START WHERE YOU ARE

Start where you are - Where am I? I'm staring into my laptop that I just opened; sipping as usual, my morning cuppa coffee. My mind is rather blank ( as of now ) as in the mornings I'm still quite sleepy and very much, lazy. I've pulled my legs up in the chair, so rather sitting in a somewhat lotus position, with occasionally either of my knees folding up and resting my elbows on it as I type. What do I type though? I'm clueless. Its not everyday that I get a whole lot of ideas. Today specially. But, I worry not. Something will come, it always does.

Use what you have - I have my laptop and my fingers. Would the combination of the two create magic afterall? My laptop and my fingers had won me accolades a many in the past ~ with many creative literary cuisines we both prepared together; so, I might just get lucky once again. When my fingers play on the keyboard...something creative does come out in the end. So, all I have to do is use what I've got and try again, no matter how lazy or stripped of ideas I'm currently feeling.

Do what you can - Yea..I'm doing exactly that - penning down what exactly I'm thinking and going through at the moment. And, its a start I have done and slowly, my mind clears. With every sip I take of the coffee...I'm energised and the energy flow into my fingers too making them feel ever so vibrant and continue to type gleefully. I'm doing my favourite thing after all ~ 'writing'...and I'm lucky to be doing exactly that. Happy Writing to all!



❤❀❤ ( Image Copyright – Google )

TAG ME NOT!

As streaks of greys slowly started appearing in her head, she knew she had entered a different phase of life altogether - she had seen enough of it already ( ah life! )..., she understood it closely now more than ever; and hence, was far wiser, more relaxed.

She knew who her real friends were; often wondered, if she needed them even, for, she was fine all by herself...as time passed, her friend-list shrunk more and more.

She discovered, she loved her own company the most...enjoying those long sessions of solitude with a cup of hot beaverage in her hand as she'd often reflect on things she experienced and learnt during the solo trips she took, or, simply while observing her surroundings or even while trying out various DIY's.

She used social media and often expressed out her thoughts or feelings in the form of quotes or posts; she enjoyed watching content from others too...it was quite fun, especially the anonymity of it all.

But, it was overwhelming too, so, she learnt to block out the noise...the 'block' button being her favourite - she blocked out people or acquaintances too who didn't matter much anymore anyways - their validation, she no longer needed or seeked.

She inactivated the 'tag' options from her various social media handles - she hated being tagged in silly games or even posts; but most importantly, she didn't want to encounter anyone she was avoiding in those tags...it happened often enough, and she knew how to avoid the nuisance and be left alone.





❤❀❤ This post is for SixSentence ( Image Copyright – Google )

KARMA COLLECTOR - WORDS AND ACTIONS

There are some things in life which we cannot change no matter how hard we try, or how many times eg words. Once spoken, these words are released into the universe. As sound waves, they keep travelling and carry their impact along with it. And when we say things with conviction and earnesty - the entire universe too listens. Also, what we say matters - it can make someone happy or sad. It can inflict thrill or pain. Our words carry our karma with it too along with our actions. Hurtful words which has caused intense emotional/mental pain to someone, will affect your karma at some point definitely; and vice versa. So, be careful with the words you say. And think before you blurt out anything to anyone. Because, once it is said you cannot call them back, ever; and your karma is decided.


Written words on the other hand can be edited, re-edited many times over ( but to some extent only ). It is the 'thinking' but done on paper ( or our computer monitor ) first. However, if published ( like spoken ), every edition has gone out there and must be in some corner of either the internet world or even in paper. And in written, unless there is legal stamp on it and unless it has not gone public one does have the flexibility to change or modify. My blogs for instance, until I have published any post, I can write, delete and rewrite and so on. But once its public, someone or the other must've surely read it, so, even if we edit it at some point in future, there's someone out there who has already accessed the original version. The 'internet wayback machine' surely has. Can we unwrite the exam paper?


So what does this imply? The above is the same with our actions too. What we do at the moment, is done. We cannot undo things. We have breathed, can we unbreathe? We have lived, can we unlive? We have eaten, can we uneat? No! So, like words - our actions matter too; they collect our karma. Other's actions and words - their karma. Your reactions and actions - your karma. And, Karma bites ;-)

SEEKING LIL' MOMENTS OF PEACE BETWEEN WARS!

They say, war is bad, the current times we live in are the worst, both due to wars and climate change,

They say, this is the most difficult times to live...and, I'm like, is it really?

