The Circle Of Life

As a child and well into my young adulthood I was scared of death, of funerals and then life happened, I grew up.
I realized that Death is nothing but the calculation of life, the finality, the total sum, the finale.
I ponder as I attended my grandmother's funeral, her death bringing everyone closer, everyone having each others back in the toughest time of life. The crowd that gathered for the departed soul, to celebrate the love for the person, to celebrate the life that's no more. I stood there missing her love yet still feeling it all around me in the memories that I will always behold. I stood there watching others some of whom I had never met and yet felt connected with her stories they told. I stood there watching people shed tears, I saw the smiles suddenly appear on some loving deed of her someone shared. As people comforted each other, offered their respect to the departed one, we stood together till the time the burden of grief was bearable enough, we stood together sharing the love and together we stood for her.
As you grow older you tend to see and understand death more, another funeral in the family reconfirmed my belief. Here we were again another set of people yet bonded by one, for one.
Yet again I wondered this circle of life doesn't measure the years you lived but how you lived in the years you had.
The circle of life it starts as soon as a life is created, the amount of love that goes on, that everyone feels, cherishes, nurtures, which doubles up on the birth of a new life, the celebration of a new life coming to this world. Adding so much joy, love and togetherness to the lives of people connected by these loving bonds. The feeling is so pure so raw and so happy. The togetherness of people that a new life brings into this world.
We often talk about this but we fail to appreciate death, to even celebrate it for its in this toughest time yet again another major milestone which brings people together. All those whom we have touched in our lifetime in some way directly or indirectly, all those in whose life we make a difference by our deeds. All those whom we give a bit or loads of love, those who are bonded to us by feelings and not just birth or relations. And for those who have separated and lost in the harshness of life, they too find their way back to the tribe, to celebrate once again to the life that was, is and will be. Life and Death so different yet what they do is so similar, bring people closer, to love, to cherish, to hold - whats most important - the togetherness and these bonds.
And just like that I wonder about the most important circle of life that starts with love and ends on love.
Birth or death, they don't differentiate they just bring everyone closer everyone together. It makes me realize, to think - that's what is the most important thing, that's what life/death teaches us - Love, togetherness - the most important aspects of living. To love is to live to die to breathe. That's what we tend to forget the most while making a living, we just exist. The highest purpose of life on earth is to get people together, to love, to spread love, to be loved to give love.
So why not, in our daily grind just love a bit more, smile a bit more, bring people together a bit more, live a bit more and leave behind a bit more of us in other people.
The love we give to go around when we are long gone. Let that remain in this world long after we become mud, the love that we gave, the smile we smiled on someones lips, the happy laughter in the crowd somewhere for the joke we cracked, the warmth of the hugs we shared so freely let them linger even after we are gone.
We have a grand entry and exit which both mark us in this world. We don't control the entry but let the exit be a Grandeur. Let people enjoy and celebrate our life as a Box Office Bumper Hit.

Let us live longer in the richer memories, I can compromise a bit on my worldly possessions but not in your heart.
Let me celebrate life and death like never before, one day it will be my turn and I would want mine to be the grandest celebration of them all.
Let me live before dying and let me keep living after death in your heart. 

Bhakti Khade Rangoonwala 

Pursuit of Happiness

We all live a stressed life with an objective of attainment, pursuing different dreams with one goal - happiness.
Yet today in this race, the main aim, the reason behind everything, the big picture is lost somewhere.
In the daily grind of life, happiness has become difficult to achieve, but is it really so hard.
Many a great minds have stated happiness to be in our own hands and very aptly said so. 

Happiness doesn't come with a tag of huge houses, millions of dollars, valuable jewelry or fancy cars. It  is a state of mind attained by small things and gestures which make life worth living. Guess that's why childhood is all about happy memories. Children are not perfectionists, they do not want everything, they do not set milestones to be happy. They find happiness in little things and moments everywhere and with everybody.
It is not at all difficult to be happy, in fact its super easy. Try these things out for yourself, they always work for me.

