Cherish the Bliss of Special Connects

He sat, with hands casually rested on his thighs, watching them race with all might, to the victory stand. His friend came first and he waved at her to cheer. He was thrilled to see her get the winner's medal again. When the photoshoot was over, she came running up to him as the regular special ritual to put the medal around his neck. A friendship like that what the batch at school spoke about for years to come. 

Friendship blossoms in unexpected ways  journeys of life, they say. They were classmates since Grade 1, yet knew each other better in Grade 5, the spark of friendship actually happened, when they both helped each other on different occasions. Once when he was bullied, she stood up for him strong and went hard on all others. On another day she was struggling to solve a sum in her not-so-favourite subject mathematics, he being a genius offered to help and share his notes as he was. Well their worlds and dreams were 90 degrees different, like North and South pole , they acknowledged their weaknesses well yet chose to turn that as their strength in life. They always inspired each other in every aspect of life that helped them emerge stronger. 

Years passed, they went their ways guided by destiny, losing connect and contact. 

For nearly two decades, she would gaze the sky, on every success and failure, talking to the  Sun and the Moon Or the stars, wondering if such unconditional friendships still existed as she had experienced beautifully, as a child. She would think, well people come for a reason and always go for their own valid reason known only to the Almighty. The void she left it as it is. 

She was leading her life happy, unattached and focused on her dreams. Until when, magic happened again as joyful rarest of the rare divine connects, from miles away, as amazing soulful angels helping her identify the significance of quality goals and to cast forever smiles all along and around her way forward in life. They were cute new beginnings leading to everlasting special bonds. She thought, guess it was just that faces changed in the journey of life, yet the purest like-minded souls were destined to meet, greet and help each other as magical blessings, to uplift life completely.

She cherished the moments with love, respect and abundance of blessings. The void was filled with multiple blessings when she chose to identify and welcome the best soul. 

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!

 

The Surrender to White Grade, Foster's Compassion

She woke up unwillingly because it was White day

How on earth she thought can there be such a terror!

She folded her White dress in a cover and tucked it in the already heavy school bag

Even when the books she took were according to the time table

An extra bag for her lunch box and water bottle and she is ready

The Long ‘Tring’ bell rang and all students at their best, in their seat

The focus on the board while the teacher explained theories were mandatory

Or a chalk piece would come straight onto the distracted, as a reminder

She was an attentive student, humble and always in the good books of all

One could easily get the feel of gentleness from her simple innocent looks

She wished that the hours stretched a little longer than the usual

What if the white class was cancelled if there was a rain shower?

What if the new beast like terrifying figure did not turn up to school?

As the thoughts rolled, time galloped and she saw the fear nearing

There was no excuse of staying back as the rules did not allow so

She changed into the white attire as her fellow girls and followed

She felt a shiver, her nerve pull, her legs pulling her back in her mind.

 Finally the rough, unpleasant voice greeted them all with a smirk

To start with, two big rounds of the playground, move on

She froze to death as it was not her day for sure

She was shown no mercy and she did as the others

When asked for a consideration, by the regular coach

She laughed and said, It is all a lie, all others can do, why not she?

Her class friends empathized but who could afford a low grade standing by the right.

After one round, her breath gave up and she was sweating, yet she never gave up

There was not even an iota of humanity trickling in those pale dead eyes

Finally, she felt the earth stop and she hit the dry grass, thud

At first no one noticed and they were way ahead, then the girls ran back to help

She was slowly lifted and with support brought to the open theatre space

She had slight bruises on her knee but was gasping for breath continuously

 They brought water, sprinkled it on her face, she felt helpless and breathless

Her best friend felt her pain more and was by her side till she came back to normal

The beasty figure looked worried, suggested that she be taken to the resting room

The Bell rang for the lunch break and she went back to her class

The White Day incident was scary yet she thought to keep silent about it

She was really good in her academics, even with lesser grade in Sports, she could manage

The next week, the White day came again but then she was calm

She just wanted to face the fear and allow things to happen the natural way

We cannot change this devil mind, her friends whispered

The schedule all set to begin, she was ready to run for her breath

She closed her eyes, prayed to God, when suddenly she heard her name

Perhaps yet another sneer, she thought so and was all set to jog

She heard her name again, loud and clear, in disbelief, she turned behind

She was told to sit, while the others completed the rounds.

She sat obediently and gratitude to God was pouring in.

The other aerobics sessions were fine and easy for her.

The beast turned an Angel without having to plead or request, she thought.

Compassion blossoms suddenly in the seemingly heartless people.

                                                                                                                              

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!