Are only the current times been worst and the world of the past was peaceful and a Utopia? Really? For I quite disagree. Because, I donot believe that only current times have been the worst. I believe, we might have had things far worse in the past. Didn't we have the Great Floods in the past or Pole shifts? So, is climate change only a 'present-day' problem? How did dinosaurs go extinct? For them it might have been the worst of times then. Also, I believe, this planet has always been designed as 'survival of the fittest' - a 'reality' set by the Creator himself - for almost all species. And that means, there'd be blood-shed, no matter how we cringe at the thought. And this has been the case, ever since our existence. Ever since our ancestors went around hunting ( for food ) for their survival - this world has always been violent. Had they not done that, they'd not have survived and as a result we ( their descendants ) wouldn't be in this planet now, right? So, can we say what they did was wrong? There were tribes warring each other - if we exist today, maybe, its because our ancestors defeated some other tribe at some point. I know, its a dark way to look at things. But, like they say, truth is bitter.

Whats currently happening in war torn regions is frightening, chilling, saddening no doubt. There's no justification. Both sections has their own agendas. Neither is guilt-less; and yet, can we say either is wrong? We have our 'chosen' sides we stick to hoping and praying that the opposite side is defeated, so that we get our 'peace'. Maybe the oppostite side is thinking the same about us. Thats the hard truth.

But, is there a way out of this? Can we have lasting peace for real in this world? Of course we can. Unlike the past, we are in much better position to get peace - world is better connected today! Its through an understanding that all countries need to discard their hatred, over-zealous competitiveness, religious imperialistic ambitions; to understand that we are all humans and have same flesh and blood. The realisation that we all come from the same Creator, that by co-operation and love we can indeed attain peace. That no one is inferior to us, that only one country/religion cannot claim to be the truest and try to rule the rest. Until there is collective realisation and a honest desire to discard hostilities ( based on whatever reasons ) and replace with 'love' - the situation will not change and we'll have to keep seeking lil' moments of 'peace' between never-ending wars. Its easy if one truly has the intent.




❤❀❤ ( Image Copyright – ©Google )

MINUTE BY MINUTE

Minute by minute, I analysed my life...I knew I was different..I wasn't in the rat race...I followed none but my own instincts; I entered this world to tred my own path, and, not to walk the ones laid down by others.

Minute by minute, I analysed my life...going againt the tide..skipping man-made exams ~ a rebel was born; because, I only appear in God's ultimate exam of life...I defied norms... broke rules..challenged the dogma...questioned the system...I was my own system.

Minute by minute, I analysed my life...I looked at others..all looking like clones...doing the same things repeated...there was no sense or purpose other than keep doing what was always being done, I didn't want to join them, no-way!

Minute by minute, I analysed my life...I chose to make my life different...yeah, I swam againt the tide.

Minute by minute, I analysed my life...I was rebuked..and considered vain for I didn't do what the others expected of me...I didn't come to this world to live on their terms....'my life my terms' it was going to be.

Minute by minute, I analysed my life...I was a rebel..a proud one at that...'cos I've not merely existed...I have truly lived and explored it all from depths.






❤❀❤This post is for SixSentence ( Image Copyright – © Google )

MY LETTER 'N'

I like the sound of my name...however, it starts with 'N' which has lots of 'nays' attached. My purpose has been not to drown in them, rather, reverse them...and turn it to my advantage!

So, for me...Its always...


No more tears...

No more fears...

Learn to say NO!

No to Abuse...

No to Hate...

No to Harassment...

Never let anyone bully,

Never let anyone gain an upperhand...

Never be afraid to seek and explore...

Never be afraid to give it back...

Never say never...

Its never too late...

Never give up...

Never loose hope...

Never let adversity affect you...

Never too old to start anew...

Winners never quit... Nothing is impossible...

Cut negativity with an explosion of positivity...

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THE BATTLE OF MAHABHARATA - INTRODUCTION OF THE GITA

Great warriors, valiant men, heroes, and mighty archers - all stood in their ranks on one side, while, the opposite side had equally brave men, distinguished commanders and army officers armed with various weapons, skilled in warfare, the latter having the added advantage of being more in numbers as well.

Couches blew from one side, then, the other, followed by thunderous war cries; beating of drums and trumpets, and uproars of excitement of the impending war.; vibrating across the earth and skies shaking as everyone including those in the celestial realms gazed down from the heavens to watch the war that was about to unfold.

Arjun told Krishna to bring the chariot in between the two armies to have a closer look at who exactly he was fighting against - in the opposing end stood his uncles, grandfathers, teachers, maternal uncles, brothers, sons, grandsons, and other comrades - they were all his kinsmen - he wondered, how to fight his own?

