Loss

How does it feel when you lose a part of yourself into an unknown space?

How does it feel to live in-between hope and hopelessness?

How does it feel to live at a big loss and look forward to a bigger loss?

How does it feel when you yearn for something which you cannot have?

How does it feel to constantly think about someone closest to you, not anymore?

How does it feel to remember the good old times - feel happy and sad at the same time?

How does it feel to wait for the call you'll never receive?

How does it feel to erase the most memorable memories?

How does it feel to feel abandoned and stripped?

How does it feel to be challenged by love?

How does it feel to become at peace with the internal chaos?

How does it feel to not feel anything anymore ?

Learnings from a Rangoon Creeper

(A) Happy in our comfort zones, aren't we?

(B) Learning to co-exist. Yes, it is possible! 

(C) Will you bee my friend? It's good to socialize. :)

(D) We all are made up of the same elements. Deep down there are no differences.

(E) Be grateful to the support which you continuously get from your parents / siblings / spouse. This takes you up in life. But never go up to succeed in life by crushing others down.

(F) The circle of life - A bud, full-blooms and withering beauties. 

(G) Saviour the silence and alone time. It's necessary. 

(H) Sometimes you might look stuck. Well, at those times just enjoy the view from up there.  

(I) Make new beginnings with budding energy.

(J) Enjoy the limelight, love and attention. Don't forget to be grateful.

(K) Always see the bigger picture. Life is beautiful.  

A glorious decade with the Art of Living

The air has never been so fresh for me to breathe

I have all the tools to empower myself and fulfill my needs

The Art of Living has enriched me with a new lease of life

The same situations, I see in a new light

If not for this, I would have by now been rotten

Peace and happiness, for sure forgotten

A rebirth and a second chance at life, I get

Living life in the present, I will not forget

This grace, inner-expansion and freedom give me a high

For receiving all this abundance, I will not ask why

I know I’m the chosen one and here for a higher purpose

Guided by the divine with the highest purpose

Throwing away all the baggage of the past

Re-starting again and again and again…at-last!!!

Not getting caught in the mental chatter

Focusing on things that really matter

The Art of Living programs make you the way

God intended to make man (or woman)

Humility, happiness and gratefulness become your core

You appreciate life and lives attached, more and more

The Art of Living, guides and gives you a lot

Life is a celebration, believe it or not

It makes you stronger and a true achiever

And most importantly, a giver and a believer

This year marks a decade of my association with The Art of Living.  

I feel on top of the world. ☺

This post is a result of my experience in the DSN Program (a highly transformational course offered by the Art of Living) with Anand Rajendran Ji in March 2017.

To know more please visit:

https://www.artofliving.org/in-en/dsn-course-divya-samaj-nirman

http://anandji.net/

The Dilapidated Dustbin

A dustbin is probably the most ignored and ill-treated object placed at some corner of any place. We hardly even look at it, often just aim and throw stuff into it. Seldom do we realize the importance of it. It encompasses all the dirt and dust from all the other parts of the place. It is because of it that the other parts of the place are in the limelight.

Imagine a day without a dustbin, you can't just throw dirt outside the house, it is ill-mannered and unethical to do so and you can't indefinitely continue living in a dirty place!! This is something to think about.

The role that every object plays is important and it is not our prerogative to demean it.

Stretching this thought a little more, I would like to say that we must all keep a dustbin in our minds. If the mind is the floor, unwanted thoughts are the dirt, with the help of the broom of spiritual knowledge we need to cleanse it and remove those unwanted thoughts and put them in a dustbin.

A dustbin always says 'use me'! That should be our take-away from it. If you are able to say "I'm available for you. How can I help you?", I assure you that you are doing great in life by all means.

The dignified dustbin knows it's worth, but sadly to the world, it is a dilapidated one.

