DO YOU GET 24 HOURS EVERY DAY?

by himalayaswithin, posted in Chahna says..

Long time ago, a friend of mine asked me, if I also get 24 hours a day like everyone else?

There has been something going on in my head since a few days but have not been able to put a finger to it. Driving this morning to work, a thought triggered, and it took me back to the moment, few years ago, when my friend was amazed with how much I can do in 24 hours.

I was thinking about how will I manage if get into a role that has more responsibilities than I have now? Will I be able to do justice to my family in terms of my time and responsibilities? Will I be able to do justice to myself? Will it affect my physical and mental health? All these questions led to me to think that, hey, my life has changed a lot in the past few years, but I still have never compromised on things I like to do. Writing, for example! Agreed, I have had to put my interests away for a bit now and then, but I have always managed to find my way back. How?

This “How?” led me to understand about intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation. Extrinsic motivation is that you do things only when you have to or are driven by external motivator. For example, going to yoga class because your friend goes – which is fine – question is what do you do when your friend skips the class? Do you skip as well? Or do you work hard because you want to do better than your colleague and seize that promotion?

Extrinsically motivated individuals will always need a reason to do something. But what happens when that external motivator is taken away? They lose purpose. Intrinsically motivated individuals, on the other hand, do not need any external driver to do something. They find time for what they think is important for them. They have a force within them that drives them.

Internally motivated people do things they enjoy for themselves. Yes, they enjoy company, but at the same time, being a loner doesn’t scare them. They constantly find ways to pursue their interests no matter the odds.

So, let’s take this opportunity to introspect and try to understand ourselves better. In MBA, I had learned about Stephen Covey’s time management matrix which I would like to modify a bit for us here. The more we try to focus on Quadrant 4, we will feel more peaceful and happier in life. We generally tend to get caught up in activities within quadrants 1 to 3 and always push behind the activities in quadrant 4.

The paramount question is how to focus on quadrant 4 when we have so much going on? Job, kids, families, commitments, it’s maddening. So, here I have tried to put down some pointers that might help you.

  1. List the activities in your daily routine that fall under quadrants 1 to 3
  2. How much of your time do they take away?
  3. Do these activities require to be done by you? Can anyone else do it?
  4. Which activities drain you physically? Can you get domestic help to do it?
  5. Which activities drain you mentally? Is there anyway you can share those activities?
  6. Which activities can be pre-planned? Like, can you batch cook? Or can you plan your social commitments?
  7. Are there any activities that can be done while they are still manageable? For e.g., laundry. I find doing laundry more regularly actually makes it manageable and less effort consuming.
  8. Which are the activities that you can automate? For e.g., setting a direct debit for your regular bills, having a dishwasher, or having a multicooker.
  9. Which are the activities that you can do away with sometimes? Like, for me, it is ok if my house is messy, it must be clean though. But I can be at peace if there are toys lying around that are not in my way. Identify such activities and learn to give them a pass sometimes.

Basically, try to minimise and plan the activities in quadrant 1 to 3. This will allow you to have more time on your hands to focus on the activities in quadrant 4. The more you do it, the more organised you will become. The more organised you are, the more time you will have to pursue your Ikigai!

Yes, all of us get 24 hours and working towards your Ikigai for a few of those hours/minutes- makes this world a better place for you!

Written by: Chahna D

Edited by: Milauni T

Dive into the unknown

by himalayaswithin, posted in Chahna says..

Have you knowingly or unknowingly dived into the ‘unknown’ zone? How recently did you have a new experience outside your comfort zone? Well, an opportunity to dive into the unknown often comes to you suddenly and then it depends what choices you make. Something like that happened to me recently, albeit it was not the first time.

Last week, my friend and I booked a wellness retreat with Isvara Wellbeing for a day. We both were so excited. Going away for the whole day, not for work but for ourselves! The thought itself was so soothing for both of us- young mothers.