In a moment of weakness, sorrow and dilemma Arjun wanted to give up and lay down his arms as he didn't want to fight his own kin - what would be the use, killing his own relatives, he cast aside his bows and arrows overwhelmed with compassion and despair; he wanted to turn back as he could not fathom enjoying victory after slaying his own close ones.

Krishna urged him not to be a coward - do not grief for those not worthy, if they've done injustice to you, then, its a righteous war and infact its a duty to fight injustice; else, no one will forgive if one abandons their duty; its a sin to tolerate injustice - fight for what's right because, even if someone dies in line of duty and is righteous he is granted heaven; besides the spirit is indestructible - it never dies - so, its no use mourning someone's physical death.

Persuaded and finally convinced by strong encouraging words of Krishna, not to abandon his duty midway out of fear or cowardice, Arjun finally understood what he had to do - he picked his bow and arrow ready to fight and complete his karma and fulfil the purpose he was in that position for!




❤❀❤Ref - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahabharata | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhagavad_Gita | SixSentence ( Image – Google )

THE RIVER CANNOT GO BACK, NEITHER CAN WE!

It is said that before entering the sea
a river trembles with fear.
She looks back at the path she has traveled,
from the peaks of the mountains,
the long winding road crossing forests and villages.
And in front of her,
she sees an ocean so vast,
that to enter
there seems nothing more than to disappear forever.
But there is no other way.
The river can not go back.
Nobody can go back.
To go back is impossible in existence
The river needs to take the risk of entering the ocean
because only then will fear disappear,
because that’s where the river will know
it’s not about disappearing into the ocean,
but of becoming the ocean. - 1y Kahlil Gibran.




How true are these words. We can never go back in time. Whats done is done. We cannot reverse our deeds and actions. We cannot reverse the journey we've travelled, from birth till now. Its all done and dusted. The good the bad. Its there forever etched in history ( of this planet ). Its what has shaped us into who we are now. Its the action we take in the moment, at present, that will decide the future. Like a river in its act to merge into the ocean becomes the ocean itself; its the act we do that'll decide the person we become, in whole - the wholesome personailty. So our present act matters a lot, and we have to do it. Everyone has to do it, everyday of their lives. Every day becomes months then the whole year we've lived. So, do the right action to reap right results and good karma ( vice versa ).

WHY DO PEOPLE MOURN WHEN SOMEONE DIE?

I never understood, why! People howl and cry inconsolably when someone departs or go all sad and depressed, for weeks on end. The whole atmosphere, in a place where death has occurred, becomes gloomy. And it happens almost everywhere, whichever corner of the world it may be.

I, on the other hand, never feel sad. Infact, in the past I used to get freaked out and would never visit, even if it was some close relatives who had died. Infact, I'd just avoid going to that house altogether for years. It was more for the fear of ghosts than anything else. Being fed, since childhood, about the phenomenon of people most likely becoming ghosts after their death, used to scare the hell out of me. However, in the building that I currently live, there has been three deaths back-to-back, and although 2 of the deaths indeed did lead to some really spooky events, my fear has now subsided. I'm good friends with one female, whose father had died and often go to their house, which in the past I'd have never done even in my wildest dreams. Incidentally though, right after her father's death many spooky things had occurred, that made me leave my flat for almost 2 years and go to my native ( will write about them in another post ). But like I said, I'm no longer scared of ghosts and death; and mourn, I never did!

That brings me back to the topic of why people cry when someone dies? Won't they die too one day? I believe, people most of the times conveniently forget that fact. Inspite of history being a witness, that no one escapes death, people like to ignore it and go about their lives, thinking they'll never face it. And when they see it suddenly happen, that too to close ones, they are just not able to accept it. Too much of materialism makes one forget our limited life-span and our spiritual self. I think its better to keep the fact always in mind - that our turn too will come one day, definitely. I do that, hence, I hardly feel sad when I hear news of someone dying. Its like, hey I'm lucky to be still alive. But... till when? hmmm...Stay Connected & Follow my Updates on the blog's GFC | GOOGLE+ | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | NETWORKEDBLOGS

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DEATHS IN THE FAMILY

I remember, it was during Rajiv Gandhi's demise time ( maybe, few months before or after, in the year 91/92 ), my maternal Grand-father ( a widower ) had passed away. I was not particularly close to him and met him only a few times, whenever, my mother would take us to visit him; mostly during alternate Sundays. He used to have a long white beard, somewhat resembling Rabindranath Tagore - whom, we i.e my sister & I, used to refer him as ( in light humour ), when he was alive. I hadn't gone to his funeral ( I was shit-scared of seeing dead bodies - I still am ), so, my mother had gone. Some years later, in the mid-90's, one of my mother's elder sister passed away. She was only 55 or so - had some stones in her kidney ( or was it the gall-bladder? ). Instead of getting medical aid, her family went instead to some natural-healer, who advised them some alternate therapy of blessed-water method ( to melt the stones ) to heal. Sadly, it didn't work and she died. Again, I didn't go to her funeral ( same reason as above ), my mother did.

