Sabarimala- A Buddhist Temple?

“Kallum Mullum Kaalukku Methai, Swamiye Ayyapo

Ayyappo Swamiye, Swami Saranam, Ayyappan Saranam

Swamiye Saranam, Saranam Ayyappa”

The holy lines are delivered by the devotees of Lord Ayyappa as they cross the Pampa river banks on their way to Sabarimala. The lines mean - "The gravel and thorns on my path to Ayyappa feel like some cushiony mattress." The devotees go puff-pant with anticipation and a smile on their faces reciting the chorus- Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa.

 Sabarimala is open to the devotees only during Mandala Pooja which is between November- January; and on the first day of every malayalam month.  

Let's deliberate on what makes Sabarimala so famous amongst its devotees all over South India. Is it the meaningful 18 holy steps( patthinnetu thripadi) leading one to the sanctum sanctorum; or  the exceptionality of the temple as compared to other Hindu temples across India? The deity who resides within the Holy shrine of Sabarimala is none other than Lord Ayyappan or the HariHara Putran( Son of Lord Vishnu and Shiva). According to the Mythological legend, Lord Vishnu appeared as Mohini at the time of churning the ocean of milk who enticed the Asuras so that the nectar that was primed could be taken away from the Asuras and be given to the Devas to slain a demoness called Mahishi. Mahishi was given a boon by Lord Brahma that no one could exterminate her except for the offspring of Vishnu and Shiva. When Mahishi started creating troubles in Devaloka, the Devas turned to Vishnu for help. Post the seizure of the Holy Nectar by Mohini and its deliverance to the Devas, Shiva became captivated by the charms of Mohini; Ayyappan was conceived by their Holy union. Gradually, the Gods decided to place Ayyappan under the care of Shiva’s childess devotee, The king of Pandalam, who adopted Ayyappan as his own son. After Ayyappan grew up and realized the purpose of his life he decided to leave the palace but he asked his father to construct a temple in his name. He aimed for a place using his arrow which fell at a place called Sabari.

Buddhism and Jainism in Kerala According to some historical facts, during the 10^th Century AD, more than three quarters of the inhabitants of Kerala were either Buddhists or Jains; Hindusism established itself in Kerala between the 10^th and 12^th century . Parama Parusarama, an avatar of Vishnu, reclaimed the land of Kerala and gifted it to the Brahmins which historically indicates the reclamation of the Land from outsiders and thereby restoring Hindusism ie Hindu Dharma in Kerala.

Pathanamthitta, where Sabarimala is currently situated was vastly a Buddhist place. There have been information of Buddhists idols being recovered from various parts of Pathanamthitta. There are historical facts that suggest  Sabarimala was long time ago called Churulimala, at a time long before Lord Ayyappa was born; it was known to be the abode of Aavalokitheswara Bodhisatwa who postponed his buddhahood until he assisted every conscious being during their time of  difficulties , to Nirvana.

Let’s pay attention to the following verse and its meaning:

Buddham Saranam Gacchami (To Buddha I go for Refugee)

Dharmam Saranam Gachami ( To Dharma(teachings) I go for Refugee)

Sangham Saranam Gacchami (To Sangha (Monks) I go for Refugee)

And now to this:

Swamiye Saranam Ayyapa (Lord Ayyappa, I seek refuge in you)

History suggests various facts and evidences that connect Lord Ayyapan to Buddhism; in fact some references directly and indirectly refer to Lord Ayyappan as an incarnation of Lord Buddha. The word “Saranam” refers to Buddhist teachings and is not used in any other Hindu verse connected to any Hindu God. Ayyappan is also known as Dharma Sastha. If we break the two words we get:

Dharma: A word of supreme importance to the Buddhists

Sastha: Known as the synonym for Lord Buddha

  Now on a deliberation about Hindu temples, most of us would have noticed that Hindu temples are situated in areas that are populated by inhabitants of a particular place; however Sabarimala stays secluded and is situated on a plateau which is over 40 feet high and connects the devotees to the Shrine of Ayyappan by the 18 holy Steps ( patthinetu Thripadi). Even many Buddhist monasteries  that  are located on an altitude are lead by series of steps.

Another distinction about Sabarimala is that it’s the only temple in India where the women who are in their child bearing age are not allowed within the temple. The men go to Sabarimala after observing 41 days of fast and celibacy.  In another instance, we know Siddhartha left his family  and renounced his kingdom in search of eternal bliss and enlightenment.

