Through my lens: Unspoken thoughts

Memoirs from my first ever visit to South American continent, landing directly into country of adventures. This is land full of culture, variety of terrain from desert to mountains, weather oscillating between dry and wet season, rich sumptuous food for vegetarians as well as non vegetarian and warm people with gleaming eyes at each corner.  You ask for any terrain type and you will get it here, I landed in lima which is capital city established on banks of river, flew to Cusco which is 11000 feet above sea level to hike in mountains, took multiple mode of transport ending with boat ride to stay in remotest cabins in amazon jungle and witness wild life. Hold your beer, this is just a sneak peak to my lovely readers into power packed, thrilling experience for next 10 days. Exciting stuff, isn't it? They say You Only Live Once (YOLO), I say you live every day but die only once. Inca people represented their country into three tiered architecture where each side consists of elements f...

  I dared to dream about this cross country solo drive and one fine day packed my bags, applied week long leave from office and hit the road in my dolphin. My Dolphin is my confidante, multi purpose vehicle which glides through this world while I imagine to sail in water or fly in air. Its pure bliss to have dolphin by my side for last 5 years, super comfortable, affordable, reliable companion in every season. When rubber meets the road, road too rises high to meet my dolphin who changes into water floater, road traveler, air flyer. What I imagined, came on screen. I was amazed how AI collects data, modifies images on simple change of prompts. None the less, this was supposed to be long journey with some wiggle room to modify plans. So, I had my Spotify playlist on, google map to guide me, tank full of gas and a happy go lucky attitude on my sleeves. Whenever my family called, they saw me on the road, hitting gas and singing along. I was even called designated driver whenever I fly...

Digital world has superimposed itself in all aspect of my life.  My screen time and concentration time has become inversely proportionate. High time to snap the line and look for interests in offline world. A puzzle box lying in a library aisle caught my eye and I picked it up happily. It is good concentration exercise, meditative in its own form. Am I becoming a researcher or an innovator who is looking for a piece that fits right from dump of a1000 piece jigsaw puzzle! Soon enough I realized I need a better strategy in place otherwise it may feel like a big mammoth to solve for. That is how I started my journey of applying data strategy concepts learnt through online medium into offline world. With recent completion of this course, every concept was fresh in mind; I am ought to piece it together in offline world now.  I had a game plan.  Find corners since two sides would be straight line, followed by side pieces with one straight line, start segregating same color and ...

To my lovely readers,  I wanna stop by at your screen on eve of Galentine's day. Let me keep it short, hope you like my KISS ( k eeping I t S hort and S weet). Here I am, sharing TLDR version of my last year experience on first work anniversary at new work place.  Started with new hopes, never looked back, learnt a lot, met brilliant minds,  understood how good company culture can grow your personality and keeps you on toes.  A company which values DEI principles at high scale, gave me template to introduce myself which asked my pronoun. While I planned to jot down my thoughts,  I came across a comedian which emphasized every Indian parent will want their daughter to be 'SHE' and son to be 'HE', never dare to think beyond that. This company is one where I came across 'They' pronoun :) This company enriched my vocab with corporate lingo. For lack of vocab or more of knowledge, at times, I like to open can of worms, unpacking the details, to enhance my story t...

 Hey bench, I have been noticing you from far. You are so wholesome. Big hearted one, giving rest to each passerby.  I envy how much experience you gain. Everyone has their own story and you silently listen to them with full empathy. So rich, full of experience. So secretive as well. I wonder how do you stand still and spread no grapevine. Listening not only to those walking feets but also to falling leaves. Those leaves falling in sync, dancing to melodious beats of wind; some tickling your back, others settling next to your feet. As if they were destined to serve you in this heat.  Best listener. No judgement. I am assured of having a friend in you; to share some deep thoughts in twilight and dusk. Time of the day when no one is eying you so I do not have to share you. You are all mine. You deserve all the love!

Today, I am making new associations in this new setting. My balcony gives me view of yellow flower bed on green grass, lake view with green necked ducks and geese around. None the less, I have not forgotten my connection with you, My Window. You had been with me throughout, letting me peek through your pane, experiencing each season.  Other day while returning home, I was brought back to you unintentionally. My muscle memory took me to by-lanes I had left. I saw blinds drawn to one side, you were awaiting for new tenant. Being newly single in market, seeking new tenant in every passerby.  Oh, was that U-Haul parked right outside for you? Never mind, it moved. And then our eyes met and we exchanged smile, as one would do seeing your own coming back. I get how you feel my window,  our  time was limited but the connection is eternal.  Love is limitless. Bounded by none. I remember our experiences day and night where we made so many memories. I moved out making spac...

