The presence

The teacher was taking the roll call in the classroom as usual.

Each time, whenever my turn came, I would get up from my seat and say, loud and clear, present!

I liked doing this every day! During those innocent school days, don’t know why, but this small activity gave me a feeling of accomplishment, a boost of instant energy!

Later on, as life progressed, the word presence or the feeling of being present, made me realize its presence in many different ways.

Once, it so happened that we had decided to sell our family car as it had reached the end of its life.

As all of us took a final ride of the car, surprisingly not discussing our journeys we had in the car and talking about random things.

At the end, for me a short ride, we all got out.

As the rest of the family was joyfully taking photos with the car,

I disappeared back into the house and cried my heart out. I just couldn’t bear the idea! The car travelling by which we have had so many good and happy memories, was no more?

But this car was just a machine. Right? Then why this emotional attachment?

I think the habitual presence of the car being always around, it’s assured presence in life, without ever realizing that all this could change, may have built my connection with it?

Friends. Isn’t this even more true when it comes to living things in our lives such as pets, people around us and even relationships?

Life is made up of this presence. Through the presence of people.

During our birth, the presence of our mother is all that we care about and want in the world. Throughout much of our childhood, the presence of our parents and family reassures us, creates an affectionate atmosphere and even protects us!

During our school/college going days, the lucky presence of friends becomes more important.

As we grow onwards, this presence changes and takes up many forms.

The presence of some is purely for our or the person’s benefit.

It often happens that we become happy and welcome the presence of some people and things, whatever the situation be.

Sometimes, we absolutely dislike or hate the presence or vibe of some and then,

There are some, who’s presence, irrespective of there contribution in our life, becomes irreplaceable.

To such people, it’s very important that we create an opportunity to appreciate them. And of course, be thankful about their presence, for we don’t know and can’t predict when this wonderful presence will fade away from our life

Be it in whichever way, this presence is very important, especially when it comes to human relationships.

The Face-to-face communication plays a huge role in any relationship. Is having meetings outside or lunch/dinner always to taste good food? Show off the money? Is traveling always a reason to spend money? See and experience things? No. Sometimes, it’s to build relationships with business partners/clients, colleagues, to enjoy the presence of family, friends and sometimes, one’s own unique presence.

Human relations are formed on the foundation of and require the fuel of this presence. It isn’t compulsory that one should interact physically every day, but a call or a text is enough.

Meeting or being present in the life of those you care for at least once in a year, is essential to maintain a relationship.

And this is exactly what the world has experienced during the Covid 19 pandemic. More than the health risk, it was the uncertainty of not being present to experience the tomorrow, losing the presence of our near and far ones.

Therefore,

We should never take the presence of anyone and anything for granted and always feel blessed for each presence which we experience.

Friends, thank you for gracing this discussion with your beautiful presence!

Undefined

He had recently graduated and had got a job at one of the famous multinationals.

Apart from his profession as a software engineer, he was passionate about one more thing.

The camera! He loved photographing people, sceneries and everything else in between and beyond.

He had decided to create a story. A story through the camera. But there was a problem.

Where was the story? When it came to writing, be it even a short message or a professional email, he absolutely could not.

Somehow, writing and him had nothing in common at all. From his school days, languages were his most hated subjects.

However much he tried, but his vibe didn’t match with anyone who presented their work.

And then, she entered the project and his life

She was a final year student of literature studying in his city.

Her friend who happened to be his colleague, introduced her and said, see if she can be of some help.

And so, it finally happened! Her style instantly connected with his intentions and the shooting and filming picked up speed.

From then onwards, things started going in a satisfactory direction. For months, he along with his small team of performers, musicians, designers and many more were spending entire days behind an uncertain yet crazy project.

Yes. They had a very, very scarce budget. On top of that, he wasn’t expecting any monetary rewards in return.

They discussed, debated and brainstormed daily. Due to the nature of the project, they had to constantly move throughout the city. And so, talks over tea, walks through busy and sometimes, quiet streets had become a regular thing.

