Sometimes, it is that simple. Listen, I am not trying to minimise anyone’s struggles nor am I advocating for mAniFeStAtiOn in any manner whatsover! I am just here to share what I have learned while trying to live a life on my own terms, a life that brings me peace and joy. Take what works for you, leave the rest. There is no one true way of doing, living. But I will tell you one thing – life does reward the brave. So ask for:
what you think you need
that raise
attention
care and affection
sappy promises
rain on a sunny day
sun on a gloomy day
miracles from the universe
Let me tell you why I am badgering about “what if we just asked?” Back in May, I was wandering around the Chokling Monastery in Bir. I spotted a room full of hundreds of prayer candles. But the door was locked. I was wondering how to go inside for a quick peek, just then a monk passed by me. I stopped to ask him if he could perhaps open that room for me to get a closer look because it looked beautiful. The next minute I was inside that room, soaking in the warm golden light of the flickering candles!
As we came out of the prayer room, making our way to the monk’s bike while laughing about why he loves-hates Bombay, a group of friends who were passing by the candle room. They were clearly mesmerised too and I overheard one of them, “oh but we can’t go in” – without even asking if that was a possibility!
Recommendations Corner
Fun (and sometimes offbeat) travel experiences, meaningful films, shows, books that I enjoyed as well as poetry that made its way to me.
Travel
I went on my first monsoon trek since moving to Hyderabad – the 14th century Rachakonda Fort on a super windy day was such a fun and easy hike, with lush green scenery coupled with the awe-inspiring landscapes and Deccan rock formations standing strong, peppered with a healthy dose of history of the fort. The rocks in and around Rachakonda are one of the oldest on Earth (about 2.5 million years old). A dog became our guide as we made our way through the multiple gateways, underpasses, and pathways, stopping at regular intervals to marvel at the vastness of this age-old fort and the scenic panoramic views. The gateways of the fort are build using Cyclopean masonry.
Another observation that interested me particularly was spotting a row of the Agave plant (the base ingredient for Tequila commonly grown in Jalisco, Mexico) near the flat lands of the fort.
Read
Solstice by Jane Hirshfield
The Earth today tilts one way, then another.
And yes, though all things change,
this night again will watch its fireflies,
then go in to a bed with sheets,
to lights, a beloved.
To running water cold and hot.
Take nothing for granted,
you who were also opulent, a stung cosmos.
Birds sang, frogs sang, their sufficient unto.
The late-night rain-bringing thunder.
And if days grew ordinarily shorter,
the dark’s mirror lengthened,
and one’s gain was not the other lessened.
Watch
Ocean with David Attenborough
Wildflower of the day: Dwarf morning glory
Apart from being incredibly cute and vibrant, the dwarf morning glory is a fascinating plant - grows in marshland and wet forests as well as deserts. It is a also perennial plant which means it blooms for most of the year.