I always wondered what it would feel like to have your own space - freedom of your choices vs longing to have another human companion under same roof. Leaning towards later part, I always found a roommate.  And then comes the point in life where it does not matter anymore and you transition towards having your own space. It is quite liberating to set up your space as per your liking, decorate your balcony, build your garden, give motivational talks to those seeds to germinate faster as you can not wait, talk to whispering wind whenever it chimes.  Fact check, no other tenant has your apartment keys! Fridge shelf is not divided, living room is your own, you do not hear another footstep at your door twisting the knob. Wait a minute, is it happening or am I dreaming. I hear those footsteps, sliding sound of glass door. Where is it coming from? Do I have invisible companion? I thought, finally I would learn to embrace the moment of solitude but god had another plans. And I like it...

Gliding from world of Gears to world of ABCs, I am making a shift from blue palette to green. Difference is just in presentation template or there is more? In this world, lot is unknown albeit screen saver is familiar from childhood - wooden horse cart.  (humming in background- " Lakdi ki kathi, kathi pe ghoda"..) I am yet to unfold all the layers. For now, I am picking on the positive vibes embracing the change. While business domain changes, analytics need is same; common goal of serving better, making valuable difference and bringing growth. More than a decade in familiar setting, It was time to bring paradigm shift. And here I am , Building on Belief; finding my ikigai. Staying in comfort zone is easy; inviting mindful upheaval is courageous. This move has served its purpose. I sense it is for better, aligned with aspirations. (Someone has rightly said, "not taking a risk is itself a risk". Ship is always safe at shore, but that is not what it is built for) I am...

  This is my content place. I sit at my window to eat, to read and observe the world around me.  For hours I stare outside through my window, soaking my senses with the greenery, the rain drops, fall colors, snowflakes, and leafless branches, witnessing all seasons. This window has lot to offer me, my companion in all the times, days and nights, in all the seasons. My companion who gives me warmth through its glass pane on a sunny afternoon, calms my nerves with breeze of air blowing smell of grass and mud, fills my ears with music of tiny raindrops crashing on it, shows camaraderie with army of ants leaving a trail mark on its sill, provides me vibrant life filled with plants, insects, wasps, spiders and of course passersby. At times I just peep momentarily into lives of passersby. They become part of my life unknowingly. It’s quite engaging to observe beautiful emotions though this small rectangular glass. It was onset of spring, time to come out and soak some vitamin ...

Billion faces are gnawing at you, mocking at your failures Million voices are banging your head, reminding you are not enough Thousands of desires are pulling you down, entangling you in marshes Hundreds of doubts are fogging your brain, giving you mental freeze One faith,  its just that single faith in HIM, telling you to believe in yourself Mocking voices do not define you. Gnawing faces do not define you. Fogging doubts kill your originality. Experience life.  Implore yourself. Live it, Share it. Write your own beautiful story. You are complete self. No one else will define you.

Me: Ah, not today darling. Let me sleep some more. Healthy Me: You may want to grab me little and see how much can I stretch? Me: I used to be very flexible, you know. Its just that winters like some love handles and enough cushion to keep me warm Healthy Me: You are turning into football. Just a warning, with every kick you would rebound and come back to me Me: Don’t worry, let spring come and I would blossom like a sunflower under glistening sun rays flaunting my golden ratio Healthy Me:   Spring is around the corner, last time I peeped into results, it was juggling to find space on your couch. Me:   Divine proportions and your expectations! I would set my own goals. Healthy Me: Yes, that’s my point. Start rolling. You are soul full of sunshine, remember that. Me: You are adorable, never give up. Sending some sunflowers! Roses are cliché   😉

  Exactly a year ago, Covid 19 was a buzz word, every day learning more about it, feeling compassion for those who had to go through it.  I had converted little corner of my home into workspace, ordered right furniture and adjusted to new normalcy in work from home mode. I had always loved the office environment hence working from home forever had been hard at times, but it has given new meaning to solitude. I figured out ways to channelize my energy, developed new skills, explored new hobbies, found ways to remain human, learned measures to make solitude experience a bliss. I had written about my experiences and experiments in 2020 in my previous post, totally unaware what 2021 holds for me. And now after a year, this bug hit me too. I read the most dreaded "Positive" word on my test result. I can relate to million others out there in world, how it feels to embrace yourself and fight it out in quarantine mode. Knowing about it for almost a year, and living by myself, I g...

  As we are approaching year end of 2020, I am sitting on my couch, facing the balcony looking at green grass outside and contemplating the year gone by. What matters most in this life is relationship with your own self, your mind, your body and your soul. Definitely 2020 brought challenges in everyone’s life. But how much prepared were we, mentally and physically to be resilient and sustain ourselves with least support from outside world. Economy is tumbling down, many of are losing jobs, facing difficult situations to deal with every day. In this harsh reality we realized what is essential to survive and what is just additional baggage we carry to project our image in the society. This is true time to implore and develop a strong bond with oneself. No distraction of parties, social gatherings, travel vacations. This least interaction with other humans while maintaining social and physical distancing made us to think differently, look around us differently and act upon it. S...

