5 natural wonders of the world

Growing up, I always fancied the ‘Seven wonders of the world’. It instilled a sense of awe, amazement and excitement that such magnificent structures adorn our planet. And before I even knew how to get there or what significance they hold, I was excited by the thought that wonders of the world exist. There is something wondrous and beautiful –either created naturally or crafted by skillful hands of people, making it famous around the world. To be honest, I was disappointed when they started creating a new list under the title ‘New seven wonders of the world’ because for me the list was permanent and these wonders were meant to be in it forever. I did not comprehend the need to play around with them and change the contents due to changing times. But that is the way things work. We need to move ahead with time, appreciating the new entrants, while honoring the old ones.

  Well, this post is not to talk about the wonders of the world that are created to honor architecture, natural beauty, heritage and purpose. It is to honor the natural show created by ‘nature’. I was tempted to think about natural wonders through my eyes. If given a chance to frame a list of natural wonders, what will I pick? The word ‘natural’ has a strong meaning here. I want to focus on wonders exhibited by Mother Nature. These are not enlisted to celebrate skills of man-made wonders but designed to appreciate nature at its best. I always believe natural beauty is several steps beyond our comprehension. We can create, invent, discover, upgrade, update and do everything unimaginable with passing years, but we cannot imitate the role of ‘nature’. We cannot create anything remotely close to the wonders of nature that turns a magic wand, every now and then.

  Blame it on my dreamy eyes or nature-kissed soul, I am drawn to natural beauty instantly. I am guilty of finding joy in natural wonders because they are simply beyond words. When I find myself admiring pattern of clouds or staring at colors of sunset, I realize I am smitten once again. No wonder my memory card is loaded with these pictures, while holding none of mine. Connecting with nature is said to be the best form of relaxation and meditation, healing uneasy thoughts and erasing away unnecessary bitterness. And whether or not any statistical research can prove it, my husband can definitely vouch for it. To his amazement as soon as nature draws me to stop talking and start admiring, he is surprised by the effect. I am sure he must be secretly thanking nature and its picturesque effects for keeping me silent a bit longer (every husband’s dream, after all!)

  These natural wonders are usual things that occur in nature but leave me mesmerized. You can state their occurrence, cause, and reason but there is something unexplainable that makes it wonderful. Though Science can elaborate its phenomenon perfectly, it is good to look at it with surprised eyes. Not everything needs to be explained, analyzed and understood. Some things should be left as ‘wonders’.

   I can go on and on under the pretense of introducing this topic, but I must get to the list sooner. Here are the list of natural wonders as perceived through my eyes. Do share your version and let us match to see how well we match!

1.       Pattern of clouds

  I am always amazed by the diverse pattern of clouds created in the sky. The more often I look, the more I realize there is something interesting about it. From low hanging clouds to dense thick blanket, from tiny circular cotton balls to colorful strands, there are so many patterns- just waiting to be adored and admired. Look at any time of the day and there is some distinct pattern and color enjoying its stay in the sky. Call it a desperate need to seek validation (guilty as charged), when I googled to check if there are others who admire clouds too, I came across the ‘Cloud appreciation society’. There is an entire club of people who enjoy clouds and share photographs of these wonderful members of the sky.

  Why and how clouds are formed is not the wonder because we all know it, but why do they align in a specific pattern and come across as distinct shapes is the wonder that makes me stare at it a little longer.

2.       Shape of the moon

  Let us not involve lunar cycle and make this technical and boring, but rather look at moon with romantic eyes and see if it appears as a wonder. To me the shape of moon seems an excellent phenomenon of beauty. From a thin C-shaped curve to full bright circle, moon shape and moonlight are wonders in their own regard.

3.       Shades of the ocean

  I feel guilty of describing an ocean, sea or beach using just three colors- green, blue and grey, while being awestruck by its unique shade card. As water adorns different shades at different times and at different spots from the shore to the horizon, it is nothing short of a natural wonder. Though there is valid explanation of reflection and sea-bed coloring the water, it is mesmerizing how these shades change quite often. The beauty that nothing is the same and you are greeted with a natural color every visit adds magic to the experience.

4.       Palette of leaves

  Thanks to the current season of fall, this phenomenon is more relevant and wonderful right now. We are tuned to look at green leaves and there is nothing unusual about it, but what surprises me is the changing colors from green to yellow, orange and red. Different trees wear different shades of green too. No two trees may have the exact same green shade, portraying its unity in diversity.  

5.       Sunset

  Saving the best for the last. Propose as many theories of setting sun or explain it through simple physics, yet there is something mystical about sunset. It manages to catch attention at that very moment. No wonder people travel to special sunset spots around the globe to make the most of the opportunity. More than sunrise, I am attracted towards the aura of a setting sun (though I am a morning person!). It appears as a formal declaration, announcing the end of a day, while leading towards a calm night.  What makes me wonder is the style adopted by this departing member. It makes sure to spread its royalty and force everyone to take notice. With mesmerizing shades and dramatic effects in the sky- it bids a good-bye, while asking (or rather demanding) everyone to pay attention. To me sunset appears as a well-coordinated show set in the stage of sky. Preparation lasts for few minutes, while spreading the right shade and pattern, followed by the final performance of setting sun, only to be wrapped by immense darkness.

