Reflection on Kinship Connection

 I always wonder: if we are all the children of the divine, then why is there hatred between us? It’s like we have the same parents, but as siblings, we compete; we sneer; we frown at each other most of the time.

Why?

What makes us do the above?

Our parents have given us plenty of resources—plenty to share and enjoy—but we continue with the behavior and bring so much agony to all. This agony takes many forms: it seeps into our hearts as loneliness or resentment, surfaces in our societies as division and strife, and, at its core, wounds the spirit with a quiet ache that we do not truly belong to one another. Whether emotional, societal, or spiritual, this suffering lingers, casting shadows over the abundance we have been given.

Maybe it’s something in our nature—some ancient urge to be seen, to be special, to be chosen from among the others. If we are all children of the divine, perhaps we are also children of insecurity. Is it possible that, despite the abundance around us, we’re haunted by a sense of lack—an invisible scarcity that drives us apart? Sometimes it feels like we compete not for resources, but for love, attention, and a sense of meaning in the eyes of our supposed parent, not realizing that our parent has no discrimination. It’s only in our eyes!

Or perhaps we have forgotten our shared origin, distracted by our differences and the stories we tell ourselves about who we are. Maybe the divine inheritance isn’t just the world we live in, but the capacity to choose: to turn toward one another, or away.

I invite you to pause for a moment and recall a time in your own life when you stood at such a crossroads. When did you choose connection? When did you turn away? What drew you toward one path or the other?

But if that’s true, then why do we so often choose the latter? Why do we fear each other, even when we’re so much the same? Maybe it’s easier to define ourselves against others—to draw a line, to say, “I am not you”—than to risk the vulnerability of true kinship. But in doing so, we miss the very acceptance and love we’re longing for. Maybe the first step toward healing is daring to be honest about our imperfection, to let ourselves be seen and to see others in their wholeness, too.

Still, I keep wondering: what would it take to remember? To set aside the competition and suspicion, and see each other as siblings again? Is it even possible? Or is conflict simply a part of the human story, woven into our legacy, something we’re called to wrestle with, not resolve? The question lingers, unresolved, inviting me to keep turning it over, to follow it wherever it might lead.

Perhaps the very act of wondering is a step inwards. Today, we can each approach someone with a little more patience, or listen just a bit more deeply. If we practice empathy in small ways—offering understanding instead of judgment—we might begin to chip away at the barriers between us. Even a simple, honest moment of compassion could gently shift us toward remembering our connection.

Baby steps could eventually lead us to a happily ever after. Let’s start minute by minute, then hour by hour, and build to day by day. I hope it becomes ingrained in us to see each other not as competition but as siblings, and to imagine the power of union rather than jealousy and hatred. 

We will save each other by the above action! 

Love for Humanity

Imagine walking down a deserted street in broad daylight; it can feel unsettling and even eerie.
However, if the same street is occupied by a few other people—even strangers—you feel more at ease and continue your journey without worry.

Humans are inherently social beings. Even among countless unfamiliar faces, we find comfort simply in their presence.

Growing up, I was constantly surrounded by both familiar and unfamiliar faces—thanks to my dad.

As a result, I rarely had the opportunity to reflect on my actions, because wherever I turned, someone was always nearby—ready to point out my faults or celebrate my achievements.
At times, it felt overwhelming—especially during my teenage years when I craved personal space. Yet my father would remind me of the blessings of humanity and its importance.

"You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is like an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty."
Mahatma Gandhi

His faith in humanity and relationships was unparalleled.

He always went out of his way to help family and friends in need, never hesitating to offer support. He believed that humanity thrives on love and compassion, and always emphasized the importance of helping others.

He was such a loving soul that, even during his final days battling stage 4 prostate cancer, he made sure to thank and reward those who cared for him in the hospital.

A generous heart, kind words, and a life devoted to service and compassion are qualities that rekindle humanity.
— Dalai Lama

At times, his unwavering belief in humanity felt overwhelming to me. Yet when I witnessed the immense turnout at his funeral and listened to countless stories of how he touched people's lives, it was truly moving—those memories still give me goosebumps.

Mantra for today: Love the human race—because you are part of it.

