EXPLORE- your insight didn't end with Columbus!

Life is odd only when you have the time to think about it.

One person's carelessness, someone else's characteristic madness,

A third's fumbling mood swings or yet another's forgetfulness??

What makes the spokes on the wheels of your life turn and why?

There's someone you're ignoring and somebody else ignoring you,

There are times you want to talk, at times you do little but run;

Yet, we go through the routine, one eventful day at a time.

What makes us last this long? What blends cheer into cruelty?

Sometimes you pine to do things, but let a tiny thought stop you;

The thought is one translating, fear to reality before it is born.

Mopping up the dance floor- to shine!

A smile can come from tragedy,

Guilt can come from misery,

Irritation can come from sanity,

Freedom can stem from impulsive activity;

Yet, the leap can seem too much.

Why?

Riding with an axe in the handle? Hold on!

In the palm of each soul, unfolds a brand new story;

The radiance in each face, singing verses of His glory.

How, when, in what and why we're different,

No mortal can think and tell;

Yet, in one heart lie our roots,

The deepest depth of our shell.

When petals go on to bloom,

And their sweetness go on to lose;

Who is it that staunchly objects,

Beautiful dew instead to choose?

Who is it, in innocence, suffering their several pricks?

Who reflects back the meanness spewing in their kicks?

The Light has come searching

There are perspectives we have and those we find,

You see truth in both, appealing to the mind;

Struggles in yours that wholly define,

Unthinkable feats in theirs that'll bring out shine.

What will you choose today and why?

Glory waits for you to hatch out and touch the sky.

Madness is what they might set out to see,

Let the craziness in you flow;

At least you'll know your soul danced free,

Why cringe, why hide- just let your spirit glow!

Being captain of the ship that sails still...

I want to be all I can be and more, in each of my days;

Yet, I wish so strongly, to forget not my peace,

His Presence filling magic in silent star-lit nights.

The two faces of mine don't seem to match at all;

I know they're mere versions of me,

Why then search for any of them, why call?

Reading the uncertainty stemming from familiar faces,

I look knowingly, only to step away further, faster;

What is it about diversions making sure I'll last longer?

Struggling to breathe? It's EASY.

We've all got an ego- a teeny, tiny, nasty one.

How would you react if life asked you to get rid of it?

The task isn't easy, nor is the picture of our lives rosy.

Your empty head may give you a false sense of security,

It may seem like your only living lifeline;

Yet, reality bites as it draws you into it's hollow well.

Take pride in being you.

You aren't only who you might be someday.

You aren't a pale picture of the skeletons in your closet.

You are you- today, now, here- YOU are beautiful.

Cracked vision needs the therapist in you

What about the days when you're too busy to pray?

He finds a way to stay- in your heart, in peculiar ways.

While you're thinking about the problems in your path;

He's wishing you'd trust Him more for now and rest.

It will all get sorted in time- He knows that, do you?

As guilt-ridden thoughts burden your mind, ashaming,

Don't liken your relationship with Him to one of many-

Strong relationships left behind in the sands of time.

God knows you inside out- He has walked with you;

He hasn't ever been in the dark- why cry or apologize?

Every person you meet is Him, each new situation is His;

Be as confident as you are when you're alone with Him,

For if truth be told, it always is just two- Him and you.

Keep singing your song because YOU like it

When people criticize you, your behavior or your work,

You're affected only if you think that they are right.

If you find yourself fighting for your respect- work on it.

You will get to the top of your game, I assure you.

To heal an insult pricking you in the light of the day,

Rendering you speechless while wanting to play defense;

Work away into the nights, not caring for time or sweat.

The effort to clear the scars off your personal record,

Your passion to become the best and your hurting ego;

They'll light up your spirit- you will glow with pride.

Speedboats race you ahead of your time

When facing a problem, simply ask for what you want;

For God listens even as you cringe and think you can't.

Seek, demand, visualize, believe- that is all it takes,

Like cookies in His bakery, He sits up there and bakes.

Within mere minutes, you have sprinted across miles;

The mess you'd bent over, now cleaned up, shiny tiles.

Did you do anything different except focus on the good?

Yet, instantly destiny leads away from where you stood.

