Its been days and there has been clutter all around. I have been wondering to myself, how does it matter with a little mess around? After all, having Indian DNA in me, I love the chaos, I love a bit of mess and everything perfect makes me a tad bit uncomfortable.
My mother, who has spent good percentage of her parenting life trying to make me a bit organized, has indeed given up. She has tried everything from sending me to a looney hostel (in a vain attempt to discipline me), counseling, ridiculing in front of my girlie friends to keeping all clutter on my bed, but some habits are incorrigible.
But then I am surprised at my own self, when it comes to my work, I am quite meticulous and organized but when it comes to household chores, its simply not my cup of tea. I find it absolute waste of time to organize my closet when i exactly can find the right top and right belt and pull it out just the way a magician pulls out a rabbit out of his hat. But, recently, much to my chagrin, things have suddenly become unmanagable. These days its an ordeal to find things and out of sight has become out of mind. Situation came to a hilt when i couldnt find something which was quite indispensable for an occasion and the whole situation went kaput.
It rang a warning bell to me and I resolved to clear the mess. Started with emptying my handbag, which weighed at least 5 pounds less after i removed clutter. Now have resolved to clear the clutter from my closet within the coming week. It is as good as mission impossible but these days i am up for challenges. Also, I came across an interesting article about clearing clutter from life.
Removing clutter from your life involves more than just tidying up and organizing your living space. It also consists of getting rid of the unnecessary components that clutter up your social activities and professional life, and moving on to a healthier, more liberated state of being.
Although it’s not as popular as losing weight, removing clutter is a resolution for individuals looking to relieve stress from their lives. Clutter, piles, and an overabundance of “stuff” can cause stress in many people and by purging unnecessary goods they can reduce the potential unhealthy side effects of chronic stress. By organizing the home and removing stress-inducing piles, individuals can reduce the amount of stress in their personal lives and actually begin building a healthier, happier lifestyle. This is one of the most important practice of Feng-Sui as well.
You can remove clutter from your life by following few simple steps:
1. The clutter of too many obligations
2. The clutter of too much stress
3. The clutter of too many work commitments
4. The clutter of negative people
5. The clutter of emotional baggage
Removing unnecessary elements from your surrounding gives you a sense of control over your life. In fact, organizing and removing clutter can be so life-changing that some people experience a sense of euphoria and well-being.
So, lets de-clutter our lives...
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Its never too late to learn !!
Paint brush, colors, canvas...oooohhhh..the very picture is so mesmerizing and fascinating..
I had often visualized myself..standing with a paint brush in my hand, bit of color on my apron and on my face.
This fantasy of mine,led me on a massive hunt for finding the right tutor to train me. The criteria was to find a tutor who could come home, adjust to my timings and demonstrate extreme patience :)
After countless screenings, interviews, self-doubt (it stems from the fact that inspite of being very creative and artistically inclined, I cant draw or sketch a basic object), yes-no's, rescheduling of classes, I finally today presented an opportunity to my tutor to come and start the classes.
The height of my paranoia on myself was that I was hoping against hope that he will just call in sick or just wouldnt make it. However, at the designated time, my tutor arrived. He had asked me to get a sketch book. Sketch book was there but I can be quite robotic at times (only comprehend the explicitly mentioned details) and forgot that to sketch on a sketch book, one certainly needs a pencil and an eraser. So as soon as he arrived, a massive search began to look for a pencil, eraser and sharpner in my closet which is a labyrinth in itself. So, after few minutes of frantic search operation and an effort to disguise embarrasement in front of an amused tutor, finally all required was on the table.
As he wanted to gauge the proficiency level of his new student, he asked me to draw anything that I felt like. So, in an attempt to mask embarassment over the events, I showed alacrity by drawing my version of a scenery with hills, a hut, a river and a tree. Looking at the result, he said how about drawing a sketch of a human face (generosly he gave me a choice boy or girl). I needn't mention the outcome was terrible. Not giving up on his politeness, he then asked me to draw an object that was placed on table (Kellogs carton on an upturned bowl).
