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State of Grace: Confession, Communion and Innocence
A Catholic child recalls the intense preparation for a first confession and the anxious effort to stay perfectly “sin-free” for sixteen hours before receiving Holy Communion. Through gentle humor and vivid memories of white clothes, candles, and a lost photograph, the story captures a fleeting moment of childhood innocence.
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Through the Glass, Beyond Time
The narrative explores change and continuity through the observations of a quiet balcony retreat. The author reflects on the transformations in their surroundings, observing the passage of time in both people and nature. Despite the shifts, a sense of stillness endures, highlighting the profound nature of simply being and witnessing life unfold.
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Growing Lighter with Age
The author reflects on the significance of quiet birthday celebrations, emphasizing gratitude for life and relationships over extravagance. They discuss the importance of letting go of material attachments and mental clutter, celebrating the journey of aging as a liberation. Acceptance of aging brings a deeper appreciation for life’s simple joys and wisdom.
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The Strings of Samsara: The Yogi I’ll Never Be
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Are You Here or Not?
They say you don’t step in the same river twice. In Bengaluru, you don’t drive on the same road twice either. A trench may appear overnight; a cable buried or exhumed; a barricade erected by one civic agency, only to be dismantled by another. The onward journey rarely guarantees a return path. In such a…
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The Carousel of Hope
Losing baggage during travel symbolizes the potential for personal growth and freedom through detachment. The experience serves as a reminder of life’s fragility and encourages us to let go of unnecessary burdens, both material and emotional. Embracing this lightness can lead to a more fulfilling journey through life.
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The Catechism of the Cats: Lessons in love and loss
Two stray kittens unexpectedly enter a family’s life, leading to a shift from non-cat people to devoted caretakers. Despite initial concerns about their impact on local birds, the cats adapt peacefully. Reflecting on past loss, the narrative explores themes of love, companionship, and the bittersweet nature of life and memory with pets.
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The Sermon of the Showers
In a reflective moment on his veranda during monsoon rains, the author contemplates nature’s cleansing power. The rain symbolizes renewal and impermanence, teaching patience and humility as it washes away yesterday’s burdens. This experience becomes a philosophical journey, revealing life’s cycles of abundance and retreat, and the importance of nurturing in quiet persistence.
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Endless Chase: Why We Should Learn from Dogs
The comparison between dogs fetching sticks and humans chasing material desires highlights a significant difference in finding happiness. Dogs enjoy the act of fetching without attachment, while humans continuously seek wealth, power, and fulfillment, often feeling unsatisfied. The piece suggests that true contentment lies in living in the moment, embracing simplicity, and savoring life, akin…
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The Top Five Regrets of the Dying—and Why I Have None
Bronnie Ware’s insights on the top five regrets of the dying emphasize that happiness is a conscious choice, contrasting it with regret, which often stems from seeking validation or neglecting self-fulfillment. She reflects on her own life, noting that freedom comes from disregarding others’ opinions, embracing work as a joy, valuing silence, nurturing friendships, and…
The Sacred Detour
Where wandering meets wonder