Smiling helps, he said — Her soul was burning. It was her muted response to a 10-minute rant by a friend who seemed worried about her carefully picked contemplations concerning the world’s state of affairs. ‘My soul’s on fire’ was the only thought she could expose. At the same time, she knew this wasn’t his. …

You know you’ve succeeded once you feel it — Reality is often painful. Because looking with an open heart may imply touching some sore spots. Not only those of others. But very likely your own as well. The ordinarily extraordinary people of the world Mundane people and their stories. No matter how insignificant they may appear. They move me. …

It makes journals look like relicts of ancient times — Handwriting may soon be a thing of the past as letters, journals, notes, and cards for every occasion slowly disappear. There is something solemn in handwritten stuff. It reflects the mood and emotions the writer was experiencing at the time of writing. It is intimate and unique, like skin. …

It needs no translation — Those who listen to the sound of rain will learn to distinguish. Between the tiny, silver driblets that almost silently settle upon our souls. Scattering their sparks while wiping dust and dirt off suffocating leaves and indecent thoughts. And the roaring gush of a hefty shower that sets the space…

Just to see them slip away again — About the time we can make ends meet, someone moves the ends — Herbert Hoover Nepal is a fascinating country. And there is hardly anyone who does not return home raved. Regardless of its less pleasant facets. Of which Nepal holds so many. These include a myriad of families who…

every girl and woman awoke tomorrow — The world is full of suffering. It is also full of overcoming. — Helen Keller what if every girl and woman awoke tomorrow without any shame of her perfect body and mind, without any sense of unworthiness and crippling self-judgment, without any remembrance of guilt and shame what if every…

Nirmala chooses not to place a “dis” with her abilities — When Nirmala begins dreaming about motorcycle riding, her smile and the glow in her eyes seem out of this world. You can literally sense her growing wings. Those of freedom. On her trail of passion for life which takes her to heights, she wouldn’t reach otherwise. But that’s not the…

A response to the “Letter to Myself” challenge — Darling you, I have been with you for a long, long time. I am aware you are aware, so I don’t require loquacious words in long letters. Your life has continually evolved around courage and the freedom it fuels — from the day you were born. And way before. Glancing…

And that’s all I ever have — Twilight descends upon the valley, and tranquility reciprocates. While the soft murmur of the nearby creek magically melds with the beguiling fragrance of burning incense sticks. There’s no yesterday and no tomorrow. But only now that ripens into another while everything keeps existing all around. Such as the breath that…