Category: Life

#MotherNature

Nature for me was trees and I have been blessed with a family that loves plants .. We have always had plants around us and that remains the case even now.. When I started working I have been lucky enough to be surrounded by people who loved to travel to the jungles hence I always landed up at Bandipur(innumerable times) , Sakleshpura , Coorg , Chickmangalore etc being the bangalore frog that I am these were the closest accessible places and we ended up driving down there . I was not someone who liked silence I found it eerie to be in the midst of forests , I used to be scared of animal calls, I dreaded the paw marks the guide showed me when we went on a trek . This went on and gradually these things grew on me and I started liking , rather loving this relationship I shared with the Jungles, I realised wildlife was a part of Nature and they belonged to the Mother (Nature)

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(The image I fell in love with instantly when I was at R SQUARE for the first time 🙂 )
I never understood why these photographers all dressed up with innumerable pockets on their pants , jackets , a hat and with these hugee lenses paraded in the jungles. I couldn’t ever fathom why people chased animals for clicking their pics. I felt they should be left alone and people should not invade their privacy. . I kept wondering every time I travelled and then R SQUARE happened and thanks to Rohit , Nature InFocus took birth . After working with the regular people (read me) , working on NatureInFocus was a little different basically it was not unnerving, i never understood why because events were stressful , coordinations , running around etc But NIF was calmness for me .. There was something very serene about this project. I loved watching pictures so all the images clicked by the speakers was a treat for my senses .. I then realised if the photographers didn’t visit the Jungle and get pictures how will people like me or the future generation see what is there ? I realised Picture was documentation, it was proof of existence and it was a repository the future generation will appreciate .

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(I was around when this image was shot .. So this is very dear to me .)
After the first edition of NIF, I understood what Passion means, the people under the festival roof were oozing of like mindedness and were so passionate about what they have seen, done , achieved and yes! it was beyond money. Grounded is a word we hear so often , where do you generally see them? Be it Steve Winter, or Romulus Whitaker the legends i met in the first edition or Jishnu and Gaurav the latest generation , they loved what they did and are an epitome of passion . I feel so blessed to be a part of this world where people are willing to go a step ahead to save nature, save animals, adopt structures , educate people more on nature  and most of all tell stories and I love to listen to them :).. People who are willing to talk and and create more awareness , for we need more people like them to conserve our mother, Nature .
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(This image blew my mind and its like a dream each time I see it)
If you love Nature or would love to contribute to her, be there on 8 and 9 of July 2016 . You will love the energy and pictures .. I promise .. More details on http://www.natureinfocus.in
Pic Courtesy : Rohit Varma

#Run

I started running in a phase of life where I wanted to run away from a lot of things , I wanted to tire myself so that I can pass out in the night .. I was never fond of running yet I made a move towards it . Waking up at 5 am every morning and heading to the stadium was an ordeal especially when I couldn’t sleep well, yet I pushed myself and then after a couple of months 10 k happened and few more 10 k’s… It was exhilarating .

I then gave up :), we as humans will do everything when we are suffering and the moment we get to the shores we forget the waves which helped us reach where we are now. I got busy with work and life went on until 6 months ago when the need to restart the workout regime became the goal and then again the running bug bit and it all fell in place . I am still struggling to get things right, I still huff and puff, yet I feel nice after that 40 minutes in the morning . That “me” time when my mind is not chattering as it is completely focussed on the run and conserving all the energy .

I Learnt that more the pain , more the gain. If I had to remain in my comfort zone then I wouldn’t have ventured out and learnt more or discovered myself. The fact that the pain makes me a better runner and sculpts me is a thought that keeps me going , similarly in life we do mistakes repeatedly . We dont let go of toxic activities and people(comfort zone), we hang on to them with the fear that we cant exist without them , we question ourselves as to what will happen to us if they are not around and in most cases we feel Life ends…  In these instances that one push , one determination to let go actually does so much good. The move out of the comfort zone is very painful yet it releases all the pain and make us stronger humans..

I realised running or any activity that we do stepping out of our comfort zones launch us into better places , help us meet better people , ensures we live better lives . Especially running is one sport which ensures our brain is not playing evil and doling out negative feelings . There is no time to weave stories . There is no place for negative self talks , there is no place for anything unwanted . I am feeling so good that I wanted to do this bit to urge any of you who is going through a rough patch in your life , just RUN . Not from your problem , but towards the solution . A healthy mind will ensure a healthy thought process and hence a happy life . I believe if even one person is benefitted from my story then my purpose is accomplished .I wanted to urge all of you to move , step out , make that move and run towards the horizons , achieve those goals and bring in loads of happiness .. For I have done that , so can you .. IMG_6211.JPG

#masseuse

I like spa’s , a way to detangle my tired soul. After a hectic event schedule I decided to pamper myself and what better way than a good massage . So I fixed an appointment with the goldmine spa (oh yes! they are expensive hence I named them that :)) I went there promptly a little before time but my masseuse hadn’t reached , I waited patiently and she arrived 15 minutes later than the stipulated time all huffing and puffing cursing the Bangalore traffic .

