Sip 6: Color me calm, color me happy – experience of a simple, yet beneficial activity

 

  Yes, you saw it right. It is just a coloring book with pictures. It is that simple activity which every child engages into. It is nothing great to make a headline or star in a blog. Filling colors into a picture is no rocket science or a skillful task. Then why does it feature into my mug list? The answer is simple. Mug list is about experiences that bring out happiness and peace. It is about those unique adventures that make me realize that life is indeed in simple things.

  

    We all crave for overrated happening activities and highly famed amazing adventures. To be honest, I definitely did and still do. There is nothing wrong in experiencing those acts too. But, when you open your mind and heart to usual things around, you come closer to the joy of ‘being simple’. You realize that simple can be glamorous too.

    After some doses of philosophy, coming back to the title in question. Though I have colored numerous pictures in my childhood, getting back to that activity once again as an adult was wonderful to say the least. This coloring trend has gained lot of attention in recent times, where coloring books for adults are selling like hot cakes. It is believed to enhance concentration, focus, feelings and joy. Though this article is not designed to advocate about any form of color therapy, it is framed to share my recent experiences with colors.

How did it start?

  To think about it, this activity does not really need any reason to begin with. After all, what is so difficult about color pencils or pictures that it needs a formal and valid excuse? I could have engaged into it anytime as I wanted. But, only if our mind was so simple and innocent! Unless we justify it with a reason or present it well enough, it may not allow us to go ahead. Hence, it took one informal event in our local library to illuminate such a colorful bulb in my system. Two hours of ‘adult coloring club session’ and I was reintroduced back to the joy of coloring. Though the session was just coloring few pictures and patterns with pencils, it posed as the perfect reason to bring that joy home.

   So much was the happiness of this experience, that a coloring book and pencil kit gained royal entry into our house-hold. And this coloring book has not just helped me with some humble joy, it has made the better-half happy too. After all who doesn’t wish for a silent spouse lost in her colorful thoughts? It is not for nothing that he googled about the connection between calmness and colors or for how long the effects last? But apart from these jokes, coloring does help in lot many ways.

 First-hand experience:

    I am sure there is nothing to explain about the process of coloring. We all know, it is just picking up colors and filling it into pictures. And it is does not need any special skills. You do not need to be an artist to figure out a way (My dear Sister, hope you are reading too, just saying). Being a creative artist may help with color combinations and better effects, otherwise it is simply coloring the blanks.

 Though the process is usual for all, what sets it apart is the underlying feeling. What you experience during the activity can pave way for your customized happiness. There is nothing right or wrong about it or there are no rules to be followed. And lack of time cannot be an excuse as it does not demand any fixed hours of engagement. Few minutes can be good too as the purpose is personal. No one can judge you or give you some certificate for the same. As long as it delivers a sense of happiness, the purpose is achieved.

   While I will love to hear your comments and feedback about it, let me frame my first hand experiences with colors.

Color me calm: It does calm the senses, as it urges them to forget about things around and concentrate on the project. It takes you away from the background noise of the world and sends you someplace, silent and calm.

Focus, concentrate, look, observe: It forces you to focus as smaller areas and thin lines need greater attention. It is able to sharpen your concentration that reflects over other activities too.

‘Me’ time: Coloring is a fun way to experience some quality ‘me’ time. Lost in your thoughts, it allows you to talk to yourself.

Sense of achievement: It definitely delivers a sense of satisfaction and achievement as the final product appeals to the eyes.

Colorful happiness:  We all know about the power of colors. After all they make an entry into our wardrobe too for their unique sense of joy. This coloring does the same as bright colors glow happiness in their own way.

Experimental skills: It touches your organizational and decision making skills to a certain extent. What colors to choose? Whether to pick a color and fill it wherever needed or whether to complete it part by part? Whether to go for conventional sense of colors or whether to try out something new. It does allow you to experiment and rejoice.

