Wings of Time (A Haibun) - A mother's reflection of purpose, change, transformation and managing empty nest syndrome!

As I sit to eat, she used to give that shrill cry...making me jerk and just be with her. She never wanted me to leave her sight, walking behind me like a puppy to the bathroom as I shower. She used to hold tight to my legs as I got ready to work and cry out of her lungs, when I pack my travel bags to onsite. From being a young mom in early twenties, to now being a sick woman in mid-forties, my journey of life revolved around her. My thoughts, dreams and aspirations were built around her progress and existence. Slowly, the world changed. Her life too. She no longer wants my presence. My words echoed like a noise. My advices chocked her to core. My very being becoming a burden to her free fly. The mother bird has to let her young one go. That is only nature. She has to now look after her purpose, her aspirations around her own life...no longer intertwined with mine. The vacuum of empty nest syndrome is real. It can be redefining the way you lived. It has to repurpose your life. Is this not the time to actually be Selfish, like she now tells you are one! Selfish being focusing on your health, wealth and happiness. No strings attached. But the threads of life are finely interlinked that you have to be careful...not to burn bridges or bend to break beyond .... this is not a mother's cry. This is the nature's way of life. As weave into the tapestry of life. After all, life is a vicious circle! In fact, a nice roller-coaster circle of ride. Tighten your seat belts and enjoy the ride!

The Empty Nest

She once clung tight a little hand in mine,

A shadow trailing with her laughter divine.

Her cries would echo as I walked away,

Begging me, pleading, "Mom, please stay!"

Through sleepless nights and endless days,

Her world was mine in countless ways.

Dreams I wove with love so deep,

A bond unbroken and a promise to keep.

But time, the thief, so silent and sly,

Stole those moments as years flew by.

Her wings grew strong and her voice so bold,

She sought the world let go her hold.

My words, once wisdom, now just noise,

My presence faded in her joys.

No longer needed, left behind,

A silent ache, a restless mind.

Yet nature whispers, soft but true,

A mother’s love must bid adieu.

Not chains, but wind beneath her flight,

Let her soar to chase the light.

Now is my time to stand, to be,

To find the self I used to see.

Not lost, not broken, just reborn,

A life my own, no more forlorn.

The nest is empty, but skies are wide,

A journey waits, with time as guide.

So tighten your belt, embrace the tide,

Life’s a circle, a wondrous ride!

 

Wings of Time (A Haibun)

She followed me everywhere—her tiny feet pattering behind mine, her arms wrapped around my legs, her cries piercing through my heart whenever I left. Her world revolved around me, and mine around her. From the morning rush to bedtime stories, from school lunches to teenage dreams—I was always there, always needed. But time is a river, never pausing, always flowing.

Then, one day, she no longer turned back to look for me. My words, once her comfort, became a burden. My presence, once her anchor, became a chain. I watched as she broke free, soaring into a sky I once painted for her. My hands, which held her steady, now trembled with emptiness. The nest is silent, yet my heart still echoes with her laughter.

Letting go is love, too. So, I turn inward, embracing the solitude, the new beginning. The wind whispers—this is not an end, just another flight.

fallen autumn leaves—

branches stretch to touch the sky

without looking back

 

Dedicated to All Mothers

who sacrifice, who bravely fight, who give everything they can!

To their children

& 

Dedicated to all Children

who dare to dream and fly high with wind beneath their wings!

and also stay connected, rooted in love and grace 

Power of Positivity - A Poem dedicated to the transforming year 2024

 With a prayer of positivity

A sound becomes a song

A move becomes a dance

A smile becomes a humour

Wearing a positive armour

Mind becomes a meditation centre

Life becomes a beautiful mentor

With the power of positivity

Accept things that we didn’t want

Things we didn’t ask, won’t stop

What ever happens, is for our best

In HIM, leave things in sheer trust

Fear not a tomorrow, that is unknown

Regret not for a day, that is already gone

With the passion of positivity

Believe in the wildest dreams

Dare to take the boldest steps

Aim higher like an Eagle among stars

Chasing away doubts and fears

Be sure to find a way, in the mundane maze

Life will for sure, will do its amaze

With a perspective of positivity

Its not important what happens in life

It matters how you respond to knifes

That deter you, pester you and shakeup

The things and people who break you up

It matters how resilient you are, to show up

Being strong, how you face it and wake up!