She was a teeny girl dressed in her uniform .I asked for deep tissue , she led me to the designated room and started to work her magic , wait! did I say magic ? She tore me apart  , I felt like I was in a wrestling ring or was it like a piece of cloth that was washed on a stone .. I pleaded her to let go of me and she said madam if you want to relax then dont ask for me , you will relax once you are home now allow me to do my work . I cursed my stars and decided to talk to her instead of squeaking so that my attention is digressed from the ordeal 🙂

She began .. She had so many stories , it was then I realised I had no problems 🙂 .. I assumed my life is a roller coaster ride , I felt I had problems  until I met her .. I realised all our problems are big for us but what she had to reveal was beyond something I can fathom . She dealt with strangers day in and out unlike us for starters . Random men come for massages and she has to deal with them . She said once there was an Arab who came in and while she massaged him he opened his phone and started watching porn . She requested him to stop it but he wouldn’t budge .

Another time there was this guy who was newly married and decided to discuss his penis size with her and shared story about how his wife was unable to satisfy him. She told me how she squirmed as he made her very uncomfortable that tears rolled down as he asked her about sexual preference and her sex life .

And this one time a married woman asked her for a happy ending , she explained to me how she froze and decided to walk out ..and the ultimate was an agent who refers clients to the spa following her and the Arab client to the room and offering her 10 k for a “special massage”. She threatened him of dire consequences and shooes him away . Many many more stories that has made her strong as a woman . She has the right to walk away from a client who demands beyond her role and that is a boon for her . She says people call her a “rowdy” because she voices her concern loud and clear .

My mind started chattering to me , she has so many things to face and fight each day . Every client is a surprise and she braves it with a smile on her face and hence there is so much to learn from this woman. So many times in life we inflate the smallest of problems and create a hue and cry , she has no option but live with it so she finds the positive and lives with it. Any place she goes she will face the same according to her as the profession she chose is a one like that . She has a choice to leave or live and she chose the latter .We can see the negative or a positive in a problem , it can put us down or make us strong and the choice is entirely ours ..

She finished her work on me , I thanked her and left .. I learnt a lot beyond physical relaxation .. I thanked her for enlightening me as a human .. Life teaches always and we can learn only if we want to 🙂

 

 

#HerSignal

She got off an auto at the traffic signal , looked around and stepped on to the footpath trying to make eye contact with that one person . She was dressed beautifully ,completely draped in a maroon saree with a yellow border . The saree pleats tucked way below her belly button , a Bindi adorned her forehead , a pair of earrings that added elegance to her face. A string of jasmine on her hair and gold bangles complimented  her hands ..

I looked at her but she wasn’t interested in me and looked away . Since I felt ignored I kept watching , isn’t it human to do things which we are not supposed to? 🙂

She piqued my curiosity. She rummaged for her saree pallu , secured it and walked against the direction of traffic in the look out for that someone . She smiled yet didn’t smile , she looked yet didn’t look , she was getting fidgety yet remained calm .
She found a place to plonk on the footpath facing the traffic and started doing things to gain attention like pulling her saree up and adjusting , checking herself out and in between stealing glances at the onlookers .
My mind(The monkey) snapped out and was thinking what would have driven her to do what she is doing , was she right ? Was it right at all? Not before being shunned for the thought and I found the answer .  The Monkey told me that everyone has their own story , it’s unfair to judge them . I don’t know what circumstances drove her to do what she is doing  . I don’t know her reasons for choosing a life she is living  . My mind snapped back to reality before it said whatever she does is her choice and the other persons ofcourse and it chided me that I have no role to play in the transaction . I whirled back to reality along with the signal turning green  ,wished her luck inside my head and vroomed away .. On my way to my home , towards my life .
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 ‪#‎TheWatchShop‬