Your body language, thoughts, beliefs, understanding;

These were what lifted you, bad luck not withstanding.

It is completely acceptable to start work on you again;

It'll be immensely respectable, now that's a fair bargain.

Walk the stairs to eat your cheese

When left standing at the centre of an asterix,

Even an eight-legged octopus is bound to feel torn.

Relax. Breathe. This isn't an obstacle race.

Life is easy because it was designed with you in mind.

When your thoughts speed by leaving you speechless,

Stay calm- blowing your top worsens your standing.

The sands that slipped to fall can be scooped up again,

Your battles, overlapping, can be fought to win in time.

Don't run! Walk, crawl, keep going- every step counts!

The days might come to shock, despite your all efforts;

But who is it that you come home to late in the nights?

Rub the sleep out of your eyes

You may go about explaining several things to so many;

But learn from simple people, the skills they teach you.

They might not dream the big dreams you've dreamed,

They may not seem at all, competitively aggressive;

But they know what happiness is to them- respect that!

They know how to live in the now and accommodate.

Accredit them for they exude confidence to perfection,

Thriving with heads held high in a world ready to crush.

Look within yourself; what do you see?

A hard-working self; intelligent and goal oriented?

A sincere, obedient, sensibly-diplomatic job candidate?

A conscientous, reliable, dedicated, caring enthusiast?

And yet, you think that you're not enough?

A life, a bond, a story

For every evil creature in our world that exists,

There is someone right here, that they adore to bits.

For every goodness that you know, in you there is,

It is something you hate in the ones you love most.

For every injustice that ever was meted out unto thee,

There is so much love that it brings tears into thy eyes.

For every blessing upon you, that has been bestowed,

There is a story cutting so deep- it makes you cry often.

Words, sentences, actions can go on to hurt amass;

But that unseen connection there is between your souls?

Tearing through living sheaths of unending grievances,

It speaks volumes in it's silence of you to one belonging.

Close your eyes & open your hands

Milestone events happen automatically sometimes.

How, what, when, why- you probably never planned;

Yet the biggest and the best falls straight into your lap.

Of course, you've always wished for abundant goodness,

"But, this? Really?"

Have you ever caught yourself wondering?

It might be a different direction, but it'll lead you right;

This is His masterstroke, though the path is out of sight.

He hears your questions, as He works to ease the haze;

Shh! Quieten your thoughts- abide throughout the maze.

Jump over the puddles- there's magic!

Happiness never has to wait; it's true.

Think with me- We all have so many rosy thoughts,

But do we actually do anything with them?

That is wasting a precious life in vain, don't you think?

What is it that you'd give up everything to do??

I know my answer for sure, as I type this out to you;

And I can't believe I hadn't thought much of it earlier.

There is meaning to the extended madness;

There is a purpose behind the rocks in your path.

The universe wants you to wake up to your power;

It's time you knew of the greatness that is your life.

Orientation helps

It's hard to start from scratch, a journey you'd once quit;

But I'm a tough girl and I know I can win if I want to.

Today, while at the temple, I said my usual prayer,

And then waited, as always, to hear God's reply to me;

Three-quarters of the wisdom here, I receive from Him.

Somebody once told me that humans are too intelligent,

That they manage to believe whatever they want to;

So, God could very well be a made-up proposition-

A legend someone created to lighten their own heart.

I wondered as I sat there, if it was me I've always heard;

And so, I debated on and off, arguing, taking sides.

A hint of reality

I become immensely envious of people who can just be.

Actually, let me think before I publish this to the world-

Is there anyone who can be sure of themselves always?

It's truly amazing to be able to love yourself though.

On a good day like this one, it all sinks in.

Our fears, embarrassments and entrapping situations;

All of these exist only in our heads.

Do they really care about how strange/not you are? No.

Is anyone genuinely interested in seeing you hurt? No.

Can anybody better your thoughts for you? No.

Is there light at the end of the tunnel? Yes.

A chapter in the story

In abundance, fruitflies attack and decay, attempt.

In adversity, the crows peck; tearing meat, rejoice.

Curiosity kills the cats and thus, their value in your eyes;

Years of your virtuousness, in disdain, beginning to fade.

Where do you think they all stand in your life?

Will you now settle amidst walls thicker than steel?

