Nature and WiFi!

My husband was asking me the other day that which country I would like to live - Japan, India or Dubai. Frankly, after thinking for sometime, I was unable to decide. My everyday regime can fit-in anywhere in the world oblivious to any place. I love being with nature - in open blue infinite sky, sandy lazy beach and lush green emerald wood. My third eye craves these sights. It opens up and starts dancing effortlessly. I find myself in the summit of my creativity and fulfillment. 

This feeling cannot be bought in any mall, it can only be experienced with closed eyes. Malls in Dubai drains away my energy. Whenever I am in the mall with my husband, I fail to walk at his pace. I become a lifeless creature without soul. I struggle to keep myself calm. Artificial lights, fake trees and even the waterfall fails to keep me moving. I haven't stopped visiting these malls and go there only if I have work and I keep it short. 

May be, my answer to my husband will be -
I want to stay in place which is close to nature and where wifi is fast. 

We did it!

Today, early morning I felt like a teenager who was excited about her new adventure. I was getting ready for Dubai Women's Run and this was my first run ever. I had trained myself for last two months but was still nervous.  5K was something which looked like full marathon in the morning. 

My friend participant had kindly offered to pick me up. Whist waiting for her in the morning I had mentally pictured myself in the run and was ready to give my best shot. When my friend arrived with her husband and kids, slight drizzle in a desert city surprised us. According to my friend's husband this was a good sign. We reached the starting point on time and was pleased to see so many enthusiastic women, all ready for this day. We decided to use the restroom first and was able to chit chat with few strangers in the long queue. For some, like us, it was their first time and they were equally nervous. Some second and third timers said that taking part in these runs is addictive. I was skeptical about it. 

We began our first 5K with lot of zest. First one kilometer seemed like three! I couldn't run all the time and took short breaks and walked. The water station was a big respite. Last 200 meters was the longest stretch I ever ran. But, like everything which starts has an end, I could see the finish line. YES! I finished the race in 37 minutes. I could hear my friend's son shouting my name in ecstasy. The finisher's medal added more joy to our achievement whilst the photographers were buzzing around us. 

On our way back we couldn't stop dancing and laughing in the car. My friend had a silly smile (as she said) on her face and her kids were proud of their mother. After I got back home, I couldn't stop myself from posting my pictures on WhatsApp and Instagram. Yalla!

that stranger was correct, it is addictive and I am thinking about 10K already. 

Pampering My Soul

Purposely, I decided to do nothing today. Nothing means - not going for any coffee mornings, not going to the gym, not dropping and picking my son (he will take the bus) or talking on the phone. I decided to spend the whole day with myself. Doing something I always wanted to do - stay at home quietly, with my silence and peace. Till now, I did great. 

I managed to do yoga, half an hour meditation and got one hour body massage from a Chinese lady (who couldn't speak english). I cooked simple food for myself (rice and yogurt with some spices) and drank lots of green tea. I feel, as if I had touched that part of my inner self which needed my attention. I had pampered my soul today by not exposing it out to the world and had filled it with positive energy. I had re-enforced the believe that I can achieve and live my dreams. 

I thought about how I will look when I grow really old. What can I do now, to make my retirement days more fruitful? Though, I didn't find any particular answer but was just pondering over these thoughts for a while. I thought about all the people who came and went in my life and I thanked them for being a part of my journey. 

From now, I will make an effort to take out days like today, where I can pamper my soul and listen to my inner thoughts. 

