Only if you'd care to LISTEN!

In these tiring and trying times, there seems to be a run for almost everything. From work & money, to love & relationships, from friends & family, to health & healing, from knowing & learning, to even just being & experiencing. Everything needs to be 'worked on'! Nothing seems to come naturally and easily.. Though there are exceptions...people so warm and loving that 'cuddles' is probably their nickname! But that's a rarity!

In this crazy 'run', we seem to be losing the 'moments' in and around us...and as and when we do realize these 'moments' we have very few people to share them with, cos almost everyone who matters is running their own race. So as an when you get an ear, all you want to do is TALK'! All of us are so full of our stories, our moments and us, that we can explode at the minutest ear that is willing to just LISTEN! 

Whenever i talk to someone 'new' to me, i tend to 'listen' more than talk. Yes, i have observed this. Because one, their stories amaze me & two, i think i am playing counselor! Seriously! I keep getting a feeling that this person has been waiting to just tell his/her story since eons and i really need to help! So i tend to just listen! And once they've emptied their heart out and are ready to gather more tales..they leave..cordially...and i keep waiting for my turn..coz i have my stories too, you know! Brilliant ones for that matter. Better than theirs, well mostly! 

In this entire 'exchange' (hardly and exchange..no?), i either am inspired to share my story with the other person, if he/she are willing to listen, or i am too bored to dwell further.. There's hardly a time when the exchange is mutual, and i tend to make 'Friends!' 

Friendship is a two - way lane.. and 'listening' is the road map! So while you are on the prowl to find a perfect ear, make sure you keep cleaning yours well enough to not just 'hear' but 'LISTEN!" 

Coz only if you'd cared to also listen..there would have been so much more to 'US'..  

The Universe Conspires..

They say when you want something really bad, the entire universe conspires to make it come true..

I am standing at the brink of an overwhelming experience yet again..and this time i want to take the plunge with faith, positivity & unlimited, unconditional love.. No, i am not wanting to do it under pressure, or desperation. I want to do it , because i feel it sinking into me. It's given me a feeling i haven't felt in years..I don't know what this is.. It's a risk, a chance, or just a leap of faith. Whatever it is, i want to take it.

For once in my life, i am not scared of facing something, i am only scared of not facing what it brings in. I am scared of not getting a chance to live this experience. I am scared of not giving it my complete self, before it saturates me. I am not asking my self, 'What happens if i do not grow up to love it?'. I am asking my self, "What if i kill it with my love?". I am scared of losing my sanity.. I am scared of exploding with joy! I am scared that it might not last..

So Dear Universe,

I have been good to you. And have never really bothered you with many desires or wants. On the complete contrary, i have helped you fulfill a few for others. It's payback time. And since you are the bigger being, i expect you to be generous. For once in my life, i want this to happen, and i want this to be joyful and the most pleasurable experience of my life, and i want it to last. If you do not know what i mean by now, i'd like to tell you that this is making me feel like i can be complete & whole; that the fragments in me can be put into place & the rhythm in me can play a song. I need your help. I need your blessings. I need you to make it come true. So conspire all you can. Reach out to every element that can connect us & urge them to do this with care, caution and nothing less that pure love. I deserve this, and who knows this better than you. I want this, and who understands this more than you.

Before this beautiful journey is over, dear universe, make sure you complete me, so i am liberated.

In complete Surrender
Anamika. 

Earth Day! Celebrate it your way!

Robert Swan, a noted polar explorer once said that, the greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.  Marked recognition of environmental threats like global warming, climate change, over population, waste disposal, natural resource depletion and more, are proof enough that the world is rising in unison to address these issues in every capacity, large or small.  We are in a state of planetary emergency, with these issues piling up high around us. Unless we pay attention to our planet prudently we are surely doomed for disaster. 

An extremely effective way to draw attention or globalize a concept is to mark a ‘Day’ to commemorate it, and hence the ‘Earth Day’ is much deserved and called for. On Earth Day, cities, businesses, and individuals all roll out the green carpet. Big brands, corporate houses or organisations are often found touting Earth Day initiatives, or selling products more organic than the other options. But that’s what they do. And you? Did you know there are lots of easy and fun ways to celebrate Earth Day that can actually make a difference all year long?

I've listed a few below, and would love to hear your ideas in the comments!

•       Watch Your Water Use! The little things can make a big difference. If you are not watching your running taps or leaky toilet, you might be wasting 200 gallons of water a day! Using the bucket instead of a shower and the RO drain water for the garden can all be small ways of contributing to save the planet!
• ·         Plant Trees & Grow your own food! This Earth Day, plant one thing that can be consumed by your family. Maybe it’s just a few basil plants, or maybe it’s an entire garden. Put it on your windowsill, your fire escape, or your kitchen wall. But no matter what, get something growing. It’s organic, healthy & adds green to the planet!
• ·         Go Solar! You’re probably tempted to skip right over this option because you either don’t own a house or don’t have the finances to install solar panels on it. But Wait! Smaller solar harvesting devices are now the talk of the town, from pocket-sized phone chargers to portable multi-panel kits. Switching just one or two devices to solar power can save you some serious money and take some pressure off the grid.
• ·         Share a Ride! Or simply cycle or walk to work! Carpooling, using public transport, or simply hitch-hiking to save fuel for maybe 2-3 days a week can make a huge difference!
• ·         Explore the Earth! Despite the environmental threats our planet is facing, mother nature is still a wonder to explore. Earth Day is about enjoying and taking care of the planet. Go for nature walks, hike, explore star gazing, or scuba diving! Reconnecting with nature is the best way to remind yourself why we’re fighting so hard to protect it.

Good Planets are hard to find.. don’t blow it.. besides our’s is the only one with chocolates and coffee!