Finally, the tutor figured out that its an equally daunting task to teach for him as it is for me to learn how to sketch and paint. Then he started his tutorial and made the human face and how to draw an eye, the proportion in which forehead and the nose is divided. I am absolutely in awe of the fact that mathematics has its tentacles spread even in something as basic an art as drawing. So, after many rounds of demonstrations, i tried to draw an eye. I failed miserably but my tutors patience and my courteous self egged me on. What seemingly was a poetic beauty now had become a challenge. Finally, I got it almost right.
Then, to keep my interest alive, my tutor taught me how to draw a car, a peacock, a dog, a tree, a flower etc. Initially, I was disheartened with my failed attempts at getting something perceived as easy as an eye to draw but I thought to myself, this is something I have always wanted to do and I need to try till I succeed. Its satisfying to put your thoughts on canvas, to give shape to your vision. What started as a mere fantasy, I plan to pursue and chase like a dream now. I want to learn and I am confident that I will learn. No matter what, I will learn how to sketch and how to paint.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the first session and I will continue till I succeed. I have got an assignment and I am happy trying to complete it like an obedient student..
I may not grasp like a whizkid but its never too late to learn..
I had often visualized myself..standing with a paint brush in my hand, bit of color on my apron and on my face.
This fantasy of mine,led me on a massive hunt for finding the right tutor to train me. The criteria was to find a tutor who could come home, adjust to my timings and demonstrate extreme patience :)
After countless screenings, interviews, self-doubt (it stems from the fact that inspite of being very creative and artistically inclined, I cant draw or sketch a basic object), yes-no's, rescheduling of classes, I finally today presented an opportunity to my tutor to come and start the classes.
The height of my paranoia on myself was that I was hoping against hope that he will just call in sick or just wouldnt make it. However, at the designated time, my tutor arrived. He had asked me to get a sketch book. Sketch book was there but I can be quite robotic at times (only comprehend the explicitly mentioned details) and forgot that to sketch on a sketch book, one certainly needs a pencil and an eraser. So as soon as he arrived, a massive search began to look for a pencil, eraser and sharpner in my closet which is a labyrinth in itself. So, after few minutes of frantic search operation and an effort to disguise embarrasement in front of an amused tutor, finally all required was on the table.
As he wanted to gauge the proficiency level of his new student, he asked me to draw anything that I felt like. So, in an attempt to mask embarassment over the events, I showed alacrity by drawing my version of a scenery with hills, a hut, a river and a tree. Looking at the result, he said how about drawing a sketch of a human face (generosly he gave me a choice boy or girl). I needn't mention the outcome was terrible. Not giving up on his politeness, he then asked me to draw an object that was placed on table (Kellogs carton on an upturned bowl).
Finally, the tutor figured out that its an equally daunting task to teach for him as it is for me to learn how to sketch and paint. Then he started his tutorial and made the human face and how to draw an eye, the proportion in which forehead and the nose is divided. I am absolutely in awe of the fact that mathematics has its tentacles spread even in something as basic an art as drawing. So, after many rounds of demonstrations, i tried to draw an eye. I failed miserably but my tutors patience and my courteous self egged me on. What seemingly was a poetic beauty now had become a challenge. Finally, I got it almost right.
Then, to keep my interest alive, my tutor taught me how to draw a car, a peacock, a dog, a tree, a flower etc. Initially, I was disheartened with my failed attempts at getting something perceived as easy as an eye to draw but I thought to myself, this is something I have always wanted to do and I need to try till I succeed. Its satisfying to put your thoughts on canvas, to give shape to your vision. What started as a mere fantasy, I plan to pursue and chase like a dream now. I want to learn and I am confident that I will learn. No matter what, I will learn how to sketch and how to paint.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the first session and I will continue till I succeed. I have got an assignment and I am happy trying to complete it like an obedient student..