SleepTalk

I attended a workshop today called SleepTalk. Initially, it sounded a bit weird but then I always like to explore and experiment. To be honest, I actually learned few tips which I want to share now -
1. 'TRY' which I always thought was a positive word is unfortunately a negative expression . I always said to my son - "At least try and finish half of that broccoli....etc".  Today I learnt that this approach is wrong.
2. Instead give OPTIONS to your kid which leads to consequential thinking! Make him chose from the various options.
3. Nagging Mother is a mother who uses these words - MUST, SHOULD and HAVE TO.  Are you one of them? I was one but from today I will change (not-try to change).
4. We want our kids to be - Safe, Secure, Confident and we want to love them Unconditionally. But, I somehow managed to portray Conditional love to my son. Kids often think that - Mummy will love me IF I do this.....
5. PRAISE for FAILURE - Praise the brain and it will give you more. So, 'words' are important.
6. Always tell your kid that - Everything will be alright in the end. If it is not all right then it is not the end. Beautiful! Isn't it?
7. The workshop taught us a technique of talking to the child whist he is asleep. I will start tonight with positive affirmations and watch for the changes.
8. Child's subconscious mind is receptive during his sleep and thats the time when the mother has to make the child believe that he is loved and protected.
9. The most important thing which I learnt today is -
"Emotional Intelligent is more important than IQ". 

JUST before you die

Greenery, all around me takes me back to my childhood days. I grew up in lush green neighborhood. Looking at different shades of green awakens my mind to creativity and I feel protected. I took that for granted till I shifted to Dubai. Here in Dubai, I can count the number of trees from my balcony.

Ohh..I miss Sakura season in Japan. Lying alone under the cherry blossom trees with petals falling on me and the gentle breeze brushing my face, was nothing but a therapy. I miss the sweet fragrance of spring whilst having green tea and reading a book under those bright pink flowers.
I left Japan two years ago and now, when I close my eyes, the only picture that reflects back is - taking long walks alone in the streets of Kyoto. Some of my 'one-day-outings' were taking train to Kyoto from Kobe, without having any destination in mind. Walking alone looking at the shops and the hustle and bustle of the city life used to stimulate my mind. I feel a deep connection with that city till now.
I remember showing some pictures of Kyoto to my cousin in India and saying - " A city you must see before you die!" In between, I was interrupted by my naughty brother and he said - " A city you must see JUST before you die!?!" May be unintentionally he said something which might come true for me. I want to die or spend some retirement years in Kyoto.

Doing Laundry

I don't look forward to doing laundry every morning. I have to push myself to take out washed clothes from the washing machine and then take the laundry basket to the balcony. Hanging each cloth and then clipping it is not fascinating.
But, today I purposely thought of looking at doing this mundane chore, from a different perspective. First, I thanked God that I have a washing machine and clothes ;-) to wear, then carefully took out clothes from the machine into the basket. I thought to myself, carrying the basket to the balcony was an exercise.  In Dubai, getting fresh air is rare. Being in the balcony, for doing laundry, is perfect time to breathe fresh air. I purposely did deep breathing, long exhalation took out toxins from my body. Planning the zig-zag pattern to hang the clothes, so that they don't block each other from sunlight, surprisingly took lot of thinking and creativity! It made me ponder over my today's routine and I had an interesting conversation with myself. I let my creative juices flow and got my camera to take few shots!
Different perspective to a  day-to-day simple activity makes it so interesting and beneficial.
Which boring activity or relationship you think, you can make interesting by just changing your perspective?

Soulful Sunday

Cannot stop thinking about the quote I read yesterday -
"Resentment is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die." - Carrie Fisher

So many times in life, negative feelings just over power our rule of 'positive thinking'. I purposely start my day with positivity and make deliberate effort to stay in my state of tranquility. I try and accept things and situations, the way they are, and manage to make maximum utilization of whatever I have. But, doing this is not that easy, as at times, I get trapped in negative emotions. After attending a workshop - Soulful Sunday, I realized that every negativity inside us will harm us and NO one else.

So, from today, no matter what, I will meditate for 2 minutes, will breathe deeply and will reflect on my thoughts. Proactively, I will delete unnecessary and negative thoughts, as now I know the ripple effect of them.

Simplicity

Life is simple. I had made my life really complicated in the past. But, now I thrive simplicity.....