What's in your grocery bag?

 When shopping for groceries, do you ever glance at the expiration date of produce or the label on the food?

If yes, then kudos to your presence of mind, since lately I have observed people doing two things while shopping. They are mostly on a call, or listening to a podcast or music. When asked, they find it a boring chore, but since they have to do it to be able to cook at home, they ought to go grocery shopping.

There are a handful of people who still prefer groceries to be delivered to their doorstep since shopping in person is a big waste of time when they can either hit the gym or do something productive with that one hour.

For those who choose delivery, being a mindful shopper is just as important. Even when ordering online, you can take a few extra minutes to check product descriptions, look for nutrition information, and opt for fresh produce. Reading labels and selecting items that are in season or less processed can help you make healthier choices, even if you are not in the store.

Stickers are found on all the food items that we purchase, but little do we notice the numbers on them. These numbers are called price look-up (PLU) numbers, and they say a lot about our health and the history of the produce, such as where it was grown, how it was developed, and under what circumstances it was cultivated. The PLU number is significant and is mandatory for all produce.

The number of digits in the PLU number matters. An easy way to remember: Four digits means conventionally grown (with pesticides), five digits starting with 8 means genetically modified (GMO), and five digits starting with 9 means organic. 

So, think 4 = conventional, 8 = GMO, 9 = organic.

If it is a four-digit sticker, then that produce was grown with the help of pesticides. Example: Bananas having a code of 4011
If the sticker is a five-digit sticker and the number starts with an 8, then that produce has been genetically modified. Example: Banana having a code of 84011
If the PLU number has five digits and the number starts with 9, then that food has been grown organically. Example: Banana having a code of 94011

Humans are advised to eat at least 3-4 servings of fruit and vegetables per day. We should lower our pesticide intake by eating the least contaminated produce.

Some of the produce that is highly contaminated and should be eaten organically includes strawberries, spinach, apples, nectarines, grapes, peaches, cherries, pears, tomatoes, celery, and potatoes. These items tend to have higher levels of pesticide residues, so it is best to prioritize buying them organic whenever possible. A complete list is provided in the table below.

Celery	Spinach	Blueberries
Sweet Bell Peppers	Lettuce
Peaches	Cucumbers
Strawberries	Green beans

Some produce items do not need to be organic because they tend to have low pesticide residues. Examples of these low-risk items include avocados, onions, sweet corn, pineapples, papayas, asparagus, mangoes, eggplants, and cantaloupe.

Choosing these non-organic options can help you shop smartly if organic options are unavailable or too expensive. The list is given below in a table format.

Sweet Corn	Asparagus	Mushrooms
Pineapples	Mangoes	Papaya
Avocade	Eggplant	Plums
Cabbage	Kiwi	Winter Squash

Foods are also genetically engineered to be herbicide- or insect-resistant, but experts have found this mutation to alter the nutritional value of many crops. Some of the most common genetically modified foods include corn, soybeans, canola, cottonseed, sugar beets, papaya, zucchini, and summer squash. These foods are widely grown in genetically modified varieties, so it is helpful to know them when making food choices. The list is documented in a table format.

Soybeans	Golden Rice
Corn	Apples
Canola

When shopping for foods, look out for:

• PLU numbers, which are small stickers found on the food and comply with the above rules.
• Look for the USDA Organic Seal. This seal certifies that food is produced without the use of antibiotics, synthetic hormones, or genetic engineering.
• Look for Non-GMO labels. This label certifies that it is not genetically modified (non-GM); however, this does not mean the product is organic.
• Look for the rBST-free or rbGH-free seal. This certifies that animals are not injected with recombinant bovine growth hormone to boost milk production. However, many brands swear to be rBST-free, but it is always good to be aware of it.

All humans are exposed to genetically modified (GMO) and non-GMO foods. There has been ongoing public debate over the health effects of GMOs. Most scientific research and expert organizations, such as the World Health Organization and the National Academy of Sciences, report that GMOs currently approved for sale are considered safe to eat and have not been shown to pose greater health risks than conventional foods. However, some groups and individuals continue to raise concerns about potential long-term health impacts, possible allergic reactions, and environmental effects. Because research is ongoing and opinions may differ, many people prefer to have the choice to avoid GMOs when possible. 