There talks had of course been regarding the project but, sometimes much more than that. They both loved books, traveling and food.

Between all this, everyone was having a lot of fun! Jokes, laughter and what not!

All of a sudden, the entire world went into a complete shutdown

Companies announced work from home and their project, too, had to be managed from within closed doors. A deadly health crisis had begun. All of them, including him, were balancing this project with their regular jobs or studies. Somehow, they tried to make it work. But slowly, everyone started leaving the group for one or the other reason.

However, despite all this, the uncertainty, the fear, she stayed firm on his side. During the times when everything had been normal,

Their conversations ranged from latest music, films/web series, politics, to human relations and the world in general. Slowly they both began sharing more details regarding  one another's personal lives with each other.

She had a job before the health crisis from which she got fired. As colleges were closed, she returned to her hometown.

But even after this, they remained in contact. She would listen to his tensions and stressful regressions and motivate him to hold on and keep fighting.

He too, would hear her out whenever she had to rant or got angry or irritated about something, Her everyday happenings and a lot more patiently. Advices, guidance was, many times, mutually shared. His salary was reduced to more than half during this time. To push things further downhill,

Relatives and close ones were either being hospitalized or were dying left and right. This was affecting her as well as several of her cousins were admitted to the hospital and one of them had shockingly passed away. Through this turbulent phase, He did the best he could to emotionally support her, to comfort and console her. The most which he was sad about was the harsh fact that he was forced to do all this from far, far away.

Slowly, everything was getting back to normal. The world was gradually recovering from the viral and globally fatal pandemic. And so, it was the year 2022. Almost 3 years had gone by since they had last met regarding the project which, now had remained just a memory.

He had become stable in his job and had even got a promotion! She had anyhow cleared her exams and was out of the college. And….

They had decided to meet, after so much time, face to face….

They planned and rescheduled their work timings. And yet,

The meet was, because of one or the other reason, getting postponed.

Eventually, the day had arrived. They had decided the location and time. And this time, they’d promised that both would make it, whatever happens.

But the weather had taken on its mind to be unbelievably fierce that day! It was raining like never before. With a dangerous light show of blinding lightning and thunder booming like fireworks, it was as if nature itself, at any cost, wanted to stop them.

Still, both of them arrived.

With her ever encouraging and cheerful smile, through her graceful, strong yet sweet attitude, today, she seemed so innocently, truly beautiful.

For her, he was the same quiet, sometimes silly

Yet the confident and supportive guy whom she had known.

As they sat in the café together casually greeting one another and talking about nothing in particular, the rain outside increased.

They talked. In that short span of time, they just conversed about random things. remembering the once close to the heart project, laughing about or on each other, and about one another’s normal, daily lives.

In between, he got the news of her moving to one of the metropolitan cities of the country for a coveted internship, which she had sincerely hoped to get. Congratulations! Well done! He was genuinely happy for her. For she had so deserved it.

The coffee and food had appeared, but it was of little or no importance for them.

The presence. It was the only thing that mattered.

As they arose together from the table and were exiting the place,

Both assuring of another meet quite soon,

The rain slowed to a drizzle.

Her cab had come.

There was a tsunami of emotions inside him. He for the first time since many years, became teary eyed. It was not love. He never ever had any sort of romantic or otherwise, feelings in her regard. As for her, she was already in a committed relationship and he totally respected and was sincerely glad for her.

Then what? And why?

He didn’t know. As he looked outside the window, she, as always, just smiled. The sky split into a colorful, purely scenic rainbow.

His passionate camera couldn’t capture these moments. For it had no special angles. No specific focus.

His emotions, her expression, this relation, at least for him, would always remain… Undefined.

© copyright all rights reserved.

Disclaimer. This is a copyrighted, original work of fiction. Any resemblance to or similarities between the characters or situations with real life events if any, should be taken as purely coincidental.

