Reflections from a heart

Thoughts are the shadows of our feelings- always darker, emptier and simpler –

 Friedrich Nietzsche

                                                                              THOUGHTS OR FEELINGS?

                                                                              

Thanks again for all your ‘mindful’ bytes, my respected readers. What is particularly appreciative is that everyone got the drift of the intense reaction between mind and nature. As Tinni Maitra succinctly describes, (Aishwarya) “is brave, carefree and at the same time disciplined just like Nature. In our efforts to keep up with the changing times and modernisation around us, we’re losing touch with Nature and hence surrendering to fears and insecurities”. Piali Banerjee pertinently points out the importance of living a life of curiosity, else, where is the charm? Misha’s was a poetry when she says, “The forests have inspired and calmed Aishwarya Sridhar”. Thank you Sumedha Raikar Mhatre and other anonymous readers. What a heartfelt compliment: I bring thoughts alive!! Thank you all. I would be obliged if you kindly put your name, the next time, you feel like commenting. 

Time for some fresh thoughts. In fact, on second thought, do we keep thinking and forget to express? How many among us actually make our loved ones feel special? My father almost every other day will tell me how much he loves me!!It fills up my heart with a lot of positive energy. And I keep reminding that to myself when I get upset over our infrequent arguments.  Such simple pleasures in life... are we bidding them adieu, in the face of racing against time or are beginning to be more expressive, now that serial lockdowns have slowed our lives? But once we get back to normalcy, would we really remain the same? Because, again we will be part of a rat race where putting up impressions will be more important than building/maintaining a relationship. For whoever have time to express affections, except to some extent to their boyfriend/girlfriend or husband/wife/children or at best select close buddies/colleagues. As if relationship begins and ends there!! What about parents, siblings, other relatives/friends etc? Of course, on special days like birthdays and anniversaries, most may extend some lip-service, but otherwise, people are too busy with their inner circuit. 

How we connect to each other mostly has something to do with how we think, rather than what we feel. Thoughts  can be either spontaneous or planned, shallow or in-depth; Whereas, feelings are always natural, genuine and free-flowing. May be because thoughts origin in our mind or its more physical seat : brain and feelings flow from the heart. Atleast for now, specially since serial lockdowns, I deduce, more than thoughts, the feelings will stay on. Why? Because the effects are tangible, hence touches us deeply and lingers on...That makes us  feel upbeat and hopeful.  I have actually experienced such effects oh so many times. Which shows in my smile as it reaches my eyes!😊 

Talking about feelings, I will narrate another personal example of a different kind.  Curled up with one of my all-time favourite perk-up books, Salman Rushdie's Haroun and the Sea of Stories after neatly cleaning up a plate of piping-hot aubergine fritters sprinkled with black salt and pepper as the world outside witnesses a torrid love affair between thunderbolts and heavy showers. Amidst the sound and fury, my next temptation appears in a tall glass of chilled Sprite garnished with a pinch of rock salt. Downed in few slow amorous swigs as I play Richard Clayderman’s Love Story. A series of blissful moments mesmerize my mind and beyond.... Once, we are attuned to the simple joys in life, we could be expected to be less tensed in critical times of our lives and otherwise too, live with a relatively cheerful disposition. Why? Because the happy chemicals in our brain gets activated post reading a book we enjoy or listening to a recital encore etc. Of course, most would express this rhapsody through few happy sighs or dancing to the music. I love the latter because some feelings get wings only when the expressions run through the body.

So, according to you, my valued readers, going by the chicken and egg story, what comes first – thoughts or feelings? Which one do you trust more and why?

And, what is your definition of simple pleasures in life?

Take care.

See you soon.

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