Panglossian usher's 2016

A pandemonic year which made everyone dance to its eccentricity - brought smiles, many a changes , many a choices made , loss of a dear one , many mistakes, many a relationships brought to test through swords edge -----but more so , were the road to recoveries , to new beginnings  , to overlook all that pulled us down and to forgive. 

Two concerts which will make me smile , a surprise Krishna Das concert gift and the I-never-thought-it-possible-but-happened, Yanni show at Baroda. Followed by others, including the foot tapping Usha Uthup show to soulful Sufi concert. Mom and Dad's 1960-70 karaoke musical surprise party.  A planned  trip to Pondicherry and Bangalore , an impromptu diversion to Mysore. An expeditious adventurous / chilled trip to Hong Kong. Pampered stay at Balasore. Complaisant overnight at Lotus Resort, Konark. 

A year that ends in celebration of a life lived in complete totality ,my Nani. From the woman who had someone to wash her hands for her after eating a meal , fineries as the zamindars of the Raj era - to getting married and living a life with Gandhian principles as instilled to her by her husband, my Nana. A people's person - where Love and Sacrifice were synonym - who welcomed anyone and everyone into her home and heart - an amazing cook - with her gone , an Era comes to a closure ,  giving everyone, many memories. The Univese conspired , and she lives within Me - a journey that continues. 

If an Era says alvida - its countdown for me - blimey - 50 years - wasn't it  just yesterday that I was playing gulli danda , aiming at marbles, mending torn kites with cooked rice paste - being driven around on cycle, being spoilt - ok ok - not much has changed there , the mode of travel has tad though! An interesting tryst with destiny , which gave more than it took. Years filled with laughter , unconditional love - never allowing any pain, hurt to stay long enough to make a scar. Many a mantra's of Life so far ......

*What's meant to be, will - no matter the twists and turns ..... 

*There is always a song to sing, a dance waiting to happen ...

*When all fails , Humour is what keeps it  going ! 

*Smile, that comes from within , touch another - an encompassing drug! 

*Love and Laughter are armours that will protect you like no other! 

*Trust can falter tad , however , Faith and Hope, brings it back to track! 

*You need a reason to Hate , Love needs no reason! 

*There is so much to be grateful for, to appreciate , even when all looks bleak! 

*Never keep for tomorrow , what you can do/ say/ share today - the regret , if not,  best avoided. 

*Prayers and Blesssings, invisible as they are, create a magic , a miracle that's so visible! 

*Happiness has its own take. You can't make everyone happy- concentrate on keeping yourself Happy, let others follow the lead! 

*Silence, at times, are stepping stones. 

*Look back at the Wisdom, look ahead for the adventure! 

*Time heals - a flutter remains! 

*Loss is irreplaceable - memories are the tonics! 

*Absence is highest form of presence - To live in the hearts we leave behind, is not to die..

*Love overflows - in silence , in anger , in hurt , in pain, in laughter , in smile - a communication beyond boundaries , beyond compare. 

*Friends, Family and Health - a formidable trio, do not mess with them!  

*Be a Child , Be Curious , Be You , Others will adjust- like they have a choice :)))

These words by Rumi elucidate sublimely the flight of 2015 as it gently perches upon 2016 - "Try not to resist the changes that come your way. Instead let life live through you. And do not worry that your life is turning upside down. How do you know that the side you are used to is better than the one to come?" 

A toast to Life - which moulds you and Death - which shows you that nothing is permanent !

Diwali paar Kuch naya !

Light- that sparkles,

Sparkles - that dance,

A blast of goodness ,

A show of strength,

A glow in every heart,

An insight of wisdom , 

Conversations filled with -bang of laughter , burst of smiles , a hiss of a secret , a whoosh of giggles ! Like a wise one said - don't burst em phataka's - Be One :)) 

Lights that illuminate each moment , day , year with its lilt  of love and happiness. 

Self Observation!

There is a part of your mind which is perfectly capable of standing
aside to calmly observe another part which is dis- turbed. It is like a
referee at a football game who sees everything, but is not involved in
the battle.

Realizing this is one of the greatest discoveries we can make. You can
see why. It proves the existence of another way of thinking, of a force
which is never drawn into the whirlpool of agitated thought. You will
recall that we have called this the technique of self-observation. But,
of course we must practice until we experience this power for
ourselves.

ALBERT EINSTEIN

People!

Game Set Match

Roland-Garros - The 2015 French Open , Men's Final.

Novak Djokovic and Stan Wawrinka.

The final between two champions, two adversaries on the clay court  , a trophy that both hunger for.  A dramatic match of sheer brilliance , in skill , mind play , stamina . A rare game , that not only paved way for a new champion, but showed a way of life. 

Competition is Healthy. We have heard it said often enough. This match was an attestation of that. Two players, who fought for each point , clashed as opponents and extracted the best out of each other. There was a comaderie , inspite of the event, the circumstance. Were they challengers or allies, it was hard to tell. Emotions were at its peak, the Winner took it all, however , both gave a bit of themselves to each other. Both Winners, elevating themselves and the game to a new peak! 

Did I read too much into a regular competition. Maybe I have. Maybe I watched the match with a different perspective, with my Third Eye :)))). Like this game, Life, with its innumerable affairs, plays the gallery to inter personnal relationships.Every person,  cements their well defined energy,with another. Not only does this enhance their individual zest, it also radiates the other, building a beautiful synergy. Accept each other for who we are, else, we isolate ourselves of our own energy.We feed on each other's positivity, as we do negativity.... Which is how our growth is seen.  Either way ... We move on, because of this exchange , else stagnation. That's the beauty of Relationship , of interaction, of connection ! 

A simple line , becomes food for Though! 

From, Asura , Tale of the Vanquished ( Anand Neelakantan) 

Ravana : " Didn't know it then , but I was born to fulfil someone else's destiny. To allow someone else to become God. "

Each one of us plays a part , which is why we are thrown together, so often without a clue on the Why !

Enthusiastic , Compelled ....no matter what the emotion, positive or negative , we are entwined. We are instruments, guide's , evolving each individual towards their unique Destiny.  

Oblivious as we might be, we are catalyst in each other's Destinies.Interwoven, like thread's of an intricate tapestry design, unaware, how each thread is interwoven with its exclusive artistry, brings Life and exquisiteness , with each weave.

And I ask , what is my Destiny ? Where am I headed ?
Deliberation with a friend on this. Maybe I am like Ravana, born to fulfil someone else's destiny. My choice's, decision's, are all a process of allowing someone to become God,  but she gives it an appealing twist, by saying ..... You are  like Krishna , always there for anyone who needs you , and that is your Destiny , smoothing the path towards their Destiny ! Phewwww .... that's a lot of Responsibility on my small shoulders ! :-) 

 Cest la vie