Tuesday, September 13, 2022

Being - The Phoenix of a Writer

 

Being - The Phoenix of a Writer

The Phoenix – the magical creature,

Lives for several  years, then puts itself on fire,

The flames of inspiration, or is that a satire?

It resurrects but, changes its complete attire!

The Writer in me, acts like the fabled bird to hire,

It soars high and high and then suddenly retires.

Cinnamon twigs and sacred incense,

Resins to build atop a sun temple, the nest entire,

The Sun ignites it and wings fan its own fire,

Then comes an end and what remains is ashes of desire!

But it’s the phoenix whose end cannot be dire,

It  revives  from its ashes to a new bird sapphire,

The golden glow like the sun on fire,

Such would be the future that all will admire!

Reincarnated, immune, and the only ONE  tone,

The Purple Crocus, this time from the crevices of Limestone!

 

~ SoulTinker


#phoenixstory #phoenixpoem #phoenixofawriter #phoenix #serenezephyrs #soultinker #swapnilroy #hangoverresort #PurpleCrocus #comeback #resurrects #revives #ashes #phoenixbird

Monday, January 4, 2021

The One, The Belittled One🌥️

I am the one, the belittled one.
Once upon a time, I felt like I am the Sun,
Exploring the heat of ideas,
And the light of knowledge,
was so much fun.
But the world got scared,
as I matched no one,
Caring for those made me,
The one, the belittled one.
I chose to hide behind the clouds,
Else the world would burn.

Then I settled to be like the Moon,
And remained unseen in the heat of noon.
I chose my Sun and reflected its light,
And beamed to see it shining so bright.
The Sun shines with all its might,
Often reminds its role in my joyous plight,
How I glow in its light and absorb the heat,
And how without it's might, 
the moon may never retreat.
As it's all said and done,
I am the one, the belittled one.
Shrinking and blooming every fortnight,  
One full moon to no moon is a constant fight.

In midst of all, there appeared tiny stars,
Nurtured in the moonlight, it showed no scars.
Powered by the Sun, the Moon served the star,
Staying up all night was no longer a war.
The Sun shone, the Stars glittered,
The Moon then, no longer mattered.
It took a breathe and looked up to the sky,
Bedazzled by the Sun, the chosen one,
I am the one, the belittled one.
Hoping the stars to grow up to be the Sun,
And live life being the One,
Not the belittled one!

Wishing that they keep up the grace,
Its only the night that the stars embrace,
As the night ends, the Sun shines,
When the day ends, the Moon defines.
I am the One...Not the Sun, 
I am the One, Not the only One!

#pensivemood#lifeandchoices
#meansocialnorms#fakelife#

Wednesday, November 4, 2020

Your Wish is My Command !

The sky was grey, 
The dusk not far away,
The lights of the city umpteen,
And we had echoing sounds within.
Clad in white shirt and denim blue,
How your scent pulled me like a glue.
You turned to me and took a breathe divine, 
My heart missed a beat, 
I knew it was no longer mine.
Your eyes locked, searching my face,
Mine went wary as the souls embraced.
The noise of the traffic faded away,
When you took my hand, then looked away.
The car was slow, reaching my lane,
You missed the turn, wasn't it insane.
Another silent mile, you held my hand,
I savoured your touch and time spent.
You slowed the car at the temple near by,
And proposed to me looking into my eyes.
I was stunned and lost ...living my fairytale,
While you kept driving and proposed again.
Are you serious, is this really happening,
Is my mind a little dizzy, 
Is the earth still spinning? 
Thousands emotions crossed,
nothing on my lips,
I pulled my hand away, but stayed therein.
I was pink-ier than the suit I wore for sure,
I felt you knew my plight full score.
You eased it off laughing clear,
Saying I looked, scared like a rabbit,
That there is no fear, 
We are each other's habit.
You said you will wait for my 'Yes', very soon. 
I wonder if 'No' was an option unknown?