A cloud-ridden morning of the D-day rose, and my friend texted me that she couldn’t make it for unavoidable reasons. Ouch! That hurt. My heart is with her but if I am being honest, this turn of events was a little disheartening.  I was looking forward to that long drive chit-chatting with her. But heigh ho!

Now, I was left with a choice. And my heart went with the road less taken. However, the chaos in my mind had not settled until thirty minutes into the drive.  Usually, when I am thrown into the unknown it is often that I’d be on my own, which is still my comfort zone. But this time, I was going to be with a new group of people. Now, that’s awkward for me – unknown social interaction with no familiar person except the instructor.

Anyway, my play list helped and after about 30 mins into the drive, a thought struck me. That, hey this is usual for me, always put into new situations. Situations that make me uncomfortable, but I reach the finish line successfully. And that rush of excitement after incredible experience is what gives me the thrill.

Meeting new people, making new friends- became the light at the end of my tunnel. I became ready to push my boundaries without having a comfort zone (my friend) to fall back into. With this thought, the rest of the drive was transformed into a self-exploring one.

My Exhilarating Ride

Soon, I entered the New Forest area after taking the exit from M27 on to A31. And behold! I felt like I had passed through The Ring* and entered a new world.  New unseen landscapes, dense trees, and a cloudy, rainy morning that it felt like dusk. For about few miles, there were fields on both sides of the road with the boundaries not too far. Horses were grazing and I was the only one on the road at the time. Ever felt like you are on an alien planet, all alone, no clue where you are headed except those distorted instructions from Google Maps? It felt like a scene straight from a sci-fi thriller! (Yeah, I watch and read a lot of them).

By the time I arrived at the location, I was in a whole new place in my head. Completely primed for a new experience. All the people in the group had come in pairs – 2 pairs of best friends, a couple, and a mother-daughter duo. Heck, even the instructor had come with her husband. I was the only one by myself. But nothing could dishearten me now. How amazing it is, that with just one thought you can switch the emotions you feel. Like the spiritual guides say, what we feel is in our hands. Indeed!

So, it began.

The workshop

It started with all of us introducing ourselves and sharing how the past few months have been for us. Why we are here and what we are hoping to get out of the workshop. We started with a quick round of guided meditation, that calmed me down even further. I was a bit worried about my daughter and my husband who were left alone with each other for such a long time for the first time. By the end of the meditation, I could put that worry away.

Later, we were asked to get a drink and pair up with someone unknown to talk about the challenges of the past year. However, we ended up talking in a group about general things like how our lives have changed, how technology has made us their slaves instead of augmenting our lives.

The exact sequence of the events is a bit blur because I was so relaxed that my mind absorbed itself into the experience rather than remembering everything that happened. I will try to share what I felt throughout the day in various activities instead of focussing on the events.

When we did some Tai Chi, initially it felt like a regular exercise. We were holding an imaginary ball and moving it in various directions. The instructor then said, imagine a ball of energy. Whoa! That changed my perception. I imagined a ball of energy between my hands and within seconds I could feel it. I was in the flow and I could let go.

We lied down again and performed some meditation. This time I dozed off. We were provided with bean bags (if needed) which amplified the relaxing so much for me. After a snack break, we performed walking meditation.

Walking meditation is mindful, slow walking focussing on lifting (of foot), placing (of foot), and shifting the weight. When I was out there on the grass, barefoot, I tried to follow the instructions, and I noticed that shifting of weight and lifting the other foot are a simultaneous activity. I could not separate them. Secondly, as soon as we were asked to move, I saw a tree stump and headed towards it. My entire concentration was on reaching the stump. Halfway through, I realised that why am I so focused on getting to the stump, why can’t I be? Why can’t I be in the moment, here? This question led to a trail of thoughts.

Aren’t we all always focussed on getting somewhere? Get to work, get to shopping, get to dinner, etc. Also, focused on getting to intangible destinations – get to higher position, get to better home, get to better salary, etc. Why can we not pause and appreciate?