  This concludes five natural wonders as seen through my lens. What wonders form your list?

  Do you seek wonderment in the fact that nature presents a show here and there or stick to the scientific explanation? If you pick the first option – I will be happy to find people like me. And if you pick the latter- well, more scope for posts, while I try my best to transform your opinion!

Open letter -5 (Sun)

Dear Sun,

  Before starting this letter, I must admit I am quite scared to write to you. Just in case if I end up writing something that offends you or does not go well with your thought process, you may easily punish me with more heat in my direction. And looking at the chaos you create during summer months, I cannot take a chance. Every now and then, we hear extreme weather reports throwing light over your intense heat and powerful anger. Why don’t you take a chill pill by not being so tense all the time? Or is it impossible to cool down considering the burden of responsibility on your shoulders?

  Whatever may be the reason, I must agree you are extremely important in our lives. Everything revolves around you, making you the rightful head of the planetary system. No wonder you make all the planets dance around, giving them light and heat as they pass by. Our relationship with you falls under the category of ‘love-hate’. Something we share with our siblings and spouse. We need you a lot and it is impossible to imagine a day without you, but at the same time, we hate you so many times during irritating moments of the fierce noon. Your presence adds energy and enthusiasm because obviously sunny days are much better than gloomy, cloudy ones.

  I must confess, growing up I always disliked your discipline. What is with your love for punctuality? Everywhere we went- be it school or home, our elders cited you as the ultimate example of discipline. “Be like the sun who rises and sets every day without any excuses for vacation or holiday.”, “Just as the sun arrives at the same time every day to perform his actions, you must too”.  That is all we have heard when our elders praised you for your sincerity. I secretly disliked your routine, wondering why couldn’t you just sleep and not irritate us on your own day at least. After all, one ‘Sunday’ was designed for your own enjoyment, yet you would report back on duty! It is so unfair to wake up as soon as you arrive, not allowing us to handle our own schedule. But to think about it maturely, it’s good we follow you otherwise all our days would end up being like weekends, where we don’t really care about your arrival time.

  On a serious front, it is simply impossible to imagine a world without you. I remember framing essays in school, where we assumed you wouldn’t rise for a day. Though it sounded awesome and interesting at first, it was soon replaced by the dangers of your absence. You control our life on earth. You are the primary source of our existence, hence it would be an understatement to even talk about your significance. “You are hence we are”. I cannot think of any other way to say it.

   It must be taxing to work all day. And though we assume you are sleeping peacefully at night just like us, you travel someplace else performing your night shift or day shift (It is so confusing!) Throwing light all over the earth at different times is such a demanding task which you seem to enjoy. But, this letter is not to discuss about your work, so let’s talk about how much we love you!

   We truly miss you during monsoon and winters. A day does not seem fulfilling unless we see you. Though we may work hard and carry out our daily routine as usual, it does not feel the same in your absence. On the other hand, even if we just waste a good day in your presence, it seems oddly fulfilling! Not working at all, while you shine over our heads all the time is a wonderful holiday. Long cold days or pouring rainy days are good for a short while, but we start missing you almost immediately.

  Be it little kids or senior citizens, I am sure everyone prefers sunny days over dull ones. I like your style of not allowing anyone to look at you directly all day. Except sunrise and sunsets, you don’t entertain admirers who would otherwise love to observe you. You save your performance for a short while, offering quick guest appearances for few minutes. Though I love sunrises, I admire your sunsets more. Something to do with having more time to halt and appreciate your looks. What do you expect us to do after a good night sleep? Hurrying around with our early routine leaves us little time to admire your rising scenes (I just hope all the elders especially my parents skip through these lines, I cannot afford repeat telecast of childhood discipline lessons!)

   We cannot imagine how hot your surface must be. Isn’t it difficult to manage such high heat? But all I feel is you seem to be enjoying it. Please don’t get warmer than what you are. With a true desire of saving the environment and doing our bit for the nature, we have started harnessing your energy to fuel our homes, offices and other facilities. Your energy will turn into the next best source for electricity, but unless the costs come down, it seems like a long dream further long away.

   Why do you discriminate among different regions of the earth? Why do some of us get more heat or why do some experience more darkness for few days of the year? Though I am aware there is lot of logic, geography, science and physics involved in it, it seems quite unfair overall. You appear as the strict head of the family. And you share strong relations with all the other members of your clan. 

  From creating vapors for clouds to hiding behind mountains and oceans for picturesque rising and setting, from alternating shifts with your only other colleague moon to resting inside the big living home of the sky, you have so many friends around. And you have made your presence extremely important for plants. Though they do all the hard work of preparing food, you just add little essential spice in their photosynthesis (Now I know the source of my husband’s ideas)

   Whenever I see that you and raindrops have arrived together, I eagerly wait for a wonderful rainbow. The magic of seven colors forming a hair band for the sky is just beyond words.

  When you play hide and seek with the moon to create epic eclipses, it is another interesting episode. Keeping the physics, safety, sentiments and popular age-old beliefs aside, the phenomenon is exciting in its own way.

   There is so much to write to you, but I must stop somewhere. Before you get annoyed and throw more heat in anger, let me end the letter soon.

 Till we meet again where you wake me up as usual, stay cool and happy if possible.