So is Ayyappan really Gautam Buddha or are the facts mere coincidences that can’t be compared to reality? I don’t know and can’t be very sure about the comparison but these facts sure startle me; for me it is an incredible revelation. However, when we closely observe both the religions of Buddhism and Hinduism, we will comprehend that  it teaches the same principles and values. The idealogy of nirvana, karma, moksha, the oneness of all beings etc are present in Vedas, Upanishads, Gita and also in the Buddhist teachings. The assertion of the vedas that the truth is One,(Ekam Eva Adwitheeyam)  is also taught in Buddhist teachings.

With the above limited facts I cannot possibly conclude if Ayyappan is actually Buddha but I would like to draw your mind to the potential world of amazing possibilities. Some of us don’t believe in religion and for some the very thought could be a sheer waste of time; but for the others this piece of news is to contemplate with wonder on the world of mythology, that is still clandestine. While many of us believe we know enough about an epoch that existed million years before our birth, we have some who believe in Illumination by Science. If we connect the dots, we might realize that we are all looking at the same meal with different diet habits. However, do we really know the truth; because some facts state that even Buddha never believed in God; he believed in Humanity and  Moral Government but never in the creator of Universe. So, do we really know the truth?

In Sabarimala when we cross the 18 meaningful holy steps, we come across a message in the sannidhanam- "Thathwam asi"- It means Thou Art That- You are Truth, The supreme realization lies within you.

 Every year Sabarimala draws millions of pilgrims, all looking for Moksha, making it one of the largest annual congregations in the world. The pilgrims chant:

Kettum Ketti, Sabari Malayku, Aare Kaanan?  Ayyane Kaanan,

Ayyane Kandal? Moksham Kittum

Swamiye  Saranam Ayyappa

Clutching the Irumudi Kettu, I am on my way to Sabarimala.

To see whom? To see Ayyappan

What afer seeing him? I shall attain Moksha

Lord Ayyappa, I seek refuge in you

Swamiye  Saranam Ayyappa

References:

http://www.buddhanet.net/ans73.htm

http://www.ambedkar.org/Tirupati/Chap5.htm

http://www.rediff.com/news/dec/31rajeev.htm

http://hindusutra.com/archive

http://www.chintha.com/keralam/sabarimala-history-myth.html

http://www.thrikodithanam.org/tidbits.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayyappan

Image Credit : Google

Elegance Thy Name Woman?

Grace, beauty, femininity and poise are all adjectives to describe the prettiest looking gender on earth….really?

Festooned in elegant sarees, bedecked in jewellery, with a hint of modest make up, walk the elegant beauties to worship  Devi Bhagavathy at the Kottankulangara Sree Devi Temple, Chavara near Kollam in Kerala for the Chamaya vilaku Festival.

 Hey wait!! I forgot to mention, these elegant beauties are actually men dressed as women in sarees, half-sarees and the traditional Kerala Sarees to offer their adoration to the Devi. No, don’t get your mind rolling; they are not transgenders, eunuchs, or even gays. Then are regular straight men with a regular life  and family but  only dressed up as ladies on the particular day to appease the goddess with lamps for votive offerings. “ChamayaVilaku” ensues mostly in the end of March ie 10th and 11th night of Meenam(a Keralite month).

The devotees are of varied age- from little boys to old men; they are not only dressed sophisticatedly as women but also titivate themselves with heavy make-up in order to look perfect for the occassion.

There are various theories attached to the historical significance of this festival. One of them imply that centuries ago, young boys dressed as little girls playfully offered food and water to a stone. The goddess  appeared through the stone and blessed the little boys for their kindness and devotion. Consequently, a temple was built around the stone for the goddess. Over a period of years, it has been allegedly noticed that there has been a significant change in the size of the stone and apparently Kottankulangara Sree Devi Temple  is the only temple in Kerala without a roof at the sanctum sanctorum.

Chamaya Vilakku over a period of years has also sprouted various business opportunities to many. There are stalls outside the temple where you can hire dresses for a day or two. Professional make-up artists have also set up make up stalls to ensure that the appearance and beauty of the male devotee reflects that of a woman . Considering the purported increase in the number of devotees every year, the stall-keepers have huge opportunities to make money every year.

The devotion has witnessed an increased growth every year without pause with endless prayers and votive offferings. In the present era, where people trust science to beliefs and medicines to prayers, it’s indeed fascinating to witness a huge procession of men filled with high hopes and devotion for the Bhagavathy. “ My little boy was initially averse to this whole idea of dressing up as a girl; but after  a huge amount of convincing and coaxing,  he entered the temple and worshipped the Devi, and sensed the transcended energy of the Devi and felt absolutely  fine about dressing up as a woman” said Prita Pilllai, a senior college lecturer in Kerala.