Needless to say, this coloring activity has definitely delivered a unique sense of joy. What is your take over this simple, yet beneficial act? Do you believe it can be influential or you rather pass it for some other tasks? In either case, share your thoughts as together we grow, learn, feel, experience!

P.S: Though I said there is no judgement or certificate, we can make an exception. You can go ahead with your shower of praises for ‘my work of art’ in the pictures above. Do not opt for literal sense, ‘literally’.

Dear Husband: You have no choice but to appreciate every single picture generously, whether once, twice or ‘n’ number of times, so you can get back to it. 

Sip 5: because ‘the house’ needs a make-over too - Experience of reorganizing the humble nest

   

    Before I start with this off-beat post, I should give the entire credit of such a unique topic to my parents. The couple that loves to organize and reorganize their house for innumerable times, my parents deserve the title of ‘house make-over experts’. Even my grandparents will agree to this as all through my childhood, I have witnessed their keen observation when they spotted something different, every single time.

    And by make-overs, my parents did not mean spending huge amounts of money for renovation or redecoration of house. Their version of reorganization was something that could easily fit within a small pocket. Cardboard boxes turned into side tables are practical proof of this thought (Only if he had patented this idea before his blogger daughter revealed it all!).

 I shall attempt to define their ideas in my words.

Reorganization (noun.): making easy changes in the house that can bring convenience/ transforming the look of the house for a novel feel

    I am sure I must have inherited these re-organizational genes from them. Though genome-wise, these genes were right in my system, their expression was not until I started taking it seriously. It took frequent session with parents (read: lectures), days of contemplation and hours of discussion (read: one-sided announcements) with the better-half, when finally the re-organizational light lit to a bright glow.  Only then did I realize, it is necessary to make convenient changes in our house to make living simple, easy and happy. 

  

   Unless we take keen interest towards what is necessary or unnecessary for our own house, it shall never fix by itself. We can always continue with the same old style for years on end, dragging same amount of inconvenience to the next subsequent day, until it finally becomes a routine. Or we can audit our needs and make frequent changes that suit us.

    Changes do not mean major activities like breaking walls of the house or replacing old furniture with new one every passing year. It simply means moving things around, playing with the layout, recycling old items, trying out a new style and conducting frequent checks to see if things work. You may have lots of money to do such kind of reorganization or no budget at all. But that does not matter, because cost is not the primary factor here. The underlying idea is to make convenient transformation with existing system.

  And if you are wondering how this topic entered into my mug-list? The answer lies in the sense of happiness achieved after our recent efforts. With an aim to bring convenience and ease, as we started making little changes around, I knew it was something unique. By making it a part of my mug list, I wanted to pat my own back! Because till our make-over experts (read parents) visit us for an audit, we cannot expect any formal certificate.

  Our little changes are indeed too little to make any grand statement. Replacing plastic containers for sugar, tea, oil with smart glass ones or reorganizing containers in kitchen cabinet for a newer look are not some great things to talk about. Similarly, hunting for a shower stand for bathing items or conducting a reality check of what we actually use is not rocket science to say the least. But, these are definitely some necessary tasks for positive changes in the household.  As they offer the joy of looking at something different or satisfaction of trying out convenient options, it makes you realize that reorganization is indeed a fun activity. It is essential to engage in this project quite often to unlock the hidden gems of energy, enthusiasm, happiness and pleasure.

  With this thought, let me share the benefits of reorganization based on my recent experience. It may inspire you to follow suit. Do share your take over it, it may not resonate with my beliefs but it will definitely open a room for discussion.

1.       Reality check: Reorganization helps you to put things into perspective. It forces you to look around, weigh your needs and presents a true picture.

2.       Cleaning of a kind: As you look at the reality, it urges you to get rid of unnecessary items – things that sit around because you feel you need them but have no use whatsoever.

3.       Materialistic detox: Reorganization removes materialistic toxins from the system, as you recycle unused items. It inspires you to match purpose with things. Instead of buying something and then finding a way to use it, it forces the other way round.