Yours lovingly,

A complicated lover/hater/admirer/scared human/lover again!

Open letter- 4 (Sky)

Dear Sky,

  It is impossible to miss you. Whenever and wherever we feel like waving at you, all we have to do is either look upwards or walk few steps to the window to do the same. So though I could have said all of this from my window, it is not the same like writing long letters, hence I chose to do the latter.

  I am tempted to compare you to a watchman. A watchman of the universe, observing every single thing on the earth, how does it feel to look at all of us from above? Is it boring to look at the same old landscape downstairs or is it fun to keep a tab on all our activities? It must be interesting to observe how the mountains behave, how the rainfall interacts, how the oceans flow and how the trees play on land. I am sure even our actions and adventures must be entertaining you. Looking at our crowded highways, and tall skyscrapers must be eventful because we keep adding them practically, every now and then.

   I adore your bright blue color. You seem to have filed a patent for this color because we cannot talk about it without mentioning your name. We associate you with the sky-blue color even though you change your shades all through the day and during different seasons.

    You play an extremely important role in our existence on this planet. After all, you connect us with the space above that can only be imagined through books (and through one man’s courageous efforts to actually take us there!). You form a link between the sun and earth which is the real basis of our life down here. How do you manage to handle such a large empire? Spread all around the globe over every country, you have so much of data about each one of us! You are nature’s big data server with information about everything and everyone. I apologize for this data lingo, but thanks to the new age concept of artificial intelligence and big-data, I just got carried away.

  On a series note, you have no limits (in a good way!) We admire your vast area and limitless extension that force us to say ‘Sky is the limit’. It comes handy when we begin to doubt our abilities and potential. When one failed attempt drives us to disappointment, we are inspired by your limitless extend. We treat you as a benchmark and border, encouraging ourselves to keep going. Nothing can stop us from making attempts when we believe everything is possible, but only if we stay determined from within.

  I know you do not say any of this, but we are wired to use nature as an example. Your hidden messages and meanings bring out the best in us, as nature has so much power to influence. Touching the sky is a secret desire of every human being because it stands for the ultimate victory and freedom. While it does not mean literally poking your stomach, it stands for being free and courageous to achieve everything that is desired. And yes, touching the window of an airplane does count because that is the closet we can get to you!

   I am always tempted to ask this “Were you scared when we started flying around in big machines in your territory?” You were used to birds doing the same thing but was it weird to see our big aero planes wandering in your neighborhood? I don’t know about you but we were extremely excited to be able to fly in the sky. And unknowingly, this luxury of touching the sky soon turned into a normal mode to go from point A to B because that is how far we reside today around the globe. It is fun to see the way you look at us from above when everything looks so mini and tiny. It gives me the feeling of being a giant though it lasts for a little while! After all, they don’t say ‘On top of the world’ for nothing.

  Your role is tough and demanding. How does it feel to accommodate that hot and powerful sun in your area? He looks scary, hot, angry and bossy though we look at him from miles below. He is an integral part of the entire universe and you hold him for us. Apart from all your usual responsibilities and tasks, I admire the fact that you are so beautiful and inspirational. One look at your limitless stretch drives us to some dreamland that looks much more peaceful than the chaotic earth around. I adore your diverse patterns with clouds. How do your manage to arrange them differently each time is beyond my understanding, but they form amazing wallpapers on our screen. Your calm looks and stable existence inspire us towards stability too. At times (or most of the times), it is necessary to just think calmly without any extreme feelings to look at life in a clearer way.

  That does not mean you are always silent and quiet. There is some drama from your end too. Why do you scare us with thunder storms and lightening attacks? And what is with that gloomy look when you invite thick clouds and cover our sun? For a sun-loving person like me, overcast sky is boring but that is fine for a few days. After all, you need to change you looks too! 

  Talking about looks, your black outfit with sparkling stars is truly amazing. Though it is just an evening outfit for you, we have to make special arrangements to watch it through the act of ‘star-glazing’ from someplace far and remote. Thanks to our love and need for artificial lights, excessive light pollution does not allow us to appreciate your natural lights naturally. But, no amount of light pollution can take us away from the bright light of moon. These stars and moon are part of our childhood stories, holding lot of excitement and affection since then. When I look at my little nephew calling out to your moon as his own uncle, it proves there is life in each one of you too!  

   You protect us like an elder- watching our acts and taking care of our life from up above. It must be so taxing to take charge of the entire universe, yet appear bright and calm every single day.

  Until I touch you again during my next flight - stay happy, bright, clear, smiling and loving. Do wave at me from above, it feels good.

Yours lovingly,

A tiny-mini admirer

 

Open letter - 3 (Ocean family)

Dear Ocean family,

  I don’t know how should I put it but I am jealous of you and amazed by you at the same time. While as residents, we struggle to buy a house on per square feet basis, you possess unlimited space without any boundaries. And while we are forced to be contented within our tiny houses, you are so lucky to have no such restrictions. So huge is your area that it is impossible to understand where you start and where you end? Standing at a shore, it is beyond our limited mental faculty to even imagine your horizon. Doesn’t it confuse you too? Isn’t it a major task to manage your large house that just stretches and stretches all around the globe?