At a stage and era where advancement is directly proportional to technology subsequently with the eradication of myths and beliefs, we still have a huge percent of populace who cling on to primitive ideologies that they believe exists.  We remember god when we are overwhelmed with emotions and do our best to appease him…we pray for rains, we pray for happiness, we pray for food, we pray for courage, we pray for good when we know very well that everything is science- be it food, water, psychology; and yet many of us still need God for confidence and courage.  

I sure am fascinated by this supposed energy which grows and extends the love in its devotees towards itself………. and this love and devotion has only increased with time……

Reference: http://www.chamayavilakku.in/festival.html

DISCOVER THE WONDERS OF EXERCISE

 “Yea, I am a little over-weight and I hate the idea of exercising. The whole idea of waking up in the morning and wielding myself towards an inundating sweaty workout and tiredness is such a lack lustering activity ;  to wake up after a comfortable sleep of 8 hours and knowing that the next thing is hitting the gym or running 5 miles…..pufff panttttt…..nooooo nooooo noooooo…that’s crazy. I am in love with my bed now and I am definitely not incapacitating myself out of the clutches of my comfortable bedcovers….no way!!! No sir!!! I love myself the way I am…..so what if that lovely dress looked divine on the mannequin in the store? I am not straining myself with hardwork…I don’t want the dress…I just want peace and solitude.”

Is that how you feel every morning post the self-motivated lecture, to rise early for exercise, in front of the mirror, the previous night ? Well, then you are one helluva lazy monkey.  It’s not your fault…it’s just that your desire to become what you envisage each night isn’t as resilient as the comfort of your bed and pillows. The love you have for yourself, isn’t as great as the high-calorized chocolate pie you had last night  which is anyway on its process of becoming a smelly poop in the morning and a part of it stays making you look like a fluffly omlette.

Why do you feel the constant urge of beating a random annoying person or a kicking a chair out of your way when you are bored at work? Nah you are not PMsing. Men feel the occasional irascibility too- It’s when you are highly stressed and over worked and you have absolutely nothing to do to unwind yourself. You would feel at times that you don’t  really understand the purpose of your life, you only want to eat and drink away to glory. No, that’s not because you have a sad life; it’s because you just don’t understand how to balance and even out the stress in your-life. Partying and drinking will definitely bring you temporary relief- well that’s important too. However, you need a permanent recovery to your otherwise stressful life so that when you wake-up each morning and look into the mirror you will realize how beautiful your life is.

Yes, exercise is the answer! Apart from making you look ravishing in your dream dress, you will gain the ability and strength to embrace life and its adversities in its raw form. We all know that scientifically, exercise releases endorphins which helps in the rush of happiness and euphoria within our minds. Which means, exercise will help you refresh your mind and  soul and help you broaden your horizon towards new things in life.

It’s not only about how you look but also  about how you deal with your stress and hardships. Well, exercise won’t eliminate the hardships  in your life, but will help you release your stress and give you the confidence of fighting every misfortune in your way. Go ahead my girl….fight every obstacle…sweat-out the stress off your body. Let nothing stop you from being the phenomenal woman of today!!!

Image Credits: Google

Did The AIB Kockout Offend you?

You are at a swarming place and you get mistreated in the midst of thousands of people….you are driving and suddenly get overhauled by someone ;you miss an accident on a very narrow brink and you heave a sigh of relief… when you face corruption and crimes on a daily basis, you shake your head,  conciliate and compromise with your destiny. When there is a need to speak up, you decide to hush down, but when you have the choice to do or not do something that brings you displeasure…what do you do? You scream…you howl and you make noise.

Let me bring a simple illustration into your minds. Imagine yourself at a buffet meal, and you come across a plate of green chillies. You know very well, the consequences of having green chillies and yet you capitulate to it. So what happens? You burn your tongue, your ears and various parts of your soul. So what are you going to do about it? Kick the waiters? Sue the restaurant? Get the Chef arrested? You might not be fond of chillies but no one forced you to have them. The chillies were arranged with the other dishes as  there are people who love a little spice and zest in their lives. The bottom line here is to understand and choose what is best for you and forget the rest until it’s not forced onto you and your families.