First and foremost everyday stand in front of the mirror and say that I Love you and You are my favorite. Do any one thing that brings you happiness and which you love. It can be a very tiny gesture but just do it and make yourself feel special -

Be Healthy
Balanced Diet, Proper sleep,a healthy and a fit body (exercise) is the least you can do for yourself. You owe it to your body, to you. Its a proven fact that a healthy and a fit body along with proper sleep and diet keeps one happy. Exercise is a biggest exercise to fight depression. It gives an instant high. Apart from that its no hidden fact that fit people feel more happy with their body as well as their mind.
Diets are nothing but torture to your body and mind, a sure shot way of being unhappy. Lack of sleep is another big reason for mood swings, crankiness and a good amount of other ill effects of the same kind.A balanced diet and proper sleep are prerequisites for happiness. Enjoy those extra snoozes and wake up more refreshed happy and smiling. Do not ever again fret over indulging in that one piece of pastry or over sleeping sometimes. Enjoy these indulgences in a balanced form.

Love thyself
First and foremost, love thyself unconditionally with all your imperfections.                                       Remember you are your favorite. Give yourself importance. Ask yourself what do you want. Don't force things on yourself all the time. Say no instead of doing things with dislike. Follow the heart, do things you love, be a child again. Catch butterflies, stop to smell the flowers. Take your time doing things. Watch your favorite movie or TV series or even better see that old favorite cartoon you liked.

Meditate/Yoga
Yoga has proven its benefits. Practicing some simple yoga asanas and breathing techniques at home or whenever possible throughout the day will give you peace,calm and satisfaction of mind. Which in turn stimulates happy thoughts and a happy mind. Extra benefit being  you will gain on physical health as well. Meditation de clutters the mind and helps it relax and soothe.

The Power of Forgiving
Holding grudges against anybody hinders the process of being happy it triggers anger and resentment all the time. Forgiving a person empowers you beyond measure. It makes one feel good about themselves and that is a happy feeling. Forgiving starts first with our self, forgive yourself when you don't meet expectations.Know your limits and accept them (does not mean you don't challenge yourself to do better). Go easy on yourself, don't be too harsh.

De clutter
De clutter your life as well as your home and personal space. Throw away things that you do not need. Clear the cobwebs. Make it a pleasant place to live in and to stay happy. Happiness is in indeed in a pleasant clean home as well as life. De clutter the people who make you feel bad or give you negative vibes, stay away from them. Include only positive things, people and aspects in life which enhances it.

Family and Friends
Spend time with family and friends. Staying close to family and friends,being with them gives utmost happiness and a feeling of content. People who live far away from Family or who do not have a family are more lonely and less happy. Family is the biggest asset one has and taking care of it gives immense joy and belongingness. Relationships and love gives a meaning to our life and utmost happiness.

Help and Be Kind
Be kind to the people around you, be polite, offer help. Helping others gives tremendous satisfaction and happiness. Volunteer for a cause. Donate your old stuff. Pay a visit to the old age home. Sponsor a child. Adopt a stray. Treat your family and friends with love and respect and in return their smiles will bring joy in your life.

Pamper yourself
Book an appointment in the spa. Dine with pals. Go on a vacation. Treat yourself to a large ice cream and some fried food. Party and paint the town red. Go on a shopping spree. Go out for the weekend. Any little or big thing which brings smile to your face is well deserved.

Nature
Take that vacation and get out of the house and the urban clutter. Feel the clean, crisp and cool air, soak in the warm sunshine. Explore new places. Nature boosts the happiness quotient as well as  creativity. Taking vacations de stresses body and mind and helps them to rejuvenate.

Hobby/work
Pursue a hobby or join a class. Anything that we love or a new thing that we are learning to do always amps up the happiness factor (guess that's one of the things that keeps children happy always).
Take up a job or do some constructive work. We always take pride in our work which gives us an intense feeling of satisfaction, accomplishment and joy. 