4.       Same location, same walls, same floor – but new house! : Let’s face it, you cannot afford to change your house every single time you are bored of the same spot. If you stay in a rented paradise, this thought can still come to life, but if you are house-owners then simply forget about it. Rather than forcing yourself to greet the same house and its components daily, you can change its look with simple rearrangements.

5.       Stage your creativity: Reorganization can pose as a platform for your overflowing creative juices. You can experiment with some DIY ideas for making show pieces, racks, stands or anything than can decorate your house.

6.       Strengthen your homely bond: House transforms into a home only after you sprinkle it with love, care, affection, relations and bonds. But why restrict that affection to the members alone? With reorganization, you can show your love to the fort that holds you safe within its walls. It definitely deserves a simple make-over every now and then.

7.       Selfish happiness: When it comes to making ourselves happy, we need to think about ‘self’. Hence reorganization or some changes to the house can make that possible. Your small efforts may not bring noticeable changes when someone visits you. But they can deliver perfect doses of happiness to all the dwellers who spend maximum time with it.

 Invest time in loving your house because it does a lot that goes unnoticed. Start with simpler reorganizations for humbler fruits of joy. 

Sip 4: Picking up joy, when the water falls - Experience of enjoying two mighty waterfalls

   

    Nature manages to inspire us in unimaginable ways. Though nature and its mighty troop have been attracting me towards its charm since childhood; my recent role as a blogger has definitely fueled it to higher levels. There is some unexplained relationship between natural beauty of Mother Earth and creative arts. Both these domains go hand in hand, giving rise to exceptional output. Nature instills the desire ‘to create’ as flawless art flows as a result of this motivation. Be it painting or writing, singing or playing a musical instrument, nature truly plays an important role. As a catalyst that brings out the best in an individual, nature and its wonders are undoubtedly hidden gems.

  But, why this sudden appreciation of nature, you ask? Because it crafts the next experience to be featured in my mug list or reverse bucket list. It is impossible to spot out specific encounters with nature, as it continues to spread its love and charm along every passing day. Sight of clouds and blue sky from my window or trees all around the neighborhood are wonderful enough to frame some amazing thoughts in my mind. Though describing one or two adventures with a single component of nature will not justify my affection towards it, it will at least initiate the penning process.

    When you look at the wonders of Nature, you realize it is nothing less than pure magic. Magical show on such a grand scale is definitely a symbol of some exceptional work. How does the creator manage unique paintings of white clouds on a sky blue canvas every single day? Or how can water of the sea extend to such a large scale that it is impossible to define its horizon? How do rivers manage to flow with their sweetness, while oceans prefer their salty status? Also if sunrise and sunset are usual acts of nature all around the world, how do they manage to look wonderful, unique, breath-taking and mesmerizing every single day of the year? Before I lose you all to a dense philosophical maze, let me pull you out to the experience in my title. It is also a way to gather my thoughts and focus on the topic or I shall easily wander around for a long time.

    Our recent trip to ‘Niagara Falls’ has given way to this unique experience in my mug list. World famous mighty water falls with breath-taking views, unimaginable flow and amazing adventure is one of the ways to describe this wonder on earth. 

    When you look at such a coordinated show played by nature, you realize that you are just a tiny particle on this earth. All our problems, difficulties, achievements, worries and praises seem too small and insignificant to think about, while this mighty nature is involved and engrossed in its own hard work. While I will come to its description little later, another water falls worth mentioning are the ones at ‘Yosemite National Park’ in California. Though Yosemite falls were visited last year, its memories are fresh and ripe as if it just happened yesterday. And cherry on the cake, I went there with my parents. (Sorry dear husband, parents always seem to take away the cherries!)

    

A famously famous wonder – Niagara Falls

  When one talks about the tourist attractions of North America, ‘Niagara Falls’ definitely deserves a place in the conversation. So much is the glory of this spot that it continues from several years in the past till today. Photographs of Niagara Falls shared by my Dad (where he looks like a ‘hero’, will save this fun-filled description for a separate post!) from the early 80s depict this fact in a way. Though he visited it from the Canadian side, American view of the falls are equally excellent too. 