Let me get to the point now. Why did the AIB Roast Rip your lives and souls so much that you wanted the LAW and ORDER to interfere?  Well, we all had a fair amount of idea what the whole Roast was going to be and sound like and yet, all of us watched it and after watching the whole roast without a pause we decide that it’s against the code and culture of India. In India, we have  dunderheads blaming women for rapes, practicing Honour Killing , causing communal violence and molesting women. If this is culture then I don’t see us developing as a nation- economically or in attitude and mindset.

Every day we come across cracked and irrational scenarios…we see child labour, child trafficking, domestic violence and yet we turn our heads in the opposite direction and walk off. AIB didn’t cause harm to a level that had to attract such an odium and revulsion.  It was meant for a different set of audience who appreciate humour in its rudimentary form.  It was not meant for you…so relax, meditate  a little and breathe. The Indian culture and the code of ethics  were all developed by humans. When we pray to god, we fold our hands… when we see violence we cover  our eyes…but when we need to speak about something that is seriously damaging our country, we cover our mouths….and yet, we have lots to speak about a culture that is detrimental to everyone. 

Please  go through this eye opening video of the ÄIB Roasts Parody’s Parody…. It clearly exemplifies what I am feeling now- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEgFEJG29ko

Image Credits: Google

Wishing all the Singlets- Happy Valentine's day!!!!

This post is specifically dedicated to all the single ladies…who feel dejected on Valentine's Day!

I know the level of crossness and irascibility one faces when she hears another lady’s monologue on her potential date with her beau….but let me tell you something, there is no need to be irritable because this is a chance for us “Singlelets” to enjoy and live the true essence of valentine’s  day.

We are phenomenal women who don’t necessarily need a man to make us happy because we can do various other things to make us happy anyway….. things  we have been dying to do….things that we love to do with a self-allowance to be crazy for a day. Being a part of a couple, a person might not have the liberty to do everything he/she likes because there are limitations one succumbs to keeping in mind the other partner’s likes and interests towards certain activities; so many a times couples end up sacrificing for each other and in the end, they might not even have a good time. It’s true, I have heard many stories about ruined valentine’s day which I will be very careful not to mention here.

So what could go wrong in a date with yourself? You could hit a club, a park, a beach, a spa, a library, a museum, a bar, an orphanage, a culinary center…the list is endless…. Or you could host an all single gal &guy party- an interesting chance to meet someone if you are interested.

It’s definitely great to have someone in your life to share your happiness, grief, eventful happenings etc…but what is more important than that is the realization that you are responsible for your own happiness. Let this day be about you, knowing you, loving you like never before, and pampering you like never before so that when you wake up the very next day, you wake up with a feeling of fulfillment towards life.

So make this day about you and your interests; because on all the other days you keep your identity aside and live a professional life on somebody else’s direction. So, when was last time you spent quality time with the real you. All the great movie scripts written till date by writers were when they were on a vacation to a lonely distant island away from friends and family and they have always managed to come up with master pieces. This is because the lonely times spent by the writers on their own gave them a chance to look at the story in a different outlook without an external perspective which reflected the purity of their thoughts and gave the story a beautiful shape. So when are you planning to craft a beautiful story of your own with your own pure thoughts? You can always take advises from others but never let their standpoints affect yours because this is your own path of life with a completely different story. This valentine’s  day is all yours, give yourself enough time to craft a beautiful  story about your life so that you are responsible for your own happiness.

Happy Valentine’s day!!!

66th Republic Day- A Refinement in every way.....

Wing Commander Pooja Thakur, the First Lady Officer
to command The Guard of Honour

The 66^th Republic Day  fashioned a day in Indian history that’s going to remind people of a Revolution where our country witnessed power, strength, might, valour, grace, justice, elegance and beauty all at the same time. My chest swells with pride when I say that the “Women Power” was showcased in every aspect throughout the Parade....The marching contingents...the unfurling of the Flag and yea  the dearest First Lady sitting quietly, yet gracefully and witnessing and absorbing every facet of the event. Our Republic Day Parades have always been about the exhibition of our military power, our might, our diverse culture and tradition throughout, we have always displayed our beauty and diversity with incessant and interminable allure; however the Recent Republic Day was one step ahead to refinement.

I am a Military Brat and my Dad had taken part in the 46^th Republic Day Parade (exactly 20 years back) where he led the Naval Contingent as a Naval Officer. So, Republic Day parades always hold a special position in my heart because I know that every soul who is out there displaying a certain aspect about my country is representing India, representing us and demonstrating what each one of us feel about our country. I had always wondered out loud- why can’t women participate in a Day like this? This Day belongs to them as much as it belongs to the men after all we had so many women involved in SHAPING THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA!!- Sarojini Naidu, Renuka Ray, Purnima Banerjee, Begum Aiza Rasul and lots more...