Recently, North America created a non-profit organization that is raising awareness of genetically modified products and their effects, since they believe that everyone deserves an informed choice about whether or not to consume GMO foods.

The Non-GMO.org Website has information about the various foods subjected to mutations and what choices people can make to avoid consuming them.

Conclusion

A life lived with good health is worth more than being a billionaire. This kind of billionaire is truly rich—and best of all, never has to pay any taxes on their priceless fortune.

Next time you shop for groceries, remember that cooking at home is healthy—but the journey to better health truly begins when you carefully choose your ingredients. Be mindful in the store, as every healthy meal starts in your shopping cart.

Music to my ears

 The taste of music differs from person to person based on their likes and dislikes. In this essay, I use music as a metaphor for the news or experiences we receive in life—just as musical preferences vary, the impact of news and experiences is personal to each of us. The genre of music I prefer would not be the same as another person's. So, the music that pleases my ears would be unpleasant for some. 

Eg. a scratch on my car would disturb me, but not my neighbor. 

Suppose we compare good music to the good news that makes us happy. Such as hearing that a friend admires our work, waking up to a sunny forecast, or finding out we did well on an assignment—each of these brings a smile to our faces. Happiness is a state of mind that we all want to be in, so all that comes to our ears should be music to our ears. That music is melodious and soothing to the heart, always calming us. It gives us hope as we rejoice at the news that comes to our ears.

However, music is not always soothing to the ear. Sometimes, it can be more like hard rock, representing bad news or stressful updates that jolt us and make us uneasy. These moments could raise our heart rate, give us an ache, and even make us gulp repeatedly as we try to process what we hear.

Now, the two paragraphs above clearly show that our state of mind—whether happiness or sorrow—can depend on the news we hear. Of course, it is not just external events that shape our mood; sometimes our inner thoughts, past experiences, or even how we feel physically can influence our emotions just as much as the news we receive.

Fortunately, life is tough for all. While some people may seem to handle whatever comes their way with ease, it is important to remember that everyone is on their own journey of learning how to respond to life's challenges. Developing emotional intelligence is not instant—it is a process that everyone goes through, and that looks different for each of us. As we practice and grow, we gradually find that our responses become calmer and more measured. Over time, this growth helps us experience even the harshest news with greater peace, making all genres of music that reach our ears more soothing, like the sound of a flute.

How do they do it?

When any news comes across our ears:

1. Pause and Reflect.
2. Respond neutrally with the thought that sorrow and happiness are temporary.
3. Practice Gratitude and ask the universe for guidance, especially when the news is not pleasant.
4. You will find a solution to the agitation, and that is only possible if the mind is at rest and not cluttered.
5. Reflect on the solution.

The art of reflection doesn’t come naturally.

We have first to embrace the art of loneliness, which is not actually being alone, but the art in which the mind and the intellect are given space to have dialogues with each other. Think of it like sitting quietly at a park bench, letting your thoughts wander without distractions from phones or conversation. This solitude gives your mind the room it needs to sort things out, just as a composer may sit alone before writing a new song. Now, while these two are busy, you, as a body, should be left alone, because it can get cumbersome if many bodies are around.

To begin practicing this, try setting aside just five minutes each day to sit quietly without any devices, simply observing your thoughts as they come and go. You might choose a peaceful spot at home or outside, close your eyes, and breathe deeply. If a thought lingers, let it move on and gently return your focus to your breath or the environment around you. It can help to keep a simple journal nearby to jot down insights that arise. Over time, this small habit will help you create the mental space needed for reflection and make the art of loneliness more natural and comforting.

Then, when any music comes to your ears, you’ll first pause and count to five before responding to it, whether it be good or bad.

This small step gives our minds a moment to process what we have heard and decide how we want to feel or respond, rather than just reacting right away.

In your life, you should hold the baton of reaction.

Do not let outside events control your reactions.

We can control our emotions in response to what comes to our ears! That will show our true emotional intelligence, rather than reacting to all that comes our way and then lamenting that life is tough! 