With this thought, I let go of the tree stump. I changed my direction abruptly, looked at a whole new scene. Paused. Took in the surroundings, birds chirping, trees swaying and felt the breeze in my hair and the soft grass below my feet- the most random things that go unnoticed made me feel one again.  

After another round of some meditation, we broke for lunch. I made new friends, talked about life, perspectives, and some general banter. When we got back, we were asked to write down about the positives from the past few months and about what we want to do in the coming months.

The last hour was utilised in doing deep relaxation followed by sound bath. The experience is inexplicable. When I woke up, it felt like I was really waking up after shedding off the weight.

The final part of the retreat was a walk in the forest. The Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary is a part of the very dense New Forest with extremely tall trees and beautiful flora and fauna.

The enchanting stillness of the forest made us feel all so alive in the end.

*The Ring is the reference from a fictional series based on interstellar explorations, Expanse.

Written by: Chahna D

Edited by: Milauni T

What’s your Ikigai?

by himalayaswithin, posted in Book Review

Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life, written by Fransec Miralles and Hector Garcia is the book intended to help you live a life that is fuller. Ikigai means flow, passion. Ikigai is what keeps us flowing.  Ikigai is what gives a purpose to our life. Ikigai is the force within us that keeps us going – no matter what.  It keeps the fire of passion alive within us.  With the modern city life and powerful forces and incentives (money, power, attention, and success) taking over us, we are constantly in a race, distracted and disconnected from our own self.

This book is a pathway to reconnect!  It is not a miracle, it is a simple practice.  Following a routine and being disciplinde are often under-rated by today’s generation, but remember, how strict our grandparents used to be? About waking up early, making our beds, etc? It all has a meaning, one that we have lost in today’s era.  We tend to do everything in our comfort zone, at our convenience.  In my view, that is still fine, but I strongly believe in having a routine of self-discipline.

The book highly stresses on these little things that we can do in our daily life to reconnect and achieve a flow. The book illustrates life of many people who have achieved a very strong connection with their Ikigai, however, as a family person, it might not be possible or even wise, to leave behind everything in search of our Ikigai.  The book guides us on how we can achieve this flow whilst still living the life that we have.

I am putting here a small checklist for you all to help you have a start point. These are things that I believe are do-able in our daily routine, however, you will need to read the book to gain deeper understanding of the importance.

Also, this is my accumulation of things based on what I think I can do with the busy home / work life, but you may have different view / priorities after reading the book.

In order to encourage more people, I would like to put this out as a challenge – The Ikigai Challenge.  You may choose to take this challenge and respond to me; in return, I will share my list with you.

  1. Give yourself a small challenge on regular basis

Learn something new, be it as simple as a new game, or an extension of a skill.

2. Exercise

Mild exercise every day. Yoga, pranayama, Pilates, walking etc. whatever that suits you. Just move!

3. Eating

Eat only till you are 80% full and minimise eating junk food.

4. Fasting

It is scientifically proven now that fasting is good for health. It helps cleanse the digestive system. I personally feel it also helps in boosting will-power.

5. Pray

Don’t have sit down and chant a big prayer (it does help in my view to create certain vibrations within ourselves and in our surroundings). However, starting by just small prayers will help us rebuild the lost connection or strengthen the weakened connection.

6. Keep yourself engaged

We tend to go on a thought trail, and it is often of worry and negativity. Engage yourself in an activity that will stop you from going on a thought trail. Water your plants, listen to music, etc. It doesn’t have to be an established activity. Just something little to take your mind off your thoughts.  Key is to be conscious of the thoughts and knowing when to stop thinking.

This is my checklist. I can’t do everything every day. But I tell myself that every little thing counts. The goal is to keep our body and mind active and engaged. According to the book, all these little things and habits help in achieving better physical and mental health, that will eventually help us find a flow. Once you identify your Ikigai, pursuing and nurturing it every day, will bring meaning to your life. The moment your life has a meaning, you will achieve a happy state of flow in everything that you do.