No matter what decision, hereon you may take,

Know that life, for the best happens always.

There is wisdom in the bitter pill that awakes,

There is only your betterment in the silly retakes.

Flight to freedom

In breaking, you realize how much you're made of;

In trying again, you learn to give it your life.

Risks are to be taken, in one way or another;

Hope ought to get stronger as pathways get narrower.

Will you remain distraught?

Will you give up because it's hard?

Or Will you fight the tears and simply aim to win?

Ordinary people, simple minds, delicate hearts;

They go on to achieve great feats- they do.

Do you have faith in you?

Maybe not. Why live in your body as you then?

Hold on tight to the little things

Little things matter more than you can know;

Seek peace and find your stability in them.

When something so huge comes by in life,

When you're holding your breath and wondering,

Hoping, Praying, Willing for good to come off it;

Catch hold of your pot of vaseline,

You'll know for sure that it'll still remain yours.

Think about how life can possibly differ from now on.

Will you be able to lie down with ease tomorrow?

Will you be able to throw your feet up and relax?

How will who you are or have become change?

Calm down; take an easy breath in and out.

Dare to defy the tide

Where there is compulsion, it all becomes distasteful.

Are you forcing yourself to do things you don't like?

Give me a few minutes to debate with you, then.

One question, one word- WHY?

Because the opposite person will end up feeling bad?

Or Because they won't like you, if you don't?

Or Because you won't be their reigning favorite?

Or worse, because you fear they'll walk out on you?

Oh, no, let me guess- etiquette- isn't that it?

Quit- no, not because I'm asking you to.

Quit it because you're only deceiving yourself.

The start of a new era

You're late, in a lot of ways.

Don't bother wondering what you've done all along.

You're wasting more time than you can afford to.

Stop trying to backtrack or look up other options.

At the risk of sounding like an irritating monster;

I'll repeat- Stop.

If you want me to put it a little nicer, here goes-

You've been cleaning up the periphery of the heap.

You've been diligently aiming to sweep off the pile.

Now, if we're done with the compliment showering;

Let's get back to business, shall we?

Nothing is lost until you start fluttering in the wind.

Take a deep breath in- it works, is cheap and is quick.

Share the load

So often, there's so much going on in our minds.

Stress can take away all your energy;

It can paralyze you from head to toe.

When you're numb and are just waiting for days to pass,

When you stir your coffee relentlessly,

Looking for a sign in the patterns in foam that form;

When you can't understand who will or should win-

Your inherent gut feeling or your strongest desires;

When you aren't sure whether you ought to be grateful,

To be able to peek into the future and tell;

Slow down your mental processes.

All the power you've been losing will show up.

What curtain are you hiding behind?

When your devotion becomes too commercialized,

When your passion seems to have suddenly gone amiss,

When you're starting to run away from what you loved,

Pause and reflect.

Is the true cause of your boredom out there?

Or Is it concealed within the layers of your heart?

No, the words you write don't matter.

Even what you say doesn't change anything.

What matters is whether you still feel what you felt.

If you're really living for you,

It won't matter what anyone else thinks or might think.

Sunny side up! ;)

Life is easy.

Success, fame, adulation, power, money;

It'll all be yours, if you truly want it.

We pile ourselves with so many expectations;

And fall flat on our faces, if nothing comes off it.

When a storm blows your bright umbrella backwards;

You most certainly don't need a new one right then.

Turn it around and steady it against the wind;

It's about trial and error, planning and persisting.

Today is a new day.

Don't carry with you the negativity of past failure.

How strong are you?

When things don't work out in your life,

Do you think that God is testing your faith?

Do you ready yourself for the downfall?

Or Do you comfort Him and say,

"I know that you're trying, sincerely, to better things;

I see tiny traces of magic that you've attempted.

I'm egging you on and walking by your side;

I promise that I'll keep persisting, until we succeed.

I am your friend till the end, too, remember?

Know that I love you for all that you are to me."

Be attentive (just for today, maybe?)...

It's 5 am on the last day of June, today;

One half of the year is beginning to end.

I have a coffee cup waiting to cool;

That's just the way I like it.

I find myself wishing, not wanting dawn to come;

But I'm learning to look forward just the same.