Be Thankful
Last but not the least,practice Gratitude in all areas of life. Be happy and thankful for the person you are, for your health, loving family, the house you live in and everything that happens in your life. Consider yourself to be lucky. Have Gratitude for your life, your moments, each day that passes, opportunities you get, success, goals you achieve and every thing that happens in between. Thank the Lord for all the blessings and happiness he showers upon us.

Always remember you are your priority if you keep yourself happy, you will definitely spread happiness in your family and all around you. Joy attracts joy and yes it is in your hands, you alone control it. Be happy and spread sunshine !

xoxo

Bhakti 

Good byes !!

There are so many type of Goodbyes. The casual ones, the relationship hard hitters, saying good byes to family before going out or for a vacation or bidding good bye to a destination or the long care free days. So many ways in which one can bid farewell whether be it a happy one or in difficult sad times but they all come with a heavy heart. They mean to part and parting has never been easy. 

On one such journey, a destination close to heart, saying good bye on the last day. 

Last day of our Goa vacation which was full of fond memories and cherished moments. For me bidding good bye to even a destination is always difficult. I frown and become grumpy with a sad puppy face. Well I have promised myself not to miss those last moments by being all difficult and living the vacation till it last( one can always try ;p). 

On any beach destination, I have to bid adieu by dipping my feet a wee bit one last time in the sea. It's like me offering my gratitude for this wonderful experience and one last moment to click it forever in my memory. 

 

  Me bidding Good Bye to Goa ,... 

The tradition continues .. 

 

 

 

 

 

My travel outfit - hassle free and comfortable for a road trip back home with a tinge of cute quirk;p

Tracks- Bangkok 

T-Shirt - quirky - fashion street 

 

But keep a happy face as we part to meet again to make new memories, isn't it ? 

Good bye friends until we meet again!! 

 

xoxo

Bhakti

Pastime or Dream time

I love to indulge in my pastimes and complete my day.

Its so much pleasure coupled with relaxation and joy. I believe everyone must give in to their pastime/ hobbies and enjoy life to the fullest.

I have loads of pastimes being reading, writing, listening to music, drawing and the list just goes on....

 However my favorite pastime is more like a dreamtime.

Honestly, wait till you hear it out, you will completely agree with me.

I just love to fill my spare and not so spare time, planning vacations.

I love to go through new places and do in detail research on them, find out their itineraries, good places to eat, great shopping, good hotels and homestays, faraway places. I watch loads of videos of the same and start planning innumerable trips wherever my heart feels like.

Its like I visualize myself in that location, doing things, enjoying the food, shopping to the fullest.

Its my dream time and my dream world.

Its how I make all my dreams come true and all my travels a super hit.

I love dreaming and then working towards realizing these dreams.

being in my dream world is what I love the most and I cant have it any other way.

 

as they rightly say

 

All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds, wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act on their dreams with open eyes, to make them possible.- T.E.Lawrence

 

This is what I wore for a casual cuppa the other day.

 

 

Neckpiece- Pink Pvssy

Sandals- Carlton London

Top- Splash

Denims- levis

Bag- Esbeda

 

All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds, wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act on their dreams with open eyes, to make them possible.

T. E. Lawrence

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/t/telawren130039.html#1f3LtsjmvSvzs97l.99

All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds, wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act on their dreams with open eyes, to make them possible.

T. E. Lawrence

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_dreams.html#R2FSyBbxaOvdEqsZ.99

All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds, wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act on their dreams with open eyes, to make them possible.

T. E. Lawrence

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_dreams.html#R2FSyBbxaOvdEqsZ.99

So now you know my favorite pastime. ;p

 

What is yours?

xoxo
Bhakti

 

Much deserved break at Four Fountains Spa

As you all know that I keep on bantering about the holiday season with every ounce of enthusiasm, how could this post be any different?
The joy of my holidays is increased courtesy The Four Fountain Spa and their invitation to pamper myself with their exotic treatments. WOW!! I am all excited and happy, after all what more does a girl need ;p
One doesn't require any particular time to destress and pamper oneself at the spa but still I think this is the apt month for spa, or spa month. You ask why so, let me explain. Back from a holiday vacation , renew your self , rejuvenate for the beginning of holidays after work ,or just pamper your self for the wedding season , whatever be your reason, mine was two in one- returning back from Thailand vacation (as if I got less massages over there) and starting the Christmas holiday with renewed vigor. Point proved:) (sheepish grin).

