Upon the 200th Day Milestone of Gratitude Ritual

 

The journey of 100 days seemed longer than yet another renewed path for 100 days and when I touched the 200^th mark, perhaps I knew that it had become a part of me. I still remember the excitement that I had expressed as a novice, when I had shared my 100 Days to Art of Self Mastery and Inculcate Happy Habits.

 Well, this time, in the morning, while I penned down the Day 200 mark in my diary, I was grateful and quite grounded. I was happy, yet I chose to express as a smile. The obvious curious question would be what new did I achieve? A mixed bag of experiences that I would sort, filter and share, for the benefit of those who might find these tips and facts helpful in their life. I wish not to be too preachy or philosophical because each individual chooses their own path of happiness, love and peace while identifying their purpose of life.

1.       Gratitude is not merely a word to be give away as a cliché, it is rather a big virtue professed by almost all the ancient philosophers. Whether it was Marcus Aurelius, Confucius, Socrates or our very own Buddha, Chanakya, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Sri Aurobindo, they all spoke of the importance of being kind and thankful by way of thoughts, words and actions. It was a part of every virtue that they taught the human race. So I guess it is all about how a person chooses to practice that matters. Nature and humans are inseparable in anyone’s life so writing or feeling a deep sense of appreciation through words spoken and even in deep silence transmits the highest positive energy and joy within (to the giver and the receiver).

2.       Meditation is like an important component in your life as if special skill in our job profile. A must have, yet it has its own shades and styles again. With a lot of free guides in this regard, one has to choose the best way that suits their pattern of thinking. Yet the ultimate aim is to help people cleanse their aura or energy that is entwined in the energies of others around or associated miles away. Energy travels at supersonic jet speed so meditation is basically meant to calm and help you observe. Focus on your breath or point of light or as you wish to. Consistency is the key to master this. The mind gallops behind a 100 thoughts, which imperative yet as you practice regularly, you will choose absolute silence.

3.       Pure connections in life are important. You were not born to reside alone in an island. So with best of friends and well wishers in your journey of life, each day becomes worthwhile. You share, learn, laugh and grow much stronger. Mistakes are regarded and viewed as humanly, solutions are bestowed effortlessly and generously by the experienced to help you sail on without a scratch. Some choose to stay with you as stars in the sky, always happy to connect, while some choose to remain a happy memory. What matters is the valuable moments. Khalil Gibran quoted, ‘Friendship is always a sweet responsibility, never an opportunity.’

4.       Passion for your art of expression is important. Never let the light dim for anyone or anything at all. Yes, each human is gifted with a talent. Some write, some paint, some speak, some dance and some are simple amazing teachers or motivators for others. We need to follow our heart yet practice to think rationally as well. Be bold to try something new as well, who knows you might just strike gold. I love poetry and I love to give myself challenges each month, as I did the 31 days Gratitude 2020 poetic adventure in December, or maybe a post on social media to show my photo journalistic skills. It’s just about doing it with no apprehensions or approvals at all.

5.       Altruism is not just for spiritual seekers. It is supposed to be a part of every human nature. Well, the world might be looking bizarre and money-minded with promotions and marketing gurus luring the masses to materialistic short-term achievements at the cost of others, well, it is absolutely fine to have your own definition of success that has unconditional sense of helping others in their journey of success while climbing yours. Humanity is above all and in the end our precious possessions in life would consist of  your healthy lifetime relationships based on selfless care.

6.       Listening to honest souls gives a better perspective about life. They are the purest humans who believe in giving wings to your dreams and letting you fly higher, by yourself. It is mutual. They are miles away yet they help you without even you having to express in explicit words. They know your silence much better just as your ramblings. Their presence as friends for life or good constants calls for no conditions apply, for those who are meant to stay on, and believe in respecting your space and celebrating your presence in their life.