And this is the key to happiness, longevity, and health.  Like I said above, it’s not a miracle, it is practice.

Wishing you to find your Ikigai soon! Happy Reading- if you’re planning to pick this one to read or re-read.

Written by: Chahna D

Edited by: Milauni T

Angelic Motherhood against the Halo of Guilt

by himalayaswithin, posted in Chahna says..

Motherhood is not a word that can be defined; it is rather a whole whirlpool of emotions that can only be lived. It is the most rewarding job in the world, yet it is a job that takes a toll on you mentally, emotionally, and physically!

I have been talking to some friends who have recently embraced motherhood and also, I am a part of mom groups on social media where I hear what women go through once they become mothers and I am one of them. The common denominator for most of the conversations is ridden with a pang of guilt. And the feeling is so strongly fabricated in all of us without actual realization.

When I put my girl in nursery and enjoy cup of tea before starting work, I feel guilty even to admit to myself that I am enjoying those 5 minutes of peaceful tea. Or if after dropping her, I enjoy some music while driving to work, I feel guilty, because she was crying when I left her. If ever I ask my husband to look after her, it would be so that I can do some chores, not to rest or pursue a hobby.

While scrolling my Instagram feed tonight as my babe sleeps, I came across this post that described how a mother loses her hobby, doesn’t know who she is, doesn’t dress up- loses herself in the process. The words hit home.

Believe me when I say that I have been there. Lockdown, no childcare, work commitments, household chores, I couldn’t wash my hair for 2 days after having to want to wash them! The list is endless.

WHY??

I know it’s hormonal for mothers but it’s not the same with fathers. Why do we feel guilty for asking the father to look after the baby for a few hours- while we go ‘work-out’ in the gym, while we rest or while we read a book? The most common validation is that our standards of comparison or judgements are infallible. Yeah, our mothers have done it for us – that’s our argument to ourselves. But do we look where did that got them?

I know my mother wouldn’t go anywhere out just for herself and has always felt guilty for earning a living. It was I who pushed her to explore herself after I started understanding her as a woman. But now, when I am a mother, I am unknowingly doing the same. And many new mothers around me are also caught in this vicious circle.

Gals, we deserve a break. Don’t we get 25 annual leaves (UK standard) every year from work. Motherhood job is far more challenging one. Yes, it is a ‘job’ and a tough one at that- it’s a place where you are performing consistently and where you cannot fail.

The problem is we don’t want to stop feeling guilty, so we cling to our babies, we end up over-pampering them, we lose ourselves in the process, we lose any self-worth and we burst out on our husbands impacting that relationship. Moreover, when we get a chance, we shout about feminism.
But what is feminism? What is motherhood? Why does motherhood have to be judged by the amount of sacrifices a mother did?

Let’s create a new image of motherhood. Let’s not feel ashamed of taking help from partners or caretakers. Let’s be a mother, who is loving, who does everything- all sacrifices to raise a child but without feeling guilty of taking little breaks. One who manages her child’s care, gets help to run the house, manages her ambitions, devotes time to child and husband. And above all, devotes time to herself, looks after herself, dresses up, does her hair, puts on face masks and enjoys a book while sipping her tea.

All of this without wearing the hoodie of guilt. All of this without feeling guilty. Let’s take pride in being ourselves first. Let’s raise our boys and girls who know of a world where ‘self-care’ and ‘me-time’ is valued.

Let’s not just be a mother but be a woman- who is a mother, a wife and a girl with dreams.

Written by: Chahna D

Edited by: Milauni T

Vatta’s war series- An Interstellar fiction: Book review

by himalayaswithin, posted in Book Review

We were emptying my husband’s desk at Clatterbridge Cancer Center as we were moving cities where I stumbled upon a pile of books, some fictional, some thriller, some sci-fi, etc left by a former student. I picked some randomly as all the authors and genres were new to me. One by one I started exploring them. Probably after a year or so I picked up Trading in Danger.