I'm eager for dreams to come true,

New happinesses to find, more lives to touch,

Healing to envelop the world and it's people;

I'm making newer promises,

I'm forgiving and sending showers of blessings,

I'm asking God to lead me to Light.

Live with you, for you- you're amazing!

The slightest change can shake your foundation;

But even a rocking ship does come to a halt.

When you're embarrassed of yourself,

When being you feels like social suicide,

When trying desperately to erase your actions,

When nothing anyone says helps;

THINK.

I like sitting by myself at night to just reflect.

The beauty of the night, for me, being that I'm alone;

Alone with my thoughts, feelings and God.

I'm as unadulterated and pure as I can be.

Are you sure you know them?

If you're being honest with yourself, you'll know;

You can never know anyone else inside out.

You can never guarantee someone else's actions.

Best friends, relationships and childhood friends-

They all exist and may still dominate your world.

But even in the closest bond, there is a space;

A space so deep, so secret, so private.

Your thoughts, intuitions, faith, trust and beliefs;

They'd all fail to map this area between your souls.

Do I mean to upset you by talking about this, today?

No! I don't.

Open up your mind to unconditional love.

It doesn't matter whether you know the whole truth.

The answer to "Who did that?"

There are times when trivial issues harass you;

And nothing that you do seems to be working.

You probably feel annoyed, angry, hurt or stupid.

Your attempts at meditation might also backfire.

But even at the worst moments, a spark lights you up.

Unexpectedly, suddenly, you're freed of every burden.

How, what, when, why- you might never know.

In fact, even the person helping you may not realize.

Behind-the-scenes action happens in real life, too. :)

Take a breather

Sometimes, it is best to just slow down a bit.

Where there is love and faith,

There ain't no room for stress and mental clutter.

Ask yourself- question the impossible, if you will;

What if the Lord makes a mistake with your life?

What if He is unable to deliver?

Will you still trust Him as much?

Or Is your love part of a bargain offer?

No, you aren't losing your mind.

It is okay to want to sort the facts out for yourself.

How does it feel?

How does it feel to step into the ocean and stand?

Do you fear getting sucked in, disappearing into sand;

As it slips swiftly and precariously beneath your feet?

Do you hyperventilate; thinking, now you're surely beat?

Do you cry out loud; struggling, to safety return?

Or Do you relish coarse sand-grains, deftly as they turn;

Gushing in the tide, through gaps between your toes?

Do you embrace the love, feeling the touch that knows?

They're right and so are you!

We feel bored, lethargic, sad and confused so often;

It's enlightening when you know YOU can change it all.

I've been reflecting on my past for a while.

I've been thinking about the people who knew me then.

Everybody has varying opinions of me as a person.

And they're right, in all that they're thinking.

I've lived with no self-love for long.

Do I regret things I've said or done? Yes.

But I am definitely, evidently gentler with myself.

I am learning, each day, to appreciate my journey.

Take control of your life

When things start taking a turn for the ugly,

When your gadgets seemingly give up on you,

When you can't fathom where you're headed,

When you're holding on with all you can;

Know that your life is mirroring your emotions.

You're feeling every single one of those things.

Why? Go figure!

If you can't comprehend your role in any of this though,

Don't worry; this isn't to thrust blame or guilt on you.

Accept and welcome calmness into your life.

What you visualize will definitely turn true for you.

You're doing this for YOU

When things go wrong, don't blame someone else.

When you've done more than you could, to better things;

Know that you did them for you, for your mental peace.

Yes, your expectations fall apart;

Your efforts seem wasted and you probably cry, too.

But when you hold back your tears and ask for help,

Set aside the arguing and shouting voices in your head;

Listen- listen to that one true inner voice.

Notice the peace it carries with it.

Think about the one you've fought with; ask yourself-

Has this person ever loved you sincerely?

Have your hearts felt that special connection?

Will you ever be able to let go of them?

New beginnings will explain themselves

When you step into too many boats, at once;

It doesn't imply that you're about to drown.

Maybe you're special.

Maybe you'll go on to conquer uncharted territory.

Maybe you're accomplishing every step of a divine Plan.

Maybe you'll teach people to judge less and do more.

Don't clip your wings.

Don't hide your attempts, when you dream of flying.