I am not saying 'No' but it doesn't either mean 'Yes'... I fumbled. 
And you said, what you always say... 
Your Wish is My Command... 
This cleared up all my jumble!
Over a decade of togetherness,
Memories remain afresh.

Cheers to the wonderful memories of our friendship, love and marriage💗
#Hope Love wins over Fights
#TheProposal#LoveStory
#NostalgicMemories
#DedicatedToYou#SomenRoy
#KarwaChauth2020
#18yearsSince2003

Sunday, July 26, 2020

Yours Closely Covid: Go Corona Go!

The Prelude: This is true and ongoing. This is about a face to face encounter with Covid. The scariest monster of present day. And trust me, unless & until we saw it so close, we could not get those chills. I hope and wish that nobody reading this has to ever feel it in person. So, it all began early this year that we planned a trip from Patna to Raipur to attend the fifth birthday of my niece, in mid March. The two kids of mine were overly excited for a ten-day visit to my sister's place which included staying together with their little sister, her parents and all time favorite nanu-nani. It was planned that after the birthday celebration and party, we will also move around to see the city and do some nearby tourism. So a kids friendly family itinerary was already shortlisted. The festival of Holi (9th March 2020) was celebrated at home in Patna with NO mention of Corona fear till then. And right after it, we heard about it vaguely, that it has knocked in India but is widespread in other parts of the world. We saw it in news but there was no panic for a couple of days. But then it picked up some pace and I remember being proactive to buy sanitiser and the N95 Masks for myself and kids as a precaution while taking the flight to Raipur. We reached Raipur, feeling safe. It all started quite well. One week. Partying, city parks, dining out, outing with close relatives and lots of fun. Third week of March ongoing, Corona was only in news channels and NO case was heard in the States of Bihar and Chhattisgarh, and most of other states till then.

The Beginning: On 18th March 2020, we drove to Amarkantak which is about 200 km from Raipur. It is a beautiful green hill station in the Maikal Mountains of Chhattisgarh. We checked into our resort and hurried to attend the famous Narmada Udgham Aarati... with a little awareness of the Corona story picking up much more  faster than even a day before. And came to know that after this evening, the temple will be closed till further notice from the local Administration. Thereafter every place we visited on the following day was like being the last lucky tourist to be there before the gates close due to Corona. On the way back from Amarakntak to Raipur, even the Eaterie and Tea-shop we chose to drop by served us secretly as the police vehicle was already announcing on loud speaker to close everything till further notice, as  a few Covid cases were detected in the State. Though we rushed home suspecting something unusual happening around, yet the seriousness of Corona had still not sunk into us. It looked distant, as if not meant for 'us'... that means.... Eating healthy, living hygenically, vaccinated as per norms, leading a somewhat good life in comparison to atleast half of the world... Why should have we worried? We had "no fear" of the epidemic till then. By the time we reached home, it was late at night. We freshenned up, had dinner and slept, not knowing that we were entering a new world soon. The next morning, the 21 st of March 2020, we read the uprising Covid cases in India, the death numbers globally, saw the news channels on fire, and got the awareness that "it " is getting serious even in India... We did gossip amongst family that by God's grace we are safe and sound, and not stuck elsewhere but are back home in time, in Raipur from the short tour. And the evening TV was all about the appeal from our PM for the 'first of its kind' for the entire nation... PM Modi announced a ‘Janata Curfew’ from 7 am to 9 pm Sunday, 22 March, to stop the spread of coronavirus that had already claimed four lives in the country and infected at least 169 others till then. So the Covid story had made its place as the top story already... and entered each and every life quite surprisingly !

