Soliloquies- Memory, Clarity, Consciousness

Many a times, people are astounded by my memory of  names, stories, conversations, events & dates. I recall the memories, dates very precisely, sometimes, it goes to year old memories, 5 year old memories as well. When people around me made me feel that it's an unsual habit as they do not remember anything, I was afraid that I'm the unusual person in the room. I remember many of my friends being very good at remembering dates, people and conversations. Sharayu is remarkable at it. 

As I began to reflect, I realised that I have always tried to improve my memory and clarity skills. Also, a few of the current generation people I'm interacting with struggle to be attentive for long time. Attention and intention are the key aspects I've been working since 15 years. I'm still trying and would be trying to be attentive and intentional all throughout my life.  Interesting what we're getting, in exchange with attention and intention. 

Holidays with Harry- The Fleeting Ideas

'I'm working on this new idea sir-Treat yourself well' I shared with Harry. 

'Wow. A very interesting Idea. How do you do that?' he was curious. 

'I treat myself a nice walk, a meal, a conversation' putting conscious efforts to prioritse and treat myself well, I shared. He discussed how he had confusing moments to treat himself well, at times. 

'After a nice long walk, when I look at Coconut water or a healthy juice, I tell myself to try it another time whereas whenever Anjali looks around for anything, a little hint of trying out things from her end, I act on  it immediately.' 

Discussing ideas, I shared the 'treat yourself well' idea I heard from Aarti and narrated how I began to act on the idea. 

I'm happy to catch up on the idea and acted, I shared. Harry shared how often we miss ideas if we miss the moment. He penned it beautifull in this blog-

https://harimohanparuvu.blogspot.com/2024/10/thought-for-day-hiding-place-of.html

Further, a long conversation on movies, books especially, The BIG Leap by Gay Hendricks. As always, glad to catch up with him over a call after a long time. 

Indulge- Day 11

Focusing on where my attention is mostly during the week, I realised that I receive a lot of love every now and then in the form of messages and calls. Azhar shared a photo of our Jaisalmer trip. Dad sent me a 2015 BVRIT tournament picture. Out of blue, Teju shared a song mentioning, 'thought you'd like this song.' Vaishnavi wrote a encouraging message on my unique ability of being expressive to utmost honesty and authenticity. There's a lot of love for me in this world. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. 

Indulge- Day 10

A offered to give a massage to me. He brought in a collection of incence sticks, fragrance oils, candles and a playlist for the massage as well. He created the whole ambience and offered a wonderful massage. What it takes to receive? I pondered. A lovely feeling to treat your body well. Thanks A for the wholesome experience. 

Indulge- Day 9

 Treated myself a lot of long walks, a nice woollen coat and a sunday church mass.

Indulge- Day 4

A friend has shared a suggestion to check out a vinyl store in the town. I've been procrastinating it. However, she shared a walk and asked if I got time to check it out. Thoughtful and sweet of her, I shared how I couldn't make it to the store and we shared a walk and few conversations on Vinyls and music. I indulged myself a long nice walk after that. 

Indulge- Day2

Coincidentally Sanjna invited me for a nice dinner and also to discuss the upcoming book. Felt home and got reminded of Shubha and Deepu, the best friends and hosts I have in Bengaluru. 

Indulge- Day 11

I was wondering how to treat myself today. Used my art piece for the class presentation I had. Came home and had a surprise. The SIG has replaced my old lamp with brand new lamp for free. Thanks SIG for treating me with energy saving beautiful lamp which makes me feel, I have Sun in my room. 

Indulge- Day 10

I treated myself a long run along the lake side, a heartful in-person conversation with friend after a long time. After coming home, cooked a healthy meal- chicken salad, Potatoes and beans and an enriching conversation with A. Great day. 

Indulge- Day 8

Krithi invited for a Diwali house party. Tridisha joined me for the party and had a great time dancing around. Shristi cooked Bhindi, Mikhu cooked Beef Kababs. Besides these, enjoyed other indian delicacies as well. Krithi is a very good host, being honest making people comfortable now and then. Had great time. 

Geneva Journals- Neighbours Huddle

Praggya and I used to run into each other at GM kitchen and always shared conversations. After she got to know that I moved out, very thoughtful of her, she asked my whereabouts and we decided to catch up and share our summer stories. As soon as we met Parc De Bastions, we continued our walk and sat aside to share what we've been upto. Praggya was the one who dropped the idea of renting out the current apartment and traveling in Europe. I stretched a bit and traveled for 2 months. Both of us shared our holiday trips and enjoyed the autumn colours. 

Both of us decided to do some gallery hopping and went to photo exhibitions. We observed and analysed the pictures in our ways and shared what we appreciate in the exhibition. Casually walking in old town, we ran into kitchen store and found alot of artsy kitchen appliances. Chatted up a bit with owner who is an architect, interior designer and  curates each and every item which he appreciates. Glad to know his story. 

We headed to Pages and Sips to play some scrabble and munch on scones. If we don't put effort, we always end up moving around as we get busy in our semester schedules. Thanks Praggya for dropping by. Had a great time. Good day. 

Indulge- Day 7

I got the best view of the sky from my window and decided to enjoy it further and I treated myself a long run after ages. Explored a new path, found out new sculptures, historic buildings and ran around the lake. Also, treated myself a nice nine degree cold swim. The first five seconds are unbearable but after that, it's a pleasure to be in the water. 