With the pleasantness of positivity

You realize that stronger the seed

It will plant up and raise in the desert sands

In worst of situations too, it will survive to find

With the positive mind amidst every grind

Goal can be achieved with strong will

Making life’s goals in every aspect fulfil!

-Umasree Raghunath

Daily dose of motivation: Help Others, when they ask! Take care of your people!

 #UmasreeRaghunath #motivationalquotes #HelpOthers #SupportHumanity

Stranger Danger for Children and Women - Be Aware, Be Prepared and Be Protected.

 Many times, colleges and schools invite me to address a very unique but highly relevant topic on how to safeguard our children from Stanger Danger and here is my sharing of the information I generally share. The presentation is also available in the SlideShare on internet.

https://www.slideshare.net/UmasreeRaghunath/stranger-danger-in-social-media

Understanding and Addressing Stranger Danger: A Comprehensive Guide for Children and Women

Stranger danger is a term widely used to educate children and women about the potential risks associated with interacting with unfamiliar individuals. This concept emphasizes the importance of personal safety and teaches strategies to recognize and respond to potential threats. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the nuances of stranger danger, examining its relevance for both children and women, and providing practical tips to enhance safety awareness.

The Significance of Stranger Danger

Stranger danger refers to the cautionary approach of teaching individuals, especially children and women, to be wary of unfamiliar people who may pose a threat to their safety. The concept gained prominence in response to increasing concerns about abduction, harassment, and violence.

Vulnerability of Children:

Children, due to their innocence and trusting nature, are particularly vulnerable to potential dangers posed by strangers. Educating them about stranger danger empowers them with the knowledge to make informed decisions and protect themselves from potential harm.

Unique Risks Faced by Women:

While stranger danger is commonly associated with children, women also face specific risks in various situations. These risks can include harassment, assault, or exploitation. Awareness and preparedness are crucial for women to navigate potential threats effectively.

Teaching Children about Stranger Danger

Age-Appropriate Education:

Educating children about stranger danger should be age-appropriate, taking into consideration their cognitive and emotional development. Younger children may need simpler messages, while older children can grasp more complex concepts.

Open Communication:

Establishing open communication with children is vital. Encourage them to share their concerns, ask questions, and express any discomfort they may feel in certain situations. This fosters trust and helps create a supportive environment for learning.

Identifying Trusted Adults:

Teach children to recognize and trust specific adults, such as parents, teachers, or caregivers. Emphasize the importance of seeking help from these trusted individuals if they ever feel unsafe or encounter a stranger.

Setting Boundaries:

Empower children to assert their boundaries and say "no" when they feel uncomfortable. Teaching them the importance of personal space and respecting the boundaries of others contributes to their overall safety.

Role-Playing Scenarios:

Engage in role-playing activities with children to simulate real-life situations. Practice scenarios where they may encounter strangers, and guide them on appropriate responses, such as seeking help from a trusted adult or law enforcement.

Online Safety:

Extend the concept of stranger danger to the online environment. Teach children about the risks associated with interacting with strangers on the internet and the importance of safeguarding personal information.

Addressing Stranger Danger for Women

Awareness of Surroundings:

Encourage women to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings. Being mindful of the environment can help identify potential threats and allow for quick decision-making in unfamiliar situations.

Trusting Intuition:

Instincts are powerful indicators of danger. Women should trust their instincts and be cautious if they feel uncomfortable or threatened in any situation. Taking proactive measures, such as changing routes or seeking assistance, can be crucial.