I may not grasp like a whizkid but its never too late to learn..
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Holi!! Festival of Colors..My favorite festival
Holi in India transcends the barriers of caste, creed, and communities to paint a vibrant and vivid mass of colorful faces. Faces enraptured in bliss and showing the face of India. And you accept them, for they are playing Holi, as you are.
Holi, the color festival of India is steeped in tradition and myths abound concerning its origin. It has the roots of its name in the bonfire festival that commemorates the burning of the demon Holika, the sister of demon King Hiranyakasipu. To, this day the burning of bonfires before the day of Holi, commemorates the victory of good over evil, the burning of Holika and the saving of Prahlad.
However, Holi as a color festival came into existence in later Vaishnavite tradition with the depiction of Lord Krishna, the last Avatar of Vishnu playing with the women of Vrindavan and his lover Radha by sprinkling colors and colored water on each other with spray tubes or pichkaris. This particular festival, the color festival, is actually called Raslila, and enacted in all vaishnavite temples and communities across the country. Traditionally, in India, Holika Dahan, the burning of bonfires and Raslila came to be combined in the festival of colors, Holi.
I love Holi, simply for the fun thats associated with it. Colors, sweetmeats, revelry, friends, fun everything is part of it. It is so much pleasure to smear your loved ones, friends with colors and then dodge your ownself from others. Its fun to chase and even more fun being chased.
Today, more than the victory of good over evil, Holi embodies the spirit of love and revelry started by Lord Krishna while playing with his lover Radha and other Gopinis or women of Vrindavan. With time, Holi in India has come to symbolize communal harmony and love and loss of one's social identity for a brief time in a rain of colors. On the day of Holi, people exchange gifts and sweetmeat and anoint each other with color to celebrate the joy of life. Holi brings out the spirit of India in a fashion that no other festival can, for Holi has no barriers.
Holi, the color festival of India is steeped in tradition and myths abound concerning its origin. It has the roots of its name in the bonfire festival that commemorates the burning of the demon Holika, the sister of demon King Hiranyakasipu. To, this day the burning of bonfires before the day of Holi, commemorates the victory of good over evil, the burning of Holika and the saving of Prahlad.
However, Holi as a color festival came into existence in later Vaishnavite tradition with the depiction of Lord Krishna, the last Avatar of Vishnu playing with the women of Vrindavan and his lover Radha by sprinkling colors and colored water on each other with spray tubes or pichkaris. This particular festival, the color festival, is actually called Raslila, and enacted in all vaishnavite temples and communities across the country. Traditionally, in India, Holika Dahan, the burning of bonfires and Raslila came to be combined in the festival of colors, Holi.
I love Holi, simply for the fun thats associated with it. Colors, sweetmeats, revelry, friends, fun everything is part of it. It is so much pleasure to smear your loved ones, friends with colors and then dodge your ownself from others. Its fun to chase and even more fun being chased.
Today, more than the victory of good over evil, Holi embodies the spirit of love and revelry started by Lord Krishna while playing with his lover Radha and other Gopinis or women of Vrindavan. With time, Holi in India has come to symbolize communal harmony and love and loss of one's social identity for a brief time in a rain of colors. On the day of Holi, people exchange gifts and sweetmeat and anoint each other with color to celebrate the joy of life. Holi brings out the spirit of India in a fashion that no other festival can, for Holi has no barriers.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
True friends are forever
"Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget"
Some of the fondest memories we gather in the journey of life are the ones that remind us of our beloved friends. Moments of endless laughter, longest chats and beautiful times shared with friends are simply priceless. So often when I read a beautiful poem or a quote about friendship I am instantly drawn into my world of beautiful memories about the times I spent with my friends. The very essence of life is to continue to make such beautiful memories, that one can look back upon and smile about.