Lieutenant Haobam Bella Devi unfurls the flag

Armed forces which was primarily a male-dominated area, today boasts proudly of having young and confident women who in many instances have even outdone their male counterparts. In 1992( under the Women Speial Entry Scheme) when certain doors in the Armed Forces were thrown  open for  women, they grabbed the opportunity and tried to establish themselves in the fields of Aviation, Engineering, Law and Logistics. Even then, they were not completely accepted in this new Domain. There was no equality or justice. The women just existed for  namesake. The women  don't enjoy permanent commission in the Armed Forces. Permanent Commission refers to a career in Armed Forces till one retires. currently the women serve as Short Service Commissioned officers where they can only serve for a period from 5-15 years. On retirement they are entitled to certain benefits as ex-servicemen but they are not eligible for pension. So in 2003, a group of women officers filed a petition in order to avail permanent commission. The issue is still under sub judice with the Supreme Court.

However, post the elegant display of the women power and valour in the 66^th Republic Day Parade, my respect and love towards our Armed Forces have grown exponentially. I can see we have taken the most effective step by letting the people know that the Marching Ground looks highly beautiful with the addition of the Beautiful Gender of our country marching across and the unfurling of the flag looks ever graceful when performed by a lady. This step will widen many horizons and will enable people to bring new perspective to their personal lives, work places and homes.

There will definitely come a day when a lady exclaims loudly about her desire to join the Armed forces, she would not be inviting any wrath of her parents, relatives, neighbours, society, locality, community or friends but she would receive a pat on her shoulder for her decision to be and do something for our country without being judgemental about her future. I am sure we will graduate into a country where a woman will be known for her contribution towards the country and not for all the supposed wrong decisions made by her...... I am sure a day will come when her success will be appreciated more than her round Chapattis....I am sure she will be respected more for her profession than for her ability in looking after the kids at home.... I can smell that time very closely...

I anticipate a bright future.........do you?

Image Credits: Google

Reference:

http://www.gatewayforindia.com/articles/army_women.htm

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/permanent-commission-for-women-hanging-fire/article6824595.ece

Are you happy?

Just as Sunday begins to end to a new tomorrow...to a new week...I contemplate and decide- I just have to be wackier, crazier and barmier than I was last week. Oh that’s imperative because every week should have something new, different and crazy to look forward to.  No I am not trying to eat my words on my new year resolution post, where I said there is no need to make big plans in life and that your life should go with the flow. Well, I am not even talking about making any strategies at all. All I am saying is, just as you wake up in the morning all you need to tell yourself is- I am going to do something different today!! Trust me, it makes you feel different...and you learn something crucial about yourself.

A friend of mine always made it a point to smile at random strangers on her way to work. While all her friends and family advised her against this activity as it could dig her up into trouble, she never stopped. Once when I was walking with her we noticed an old bloke walking towards our direction with a pained look on his face. He was tired and tensed and then he looked at her. She smiled at him...he didn’t even know her but the smile she gave him was so warm and friendly that he just had to smile back. I was flabbergasted. After we crossed him I asked her- “Seriousy, what was the point...? You just baffled him!

“Atleast he will forget his worries while trying to place me in his mind”.- said my friend.

Oh she made sense..she completely made sense....and she, throughout this whacky yet beautiful activity of hers ,realized that what she loved to do is eradicate adversities and bring smiles onto people’s life. So what now? She is a social activist!!!  Well, she isn’t exactly making alot of money but she is happy and I believe that’s a very important aspect in all our lives- to be happy and remain happy!!!!

Many a times, we are so involved in our professional selves that we believe we are happy and content in our lives. So, why do most of us feel so let down and depressed  every Monday...why do we feel that the start of every week is actually the start of anguish and torment. Why is it so difficult to wake up on a Monday...why can’t we just breathe regularly on a Monday...and why do we stop pausing and looking around on a Monday ? C’mon all of us here know that there is no issue with Monday.....the issue is with you. You are not happy....so what makes you happy? You need to figure that out...and how do you figure that out? Well, you do that by exposing thyself to various opportunities that life brings to you or by creating opportunities on your own. You could love dreaming, cooking, dancing, singing, running, talking, walking, drinking, skating or doing any crazy thing in this world. Trust me, the crazier things you attempt, and the better.