  Now that I have conveyed my major doubt, I feel much better. Ever since I thought I will write these open letters, I was sure to ask you this question. 

  Your mighty influence and powerful waves always pull me into a sea of thoughts, making me surprised and happy all at once. I address this letter to your entire family because there are so many members in your clan. And since you are the head of the family with powerful hold all around the earth, your name deserves to be at the top. 

  I love and admire every component of your family. From a youthful beach who loves to party to a motherly sea offering means of transportation and home to marine animals, from a huge ocean who rules the water kingdom of this planet to little children of streams and waterfalls, you have so many elements in your troop. Not to forget your sweet long lost cousins- rivers and lakes.

  You represent the most important and essential component of nature. As water source that assists in maintaining the balance on earth, your role is truly magnificent. I admire your ability to create such a powerful aura around you that it scares even the strongest players of nature. You are friends with those who respect the cycle of nature and stern with those who don’t. I must admit listening to tales of people who drown within your pull scares me to a great extent. You don’t like anyone challenging your power and that is inspirational in a bitter way.

  Everything from your waves to water, color to fragrance and looks to functions amaze me as I admire you from the shore. Your rising and falling waves are the greatest proof of the fact ‘Ups and downs are part of life.’ You don’t give up on falling, while just wait to rise back at the next opportunity. I also enjoy your play with other components of nature. 

  Your coordinated play with moon amazes me. How he manages to create high and low tides all the way from millions of miles above you is beyond my understanding. Whenever I stand at the shore and make an attempt to understand your limits, power or appearance, I simply fall flat on my face. It is impossible to measure any of these factors, hence I avoid thinking a lot, while enjoying your presence as much as I can.

   Your house is so cool and refreshing. Standing on the shore for a short while is so energizing. I often find myself smiling and admiring your sight, while just staring at your looks for minutes on end. And I am sure many of my friends do the same. I am not an enthusiastic swimmer kind of person, but when I look at others swimming in your waves and enjoying your water, it is so exciting.

 You surely know how to entertain little kids and adults alike because even the slightest thought of visiting you drives an unexplainable form of energy into their system. After all, you are a king among tourist spots around the globe. One beach is all you need to turn a city/town or country into a famous tourist destination, pulling people from far and wide and hence the money that follows.

  You have created many diverse fan clubs- some of them love to bathe in your waves and enjoy all forms of water sports, few others only look at you from a safe distance and talk to you in some unknown language (a proud member of this club, right here!), while a tiny group is scared of your power and choose to stay away. Whatever group one belongs to, it is impossible to ignore you, while appreciating, acknowledging and celebrating your presence.

     Watching the sun set against your backdrop is such a pretty sight. Some things are beyond description and this experience definitely ranks first among them. You have an ability to gel with other elements of nature and create a picturesque scenery around. I must admit you respect time very well. If we visit you at any time of the day, you manage to treat us with different looks and appearances. From crisp mornings when you appear energetic to calm afternoons with a relaxed look, from power packed evenings when you roar occasionally to mysterious nights when you disappear into your own world, you surely know how to enjoy every moment round the clock.

  You are incredibly photogenic. Check photo albums of our grandparents, browse through the digital albums of our parents or look into our smart phones today, I am sure you will find so many pictures ‘of you’ and ‘with you’. After all, posing against your backdrop adds extra beauty points to our looks too! What is the connection between your ambiance and philosophy? So many people turn philosophers in your presence, showering words with deep meaning and intense outlook. You also provide artistic inspiration to writers, painters, artists, poets, dancers, singers, actors and performers.

  You are home to many marine creatures. It must be fun playing with fishes, dolphins, whales, sharks, sea weeds, crabs, lobsters, and so many others. Because when we sit in fancy boats to spot these animals, it is nothing less than pure magic. Thank you for allowing us a closer and personal look through boats, sails, ships and cruises. It is fun to be surrounded by water all around, while capturing mandatory Titanic poses! Though our touristy visits are just for recreation, these marine routes are major links for transportation of goods and materials too.

    Few minutes with you and the mind is recharged once again. You never fail to surprise, love, inspire and energize us. With changing looks at different intervals, you manage an excellent performance. From waves to calm waters, you have it all. And hats off to your fashion sense. What is with your diverse shades? Sea green, aqua blue, turquoise, deep blue, gray, silver, sky blue, white, light blue, deep green – you have much more shades than a make-up kit! But, it is your color and typical sea fragrance that attracts visitors like hovering bees.

  Till I meet you again to stare at your waters and admire your waves- have fun, keep smiling, laughing and loving. Stay as cheerful and mesmerizing as you are because only few things can succeed in pulling us away from the usual boredom of life.

Yours lovingly,

Long distance water lover and wave watcher  

Open letter - 2 (Mountains)

Dear Mountains,

  My initial plan was to hand-deliver this letter to you, but you have raised the bar so high (literally), it was impossible for me to climb your highest peak. And though I do practice hiking over trails (read: walking slowly for not more than half a mile!), my kinder garden level of education on mountaineering will never match the doctorate scale requirement of ascending your peaks, so what better way than to use my blog to talk to you?