The Story Picks Up: One day 'Janata Curfew' happened. And the rumours of further lockdown. Backed up by our return flight of Raipur to Patna for 24th March 2020 being cancelled by the airlines, and uncertain alternative flight options given to choose from, we opted to cancel any immediate travelling,  for precaution. It made sense to plan once it's all over in a 'few' days. But who suspected that this 'few days' extended to a 'few month's in a blink of an eye !!! Yes... We still had to take an alternative and longer route to travel back home in Patna, but after more than three and half months of stay in Raipur... And more travel precautions and unusual norms than ever before... Unbelievably UNUSUAL circumstances! This word is the only thing on all the minds this present day... To an extent to make it look "usual"... The two opposite words might just merge into each other, is it the new truth? 

And here is the mention of all the short stories that we made in the past four unusually usual interesting months of 2020:

Story1- Family Togetherness: Some of the lucky ones got to stay close with family, which had never been possible in the long years. But several others craved to have decided about it it in time.

Story2- Child birth: My cousin became first time parent and so we came to know about such a unique circumstance to be born in this period. Several important vaccinations were delayed, there were very few people to welcome, & no one risked to visit except immediate family. Good part was that the new born angel enjoyed the complete company of immediate family members for all these initial months of life, beginning March 2020, as no one had to move out of house.

Story3- Birthday Celebrations: Several Quarantine Birthday Celebrations took place, first of its kind that involved group video calls for cake cutting, getting ready to look good for oneself, not a party with guests, longer duration of phone calls and connecting to several friends and family over phone. Additionally, home made cakes and delicious dishes prepared with contribution of newly found 'chefs' in family, added to the fun.

Story4- Living in Containment Zone: It was a 14 day period when the society of about 1000 was put under containment as ONE kid tested positive for covid. Then, the process of sanitizing the full society, locking of gates, people not seen even in campus, one could hear the silence distinctively. But the beautiful part was the goodbye & welcoming of the patient by the features by clapping and cheering for the one to stay brave and feel awaited. Such a nice humane gesture, we joyfully became part of it.

Story5- Fear of Covid in Family,Testing and Self Quarantine, Preventive Measures: When ONE in our family had fever and a little cough, we were all scared initially. More so because three kids under the age of ten are to be saved somehow. The suspected one locked into a one room self quarantine and informed officials via app for testing fo covid. It took almost 3-4 days, thankfully report was covid negative, and we had a sigh of relief. But till the report was received, our imaginations and prayers flew high. The 'Kadha' was prepared with all the recipes knowledge received from various sources, and sipping it twice a day has become the fixed schedule even till now. Hot water gargle is also IN. Probably, prevention is the best thing in such chaos around, and we decided to atleast do all that we can.

Story6- Social Distancing and Masked Life: It's the new world, new ways, and sooner the better, that we make it the new 'usual'... Also, every home is equipped with sanitizers and handwash is a habit every now and then, also a new water game for small kids. Social distancing has got new heights. Forget how people are still mingling but do see that when dead in this strange covid period, none are finding people except few sparing members at home for even attending the funerals. No religious people are found to help you with the last rituals, and its as if the body which has stopped functioning has to be practically got rid off... Such inhuman conditions have arisen and we are forced to just watch it helplessly. 

Story7- The World, The News, The Stories: Suddenly the world looks ONE. All countries, their people are suffering. Whether it's rich or poor or the middle class, all have their own set of new problems and solutions to this Corona Period. Some losing their jobs, some shutting down companies, some struggling for daily expenses, corona has spared none. The elderly, the kids, the youth or adults, all are affected. Some major makeshift has happened in almost each and every life. There is one main news past several months and that's Covid ! And due to it, people are dying, Earth is reviving... Economy is dipping, people chose surviving... Odd situations are seen everywhere on the globe. Both, the deeds of help & humanity Versus deeds of crime & inhumanity, are competing on news channels and all around. (See Related: Life Amiss : Corona & Suicide)

Story8- Travelling in Corona Times: Many did not have to travel, but many others, like us who were stuck in lockdown outside hometown had to finally take the risk of travelling. The travel rules are changing everyday. When we travelled from Raipur to Patna, it was a never before experience for sure. Though it was quite systematic considering huge number of covid cases soaring each day. We took all possible precautions, still had to cope with sudden cancellation and rescheduling of flights again, and the duration of travel was surely longer by more than thrice. After a tiring day of travel, we reached home and since then have not stepped out of our door till date, it's more than 20 days now. Such is this Corona Time!