Even though we've changed and we're all finding our own place in the world, we all know that when the tears fall or the smile spreads across our face, we'll come to each other because no matter where this crazy world takes us, nothing will ever change so much to the point where we're not all still friends
Some of the fondest memories we gather in the journey of life are the ones that remind us of our beloved friends. Moments of endless laughter, longest chats and beautiful times shared with friends are simply priceless. So often when I read a beautiful poem or a quote about friendship I am instantly drawn into my world of beautiful memories about the times I spent with my friends. The very essence of life is to continue to make such beautiful memories, that one can look back upon and smile about.
Even though we've changed and we're all finding our own place in the world, we all know that when the tears fall or the smile spreads across our face, we'll come to each other because no matter where this crazy world takes us, nothing will ever change so much to the point where we're not all still friends
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Qualities of Libra star sign:
I m proud to be born under Libra sun sign.
And reasons for my prudence are as follows:
a)We are ruled by the planet Venus, which is associated with emotional behavior, partnerships and relationships, art and culture, beauty, morality, charm and possession.
b)We always value balance, justice and passion above everything else and are naturally passionate about all forms of art and always seeks balance in all aspects of daily lives. However, this does not mean that we're all about the peace and quiet, we like to shake things up every now and then.
c)Libra individuals rarely enjoy being alone. We value our quiet time alone, but we would much rather prefer being around people who are important to us. Partnerships and relationships with family, friends, and colleagues are very important to Libra individuals, and we would prefer being with these people and nurturing these relationships on any given day rather than being alone.I, being a libra individual, love to socialize and highly value my social engagements and commitments.
d)People love being around Libra individuals, because of our fun-loving, helpful and social nature. Libra individuals make for excellent friends because we are always willing to give a helping hand. Libra individuals are the ones who usually take on the role of mediator and problem-solver whenever friends and family get into arguments.People are naturally drawn to our fun-loving and Samaritan nature. Libra individuals will not hesitate to initiate get-together and gatherings,when we feel like spending time with family and close friends.
e)Libra individuals are known for their gift for talking. Balance, harmony, and justice are very important for us. It is not uncommon to find Libra individuals working in the fields of HR, Law, governance, creative arts. Our ability to see both sides of an argument makes us excellent diplomats, and our desire to uphold justice, makes us good civil servants and lawyers. Libra individuals are also artistic and creative, which makes us successful in careers in the music and fashion industry, interior design, marketing, advertising and performing arts.
f)Libra star sign shapes us born leaders and people's persons. Libras willingness to cooperate and lead and sense of diplomacy makes it easy for Libra people to fit in and adjust to just about any setting.
g)Libras like to shop and are shopaholics. We find joy in shopping for gifts for friends, family, and those close to us. We are often materialistic and expect our partners to shower us with presents. Our ruling planet Venus also tends to be extravagant in more ways than one. We pamper ourselves with expensive purchases. Shopping is a female Libra's favorite past time cause they don't mind spending. Be wary when going for shopping with Libras, though, as we tend to be indecisive about our purchases. An interesting tidbit about Libra individuals: We are naturally drawn to stores that sell expensive clothes and housewares. (I can absolutely vouch for it, as I have a natural flair for fine things in life)Libra individuals are very refined and sophisticated.
h) Libras are fun-loving, but this doesn't necessarily mean that they like loud, boisterous activities. In fact, most Libra individuals abhor loudmouths. We also dislike violence, injustice, or anything that harmfully disrupts balance and harmony whether spatially/physically or figuratively.
i) Libras are very romantic and loving by nature. We celebrate special moments with style and panache. We bring out the romance in everything we do and make excellent lovers and partners. Libras are vocal about our desires and things we fancy. We do not feel shy to express ourselves and since we are ruled by Venus, we bring a natural charm and beauty in whatever we do.Librans are indeed classy and elegant :)
j)Libras under influence of Venus are very charming and attractive. We give lot of attention to our physical appearance and generally love to maintain our naturally attractive physique and demeanour. Libras charm is very infectious and it is difficult to escape it or specifically ignore a libra woman's charm. Librans are very natural and people get drawn to us easily. Lovers of Libra women have to give a special focus on their appearance as libra women abhor ugly or unkempt appearances. Also, Librans detest manual, household work and consider it too menial.