Don’t stress, it can be anything.... like introducing yourself to a new dance form, reading a new book, trying a new hairstyle, writing a new diary page, cooking a new dish, designing a new creative. Please understand that when you are doing this you are not creating a different vertical. NO!!!  What you are doing is trying is, knowing yourself better....what you are....and what you want...and when you figure out what you are, the happiness and satisfaction you get out of it is unconditional.

Before trying to figure out life, try to figure out thyself because your life starts and ends with you...and the secret to your happiness also lies with you. A misery or an issue looks excruciating and unbearable because you are unable to deal with it; and in order to figure out a solution to that problem, you need to first figure out yourself and once you do that you will figure out everything.

Someone tried to tell me once, life would have been easy if it was a giant canvas and  if we are painters; so we could paint our own situations. Well, life is just that!!!!! It’s your canvas...paint a picture....everyday and every minute. Let your life be about you...I don’t care if you are  single/married/old/fat/a woman/a man/gay/divorced/a monkey. It’s your life and you better value it. Break the wall which is trying to canopy you within your limits. Well honestly, there are no limits...limits are invisible evil ghosts between you and “a” you which you have never really figured out.

I am not going to type anymore...I only want you to answer this question by yourself.... “ How well do you deal with regrets?”.

Image Credits: Google

A New Year Resolution? Humour me!!

Every year on the night of 31^st, just a couple of hours from New Year, we retrospect, reflect and declare- 2014 has been such a waste…I am going to make sure that 2015 is a better year without any mistakes of the incumbent year; life will be better as I will exercise regularly, eat healthy, party less; well, then what happens? How many of our plans and strategies have favoured us affirmatively till the end? Why don’t we allow life to be a pleasant surprise but an official strategic plan? Why does coffee intake have to be at 11 pm, lunch at 1 pm and evening tea at 4 pm every day? Why is every minute of life a meticulous corporate agenda?

In this instance, I remember an uncle of mine who never got tired of telling me his love story, and I never got tired listening to it. Now his story plays a perfect example of my perspective. He keeps telling me how he missed his regular tea break at 3.30 pm outside his work premises and had to once go at 4.45 for his tea. And that was when he saw his mate coming out of a tutorial room. He fell in love and chose the 4.45pm tea break session ever since.  He would keep telling me that if he had stuck to his regular 3.30 pm tea break session, he wouldn’t have ever met his love and even after 40 years of matrimony, life wouldn’t have been so beautiful .He says “ Life is beautiful when one fine day you leave your office early and take a different route home and walk by the beach you meet different people, see different activities, experience a different atmosphere….”

I have friend, who I won’t name but she is known to be a great planner of life. She spends hours and hours making presentations on her plans and resolutions for the year; and everyday depending on new developments in her life, she alters her plan. On questioning her about this insanity, she says “ I want every minute to be productive, I hate wasting time unnecessarily”. I asked her “ When was the last time you chilled out with your folks and talked about stuffs apart from work, walked on the footpath without apprehensions of a future activity, tasted and absorbed your favourite ice cream to your soul, laughed till your jaws ached, played with little kids, spoke to a distant favourite relative on phone, cooked your favourite meal to placate yourself ?” She had no answer; she was so busy giving a structure to her uncertain future that she forgot to smell the present.  

Resolutions might never fall in place, plans might not work so stop wasting time deciding a future and instead, work out a today. Mix your desires, dreams, wishes, wants, hobbies, cravings into the bowl of present and work out a delicious meal of “today”, everyday. Let every moment be about impulse, about you, about what you love. Don’t bother doing the same thing everyday, instead take a different route home and decide what works the best for you. Don’t listen to people because they have no idea what your life and journey is about. You are special, you are beautiful…. So paint a different picture everyday, cook a different meal everyday and learn a different language everyday.

People plan every step of their life in their early 20s or 30s to live a comfortable life at 50s; but what if you don’t reach your 50s, what if you die?  All that struggle and sacrifice for what? What you need my ladies, is to breathe irrespective of your age; I don’t care if you are 15, or 35 or 75…..you need to breathe and start living, not sacrificing. People who suffer from cancer and are on their deathbeds feel upset about a life they can never have. So let’s stop worrying about plans and strategies and start living. Let nothing stop you. Take your bags, put on your boots and walk a long way, walk till you are tired...walk till you meet your soul-mate….walk till you have discovered your favourite ice cream flavour….walk till you finally soak your hair with sweat…walk till you finally discover the difference between living a life and dealing with life. 

Image Credits: Google