Story9- Miscellaneous Parallel Stories including Life at Sea, new life of kids and saga of online studies, hobbies perused, people got connected on social media, life without maids, boggled up mental conditions etc are several new topics we can always find ample things to talk about. I will prefer to write separately about a few of these in my later blog posts.

Story10- Moving from Lockdown to Unlocking: It is seemingly unending end of the ongoing saga. Cases are increasing rapidly, it's another lockdown, and is again extended every time. It's difficult NOT to feel hopeless and mentally tired of this scenario. Only Darwin's Theory of Survival of the Fittest seems to work here. Each one for his OWN life.

The Unending End: And just like the end of a movie where a new clue is given that may require to make a second part of the movie, we are in shock to live the news of the ordeals of a close relative fighting Corona... Deaths increasing, dead bodies lying unattended, administrative lapses, doctors and medical staff getting affected, families in fear and panic, people tired of staying in home and wanting to breathe some fresh air... what a doom we are all in... And much of it is due to the curse of over population which is showing all its said effects in this crucial time.The heart wrenching true stories flowing out from hospitals...of suffering, inhumanity, helplessness & chaos... These need no judgement, but simply an end to it ! With all our faith and strength extended to divinity, let's pray, Go Corona Go.... 
 
Keep safe, Stay humane, Be kind !

#NeverGiveUp#GoCoronaGo
#StaySafe#KeepGoing#BeKind
#LetLifeWinOverCorona#Live#Hope
#StartLivingWithCorona#MaskedLife

Monday, June 15, 2020

Life Amiss : Corona & Suicide

It's a Monday morning, dated 15th June,2020 and even so early (4:30 am) this morning during the Corona Epidemic, it's absolutely gloomy. More so because of the trail of chaos and cloud of despair engulfing the globe like a rapidfire. As if some external and unseen evil force is treating the mankind with wrath, bringing suffering of all kinds to choose from its palate. It's deadly panic all around. 

Watching news is like watching our own story proving the Darwin's Theory of "Survival of the Fittest". And the 'fittest' here means the one who is "alive" putting all odds behind. There is no fair rule of this gameplay. You might be a gym goer and fitness freak, but dead in a couple of hours as you were an asymptomatic carrier of virus. Or a poor undernourished kid whose immune system is so developed, that it has no effect of the deadly virus over poverty. You may be an  alert corona warrior serving as a police, doctor, banker, health worker, essential supply vendor, volunteer or whatsoever... Or just a home-staying ordinary citizen of the globe... A celebrity or a migrant worker, a leader or a daily wage labourer... We are all facing the same storm of epidemic in our own capacity : some riding the boat of hunger, poverty, struggle for livelihood, while others sailing on a ship of uncertainty, despair, fear!!! Rather it's a cyclone of unprecedented events. All are feeling helplessly bound into containment, neither you can reach out, nor the hope comes in!

Mind it, it's across the globe. No longer bounded by geographical, climatic and political boundaries. It's purely death versus life. And the worst news is that it has not just charred our social, political, economic, financial, medical institutions and infrastructures but has affected our inner well being, accelerated the  mental boggling and has put each individual into an emotional trauma like never before. Yesterday, the 14th of June, 2020 was a peculiar day in this context with the death of the iconic young hero Sushant Singh Rajput. At the age of 34 years, he seems to have rushed through life and gone too soon. Not that any death is less tragic, and not that the sacrifices of real life unsung heroes doesn't effect me, BUT I chose to talk about this particular episode of 'suicide' for a very specific reason that will unfold underneath. How Corona phase is adding up to depression, aloofness and aiding to suicidal tendency needs to be accepted and worked upon.