Self-Defense Training:

Equipping women with basic self-defense skills can significantly enhance their ability to protect themselves. Self-defense training provides practical techniques to escape from potentially dangerous situations and boosts confidence.

Emergency Communication:

Ensure women have access to reliable communication devices, such as phones or personal alarms, to seek help quickly in case of an emergency. Familiarize them with emergency contacts and encourage the use of safety apps.

Safe Transportation Practices:

Educate women on safe transportation practices, such as using well-lit and busy routes, sharing ride details with trusted individuals, and avoiding isolated areas. These precautions can reduce the risk of encountering dangerous strangers.

Building a Support Network:

Foster a supportive community for women, where they can share experiences, seek advice, and offer assistance to one another. A strong support network enhances overall safety by creating a collective awareness of potential dangers.

Thus,

Stranger danger is a multifaceted concept that holds significant relevance for both children and women. By understanding the unique risks faced by each group, we can tailor educational approaches and safety measures to address their specific needs. Empowering children with age-appropriate knowledge and fostering open communication builds a foundation for lifelong safety. Similarly, providing women with tools for awareness, self-defense, and community support contributes to a safer and more secure environment for all. Ultimately, the collective effort to address stranger danger is essential in creating a society where individuals of all ages and genders can navigate the world with confidence and resilience.

Celebrating the Suchness of Life - From the Happynesswalas- First Edition- The Art of going with the flow :-) 03 Feb 2023- At Feathers Hotel, Chennai

 AVIS and Vaani Anand never fail to inspire me and Raghu.   We have been lucky to be part of their 'Happyness Conversations'  way back in Feb 2020, where for the first time, Raghu opened up before a gathering and shared his thoughts in a very touching way.   Life can never be just a bed of roses... and AVIS and Vaani's life teaches us to be smiling irrespective of the odds of life.  

Stay blessed and count the blessings despite of a very sad financial bankruptcy.   AVIS strongly says that they are rich both emotionally and mentally and stay grounded and not to get crippled by the financial bankruptcy they are dealing with the last 16 years.  

Despite of the terrible personal circumstances, they went ahead with spreading happiness through their 'Happyness Conversations' and  Bliss Catchers and staying positive in life-disturbing crisis.   The worklessness, pennilessness and imponderables for such a long time is not easy in life.  AVIS and Vaani have lived through all these without forgetting the purpose of life spreading happiness and positivity

Remember God so  much that you are forgotten -   AVIS goes on to mention the quotes from Rumi as he takes us through several other meaningful quotes and songs from the yesteryears film music.  The lyrics that unwind and make us think through the evening, soaked in poetry and music, both Hindi and Tamil, relentlessly making you see beyond the song and stories around.  He points to many in the audiences whose stories have brought out the human courage, resilience and firm thinking to struggle through and emerge successful and here the success denote the human peace and passion than the materialistic accomplishments

"When there are ruins, be sure there is a hope of treasure" - RUMI vibrates in the hall.  The reference to the song "Yeddayum Thangum Idhyam Irundhal, Kadaisi Varukum Amaidi Irukum'' translating 'If you have a brave heart to embrace anything, you will have peace of mind till the end"  - However, we feel like questioning the reason to endure, how long and how far,  but AVIS strongly puts together the fact that "If you follow your passion, You will be at peace"  no matter whether it brings you material wealth or emotional health.    

AVIS and Vaani brings out very prominent references -  especially AVIS when he says that 'Life is No Meaning" according to OSHO,  while Joseph Campbell says 'Give Life a meaning and follow your bliss and the doors will open"

Sometimes, you just feel like going and giving them a tight hug,  for the strong message of being happy despite of the circumstances is not an easy thing to do.   AVIS and Vaani reiterates the fact that "Happiness is the ability to be non-worrying, non-suffering and non-frustrated",   Vaani goes on to tell that if you have a solution to a worry, why worry? If you do not have a solution, then also why worry? "  As by worrying the problem is not going to go.  "The pain is inevitable but suffering is optional" according to Lord Gautham Buddha.  

