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!

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The year that was…

Tangerine Newt@unsplash.com

Grappling with the virus for a couple of years now, we are still trying to understand its variants and mutations. Scientists around the world are working tirelessly to bring in a panacea of sorts. While the vaccine does mitigate the effect of the attack, convincing the masses to take the jab, has also been a daunting task. Every time we seem to tread towards a semblance of normalcy, a new strain comes out, causing dread among the people.

Plans went awry, virtual and online modes became a way of life, mental health challenges came to the fore, sealed borders kept family members away, livelihoods were lost, dreams crushed… life derailed for many. The world experienced devastating effect of the virus. While we heard many endearing instances of people fight a brave battle against the invisible enemy, death knocked on the doors for many. The medical fraternity rising above their call of duty with relentless service, the common man joining hands together to garner help in every way possible was truly heartwarming, filling us with the hope that not all is lost. Man has learnt to accept, adapt and bounce back with resilience.

A cauldron of emotions flowed out during the year. Pain, agony, grief, heartbreak, fear and anxiety dominated our lives. Yet, on the other hand, bravery, kindness, empathy and selfless helping hands also rose up, adding a silver lining to the otherwise bleak scenario.

As we get ready to bid adieu to 2021, I look back at the year that it was and move forward with my learnings from it.

The pandemic definitely taught us to be prepared for unpredictability. Going by man’s callous attitude towards the environment, the frenzied pace at which he seems to be devouring the resources of the planet, volatility could just become a part of life. We need to brace ourselves with it.

Health is a priority. Invest in it, indulge in self-care, exercise without excuses. Make” balance and moderation” a key motto in life.

 Each new dawn we wake up breathing, is a precious gift. Appreciate the gift of today, be mindful of the blessings it showers on us and lace it with a prayer of gratitude.

We create excess baggage in life, burdening ourselves with never ending desires and frivolous wants. The pandemic taught us that one can lead a very comfortable life, being a minimalist.

Seek happiness in little joys, befriend a positive attitude, contribute to sustainability, lend a helping hand, stay away from all forms of toxicity and cherish the love and blessings of family and friends.

Finally reflect within. Along with material wealth, enrich your soul with spiritual growth as well.

As I type this, the Omicron strain is gripping the world at large. Hoping that the effect of this strain, will not be as bad as its predecessor.

Here is wishing you all a very happy and healthy 2022! Take care and stay safe !

Will you ever learn?

Through the lens of the dog…

Oh Man! You are the dumbest species I have seen.

Your insensitive attitude towards your home, your planet continues to baffle me.

You build vast technology driven systems, things work at the press of a button, yet you seem to have lost the connect with your life.

The buildings you construct kiss the sky, but from above, you’ve failed to keep tab on the ground realities that are so vital for survival.

You bulldoze the greens in the name of development, failing to realize that you are axing the supply of air needed for your children tomorrow.

Money, power and expansion seems to be your only mantra, forgetting the core values of humanity.

With medical advancement, sadly the lines at hospitals have also grown longer.

Gadgets seem to control your lives, people hardly matter.

Climate change, covid, growing inequality, water shortage, increasing pollution and plastic choking all seem to attract headlines as breaking news or conclude in conclaves of world dignitaries to meet and discuss. Most times the measures to curb the problems are just on paper.

Man, why do you not learn from the catastrophes that have befallen you? I am indeed appalled at your callousness.

We animals may not be as intelligent as you are, but we are definitely wiser.

You live as if there is no tomorrow.  Hope your children don’t pay the price of your mistakes.

Oh Man, Will you ever learn?

Sadje’s WDYS #105

“Trained” to be on the run…

Before the pandemic struck us, a typical scene from any city around the globe was very similar. At the end of a long day at work, a swarm of people would rush to the stations, their heads down, glued to their mobiles.  Oblivious of their surroundings or fellow passengers, most of them would be immersed in work or on a call. Sapped of energy, they would chug along to reach home, every day, defining life, in its mundanity.

The pandemic brought the life’s train to a grinding halt. The sudden impact left man totally lost, throwing him completely off track. The lock down has to a great extent, initiated a change to his perspective on life and its meaning. All this time he was chasing a mirage, mistaking success for happiness, in the bargain turning a blind eye to those little things, that added value to life.

Today, man has slowed down the pace at which he is traversing on this journey of life. He has realised if his life’s train derails and its journey comes to an abrupt end, before reaching its last station, his pursuit for hollow victories may after all be in vain.

Life is a sojourn between birth and death. One should enjoy the beauty of the changing landscape, being present each moment, for each stop brings with it an experience, before its time for us to alight at the final destination.

Sadje’s WDYS #63

Lessons to be learnt…

pexel.com

We the flowers come in a

myriad hues, making us special.

Our fragrance, rarity or looks

further enhance our beauty.

Never do we compete

with one another but

complement and complete

each other, holding hands.

Be it at the altar or in a bouquet,

at the shrine or a festival.

At the garden swaying

in harmony to the

gentle breeze and admiring glances,

we infuse happiness and smiles

across the miles!

I often ponder, that there is so much for us to learn from these pretty flowers. Some are wild, some so delicate, some are short lived while some stay bloomed for months, the fragrance of some mesmerize while some others are an epitome of beauty. Each one so unique and beautiful in their own way and yet all of them, so happy with their “being”, without an iota of envy creeping in.

They seem to be the perfect example of unity and beauty in diversity.

Then why is Man, the most intelligent species, always competing with each other to be one up? Why does he fail to learn from all other components of nature who live in perfect harmony?

Are we really the most intelligent?

The Solo Trip!

In response to Kat’s twittering tale # 131. Write a tale in 280 letters or less.

Photo by Adhitya Andanu at Pexels.com

Her first solo trip abroad, had taught Annie life skills and learning beyond the two decades of formal education.

Missed flight, incessant weather, bitter experience, helpful people, diverse culture, dealing with situations….it was a mixed bag.

She was now ready to take on life!

Letter count 280