There are many outlets available in my city, I chose one convenient to me, booked an appointment over the phone. This was not my first trip to their spa, I quite like it as they have lot of offers deals and different types of memberships one can avail. It's clean, hygienic, in budget. I love their therapies.:)

As Thailand is not fair to your skin I chose a Lightening Facial with ocean mist mask as my face required the pampering and to get rid of my holiday tan.

After an hour of gently exfoliating, cleansing, toning, massaging, scrubbing, steaming, application of mask and finally moisturizing.  I felt really great, pampered and my face felt clean and was glowing.

The service they gave was good , my appointment was on schedule. They also accept Sodexo gift pass. The manager assisted me in choosing a package, the masseur was nice, kept enquiring about my comfort ,but could be a bit discreet as in whenever I was dozing off she would announce to me though in a soft tone that we are doing this. Which would awaken me from my lumber, they can tell u at the beginning the process is going to involve these steps, and let you drift off in the la la land without any disturbance, the noise from the hallway by the staff members also added to the disturbance. Other than these minor hiccups I thoroughly enjoyed my self. Soothing music, in the background, green tea completed the experience. The freebie cream they gave to apply at night for relaxation got a smile to my face. ( we girls I tell you);p
Looking forward to them starting a couple massage which is yet not on their menu..

Adrenaline Unlimited @ Della Adventure

Again I am back in my lazy mood, thanks to which I have this huge backlog of pending posts. I apologize to all you guys for my laziness (sheepish grin ). Well you see its the holiday time of the year. For most of the people in India The holiday season starts at the beginning of Diwali and goes on till the new year. Well its more or less in breaks ;p
So I thought why not start by sharing my first short trip of this holiday season.
By now all you guys know, how I love the outdoors and adventure, the countryside and not to forget the adrenaline. So my first trip was a mix of everything.
Our weekend at Della adventure with friends was all that was required to kick start our holiday.
Della Adventure is India's largest adventure park. Situated in the cool hill station of Lonavla amidst mountains and valleys. Its an instant rejuvenation. Having extreme sports, cozy resort, relaxing spa, beautiful surroundings, walks with loving dogs, milking jersey cows, or just curling up with a book, its an one stop destination. For my complete review of Della click here. It satiated my craving to do something over the edge and different than my everyday routine as well as rejuvenated me all together. What a start this was.... And this is what I wore ..

 

 

 

My style

 

Shirt Tunic- Splash

Denims- Levis

Shoes - Converse

Bag - Westside

pendant- Lifestyle

 

 

xoxo

Bhakti 

 

A little bit of sheer elegance..

As you all know by now, my personal style is more or less casual, comfortable and relaxed, I cannot and do not like to be all delicate and girly. Just a little hint of flirty fun or sheer elegance is what my style consists of.

One of those evenings, where I surprised hubby dear and took him for dinner and drinks. Oh the happiness on his face. Don't get me wrong, its not for what you think. He is more happy that he doesn't have to decide a venue than the surprise itself. Boys!!!!

I took him to Irish House, my favorite Pub in Phoenix Market city , I love the music, the atmosphere, my Margaritas, Loaded nachos- Bliss. It has an Outdoor seating, which is really nice and perfect for drinks and snacks.

All in all an evening well spent.

Why I Pray ....

'Pray' - A Greek word  meaning to thank or request. This little word is etched deep into our heart since childhood. No matter faith, religion, belief praying is not new to anybody.

Praying is very important and its importance is greatly described in all holy books but today I am not preaching or enlightening anybody. I am just sharing with you the reason I pray.(its strictly my personal view)
 
For me since childhood praying is like a shopping list for God. I want this, that and everything.
Right from childhood my list went on like - in chronology -- take a look ;p

Please let me pass math.
God please I want to have yummy food not moms leafy vegetables.
God I want to go for a trip with my friends.