I am so happy to be born under this star sign and am fortunate to have all the libra qualities.
And reasons for my prudence are as follows:
a)We are ruled by the planet Venus, which is associated with emotional behavior, partnerships and relationships, art and culture, beauty, morality, charm and possession.
b)We always value balance, justice and passion above everything else and are naturally passionate about all forms of art and always seeks balance in all aspects of daily lives. However, this does not mean that we're all about the peace and quiet, we like to shake things up every now and then.
c)Libra individuals rarely enjoy being alone. We value our quiet time alone, but we would much rather prefer being around people who are important to us. Partnerships and relationships with family, friends, and colleagues are very important to Libra individuals, and we would prefer being with these people and nurturing these relationships on any given day rather than being alone.I, being a libra individual, love to socialize and highly value my social engagements and commitments.
d)People love being around Libra individuals, because of our fun-loving, helpful and social nature. Libra individuals make for excellent friends because we are always willing to give a helping hand. Libra individuals are the ones who usually take on the role of mediator and problem-solver whenever friends and family get into arguments.People are naturally drawn to our fun-loving and Samaritan nature. Libra individuals will not hesitate to initiate get-together and gatherings,when we feel like spending time with family and close friends.
e)Libra individuals are known for their gift for talking. Balance, harmony, and justice are very important for us. It is not uncommon to find Libra individuals working in the fields of HR, Law, governance, creative arts. Our ability to see both sides of an argument makes us excellent diplomats, and our desire to uphold justice, makes us good civil servants and lawyers. Libra individuals are also artistic and creative, which makes us successful in careers in the music and fashion industry, interior design, marketing, advertising and performing arts.
f)Libra star sign shapes us born leaders and people's persons. Libras willingness to cooperate and lead and sense of diplomacy makes it easy for Libra people to fit in and adjust to just about any setting.
g)Libras like to shop and are shopaholics. We find joy in shopping for gifts for friends, family, and those close to us. We are often materialistic and expect our partners to shower us with presents. Our ruling planet Venus also tends to be extravagant in more ways than one. We pamper ourselves with expensive purchases. Shopping is a female Libra's favorite past time cause they don't mind spending. Be wary when going for shopping with Libras, though, as we tend to be indecisive about our purchases. An interesting tidbit about Libra individuals: We are naturally drawn to stores that sell expensive clothes and housewares. (I can absolutely vouch for it, as I have a natural flair for fine things in life)Libra individuals are very refined and sophisticated.
h) Libras are fun-loving, but this doesn't necessarily mean that they like loud, boisterous activities. In fact, most Libra individuals abhor loudmouths. We also dislike violence, injustice, or anything that harmfully disrupts balance and harmony whether spatially/physically or figuratively.
i) Libras are very romantic and loving by nature. We celebrate special moments with style and panache. We bring out the romance in everything we do and make excellent lovers and partners. Libras are vocal about our desires and things we fancy. We do not feel shy to express ourselves and since we are ruled by Venus, we bring a natural charm and beauty in whatever we do.Librans are indeed classy and elegant :)
j)Libras under influence of Venus are very charming and attractive. We give lot of attention to our physical appearance and generally love to maintain our naturally attractive physique and demeanour. Libras charm is very infectious and it is difficult to escape it or specifically ignore a libra woman's charm. Librans are very natural and people get drawn to us easily. Lovers of Libra women have to give a special focus on their appearance as libra women abhor ugly or unkempt appearances. Also, Librans detest manual, household work and consider it too menial.
I am so happy to be born under this star sign and am fortunate to have all the libra qualities.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Girl Friendship is for keeps!!