After coming back from anyone's funeral, my mother would first ring the door-bell and ask us to bring a bucket of water and only after pouring it over her ( over head/clothes and all ), right at the door-step, she'd enter. Sometimes, if we weren't at home, she'd keep the bucket of water outside, so that after she returned from funeral she could use it - for the same reason. It is supposed to be some ritual, necessary to follow, after visiting any place where there's been a death. The logic behind this is to stop any spirits following or getting attached; even though it might be of someone close ( not sure about it though ). More relatives passed away. But they were distant, so I didn't keep track of them, except those most closest or direct ( either from my mother's side or father's ).

My paternal Grand-mother ( a widow ) passed away next. Even her, I had met only a couple of times and didn't really talk much. I remember, once, she had come to stay at our house, 2-3 years before passing away. But she didn't like it much ( adjusting issues ), so, went to stay at her younger son's ( my uncle ) place instead. She had cancer and even after having a treatment for it she didn't survive. Who survives cancer?

Next, I heard about the death of my Buwa ( father's sister ). She lived in our ancestral village, which I hardly visited. Twice, during my school days, I had gone there for my vacations - though, memory has since long faded ( will try to write a separate post on whatever I remember about that village ). As though death was playing hide and seek - once in my father's side then in my mother's side, next, it was the turn of my mother's youngest brother ( she has 2 brothers and 8 sisters - including her ). He was also in his early fifties and rumoredly died of heart-attack. There's also some spook angle to it, as few months before his death, he'd tell to his eldest sister ( who lived in the same compound but another building ), about some tiny black shadowy-beings disturbing him every night, before or during sleep. He gradually went very secretive about it and didn't divulge anymore. And one day, he was found dead. This was just 2-3 years ago. And one year ago, it was turn of my mother's older brother. He had some BP issues since long, and was gone when he was in his mid-seventies. Around the same time, couple of months here and there, my father's younger brother too expired. He died of cancer, in his sixties. So, of total 5 siblings in my father's side - 3 remains and on mother's side, of total 10 - 7!

Meanwhile I saw back-to-back deaths in neighbourhoods of both my houses. In my native, if two of my immediate neighbours died ( both brothers and both of cancer ), along with our old gas-wala whose little girl literally grew up in our house, in my Bombay house, I saw 3 back-to-back deaths in my building itself - with two from the same floor I lived in and that too ones I had talked to as a courtesy, often. There was a death of a 2 year old kid too, who was my friend's nephew; people I knew really close. And one female, who lived as a tenant at my aunt's place ( not far from my house ), committed suicide within weeks of her brother doing the same. That female, I knew quite well.

I know such things ( deaths ) happen to all, as there'd be hardly a single household in this whole world who hasn't seen any deaths ( see daily news ). But still, the knowledge and reality of it all has only made me more and more aware how temporary our time on earth is. And it is really temporary, believe me! I often find myself asking my mother too these days, if its time for her to go as well. I know it sounds weird, odd or what not, but that's a reality that forever stays in my mind - that, my time too shall come, someday ~ soon.
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DEATH IS BEGINING

What do you think happens after one dies? Bring out the best creative imagination to explain. #DeathisBeginning! This post is part of Indispire 48


Well, this topic has always fascinated me. But why does it say bring out the best 'creative imagination'? First of all, there's nothing creative or imaginative about 'death'. It is perhaps the only truth in our lives, that awaits, just around the corner to pounce at us. It is everywhere, lurking. Only, we are being careful 24x7 to avoid it. We take extreme measures, so that it doesn't reach us. But for how long? Even the richest of rich dies one day. Some years ago, just a mosquito bite killed the famed film director Yash Chopra. Death can come in many other ways - lightnings, earthquakes, accidents, murder, diseases, old-age etc; some man-made reasons and some natural. But comes, it does. In our material pursuits of owning every luxury possible and inflating our massive egos to feel superior, we forget this simple fact - that everything is so temporary.