Fear is for the dishonest, for those who cheat.

Nobody else cares about the secrets you guard.

Do you ponder for hours about theirs?

Break free- you'll surprise yourself!

It is weird when you always have all the answers;

Yet, you struggle, in the dark, to find yours, isn't it?

You're working on it, but tire out mentally, too soon.

Take a moment's break.

Break away from the anguish, confusion and fear.

I see an inimitable, bright spark in you.

I see your peppy, excited self that craves challenges.

Let it jump up, come to the fore and be the leader!

You've been allowing the shadows to mask your glory.

STOP.

What does your heart think?

When you look into His eyes and know,

No other could ever look at you, this way;

Is it the sculptor's trumpet to blow?

Or Is it His presence, promising, with you to stay?

When you return His gaze, upon you fixated,

Instead of shifting shyly, your eyes not meeting;

Is it you that hath your self-confidence berated?

Or Is it Him, lessons on faith, teaching?

When you're free of every embarrassment,

In the whole duration that you're just with Him;

Can anybody ever match that sentiment?

Or Of His love, is this only the rim?

Take a walk along the beach of life

Look closely at your relationships.

Each bond has a story; a love that cannot be re-created.

Examine the strands you're holding in your hands.

Gently caress the care, the goodness and the kindness.

Maybe you're blocking some paths, unwittingly.

Maybe you're gripping tightly, the key to your life.

Maybe you're hindering another's growth and freedom.

Open your clenched fist and let go.

Let the hurt, the mistrust, the anger flow.

Feel the love radiating from your heart.

Give freely your forgiveness, your hugs and your smiles.

See it all seeping into space; touching countless lives.

BE all that you want to become

There are so many things you want to be.

It's a pity you aren't there already, isn't it?

You've been thinking about your future so much-

I bet you feel like you can reach out and touch it.

Shed off your sadness; I'm going to cheer you up! :)

Go on!

Poke your head into the cloud where your dreams live.

What do you see yourself doing?

Are you working really hard and doing yourself proud?

Are you mighty efficient, ever-joyous and overzealous?

Are you beautiful, bright, sparkly, loving and fun?

Are you witty, funny, cute, kind and intelligent?

Right the wrongs in time for war

You've been allowing the paperwork to scare you.

Realize that you're fumbling and falling in self-doubt.

What are you unsure of?

Do you not work as hard as the others?

Are you not as good at your work?

Why do you think they won't appreciate YOU as much?

Do you think you're less presentable?

Work on it then!

Why visualize an uncomfortable setting?

In considering yourself undeserving, you're being foolish.

The clearing in the clouds

There are so many goals, that I thrive to complete,

But with fear looming large, my heart stifles a beat;

So many dreams, in each breath, I long to fulfill,

The uncertainty dangles, screaming loud and shrill.

The to-do-lists in my head, spill onto a million pages,

Overwhelming me as I add, I wish I could rip the cages.

The foam atop my coffee, I watch as it disappears,

Taking with it my burdens, the mountain of my fears;

"There is room for more, your cup won't overflow",

A hopeful voice in my heart calls- soft, firm and mellow.

Let your soul dance in the spotlight

We're all pretenders, in one way or another.

No, it ain't our fault- society demands it.

I've battled social phobia for long.

I still do.

I sing all day, but not if you ask me to.

I write, shying from the embarrassment of being judged.

"All the world's a stage", Shakespeare quoted.

How do you live then, if you've got stage-fright?

You could take deep breaths.

You could give yourself a pep talk.

You could pace about the place rapidly.

You could faint in the midst of a panic attack.

I pray.

Truths aren't only for diaries

As humans, we learn fast, the art of diplomacy.

We grow up realizing that honesty doesn't matter.

Your relationships begin to matter a lot more.

Everybody's opinion of you takes precedence.

It becomes important to be THE favorite, doesn't it?

Sugarcoating your sentences,

Oohing and ahhing over stuff you don't even care about,

Spending hours of your valuable energy pacifying people,

Convincing them that they're right in all they're doing;

Trivial lies, Impossible-to-maintain friendships,

Hard-earned relationships, A happy puppet-

I'll admit that that was me.