My girl friends are my soul sisters. Always there for me whenever I need them.Though I have very good guy friends too (Dont read Boy friends here). Whenever I am feeling low or I am upset, it is sort of magical that my girl friends sense it and call me up. Its absolutely mind-boggling rather spooky..
Being a girl, no matter how much you relate or gel with guys, only a girl can understand your pains, what you are going through? No matter how much a guy claims to understand you and relate to you but he cannot empathize with you. He can only sympathize. And a girl will always empathize with you and think of solutions for your problem. A guy friend will only suggest or maybe just say that I understand but in actuality, will only say it to make you feel better.
Anyway, what would life be without female friends? Imagine no talk of shopping, parties, movies, heartaches, break-ups,heroes, above all GOSSIPING. How boring indeed?
We certainly need our female friends and I am proud of all my female friends and glad to be one myself..
Three cheers to girl power..
We cant choose our relatives but we can choose our friends.
Its a blog dedicated to all female friends of mine.
Being a girl, no matter how much you relate or gel with guys, only a girl can understand your pains, what you are going through? No matter how much a guy claims to understand you and relate to you but he cannot empathize with you. He can only sympathize. And a girl will always empathize with you and think of solutions for your problem. A guy friend will only suggest or maybe just say that I understand but in actuality, will only say it to make you feel better.
Anyway, what would life be without female friends? Imagine no talk of shopping, parties, movies, heartaches, break-ups,heroes, above all GOSSIPING. How boring indeed?
We certainly need our female friends and I am proud of all my female friends and glad to be one myself..
Three cheers to girl power..
We cant choose our relatives but we can choose our friends.
Its a blog dedicated to all female friends of mine.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Romancing the monsoon
"The best thing one can do when it's raining is to let it rain." - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
How true?? Why cant we just let the rain pour?
These days newspapers, websites, blogs etc are inundated with the aftermath of incessant rains. Last sunday read an article in HT Brunch on how the author was comparing London rains to Indian Monsoon.
I echo her sentiment and feel that Monsoon season carries its own charm. I reminiscise how we as kids used to make paper kites and race them against the others and the next day the drains used to be clogged with soaking wet paper.
I simply love monsoon season. The very smell of wet mud, the feel of rain drops, the touch of wet clothes.The whole idea is so romantic. Imagine walking with your loved one holding hands, getting wet, stealing a kiss under umbrella...its so romantic.
And the best part about monsoon season is driving in the rain and going for a long drive :)The swooshing sound of car vipers, the caoutic scenes and serpentine queues of cars. The best part about being stuck in traffic jams due to downpur is that you get to listen to lovely songs on fm, breathe good fresh air, test your driving skill and patience..Overall i love monsoons..
"Rain is grace; rain is the sky condescending to the earth; without rain, there would be no life."- John Updike
I end up with a food for thought:-
"Without rain, there would be no rainbow"
How true?? Why cant we just let the rain pour?
These days newspapers, websites, blogs etc are inundated with the aftermath of incessant rains. Last sunday read an article in HT Brunch on how the author was comparing London rains to Indian Monsoon.
I echo her sentiment and feel that Monsoon season carries its own charm. I reminiscise how we as kids used to make paper kites and race them against the others and the next day the drains used to be clogged with soaking wet paper.
I simply love monsoon season. The very smell of wet mud, the feel of rain drops, the touch of wet clothes.The whole idea is so romantic. Imagine walking with your loved one holding hands, getting wet, stealing a kiss under umbrella...its so romantic.
And the best part about monsoon season is driving in the rain and going for a long drive :)The swooshing sound of car vipers, the caoutic scenes and serpentine queues of cars. The best part about being stuck in traffic jams due to downpur is that you get to listen to lovely songs on fm, breathe good fresh air, test your driving skill and patience..Overall i love monsoons..
"Rain is grace; rain is the sky condescending to the earth; without rain, there would be no life."- John Updike
I end up with a food for thought:-
"Without rain, there would be no rainbow"
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