So, what happens after we die? True, nobody knows for sure and maybe that's why it was suggested to write our creative imagination. Well, what I'm going to write next is not creative imagination at all. Its factual as far as I understand. You may believe or not, but for me its stark truth. I'll start off with certain true incidents that I know of, and you can decide for yourself :-)

~~~o~~~

1. My great-grandmother was very ill from the age of 80-84. She was paralyzed and could not get up from bed. Everyone thought her end was near, as she was very frail and weak. And one day she stopped breathing. The doctors checked her pulse and declared her as dead. Naturally, everyone mourned and got ready for her last burial rites. After half an hour or so, her 'arthi' was prepared and people poured in to pay their last respects. And then all of a sudden, my great-grandmother who was paralyzed and could not move an inch for the last few years - got up in her bed and sat. She looked around and asked, what the commotion was all about. Everyone looked stunned, at her. They could not believe their eyes. They told her, that the doctors had said she was dead and her 'arthi' was prepared for burial.
My great-grandmother then narrated an incredible story of what she went through, when everyone had assumed her to be dead already. She said, she was whisked away by someone through a long dark tunnel, and crossed a milky white river of sorts. Someone was waiting on the other side, who then told that she wasn't the correct person they brought and to send her back immediately. And then, my great-grandmother opened her eyes. What she experienced was during that half hour-40minutes phase, when people thought her as dead. That day itself, another neighbour passed away. However, the most stunning thing from this whole episode was ~ my grandmother got up from bed, walked about completely hale and hearty. Her paralysis was completely cured, and she went on to live till about 104 years old, without a single illness/disease. I was fortunate to see her when she was alive, and her story still stuns me. I saw her walking about till such old age, and wonder how she was cured so miraculously. Well, there's certainly some unexplained mystery to it connected to that 'death'.

2. If the previous story was surprising, the next would be simply baffling. This involves my neighbour cum friend, with whom I used to go to school together. We were close, so she trusted me to tell her experience. I never disclose her name while telling her story, because I respect her privacy. But the story is too incredible and needs to be told. It so happens that, when my friend was hardly 2-3 years old ( the time when children begin to talk ), everyday she used to cry that she wanted to go home. Her parents used to console her by saying, she was in her own home only. But she used to wail continuously that it wasn't her home, that her real home was somewhere else. Two/three more years passed, but this continued to happen. She began demanding to be taken home asap. My friend's parents were too confused at what was going on. Why the child spoke like that. After all, she was their own baby and not some adopted kid. So, one day bit frustrated, they asked her to tell where her home was, and that they'll take her there. To their surprise, the girl then blurted out an address, which was not very far from their house ( some 2-3 kms away).

The parents then decided to go and investigate the address, and perhaps find a solution to the matter. They took the child along too. When they reached the gates of the house, my friend got excited and tried to run inside the house. The woman of the house who appeared, she immediately called as mummy. The woman of course, didn't realize what was happening. It was then, my friend's parents told her how their child was stubbornly asking them to take her to her 'real' home for past couple of years, and how she had blurted this particular address - she was still too young to know any address as such. To their amazement, the woman disclosed then that she had a teenage daughter who died exactly around the same time ( few hours difference ), when my friend was born. The daughter behaved as though she was in her own home, in that other woman's place. Rebirth or re-incarnation! They were totally intrigued and the girl still calls that woman her 2nd mother, although, they don't want any public attention to this experience of theirs.

So, what exactly happens after we die? After knowing of such incidents happening to some people ( who've been close to us ), one thing is for sure to me atleast, that death is not the end. It is just the beginning....and maybe there are different paths too that one might take after death - heaven, hell, re-birth etc. Only thing is ~ are we in control of it or someone else?

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SOMETIMES GOD LISTENS TO OUR THOUGHTS AND MAKES US AWARE!

First, lets not get into a debate of existence of God blah blah~ if you know what I mean :p ( saying this, cos' I myself tend to be bit agnostic at times ) :o

So, a few weeks ago, I was admiring the fact that I had no worries in my life ~ esp in health matters. As its been quite a few years, since I really fell ill ( last was in May'2005-jaundice/Mar'2009-chicken pox or was it measles?/April'2010-skin issue due to summer heat :o ). So, I was raving in my thoughts that I've overcome all my weaknesses finally. And I was immune! I admired my legs thinking how lucky I was, compared to many who had polio or some other incapacity. Well, with all that pride, that I had nothing to worry about ~ I was revelling in my own world.

