Recliner Reminiscences

There were no ideas in my mind. No perspectives. No plans. Then, a tiny spark ignited something that had been dormant for a long time. And so, the beginning began…  I’m talking about these blogs. At one of the lowest points in my life, spiraling toward depression at rocket speed, a brake was gently applied. There were no jolts, just an unexpected blossom, bursting open and showering me with ideas I didn’t know I had.  At first, I wondered—*Can I write? Will I?* How many? I ha

This is a self-reflection. Naturally, it has to be short. I may not have skeletons in the closet, but there could be some rotten bits here and there. Every now and then, I try to analyze myself. I start somewhere, notice something, and as I keep thinking, my thoughts tend to drift away. Isn’t it easier to point out the faults of others than to examine our own? It’s quite a pastime.  As I’ve mentioned before, I was a loner until I joined the bank. My circle of friends expanded

Finding fault with others is one of the easiest things in life. It requires little effort, and if we constantly criticize someone, we might even destroy their confidence—sometimes leading them to become worse than they were before. It’s possible they weren’t even at fault to begin with. Our fingers are quick to point at others but rarely at ourselves. On the other hand, the art of appreciation is something that builds confidence and helps people grow. This skill comes natural

This concept was unfamiliar to me for most of my life.  In my younger days, get-togethers were rare, and even rarer was eating during those gatherings. The idea of asking guests to bring food along was practically unheard of. If anyone was invited to dine, simple homemade meals were prepared and enjoyed with cheerful conversation. We sat on the floor, ate with our hands, and ensured nothing went to waste. It was all about homemade food, happy hearts, and contented stomachs. 

Third time unlucky. I missed yet another number in the series. I had to conjure up one. My already zigzagging thoughts became even more complicated. Back to the man with the magnifying glass—searching for the missing number. No luck. So here I am, writing another one as an interlude. A filler, but a true story.  Today, the day I’m writing this (but not posting it), I had a not-so-strange encounter that brought a mix of drama, thrill, stress, and anxiety. My injection was due

Sometimes, we overlook the small things in life—things that seem insignificant but are vital to our daily routine. The pandemic brought many such unnoticed aspects into sharp focus.  Take, for example, the vendor who goes around our neighborhood every morning, selling delicious idiyappams (string hoppers). Many families buy from him, appreciating the convenience of having breakfast at their doorstep. His service not only saves time in the kitchen but also gives people the fr

How does it feel to be ignored? Isn’t it more than just a put-down? Making someone feel unwanted or overlooked might be one of the harshest punishments we can inflict on a fellow human being. Why did this think strike me suddenly? Yesterday—i.e., the day I am writing this, though not posting it—two friends of my younger son came over, just to spend time with us and ask about our well-being. You might find mentions of these two friends in my earlier blogs. Despite an age gap o

During my tenure at one of the bank branches, I held a staff meeting where I emphasized the importance of role-play. To my surprise, the next day, the husband of a lady officer, an MBA in Human Resources, complimented me. He found it unusual—and admirable—that a banker was discussing role-play.  There’s often confusion about roles—when to switch and how to recognize the right role for the moment. Understanding these distinctions helps us manage day-to-day situations effective

Children are amazing. Wherever they go, they bring energy—and not just for themselves. They radiate it, passing it on to others and transforming the atmosphere into something vibrant and positive.  Kids live in the present—fully here and now. Unlike adults, they don’t dwell on the past or fret about the future. If they find happiness, they embrace it. If they encounter trouble, they endure it for the moment and move on.  One of my favorite stories is Kabuliwala. If I remembe

While working at the Bank, I had an opportunity to visit an old age home run by a Christian charitable institution. Frankly, I was moved by two things—the emotional state of the residents living without family and the care and dedication shown by those running the facility.  Whenever I think of old age homes, it sends shivers down my spine. Imagine being placed in one, even if it’s well-run and paid for. The atmosphere is bound to reflect the realities of aging—illness, chron

I recently listened to two audiobooks about the human brain. But can two books truly cover such a vast topic? While I understood the material as I was listening, I quickly forgot most of it afterward. These were serious books, not novels. Even with novels, it’s sometimes hard to recall the plot after a while. Perhaps I need to listen to them again. Whenever we talk about the brain, memory inevitably comes up. I’ve been diving into podcasts on neurophysiology and psychology. S

In one of the meditations systems, I learned long ago, there was a lesson: after meditating, you were guided to reflect on those you may have harmed—whether intentionally or accidentally—and seek their pardon. At the same time, you were encouraged to forgive those who had wronged you and bless them. This process was a wonderful way to cleanse negativity and bring peace, leaving you feeling relaxed, content, and free. Following that guidance: I seek the pardon of Almighty God.

The highlight of our 2009 visit was the Banff-Jasper trip. However, our 2011 and 2014 visits were focused on family, as we welcomed the births of our second and third grandsons during this period.  In 2013, our sons felt we needed a change. We hadn’t traveled much in over four years, primarily due to the new house construction and all the challenges that came with it. They suggested a trip to Rajasthan, encouraging us to take a well-deserved break.  We were a bit apprehensive

I started counting. How many visits have I made to the U.S. since 2001? Nine visits, exactly. And how many places have I visited in the U.S.? Countless. During our first visit, our sons took us to so many places that we were traveling almost every month. We explored not only nearby places within a few hours' drive but also ventured to the East Coast, West Coast, and even the Midwest.  One memory that stands out is from our visit to Banff-Jasper National Park. I was sitting by

Everyone falls ill at some point. Some suffer from chronic sickness, and older people tend to experience more illnesses, aches, and pains. These ailments are not always physical—some may face mental or psychological challenges, which can be either temporary or chronic. Whatever the illness, no one can manage without support. And the best support comes from family. For example, I move freely around my house only when everything is in its proper place. A small misplaced item m

I wonder if there’s anyone in life who has never had an argument—speaking of ordinary mortals, of course. When I first thought about writing on this topic, I considered looking up the dictionary definition of "argument." I hesitated but eventually checked an online dictionary. Here are a few definitions I found: - An exchange of diverging or opposite views, typically a heated or angry one. - A reason or set of reasons given in support of an idea, action, or theory. It’s the f

Life sometimes feels like a taut string. When things move, they pick up speed, but when they stop, restarting can be tough.  There was a time when my music teacher and I would spend two hours just talking, sharing our thoughts and enjoying each other’s company. After returning from the U.S. last October, we spoke only once—and briefly.  Then, a WhatsApp message sparked memories of those joyful conversations. I found the key to unlock that connection again.  With an hour and a

It had to come—this day, like it does every year, passing by and waiting patiently for the next.  A year has flown by since my 75th...

I was listening to a long podcast when the hosts began discussing the concept of an ideal day. This got my thoughts running.  Have I ever...

I used to love deep-fried potato curries, served with rice or chapati. My ideal meal included those crispy potatoes, South Indian mango...