Few simple things in my life now -
1. Love, pure love - When I get confused about some relation, I simply close my eyes and send love to that relationship. It helps me come out of that complicated situation. 
2. Drink water - No one is stopping me to drink water...It is completely my simple wish to keep myself hydrated. 
3. Sleep - as much as I can, as according to a study, we can overeat but not over sleep!
4. Read - Relation with a book is so uncomplicated. I don't have to take appointment with my book to read it!
5. Listen to my child - Simply lending my ears to him is spending quality time with him. I don't have to take those complicated workshops to do this. 
6. Walk - I miss greenery in Dubai but still I can walk. It is so simple, no need to wear those complicated gadgets, I just steal time from my daily routine to do that. 
7. Tea - Nothing unwinds me but tea. Depending on my mood I either drink green tea or masala chai! Love both :-)
8. Shower - Long hot shower after walk is refreshing. Something simple, I look forward to this simple activity everyday.
9. Simple home made food - I like to cook simple dishes and had learnt to do this over a period of time. Once I spent two hours to make those fried samosas and felt horrible after eating. I don't say that I don't eat samosa, I only eat them outside. I am cutting down on that now. 
10. Pray - Simply connecting with the supreme is something which completes my day. I thank God for everything I have and feel blessed. 

Roads in Japan

Date with Flamingos

Sometimes I wonder why 24 hours in a day is not enough for me. I usually plan my week in advance and any last minute "coffee meeting" is difficult for me to adjust in my schedule. Still, I think, I should be prioritizing my activities to steal more time to read and explore Dubai. 

Lately, I went to a bird sanctuary for flamingo watching in Ras Al Khor with two friends. My taxi driver had no clue about this place and he commented in hindi - "Madam, I have been driving in Dubai since past ten years and had NEVER heard of this place!?" Well, I was proud to guide him the directions with the help of my google map. 

Our eyes couldn't believe what we saw.....more than 300 flamingos in the heart of a desert city - Dubai! We reached there just before the bird's feeding time. To my surprise, the care taker allowed me to go near the water body, with a warning (which I ignored) that they will all fly. As he predicted, to our disappointment, they all flew in a group to some other invisible place. And there we were, sad and hoping for a miracle. Our last respite was the feeding time. We waited patiently and finally the person-in-charge arrived. We carefully watched his action of throwing the feed in the water. Yes! the birds started walking (not flying) towards their food. They were only half or may be less in number, but that also excited us. We admired them like children who just found their lost pet. We examined their moves carefully, their needle legs and wondered how they can stand on one leg for so long. Their S shaped neck and black coloured lining under their feather mesmerized us. This left me thinking - yappari, how beautiful nature is!

A Special Friend

Sometimes we happen to meet people randomly and a small conversation turns into a life long friendship. When I had just shifted from Japan to Dubai, I was looking for some like minded people.
Unfortunately, friends cannot be bought in a shop. They just walk-in our lives and before we know, they make a permanent place in our heart. I like making friends who don't judge me and who have accepted me after seeing me in my worst condition.

One year ago, I happened to meet a beautiful lady in the play area (in our building) who came up to me and said-"Hi"!  I wasn't expecting this gesture from her and replied - "Are you saying hi to me!?" and we started chatting. We chatted as if we were long lost friends. Our friendship flourished. We were there for each other when required, and also gave each other enough space to breathe.  

But today, my heart cries as she is shifting to a different address. We will no longer be living in the same building. I will miss the time we had spent together - especially our coffee and shisha sessions. Though, we will be physically apart now, but I guess, our friendship will be alive. I wish her all the best for her decision and hope our friendship remains forever.

Beach, after sunset

First time I went to the beach after sunset. Though I couldn't see the turquoise blue color of the sea but enjoyed the contrast: dark blue sea and milky white waves. When I was lying alone on the grainy white sand with my eyes closed, evening breeze was my blanket and sound of splashing waves was soft music. Never felt so close to nature. I was in trance and completely relaxed.