A quaint little watch shop in Indiranagar is the go to place for getting my watch repaired from over a decade . There is Some comfort , I like them . No jazz , no unwanted talk and empty most times . I walk in with my quota of watches , oh yes! I accumulate watches and then fix them 😉
I went and handed over all my watches and said “cell” please . He picked them up and got busy fixing them behind the counter and I had nothing to do so rummaging through my thoughts , wondering how boring his life is , wondering how he must be whiling away time that too from over a decade.. Etc etc
Just then a family walks in a father , mother , 3 daughters and 2 son- in-laws and this was my assumption looking at them interact .. Then I realised I was right just that one was son- in- law to be . Basically uncle brought him into the shop and said buy the watch you want and the guy was embarrassed . He kept trying to bail himself out but aunty and uncle coaxing him to select . I see him scan the watches for a moment and another moment ask his fiancée to select . It was a mammoth task for her , she was so coy and kept looking around . The guy finally was cornered by the MIL and FIL and forced to select while the elder son in law who was on a call outside barges in and selects watches in a jiffy . Every watch the guy selects the uncle makes sarcastic comments . Oh! That dial is big , oh that’s like a liquor bottle ad et al . Meanwhile the bride to be spots a watch and shows her brother in law who brushes her aside and says no gold! Che! She quips and hangs her head down . Finally the elder son – in – law takes the call , selects the watch and they tie it to his wrist and they walk out while the uncle is at the counter to pay . He grins and Tells the shop owner my future son- in- law , before marriage gift smile emoticon .. He bargains gets discount and walks out . One happy family smiling , chattering away faded into the streets .
My entertainment stopped I whined , again 2 young boys walk in may be in their teens . This one boy wants to buy a “chain watch” for his girl friend . He is busy scanning the women’s counter , while his friend commenting . He has a budget but doesn’t want to reveal .. They are smiling , giggling meanwhile calls his GF and says what did you say you want and she says chain watch . He scratches his head and again scans at the price tags . Chooses one and realises that is way beyond his budget and decides to leave along with his friend . Not before saying we will explore other shops . I say mental bye and wish them luck .
Then another man who is talking endlessly , breathlessly and convincing the shop keeper that the watch is genuine and so is his ID card . He gives his duplicate ID card and mentions Rado and says call me tomorrow and escapes ..
I then realised he actually has an interesting soap life . People walking in from different walks of life , talking , arguing , laughing , complaining and he chooses to be blank as a choice as he has acclimatised to the environment .
Just then he walks up to me , hands over my watches , I pay up and walk out smiling .748e06d4005488e00ce109ac0fc67728Pic Courtesy- Google

#Granted

I am an allergy rhinitis victim , i suffer almost every day .. I feel suffocated on most days .. I struggle to breathe on so many day and nights . It used to irritate me immensely as a teenager and it still does. I still hate this feeling as much as I hated it ages ago. I still suffer the same way I used to. I have seen so many people come and go out of my life and I have seen how their perception of my health changed . I used to dread going to the doctor alone, I used to pity myself al the times but things changed this allergy has taught me a BIG Lesson and I will remain eternally thankful to it for teaching me that :

Nothing is constant , not love , not care not even sympathy 🙂 . It also taught me everyday is a new day , just because i was nice yesterday it doesn’t mean I don’t have to be nice today.

There was a time when people would rush and buy me medicines, would call and offer help,offer to make food, advise me to take care , make me feel good and gradually I realised the same people started looking through me , I was labelled a patient , sealed my fate and moved on with their chores . I was hurt, I wanted the same attention , I am unwell I said but it fell on deaf ears. I realised my battle is mine ..

It took a while for me to realise that it was never a deliberate attempt but its only human to take things for granted , how many times can anyone do the same thing? they did it the last time and then again . I realised that no one or nothing is constant . My suffering will remain with me, my health is my priority not anyone else’s .Intensity of my suffering has not changed but yes intensity of how others treat me changed..

Something struck me today and I wanted to pen this down. Its only us who has to be responsible for ourselves and we should never take ourselves for granted . I also learnt that over a period of time we learn to live with what we have  , its just a matter of time .. Everything and everyone has a lesson to part with, we have to just listen ..

Achoooo! sorry that was a sneeze 🙂

#ASK

Asking for help : while I was walking one morning I saw these creepers and felt they were asking for help, extending their hand so that someone could hold it and give them direction .. It made me think .. In life all we need to do most times is “ask for help” but our egos are so BIG that we do not want to call out ..we have all the reasons why we shouldn’t ask for help ..
In my opinion asking for help only helps us learn and grow in the right direction .. Asking for anything whole heartedly only ensures that the universe brings it to us .. I believe asking is learning , winning , fulfilment. Asking is ensuring there is no regret in the future that we didn’t ASK 🙂

It’s ok to be weak at times .. It’s ok not to know the answer to some questions  despite asking and it’s only Normal to be stuck at times .. 

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Let’s extend hands and Seek for help for the answer is waiting for us

#TheSunGod

There he was amongst the clouds , playing peek a boo .. I was waiting for him to look at me and shine , wake me up and prepare me for the day. While I kept waiting my mind(monkey) drifted far far away may be beyond him and it said “ I think we should be like Sun” , he keeps us warm and is a reason for our existence. More of him can be dangerous and life threatening and that left me thinking. That is so true , Sun is a reason for our survival , his awakening in the morning is a feast to the eyes but during the day we cant make an eye contact with him.. He doesnt allow us to, he is very powerful but again in the evening he is a treat again .. Throwing hues of colours to the skies and making it delicious ..

I realised why they termed Sun ,God. He knows when to remain calm and no! we are not allowed to make eye contact with the powerful as he is beyond a human  .  Look at this image he is exhibiting his power through the rays .. Ray of hope.. Ray of life .. Calming yet loud .. Assuring me that he is there even while he is not seen . With this thought I snapped back to reality
Step out and soak in .. Always have a Sunny day 🙂
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