A Little Bottle of Serenity ..

Yesterday after having a somewhat rough day - work, arguments, stress, lots of uninvited guests, cooking, cleaning. I was exhausted. I was so frustrated and generally angry.
 I needed a breather so badly. Right then my eyes fell on a package in the corner, my eyebrows were raised with irritation even further. One more thing to clean. I got up with vengeance to take care(destroy) of it. It was wrapped up. I opened it still angry. I was feeling suffocated and claustrophobic the packet still in my hand.
 Without a blink of the eye I took my bag and the car keys still looking at the parcel and walked out of the house. Sat in the car, took a breather, opened the bag.
It was a gift from Ambi pur - a small mini vent clip car freshener in my favorite fragrance - Lavender. I then remembered of having to applied for a sample on Indiblogger , as hubby and me are both loyal fans of Ambi Pur. I think it is the best in the market. Unlike other brands the technique of fixing it to the vent is very easy plus it stays there without wobbling or falling down from the ac vent on sharp turns. I love the small and cute vent. It disperses fragrance mildly and refreshes the entire car. I like to keep the dispersion of fragrance on minimum mode and I am very satisfied by the result I get. Lavender very popular in therapies and spas and being well known for its excellent soothing, relaxing and refreshing properties is my all time favorite.
No wonder, it got a tiny hint of smile to my face. I plugged it in the vent, put some soft music and dreading the traffic still started the car. With expectations of chaos, traffic, honking horns, ditches, stress I left my home with no set destination in mind. I just wanted to get out.
No sooner than I did, my nerves began to calm down and a soothing, rejuvenating fragrance was mildly engulfing me.  A tranquil oasis of Lavender was cocooning me. What more, that was what was required to soothe my tired body and soul, a breath of fresh air. I began to relax and enjoyed my drive with the soft music and equally soft fragrant Ambi pur. After half an hour of my own personal therapy, I was rejuvenated to head back home and tackle everything with renewed vigor.


I smiled to myself ( a hearty smile) and thanked my little bottle of serenity (all at Rs 199 only for 30 days)

 

xoxo

Bhakti

 

Clueless

One question keeps haunting me from time to time- What is my Purpose in Life? This question leads to a series of thoughts and a thread of questions which leave me confused and clueless every single time.What am I born for? What is the reason I am in this world?

According to me there is a purpose for every bodies birth. A destiny to fulfill. A contribution to make to the world. The meaning for existence. I am not talking of a job or a degree, what I mean are the deeper things in life. Things that matter. Things by which we will be remembered, even when we are not there. Things that give us sheer happiness and satisfaction. They are not measured by how big or small they are. What matters that they are big in our life.

Realization hits many a times that the best things in Life are right in front of us, but I need to find identify it myself, don't I ?My search is still going on. I still am finding my purpose of being. I am still stumbling along the path of my personal enlightenment. I am still Clueless.

I came across this website the other day that said in order to know the purpose of your life, just write this question - What is the purpose of my life? and then start writing your answers with an open heart until you stumble upon an answer which really makes you cry. This just made me wonder after countless sleepless nights and amazing number of hours pondering over this question, I still haven't got an answer. So is this that easy, will this provide me with an answer. Guess, I will have to try it out to find it myself.

Does this happen to you ? Have you got your purpose of being ? Are you as clueless as me ?

Please do share your views with me.

And now for the ootd.