A healthy meal, lovely conversation with C. Good day. 

Indulge- Day 6

Indulged myself in a nice Yellow boat ride and a walk along the lake side for the sunset. As I continued walking, I came across photo expo and treated myself a nice artist date and got a chance to see interesting captivating compositions and also got to know few photographers. 

Geneva Journals- The coffee beeakfasts

 

Friends- Dinner and aconversations

 

Geneva Journals

 

Geneva Journals - The Durga Puja Celebration

 

Geneva Journals- The Morning runs

 

Friends- -Dinners and Conversations

 

Geneva Journals- The colorful food

 

Geneva Journals- The Salty Dog Rag Dance

I asked Claire if she is familiar of Salty Dog Rag Dance, the type of dance I learnt in Germany. She immediately googled about the new dance form to know more about it. She is a professional dancer who is very passionate about dancing and immediately picked up the steps and began to dance. I was amazed by the way she picked it up and encouraged me to try it along. In the past, I met people who were condescending about dancing and sought perfection over expression. Claire broke down the steps in easy manner and began to teach me. As E joined us, three of us spent nearly four hours dancing to the Salty Dog rag tunes. 

We began to share how social dancing can be an effective tool for community engagement and well being. Thanks Claire for being great teacher. 

Happy Birthday E

E turned 25 and hosted a birthday party along with her friend, inviting all the lovedones to share space and time. Claire baked a lot of dishes for the party. Atys, Claire and I chose a corner entertaining ourselves with a lot of conversations. I love the way the conversations flow with these two people. Always being playful as well quite reflective in life. As people flowed, I met a person who seemed very familiar but both of us couldn't recollect where we met. Sometimes, you feel you know the person very well even though you haven't met them. Interesting conversations. Good day. 

Indulge- Day 5

I had a long nice walk and then walked into a high-end pastries shop to treat myself a collection of macaroons. Blue, red, chocolate and mint macaroons at the lake side! As soon as I reached home, I indulged  to healthy and happy meal, thanks to A. We shared a grace and began our meal. Good day.

Thoughts- Do not waste your time with same old mistakes

Committing mistakes is the way we learn different ways of approaching situation or problem. When a situation arises, do not commit the same old mistake instead try a new way and if it works, it's a good way to solve problem, if not you've learnt a new way of committing mistake and reflect on it until you get creative with processes and pathways. 

Indulge- Day 3

Eliane gifted me a pocket book and I felt very grateful to receive it and shared the idea of celebrating birthday in tiny little ways. She loved the idea and recollected that she's 61 and may not be able to do the big number birthday celebrations. 

I shared the idea of  how we can choose to celebrate rather than stop ourselves from indulging in pleasure and happy things in life. Also, had a dinner with Adhira, Anjali and Epsa. Good time. 

It's my Birthday!- The 30s of 20s

Aarti shared her experience of celebrating her last 30 days of being 28 year old and I liked the idea of treating yourself well for 30 days consciously and continuously. As I'm turning 30 in 30 days, I'm going to celebrate the last 30 days of being 29 years old and reflect on the journey. No sooner, I thought about it, I shared this idea with couple of friends. A few mocked at me, a few called me self centred. As I shared it with my therapist and other friends, they cheered up for me and rooted for the celebration. 

I realised that many a times, we are not comfortable to indulge ourselves with all the good things in life. Be it a coconut on a sunny day, a massage or a healthy happy meal. We always tend to shower it on others but do not prioritise ourselves. I also realised that everyone may not get this and it's totally okay. I shared the idea with a couple of friends, a few acknowledged, a few liked, a few loved the idea. Harry loved the idea and began to act indulging himself for 30 days. 

https://harimohanparuvu.blogspot.com/2024/10/day-1-indulge-yourself.html

As I just began to be intentional in treating myself, I began to receive gifts and dinners from people unexpectedly. I'd like to stay in the question of What positive new thing is coming into being?

Thanks Aarti for sharing your birthday journey. Excited for this journey.

Indulge- Day1

 The day I decided to indulge myself, people at house threw a birthday party. Thanks to party, I indulged in Claire's Tiramisu, coconut cookies, conversations and some good music. 

Geneva Journals- La Farce Haul

As I walked to Lafarce, picked up my veggies, I continued to walk around and did some grocery errands. After a while, I walked to the library to look for interesting titles. As I found dostoevsky's crime and punishment I immediately picked it up for spotting the classic. Reached home being a proud owner of the classic. 

Technology- The new Olauncher

I randomly got to know about the olauncher and I remember, one of my friend in Jaipur in 2021 was using this format. Getting rid of app icons and the colours. Instead you've a list of apps through mere alphabets,from which you can select. The navigation is changed and it completely gives you a freedom to choose rather than nudge you to select even though you don't want it. This is how it looks now. 

My screen time has reduced to less than hour now. I don't feel bad to be on phone by choice but, when I feel I'm nudged to check phone by behaviour, I'm concerned. 

Thoughts- The Expectations

To have zero expectations is ideal. Before we navigate the ideal conditions, we can always reduce our expectations after repeated learnings and reflections. 

Geneva Journals- The New Home

After moving across different homes for three months, I've finally settled in for a home, for now. A very cozy, european paris style apartment. I got the bright natural light purging through out the room. T helped me out in moving to the new place and I feel at peace with this new home.