The breathtaking beauty of Vedanthangal lake bird sanctuary.

A lake bird sanctuary, that has a breathtaking landscape of trees and hundreds of birds taking off from the trees, was a sight to behold. It is a huge lake with thousands of mangrove trees, some of them heavily laden with birds looking as if they were beautiful blossoms of that tree. On the other side of the pathway to walk around is a vast area of green fields and trees....that had a pathway that made me feel, Lo, here is a pathway to paradise. The walking space of the lake had on one side the trees full of birds and the other side a sight that soothed my eyes and soul.

Vedanthangal in the Tamil language means 'hamlet of the hunter'. It is a lake with mangrove trees and a place of great scenic beauty. There are two watch towers from where you get to see the birds and the panoramic view is very scenic from there. It is an amazing fact that it was given the status of a bird sanctuary due to a petition of local villagers who were aghast at seeing British soldiers shooting the birds, way back in 1796! I salute those early champions of environmental protection and their effort that it is today a flourishing lake bird sanctuary where migratory birds come during the winters. It also happens to be one of the most concentrated bird sanctuaries.

I was surprised to see so many birds at the same place, The sanctuary is a huge shallow lake with trees and mangroves dotting the landscape and a small pathway that runs along it for the visitors to see the birds.I couldn’t tell what varieties they were, but I was sure they were from many different species. There are watch towers and special platforms giving a great view of the breathtaking landscape of trees with hundreds of birds on each one of them.

Geetha Paniker

A morning walk over the edge.

An early morning walk at the edge of the beach where the waves playfully kissed the toes and the white sands tickled my  feet was a beautiful experience. The sea was grayish blue reflecting the patches of grey clouds and the blue sky. It looked as if the sky had been painted with  thick clouds that lightly danced to welcome the rising sun. I felt the seaside wet sand sticking to my feet and the water touching me tenderly, the white fluffs of the froth on top overlapping the waves as they reflected the sun's hues.

The sun slowly rose over the horizon, as the first orange hues of the sun-kissed the waves.Ebbing ever so gently, the sea looked  tranquil. The beach was so soft, it felt like I was walking on a blanket of candy floss. The shimmering sand swept around on the beach. Far out to sea, streams of pulsing light saturated the surface with a golden haze. The sun came out through the clouds, the waves looked liked liquid gold.  I gazed in awe at the breathtaking view.

Walking along the edge with bare feet is so rejuvenating and energizing. Inhaling the fresh air, the aroma of sea lingered in my nose. Suddenly, a flock of birds chirped their pleasant song, as to signal the new day. In the distance, the sun rose high over the horizon, giving off an angelic glow to the drifting clouds above. The sky shone a radiant bright orange and yellow, indicating a beautiful sunrise.

It relaxed my mind, removing all the clutter, filling my heart with joy and it healed my soul. What could have been more relaxing than a walk in the water, barefoot?  It was a treat to my senses.

Reflections of a heart.

On a drive by road, I noticed a lonesome tree, atop a hill, that just made me gaze at it, till it was out of my sight. A tree is a reminder of what you were once, slowly fading away to oblivion in the tsunamis of life. A thing that is of great beauty and a symbol of courageous strength. It is my sanctuary both physically and psychologically. I admire and adore the very existence of a tree, that may have many untold stories to tell.

A tree gives a rare insight into life. It stays rooted deep down and always grounded, but the tree also lets go of everything gracefully, knowing life has to go on with or without them. They live and breathe, but knows the transitional pain of changes and still dances with an inner rhythm of change without holding on to that which has to leave you. In my inner turmoils, I look up to a tree for inspiration, though it is difficult to emotionally imbibe those qualities.

On my morning walks,  I observe the trees that look barren without its leaves, but it is still a shelter to those that need a resting place. As the seasons change I see the green shoots on the branches, I derive a joy knowing that life has sprouted in them. It's patience to persevere and the strength to withstand,  regenerate and adapt to the changes, still standing with its head high with pride of having tide over everything is a great accomplishment. It goes into a dormant stage but rejuvenates and unfurls itself.

Many a time, I have wished I could be like a tree, free to grow and be unique by itself, learning to let go and rooted.

A tribute.

A tribute to Sree ONV Kurup by Arun M Sivakrishna.

http://youtu.be/zLr4DlDBcqs

Stargazing

Have you ever gazed at a starlit sky with all the twinkling stars,  a brightly lit crescent moon and felt the expanse of the universe? You feel all the space around you and above you to be never ending, filling you with wonder,  amazement and even a child-like curiosity. If you sit and stargaze, it really makes you curious. Have you ever thought of the fact that most of you never care to take a second look at the sky? When is it that you have been curious enough to gaze and wonder from where the stars came from? The sky is a beautiful place to look up for possibilities and perspectives. They say stargazing is an art. When is it that you last gazed at the sky?

For me it is a place I look up for inspiration to take my blues away....a place that never fails to soothe me and give all answers for all the questions of my rebelling mind. It is the silence of the skies and the silence within you that takes you to a world of your own.....to listen to the whispers of your own soul. I look out for a lot of things in the night sky that the departing sun ushers in dropping the curtain of twilight. Then slowly darkness sets in and the twinkling stars start winking with a naughty smile.

On certain nights, when the darkness sets in, the sky will be like a bare field bereft of anything in it....then I search with a yearning for a star knowing I may not see any..... but then I find one shining brightly, winking at me. It is a kind of visualizing and searching for something in the vast expanse of the skies. In the rat race of life, all tend to forget these simple beauties of life.

