Nature Call

{Flashback- a decade back: schooldays

Settings-Me and my friend sitting on a rock, silently observing the stream pattern surrounding us.}

Hours passed by in muted admiration; occasionally interrupted by splashes in the brook -their source ranging from unconsciously thrown stones to self-inspired frogs. Finally, it was the turn of my friend to break the web. ‘‘Chale’’(shall we move) -was the concise utterance: suggesting more of an obligation than a desire. But this was enough to pull me back to the real world. It now visibly transpired that the silhouette had turned prominent. Yes, time to retreat lest to face the wrath of parents on being so late. Verifying by my watch -lo indicated the lanky needles aligned in the direction of fingers, as if also pointing to move on. Thus with heavy steps but pleasing mind, we headed to our recourse and so did the flock of birds above us!

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How often I have yearned for the joys of getting wet under monsoon showers, of winter days spent idling-basking in the lushly green park , the early chirping of birds in perfect symphony or standing aside the shore-listening to the roar of billowing sea waves. To me, these have been some of the rhapsodic moments of rendezvous with nature: its beauty, charm and beingness. To awe and revere something beyond the acquired rational realm : something more in those falling drops of heaven apart from 2 parts of hydrogen and 1 part of oxygen.

Nature is truly an astute mentor: it doth teach her lessons in subtle ways, only to leave ‘the good sense’ with a responsibility to take heed and cue of it: be it a dream that led Buddha’s awakening, a water surge to make delirious Archimedes exclaim Eureka or a lightning stroke to enlighten Benjamin’s views on electricity. Some of the finest poetic work, songs and hymens of yore owe their inspiration to the beauty of nature. Admittedly, human life or to say the entire bio-life is symbiotically related to and dependent on nature. It sits, feeds, nurtures, prospers, heals and ultimately decays in the lap of Mother Nature.

While the intellectuals have incisively drawn lessons from nature, I am but a dumb fella. To me such teachings are confined to some of the most obvious and deducible terms, such as:

- That underlying is order, harmony and balance. The unceasing revolution of planets in the solar system, the changing yet defined cycles of seasons, and the equilibrium of human body temperature bears a testimony in itself.

-That greatness lies in giving more than you receive. We throw stones at trees and they return their generosity in form of luscious fruits. We are bestowed with copious sunlight and free but vital air.

-That inherent is an interdependence among the entities-term it food chain, feelings, gravitational forces or whatever.

-That in life, a rise is invariably accompanied by a fall, night by day, and birth by death. Wisdom demands not to be swayed by such vicissitudes of life, but to maintain one’s Tao: accepting this whole as interplay of nature itself.

Today we witness concerns being raised for endangered wildlife, Global warming, water crisis, etc. But friends, this is something for which we (the humans) have been responsible, and we only need to rectify. Nature, in its pristine sense has been unadulterated and assaying for balance. Unfortunately, our crass needs have been myopic enough to ignore the perils of future; upon tampering with its serenity. Still, better late than never! Life is busy for many of us, I know. There are deadlines to be met, tasks pending and compromises made. But once in a while lets halt and listen. So why don’t we shut down MS windows for a while and open My Sensory windows…. Did you just hear anything? I guess: its Nature call.

The Lords of the Roads

The bike kept honking furiously at all possible decibel levels. But the holy cow somehow preferred to stay oblivious to these utterances. Pressurized by the swarm of vehicles heading to a formation, it was now left to me to make a right decision: the choice of breaching the code adopted under ‘Indian traffic rules’ and taking the ‘right’ (one with an antonym left and not wrong) side. The portly man in gray shorts, otherwise lethargic, promptly came into act: whistle screeched, brakes were applied and words were exchanged: the final outcome was a penalty of 100 bucks to me. Good Heavens! Welcome to the world of stray quadrupeds….an indispensable part of this commuting community. Out of sheer faith on the more evolved Darwinian fraternity (in judgment to apply brakes as and when required) the less evolved loiter nonchalantly in commuting domains. But when it really comes to thinking smart, the later invariably tend to outdo the former, by moving in a direction that one otherwise choose-considering it as the case of least probability. Ranging from highways to the least accessible streets, you can find them engrossed in pristine solitude to conducting esoteric groups meetings.