   During the subsequent description of his first ever US trip (read foreign), only words such as Niagara and New York were picked by the little admirer in me. So, finally when life chose to give this opportunity, experience of the mighty falls was absolutely exciting in every way. Standing under the American falls, touching the flow of water, feeling its cold temperature and soaking in its enormous fun were some of the most wonderful experiences. Boat ride to the falls was another fun adventure as the water seems inviting yet mysterious at the same time. Colorful lights in the evening and bright effect of sun during the day cast their magical spell. No matter for how long you look at the beauty of these falls, it never seems enough.

  To conclude, this experience was totally out-of-the world making it difficult to frame into words. Flow of huge amount of water from a great height above the surface is what sets this waterfalls apart. Horse shoe shape of falls (though more prominent from Canada) is another feature of this great Niagara. And just when I thought its job was only ‘flow, shine and look pretty’, I was amazed to learn about the large hydroelectric power generation (almost 4.9 million kilowatts).

  Though back from the trip and miles away from this wonder, Niagara Falls can easily continue to inspire me for days on end.

Because why should east coast have all the fun- Falls at Yosemite National Park

   Niagara Falls is closer to the eastern coast of US. In that case how can the western state of California stay quiet? As competitive as it tends to get, California too has wonderful waterfalls at the Yosemite National Park. Waterfalls at three different heights is a unique feature of this spot that draws numerous tourists all year around.

 Giant waterfalls, snow-capped mountains and huge park are attracting gems of this place. Our memorable experience with light snowfall added several stars to this fun trip.

Both these mighty waterfalls have made a strong mark in my memories, making their way into my mug-list. Next time you look at nature or get an opportunity to appreciate its beauty closely, stay quiet for a short while and absorb the experience. Clear your mind off any thoughts and let this wonder guide you. You will be amazed by the output. Give it a chance, it will surely take you more places than you had originally chalked in your itinerary. It makes you forget who you are or what you do as it wraps you in its magical hug. Because that it what nature does, surprise you in the most unimaginable ways! 

Sip 3: When you are almost home - Experience of visiting home city’s twin

   

    What can a person do if he/she is home sick, while being thousands of miles away from the humble paradise? While the obvious answer is to get to that home sweet home as soon as possible, there are other quick-fix choices in today’s world. For a generation that relies on hacks and innovative ideas to get their work done, there are many alternative options to achieve what one desires. Hence as an answer to the question, one can visit a nearest city that is exactly twin to one’s own. Though this was not the primary reason to plan our trip to New York, we were glad that the output erased away any traces of home-sickness from our system completely!

  With a desire to visit our home city’s twin, as we set for our mini-vacation to New York, the experience was extremely fantastic and worth enough to make its way into my mug-list. Close to Mumbai in several ways than I had imagined, New York can be rightly termed as its twin-sister. A city that never sleeps, New York is happening, busy, lively and energetic that refuses to halt for any reason. It oozes enthusiasm and energy in every mile of its radius, making it a center of attraction. Diverse cultures, languages, religions, occupations, lifestyle, cuisines combine into this melting pot. It has something for everyone that keeps each one occupied.

     This city refuses to discriminate among its folks. Whether you are rich or poor, salaried employee or businessman, student or retired, simple or fashionable, it will accept you for what you are. The inclination of holding every resident together brought back memories of Mumbai, as it welcomes everyone with open arms. 

    With dreams in eyes and energy in body as people head to this city, there is nothing that can hold one back. The rule of both these cities is very simple- if you are ready to work hard and make a name for yourself, it will set the perfect stage with spotlights and allow you to perform. But if you choose to laze around and just demand goodies, it shall scare you out with its fast pace. As everyone is running around to stay on their schedule, the energetic ambiance is amazing in its own way.