Marching ahead

Sadists with burning pots

Broken hearts; in abundance - dark thoughts

Some love less, some don't at all

Coated words, they proudly utter

False promises, they effortlessly mutter

They is probably everyone I know

Enough is enough, stop this show

A yardsticks' distance, must you keep

All they want is, for you to weep

Weep, weep, weep, until you cry out a sea

See you fall, on a pile of mud

Fall on your bottom, with a great thud

Who cares about what you seek?
Oh dear lord, I still wish to be meek
Help me lord, to rise above em all
Mind my business, amidst et al

Words - some nice
the rest coated with sugar and spice
To throw you away like a dice
No no no you ain't that weak
Shove em up, with all your fury
If you must, with great decree

The situation seems really grim
Use your judgment, to trim (people)
A relationship detox, is now a must
There is really no one you can trust

Truth when spoken creates commotion
Jealousy, hatred, insecurity and dismay
How can they withstand us, being gay
These are not the traits, of a true friend
Such relationships soon come to an end

People have come and gone
No one is here, to stay
It's better to anyway keep them, at bay

Thank you world for teaching me to lie
What was once tough is now, a piece of pie

There's just one person with whom I can be myself
That person is none other than my-self
Trust yourself.
Hate none though!
For the sake of humanity!
For the sake of humanity!!
For the sake of humanity!!!

Keep some distance and shut your mouth
Keep rowing your boat, making your own way
Be grateful, come what may
Keep marching ahead
With some hope, for tomorrow to be a better day

Infinity

hello, you!

yes, i'm talking to you!

you ain't your name

you ain't the owner of all that fame

this, is a different game

you ain't this 

you ain't that

stop! introspect!

before you put yourself to shame

~~~

it's time, to go inwards

and travel deep

seek a world beyond

what you can actually see

~~~

hold my hand 

be ready for the leap

~~~

what you see (now)

is only what you wish to see

broaden your vision

come with me, lad

let me show you the creek

~~~

the flow is the only constant

observe and see

nothing stops

for you and me

nobody will stop

for you and me

~~~

time is the only spectacle

we are not mere puppets

i hope you realize this

before you kick the bucket

~~~

there's much more to achieve

whilst we are here

wake up my lad

this is not a dream

~~~

neither the greens and the gold

nor the cement and the stones

will give you what you want

take refuge in knowledge

the sole heavenly abode

~~~

trust me and the take leap

for it only can protect you

from any dreadful grey-storm

be it at dusk, noon or at dawn

~~~

knowledge takes you from

the dark into the light

from ignorance to glorious sight

the only true nurturer

in whose lap we must rest

this life after all, ain't a simple test

~~~

drop it all

before it drops you

~~~

i am the soul

a free spirit

living with glee

flesh and bones

that's not me

that's not me

that's not me

~~~

Sher Ali’s Story

They were very very poor, he said.

His mother used to wash utensils in bade sahab’s house and get the remnant food for her kids. They were 4 in number, Ali being the eldest. They all had to wait for 24 more hours for their next so called meal.

Their clothes were torn and stitched in patches by their mother.

They never went to school.

But their mother taught them well, whatever little she knew, and Ali’s attitude and broad mindedness reflected the way he recited his past to me. He was not sad about his childhood, but pretty composed and neutral while talking about it.

As Ali grew older he wanted to start earning to support his family financially, seldom knowing where to start, as he had no education at all and neither knew what his skills were.

By observing he understood people and their temperaments, he said.

After several struggles (which he didn’t tell me explicitly) he got into driving autos.

But he also said that he never remembered any roads or lanes, chowks or blocks. He just drove, drove like that for the past 17 years. (yes, he did have a license.) He said that he had a huge no. of clientele as he connected with all his clients and felt responsible for them until he safely dropped them to their destination.

This attitude of his literally blew my mind! I had never heard any driver say this!!

He also said that he loved talking and hated being quiet during the rides.

Only since the past 1 year he had started driving cars. He said that once he sets his mind onto something, he would have the fire within him until he was successful. He was driving a Toyota Etios now.

His determination was commendable!