I became a secured and carefree child who was taking a nap and her mother about to wake her up. But when I opened my eyes, I saw my son was trying to wake me up as he was exhausted after playing with water and sand. Ohh... the reality hit me, I was transported back to the present: One hour cleaning the sand, drill from every corner of my home :-) 

Lizards for dinner?

When I said “Yes” to settling down in Japan with my future husband (who was staying Japan then), I was thrown with lots of comments like – “You don’t know Japanese”, “You will be served lizards for dinner", “The most expensive country in the world”.

My adventurous side ignored those comments and I started my journey with mixed feelings. Yes, I admit initially it was difficult but gradually Japanese culture started sinking in and became a part of my personality. Now, after eight years I feel fortunate to have lived in this beautiful country where nature is at its best. I have learnt a new language, am more hardworking and organized and have a healthy life style. Japanese believe kindness and gratitude as their religion. Today, I thank them for teaching me both and I feel fortunate to have stayed and known this country so closely.  

Old memories

I always wanted to visit Qutub Minar in the morning hours to click pictures.  So, this summers when my seven-year-old son and I were visiting my mother’s home in Gurgaon, India I managed to go there with my brother.  I loved the way they wrote the opening hours -sunrise to sunset.  We reached there before sunrise and as expected it was closed, so we had to wait outside for the concerned person to arrive. It was hot and humid and there were flies disturbing my son. There were few energetic morning walkers who gave us strange looks and few stray dogs that were able to go in and out of Qutub Minar complex. Finally when my son almost gave up his fight with the flies and my brother was about to loose his patience, the ticket master arrived and we were able to go in.

Few steps inside the complex took me back to my childhood days when I visited this historic place with my parents. In those times going inside the tower was allowed (not any more) and to my surprise I could recollect those old moments. Nothing has changed and it smelled the same after twenty long years.  I hear my son screech in excitement as we go near the 73 m tall red sandstone minar built in 1193 with Arabic inscription. The lush green complex is surrounded by several other ancient and medieval structures and ruins is collectively known as the Qutub complex. It looks heavenly in the morning sunlight and is a perfect click!

It started getting hot but we still had to cover the other half of the complex. We saw iron pillar that weighs more than 6000 kg with inscription in Sanskrit. It was interesting to see inscriptions in two different languages - Arabic and Sanskrit. Next we saw an unfinished structure called Alai Minar. It was intended to be two times higher than Qutub Minar. The complex had two mosques but we were too tired to visit them. Finally we decided to head back home. I left the complex with some fresh ever lasting memories and this time in a more modern way- in my DSLR camera.

Magical Sunsets

I couldn't believe my ears when my son said that in his next birth he wants me to be his mother again! He said that he will ask God whether he can choose his mom in his next birth or not, and if he can, then he will choose me. I was in tears. I remember his birth was the best gift to me ever but I remember those times when I just wanted to get away from him. Now, that I know how much he loves me I am scared that at some point I will have to cut the umbilical cord. I will have to do that as he will not need me as much he needs me now. Moreover, as a full time mom it will be very difficult for me to detach myself from him. Right now when I was preparing not so perfect but healthy banana wheat germ pan cakes I couldn't stop thinking about my son and our outings together.
Lately, we enjoyed our time at the beach during sunset. My son knows that I am fond of sunsets. What is so magical about that time? I wonder why every evening I look forward to seeing the sunset from my apartment. I sit with my cup and watch the ocean waves and reflection of golden orange sun on the surface of the ocean. Maybe sunset symbolizes the end of everything which starts. For me, I know over the years I will have to gradually and artfully detach and withdraw myself from my son's life.

Our Sunset Beach outing

Sunset view from my apartment

Banana wheat germ pan cakes

manicure session

The  other day when I was getting my manicure in the parlor the beautician casually asked me - "Madam where do you work?"