   I am almost sure that you keep following me everywhere, how else can you explain the omnipresent presence of your beautiful sight just few minutes from my home - be it my childhood den or the one I reside in now? Watching you from a distance, while admiring your mighty strength is just too amazing to write it down into words. I love the way you spread over a wide range, while claiming your territory both horizontally and vertically. You are one proud piece of nature who depicts the power that lies within.

  I don’t know why but you remind me of a stern, yet friendly principal of school. You appear kind, polite and nice, but still it is impossible to shake hands with you or be your friend. The fun lies in admiring you from a distance, as the sight painted by your existence is totally beautiful in every way. I believe each one of us follow the same path of friendship with you. It starts in kinder garden classes where we draw two inverted V alphabets with a rising sun at the center, followed by a nice house in front (I hope that it does turn true someday). Till then, this proud accomplishment by our little hands is all we know about you. Slowly, as you enter our lives through Geography lessons, we realize you are not just all beauty, but a lot of substance too. There is loads of complicated sciences in your formation, function, types and existence in the natural cycle of environment.

   All of this is then transformed into absolute love as you spread the magic everywhere. The best part of your presence is you are everywhere around the globe. You help eliminate any feelings of homesickness because you are just the same, like back home! I agree your look is different in different regions as you prefer to dress in local attires specific to the place, yet your aura and feel is the same.

  When I look at your strong power in long ranges and high peaks, I think about the power that is within each one of us. You inspire me to believe in myself. All we need and wish to achieve in life does not depend on external factors. It is all within our core, mind and internal system that needs to be attended to.

    I admire your strength to stand tall and stern. After all, it is impossible to shake you or move you even by a bit. It instills the significance of a firm stand. Often, my fellow friends and I surrender ourselves to inner doubts, worries, tensions and fear, making us unstable quite easily. We fail to stand strong over our beliefs and inner faith. It takes several self-help books and philosophical lectures to learn what you seem to be knowing right from your birth- ‘Stay strong and true to your strength. Believe in yourself and nothing else matters’.

   I love your participation in shows directed by Mother Nature. You play the part of a handsome hero quite amazingly, as you succeed in capturing our attention quite often. And your interaction with other participants turns it into a wonderful performance, stressing over the importance of coordination and cooperation. Whether it is your close relationship with trees and plants or seasonal interaction with rains, whether it is your motherly love for grazing animals or bypassing lanes for waterfalls, you play it so well.

  Another praiseworthy factor is your committed relationship with our beloved sun. How do you hide it away every evening to bring him back in the morning? The sight of rising sun from behind your strong body and setting back again in the evening is so well coordinated. It teaches us a lot about commitment and punctuality. Follow same routine day in and day out, yet do it so beautifully!

   But, don’t you get bored of standing at one place? I cannot imagine someone can enjoy their fixed spot for years after years, yet stand smiling at the end of it all. I know there is so much that you do every day like talking to birds, playing with plants, teasing the passing winds and covering the bold shining sun, yet it takes a lot more to stay committed and stable. No wonder, every time my mind wanders away into some alien planet that I seem to know nothing about, I pull it back and bring it in front of you. I force my mind to look at your calm, steady, strong looks and learn a thing or two. Everything will happen at its own pace, hence all I am supposed to do is trust the process.

   We have made several changes of cutting through you to create major roadways. Though it aches our heart while troubling you, there seems to be no good solution to this long running battle of development versus nature. And because it is impossible to scale every possible mountain or access the ones far, wide and remote, we cannot trouble you more than just a little poke to your stomach.  

  I feel I should be honest with you. During vacations, I always preferred beaches and oceans over you, hence if the choice was between a hill station and a beach town, I seemed to pick the latter. But, you always proved me wrong because if the choice was not in my hands, the experience of visiting beautiful valleys and long mountain ranges would prove to be absolutely breathtaking. I love your hide and seek game with clouds. The sight of passing clouds producing mist and fog is so out of the world. Since I love you as well as the oceans, wouldn’t it wonderful to be at a destination that has it both? They say Hawaii has the best combination of both waves and mountains, maybe it’s time to head there! (read: one among the many attempts to convince dearest ‘husband’ for this destination)

  You are the ideal symbol of the fact ‘Strong can be beautiful too’. Your strong ranges and high peaks dismiss any popular belief that strength has no connection with beauty. I have never seen any other stronger and picturesque element of nature that combines these two into one.

  Also, thank you for holding strong winds and storms for us. I have heard you withstand a lot to protect us from the punishments of uncertain weather. We promise to contribute more from our end for a greener environment. I like it when you are green and happy, hence please do not wear the boring brown outfit that the sun dries and tries on you. It does not suit you at all.

  Till we meet again through our regular long distance sights, take care of yourself and all your friends up and below

 Yours lovingly,

A star-struck fan and long distance admirer

Open letter - 1 (Plants)

Dear Plants,

  Ever since you have decided to spread your cheer in our household, I was tempted to write something to you. While I was never famous as a gardener or plant care-taker in my house since childhood, I am surprised by your desire to grow in our green space now and that too under my charge. And as you have helped me earn the title of ‘positive person’ (well, in the eyes of my husband), I thought it was time to thank you through a short little letter. But on an extremely serious note, I don’t think I can thank you enough for all the wonders you do for us. This letter will be like a drop in the ocean, since no amount of gratitude or appreciation can match your big deeds.