Just a week back ( on 4th or 5th Aug ), my happy world was about to get badly shaken. As usual, I was sitting in my low-stool working on my lappy, which was placed in the edge of my bed. That's my favourite position to work ~ write, that is. After a while, I glanced at my leg and to my surprise I saw a red patch - 'rash' kinda. Weird, I thought, because I had not felt anything ( any insect bite or itching ). It was simply there, staring blankly at me. I ignored it at first and continued working. After few minutes, I glanced at it again - it had gotten bit bigger in size. But there was still no sensation. I touched it softly, and only then it felt bit itchy. But it was not that desperate need to itch - that we usually feel during mosquito bites. I removed my finger and the itch vanished. I started looking at it every few minutes; it seemed to be getting bigger and bigger. Finally, after two hours or so, I got up to fetch some water. That's when I felt it - the pain! A sharp stinging kinda, and I yelped as I crippled into the kitchen. Every step I took, I felt the sting. And the pain was really bad - considering, while walking that particular calf-muscle gets stretched. I came back and sat in front on my lappy again. Once again, I didn't feel anything; though the size had become double that of what it was the first time I saw it. While sitting, I didn't feel any pain. It was as if nothing was wrong.

I didn't know what caused it, but I was sure it wasn't any mosquito. To be on a safer side I, then, later in the night tied a dettol-dipped cotton ball over it. I thought, it'll kill the infection - if there was any ( from whatever bite caused it ). However, I was advised by someone on net, not to use dettol over insect-type bites ( as it may cause gangrenes ). Instead, I was given names of some medicines. I ignored the advice ( as I didn't know if it was insect bite at all ); I didn't want to take any risk; also because, I hated going to doctors or taking oral medicines/
injections. So, that night with a dettol wrapped leg, I slept.

Next morning, I couldn't lift my leg. The wound had become larger ( horizontal area ~ the size of a tennis ball ) and the pain was simply excruciating getting unbearable by the minute. I limped my way around the house whole day, worried out of my mind what caused it. Did the dettol do any harm after all, like that fellow had warned earlier. I panicked. If I was seated, it relieved a bit; but if I stood or walked - it was as though I was in real hell. I got scared, if my leg might need to be amputated. I tried to be as calm as I could, though thousands of worries were bomb-barding my mind. The next few days were simple horrible - I just couldn't walk, because of the pain. I had urgent stuff to do outside, but going out of home was simply unthinkable. Another person from internet, advised me to go to a doctor immediately as matters could aggravate. I didn't use the dettol anymore, and out of sheer fright didn't go to the doctor too. I was constantly checking if I had signs of fever etc - as that could mean something worse to come.

In the meanwhile, by 4th/5th day of suffering ( in this horrible situation ), my vegetables/groceries were running short too; but I couldn't go out to buy them. I remembered, how proud I was feeling, just a few weeks ago; and here I was totally in opposite condition. Stuck and immobile ~ I was at the mercy of home-deliveries. It was then I wondered, if God had heard my thoughts earlier and sent me this punishment to make me 'aware' - that nothing is perfect for ever. That any mishap can happen, at any time. Life or our body is that fragile; so being proud is useless. I felt thoroughly humbled at this realization. If its an insect bite that caused it - then, even a tiny insect can overpower a human! ( We all know how certain insect bites ~ spider/snakes/mosquitoes etc can cause deaths too! )

For almost the whole week, I kept watching the changing shape of my wound, that got bigger and bigger; downright scarier. I tried to assure myself that the white-blood cells present in my body were fighting these foreign elements, and maybe thats why it was paining so much. I clicked pictures of it everyday - although I can't post here; they're really that scary. I did google search on various bite symptoms, trying to match if they resembelled mine, and if so ~ any 'natural' remedies for the same ( I hate doctors/hospitals :o ). I even researched the Ebola virus outbreak ( which came on recent breaking-news ). Yeah, 'paranoid' I was.

On 9th/10th, the wound bled from a tiny opening that had burst itself. I just thought helplessly, lets see where it takes us now. To death or to heal. And no, I hadn't visited any doctor yet, nor used the dettol again. It was like ~ Nature/God, you heal me now, if you want me to remain alive. I swear, I'll never be proud over such things ever in my life and respect you the most. I bow to you, humbled forever. Also, I acknowledge the courageous warrior white-cells, who've fought valiantly, throughout this ordeal. I've noticed that, after the bleed-out, the pain has somewhat eased off a bit - so, maybe that's the poison that was flushed out. It still pained, but I could stand/walk a little more comfortably without wincing.

~ will update what happens next :D