I found my self stammering while replying that I am a housewife and a full time mother. I was struggling to find words to justify that I don't find time and I think my son needs me etc. I wanted to convince her that though I chose not to work I still have a self worth. I wanted to prove her that my decision is correct and I don't repent. Though that lady was trying to agree with me because I was her client but I could smell the change of her attitude towards me. I keep thinking and re-framing my answer every now and then. 

Now, sitting in the cafe next to my building I don't know why and what I was trying to justify her?

Back in my school days, I remember coming back from school and chatting with my mother who was always at home waiting for us with our favorite (most of the time) dish.  She didn't have to justify any one about her job. For me the most precious and cherished moments are those gossip sessions with my mother over after-school snack. How can I take away those precious moments from my son now when he NEEDS me. Specially at this young age, as his world revolves around me. I want him to come to a home which reflects positive energy and that only the lady of the house can create. 

Cafe Outings

I love going to a cafe with my book or sometimes with my laptop. When I shifted to Japan, I couldn't understand why people have to go to a cafe to read a book? They can do that at home or library. I think now I understand why - to get away from their home environment and get into a new ambiance.  This new atmosphere changes the mood and a cup of coffee with a favorite book makes the experience enjoyable! Now, when I have to think and write then I go to the cafe next to a creek where I can indulge with myself. I couldn't help attaching the picture of my cafe outings!

Me-Time

My husband is on a business trip. That means I am alone most of the time as my son's school hours is long. My friends and family will always give me a sorry look when I tell them about me being alone. According to some people, life comes to a stand still when their other half is not around them. How can some one be so dependent on others to spend their time?
They say loving yourself and enjoying your own company is the best gift to yourself. There is so much to do and sometimes I think 24 hours is not enough. I was looking for  craft ideas for my son when I came across one lady's blog - 'No Time For Tea Party' ! Wow, thats right! She said it in four words.
I couldn't stop agreeing with Emirates Airlines latest advertisement -Mastering the Art of Me-Time. I hunt for this time when I can do things for myself. Lately soaking myself in a hot bath tub and relaxing the way I used to do in onsen, is my way of mastering my Me-Time.

swimming

Swimming, they say is the best exercise for our body. I usually plan my workout for the whole week. I get bored of going to the gym everyday. So I shuffle between yoga, walks, swim and gym. Well, today I went for a swim in our building's pool. I loved the sound of splashing water, it reminded me of kid's rattler, how that sound can excite a kid. The child in me couldn't stop being excited and over joyed. The crystal clear water with reflecting rays of morning raw sun calmed my body and prepared me for the rest of the day.
It is said that 'Nature is an artist'. So true. My lilies are in full bloom. They sit on the console and witness everything in our home. They are a bunch of 5 pink lilies. They are always looking and smiling at me and I often hear them talking to each other. I wonder why fresh flowers mesmerizes me ? I guess it is their beauty or it is God's way of letting me know that I exist.

Long walks

There is something more about long brisk walks. It is not only a physical exercise. I guess for me it is more mental exercise. The flow of thoughts which I cannot control and I keep pondering over them after the walk. I prefer walking alone. Sometimes with my music but often with my silence.
I know a lot of people who long for company to walk with. I used to long for friends or a phone call to push me out of my comfort zone but not any more.
I like taking different paths every time. A new route has a new story to tell. Sometimes the same path at different time looks surprisingly different. Maybe it reflects human nature. How we react in different situations and how our mood changes.

TESOL

One year ago, I was confused about what shall I be doing now after shifting from Japan to Dubai. Back in Kobe I was so busy with learning Japanese language and culture. I was helping in my son's school and was really busy exploring neighboring cities. But now, in the middle of desert, i was looking for some meaningful activities which will fill my days.
I came across TESOL Online course by Eton. Finally I have something to do in the afternoon. This is my first online course. My afternoons passes by so quickly.