He said that now he was really rich, he could buy a meal, a dress. These were big far-fetched dreams for him back then.

While he was talking to me, I received a message on my mobile, so my attention was there, he observed promptly and apologized for his chatter.

This again put me to awe as I didn’t expect such a courteous etiquette from a driver! I was stunned! He was quiet until I signaled him to continue his talk!!!

Ali continued by speaking about music; he said that he often heard old songs and that he related them with his life and found deeper meaning in it. He also said that they don’t make such good songs anymore.

He then said that he was fluent in Kannada and Hindi, and could manage Tamil and Malayalam. He also expressed his view on the few places he had visited in South India and shared his thoughts on the people there. To my surprise, it seemed to match with my own thoughts!! He spoke about the courteousness, unity, extent of helpfulness and the attitude of the people.

He also shared an embarrassing experience he had faced 6 years ago. He had to take a train to a particular place and instead of the correct train, he boarded the train that was on the other side of the platform as he didn’t know how to read. As time progressed he realized that he was going in the opposite direction, he got down and somehow found his way home. He said that he dreamed of taking a flight to Nagpur once but was scared to make the same mistake again.

This prompted him to ask me all about flight journeys and I with pleasure explained to him in the easiest possible manner whilst giving him a lot of analogies from day to day life about it, for him to easily relate to the process. He also asked me a lot of questions, a lot of relevant and sensible ones.

Could I have been more impressed!!!

My ride was coming to an end.

He finally said that he is married and has 3 children, and his wife left him a year ago. Though he tried a lot to bring her back, it didn’t work out. 

He said that he practically lived in this car, he would sleep when he felt sleepy and he would drive after that, eat whatever he found nearby and that was his life. His brother lived in the same city and often told Ali to come and stay with them. Ali said that he didn’t want to be a burden on him and that his brother was his own but his brothers’ wife and children were strangers after all, having their own life, struggles and activities. He fit nowhere in it.

I felt that his thinking on this whole situation was one of a matured person with great clarity. And there was a lot of truth in what he said.

He said that he often felt that he couldn’t do much for his parents and that his father loved to eat chicken. And now, every time he had chicken his throat chocked thinking about his father and he could never finish his order.

His deep love and attachment to his Late father was very touching.

I reached my destination, he stopped the car and apologized for talking so much and said that he liked talking to me. I told him that he needn’t apologize for anything and that I enjoyed the ride.

And that was all. He was gone and so was I.

But the impact he left on my mind was for quite some time.... 

The Peace Warrior

The scars embedded were deep

Muddled were the thoughts

Often wondered, how she got in

Into this ruthless rot

Consumed by melancholy

Introspecting this unfathomable fall

Straying in a frenzy that was deep

What Razia did, was weep

For all that was held dear, was bid adieu

In an effort to start anew

Seeking harmony, counting sheep

Little old Razia fell asleep

As the days fled

What grew was distress

She traded all that she was

For this pricey prince called peace

The middle path was steep

Adorned with thorn-like-freaks

Keeping herself at bay

Seldom bothering about the other monster

Razia limped forward with dismay

She leaned towards this peculiar light

That set her mighty soul ablaze

Alas her inner fire uplifted her 
from this golden massacre 

Peace peace peace

That's all she wanted to seek

She traded off her gold

For a stone, deep down

As she was, the peace warrior

Thus marks the end of the silent protest

Her only hope now, was to see

The light at the end of the tunnel

An extension : 

Razia, the peace warrior is someone who fights for peace, not someone who fights peacefully. A concoction of a myriad of upheavals lies within Razia. Comprehended by none, Razias' was a solo fight, a soul that was in plight. 

Ha!

If a person feels that he can control a person / a happening or a situation, he is, with due respects, a mighty fool!

This is sheer ignorance, perhaps a pure play of his ego as nothing is in anybody's control.

You may have an influence (good or bad) on a situation or a person, but can never control it, that's an illusion. 