By the time, I finished reading it, I was a fan of Kylara Vatta. Least did I know that it was the first book of Vatta’s war series of 5 books. Desperately I started looking for more books and kindle came to my rescue. I read the second book, Marque and Reprisal; and Kylara Vatta took charge of the conversations with my husband. At the end of third book, Engaging the Enemy, I felt it necessary to pen down my thoughts.

Vatta’s series is all about interstellar trade, politics and wars. Elizabeth Moon has eloquently woven fiction with family issues, business, sister rivalry, relationships, military, wars and female protagonism. Having been a girl who used to be put in tough situations and then having seen them through, it was easy for me to relate with Ky. Youthful madness and crazy ambitions are traits we all have within ourselves although buried at more or less depths . Through Ky, I was able to live it all again.

The beauty about Moon’s writing is that even after completing the third book, I am equally eager to start the fourth book, Command Decisions, as I was when starting the second. She builds the plot very patiently yet intriguingly. Every book will have some action, arriving unexpectedly and of an advanced level than that in the previous book. The books end with a plot for the start of the next book, leaving the reader utterly curious.

After finishing Engaging the Enemy, I thought of giving it a break, let it sink and read something else before starting the fourth. I spent 24 hours in that endeavour but everytime I opened kindle, I felt the book four was calling me.

So here I am, embarking on an FTL (faster than light) flight to Cuidad (one of the planetary systems in Universe). Are you with me?

Book Review of SIDDHARTHA

by himalayaswithin, posted in Book Review

Siddhartha, originally written in German by Hermann Hesse, first published in the US in 1951s, is translated in Gujarati by Deepak Soliya as well as in many other languages. Siddhartha is a fictional character during the time of Gautam Buddha who is on a journey of spirituality and self-discovery. Usually we come across people who renounce their materialistic life in search for a greater meaning of life. But Siddhartha was different. Born in a Brahman family, he was rigorously taught about scriptures, rituals and Hinduism. However, his thirst for spiritual knowledge was not quenched so he embarks on a journey to search for answers and thus becomes a monk. After spending some years as a yogi, he realises he needs to understand the worldly pleasures, fears and insecurities of a common man to really understand life. Thus, he renounces his monk-hood, gets involved in a relationship, becomes a shrewd businessman and engages himself in drinking & gambling.

Does he get what he seeks? Does he get the answers? Does he achieve true meaning of existence? Yes, he does, but to find out how, one needs to read this incredible literary work. Siddhartha is easily relatable to us because some of his beliefs, inner turmoil, questions and vision about spirituality are very natural to us commoners. He doesn’t believe in any gurus or in following footsteps of a learned one. He believes every individual must find his own unique path to spirituality. This thought process has been articulately described in his dialogue with Gautam Buddha when he refuses to join Budhha’s sangh.

We all know that the journey of spirituality is a journey inward. This is conveyed very creatively as a hidden gist, which comes out through Siddhartha’s life experience. Deepak Soliya has also provided in-depth analysis and his own interpretation at the end of every chapter making it an interesting dialogue.

Some take away thoughts –

  1. Knowledge can be passed, not wisdom.
  2. The world is whole, we shall not divide it into good or bad, evil or dark, love or hatred, violence or non-violence. We must learn to accept the wholeness of everything, in everyone. Every human is good and bad at the same time, what is different is that everyone is at a different point in the spectrum. There is good in a thief and evil in a monk.
  3. Truth has two sides like a coin. One must exist for the other to exist.
  4. It is good to have a goal, but having a goal makes one too focussed on the goal, makes one narrow minded and renders them to ignore things that are close to them. To have an open mind, to accept everything, to be able to flow like a river is something we need to learn. Instead of trying to seek something, we must try to become something.
  5. There is nothing like time. Universe is timeless. Past, present and future all exists at the same time. Past in our memories, present in present and future in our thoughts – just like a river which exists at her source, on her way and on her destination all at the same time, yet she is constantly flowing.

