In her womb again

During winter vacation, staying at my mother's home was like being in her womb again.....protected and loved. It was like a fairy land where without saying all the needs were taken care of by her. The familiar vibrations of the home and childhood smell was felt as soon as I stepped inside the home.  My favorite food was prepared and was relished over endless gossip sessions. I don't know from where the topic comes, I and my mother start chatting the moment we are together. 
Now married and away from her for eight years, I can still absorb her unconditional love, care and acceptance. I know I can reach out to her anytime...anywhere. Her ears are always open for me. 
I am grateful to her for everything I have today. 

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?