caught between mental tug-of-war,

wanting to avoid it altogether. 

One can acknowledge the intellect, 

certain beliefs, gestures & talents,

but we can't ignore the patterns,

inconsistencies seen in decisions, 

breaking away from the paths,

that build trust, deepen connections, 

for they impact things long-term. 

Ambivalence . . .

When stripped of the comfort,

of sorting them into categories, 

no one is only good or bad,

their nature being multifaceted, 

still, it's not easy to lower guards,

having seen their unpredictability, 

so, I appreciate, but protect boundaries. 

Synthwave aesthetics

There's something nostalgic, 

listening of these beats,

accompanied by cinematic, 

from 80s era retro-futurism,

my heart is hypnotized, 

by synthwave aesthetics.

Music with vintage ambience, 

analog synthesizer, reverberated drums,

along with repetitive bass rhythms, 

creating a sense of motion,

instrumentals evoking atmosphere, 

mesmerizing with the vibes.

It's a powerful experience,

anemoia, a world we haven't lived,

paired with neon-drenched wireframe,

they trigger certain emotions, 

which were hard-to-pin down,

making me perplexed.

Being both cool and melancholic, 

like heart yearning for something

which is there, just out of reach,

a bittersweet tension forming,

dimly lit streets and cityscape,

evokes a sense of quiet solitude.

Synthwave aesthetics . . .

Transporting me into childhood, 

when world felt deeply mysterious,

and I explored, eyes with wonder,

vast starry skies, pristine landscapes,

letting my imagination go wild,

listening to the beats of synthwaves.

Sillage

You arrived like a breeze,

rustling through heart's leafs,

swaying to your voice.

Displaying that charming grin,

it took little for you to win,

capturing my attention. 

Sillage . . .

The door is clicked shut, 

still your presence remains,

a warm drift of perfume,

evokes tender emotions,

our brief meetings, 

not enough to satiate,

so, I savor sensations,

from your lingering scent.

The silence of solitude, 

lights up a conversation, 

which I wished to have,

and to bare my heart,

for, I want nothing more,

than to standing beside you.

Sillage . . .

I watch the aroma fades,

desperately grasping remaining trace,

knowing tomorrow you will return,

still want to retain beloved moments,

stirring emotions, even if it's faint,

giving me a nudge, to accept . . .

These budding feelings!

P.S.

Sillage : The scented trail left in the air when someone wearing perfume walks past or leave the room.

The power to transform others

What transforms,

skeptics into believers, 

breaking the walls,

reaching something deeper,

connecting with their souls.

We have heard stories,

such hermits and yogi,

living a simple life,

still impact profoundly, 

into global communities. 

It's not just charisma,

to bind their followers,

but to grant the freedom,

to embark on own journey, 

following their purpose.

Those who have encountered, 

devotees, rationalist, intellectuals,

have shared their experiences, 

of receiving unconditional love,

leading to dissolution of ego.

For, modern life is transactional,

entwined with pride, shame, desires,

our darkest of thoughts and flaw,

are making us weak & vulnerable, 

forming distance between hearts.

So, when they meet sage or mystics,

making them feel exposed and seen,

without judgments, or hurting feelings, 

accepting unconditionally their being,

providing safety, psychological release. 

The power to transform others,

is not hidden in magic or discourses,

or wisdoms shattering defenses,

rather following a life of simplicity, 

with universal messages of existence. 

Love everyone, serve everyone,

And keeping faith on humanity,

displaying absolute humility,

interacting with surroundings, 

leaves lasting impact on society. 

They are not comments

They are not comments,

but sincere concerns,

we are not prepared,

suggestions are not welcome,

leaving behind mixed feelings. 

People can have opinions, 

share harmless observations, 

not aware of our situations, 

putting us in predicament,

expecting favorable response. 

We might act with defiance, 

become cold and distant,

sometimes changing subject,

to avoid feeling awkward,

still it touches a raw nerve.

They might be intentional,

using sarcasm or ridicules, 

finding joy from misfortunes, 

rubbing salt in the wounds,

when we show weaknesses. 

Still, they are not comments,

when spoken with good faith,

we couldn't address the issue,

so lose temper or make excuses,

rather than acknowledging.

 

Two steps more

Not everything goes according to plan,

delaying our journey, hurdles on paths,

having stoppages, detours, reversals,

building frustrations from setbacks. 

Two steps more . . .

When heart want to shout,

blame others by finding faults, 

let us control running thoughts,

pause, observe, reflect & understand. 

Our expectations want things fast,

but such hurry, not make them last,

we need to act how situation demands,

being prepared to tackle challenges. 

