Reader writes back

Feedback from a reader is like a candy. It tastes good and the flavour stays for quite some time. This reader was from Chennai who wrote a long letter in response to this blog post. It was published in The Hindu. Here is the note from the reader--
.............................................................

Dear Priyanka,

This is with reference to your article "The realm beyond words" that feature in "The Hindu" dated 16th Aug 2016
With due regards acknowledging this beautiful article and sharing few things that came to my mind with your permission.

A very nice articulated article revolving around the beautiful communication in terms of unconditional love between a Mother and a new born Son. Then bringing out finally what is that which keeps us away from communicating from our heart in the last line of the article - "By freeing ourselves of fears, inhibition, assumptions, prejudice, needs, desires and our past history". Very beautifully brought out and wish to add few thoughts that came to mind as to how do we go about freeing ourselves from the above distortions that you brought out and how we can communicate effectively with every one all around us in a harmonious manner.

Thanks a lot for this beautiful article "The realm beyond words". The realm beyond words is only possible in an adult by destressing one self through these practises and reading the supreme self knowledge about life. Then each and every one can come from the perspective of contributing and reach the state of "Unconditional Love" to the whole world. This "Bliss" that a child enjoys and communicates so beautifully to a mother can be a living experience with every one of us in our core of our heart - This is the ultimate happiness that any human being could get on our planet
Wishing you the very best in all your endeavors in your life. Greatful for this opportunity to communicate on "The realm beyond words".

God Bless
Regards,
Kumaresan

Blog Marathon comes to an end (post 15)

Hello peeps,

So, I started this 15 days, 15 posts blog-marathon. Today is the last day of this marathon. There are couple of things which I have to say:

Firstly, I loved doing this exercise of writing a post everyday. It gave me an opportunity to look at life more objectively. Hence, I always looked for something unusual, interesting or inspirational information in otherwise mundane experience of day-to-day life. Blogging indeed changes one's perspective. 

Secondly, I did what I love the most WRITING. I made time for it. That in itself is an achievement for me. 

I promise to do a month long marathon next time.  

With a promise to to be more regular, will see you people soon. 

Nesting, Incubation (post 14)

There is a blog post I wrote on lessons one can learn from birds. It has been picked by the prestigious Journal for English Writers, Indian Ruminations.

What is striking about this piece is the timeline. I wrote it when I had just delivered my son. And the bird which had built this nest at my parent's house was to be a mother too. My parents and I had a wonderful time observing the whole process. Read it here to know more about the experience. Just two days back, the bird was spotted again building the nest all over again.

Today, it's been a almost a year when the episode was first recorded. Within this time frame, the bird returned and is ready to deliver again. Could it be the same bird?

I wonder how she would have decided to choose the same spot for nesting. May be, based on her first labour experience.  Eggs are laid and the embryo's are being incubated now. I am lucky to watch this wonderful process in a year's time.

Goodnight peeps!

What is the significance of Navratri fast? (post 13)

Navratri fasts began yesterday. 

We worship Goddess Durga in Hinduism and keep away from all physical and sensual pleasures for NINE days. For religious followers, there are restrictions even in food. For instance, they avoid garlic, flesh, alcohol, egg etc. It's the period where even thoughts should be pure. A married couple also abstains from carnal diversion. At the end of Navratri, on Ashtami, small girls are worshipped, as our culture bespeaks of this tradition. 

In the wake of series of gang rape across India, how true is the celebration of purity? This religious rendering to women is sheer hypocrisy. Are women being respected even in their households, let alone being worshipped? Why abstain from sex only for this period and pounce on them on other days? Aren't women pure then? 

Festivals are gentle reminder of human values which bind our society as a larger unit. Navratri is no different. These nine nights reminds us that women should be given a fair treatment all days. 

Navratri tells me that hypocrisy always has a last laugh. And modesty of women dies a slow death. 

Happy ALLRATRI to all of you !

Dance like no one is watching (post 12)

Hi all,

My post for today is how you can beat stress with music. 

I devote half an hour daily where I play music and dance like no one is watching. Normally, it's my months old son with whom I groove to musical beats. And we connect, like we never connected. He and I get transported into a very happy space. It's magical effects are following-

1. Cardio Exercise-Your hearts starts pumping and your body gets its physical workout for the day. Sleep also improves. 
2. Disconnect from routine-Dancing is also a therapy. Put on the music at the highest volume and just dance. Notice the change in your emotions. 
3.  Helps in bonding- If you are dancing alone, then it the bonding with self which improves. You know yourself better, and are more at peace. And you if you have a partner, then you bond with the person you are dancing with. 
4. Mental Rejuvenation-It's like a short trip or a vacation both for body and mind. You come back fresh and all happy.                  
5. Improves Concentration-One is more focussed after tryst with music and can be more productive.

I often take musical breaks in between writing to lend more depth to my work. It is all interconnected you see. 

Leaving you with a video of  ED Sheeren's Shape of You which is trending today :)

Reader's feedback (post 11)

I wrote a piece for The Times of India last week about which I also mentioned in my blogpost. Among many comments from readers which I got, this one was particularly sweet. So, I decided to make this my next post in the ongoing blog marathon. A reader's comment for any writer is the most prized possession. It gives a high which no reward can ever give. Here it is:

Harjas2 days ago

in awe of ur writing skills and vocab !! the topic ws really marvellous what caught my attention though ws the view which u see the world and the plethora of feelings that u poured in here with utmost purity and affection..soo inspiring!! thank u so much

Thank you Harjas. Readers like you who make my day. If you have anything good to say, leave in a comment below :) I am listening.

Ten things which every writer must follow (post 10)

Today, I have decided to do a picture post on writing. Enjoy folks!