So, the update is - the swollen area has subsided considerably, and the pain too. So, I guess I'm on my way to recovery. Thank you Nature and thank you God for teaching/reminding a valuable lesson.

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MY TAKE ON - IS RELIGION OVER RATED?

What is your take? #ReligionSocialViews ( This post is part of Indispire )

When a baby is born, does s/he have a religion? Answer is NO! Maybe there is a God somewhere who sent the baby on earth ( via all that biology+chemistry union of two human bodies ), but the myriad ways to reach 'HIM' via different cultures, rituals, festivals etc makes religion more a man-made thing as per society that existed in those ancient days.

As s/he grows, the child is then taught what has been passed on through generations as the absolute truth, and he blindly believes it all. But go some distance and you'll come across another culture that teaches a different way, which is also true as per their belief. And it goes on as you travel more. So, it becomes multiple truths but different ways of belief. Nobody knows for sure which is the right way. Some claims only theirs is right, while other's are wrong and you see half the problems in this world happening as a result of it.

I read a girl's post on this topic. Although, she used a slang word in her post title, I mostly agreed with her views.

In the past, maybe it was normal to have rigid views regarding religion. But in today's world, when thanks to technology the world has become such a small place - with so much inter-mingling of population, information exchange etc, I feel there should be some kinda common consensus about religion by all world religious leaders. Its just not possible that there can be so many different religions while we all came from the same Almighty. Someone, somewhere is definitely wrong regarding religions and its practices and maybe someone is right too. But how do we find exactly ~ who is right and who is wrong? We cannot be so rigid about our beliefs anymore and hang on to it as absolute truth. Religion is more I think the lifestyle we live - a social practice now, nothing to do with God really.

My born religion says there are about 33 crore Gods & Goddesses. Although, it has another belief too that there's one supreme God. But various practices/rituals diverts from that main God. Personally I don't believe in such rituals. And thankfully I'm not forced to believe them. But there are other religions who aren't as lenient. And therein lies the trouble. Beliefs should not be forced on anyone.

I studied in a convent and learnt about Jesus. I regarded the religion as a childish fairy tale - what with Christmas, Santa Claus, gifts, cakes etc. My beliefs were agnostic and was always up for a debate on religion. There are controversial verses in almost all religions and it is quite interesting to dissect those - they give glimpses into ancient people's imagination that sometimes ran wild. However, certain incidents in my life and a prayer ( that proved miraculous ) later, led me close to the same belief I thought as childish earlier - and no its not my born religion. For me its a very personal thing. And am still searching answers ~ researching.

I won't rubbish away God, but many practices of different religions definitely needs rubbishing away ~ especially things that confuse and divides us! Those are man-made politics and social-system, having nothing to do with GOD - the one who made us. Our relation with the one who created us is very personal. We don't need a garb of religion for that.
And, yes we can criticize man-made and man-complicated beliefs & practices like religion without being abusive :-)

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S - SCRIPTURES, SEX AND SPOOKY SATAN

:: Today is S - SCRIPTURES, SEX AND SPOOKY SATAN ::

Earlier I used to laugh off whenever I heard of Jesus, Adam, Eve, Garden of Eden, The Apple and of course Satan. Studying in convent school, I heard of these more than my own hindu Gods n Goddesses. We learnt a lot ( though not in details ) about the biblical scriptures. Anyhow, I grew up kinda agnostic person, so scoffed at all religions ( including mine ). Although, in the meanwhile, I found myself getting bit curious about the paranormal!

It was my interest in hypnotism that actually led me towards paranormal stuff. I had bought almost 5 books on hypnotism ( from basic to advanced course ), and thought of practicing it. Weird stuff soon started happening around me. It seemed unknowingly I had opened up a portal. Things got so creepy that I had to abandon it totally, without even trying to find the answers as to why those things occurred.

Recently, in my new house after a long gap, lots of strange incidences started occurring. Though not a believer, I ended up saying every prayer on earth – but those disturbances continued. So much so that for almost two years I locked up the place and moved off to my native place. One day I thought to myself, not to be scared anymore and decided to come back – be more braver! So, I came back. I had some personal issues going on that time that left me bit depressed. But I decided to make a fresh start anyways.