Come out and play in the sun

It is so easy to hide behind a pair of glasses, isn't it?

I know what I've always equated that look of mine with.

It helped me look geeky and boring.

I reached out to them everytime I felt unpretty.

The ugliness I felt was not so much about the outside.

It was related to the embarrassment I felt within.

I was embarrassed about every little thing I did.

Things I had said light-years earlier to someone else,

My excessive chatter, Their watchful silence-

It all reverberated in my ears, exploding my head.

I just wanted to melt into the background, literally.

How "okay" with it are you?

Being practical is so much more breathable.

There is no respect for heartfelt drama, honestly.

You've just got to grow up and be there for you.

If friends don't respond as you would like them to-

Know that they're probably going through a phase.

Give them the space they need.

It's pointless brooding over abnormal happenings.

If someone doesn't appreciate your sincerity-

Chuck them into the first thrash can down the street.

Rescue yourself and ride away

Sometimes, a tiny little shock works beautifully.

It jerks you out of your people pleasing habit.

It delivers the slap that will change your life.

It turns your head to where you ought to be looking.

No, you aren't doing nothing for nobody.

You're here for YOU.

The world may come and go- not you!

It doesn't matter what you should be doing.

It doesn't matter what is deemed acceptable.

What do YOU want?

How do YOU feel?

Is there something you can do better for yourself??

Stronger, better, nicer- Is that You?

Still the tears.

Lock them tight.

The vulnerable part of you metamorphoses, today.

Celebrate this epic moment in your life.

You might have been an emotional mess.

Now, not!

You're strong, beautiful, sensible and classy.

Free the wings you had kept tied together for so long.

Renew your vigor, sharpen your sword

The lines that cause your heart to sing,

The beauty that makes your soul breathe;

The lyrics that get your insides to tingle,

The sheer joy making your day special;

These are your rewards, your brave medals,

This is your crown, your sparkling glory;

This is your Creator saluting to you,

This is nature smiling with you!

Roll in the luxury of pure bliss,

Absorb all the happiness, be sure not to miss!

There's a reason...

There's a reason why crows, no horns, possess.

A reason why rhinoceros, in the sky, fly not.

A reason why lions don't need to bark.

A reason why insects must toil to thrive.

There's a reason why pets, faithful remain.

A reason why certain snakes, venom spew.

We wish so often to be transported back-

To a younger age, to a different life.

We wish our days were easier still-

While longing to erase, pining to re-start.

Your happiness is in YOU

Get out of the computer.

Walk into the real world!

Spend some time with your close ones.

Talk to someone who you haven't caught up with.

Scream the lyrics of the song you're listening to.

Giggle over lame jokes, rewind and laugh again! :D

Give discounts to those who do you little favors. :)

Cling to the smiles and dangle freely.

Let your inner child play with reckless abandon!

The source and You

In the wake of the storm, with dedication you've fought.

The lull, thereafter, might have left you distraught.

When the energies don't flow, in your heart, no more,

When you're so sapped that you can't see no shore;

When you pray for your meditative peace to return,

When you wish to do more than just struggle and yearn;

Take a cue from the drop of water that falls,

The ripple in the quiet, the Light of faith calls.

Listen to the gentle breeze caressing your skin,

Whispered secrets, comforting your soul within.

Confessions are for the soul

In most people and their actions, you see God.

Some others cause you to doubt His very existence.

You know that your Lord is true though.

Each memory from the past reminds you of His mercies.

Ask Him the silliest of questions you may have.

Confide in Him when you think He might be unreal.

Pause.

Still the waters

On days that you haven't witnessed God-

You have been too busy talking.

You might have been speaking to Him.

But you gave no space for an answer.

Calm yourself.

Listen intently, in isolation.

Watch His expressions.

Notice the signs He leaves you everywhere.

He won't ever betray you.

Have the courage to believe in your faith.

Fire purifies the gold

YOU define your life.

Your presence makes it special.

Don't let anyone else change you.

You know that you've been working hard.

The uncertainty attempts to shadow your brilliance.

Don't hand over your ace card to the enemy- protect it.

Ignorance might walk tall and confident.

You don't need to be jealous, though.

You are SO much more!

You've been actively learning.

You're persistent in the face of hardships.

The rewards will come.