I would quote myself from my diary where I wrote some years back after returning from the trek of Kashmir Great Lakes in the Himalayas, “One must go through the journey of questions in order to comprehend the answers”.

–Chahna D.

Tatvamasi – A different perspective to Indian culture

by himalayaswithin, posted in Book Review

Tatvamasi. Literally meaning, it’s you! Belief, faith, strength, determination, love, gratitude, everything is you. It starts with you and ends with you.

Dhruv Bhatt has yet again created a masterpiece where he takes the reader through the century old, popular among believers, the Parikrama of the sacred river, Narmada (a river pilgrimage) and how that tradition- that faith is still holding strong. The book is narrated through an Indian-origin-American character who is a researcher and a non-believer. One who sees everything through a critic eye, questions every tradition and superstition. One who is like you and me. His journey from being a non-believer to becoming a devotee.

In this journey, the book brings forth some heart-touching facts about the rural/tribal community living in the areas along the riverside. One such startling experience described is – the villagers put some oil and oil lamps (diya) outside their homes every night for the pilgrims to massage their feet. Some conversations with Shashtriji and Gandu Fakir shake your very foundation. When asked if he believed in past births, Shashtriji replied, do you believe in this birth? Gandu Fakir being a non-hindu had undying faith in this Hindu tradition of worshipping a river. As he said, whether I am a Hindu or a Muslim, spirituality begins at my home. 

A story that will move you to the core and inspire you to, if not take the pilgrimage, at the very least, worship this great river once. Story that reveals the truth behind a diverse and vibrant country that is bound strongly by a force. One who has never visited India, never read or heard the mythological stories, Ramayana and Mahabharata, will still know about it. It is in the blood. This fact is so beautifully brought forth in the book that we start observing such minute behaviour of ours which sets us apart from other cultures. One such incident happened with me at work. An English colleague was sitting next to me, having a chat, when by mistake my feet touched him and as a reflex, I touched him lightly, took my hand to my head and apologised. He was surprised by this reaction although didn’t say anything. But that look on his face made me wonder that the belief of seeing God in fellow humans is so well imbibed in our behaviour. Many such beliefs that are interwoven between our culture and behaviour are eloquently described in Tatvamasi.

As I read Tatvamasi, I felt being born and brought up India, how little do I really know about our culture, ancestors and the scientific logics behind certain rituals. It is incredible to know how science and religion have been merged to reach the population. Without revealing much about Tatvamasi, leaving it for you to explore, I shall end my review with one last quote by Shastriji, “Have faith, not needing to define in what. Just have faith.”

Reva

The movie adaptation of this book has done excellent justice to the story. Capturing every crucial and soul changing incidents, the story has been modified a little to reach the greater audience. The direction, acting, screenplay and dialogues have been incredible in bringing forth the depth of the book. Even having moved once by the book, I was equally moved by the movie.

When Nature Kisses You Valentine’s Day!

by himalayaswithin, posted in Chahna says.., Explore

Nothing out of the ordinary was planned for this day and we wanted to keep it simple. I had been using my husband’s car this week as my car had a problem with its particulate filter and needed fixing. Night before the D-day, husband’s car had a flat tyre and I wasn’t prepared to work from home. Oops! Will have to take the train and walk 20 mins to get to the station.

Who would have thought this will inspire me to write about it!!!!

Woke up early to arrive at work comfortably. Weather app showed -1 and windows had a foggy view. I needed some motivation so prepared myself a nice cup of Indian chai with ginger root and spices. Having savoured the chai and having wrapped myself warm, I sat on the journey to the station. It had been a while I walked to station for work, thanks to the dear husband who always would drive me.

I had no idea what was coming my way. The 90’s songs in my ears and the cool breeze on my cheeks suddenly changed my outlook for the morning. I started enjoying, embracing and getting absorbed in the traniquility Nature had to offer. I had a srping in my feet by the time I was half-way.