Ability to deal with life is happiness.  The art of going with the flow of life is not easy, but not impossible.  Vaani is all smiles, when she says 'Life is a kambath jezz hai',  the mischievous fellow.    Their faith in the Divine blessings of the universe, all gurus and Gods, especially Sai Baba who reaffirms the fact that 'Faith is the basic of Life".   The concept that 'marthaye vechavan thani uthuvan'  meaning, the one who sow the seed of the tree will water the same too;   

Acceptance is the first step to resolve problems.   The reference to the Rotta Fortune wheel was a eye-opening scenario.   You have to stand in midst of all the battles and chaos of life and fine your centre -  Says Swami Vivekananda.    Vanni and AVIS requests the audience to soak in gratitute and stop having the complaining attitute.  

STAY in STILLNESS and you will find answers, solutions and clarifications.   They speak about miracles and refer to Mary Oliver who says "Being alive amidst the broken world and every morning is a miracle"   

Be Happy to this moment.   Life will flow in its own charming way

The evening ended with loads of songs, meaningful lyrics, welcome note from Garima of Feathers Hotel to enjoy their hospitality and buffet dinner matching with Cheryl and team from Sula Wines pouring the best of wine in India for the audience to soak in wine and cherish to dine through the evening.  

Raghu and I thoroughly enjoyed the evening, meeting several of our friends, associates and also meeting new people.  Enjoyed the music that accompanied the lavish dinner buffet and lots of sparkling wine.  The day ended with the memorable pictures with our friends and the hosts.   Thank you AVIS and Vaani for the invite and amazing hospitality and spreading happiness as usual.    Three Cheers to you both for the toasts of life!!! God bless!!!

Pictures from the event:-)

Karma, Money & Success! - Tamil Speech by Spiritual Guru Sri Aasaanji in Chennai - 12 Jan 2020

Strongly influenced by my own spiritual guru/ teacher/ co-seeker and best friend AtmaYogi Kumaran, Raghu and I went to Sri Aasaanji's Tamil Speech in Chettinad Vidhyashram, Chennai on 12 Jan 2020.

Shri Aasaanji is a World Renowned, Non-Religious, Contemporary Spiritual Teacher and a Living Master of Inner-Science & Ancient Healing.

Keeping aside the surprising factors of how he manages to pull a full house every time (magic of his words probably), a well disciplined audience (thanks to excellent organizers) and a humor filled spiritual depth of the discourse.    I get fascinated by his self-styled spiritual guru attire, his beaming eyes and absolutely brilliant oratorical skills.   The greatest Masters of all times and Best Leaders of the world were astounding orators beyond anything.  Public Speaking is an art by itself, and able to articulate a deep subject like Spirituality can be done only when you have the adequate knowledge in the subject you are speaking with.   That keeps the audience  attention, keen following and repeat attendees to your programs. 

Keeping aside the fact of the commercial aspects, or the origin of the swamiji or his original identity, what keeps up the momentum of such spiritual journeys are the courage to deal with the truth,  keep it so close to the common man's day to day affairs and speak nothing but their layman language with no jargon's and filling it up with humour that's no less than from the memes online.   So I was also a repeat audience to this Master...and below is the write up on my take-aways from the session.

The big topic of the day was Karma, Money & Success! 

The three things that amuse human beings all the time.   The belief in Karma, the need for money and the quest for success is quite common to us. 

Assaanji goes on to say several things in his own way and he openly condemns astrology as misleading the human beings and he challenges the Jothisyasastra with fierce anecdotes of how the disbelief's get created as we trust our 'Jatakams' or Horoscopes.  He creates a sense of thinking, rather pondering in us as we listen to him. 