7.       Family is a very important and their support in your life will help you win any battle in life. While you ought keep being closer and grateful for them, in turn the bond of love keeps growing deeper and this is the most expensive asset in your life. So giving ample time to them is a must as they will get wealthier through this investment, in love and compassion.

The  200 days had offered its own ups and downs yet as I entailed, it’s the power of right friends, gratitude daily, meditation, quality family time and because of angelic special humans in my life, the journey seemed shorter and brighter with timely blessings, love, support and abundance of divinely guidance. Books, podcasts and music are soul soothers too. While letting go of things not meant for my highest good, new beginnings open up a new path for me in my Gratitude ritual. 

Sincere Gratitude to one and all who are there in my journey, some like mystics, some like angels, more like pure friends!

 

GratitudeHumans : The Magical Shoemaker

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“Her tiny feet touched the floor beyond her knee upright

Her tender fingers trembled as she held on to the wooden chair set right.

She fell with a thud and expressed the pain through a shrill cry

While every time the exercise continued, there were a lot of eyes to pry.

The bone specialist suggested a neuro flaw that was rare and unseen

The desire to see her walk seemed a mission that was slow to be seen.

The medication oils gave no respite but a silent melancholy to all

The tiny feet yearned to move as she saw the others doing it all.

The magical day arrived when the solution knocked at the doorstep

The cobbler, a mid-age man with perfect hands to design shoes going every doorstep.

A regular face and a smiling persona who valued the gifts in kind with gratefulness

His art of mending shoes was seen in the patience and his simple mindfulness.

He was back from his village and smiled at the tiny tot who responded quick

The agony was shared and took his tools as though to perform a trick.

The tiny footprints were taken with care and he settled down on his chore

No questions asked, the mother held the child who was on a mischievous crawling chore.

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An hour long wait gave the little princess her first customized shoes

The shoemaker had made it special by adding a lot of pink hues.

The next task was to make her accustomed to this new accessory for her feet

With prayers and patience the mission seemed to progress with the first few steps on her feet.

Within a week, the miracle happened and the little one seemed more confident

The special shoe was a precious asset that made the family very much confident.

This special shoemaker made even more frequent visits every since that day

His special creation made her walk, play and run in her style  every day.

He was considerate and would always appear at the right time

When her shoe would desperately need a magical makeover with size, shape and time.

The smiling cobbler would take home cash, sweets and new clothes for his family

The girl would always await his arrival to mend her shoes and flaunt it to all happily.”

The job of a cobbler may seem menial but it may become a blessing to those who need the right footwear to make the initial steps.  These men wander in the sun and rain from one street to another to mend shoes. The art of mending the torn shoes is unique and the passion for perfection is innate as can be seen in the shine on the shoes. Gratitude to all these hardworking cobblers who are angels of hope for thousands and a blessing for the school or office goers.

Celebrating Life !

Time flies so swiftly. Another year in my life has gone by. A quick anamnesis should be an ideal farewell as I welcome another year with a smile.

When you are left alone in the battlefield one fine morning where even your shadow disappears and the support forces offer prayers for your victory and well-being, it was the same for me. A hope that was to weave new dreams was shattered and the companionship was being distanced for a better cause. A battle where there was no enemy but a rugged road and uncertain destination. I had no choice but to pick up that was available. The journey was not a smooth one but then as I have completed 365 days, I definitely understand the meaning of life better and emerge a wiser human.

Celebrate Life

1.       At times when we truly put our head and heart into achieving a goal, destiny may change things against our will, right when we at our zenith of accomplishing that dream. It takes some time foe us to realize that it was something meant for the good, or a blessing in disguise that we thought was unjust and wrong.

2.       Experience and knowledge is always appreciated as long as you obey those who have the power and wish to say the last word in anything. Appreciate that your talent is treasured but we want it that way. Two ways to survive – be a good listener that an orator. You save your energy and gain appraisal.

