What to do, when nothing to do?

Some opines, upgrade your skills,

yet others, time is money- waste none.

And I urge; slow down, take a break.

From morn to night, glaring at the screen,

screen time takes it all.

All you left with, an apologetic smile,

smile of your loved ones, unwavering.

Time you have for unending work,

work that overshadows life's purpose.

Purpose altogether wronged, at stake,

stake not your precious body and soul.

Love yourself, your life's sacred,

sacred be your deeds; you need to learn.

Learn to introspect and meditate- the food for one's soul,

Soul, the ultimate essence of enlightened mankind.

Love is eternal; a pristine, winged beauty

Sprinkling fairy dust, all its flight

Cupid, with its cherubic face

Blessing my soul endlessly

With divine love

Embracing me

Forever

Forever

Embracing me

With divine love

Blessing my soul endlessly

Cupid, with its cherubic face

Sprinkling fairy dust, all its flight

Love is eternal; a pristine winged beauty.

She has a Heart of Gold, says all,

Does she know it, I doubt.

Feeding on her, we nurture and grow,

Embracing and protecting, she gives it all.

The essence of motherhood is divine and that must be the driving force behind the selfless love she showers on all her children.

She stands as an epitome of sacrifice, love, strength, patience, determination....

Mother, you have a Heart of Gold!

Dazzling, in its pristine form to behold!

While sipping my steaming cup of coffee, I pondered over those umpteen chaotic thoughts that transmitted through my conscious mind. Instantaneously, my thoughts hit the right chord and that’s when I realized I wanted to start it all over again. I yearned to break myself free from the vicious shackles of the do’s and don’ts that the society had pleasingly tied me up with. My mind was never solely mine as it was constantly conditioned by the external forces that conspired against people like me who hardly knew how to put one’s foot down when required. Adorning the Guardian Angel’s façade, the society took charge of steering my life the way they chose and they are still not letting me be at peace.

But now, I want to set myself free by conditioning my mind the way I want – Let Me Be….

Live a life the way I choose to, though without hurting others

Engage not, in interfering in other’s lives and making it difficult for them

Try to stay calm and make the best out of my beautiful life

Meditate my thoughts on the brighter side of my precious life

Engage in some happy moments with my loved ones

Be positive and never doubt my potentiality

Excuse myself from people who fail to understand me and my decisions

Life should not be evaluated based on one’s success graph in the professional front, heavy pay checks, mansions, cars, trips to different destinations and other luxuries that money can buy. On the other hand, life becomes absolute when we are never in short of the reasons to laugh, sing, dance and enjoy the essence of simply being alive.

When the whole world is gearing up to ward off and keep Coronavirus at bay, little do we know that there’s just another illness that’s lurking behind. It’s not something new to us, but it’s just that we are yet to come to terms with its existence. Depressive disorder is an illness that spares none and it shows no disparity between the rich and the poor. There are many countries around the world that fail to realize the need to create awareness on mental health. Most of the people are so much restrained to a set social norm that visiting a psychologist to check one’s mental health would be a big ‘NO’.

Technology and modernism has almost devoured our tradition and customs that kept us together and at present we are left with disintegration of our long preserved values. It is quite alarming to note the rate of suicides that occur across the globe every year, with regard to depression. And the revelation that young people are the most targeted ones is quite appalling.

The glitz and glamour of the pseudo society has surged in the minds of our youngsters with such intensity that it is deplorable to see young minds waned off their intellectual capacity. Exhibitionism has become the key word of the day and each one of us is in a pursuit to outsmart the others. In an attempt to do so, we end up building castles in the air. But when the reality hits hard, it becomes difficult for us to cope up and we end up contemplating suicide.

So what’s the Solution!