It feels uneasy to change the route,

making adjustments, newer approaches, 

still, they mattered, letting us walk,

towards the goals envisioned. 

Two steps more . . .

These hardships won't last,

sooner or later, find better options, 

avoiding errors from undue haste,

a little delay won't affect the cost. 

So keep striving,

No matter what happens!

Some mood varies

Some mood varies,

Between being awesome,

And being a victim,

While realities are nuanced,

Impressions are temporary, 

Which need to be sustained,

Through honesty & consistency, 

For, that would decide,

The quality of life,

Not just instant gratification, 

But something fulfilling,

And blissful.

P.S : Be grounded, don't let emotions control us.

Such emotions are important, but according to time and place.

When dream dies

Are hope lost,

when dream dies,

like life's investments 

lost in few tries,

pushed into despair,

how one rises,

facing the setbacks,

choking back cries.

We have seen many, 

withdrawing from the society,

being deaf to loved one's voices,

and drowning in self-pity,

when they face failures, 

as they compare with others, 

bearing burden of ambitions,

prone to negative impulses. 

Yet, there are also individuals, 

who have strong foundations, 

keep rising again and again,

overcoming every challenge,

being focused on their goals,

still flexible to changing times,

adapting, evolving, reinventing,

never falter from growth mindset.

So, are hope lost,

when dream dies?

Or it's our perception,

that conjured lies,

and we need patience, 

nurturing perseverance, 

to tide over difficult circumstances,

and reach their destination. 

Antarctica

The center of the earth,

still seldom given importance, 

in our popular narratives, 

we never discuss in details.

Antarctica . . .

This cold, frigid place,

an isolated landmass,

seen on the maps,

but plays a big role,

in maintaining climate system.

For, they directly connect,

regulate every ocean basin,

as Antarctic circumpolar current,

linking Indian, pacific & Atlantic,

act as engine for deep waters,

manufacturing dense, coldest water,

to be spread northwards across the plains.

Antarctica . . .

The planetary heat sink,

reflecting 80% of solar radiations,

from vast white surface (albedo effect),

maintain earth's thermal equilibrium, 

while absorbing 40% of carbon emissions,

the ocean conveyor belt transports heat,

by driving global thermohaline circulation. 

So, let us be grateful,

for the researchers who discovered, 

bringing governments on same table,

sign Antarctic treaty to prevent colonization, 

and Madrid protocol, banning exploitation, 

working tirelessly to protect . . .

The heart of our planet!

P.S. It played a big role in discovery and repair of hole in ozone layer.

Time compression

There are times we look back,

only to realize years have passed,

but for us, it's only yesterday, 

as if we are stranded on path,

and others keep overtaking us.

Time compression...

A phenomenon we experience, 

when we remember days past,

events seemed to have rushed,

like acceleration of clock hands,

leaving nothing for us to reflect.

For, we have lived similar routine,

not many surprises, challenging stimuli,

to be registered into our mind,

while past, present and future,

synchronized, like parallel lines. 

And brain, being an efficient machine,

creates limited template, discarding details,

where weeks and months of data,

being compressed in single generic file,

showing glimpses of how things were.

Time compression...

We feel uneasy, might regret,

of not doing enough to reminisce, 

for, period of few novel events,

were needed for increasing density, 

of memories in our storage.

Like, learning new skills,

traveling somewhere unfamiliar, 

meeting different people,

acting as cognitive milestones,

and anchors, in mental timelines.

Be discerning

Be discerning, when having relations,

With ones thriving in chaotic environment, 

By indulging in negativity, 

Or craving for entitlement. 

They have good values, 

But also have bad qualities, 

Which influences the character,

From their daily habits,

Of how they invest time,

In contents or expressions.

When declarations irks

It's natural to have disagreements, 

having different perspective & preferences, 

still, there are certain statements made,

evokes frustrations, being an irritant.

So, what makes us to react,

when we are minding our business, 

is it some expectations we have,

or couldn't ignore the dangers inherent.

The world is complex, depends on contexts,

still people generalize, issue absolute verdicts,

it might bother us, how convinced they are,

being intellectually lazy, to prove their point.

Such declarations lack reflections, 

their position final, demands submission, 

making us evaluate, the said premises,

which stands on weak foundations. 

We differentiate, performances from sincerity 

if words not backed by actions with clarity,

being cautious of volatility & inconsistencies, 

making it harder to commit for long-term.

Such rhetorics irk, even if we understand, 

from disputed choices, to unsolicited advices,

still, every observation, have two sides,

as long as they are grounded . . .

Leaves room for reality to breathe!