It was then I had the epiphany that this was Nature kissing me Valentine’s Day!

Drenched in Emotions – Book Review of Mane Varsaad Bhinjve by Dr. Sharad Thaker

by himalayaswithin, posted in Book Review, Fiction

Mane Varsaad Bhinjve literally means “I surrender myself in the showers of rain”. I feel writing a book review of a Gujarati novel is a welcome challenge. Written by an eminent and well-loved author Dr. Sharad Thaker, Mane Varsaad Bhinjve is a very unusual love story. Written in the year 2012, the novel takes you on a whirlwind emotional ride.

Can you love somebody so much that you would give them to another?

It is impossible, at least in my mind though. But Nupur makes it nearly possible. Why should Nikhar suffer because of her shortcomings? Nupur and Nikhar, madly in love, married against their family’s wishes, endure a dreadful journey. Albeit at a cost. A cost that Nupur is ready to pay. But what about Nikhar? Will he join Nupur in this madness? Does he love her as much as she does to sacrifice everything?

I am asking these questions not only to raise curiosity in your minds but also to share what I went through whilst reading this novel. The characters and its plot have yet not left my inner thoughts. And they come recurring as I ask myself the same questions. That is the beauty of the words in this book. Well, after a lot of meandering and pondering over- My answer is strictly in negation. No, I cannot do what she (Nupur) could accomplish in her heart. Can you? Read the book to know the journey of Nupur and Nikhar.

About the book

The plot of this story is interesting and expressive. The story is unusually refreshing yet predictive at some points. Though, the way story takes turn is completely volatile which keeps a reader glued till the very end. Notwithstanding that the story is more about an emotional journey of three people that the author wants to take the reader through than about the story. The readers will find themselves growing very close to these characters and would be able to feel their inner turmoil. The book is capable enough to move your heart in the spaces we might not know existed- and you don’t really leave the book even after finishing it.

Nevertheless, if you are an attentive reader, you may come across some innocent contradictions in the information. That however does not affect the emotions or flow of the story- yet may annoy a good reader. Moreover, the editing of the book is not meticulously done resulting in left out typos which become quite prominent at some places.

Dr. Thaker is well- known to pen down emotions beautifully, using a simple prose.  Here too, the choice of words and language reflect simplicity yet reflect the depth of the characterization.

About the author

Dr Sharad Thaker, a gynaecologist by profession, is a renowned novelist, columnist and a Gujarati litterateur. With more than three decades of writing, he is a doctor with a literary pen along with a carpel. With his roots in the city of Junagadh, Gujarat, he is widely read in his regular national newspaper weekly columns known as Doctor ni Diary (Doctor’s Diary) and Rann ma Khilyu Gulab (A Rose Grown in a Desert). It is tough to find a Gujarati literature reader who would have not read or heard of his columns. And yes, many readers (including I) deeply appreciate him for writing such stories that touch our hearts and push our thoughts to expand the vision of life.

Written by: Chahna D.
Edited by: Milauni T.

Treat Myself day

by himalayaswithin, posted in Explore

Coughing all night, waking up zillion times, I had a broken sleep and sore throat when I woke up. Yet it is all on you how you see it or carry it.

I still woke up in delightful spirits. It is truly said when you have had dark / rough times, it gives you a different aura. Very silly analogy to my morning but hey it is my morning..! So I decided to do something special. Something for me that I would love and carry on the good spirits through out the day despite the sore throat.

I put on my favourite jumper, took my travel mug (empty), set the right kinda songs for the mood and drove off (after tending to my sore throat). To Starbucks..!!! I got myself my special Toffee Nut Latte made perfectly. Songs on full volume and I singing along in loud, harsh voice..

Empty wet roads in the festive times, songs that touch your heart in the right way and warm coffee let the thoughts trail and I named today as “Treat Myself” day!

SO, what are you treating yourself with??