Longing

The cool, fresh breeze gently blew across his face, wishing him a perfect good morning. Recharged from a peaceful sleep, he got out of bed to the sweet music of birds with just one thought…. May be today, it could happen.

Since the last few weeks or even months, he had been thinking about, planning for and time and again rescheduling his time. Just to go out for a few days with friends and family.

In the hustle and bustle of the city, due to his hectic job and rising workload, he had kept delaying and postponing it.

And just like every day, today too, he hoped that he could get some time off.

 

Everyone was enjoying to their fullest. Many of them were exclaiming wow! Amazing! He was in Germany. He was the tour manager for a famous travel company, leading a group of enthusiastic travellers.

The atmosphere around him was quite energetic and cheerful. But sadly, he was not.

It had been his eleventh or may be the twelfth visit to Europe. There for, all this was known to him. As his profession demanded, he had to remain away from his family and this was a fact which he had gladly accepted… still… This. While all others were having fun together with their families in a foreign land, he strongly awaited his home.

 

The boy jumped happily out of his school buss as it halted before his building with a loud honk. He had finally scored well and the teacher had announced him as the class topper!

Climbing 2 steps at a time, he bounded through his house to his father, proudly waving the report card in his hand with an expectant face and said, dad, here it is! Now, let’s go get the cycle!

His dad just smiled and said, let’s go!

 

 

Be it the wish to travel or to simply spend some time with family at home,

Or the expectant promised reward, this longing is what helps us to find a purpose to live for, to wake up to another of the many hopeful tomorrows. Isn’t it so?

Weather it be the desire to do something we love since many weeks, months or even years such as recultivating a once cherished hobby or the craving for a particular type of food,

This longing, is an emotion which, at some point of our lives, all of us do experience.

However, the most unbearable longing, in my opinion, is the wait to meet someone you genuinely love…

 

Have you ever experienced something similar? When was it most intense? Would be glad to have your thoughts in the conversation as well!

A much-desired and healthy infection!

Great! Very good! Nice. Awesome!

Words like these and many other similar expressions or better known as compliments,

Become the small celebrations of joy   that we all look forward to everyday. As life happens, these moments of appreciation drive our motivation. Isn’t it?

Be it a hard-working colleague delivering a presentation,

A small yet value-adding contribution to a discussion or even the cleaners who tidy your workstation,

Just by smilingly saying nice. You make the person’s day with that small yet sweet dose of appreciation!

Businesses, products and services are created, developed and run, ultimately by humans, for humans! So whenever you come across any product or experience that you really liked, it’s good to pay a compliment through a review or directly along with the price as well! What do you think?

Did you enjoy a movie that somebody invited you for? A simple comment like it was good to watch with you! Knowingly or unknowingly, really puts a smile on the person’s face and makes him/her feel valued/respected. Had a new/awesome experience with somebody/because of a recommendation? Conveying that person the same can be a good way to make a nice impression or even start/ strengthen a fruitful relation!

Often, acknowledging a person’s presence in your life, however small it might be, is what we all want, to feel loved.

Your mother cooks a regular dish and it tastes delicious! A one-word compliment such as, yummy! Makes all the effort she’s put in worth! Your sister’s dressed quite nicely today. That looks good on you. Can be an indirect way to express your brotherly affection!

Such small sayings can truly uplift your mood and those of the people around you as well!

If you feel too much awkward to praise someone, try doing it naturally during relaxed times.

However, when it comes to complimenting somebody, there’re several things which both the parties should keep in mind.

1. The receiver/the one who’s being appreciated.

Firstly, whatever work you’re doing/contribution you’re making for which you think you deserve to be appreciated,

Should have your own/some of your effort or should be your own and be liked and respected by you. This world disregards any activity which isn’t even valued by the doer!

Secondly, expecting from the wrong people! In most cases, through the behaviour of the other side, we come to know if the person/persons in question have the mindset of appreciating somebody or not. Getting praised also depends on if the person has that kind of expertise/experience in or with that activity which you’re hoping to be appreciated for.