 Like everybody else in this Corona Lockdown Phase, I have been a little disturbed, confused, restless, sad and not feeling well, but I am even more so after this suicide news outbreak. I am sure, most of us are affected similarly. Not that I was a great fan or something BUT seeing his young smiling face and watching his story of  a full life, as clearly visible - a handsome well-educated healthy wealthy joyous ambitious successful young man, it's quite a huge disappointment to see him end on such a sad note! With a simple connection of belonging to Patna, or once sharing the same school, or something so trivial, one feels proud to be associated with rising stars like him. His untimely and unnatural demise, took the existing corona despair intensified by leaps and bounds. People got stuck to this news, as is clearly seen on media and condolence messages from all prominent personalities. And the only echoing screeching word is "WHY"??? What for? This WHY extends to 'NOT the cause of death as established by his postmortem report'. This "WHY" connects to the realisation that we as humans are not knowing a lot of things, and we understand nothing. Uncertainty has taken it's course, and we do not even have a vague clue of where the world is heading to... What are we all up to?

Being alive? Is that all? What for?  What to hope?  What should be our wish? What should we feel? Being rich, successful, healthy, wealthy, educated, popular all this and many more answers doesn't seem to fit in. Nothing seems to be an appropriate answer... This news, as I said earlier, will have a huge impact on the mental health of all those who come across it. Nevertheless, it's always tough to forget smiling young faces of tragic disasters. It's so disturbing and so depressing, beyond words. It is bound to shake the roots of human beliefs and aspirations of life. Importance of things and priorities got to change for everyone now, post Covid. But none seem to know what's right and what's not. The way ahead is far and unclear. Sometimes it feels as if the world is coming to an end. On a better day it seems as if once after reaching the peak of disaster, peace will resume. But till then we have to experience all this, roll the dice of this real life game like the movie Jumanji, learn new lessons and survive the game. And the risk involved is losing your one life.

The new phase, drastically different from our so called normal life before Covid appeared in our lives, has added a new dimension to people globally. The senior citizens all over the world are in awe, because it was time that they were preparing themselves to deliver all their wit and experience to the next generation. But they faced this unusual Covid phase, and it changed all life values and learnings upside down. It's like starting the game all over again. All previous rules of living lose their importance. These oldies are in new school, learning the skills of living a new life at 60,70 or 80. And they are now the classmates of the newly borns and the primary kids. This young generation has experienced this phase at such a tender age that it will stay with them for their lifetime. This masked life too can happen, this is the present and near future living condition. Being alive is most important, rest all comes later.... We need to be humane, we must help the needy, we must protect ourselves as this is deadly, how we can keep ourselves creatively engaged in home for so long, the online schooling and studies, video conferencing with family and friends, online bills submissions, life without malls, theatres, shopping, partying, hanging out etc... The kids got a hang of all this and already adapted to it. They will survive with greater acceptance to this chaos as the 'new normal', than most of us. At an age of around 5, kids know terms like COVID-19, containment, quarantine, isolation, social distancing, lockdown, and much more. And we have no resources to save them from knowing what death is, what is moratorium, suicide, postmortem, depression, mental health etc. We got to talk to them and resolve their curiosity about everything happening around to the best of our abilities. We have to responsibly make these tiny tots understand what is needed, to avoid any uncalled for situations arising out of false stories and confusion. Too much is at stake. We have to take the lead to embrace each other, and try our best to keep going. We are in middle of history being made. It's dark, but small sparkles of hope here and there will only make it conducive. Let's just keep moving. This too shall pass. Yes, every cloud has a silver lining!