   Non-judgmental approach and open-mindedness are two aspects of New York that made me realize this twin relationship is absolutely true. As long as you are engrossed in your own project and happy with what you do, there is nothing to stop you. No one has the time to wait and analyze or judge and comment, making it a fair open platform for all. You do not need money, assets, power or name to prove your worth. Merit and skills alone shall keep you alive. Though this aspect is true for any city, village or town, there is something in both these cities that spells out ‘opportunities’.

    As we walked on the busy streets of New York as tourists, we could not help but notice the similarities with our own sweet home. Every passing moment, we were tempted to compare it with Mumbai, increasing our affection towards it. Every single individual is busy in their own unique world, yet united under the sky of the city. 

   

   Narrow lanes, crowded streets, parallel car parking, tall skyscrapers, numerous taxis, strong public transport, street food carts, exotic restaurants and many commercial spots were some of the aspects that unite these two cities. Experience of traveling in local train was the perfect ‘aha’ moment that confirmed my correlation between the two. Only after you travel in crowded trains with so many people –divided by purpose but united by the goal to just get there, you realize that it is actually Mumbai-in-disguise!

  People often complain about the hostile nature and unfriendly ambiance of these two places. As everyone is busy in their own sphere, there is no time for small talk, neighborly affection or friendly concerns. Though it is true to certain extent, there is friendliness among people when the need arises. People may appear drowned in their own pool, but they shall definitely swim to rescue if one calls for help. Switching between public and private domain through just one button is something that makes New York and Mumbai folks what they are today.

  With this, let me share those significant moments that gave way to the title of this article:

We knew we had reached Mumbai's twin when:

1.       We heard stories about expensive rent and housing in the city, hence people are forced to reside in suburbs and travel to their offices by public transport.

2.       We saw men and women in perfect formal attire sharing seat with casually dressed students in trains and sub-ways. 

3.       There were options of tasty street food and exotic restaurants both along the same lane. One could spend anything from $1 to $100 for a single lunch, yet find satisfying options depending on choice.

4.       The time-table of trains and buses make the final call about one’s schedule.

5.       We experienced that the setup of city was different on weekends and weekdays. While weekdays were filled with people leading their way to work, weekends were filled with enthusiastic tourists.

6.       We saw the struggle for finding car parking spaces on streets.

7.       We heard excessive honking all around the city.

8.       We realized that street smartness is the only way to survive in this place. Everyone has to make their own way and it is impossible to wait for others.

9.       We saw almost every building had commercial space for shops and restaurants on the ground floor.

10.   We observed several redevelopment projects - converting old buildings into posh towers.

11.   The GPS showed red marks of excessive traffic all around the city.

12.   We saw many old buildings with preserved heritage look in downtown.

13.   We observed several businesses share space in downtown- financial corporations, marketing hubs, tech companies, banking and retailing etc.

14.   We realized that the city is famous for its skyline of tall skyscrapers against backdrop of water like the Queen’s necklace of Mumbai.

15.   We were tempted to say ‘concrete jungle’ quite often.

16.   The crowded streets make you feel safe even late in the evening or almost mid-night.

And finally, when I heard my husband say ‘I belong here’ after almost every half mile in the city.

       Traffic and expensive rent are two things that apply to any big city around the world. There is nothing to complain or compare, but definitely fun in making interesting observations. If Mumbai has taught me something, it has to be ‘to each one its own’. Hence I believe every place is different, unique and amazing in its own way. ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do’ and enjoy every experience with open arms. No wonder I said ‘I belong here’, as I landed at the airport and entered my humble apartment at the end of our trip.

I can undoubtedly say, visiting my Mumbai’s twin gave me almost equal amount of happiness, love, energy and memories. Thus, it was completely justified to be featured in my mug-list. I can now say, when I was in New York, I was almost home…. 

P.S: This thought is purely based on my opinion. I do not intend to hurt sentiments of any city or its dwellers. Frequent usage of Mumbai or New York may disinterest some readers, but I have a solution to it. Call me to your city and I shall come over with my blogger lens to write an entire article about it too!