That false feeling of gratification of soothing the ego makes people 'think' that they are 'in charge'. 

Heck, what's God for then? Has He allocated to you, a part of His work? 

So, to all the freaks around! Here's the bitter truth, you ain't in charge of anything!!!!! 

SO, stop bossing around.

Live & let live. It's simple. Get it?

In this world, we are just spectators of the events that happen in life. A wise man knows that and lives with that thought. Contribute to the situation, don't try to control it.

Well, some people just love all the false hype and illusion. What a pity!

I think its high time we popped that beautiful bubble of theirs! :P

What say, folks? 

Grin!

Who am I ?

Every now and then we all go through what they call an 'identity crisis'!

Is it our nativity, personality, qualification, relationships or interests that defines us?
If so, won't that be a limitation, after all?

Despite of countless hours of pondering on the same, I fail to associate myself to one category, as I'm many things in one. We all are! I have many roles to play. It is a mere role after all, why should just a role define me?

Perhaps, I am nobody.

And then I think, why do I need to define myself? Who asked for it and why do I owe anybody an answer. The answer lies within me and it is for me to know.

The truth is, I can be anybody I want to, as I have that infinite capacity of being so. We set our boundaries. We set limitations. We play many roles in this life of ours, they all are passing phases. What remains is 'you'. That constant thing makes you see and observe these things, and that introspects. But wait, this is the mind, isn't it? So what are you, the mind?
What is the body for then? Just flesh and bones?

This thinking goes on and on...

The fact is, it is for you to chose... be anything you want to be...

ANYTHING.

"God, you think, God you are! Dust, you think, dust you are!"

So watch your thoughts! It's your life, let it be your call!

Roadkill:

What now, amigo?

Rango:

No man can walk out on his own story. I'm goin' back.

Roadkill:

But why?

Rango:

Because that's who I am.

[from the movie: Rango]

The Birth of an Adult

An adult is born when he smiles at chaos.

      Yet, he knows it is chaos that gives birth to a rising star.

An adult is born when it dawns on him that everybody is selfish.

      Yet, he knows that it is only love that can conquer all.

An adult is born when he does the things he doesn't like at all.

      Yet, he does it, for a greater good.

An adult is born when he wakes up in the morning sleep deprived.

      Yet, drags himself to work, for he has bills to pay and mouths to feed

              passions to pursue (?), well, then lucky... aren't you!

An adult is born when he makes what he's 'ought to' do, his 'want to' do

       Yet, he thinks, this is the best, as he doesn't have the luxury of taking risks!

An adult is born when, he forgives and forgets the pangs caused by his dear,

       Yet, keeps the scars at bay, for all he wants is his loved ones to be near. 

An adult is born when, he moves out of his comfort zone.. 

       Yet, he does it as he knows that, it needs to be done to expand and grow.

~~*~~

Taking birth as an adult, and living as one is a conscious effort that should taken by everyone of us, every second of our lives. 

We need to constantly coax happiness and hoax pain. 

~~*~~

        When things don't seem to go your way,          

Find your ray of hope & bounce back again!!

Cheers!!!

Divya Mohan

A Note to Self

A smooth ascent is all we need,

A sorrow-less life to the Almighty, I plead!

Good deeds, we all must do

Yes, without any further ado!!!!

Intentions good, we must keep

To help out people, that we can reach (to)

Doing right, when not being noted

Is the way in the Supreme's eye, we’d be doted

Peace of mind, we crave for

God has always blessed us; 

with way more than we have asked for

I humbly address the Divine,

To give me foresight,

So that I can lead a life that is

Simple, fulfilling and bright!

He helps us throw away these rotten slices

Greed, jealously, avarice and the other vices

The unseen Force enriches our living

Keeps us away from materialistic cravings

Up we go, in the ladder of life

Keeping in mind what’s wrong and right

Uplifting others, with gaiety & might

To the Lord from up above,

wouldn't this be a wonderful sight?