So, once I was back, nothing happened for a while. But then suddenly, it started again. Being brave, I dared anything to harm me – I'm scared of no-one, I’d think aloud. Nightmares had turned into day-mares too – i.e things started happening in broad day-light, when I was wide-awake. I wanted to find a solution to all these disturbances, so looked at internet for help. I tried to find if people went through what I was going through, and what was the solution if they did. I didn’t find anything of help when I tried to search solution in hindu spiritual books. But to my utter surprise studying some Christian books/scriptures answered so many of my doubts & questions. Christianity explains the paranormal much better than any other religion – that’s my conclusion.

What I used to make fun off earlier – I now studied in depth. No, I didn’t read the Bible straight-away. I began with books on Demonology, Satanism, Exorcism etc. Mind you these are no child’s-play. And I’m saying after researching a lot. Never dabble in those! ( though it is important to be aware ). Today, I find truth in Scriptures that speak of Satan luring Eve to eat the Apple – which led to SHAME & SEX. Some people may not believe it, and say its un-scientific blah blah etc, but I don’t care. Coming from where I am, and the experiences I had - I know, there’s got to be truth in those ancient scriptures. I’ve discarded my own religion because none of those prayers worked for me – yet, a Christian exorcism prayer ( which is not my birth religion ) has been miraculously protecting me.

I learnt and know a lot of things that I'm currently not writing here - but only one I thing I wanna add here is that, there's lot of connection between scriptures, sex and satan, and it applies to the modern world too - regardless of how scientific or materialistically advanced we've become!



This post is part of the A-Z challenge for April'2014. Except Sundays, post everyday with 26 alphabets.

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FEAR NOT!

I recently came across this following picture in a social networking site :


Pretty interesting right? You almost agree with it, but wait, let us take them point by point!


1. Would you stay in the dark? Then please cut your electricity off. Never use any type of lights/lamps ever again in your house. Its not fear, its just the precaution not to stumble upon things and injure oneself. Yes, one may fear hidden creatures too lurking in the dark. But then why not? Its just not ghosts, but may be real people hiding too and can cause harm. Nothing wrong in being 'alert'.

2. Go to the terrace of your house or a tall building, and keep walking. Even when you reach the edge, simply don't stop. Just keep walking. Nobody would do that right? We know for a fact, one step beyond the edge and we'll break our neck. So, its 'logic' that stops us, not fear.

3. Would you trust any random stranger you meet on the road? Would you invite that person to your home or start talking? Would you talk to just anybody around you? No, right? Firstly, we have no real reason to do that. Unless you allow, they can't approach you either, so there's no question of fear of rejection.

4. Okay, got me on this one, lol. What the fcuk is love? For me to be honest, nothing like love exist. Its just either lust or people using one another as per their convenience. You dont love anyone in truest sense of the word, in the first place at all. So why expect it back in return? True unconditional love is only between a parent and child. All other 'loves' are momentary, ( for selfish gratification and killing loneliness - lets face it ) in fulfilling one's needs ( mostly physical ) and fizzles out all too soon.

5. Many people ultimately do let go. First few days may be hard and depressing, but eventually, everyone has to. There's nothing to fear here, maybe we miss the 'use' that person was to us and not the person per se. Lets admit it, its more a selfish kinda reason that we hang on to. Anyway nothing we do, can bring a dead one back. So, time forces everyone to move on.

6. Useless point I say! Most people in this world do keep trying. Some losers/cowards may get afraid and give up, commit suicide etc or some may even use shortcut tricks ( theft, robbery ) to get/achieve stuff they cannot in legitimate way ( some may even become violent in frustration ). But human race has survived till this day 'cos they never gave up. Its a pure 'survival of fittest' show running, with everyone a participant in that race.


Lastly, just as the Earth experiences different seasons like summer, winter, autumn, spring etc , ( all are important ), similarly human beings experiences different emotions like happiness, sadness, anger and fear. And all are important to truely experience the journey called life. Regarding pain/sadness, if you dont experience pain, how will you know or value happiness? Anything in extreme is always unhealthy. Thus, a balance is maintained to experience it all. Fear/Sadness is as important as happiness/peace, as we dont live in Uotpia, we live on Earth!

He who is scared of death and pain, are paranoid. I welcome pain and death. I know its importance, so I don't lose sleep over it, and I'm at peace. Dying is important for new life to come in. Since earth is limited in size, God can't make each of us immortal. And he wants all the new souls he manufactures in his lab to enjoy life as well. Thus, those who were sent earlier are taken back after some time so that new ones come in. Death is also intended to keep us more humble and acknowlegde that theres something more powerful than us. If there was no death, all of would have been egostic morons.

So, there I answered all the points. Do add your agrees or disagrees to the points :-)

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