Each one of these thoughts could end up in a post of its own. But that inspiration has been a long time coming. So here they are, in their individual abridged glory.
1. I often fall into fantasies about my next cup of tea. Measure out the water in my tiny flowered cup, add sugar, tea masala, smashed ginger, mint leaves. Then add tea, a swirl of milk, watch the color change from a dark brown to a milky cream and then to a pale brown. Oooh, love it. I am not addicted to it (Test of addiction? The object gives no pleasure but not having it brings immense pain. Tea does not do that to me, so I am not addicted!) but I look forward to the quiet and tranquility that tea + book brings me. It is a solitary ritual and has to be very specific. I don't derive this kind of satisfaction from tea made by anyone else, so it's an exclusively personal indulgence.
Each time, my mind wanders into my tea fantasy, I think – Why are you anticipating bliss/tranquility in the future? Aren't you blissful now? Are you uncomfortable now? You are here, bliss is here. Look no further, little one. Situate yourself here, now, for this is what is. Be happy now, here.
2. Was privy to a conversation that left me deeply sympathetic. You can devour tomes and tomes, listen to countless lectures, pore over theories, study at the feet of giants… but if you aren't happy, there is no point. Intellectual prowess is NO MATCH for unqualified happiness. Happiness may very well be the beginning of an intellectual journey (that's kinda my story) but I don't think intellectual accomplishments can bring you joy.
3. I get called 'cool' a lot. Maybe it's my hair, my young face, the clothes I wear or the movies I watch. Or the fact that I work in new media… whatever. It's a little sad that there are some truly cool folks out there with none of these "cool" markers who don't ever get noticed. Like my parents. They are the coolest and really, I am nowhere as cool as they are. But then the really cool ones don't care either, I'd think.
4. A Bollywood movie (London, Paris, New York) left me exasperated. As P commented, "A whole generation of Indians is going to grow up believing that independence is about having your own apartment." To add to that, "and to have the ability to walk in/out of relationships at will." It's a TRAP! Independence has not a thing to do with owning an apartment or walking out of a relationship or traveling alone. It is a state of being, an inexpressible sense of freedom, fearlessness.
It's convenient to blame "Western values" for this turn of events but that's not true. If it was about adopting Western values, then why don't we see a spirit of volunteerism among Indians? Or a sense of national pride? Or civic responsibility? B-A-H.