Mantra: Your life, Your reactions! 

Lift yourself by yourself

 "The mind is everything. What you think, you become."— Often attributed to Buddha

We have all heard about being mindful and being alert to our thoughts. Manifestation, in this context, refers to the way our thoughts can shape our perceptions, feelings, and even the outcomes we experience. By focusing our attention and intention, we can influence our reality in subtle but powerful ways. This is why being aware of your thoughts is so important.

Observe your awareness, then take a peek at the emotions that follow. Try this: pause for one minute and simply notice what thoughts arise in your mind. Notice any emotions that come up as you observe your own thinking, without judging or trying to change them. If you want to explore further, you can also try focusing all your attention on your breath for a minute, gently bringing your mind back whenever it wanders. Or, engage your senses by noticing five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. These simple practices help ground you in the present and increase your mindfulness.

When you read exciting news, excitement will follow. But if you read sad news, anxiety will follow.

Emotions guide energy in a certain direction. Energy can feel low or high, depending on how you respond to that awareness.

Be mindful of each thought, and practice pulling yourself out of them when you notice they are not serving you. This means observing your thoughts without getting caught up in them and gently redirecting your focus to the present moment—such as your breath or physical sensations. Developing this ability helps you avoid being carried away by negative or unhelpful thinking and fosters a more balanced, calm state of mind.

When negative thoughts pull you down, simply do a physical activity like clapping your hands or laughing forcefully, even if your heart wants to cry over sorrow or loss. The ability to lift yourself up will give you the confidence to boost your emotions at any point in life, and you will not be dependent on anyone to uplift you.

Pout, Pose, Decide

 

"This or that?" 

"Ummm" 

"Nah! My skin is not glowing today to be wearing this color." 

"Definitely not this...I seem to be having a bad hair day!" 

Mom's voice echoed from the kitchen, 'Maggie, your ride to school will be here in ten minutes!' 

'Yeah, I know, Mom,' Maggie replied with a hint of frustration and a sigh, 'I just wish I could figure out what to wear without all this stress.' 

Mom knocked gently and entered, noticing a pile of clothes on the bed as Maggie posed in front of her mirror. She gasped at the scene.

"High school can be so nerve-racking, Mom!" 

"It's your perspective, Maggs! I, too, went to school, but never gave so much importance to my appearance as your generation does! 

"You had simpler times! Now is the age of social media, so we always have to put our best foot forward!" said Maggie as she continued to pout and pose in front of her mirror in her bathrobe.

"Believe me, we had our own issues during that time!" her mom snickered as she continued to observe her 18-year-old daughter. 

Just then, they heard a honk, and Maggie quickly disrobed and slid a dress down her head, which had matching jewelry. With that, she walked out with a deep sigh. "Gosh! Life is so difficult!" she lamented as she slipped on her shoes and rushed out the door. 

A Candid Conversation

 “I wasn’t going to tell you this,” I said with a screech, then paused, took a deep breath, and noticed my brother eyeing me with furrowed brows and a gape, as usual.

There was silence, but not for long, as he quickly chipped in, “Go on!” he commanded. “I am listening.”

“Oh! for once you are listening, huh!” I shrieked again, hands raised, as I circled the table where he sat with his cup, holding it with both hands and rubbing it back and forth. His face was red, and his gaze was bouncing from me to the table, clearly indicating that he was controlling his anger.

That made me cautious, since his temper is like a tornado tearing through our cramped apartment, leaving splintered chairs and shattered dishes in its wake. It costs us a fortune to repair things, and I have to chip in as well, since it's an argument we're both involved in. The last one was so bad that I am still making my credit card payments, which were set up in installments.

Seeing his temperament made me very nervous, and my face turned white. My lips started trembling. Fear gripped me!

With many gulps, I said gently, my voice shaking with a mix of guilt and spite, “I wiped your toothbrush on the toilet after I could not pay my part for the repair.” I hated myself for stooping so low, but in that desperate moment, it felt like my only way to get back at him for blaming everything on me.

Patiently, I now waited for his response with a downward glance and a shrunken frame, muttering, “Que Sera Sera, whatever will be, will be!”