Very often you find a cow skillfully creating subtle patterns on road from otherwise potential bio-energy source, or dogs involved in ‘who-is-superior’ bouts to woo their would be partner. Quite often they choose to cross the road in sudden fist of mind, ignoring all kind of traffic signals or vehicles for that matter. And when you happen to intrude their ‘space’ or interfere with their slumber, you are met with a kind of indignant askance look, as if you have made a case for prosecution against violation of individual rights.

Well people, by rambling on this seemingly trivial issue, I mean no harm to the ‘stray community’, neither do I intend to blame those guys for the situation. After all, they also own a right to live as bestowed by nature to one and all. But the point is: why after all are they rendered to live a life of aspersions? Why they have to live precariously at the mercy of some external reflexes? Verily, the victims of circumstances beyond their and also to an extent our control; prudence lies in finding a solution thereafter-reader which I choose to leave unto you.

Can you make a difference??

Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to
do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began
his work. One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach
and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at
the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked
faster to catch up.

As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man,
and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was
reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing
them into the ocean.

He came closer still and called out “Good morning! May I ask what it
is that you are doing?”
The young man paused, looked up, and replied  “Throwing starfish into the ocean.”
“I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?” asked the somewhat startled wise man.
To this, the young man replied, “The sun is up and the tide is going
out. If I don’t throw them in, they’ll die.”

Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, “But, young man, do you not
realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish
all along every mile? You can’t possibly make a difference!”
At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and
threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, “It made a difference to her”

In vogue!

A common man’s activities are generally guided with an aim to influence someone or the other…let’s picture ourselves being aloof in a deserted island (yeah, you guessed it right…one of my cast away fantasies). I wonder how many/much of us will be really concerned to just comb properly or dress up decently for that matter? Not me at least!

So some part of us is consciously or subconsciously engaged in impressing others (particularly to ‘significant ones’), or what termed as ‘attention-seeking’ desire. This behavior is apparent right from the childhood: when a child upon falling, looks around for someone before deciding ‘to cry or not to cry’. This pattern seems something that is generic; and certainly no harm in that….unless the reasoning is flawed!

Verily, the law holds in the world of attires also. So at times I wonder that for a same set of standards (almost), why a person would prefer a ‘brand name’ at a higher stake than the ‘less known’ (given that one has both power and willingness to spend).

Fashion per se arises and keeps changing as a result of a hip-hop culture and now has less to do with the comfort-zone and needs. That’s why one goes nuts to scissoring his ‘at one-time favorite’ jeans, just to keep up with the trend thing. Movies or in general mass media plays a pivotal role in passing this baton. The cine icons know how to arrest the gaudy attentions of the audience primarily based on visual gratifications…and have patented the formula to ensure the bucks. But the naïve audience takes the bait and assumes the success mantra of becoming famous having to do with the way they dress up. Pretty simple and straight, only a moron will not take….if the supposed outcomes are met out! Alas they are now in this trap, where everybody from the performers, manufacturers, sellers and even observers seem to be benefited. Is he(or she) himself really benefited…well I have my doubts. So there has to be some substance in a norm to put on decent attire on job interviews, academic campus, weddings, family occasions and such ‘prestige matters’ thing. Otherwise ‘dress code’ would not be a concern for such sacrosanct institutes.

Changes are welcome and accepted for better, but not at the cost of one’s identity. So its good when we tend to become global by accepting things from all corners, top to bottom and left to right: but then why us only? Don’t we have good things to pursue from our roots, or for that matter upholding our traditions and culture? Is ‘goodness’ allowed to the extent that one has to face the altar? When Japanese can march with their culture intact and still succeed, why not others! So just for the sake of being flexible, a tree should not allow itself to be uprooted-true not to be stubborn lest to be truncated by a gale.

