From Caterpillar to Butterfly

Serving humanity gives us not only a sense of satisfaction but an inner happiness. Here is my story which was published in the Literature Studio Review, an e-journal published by Literature Studio. Religion - Humanity He looked pale and upset, as he entered the café. “Abbu and Ammi want me to get married by the end of this month, to my Uncle’s daughter,” said Hamid fixing his eyes on the table. “I am……”   Before he could complete, Ambika interrupted, “What?” with her wide eyes she stared at Hamid in anger. “But you had no plans to marry and what about your college?” She wanted to scream out all her fears but Hamid tried to calm her down. He placed his hand gently on hers. Ambika suddenly became aware of the people around them. The cashier, sitting near the entrance, was looking at them. The gentle touch soothed Ambika and she looked into his deep grey eyes. Her own eyes filled with pain. “You have not even given me a chance to tell my parents,” said A...

Vacations are supposed to be synonymous to rejuvenation.   But when I look back and think hard, I can’t remember even a single holiday which revived me to the extent that I was more than happy and energetic to come back to my routine. In fact, I was more tired either because I was comparing my ever busy life with those that we met during our vacations or I was so busy covering the ‘must see’ spots and clicking pictures that I didn’t realize and relax enough to absorb the real fun, nature and happiness. So though the holidays went well; our eyes, camera, social media and even our body were treated well because of the luxury we indulged in except our mind and soul. Last summer, when we were planning our trip to Ooty and Coorg, we found that the nearest airport for Ooty or Udagamandalam was Coimbatore. Since our flight was scheduled to land in Coimbatore in the evening, we thought of staying in Coimbatore for a night. With this my search for must do and see in Coimba...

Walking with a Himalayan Master Swami Rama - By Justin O’ Brien A beautiful spiritual journey of an American disciple with his Himalayan Master. This is the first book, I read by Justin O’Brien or Swami Jaidev and I am truly mesmerised and have an instant urge to read all his work. He has written many books which include  Running and Breathing , The Wellness Tree  and  Super Conscious Meditation. The book starts with the odyssey of an American who started his career as a stock broker at Bear Sterns, one of the most admired Investment Bank and Securities Firm in twentieth century, but soon realized that his struggle for money was not worth and joined a monastery. Even after studying in the finest theological graduate schools in Europe, his spiritual quest was not satisfied and he was looking for something more. In 1972, when he was teaching theology at Loyola University of Chicago, he met Swami Rama in a very strange manner, against all his willingne...

1.       Meditate/ Visualize   Meditation is the best medicine for every injury, outer or external. Sit in the meditative posture, let your thoughts come and go, be silent, relax and leave onto God. If you can’t, find a silent and conducive place for meditating. Is it still difficult? No problems- Visualize Although meditation gives a calm and soothing effect to mind, body and soul and nothing can replace its effects and benefits but if you can’t do it initially, try visualizing. Sit and visualize your dream, your success, your next vacations, anything that gives you ultimate happiness. You can enjoy with your partner, play with a friend, dive into the deepest ocean or sky whatever you love to and want to. This one exercise will refresh and rejuvenate you to the extent; you would not have felt for quite some time.   2.      Make a List of what you Love to do/ your Passion / your Hobby/ anything that makes you Fee...

It’s true that we accomplish something only when we work towards our goals with discipline but in our struggle to earn name and fame, we often forget to live and enjoy life. We forget to leave our mind loose; we forget to enjoy the nature, surroundings and family. We forget to relish the gift offered to us by the universe; we forget to close your eyes and listen to the sounds of mother earth. We forget to take a good rest. As a result, we achieve what we wanted to but we forget to be happy and things become drab. This in turn becomes our image and we take pride in it. Shouldn’t we stop in between and cherish the beautiful moments we come across and feel grateful? Shouldn’t we just call some old relative and ask for his well-being? Shouldn’t we go out for a nature-walk and enjoy the beauty around? Shouldn’t we just give a smile and offer a helping hand to the people around? Here I share with you a story of my grandfather, who was a disciplinarian, a scientist, a veterinarian, a...