  My first ever understanding about you dates back to our primary school classes on environmental science. While seated in a bench trying hard to learn and understand, I remember how my teacher explained about the presence of three living forms on earth. We humans and animals made the two obvious members in the list, but I was completely surprised to know that you are living too! Till then all I knew about you was due to stories, poems and nursery rhymes where you spread some laughter through your green leaves. I always saw you around in my neighborhood, but I did not know you were living just like me. Your cool shade, big green leaves, colorful flowers, tasty fruits and compulsory vegetables in tiffin gave me some idea, but only when I realized you are also a living being, I looked at you with a much different view.

   Slowly and steadily, you made a space in my heart and my science books. Thanks to you I was forced to learn about the phenomenal process of photosynthesis (but let me save such complaints for later, this letter is for appreciation alone). As a sound educated adult, I can explain that scientific procedure to any kid or student today, but I am still amazed by how do you actually do it? How can you prepare food for all of us? How can you sacrifice your existence for our benefit? What drives you to just give and give? And how can your mission involve spreading warmth, calmness, happiness and natural beauty around? Well, it is impossible to get answers to any of these questions, yet I will never stop pondering.

  You are an integral part of nature. It is impossible to imagine a barren world without your smiles, amazing looks and humble presence. We have grown up listening to several stories that explain your significance in our lives. In fact, we were always taught about values such as selflessness, hard work, perseverance and dedication with you as the central hero. I am sure you must be smiling with pride in your heart every time someone said “Stand strong as a tree and keep giving like him”. But, that is so relevant and true in today’s world. 

   I cannot claim to understand every bit of your philosophy, but one thing is sure you are a true giver. As you sway in the wind and play with other elements of nature, I enjoy that calm expression on your face. How do you manage to stay so? How can you bear with all the uncertainties surrounding you, yet stand strong as always? And if you are a tiny shrub, how can you withstand strong forces against you, yet smile at the next blow of wind?

   There is something soothing about your appearance. Whenever I admire the beauty of your parent nature, I am amazed by your cool looks. Whether you spread a green carpet over mountains or lay still on a lawn, whether you align the roads with a thick canopy or simply decorate our neighborhoods, whether you sit in our balcony and windows in neat little pots or create monopoly in thick forests, you are simply amazing at everything. Through this letter, I just want to thank you for all the love, affection, kindness and happiness that you give to my mind. Though whatever we do for you will never match the greatness of your deeds, I can only express few words to show my love.

   It is impossible to part ways from you. I know our greed for construction with focus over accommodation of rising population is pushing us towards extreme measures, but our environmental conscious minds is guiding us towards good things too. While I agree cutting you at one spot and planting you somewhere else is like building charitable societies to compensate for some ill acts (resemblance to any living person is purely coincidental); I can only hope we quit such measures as soon as possible. And thanks to the growing threat of global warming, we are on the track to save the planet back again. Unknowingly, we assumed that Mother Nature favors us humans as her favorite children, but that is so wrong at all levels. As our dear siblings, we must love you plants and animals the way we love our own family members.

   Though I am penning this letter myself, I am sure many of my people will also feel the same for you. If there is one living thing on this planet who can be a strong advocate of the thought ‘Change is the only constant’, it has to be you and you alone. How do you change colors with every passing season? How do you shred all your leaves in autumn, only to hibernate away in winter and return back once again in spring is truly a secret beyond my understanding? I must say you are quite fashion-conscious. Your dresses from refreshing orange to bright reds, cool greens to energetic yellows are interesting for our eyesight.

  You teach me the power of silence and actions. You remind me that let actions speak for themselves. It is impossible to keep defending, talking, arguing, fighting and wining others with words. If we engage in doing any of this, where is the time and energy for doing productive tasks that matter? It reminds me about the need to stay calm and dedicated in my work.

  If there is someone who can teach us the value of team work, it has to be you again. Every part of your system handles their designated tasks with such sincerity, it can never get better than this. With firm roots who absorb nutrients to stems that carry it around, from pretty leaves who prepare food to colorful flowers that interact with others for further proliferation, from juicy fruits that aid in reproduction to strong branches in case of trees, everything is so well coordinated.

  Well, it is impossible to end this letter. There is so much to say but I must stop somewhere. I must let you get back to your routine of spreading happiness, fresh air and smiles like you always do.

 I am not sure if I have said it enough, but thank you once again. Thank you for making us feel alive, Thank you for decorating this planet with your humble freshness. Thank you for reminding us to stay humble and human, and thank you for the beautiful sight you create for us. Though I have learnt so much from you, if I have to name just one thing, it has to be ‘Stay happy, stay in the now, stay strong and be there for others’.

 Till, we meet again like we always do!

Yours lovingly,

A human admirer of your super green powers

G: Global warming is right at our doorstep, let’s attend to it before it invades into our lives- forcefully, forever.

   Before I even started with the A,B,C… of this series, I was absolutely sure of the letter ‘G’. As the series is designed to focus on aspects that matter to me, it was impossible to miss out ‘Global warming’. With a life partner who talks about optimum utilization of natural resources at every possible moment in our household, it was only fair to include it. While global warming is a universal event, impacting every single life form on this earth; it is essential to think, analyze, ACT and contribute our share in every possible way.