Lessons from Chemistry

Ever since I got introduced to the intriguing world of chemistry as a distinct branch of science, there has been a subtle shift in propensity towards the subject. At the outset, I treated it just one of those subjects we used to cram for securing good grades. Later I came to realize that there is much more than mere chemical formulas and equations from this stream in offering. Suddenly I found myself tying in some of the seemingly abstract theories to some kinda transcendental concepts. (Ya, ya…I go insane at times, no big deal) Having drawn these interpretations yore, I would like to divulge my findings. Though the concepts in themselves may sound esoteric to some of us (esp. non-sciences background), but I still would try to evince them in the simplest possible way.

Concept of threshold energy: It states that, for a chemical reaction to ‘go forwards’ the participating molecules need a certain minimum amount of activation energy, attaining which the reaction accomplishes even with the release of energy (in case of exothermic reactions.). In our day-to-day life too, we confront situations that demand minimum threshold (activation) energy. Once that barrier is overcome, the process in itself accompanies smoothly resulting in a concrete output. Generally it is the first step that is most difficult to take. Like if I plan to get up early in the morning, I may feel some resistance initially. But once I make a habit in itself, things are likely to fall in their right places.

Catalyst: These are certain substances that alter the rate of a reaction without taking actual participation in it. Our lives should also be manifested in such a way that we actively engage in discharging our duties, but without getting attached to the consequences. Liberating ourselves from brooding over the results and concentrating on the efforts, we can perform in a better way. Considering ourselves just as an agent to act than doer, we are less likely to be swayed by feelings of joys and sorrow and maintain our composure towards fulfilment of objective(s).

Anomalous behavior of water: It is sometimes awe-inspiring to observe how nature strikes a perfect harmony to sustain the entire ecosystem. The tilt of earth at a particular angle, intricate mechanism of human body, or for that matter the anomalous behavior of water bears a testimony to this. It is because of this only, aquatic life survives even in severe winters when the water body starts freezing, so that ice floats at top and unfreeze water at 4 degree centigrade tends to be at nadir kudos to its higher density!

Bonding: Ionic bond(complete transfer)> covalent bond(sharing)>coordination bond(partial sharing). Similar is the pattern observed in our life-long relationships. The unalloyed love and selfless service to humanity imbibe stronger bonding than relations based on mutual obligations. It is when we raise these relations beyond the web of expectations and appeasement, we achieve a state of ‘unconditional love’. Just like a mother nurtures her child accepting several sacrifices that come way, and we happen to witness one of the deepest bonding in the history of relationships.

Ground state: Electron that has a tendency to be in lowest energy state (stable), upon excitation does reach a higher state, but then this is an unstable state where from it can release energy to retreat the ground state. Here the allegory can be taken for our manas or atma, primitively orienting for peace and harmony. Though easily perturbed by worldly chores, they have a tendency of retiring to the pristine state. So its better to follow one’s intrinsic nature than imitating others. After all, each one of us here is for a distinct cause…. isn’t?

Duality of Matter: Matter exists both as wave and particle (known as wave-particle duality) and either of the state is incomplete to define the true behavior of matter. Similarly several aspects in this universe are based on broader perspective and a parochial view is not enough to pass a verdict on an issue. Finite can never measure the infinite. Hence we should be open and look for the other part of spectra as well and subsequently follow a path of integrated approach. Just like each finger of a hand has its significance, but only when they join together form a fist.

Too much of rambling over the subject, huh?…Of course there may be umpteen ways of further interpreting or otherwise also these empirical observations…..I leave it for you guys(if really interested) to decode beyond the atomic level!…its already late by my standards… now…after much of chemistry, time to quench some biological needs…. I log off…zzzzzzzzzzzzz

The most beautiful flower

The park bench was deserted as I sat down to read
Beneath the long, straggly branches of an old willow tree.
Disillusioned by life with good reason to frown,
For the world was intent on dragging me down.
And if that weren’t enough to ruin my day,
A young boy out of breath approached me, all tired from play.
He stood right before me with his head tilted down
And said with great excitement, “Look what I found!”

In his hand was a flower, and what a pitiful sight,
With its petals all worn – not enough rain, or too little light.
Wanting him to take his dead flower and go off to play,
I faked a small smile and then shifted away.
But instead of retreating he sat next to my side
And placed the flower to his nose
And declared with overacted surprise,
“It sure smells pretty and it’s beautiful, too.
That’s why I picked it; here, it’s for you.”