In such kind of persons, there’s another category, which nowadays we know as trolls. These persons have nothing else to do than mock/criticize the efforts/contributions of others, usually without any particular reason or achievement anywhere to their credit whatsoever. Hence, hoping from such people and sometimes going into frustration because of such false expectations, is pure stupidity!

The internet and social media however, has resolved this kind of problem to some extent. Showcase your skills and knowledge and there are always going to be the right kind of takers and yes, haters as well!

Although social media runs on the dose of instant gratification via likes and comments, we’ve to remember that the internet’s a double-edged sword.

Thirdly, it’s important to stay grounded and never to take the appreciation you’re getting for granted.

2. The giver or the person/people who’re appreciating anyone/anything.

If you compliment someone and the person/ people in question don’t acknowledge/don’t have any gratitude towards you, it’s best to separate such people from your life rather than being angry because of these people and trouble your mental health.

Silence or few words are always better than complete criticism. Firstly, criticizing someone in public, especially in front of his/her family, friends, colleagues or acquaintances is  usually considered as socially inappropriate. If you must show them the ugly side of things, do it in person. This way, you preserve their respect and standing in the society. And, even if you criticize someone or something, mix the salt of criticism with a sugary pinch of positivity. For example. If somebody does something 90% correct and the mistake is 10% show them/talk about the good side first and then, encourage them by bringing to their notice the mistake and motivate them to do better the next time!

_{most important of all, appreciation should not be for personal gains. Praising somebody just because you’re seeing some kind of benefit for yourself or bootlicking, isn’t good at all!}

_{what everyone's seeking is genuine appreciation!}

_{let us all, develop and spread the habit of real appreciation!} For I believe, it's a much desired and healthy infection which doesn’t require any vaccination!

_{I thank you and admire your patience and participation in this discussion. In the comments, you are most welcome to continue the conversation!}

A progressive addiction?

We do many things throughout the day. Any activity which is done effortlessly and on a regular basis is called a habit. The habit which attracts and keeps a person constantly hooked is known as an addiction.

One of the activities which all of us unknowingly do, is to learn. Life is the greatest teacher, they say. That’s because it’s made up of experiences. And most of us learn from our experiences. Right?

However, many of us go through a deliberate learning process called education. 

In my opinion, the sole objective of educating oneself should be to discover the unknown, to enjoy the process of learning and not because of external rewards. School and the first few years of college life are probably the ideal times when one can decide for a career. For this, these external rewards such as marks, degrees and certificates are necessary. However, the activity of learning or education shouldn’t be only motivated by these outcomes alone but encouraged by the happiness of discovering new knowledge and the joy of going through the process of learning. These rewards then, should come automatically as a by-product!

In the age of constant change, the need to learn new and multiple skills, the ability to unlearn and relearn calls for everyone to continually adapt.

As one grows from an innocent child into a practical adult, it is crucial to cultivate and keep developing an attitude of curiosity. Explore! Experiment! Ask questions! For this to happen from the very beginning, the work should start from home itself. The parents should not say things like. If you do your homework on time, I’ll let you play video games! Or Study well to get good scores! The motivation shouldn’t be these external rewards. Let the child take pleasure in doing his/her homework. Show him/her the fun in doing it! And that’s the new roll that today’s parents, relatives, the teachers and we as a society have to play as a whole. From controllers, we now have to become the conductors. From conditioning what to learn, we now have to be the guides as how to learn.

To achieve this goal, the first step is to kindle the interest in education. The young generations are continually seeing new things in innovative formats.

Therefore, today’s educators should design experiences into curriculums. They should create/communicate through stories instead of just narrating lessons. The methods can be different as per the choices of the educator and appropriate for the subject and the student’s understanding. From learning languages to gaining knowledge from books, the students, teachers and everyone should equally make this process so much fun, so interesting that it should become an addiction!

