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Two Books, One Author

Is it possible to die gracefully? One author, Mitch Albom masterfully demonstrates that it is, through the poignant narratives of the individuals in his two remarkable works. My journey began with Finding Chika , which subsequently guided me to its spiritual predecessor, Tuesdays with Morrie . While Finding Chika overwhelmed me with deeply touching emotions, Tuesdays with Morrie evoked a sense of homecoming. One person’s life can serve as a profound lesson for another. We often remain oblivious to the myriad experiences encapsulated within the lives of others. These two books have enriched my life immeasurably, awakening within me a deep appreciation for the abundance I possess in the present moment. A book can offer a unique portal into the mind of its author. Albom’s perspective is, at its core, one of acceptance—an acknowledgment of human fallibility, the pursuit of truth, and the transformative power of life’s lessons. To err, to confront truth and allow it to reshape your existe...
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Where the tigers dwell

Exploring India's premier national park in Uttarakhand was a long-held dream realized. Jim Corbett National Park not only acquainted me with its resident tigers but also offered insights into the life of Jim Corbett himself. His literary works sparked my curiosity and offered company during breaks between safaris. Numerous moments left me in awe: The gentle descent of golden leaves from the towering Sal trees. The profound silence enveloping the forest. To interpret the language of the forest. The majestic presence of the Ramganga river. Witnessing two fish owls unsuccessfully pursue a yellow-throated martin. Hearing the measured tread of a tiger through the dry leaves and finally seeing it in its habitat(more than once). Perusing Jim Corbett's books within the park. Recognizing the profound significance of such sanctuaries, benefiting both wildlife and personal introspection. At times, the safaris seemed like a quest, a fervent pursuit to sight tigers. The outings typically co...

Kashi - A nostalgic reverie

  Kashi, to me is a safe place, like home. It instantly decelerates the pace of life and imbues me with a profound sense of belonging, as if I’ve always been there. Despite its chaos, crowd, and clutter, Kashi possesses a unique ability to reveal the underlying beauty and serenity. Sharing this extraordinary place with my little one was profoundly meaningful, even though the primary allure was the food. This small space boasts a rich repertoire of culinary delights, and one can only aspire to taste them all. We indulged in three days of kachori, chaats, and local sweets! The narrow lanes (galis) are notably cooler during the day, and we reveled in exploring renowned temples such as Kasi Visalakshi, Pashupathinath, Maha Mrityunjaya, and Kaal Bhairav, while also discovering lesser-known ones like Kashi Karvat and Kedareshwar. Kashi Dham and Jantar Mantar offered delightful cultural experiences, narrating the rich history of those who have traversed this city. Visiting these places fe...

The Bishnois

They have been living in India for 500 years and there are 10 lakhs of them and I hear about them only today! I came across a neat article and would spare writing another of my own. Here it is. A hardy bunch of softies...precious. In it goes in my Bucket List!

Today was hot!

Very hot actually... I am very skeptical to make such a statement in North America, specifically Canada for fear of jinxing it. But today, it is a good statement. I love the heat the Sun leaves behind. The heat that stays after the Sun sets. The closest feeling is lying down on a bed of freshly hang-dried clothes!!! Today, reminded me of my childhood. My favourite used to be Amma's sarees. :) I just rolled and rolled in them until I felt all the heat. Not a thing escaped. I tried! As the setting sun gave way to the gibbous moon, a breath of cool breeze whizzed by me. Something so far away can touch so deeply. Interesting!
Other than the flags, is there anything different in the L side of the photo vs the R side? When you look up from an airplane, doesn't it all seem to flow just fine? Unless humans distort the land, the land seems just fine. There have been many a flight journey where I have wondered which country I am flying over now? They all look beautiful and in a rhythm and pattern. I have heard someone say that a few centuries ago, there weren't so many countries. There wasn't any need. Bringing order and nurturing the cultural aspects are necessary but it has gone overboard when people die holding their nations flag. When things we create go out of proportion, it seems our responsibility to put things back in perspective.  It is a beautiful feeling to look down the window of an airplane and wonder at the power, benevolence and magnitude of Nature.  As this video mentions, we need Nature. Its not the other way around. About time we realize our spot in Spa...

History changes Geography

First sight! Definitely NOT love  It has been raining almost continuously for the past 2 months. The ground was saturated and could take in no more. I found myself looking up to the sky and wondering what's wrong? It doesn't seem right. This kind of weather in Calgary? Everything was so green that it should've been Vancouver. Most people(almost the entire population) who live in Canada have a vitamin D deficiency. I am one among them. So, the Sun being absent is noticed. Missed. Even if it is for a day. The trees in the middle is what remains of  Princes Island Park As it is, we get nice weather for 6 months in a year. I wasn't ready to part with 2 more months.  We live farther away from the river. In fact, until people called/emailed to check on me(thanks all) I wasn't even aware of the flooding situation. The part of the city I live in has more open area. If the rain stopped for 2 hours, the road dried up. I had no idea that all that storm water...

Isha in Alberta

The last few weeks have been very humbling. I have been visiting Edmonton to present Isha Kriya to people. The crowd hasn't been crazy et al. But close to 25 new people know about Sadhguru and Isha Kriya. And the change is already showing. We are having Surya Kriya programs in Calgary and Edmonton. I barely slept 5 hours on 2 days; Saw my daughter probably half of the time she was awake; thanks to a supportive husband, I forgot that I had a family. Every time I stood before people, I trusted every word I said. There is probably nothing in this world that I would do with this much conviction. It made everything worthwhile. This is the best aspect of being a volunteer. The process is humbling and the end result so worthwhile. There is something that makes me feel like nothing. I am able to place myself aside. I become someone I can only dream of becoming. Those moments...when i dissolve...don't exist...how can i express in words? It is the most wonderful feeling I have ev...