Summary of his 3 hours Powerful speech filled with knowledge, humour, experiences, pain, wisdom, truth, untruth and lot more:

• Process of belief is the key to existence.   Search for Guru doesn't end.  We cannot equate God to anyone .  No Master can dominate God.  
• PRESENT MOMENT   (It begins and ends there!)
• It is ok to be selfish and care about your ownself -  Health , Happiness matters.  No one has any care on you really. You have to save your ownself
• Death is not the end of life.  It is the continuation of the past life and passport to the future life
• Love is a 2 sided process.   Can love only the God within.  It is ok to be low with each other, to let the love flow
• Success above survival.   This is pushed by divine intelligence-  Aarivu, Aatral 
• Practice what you learn.   
• Life changes by connecting to the supreme power above you
• Objects don't change based on discrimination.  You cannot change the creation.  Classification based on emotions turn futile
• Changes/ modifications is the rhythm of life
• Nithyam, Nithiya, Nimathiya irukum neram venum!  (For ever, for yourself,  to be in peace, let the time hold you towards it)
• Jeevan Sivanana (The god is within you)
• Don't believe in astrology or that there is an external force.  Truth will not change.  The force is within you
• 'National Youth Day'  12 Jan - Swami Vivekananda Birthday should one day be celebrated as International Youth Day
• Celebration of Pongal is the transition of the sun towards North called Utarayanam
• He smiles and says ' Be sincere not serious!'
• Those who can love the soul within can only be spiritual (Anmavayi miga pidikum podhu daan anmigam)
• Best of Power is within you,  use it for your self
• The highest noncommunicable disease is STRESS
• There is only one God.  Can there be 2 Gods?- he questions
• Think within for knowledge.   Have vision for success,  Prepare for the future. Future is You
• Come out of suffering, comfort the suffering and not concentrate on the suffering by having awareness
• 'Mathagalayi Maranthu Manithanayi Nesi'  - Forget Religions and love all fellow human beings
• Mathathey Kadandhu Iraivanayi Oasi '  -  Thing God beyond Religions
• Think deep in utmost suffering and embrace pain to heal within
• NITHYA KARMA -   Acting in Present,  anticipating the future and learning from the past
• Faith-  takes you leap against fear.  Fear NOT
• No one can live with full awareness.  but still try to be aware
• Avoid unwanted fears of the future.  The future is what you create.  Ask for resources to achieve the future.  STOP working on the suffering. Come out of the suffering and look at it from outside
• 'Anbhuvathuku unna nee thayaru sei'-  Prepare yourself for the experience
• Relationship leads to expectations which leads to responsibility and leads to increased capabilities and some time can lead to disappointments
• Yogi aa iru, drohi aa illa (Be a Yogi not an enemy) to yourself
• You have no right to take your life and commit suicide.  Remember if you do, it is against nature.  In my world training is common but treatment will be special !
• Future is next minute. Relish it.  Remember the future by creating it.  Only when you decide to life yourself,   God will help you lift up.  Stop feeling for suffering.
• Requirement on conditioning of the physical body and mental wellness is essential
• Trust no one.  Love everyone.  Love and Trust God
• 'Seyavendiyadhu Seiyamal, nadakavendiyadhu nadakadhu'-  Until you do what you ought to do,  what need to happen will not happen
• First love should always be parents.  
• Create Vision - don't focus on the action, focus on the vision
• Money is never enough.  But to experience money you need good karma.  You may have best of things, but may not have best of company or health to enjoy the wealth.  There the wealth becomes useless
• This Bhogi-  Burn the Past..not just the old things at home
• Parameters to measure should be
• to see progress
• measure calibration
• being fearless
• remembering god is everything
• you are your best enemy
• Stillness in meditation is oneness with God
• An small idea with clarify can transform reality
• Four Parameters for Happiness and Successful life
• Health
• Stop using abusive words
• Be with inner strength
• Awareness without strength is useless
• Don't compare with others
• Good energy is the Body
• Body is the vehicle of the soul
• There is no day as some day that I will be wanting good health. That day is today
• State of Mind
• when mind is not happy, the toxins get generated in the body
• compassion and love
• Happiness and less words leading to abundance in love
• when words are in crisis, love is in abundance
• Take options to tell best words - Oru Vartha pesnalum, thiru varthaya pesu (Speak one word and let that word be powerful)
• Dont take time to build vision
• Don't kill your emotions and those of others
• Focus on feelings and future
• Practice is important even if you are an expert
• Practice makes you progress till your death
• Relationship without conflict
• Love accepting to compromise
• Freedom in expression
• Love during school/college distracts the vision
• Unimaginable and irrational expectations to be avoided
• anonyam (affection) and dhambatyam (mutual understanding between husband and wife or any 2 people) is key to successful relationship
• First transactions in relationship is the word you say with real genuine and honesty
• Take time to commit to relationships
• Wealth that has meaningful utilization
• Vision based decisions and decisions based on vision 
• You need money to experience life
• Remember that presence is valuable in life
• Nithya karma- Chapter 3.8 of Bhagavat Geetha
• The only thing that you can leave behind is your wealth, so create with pride
• When you are sweat, when you are happy and thats when you will not lose
• Your warriors
• Your war of life
• Yourself
• Karnaney Nenavil Kollu (Remember Lord Karna and his Vijaya Dhanush )
• Sivaney Karuthil Kollu  (god will work with you and not work for you)
• You fear nothing but truth. 
• Positive thinking may bring positive outcomes and vice versa
• Be with God for him to life you up
• Check what you need to change in the current situation in life-   Health, State of Mind, Relationship or wealth?
• Action performed with preparation to see the outcomes in future
• Focus on your inner voice.  Come what may, tell one thing to yourself- To be Fearless

