Spike : Leading by Example - 1 min read

It is incredible how much I am learning each day with my pup. And it is not limited to dogs but the interconnections with life in general.

We all enjoy our living space at home, which has been the biggest casualty. Dogs, choose your favourite spot and even become your shadow. Occasionally following you to the restroom and beyond. I am privileged to have the most patient audience for my residual vocal aspirations! Though I pity his ears as they curiously perk up when I hit a high note! Pet parents forget all the corners they had to themselves. Strangely the sacrifice surrounds you with a warmth that is impossible to define.

Dog behaviourists discourage owners from letting them become possessive. I agree. And I have taught Spike likewise. But, I also marvel at his persuasiveness and persistence. A dog has an IQ equal to a human toddler. But they can navigate situations way better than humans. When the bark and jump do not scare us, he will immediately expose his belly in surrender. Even with his brain-to-body ratio of 1:125, he understands better that love conquers all.

Research confirms that dogs experience basic emotions. But they don’t have and will never develop complex ones. Gratitude and guilt belong to the second group. Yet the wagging tail and apologetic bow seem sincerer than words. And those glistening eyes and broad smiles? They are the best expressions of gratefulness I have ever seen.

Spike has taught me the meaning of the phrase be here now. From nervousness before a bath to chasing flies right after he is done, Spike lives every moment. His focus on what happens around him is much lesser than what he puts his mind and energy to. Having mastered carpe diem, he never stays on the periphery of life but lives to the fullest.

Have you ever felt edgy and restless? Well, a dog could teach you a lesson or two. We may find them to be fidgety little beings. But try taking his eyes off his favourite ball or the tastiest treat - you will know patience is the mother of all virtues.

Each time I see this little boy, I am reminded of the idiom, like a dog with two tails. Spike is a happy, curious, and energetic baby. He is a delight at day end and the most difficult to leave behind each morning.

Spike has become an inseparable part of our family. He is our most precious child, a sibling and indeed our best friend. His faithful and loving ways have snuggled deep into our hearts and we can’t live without him.

With his own special Pizza-courtesy Steph

Freedom - As I aspire it to be! - 1 min read

What is freedom? In short 'to act as one pleases'. So what is seventy-five years of freedom to me? Is it a few rights and privileges or the mere choice of action and liberation?

To me, freedom is a privilege and an opportunity to be the best version of me.

A true sense of freedom is my approach to the sentiment rather than the state of my being. It is an assertion of the within as much as of my surroundings. It is the means to conquer the elements of oppression and not my plea to be freed.

To me, freedom is not my ability to break the shackles and barriers but to be able to accept obligatory bindings. It is to understand that the absence of freedom is not oppression. And that not all freedom is liberating.

The word freedom sets my mind soaring. Its visions take shape to create a medley of meaningful melodies. It is to have beliefs that I can ideate and reach fruition. It is to be able to etch a sparkling mosaic of dreams to its destination. It is myriad thoughts that speak to me, ones that I can allow you to read.

Freedom is when my speech is not a sheer statement, empty or bereft of conviction. It is when I articulate to support and uplift. When I whisper judgement yet bellow admiration. Freedom is when my words heal instead of cutting deep. It is the grace to accept defeat or reject victory. Freedom is the knowledge of truth despite the challenge of legitimacy.

Freedom is not allowing me to select my God but to get chosen despite my preference. It is not permission to be different but acceptance irrespective of the diversity. I am free not because I can force the world to have my way but to be able to urge the world to respect the way I am. It is not strength to mould but power to create. Freedom is the generosity to release my claim in exchange for genuine longing.

Freedom is my decision to be rather than what I am sanctioned to be.

#india75years

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Spike - The Family Goofball - 2 min read

"Opening up your life to a dog who needs a home is one of the most fulfilling things you can do."

 

Spike is not a dog, especially for my daughter. He is her brother, period. And for me, a baby who will never grow up!

His little paws and their endless mischief drive us crazy. Almost every night, torn shopping bags to wet wipes, fly across our home. Sometimes he dances with the wastepaper basket and prances away with our clothes. As a baby, he gnawed at my feet, and his tiny teeth marks adorn the sofa. Yet, a moment of his discomfort unsettles my peace. When he stops eating, I lose my appetite.

  As a Pet Parent Spike has taught me some vital lessons:

1.     To “love like no other” all over again. For his biscuits to meals, he holds me with his twinkling eyes. He’s the little heartbeat at my feet. Scratch a dog and you’ll find a permanent job they say. Whether he is running away from food or his “oiyta” (imaginary terror) Spike can get ready for a scratchie instantly.

2.     If you hit the snooze button and dodge exercise; if you advocate method in the madness, you must get a dog. He will teach you “orderliness and discipline.” It could either be by demanding the same routine or by reminding you that a Gucci bag is equal to his dehydrated pig ear. Thankfully labels are nonexistent at home and the most expensive damage has been a Macbook charger.

 

3.     It’s all about “less is more”, and simple waterlog sticks. Dogs have very less need for expensive things. An empty packaged water bottle or a sock is a treasure. Spike loves plastic in any form. Is it for the sound or because it’s prohibited? Forbidden things entice man and dog alike!

 

4.     You heard it, K-I-S-S! Lots of wet kisses when we shower praises. A hint to “keep it short silly”. Dogs love their own fluff and not our fluffy conversations.

Love, discipline, minimalism and brevity. A new meaning in life. Sounds like Frankl’s logotherapy?

It’s DoggoTherapy!

Part 3 - coming soon

HAPPY FRIENDSHIP DAY : 2 min read

So, Friendship Day it is. Some say it's silly, some label it frivolous, and others find it unnecessary. Yet, I spent time sending these unnecessary wishes.

I chose a few run-of-the-mill broadcasts. Then I stopped at names who deserved more. And looked for customised individual thoughts. I found some on my list who don't exist in my life anymore; they moved on. Some names appear in the summers of life but run at the slightest roar of thunder. I found ones resembling a burst of spring and some dreary as autumn. Some who always remained like a rock and some who shook the very rock I stood upon. Some are my heroes, while some compel me to rise and be my own hero. Some left me alone, and some stuck on, no matter what.

A few are precious gifts of generosity in my life that make me revel in the richness of the relationship. Some are my 24/7 laugh line and sunshine. And some who forced me to create my own sunshine as I wiped tears.

Found a bunch of names who have broken me. Found some more who are still building me. Some made me feel I should have no friends, while others stood out because they taught me to be friends. Some who know my love, laughter and tantrums. Some see the pain behind a smile and understand the join in my tears. With some, I need to bring nothing but myself to the table. And yet others who turn the table always to their gain. Some that made life wonderful, and those that made me wonder about life.

I smiled at the phrase “friends forever”. Perhaps it has a deeper meaning. Maybe it means whether they stay or walk away, they still leave an indelible mark on your life. They remain a part of your life forever.

Thank you, friends! For all, you did for me. It all added to make me "ME".

HAPPY FRIENDSHIP DAY - to friends of yesterday, today and tomorrow. 

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