Top - Gift from sister

Denims- Levis

Bag - Dubai Market

Shoes- Dubai market

Neckpiece - Splash

xoxo

Bhakti

Mogra

This post is written for Smelly to Smiley Ambi Pur contest (Indiblogger).www.facebook.com/AmbiPurIndia

We often take little things for granted. Fail to observe the trivial things. But they are stored deep down somewhere. Every corner in the house we have been living and spending all our time is filled with memories. It is also filled with innumerable smells, and every smell or fragrance has a memory attached to it, some moments which are special or not so special; but yet which have a deep place in our heart. Some fragrances which unknowingly rekindle memories long forgotten.Smell and memory go hand in hand, they are stored together in the brain.
Consciously or sub consciously every smell or fragrance has some thing to say, some significant memory.
Today evening when I lit an incense stick which spread the aroma of Mogra flowers (Jasmine) everywhere in my home, I sat back relaxed and felt good instantly. I love this feeling. At the same instance the door bell rang, as if to disturb me from my serene state. Unwillingly I got up to open the door and see who was this intruder. It was one of my close friend and as soon as she came in and got a whiff of Mogra, she commented that I am obsessed with Mogra and should be a brand ambassador of it.
Well to tell the truth - My entire house smells of Mogra. You will find whiffs of Mogra incense in almost all my perfumes.
Almost all my air fresheners and fragrances have notes of Mogra.
"Why this attraction to Mogra?" she prodded me further.
Instead of answering her question I was lost in my memories. I was lost in my childhood. I was engulfed in a happy protected cocoon. For me Mogra means home, the eternal love, my parents, my childhood home, a treasure trove of memories.
I was introduced to this fragrance quite early in life, they say a baby can smell since the time he/she is in his/her mother's womb. So I guess that's how I was introduced.
Born and brought up in a Maharashtrian family where garlands made of Mogra adorn the hair of the ladies. They are the symbol of love.
My father on his way back home after work every evening used to get Garland of Mogra for my mother without fail. This was a ritual. The ritual of their love for each other. He giving it to her and she very lovingly sporting it on her hair with pride. Their love made everything so loving around them. The whole family chatted over cups of chai(tea) and pakodas(snacks), played games or went out for a stroll with the fragrance of Mogra lingering all around us. The fragrance of Mogra mixed with spices of the kitchen is what my mother smells like even today. For me this is the best fragrance ever in my life, the Fragrance of my mother, the fragrance of my childhood, of my parent's eternal love, of their presence, a happy childhood, comfort, peace, life, love. Even today my father gets Mogra garland for my mother and the ritual continues the difference is that I am not physically part of that childhood magic. I try to recreate that magic, their eternal love, their presence now at my own home with the Mogra smell and get lost in my own tranquil oasis of beautiful memories and also take inspiration to carve some of my own such memories along the way.
As if to shake me from my thoughts my friend asked me again " are you even here?"

I answered her as if answering my own question- Yes I am. and you are right I am obsessed, deeply in love and completely addicted to Mogra(with a wink and a smile). She was left as confused as ever.

xoxo

Bhakti

A cup of Coffee ...

A multi talented cup of coffee. A cup of Coffee is magical, isn't it? No wonder there are so many coffee cafes sprouting up on each and every nook and corner.
Well don't you know it is a universally accepted fact that anything can happen over a cup of coffee.
It brews magic, romance, mystery, the long wait, meetings, marriages, planning, lectures, newspapers, rainy evenings, cold mornings, late nights, conversations, puzzles, board games, assignments, vacations.(you name it you got it)
Be it in movies or real life a cup of Coffee is nothing short of a miracle maker.
By now it is no hidden fact that we go on loads of coffee dates because hubby dear is a true coffee lover. Eventually I have too turned into one (no other option, have I? ). There is such a variety of options to spoil the coffee lovers, well hubby dear likes his strong cappuccino but I like mine fancy ;p. ( a little bit of sparkle never hurts anybody, does it?)
We love our coffee dates, sitting in different cafes throughout the town. Sipping on hot coffee (for me its mostly cold coffee) watching the world pass. Our never ending conversations (me ranting all the time), catching up on each other, revisiting old memories, making small stories on the passerby's. Planning, joking, just being. It rekindles our dating period dates. Reminiscing about memories and creating lots more.
Seasons go by, years, time flew, the baristas, the cafés, age, places every thing changed except for our cup of Coffee and its serenading magic.
Our never ending cups of Coffee through years ....
A small glimpse..

To many more cups of coffee yet to come ...

xoxo

Bhakti