Education, or the pursuit of knowledge uplifts us in life. It improves our thinking. It presents more opportunities to be more successful.

In all, education or the habit to continuously learn, is indeed a progressive addiction!

Your thoughts?

It’s obvious! A big mistake?

Most of us have a daily routine. The waking up, traveling to school/office through heavy traffic each day; or logging into the office/online classes from home for some, going through the day, eat, sleep and repeat.

We know most of the things which we’re going to do or the events which will occur. That is, we assume them to be so. Right?

When we wake up, the tiffin’s going to be ready for sure! the same buss/train/the usual mode of transport will be functioning as always! Not only this, but we also are certain of so many more times, things and persons! Isn’t it?

As the day comes slowly to a close and we’re longing to reach our home, we know that there’s going to be somebody who’ll ask us. How are you? And then, just like the so many bygone times, another tomorrow will wish us good morning.

All of this and so much more which we even don’t consciously consider, is so obvious!

But, is it really that obvious? From our loving mother to our best friend,

From our privilege of having a good education to the unique human ability of expression, we take so many things, situations and most important of all, people for granted!

But the recent times, especially since the end of 2019, have shown us that this is a big mistake. These uncertain, fritening times have put before us the realities of this world. Nobody is truly with us. No amount of expert planning, however meticulous it might be, cannot stand against this twisting game we’re all playing known as life. That nothing is ever obvious!

Therefore, the best thing which we all can do is to live each moment. To care for and to share everything with everyone and above all, have the attitude of gratitude. 

The awaiting of a door

As we all know, Humans are social animals.

We like to go out, mingle amongst and interact with people.

The purposes of going out can vary from seeking education, going to earn a livelihood

Or as said above, for socialising!

Whatever be the reason, we leave behind a door, although be it temporarily.

As we get busy throughout the day, slowly but surely, we long to see that door again.

Does this unique door experience the same longing for us as well? In my opinion, yes! It hopes for our safe and happy return as a father, sister, daughter, etc. When we’re sick, this door’s the one which worries the most about us in the form of our beloved family. Just think about it. We step out joyfully for a nice journey, this door’s closed and inside of it, all’s empty.

But when we return, exhausted, this door is the one thing which, upon seeing, even in our tired condition, a peaceful smile appears on our face.

When we are far away from this door, it’s then that we realize, the closeness that we share with it.

When we’re struggling, hoping for that tomorrow of success, even a distant site of this door is enough to motivate us!

It’s the same door which, when we’re flying high in the sky of life, acts as a safe, trustworthy landing spot.

This door locks our secrets, celebrates our joys and nowadays, even protects us from pandemics!

Above everything though, we’re surely blessed to have this door waiting for us. Isn’t it?

The trusty tomorrow!

It was a rather frantic start of a much hectic day for him. Recently, the workload had increased Allot. He hurriedly finished his tea and almost ran from the kitchen to the main door. Out of nowhere His 5-year-old daughter came to him and asked, can you bring my favourite Ice cream? To which he smilingly promised,

Not today. But we’ll surely go out and eat it together tomorrow!

In a school, the teacher was scolding a few boys who hadn’t completed the assigned homework. How many times I should tell you! If you don’t do your homework on time, I will have to call your parents! Listening to this most of the children got really scared and said sorry. However, one of the boys started crying uncontrollably! When asked the reason, he said,

My mother and father are staying with the doctor uncle since many, many days. Grandma says that they have become very weak and have lost most of the hair on their head. Doctor uncle said that they will be with me tomorrow when I come to school.

all of them got very excited! The entire family was going for a vacation after a very long time. The 2 sisters started discussing and planning about all the things they would be doing during the journey. As the night slowly drew onward,

the mother told them to sleep. Now it’s time to say goodnight. We’ve got a long day tomorrow!

 

Be it any situation, we trust this tomorrow so much!