For Sushant, may God give him the peace that he might be looking for.... Though what he chose was to become a distant shining star, and alert this world of more emotional and mental turmoil on way... I fear and suspect many more people falling prey and unsettling situations in store. We should keep alert for our ownselves and for our contacts, sensitive towards any sign of unusual mental health. Precaution is better than cure, and in case of death, there is no cure! We have to get out of our shells and restrictions and reach out to each one we care about, by being available emotionally. We can do nothing by analysing the 'Suicide Note' if found. And even that note is flawed, because the one writing it, is aware of the hypocrisy of human kind... What impact will it have on those who will be left behind? Sometimes there is so much to say and reveal, that one doesn't have words and expressions, it feels easier to let go and say nothing. Depression sinks in. This Corona has this far reaching depression effect, and this dangerously puts all human kind exposed.
 
Today I wrote this in flow. Not to give any false hope but to help myself do a fact check. Same I am sharing with you, as giving up is not a happy option. There is NO full proof remedy. We have to face this, and try to survive. We have to spare ourselves and others of flaws and guilt. We have to stop playing blame games. We have to take care of everything and everyone we come across. As reiterated by PM Modi in all his speeches, we should make sure that social distancing is not meant to be emotional distancing. Actually we should make sure that we are available to our near and dear ones, as much as possible. We can't let the boredom and frustration take over, no way. Only humanity is the answer. Kindness is the key. Compassion is the source of finding a way -out. Prepare yourself for facing each day as it comes. Act strong and courageous, it's the same in effect as actually being so. Don't give in to the despair, not yet !

#NeverGiveUp#GoCoronaGo
#SuicideHasNoCure#KeepGoing
#LetLifeWinOverCorona#Live#Hope
#RIPSushant#GoneTooSoon
#StartLivingWithCorona

Monday, June 1, 2020

Beauty is Skin Deep!

Beauty is skin deep. The eyes get locked on someone, whose beauty appeals. We do read stuff like inner beauty, which to me, is a play of words. None can defy the fact that what easily catches the eye is the look of a person... the first glimpse, that is simply visible to the eyes. So, we find that many beautiful people are privileged to enjoy benefit of special treatment in all that they do. A good look may give a better first impression at the interviews. You may find people interested in listening to what a lovely person has to say about a topic. Beautiful faces get more attention too, be it a party or even in schools and colleges. Remember that beautiful girl and boy being chosen by the teachers to present the bouquets to chief guest?  And that good looking colleague who did not get scolded by the angry boss, while others were warned quite harshly... Was it luck, you sure? So, that's how it works, the unfair world we live in!

But then, even if we find ourselves not so beautiful in looks, its not that sad, and its not the end of world. And its definitely not about pity, nor about the play of words, like inner beauty and stuff like that to make you feel better, for the heck of it. Its about accepting 'a trait' and doing your best for all that matters to you! Its knowing how the nature balances everything in some way or the other,  so that the overall equation remains quite fair for each one of us. Someone is tall and athletic, but with bland features, while other may be short and plump, but cute. One may be fair and lovely, next may be dusky and sexy. One may have nothing other than grace, enhancing a simple being to a beautiful persona. And vice-versa, even an amazing man may have such a harsh tone of voice, so as to repel all. Another one may have a sweet voice to take away all attention from the timid features. Everyone does have a feature to boast about n another to keep it as a personal disaster. One likes her beautiful long hair, another may like his short, fluffy volumous hair style. It's for sure, check about your ownself and, nevermind, you don't have to share!

Time to Think: If only our eyes saw souls, instead of bodies, how very different our ideals of beauty would be!

Additionally, I always find it dumb to tell someone that don't be bothered about your looks, instead look at your inner abilities that make you beautiful. NO, your inner abilities might make you capable, liked, skillful or talented... These are other aspects, not beautiful what the word means.... And the dictionary define it aptly as "Delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration". So what to do? Well, taking just the looks into consideration, some people like actors, beauty queens and also many human beings who are not even celebrities are blessed with flawless skin and lovely features... To an extent that they look amazing even at the middle of night and even when worst dressed or messed up.  They might be the lucky ones who never have to bother about how they look. But for  others its quite a task, to keep some time, in any venture, to put an effort to look good. That is very much in our control.  To put ourselves in a presentable and good manner. To dress up properly, in a way that you feel comfortable, feel good about how you look at that very occasion or a particular day,  and also feel confident about being at YOUR best! It will surely upbeat your mood and fill you with joy and confidence in whatsoever the venture is. And this is true for each and every sole person. Haven't you heard that even on the worst of your days and moods, "Get up, Dress up and Show up!" and you certainly pull through any challenges in a better way.