The weed before me was dying or dead.
Not vibrant of colors: orange, yellow or red.
But I knew I must take it, or he might never leave.
So I reached for the flower, and replied, “Just what I need.”

But instead of him placing the flower in my hand,
He held it mid-air without reason or plan.
It was then that I noticed for the very first time
That weed-toting boy could not see: he was blind.
I heard my voice quiver; tears shone in the sun
As I thanked him for picking the very best one.

You’re welcome,” he smiled, and then ran off to play,
Unaware of the impact he’d had on my day.
I sat there and wondered how he managed to see
A self-pitying woman beneath an old willow tree.
How did he know of my self-indulged plight?
Perhaps from his heart, he’d been blessed with true sight.

Through the eyes of a blind child, at last I could see
The problem was not with the world; the problem was me.
And for all of those times I myself had been blind,
I vowed to see the beauty in life,
And appreciate every second that’s mine.
And then I held that wilted flower up to my nose
And breathed in the fragrance of a beautiful rose
And smiled as I watched that young boy,
Another weed in his hand,
About to change the life of an unsuspecting old man.

—————————Cheryl L. Costello Forshey

Beyond fear….there is win!

This Sunday as our eyes met, it was all together a different story!! The two(not the eyes: later) being still thither-motionless and dead still. I, for a moment was flabbergasted by the metamorphosis. For this was in stark contrast to the happenings of the past!! The past…wherein they use to flutter haphazardly even at the very footsteps from an acoustical distance, was lo reposing ‘the pigeon pair’ at the zenith of my almirah shelf. Inquisitively I went probing for this shift in demeanor, and on close surveillance discovered to my surprise- that the two were no longer two!! Perching inside the nest created stealthily, they were now fostering their young ones. Smilingly, I deduced a lesson for myself: that fear can be overcome by pure love and deep sense of responsibility.

Of course, people may have certain personal fears: be it fear of death, fear of rejection, fear of cockroaches or for that matter even fear of fear(phobophobia). Now while to an extent it is justifiable and may be attributed to our past experiences, upbringing, personal traits,etc. but then the cocoon must break at some point of time. The point is how to actually ‘break the cocoon’.In Gita also, Lord Krishna puts the virtue of fearlessness as the first and foremost in the list of virtues that must be cultivated to attain the ‘highest order’. (See Gita, 16:1)

Pundits like Shiv Khera speak about fear as False Evidence Appearing Real. Often, it is our lack of action/conviction that aggravates the situation. Our fear is just like a parasite, the more you feed it, the more it grows and takes hold of you…but the moment you stop feeding it consciously, it starves and then fades in oblivion.Now certainly the challenge is how to overcome fear?

Well one trick(that i’ve hinted at the outset) is to develop love and sense of responsibility. Let’s say one has fear of public speaking. So the way out is certainly not to avoid but rather develop an urge or predilection for it. Love your content and most importantly love your audience. Once it occurs, there is no way to stop you from having a blast! Identify your fears, and the root-cause underlying. Once these are established, strive to get the better of those discrepancies with firm determination in mind, for fear is only as deep as mind allows. Most important is to convert your thoughts into action. Accept failures as they come across, learn from past mistakes and focus on efforts than results. Keep trying relentlessly, having faith in your capabilities and of course ‘The Almighty’. Be in touch of motivating people, inspiring literature and with the nature.(Nature has subtle charming ways of teaching some of the real life lessons, that I will expatiate sometime later!)

“The Lord is my helper, and I am not afraid of anything that mere man can do to me”(Hebrews, 13:6, Bible)

Expand yourself in manifold dimensions: be it physically, mentally and spiritually. No one is born with all the virtues but then, this is the beauty of life that we have real task at our hands. The sketch is there, but colours ought to be filled. So, follow your ‘inside music’ and let it unleash for a better cause. I’m myself trying for that. At times I succeed, many a times I fumble…but yes, I do keep trying!!
Remember, fear can be justified but it can give you no justice!!