3.       Good support system is always a blessing. Family, no matter how far they are, you can always feel their warmth and love. You do miss seeing them often due to commitments in life, but their prayers always help you in life.

4.       Friends add a magic. Life is like a flowing river and friends are like the streams that join you while you meander through different ridges and terrains. Some of them stay close and help you cross the obstacles on your journey of life easily. Some are busy yet they remember to wish you once a while for a smile.

5.       At times life gives magical surprises. You perchance get acquainted with like-minded souls who seem so much familiar in faith and deeds. The little surprises and the happy notes that we share with for them is truly genuine and unconditional. It is perhaps when God wishes to pass a message, he says it through messengers. You meet many friends often but you treasure good friends lifelong.

6.       Angel friends especially who cross a couple of decades are your soul. They will be there no matter what. Even when technology and smiley rules, it is always nice to hear the voice of your good friends and this cannot be replaced by any innovation or social media. Make a call and they would be there. Not much thought required and no excuses too.

7.       People who can make others happy feel relaxed and content. You should try it more often and it can be anything simple too. Anything from your heart will be appreciated and will win many smiles. After all people want a little bit of care and love that is all. Rest is the karma of life that makes us all running behind money and fame.

8.       You will be so much encircled by the social issues around you. It is only when you look at the world around and the atrocities happening everywhere in the name of humanity, that you will start counting on your most prized possession- “Freedom”.

9.       Every human is gifted with intelligence and you should use it for good deeds and well-being of the society, promote unity in thought, and respect each other’s religion for the righteous actions.

10.   Love is a universal power. It is boundless and can help you win a battle without a fight. All that is required is patience, empathy and the human connect. Aggression is needed only when things fall apart from the path of peace and love.

These are the major things I observed and am glad I have lot of reasons to smile, a lot many things to accomplish, a family that believes in happiness and love, a treasure of good special friends to cherish in this life. God has His ways to connect so many people, near or far. Technology helps them connected today every second. Celebrating life for every episode that comes by with a smile!

An ode to the childhood friend - Part 1

As she opened her feeble eyes, the world stood welcoming her with love, care and comfort. The love of her parents and sister, the care of her mother and the comfort of being protected from chilly winters and the humid summers, the somber monsoons and the dry spring. A special child of God who was given a second life by the Almighty –perhaps to be blessed with such wonderful parents.

As she grew, she was slow, weak but had a sharp mind and a pure heart that know only love. She went to the best schools in the city, used to get good remarks from her teachers. She had one best friend who was there right from the time she was born. A lovely human, her dad’s age, a chronic bachelor and perhaps one of the most adorable and selfless human ever to be seen. He had taken to look after his ailing mother and let go his youth. He had done his duty as a brother, uncle and a son to make his family well settled and happy. Very few people knew him well as she did. He was her first friend. He hailed from Andhra and she from God's Own Country (Kerala), but she picked his language much faster than her very own mother tongue.

Her wishes would be a command for him and he would best ensure to make her happy. Even though her family would tell her not to do this or that as everyone does, he would always give her the freedom. The best being the time when she would sit near the gate waiting for him to return from office. By then she would complete her home-work and so spared of getting scolding. People called him a crazy man because he was difficult to be convinced, he was hard at hearing and he had his own ways and methods. Then, he would always be honest and teach her the same.

Late in the evening, she would squat and sit on the cement plinth in the kitchen to watch him make the chapatti dough and sabzi. More because she would get her share as well. Just 5 chapattis and that would be enough for him. He would surprise her with her favorite ‘kala jamun’ on festivals. He would cook excellent-keeping in mind the right proportion of ingredients and health too.Diwali would be the ultimate bonanza as she would get the share of crackers from her dad and of course her friend too. He would even make crackers for diwali a week prior. When the crackers got exhausted, he would take her to the kiraana-store a little distance away and buy her many more. Things were all cool and lovely with her life revolving around her school, family and best friend when suddenly things changed.