On second thoughts, the so called beautiful people might also turn out to be very talented and likeable. Beauty only adds up to the overall persona they have. While a few beautiful beings lack on other things so very very much, that people find them quite boring and good for nothing in some time. So, the basic idea is that "beauty" is just an initial trait, not an absolute thing! Specially in the present scenario, with masks on every face, its really gone for a toss. The focus might be shifted to the eyes, may be. And we would find love stories based on "beautiful eyes"... The big ones, small ones, the blues, greens, browns and blacks, the quiet ones or the eloquent ones... N after the eyes lock on someone, you do get interested and notice other things including body language, behaviour, dressing-up sense, choice of things to do, voice and how you speak and what you say, your thoughts about something etc before absolutely liking or disliking a person.

With time and age, slowly we get to see things with added wisdom. We soon realise that the saying beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder, holds true. The same view or person or may be a scenary or place is described differently by various people. And this trait of "being beautiful" loses its value to "being yourself"! Your focus changes from what others see in you, to, what you see in your own self.

The beauty of ugliness is that it makes you think deep - Soul Speaker

 In the present scenario, when I see and read about the acid attack victims, its so much of pain even to see their suffering. The most beautiful faces and beings, ruined to the ugliest of creatures... and my heart goes out to those alive, what daily torture and pain - emotional, mental, physical, and social - they are subjected to,  for the rest of their remaining lives. But we have fighters... Those, once beautiful faces, also get to focus on how better human beings and beautiful souls they have always been. They now see how capable they are even with a ruined trait, they now know who truly cares, who truly loves, they know how others feel on occasions of being chosen or discarded.... They now feel so much, understand much more, know like never before! This is just an example, an unfortunate incident... a sudden disease  Or may be an accident, it may bring out similar experience...! For those, the idea of being beautiful might only be now limited to be 'like all others'... Just okay... Normal, not to be distinguished in a crowd due to the ugliness! The one with a burnt face, one with a damaged eye, or the one who limps etc. Beauty means such different things to different people. Being unique is also beautiful, isn't it? And this Corona Crisis has very well established one thing about beauty...

It is up to YOU, to find beauty, even in the ugliest of people, the ugliest of things, and the ugliest of days ! 

The best thing is to play with the logic that IF beauty is skin deep, so is ugliness. The true persona is beyond skin. Life is huge, beyond such limitations. Make the best of it. Free yourself of the self created ideologies of how one should look. Instead look beyond. Traits of humanity that will lead to create a better world awaits us! Do your share, shine through... Stay beautiful, feel happy, do it !!!💐

#Hope#LifeWinsOverCorona
#Blog#Beauty#Ugliness
#Life#BeyondSkin

Friday, April 17, 2020

Retirement: Life Version 2.0

It is an unusual situation for the entire world. This lock down imposed in India is new to us. With the vast population of 1.38 billions comprising of a variety of people and unmatched living conditions of climatic, social, religious and political variations prevailing here, it is obvious that nothing implemented may be accepted as same for all. But this lock down has atleast  given a sudden off time in most of our lives. It has given us a time to reponder and take a more simplified life, embracing humanity. This led me to think about the life of a person after retirement from job, a similar circumstance, and that too requires a holistic handling.
Till yesterday, we had our plans and busy life in full rhythm and then the lockdown was announced, stopping us then and there. Similar to retirement, but with a difference that it is known in advance and applies only to you, not the others. In both situations, there prevails uncertainty about everything. Fear of venturing into the unseen and unknown days. And hope. We need new plans. First, to keep the daily basic needs fulfilled. To stay safe and healthy. Then, to keep ourselves occupied. The initial days of retirement, dear old folks, must be having a similar backdrop, isn't it? But just like this lockdown, retirement is not taken in the same spirit by everyone. It too is imposed, whether you like it or not, whether you are prepared for it or not, it's a rule implemented bluntly, for all.