Success and Happiness depends on how you deal with yourself and the strengths within you.   

Thank you Guruji for the wonderful speech and beautiful experiences shared and lots and lots of good take-aways to practice.

Money & Success are the Result of your Karma. Discover the Power to get rid of your Negative Karma and Live the Life you Desire.

Great Quotes on Women and Courage

I’m tough, I’m ambitious, and I know exactly what I want. If that makes me a bitch, okay. — Madonna

“The question isn’t who’s going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.” – Ayn Rand

Whatever women do, they must do twice as well as men to be thought half as good. Luckily, this is not difficult.”– Charlotte Whitton

 
“If you don’t like being a doormat then get off the floor.”

“You move totally away from reality when you believe that there is a legitimate reason to suffer.”– Byron Katie

“Courage is like a muscle. We strengthen it by use.”– Ruth Gordon

“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.”– Maya Angelou

We realize the importance of our voices only when we are silenced. — Malala Yousafzai

I have come to realize making yourself happy is most important. Never be ashamed of how you feel. — Demi Lovato

In politics, if you want anything said, ask a man; if you want anything done, ask a woman- Margaret Thatcher

If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun. — Katharine Hepburn

It takes a great deal of courage to stand up to your enemies, but even more to stand up to your friends. — J.K. Rowling

The best protection any woman can have is courage.

Always be a first-rate version of yourself instead of a second-rate version of somebody else. –Judy Garland

When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.”– Helen Keller

“One of the most courageous things you can do is identify yourself, know who you are, what you believe in and where you want to go.”– Sheila Murray Bethel

“You have to have confidence in your ability, and then be tough enough to follow through.”– Rosalynn Carter

“One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman.”– Simone de Beauvoir

Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.” – Oprah Winfrey 

Taking joy in living is a woman’s best cosmetic.”– Rosalind Russell

“I’ve often thought it unfair that women are expected to stay at home when there’s a fight to be won. If awoman has the strength to bear a child, she can swing a sword as well as any man”     ― Karen Hawkins

“Do one thing every day that scares you.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

“It is our choices, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” – J.K Rowling

“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” – Mother Teresa

“I learned to always take on things I’d never done before. Growth and comfort do not coexist.” – Virginia Rometty (CEO of IBM)