D-Darkness!

A to Z Challenge 2022 – Nature and I

Cherry Laithang@unsplash.com

Darkness and light are an integral phenomenon of nature. Darkness is essential to appreciate light. Metaphorically, the problems or pain in life is akin to darkness. The hurdles or challenges people undergo are universal. Nobody’s life is all light and bright. Shadows eclipse our life without a warning. Many a time, when the fear of being devoured by the tunnel of blackness grips us, light seems elusive. We feel vulnerable under its burden. Anxiety, fear and pain confounds us when we are hit by a stumbling block, be it an illness, broken relationship or financial set back. But one must always remember, behind every dark patch, there is a warm grace of sun waiting to shine upon us. Being able to tap into our hidden inner strengths, to overcome the problem on hand, being open to the learnings from it, helps us put on the armor of resilience to bounce back stronger.

In pain there is power of healing – Wayne Dyer

It is easier said than done. While in pain we wallow in a whining emotion. We further go down into the abyss of nihility. Yet, somewhere from the corner of our heart, we hear a faint whisper or a tiny ray of light urging us to walk towards it. The struggles we endure, helps us grow.

All darkness vanished, when I saw the light within my heart. – Kabir

The glitter of the twinkling stars and the radiance of the moon can be appreciated only in the blackness of night. They are not intimidated by the darkness and shine to their full potential radiating a luminous sparkle. Often, they are a beacon of light to the lost soul.  

somber feelings flood

tiny ray of hope conquers

resurgence of light

You can read my earlier posts of the challenge here.

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Theme Reveal: A to Z Challenge 2022!

I am happy to be taking part in the A-to-Z challenge 2022, through the month of April. This is my second appearance here. Last time was in 2017, where my theme was Kaleidoscope of Life. You can read the posts here.

To me nature has a magical connotation. It is much more than the surroundings around me. Every aspect, each layer of nature is interspersed with a deeper meaning, to understand and acknowledge with gratitude.

Life is defined by challenges at every step. Targets, deadlines, distractions keep us busy along with, loads of stress, that has become a way of life today. We are all fighting our emotional battles in life. Some falter, some are overwhelmed by its pressure while others succumb under its burden. But one who seeks the benevolent grace of nature, shifts his focus to listen to nature speak, basks under its healing marquee, emerges stronger with a resilient temperament. That is the power of nature’s magic.

“The antidote to exhaustion isn’t rest. It’s nature.” – Shikoba

I would be delighted to have your company on this month-long expedition of mine in exploring various facets of nature. So, hop on with me, as I let go myself through my thoughts, emotions and reflections into the welcoming arms of nature, admiring her alluring beauty, witnessing her naked vulnerability, shivering under her wrathful fury, appreciating her feral wilderness, and experiencing her serene persona. Enjoy the hues of the kaleidoscopic nature through my musings, poems and photographs through this odyssey. I have included a few of my poems from my blog which were very apt for this theme.

Be with me on my journey of transformation, with nature as a muse, healer, teacher, nurturer and protector. I tread deep into nature’s bosom to find some answers. Be a witness to how nature has helped me unlearn, learn, grow as a person. Each inhalation infused with nature’s blessing, helped me connect better with myself. This challenge is a dedication to Mother Nature who has been instrumental in discovering a new me, hence my theme for this year is Nature and I!

5th Anniversary!

Doodle by my daughter

8^th May, 5 years ago, I took my first step into world of blogging.  From my first post, to about 850+ posts till date, from an absolute novice to a published writer along with many online publications now, it has been an incredible journey of learning and growth.

As my blog Radhikasreflection celebrates its 5^th anniversary today, I would like to thank each one of my readers for their constant support and feedback throughout. Some of you have been with my here, right from my initial days.  Heartfelt gratitude to you my dear friends. Will look forward to your amazing company in the journey ahead too.

I sit at my table, in the alcove by the window

as the white curtain sways to the zephyr,

wafting in, with the fragrances of a world beyond,

drenched in life’s palette, in a motley of colors.

My ears soak in those whispers of thoughts,

their essence permeates into my being.

 I gather the scattered unspoken words together

cajoling them into an expressive frame.

I breathe life into them, birthing my poems,

radiating a genuine warmth of emotions,

that emanate from the core of my soul.

My cup of gratefulness overflows with your support. So a big thank you to all my blogger friends. Do let me know what do you like about my writing?

I would like to leave you with a special request.  India is grappling under an intense wave of the deadly pandemic, do take a few minutes to send out a healing prayer to India and the world. Hoping all the collective efforts will help us come out of this dark phase soon. Thank you!!

Stay safe and stay blessed ❤ !

From Reel to Real!

kellierae@pixabay.com

As an actor, my career spanned decades

with many characters portrayed on screen.

Some I molded into seamlessly,

others tested my abilities intensely.

A few, I am proud to have essayed

while regrets defined others.

I grew…

as strands of yarn from every script nested into my thoughts,

crocheting patterns into my core.

Their fragrance wafted into my breath,

slivers of joy and sorrow, filled in my emotional palette.

A fragment from each portrayal, scripted my growth…

I grew from a reel actor to a real human!

V’J’s weekly challenge : Nesting

Commit!

Commit yourself to a cause, relationship, fitness, diet or a belief and let the results surprise you!

(An acrostic poem)

 

Conviction in your belief

Overcoming apprehension

Making way for a disciplined regimen

Meaningful path chartered

Impressive strides taken

Triumphant victory prevails!

WPC – Growth

When practice makes you perfect,

when experience makes you wiser,

when a new life sprouts,

when you reach out to help,

when there is a spiritual connect,

when you do not sway amidst temptations,

when learning fosters knowledge,

when forgiving is a virtue you acquire,

when you conquer your ego,

when you multiply happiness,

when you respect the environment,

when you are at peace with yourself,

there is true growth and evolution!