The panacea to this affliction lies within our hearts. We need to be empathetic towards every living being we are surrounded with. Families should readily tackle the issue and never ward it off as a subject of social stigma. For a while, let us do away with our smartphones, tabs, laptops or any electronic devices that demand our unwavering attention and instead spend some great time with our family and friends. Speak, Listen, Smile, Laugh, Dance, Sing, Cook, Play a musical instrument, Meditate… the list goes on. When we really care for one another, the list of activities that we can do together is endless. Make a congenial environment at home as well as at the work place and ensure that each one of us is approachable by our family, friends and colleagues. We should readily lend them our ear and a helping hand without even asking, as this small gesture can indeed go a long way. We must be wary of the fact that people who slip into depression are susceptible to even minor issues and the worst of all is when they decide to go incommunicado. Instead of leaving our near and dear ones who are battling depression to grapple with it all alone, we need to ensure that they are succoured and given full medical support.

On ethical grounds, it becomes imperative for each one of us to showcase exemplary attitude towards any depressed minds by helping them heal. The need of the hour is to stand united and create awareness on depressive disorder and to let the world know that they are not alone. At this juncture, with everything moving at a slow pace; from the economy to our social lives, the time is ripe for us to look straight into the eyes of the looming adversity with our beaming smile, and to promise to hold each other’s hand till eternity.

Again! She wakes up with a start, the alarm’s blaring sound,

Darting, to get ready for the day, as the clock ticks round.

Alighting from the bus, is no small task on its own,

Yielding not, with bags, laptop and supplies, her shoulders adorn.

Impeccable, her greeting smile, the warmth for the children profound,

Not a strain of tiredness, the sleepless nights that surround.

The inspector, in grandeur style seated, surveys the class,

Hopping around, she plays her part the best, to pass.

Engaging the class and notes to prepare,

Letting off her break, nothing to despair.

Ingratitude, she never knows such,

Fixes all the woes of the parents and much.

Eager to respond to school mails and meetings,

Oblivious of her own health and warnings.

Free time to use for seminars,

Attending workshops and webinars.

Teaches with passion and dynamism,

Eases the doubts with professionalism.

After school, stay backs a routine,

Coffee refills, as tasks umpteen.

Happily awaits, for a bright next day,

Endless work, but never did delay,

Relaxed and poised, she has her own way.

Contemplating the good old times of mine, I now paint my childhood and adolescence with the hues of vibrant colours. Back then, I thought it otherwise, as I have always wanted to tell you…

I reminisce the days I painted my life grey,

longing to hero-worship my dad all day.

For they, showered on their dads, adulations,

displaying occasional affectations.

But I, too naïve to understand my dad,

who never gave himself airs, it’s sad.

I reminisce the days I painted my life green,

green with envy and spleen.

For they, cuddled to their dads, chattering all the way,

lit the room with fun and laughter, every other day.

But I, quite poised, wept inside,

desirous, for my dad so mirthful, who stood beside.

I reminisce the days I painted my life red,

scared to speak, that’s how I was bred.

For they, spoke their minds out,

fearing no man as they shout.

But I, always a docile lass,

spoke less, and heeded to my dad with gravitas.

I reminisce the days I painted my life blue,

desperate for my dad’s plaudits, though in vain, with no clue.

For they, lauded by their dads amidst all, swelled with pride and arrogance,

pricked me the most then, crushing my confidence.

But I, the most timid among the three,

gave my dad no chance to glee.

But now,

The unending streak of tears that flow through my cheeks sings a different hymn,

for I realize, the hand that nurtured me has departed to the Supreme.

I now want to tell you, my dad…

I painted my life grey, as you always stood rock solid by me and my convictions.

I painted my life green, for the safety and security you nurtured me with.

I painted my life red, for the relentless faith and confidence you had in me.

I painted my life blue, for the unspoken words of encouragement that I could see in your eyes.

I have always wanted to tell you much more…

The human race in shackles,

in the clutches of an unknown enemy.

Pandemonium entwines pandemic,

and hell breaks loose.

Gasping for a whiff of fresh air,

with merriment taking a back seat.

The world stays silent, yet healing,

as Life is still on.

Ornated with masks and gloves,

painting the town red, a taboo - the Forbidden Apple.

No folks to party,

and social distancing the catchword.

No work, no play,

making all idle and frenzied.

Yet the world stays silent, but healing,

as Life is still on.

Love that transcends all,

and Faith that stays firm.

Music in the heart,

keeping us sane and alive.

These evil days soon be surpassed,

and life regenerates.

As the world stays silent and healing,

Life is still on...