   I will not make it a scientific article with facts and figures. Also, I do not intend to write an informational piece with analysis, reasoning, world-wide effects or prevention measures. When I chose to include it in my series, the idea was to see how you and I can make a little difference too. It is absolutely impossible to change the world by a single moment of awakening. Like single drops of ocean, you and I are mere particles of the universe. Hence, expecting major transformation by our thoughts or actions alone is totally impossible, to say the least. But then, particles form the universe and universe is ours.

With that thought in mind, why can’t we make a little difference within our power?

 What is the harm in making an attempt to work for the environment in our capacity?

And finally, even if our efforts do nothing great, at least they won’t hurt our mother nature.

Let’s face it, you and I are not the sole warriors of this earth, but if each one of us thought the same, where will we find ourselves, some years down the line?

  We cannot guarantee any concrete output through our humble efforts to save the environment. Neither can we preach these ideas to others with the understanding that it will be absolutely useful. This makes it incorrect to frame the post in a preachy mode. I can be labelled as a ‘hypocrite’, if I use a third-person perspective and expect others to follow, instead of making some efforts, myself. Hence, rather than penning down a list of instructions or useful steps to protect the environment; I will share my set of efforts for the same.

   These efforts are born with an aim to contribute something good for our mother earth. They may be useful, useless, good, harmless or just random acts. The aim is not to garner appreciation or medals for the environmental cause, but to address the giant trouble of ‘global warming’ on a household scale. 

We completely understand that our efforts within a tiny dwelling in little corner of the earth will not make any difference at all. Useful or useless, the effect is not as important as the thought behind it. Besides, sharing my practical ideas does not mean I succeed in adhering to them always. As human as I can be, I often fail to practice what I preach. Though I cannot guarantee this adherence to the last bit, I always remind myself about the bigger picture. Hence, failure or success is not significant, but doing my own bit definitely is.

  While I write our steps/ideas/plan to attend to this issue of global warming, the underlying thought is to ponder and share. In no way, do I intend to shoot out set of instructions for others to follow. As long as the eco-friendly team mate (read: my husband) and his sole sincere partner (read: me) are able to do something good, the outcome will be nothing less than ‘good’.

These are the set of instructions or reminders, penned over our personal notice board. Take a peek into our house board, as we strive to follow these steps. Do send your feedback, ideas, views or comments to make this earth, a better place to live.

1.       Limit the usage of paper as much as possible – use washcloths for cleaning, avoid printouts, use blank side of prints.

2.       Segregate milk cans, cardboard boxes, paper and plastic from rest of the trash and discard them in recycle bins

3.       Limit generation of waste as much as possible- recycle and reuse as much as we can  

4.       Use steel bottles for drinking water and glass container for water storage

5.       Limit wastage of water and electricity- shut down wi-fi router at night, remove plugs from the plug-points, when not in use

6.       Use machines only after collecting full load of clothes

7.       Avoid disposable plates, cups, glasses

8.       Maintain potted plants in the balcony, water them with recycled water from kitchen or bathroom

Remind each other to follow all the steps and point out as soon as one falls off the track. After all, it poses as an opportunity to remind the better-half that he/she is not always the ‘better’ one!

These are some of the reminders set for our household. Though we often fail to follow them to the ‘T’, we make all possible efforts to stick to the rules. Let us help the environment and attend to the trouble at our doorstep. Only after we realize that ‘global warming’ is not an alien issue from another planet, but a domestic trouble of our own house; we will be able to act over it.

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! 

Sunny days

     I am sure you all must be wondering about this unusual topic for a blog. A post on sunny days? A post about the sun that rises every day, shines over us and sets back for a dark evening? What is so exciting about sunny days that deserves a post to its name? To answer all these questions, let me take you on a trip through my experiences. If I was still a resident of my home city Mumbai back in India, such a blog post would never appear in my thoughts. But after relocating to a cold country with uncertain weather conditions every single day, sunny days are really significant and valuable. While scorching heat is a typical feature all year around in my home city, I never realized I shall miss it so much after this change in location.

    With no fixed seasonal pattern, we end up with random mix of days. While some days are nice and sunny with bright smile from the sun, the cloudy and boring ones are the least desired. It is only after this major relocation, when I realized the value of sun. Sunny days undoubtedly have a great impact over our moods, behavior, nature and outlook, bringing positivity and cheer to the routine. They pump energy into our system, prompting us to take charge and make a difference. Bright light from the sun illuminates our spirits, encouraging us to look at the happier side of life. Sunny days appear as blessing, urging us to explore our limits and attempt novel changes.

     This happy thought over sunny days is shared by majority of the population as sun is truly a universal source of energy. Ideal for outings and trips, sunny days enhance the enthusiasm among people across all age groups. While I was programmed for monotonous climatic conditions in my home city, I was amazed at the power of weather that changes almost every single day at this new location. Though rainy season back in the home city did translate into several dark days in a row, their uncertainty was not as prominent as it is here today. 

    Checking daily weather conditions and celebrating sunny weekends are almost part of our routine now. Sunny days and weekends transform into special festival days, when people move out of their homes for the dosage of vitamin D. Shining sun opens up the calendar with scope for outdoor activities and fun-filled tasks.