This tomorrow is the one thing that we look forward to everyday. The same tomorrow is the time when we commit countless things.

Just another of the seemingly endless tomorrows encourages to struggle to achieve that exam, that cherished dream.

this tomorrow is the one upon which we base so many of our hopes and expectations.

And although always uncertain,

This is that very tomorrow which we wish to see each day of our lives again and again because honestly, above and beyond everything and everyone, we really love and want to be greeted by this tomorrow as long as we are on this planet.

But we have to remember one thing. Those of us who’re experiencing this divine blessing of a new tomorrow, we always must be grateful for it. For if not for this trustworthy tomorrow, how else could have we lived?

By the way! What are you doing; tomorrow? 

The healthy festival of togetherness!

Almost a month has past.

The cool,

fresh air has now turned into a frosty atmosphere... The skin of the hands, feet and the face is slowly becoming ruff and dry… the trees have also started shedding their leaves,

looking as if they have no clothes to protect themselves from the cold and dry atmosphere.

The days become short in duration while nights are quite long.

This is called winter or the shishir rutu/शिशिर ऋतु.

According to astronomy

it is winter when the sun is in Capricorn / Aquarius.

 

According to Ayurveda, January and February are the months of winter

In the orbital motion of the earth during this time,

The southern side of the earth moves away from the sun and

The northern part of the earth starts coming nearer to the sun, also known as uttarayan.

This being said,

The northern side of the earth is still too far away from the sun to have any noticeable effect.

There for, part of the northern hemisphere such as India continues to experience the chilly weather.

Just like we have the joyous celebrations of Diwali or Kojagari Paurnima,

In order to guard against this cold and dry atmosphere during this time of the year,

There is the festival of brightness and warmth, Makar Sankranti!

 

As the til / sesame

provides warmth and Gul / Jaggery softens the skin,

To protect our skin from becoming ruff and dry,

The nutritious and healing combination of Til and gul/Tilgul or तिळगूळ is consumed!

To keep the skin warm and soft throughout the winter,

The sesame oil is also used for a body massage, also known as abhyanga / अभ्यंग.

Along with these healthy effects,

Some positive changes also take place during this festival!

The duration of the day starts to increase yet again and the nights start becoming much shorter in comparison.

Just like our skin, in order to warm the human mind with love and the unified feeling of togetherness,

the message of being kind to and polite with everyone is shared through the gift of Tilgul! 

Restart

Today was a very important day for him. He had been preparing and excitedly waiting for this day since a long time.

It could be perhaps today, he so hoped, that he might get a much-desired promotion. The last few weeks had really been quite challenging but enjoyable at the same time. He had researched a lot for his presentation to be the best.

The first thought which came to his mind as the beautiful sunrise greeted him,

Was to go through everything once more, for one last time.

As usual, he pressed the button to turn on his laptop and… The screen went completely black before his eyes….

Often, life surprises us in ways which we would have never imagined even in our dreams. Some situations present themselves in such a form,

That our brain takes a long time, just to realize what is going on.

Most of the times, the immediate human instinct is to spontaneously react and solve them or get out of them as quickly as possible.

And not only do situations suddenly shock us, but the people around us as well!

We say something casually to our friends or family without any particular intentions.

And they get hurt without us even knowing!

However hard we might try to find the answer, we just can’t!

During such times, it’s best not to react or run away, but to patiently respond.

one of the ways to respond is to simply restart… Yes, just restart!

Experienced an unforeseen event? Your grand plans flopped? Remember that, now it’s the past. All that’s left to do is build up from the very bottom. Restart!

This method of restarting often works in the matter of relationships. Have you hurt someone unknowingly? Forgive and start afresh!

Be it the love for traveling or the passion to read,

The restart mode is a great trick to bring back those once cherished hobbies!

Every new sunrise teaches us this lesson. Be it the rain or storms, we always have the opption to restart.

 

And yes. His laptop too got fixed with a restart!

Are you Ready to restart?