In reminiscent of last year same month, I am wandering my memory lanes and dreaming about re living that vacation again. If I could summarize the vacation in one liner: 1 SUV, 4 people, 6 days, 2800 miles stopping by 4 states covering 2 national parks and 2 party cities. Hey Covid 19, you might ruin some of my dreams, but my spirits are high. I am hopeful to enjoy 2020 December holidays with same zeal albeit differently ensuring safety of myself and people around me. It was most adventurous, ecstatic, fun road trip accompanying friends in late 20’s and early 30’s. Friends were known for long enough? Err, No. It was mix of friends and their friends. Super exciting trip where you get to meet new people from different background and age group, time to interact with different minds on various topics embracing differences. So, did we plan for long and to enough detail before commencing the trip? Ah, a bit yes and a bit no. Some details were chalked out like rental car and places to stay...

Standing High, Up against all odds

Whose woods these are I think I know. His house is in the village, though; He will not see me stopping here To watch his woods fill up with snow. My little horse must think it queer To stop without a farmhouse near Between the woods and frozen lake The darkest evening of the year. He gives his harness bells a shake To ask if there is some mistake. The only other sound's the sweep Of easy wind and downy flake. The woods are lovely, dark, and deep, But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep.  - Robert Frost ***************************************************************************** I am an angel, I'm a devil I am sometimes in between I'm as bad as it can get And good as it can be Sometimes I'm a million colours Sometimes I'm black and white I am all extremes Try to figure me out you never can There's so many things I am I'm someone filled with sel...

Since you are sitting in some hideous spot in some corner of the world, I have to let you know I take good care of me and my other half is doing all your jobs pretty effectively and responsibly in your absence. My other half is slowly becoming my better half and I feel very much comfortable with this bond we are developing. Its lovely to flourish such a deep connection with oneself. Other day someone asked, "Its Friday, ain't you going out? No plans?" How should I reply back? Should I tell you are too busy or should I disclose my actual plans? I take myself out for brunches, movie dates, luncheons, nature walks, festivals, events and even long drives. You may have to look for advance booking as now a days all my evenings are booked with other self who entertains my day dreams, aspirations, monologues, life plans, consolations, self cheering which uplifts my mind, body and soul. Song playing in background [Damn, I like me better when I am with you ..] Hey list...

I wonder how downfall of a product affects one’s lifestyle and the choice 2 minutes noodles had become part of every house, every kid inspired by those yumilicious advertisements pooping in every 2 minutes in commercial breaks. Mouth-watering as depicted, it had become easy to cook dish for every mom in hurry. Aren’t the kids missing it anymore? Where have they turned their face to? Yippie… Snoopies… Top Ramen… Brands are many. I see those advertisements which air now-a-days to address budding concerns- “We are Safe! We have techniques that produce safe noodles”. But do we really care? Do we really read the ingredient and safety clause on the packets we buy from market? Are we really banking upon the substitutes? I really wonder when I peep in my kitchen for 2 min snack options. Ms. Maggie, once upon a time was snacks queen at my home too. But Mr. Lead, the howling scoundrel damaged its market share to such an extent that we have abandon our queen to be crushed in Cements Fa...

Enjoy the diligent, focused, challenging work, and enjoy the carefree, lighthearted, playful times. Enjoy the moments of quiet solitude as well as the times when you’re surrounded by the stimulating energy of the people in your life. Enjoy giving love and being loved. Enjoy making a difference and enjoy the assistance and collaboration of others who make a difference in your life. Enjoy the things you’re confident of as well as the things that are a mystery. Enjoy diving into life’s pleasures and enjoy working through life’s problems. Enjoy the warm sun on your skin and enjoy the cold wind against your face. Enjoy being confident and enjoy being surprised.  The more of life you enjoy, and treasure, and appreciate, the more access you’ll have to life’s best possibilities. When you can find something to sincerely enjoy, you have found a pathway to great value and fulfillment. Today is a unique, one-of-a-kind experience, filled with opportunities for all differ...

Sometimes conversations with strangers leaves everlasting mark on your brain. Off lately I have been traveling to different parts of Delhi/NCR  in Auto and striking random conversations. Let me share some snippets with my readers ... Incident 1:  It was one of the day  before witnessing  State Assembly election and choosing our Chief Minister for Delhi. Me:  Pointing  to one auto walla  reading newspaper at the stand. Bhaiya, drop me to place XYZ... meter on kar lena. Autowalla1: (Bhaiya being busy in churning his thoughts and matching his ideologies with AAP - AAM Aadmi Party) Madam is baar to Arvind ji ko hi lana hai, bahut hua bhrastachaar.  Lagta hai  samay aa gaya hai , ab aam janta ki bhi  koi sunega. Me: Accha bhaiya, ye dhaarna kaise banayi aapne. AW1: Nai madam, hum mile hai unse... acchi soch wala ab koi aya hai rajneeti mein. Me: This man is really marking his impression among autowalla segment. I second his thoughts. Inciden...