       It is only after you reside in extremely cold conditions, when you realize the true value of sunny days. While I was ignorant about the role of weather before, my views have been transformed completely. Little did I know that sunny days can bring a drastic change in experiences and thoughts, making it extremely precious in our lives? Though we all love sunny days with its unlimited stock of energy, dull rainy days are equally essential too. After all they are source of water, bringing freshness all around.

    Sometimes sunny conditions are more than just climatic features. They are emotions and feelings that bring out joy from deep within. To appreciate this thought better, you should live under belt of snow for 3-4 months or experience uncertainty of rainfall for almost 2-3 months. Only those who experience sunny days as a welcoming break from uncertain weather can relate to the happiness of seeing a clear blue sky with bright sunshine.

   To conclude this thought, let me summarize the essence of these happy sunny days with a joyous energetic flavor:

1.       Sunny days bring enthusiasm and energetic spirit to continue with the further course of action.

2.       Sunny days represent hope and joy that everything will fall into place, with a motivational essence to keep going.

3.       Shining sun stands for unlimited source of progress and development, as it paves way for new thoughts and newer feelings.

4.       They open up opportunities for outdoor fun, besides boost the body for fitness and vigor.

5.       It can take away dullness and sorrow from mind. They cast their influence over thoughts and feelings.

6.       Sunny days are all it takes to continue with any half done work or incomplete assignments.

7.       They stand for the thought that every day is different and we must seize the opportunity as and when it comes.

So, enjoy the sunny days and make hay while the sun shines. Welcome that much needed sunshine into your lives and make the most of its presence. After all happy sunny days shall fill your lives with hope for a better tomorrow! 

Whether you like it or not - weather can forecast your day!

         Amidst reports about snow storm on the east coast of the country, rains on the west, chilling winter back home and diverse experiences all around the globe, I sensed the birth of my next blog topic! Influencing every single aspect of our daily life, weather can decide whether we work or relax, sit or run, travel or stay grounded and enjoy or complain. A significant factor contributing to the course of our routine, weather has lot of unnoticed power indeed. Casting its spell on our activities, appetite, mood and wishes, weather certainly plays a significant role.

     Though weather is often referred in partnership with its twin 'climate', it differs due to its temporary effects that last for a short while. While climate speaks about the usual, expected behavior, pertaining to a particular region for a long time; weather enjoys the privilege of uncertainty. Known for its momentary conduct, temporary impact, fast changing influences and uncertain twists and turns, weather has the power to dictate noticeable effects . 

    From bright and sunny days that pump energy into our system to dark, cloudy and rainy mornings filled with laziness; from chilling winter tempting us to sleep a little more to scorching heat of summer increasing our thirst, changing course of weather changes a lot more than we ever think about.

       

       Weather and seasons influence the occurrence of several events and festivals. Holding age-old significance in our traditions and customs, celebration of such festivals revolve around the changing course of weather. Besides, weather has been instrumental in designing academic calendars since numerous years now. Depending on the local weather conditions of a particular region or country, schools, colleges and institutions determine the schedule of semesters and vacations. With an impact on overall productivity of human resources and machines, besides influencing the agricultural produce along with flora and fauna, weather can certainly contribute a large share in the developmental story of a region.

              As weather chooses to touch our mood, emotions, thoughts and feelings, it can change the way we feel. While predicting the course of our daily activities, weather bags a significant role for itself. Though bad weather conditions can spoil our plans for an outdoor trip, it can also provide perfect excuse to skip that much needed jog or walk! By working on our taste buds, stomach and mind, weather gives way to suitable recipes that can function in coordination. From hot, spicy food to reduce the chills to frozen delights to cool the heat, weather seems to enforce its menu card on us!

        Separated by huge distance of several miles, weather changes its shades along different towns,cities, countries, regions and continents. With contrast conditions all over the globe, weather surely has lots to do. Exploring local weather of a particular location, while experiencing global diversity around the world can create wonderful memories for the wandering tourist in us. 

      Providing insights into the lifestyle, occupation, cuisine and clothing of local population, we realize the strong influence of weather over every aspect of living. Though school subject of ‘Geography’ strove hard to teach us about different weather conditions, we can appreciate its meaning only after a live encounter.

     Pondering a little further, I was tempted to associate various weather conditions with their matching factors that matter.

1.       Rains –  freshness, new beginning, novelties, hopes for fulfillment of dreams

2.       Bright, shining sun – motivation to start a new adventure, energy and enthusiasm to get-going,belief to convert the impossible into possible.

3.       Chilling cold – laziness, desire to stay still and calm, scope for introspection and deep thinking.

4.       Snow – forced halt in routine course, wonderful opportunity to enjoy the nature

      While weather offers such interesting experiences, it can even create havoc with its undesirable and destructive variations. Disturbance to our mother nature is the first step that invites uncertainties and sows such seeds of trouble. Taking care of surrounding and environment can be our end of contribution towards a balanced outcome.

  

     So, whether you enjoy the weather or wait for it to change, whether you celebrate its diverse shades or pray for a monotonous course, the weather shall continue its game forever. While daily weather forecasts are our only means to devise plans, the weather seems to predict our future well in advance. Planning its next moves with care and caution, the weather certainly knows it all!

Finally, how is the weather at your end today?