So, have a look around... The life of people during lockdown. And, let me state this clearly here, that, I am not talking about the people influenced with the epidemic closely or hit directly (infected or fighting), whose life is moving on a different note. May God bless them! We are just having this little chit-chat about the majority of people trying to save themselves from the epidemic by "staying indoors" during the lockdown. 

Having said that, let me repeat, have a look around... The life of people during lockdown. Many are bored and cribbing all the time, not knowing how to use their time. Some are happily embracing their favorite pillow and fulfilling their long awaited wish of being a couch potato... Sounds funny, but it's true and far more amazing than complaining endlessly, I believe! Many have taken up hobbies like cooking, gardening, art and craft, fitness regime, diet control, reading, taking up online courses, socializing on internet and what not! But even during this time, many people are bound to take responsibility, due to their nature of work or need based volunteering. So, we see the various aspects of human beings reacting to a given situation. Let us see how closely it matches with the retired life. (Dream On, Dear Soul...🔮 )

Many people, right from the realisation that the day of retirement is approaching, will start feeling old, weak, sick and worthless. Not thinking about how to best use their time, they will crib and feel bored and irritated to such an extent that even the people in vicinity may see the adverse effects, and get scared imagining the plight of such confinement. Contrary to this, retirement to some is like a retreat. A time when one gets an off from the daily job / occupation, and change the focus to things you rather like to do during the vacations. If job was like climbing up the mountain, retirement may mean to look at the beautiful views from there.

After a long time at work, that one may or may not have enjoyed doing, you retire with a satisfaction about the count of years of professional life and countless memories. One may or may not have decided to take up any job offered right after retiring, depending on need, attitude and availability of worthy options. Some really want to relax for a long while and recapture the life spent. One may prioritize to catch up with family and friends. Some take to travelling, exploring various countries and places, while many others take to pilgrimage. Some still feel active for their age, and find themselves busy  finding a new venture that might be interesting, to engage and earn and still deliver to the society. Many take absolute fitness regimes after retirement and get more sporty. There are absolute and countless choices to make.

Be a chooser, pick up a good life. Keep up your spirits, as there is still a long way to go. Retirement is just a comma, not the full stop of life. It's a pause, before you enter another chapter of life. It's also a breathe of fresh air, as you are now free of barriers and judgements. It's your own free will and ample of time. Sleep a lot or keep yourself busy, meditate or play sports, cook or travel, read or gossip, play with grandchildren or join a club, socialize or be at peace all alone, you are free to do whatever you like and keeps you moving ahead joyfully, except setting a bad example of sadly retired category! People do retire from work, but should never retire from life and zest. (Related: Renovate yourself )

Back to the lockdown scenario, with ample of time and freedom to manage it, it's up to us to choose wisely and live joyfully. If you are unable to find time for things you thought you would do to find joy, if you got a break from office or daily routine, you surely lack some will power and discipline, and must not blame time this time. On similar ground, after retirement, in my opinion, one should look for engagement and overall satisfaction on a DAILY basis, not very long term. One may try and find interest in doing new things, exploring your inner self and keep yourself motivated for a healthy and peaceful lifestyle, and live joyfully. It's good to remind ourselves quite often that, its the smallest moments of joy over the years, making our long term memories, of a happy life spent.

Wish you a Happy Retired Life !💐 Also a Happy homestay during lockdown... See you all soon in Life Version 2.0 ... Till then, clear your vision and mend your lives... Tinker Tinker☺️