 It is a feeling of awe, I experience while stargazing. I feel a kind of rare emotion in my core. I gaze at the stars, looking out for formations in them. Exploring is something I just love and in silence as I stargaze it is very liberating. For me it is 'something greater' and helps me break free off all that bogs me down. As the eyes gaze, the mind looks inward and eases my heart and soul. I see the stars in the vast expanse of the sky.....they fascinate me, and remind me of my complete minuteness. It is believed that stargazing is a way of romancing... yes it is romancing with the vast expanse of the sky. It is the romance of stargazing. If you can connect to the nature around you....you can listen to them. There are nights I notice some stars brighter than the others and I used to think to myself, may be the dim one's inner light is gone...just like any one of us...you shine brightly daily, but there are days the inner light goes out....... I believe that if you sit in silence and stargaze you can listen to the whispers of silence.

Pets for life.

The pets of life come home with powerful mental and physical benefits. Caring for pets make life more secure and active too, providing a companionship giving unconditional love. First time in life I heard the word pet in context with health, that too the creeping crab that invades your body asserting itself as a pet of your body. Sometimes I feel like giving the emperor of maladies the status of a 'pet' because it is after the body is invaded by them, you realize the value of life itself.

It was a year after my anniversary with the creeping crab, I heard the word 'Pet scan' when I had to scan my body for the cancerous tumours. It was a new experience for me altogether, a learning process of life in every way. Yet again I am gearing up for another pet scan to find out whether the pet in my body has returned falling in love with me all over again. I am looking forward to yet another learning experience and meeting more conquerors of this malady.

The body being fed with sugar liquid and metal is attracted by the tumours of your body that are cancerous. They thrive on sugar, is what I was told the first time. A whole day of learning experience, with an empty stomach, drinking of medicated water and going in and out of the scanning machine with the dyes injected that makes you burn from head to toe.

Tomorrow is always a mystery. I believe in crossing the bridge when it comes. What is in store for me tomorrow, I really don't know. Life has been a constant battle for me from 2011 till date, I only believe in going off with a smile when my time comes, the last chapter of my life.

Reverberating words.

The fury of words spits fire,

in the labyrinth of time,

impressions etched within,

pale in the profundity of my core.

The mantles of memory,

with intricate feelings,

crafted in the mind,

burn with scathing words.

In the deepest chasm,

the chiseled words reverberate,

leaving an indelible imprint,

in the scarred soul.

(c)Geetha Paniker

Fountain of love.

Drops of love gather,
in a frozen heart,
melting in the warmth,
deep down the scarred soul.

The light of love reflect,
in  solitude of the lake,
illuminating the spring,
In the depth of the soul.

The reflection in the lake,
dwell underling the surface,
as drops hold,
the fountain of love. 

©Geetha Paniker

Elixir of life.

Poetry is an elixir of life,

a magical antidote on the soul,

to soothe the scars,

in the sands of time.


Words flow out from the chaos,

with amazing ease,

from the deep chasms,

of the conundrum of life.


They refine my senses,

in every drop of ink,

 rolling off in eloquence,

churning into a beautiful expression.

© Geetha Paniker

Wanderlust

I am struck by wanderlust bug,
to find joy in little things,
that fulfill my inner desires,
a wish to disappear,
into the magic cloak of mist.

To know my existence,
explore with a yearning,
the beauty of mist-kissed hills,
clouds playing hide and seek,
listening to the melody of the forest.

A call to wander  in the meadows
midst the wild flowers and butterflies,
soaking in the thunderous waterfalls,
drinking its breathtaking beauty,
With every breath of fresh air.

A thirst to wander unfolds,
as each day dawns,
mind aches to travel endless paths,
the unknown depths of seas and oceans,
That makes me dance with a fluttering heart. 

© Geetha Paniker

Depreciation of appreciation.

To appreciate is not in everyone's deeds. It requires a great heart to appreciate others. The word “Appreciation” looks smaller from outside but it can help achieve anything if used properly. It is the most powerful word for motivating someone. If someone gets appreciated  then that person always gives best in all further tasks. But is that all? Even appreciation is doubted when it is given in abundance. It is a quality of mindful acknowledgement.

As a teacher I used to lavishly appreciate my students because I have known the value of being appreciated. It has never missed my watchful eyes to give a word of approval. But today I have started questioning myself on my ability to find a uniqueness in whatever I read. I have started doubting if my analysis has gone wrong? Where did I go wrong? I really have had an aptitude to pick out a creative talent. Today my soul rips apart in anguish that I may have crushed a budding talent of the creativity that was in abundance and got nipped intensely affecting the confidence level.

There is  magic in appreciation. Many people know how to make use of this word while others recognize its depth and meaning. Everyone in this world loves to receive appreciation  Appreciating someone’s work is an art. Very few people know how to appreciate truly. They appropriately use appreciating words for other people to carry out effective and fruitful results. Therefore it is necessary to learn to appreciate others.

Appreciating someone’s efforts is not an act that makes you feel shy but it’s an act that proves your character. This act shows that you are living down to earth. Therefore it is necessary to appreciate a person whenever possible. It is a good way to make things easier and simpler. It may be  the most beautiful and  the most powerful aspect of life. If you truly possess the full sense of the quality of appreciation, you can fend off any blow life has to offer, you can soar to the highest places and attain all of a great heart's desires.Man's deepest hunger is for appreciation and most commonly recognized basic cravings are virtually meaningless without it. Food loses its flavor, drink its refreshment, shelter its comfort, without appreciation. It is more than a word. It is magic if you would have it so. 

Waltzing words.

Words have power to light fires,
of passion in the soul,
making unsaid words waltz
in unison of the hearts.

Words are breath of life,
a narrow line between,
the real and declared,
within one's awareness of subtle meanings.

Words are slippery,
your innermost thoughts
that become a vicious circle,
of life and death.

Gkp

Unique friendship.

Quite often we take many things around us for granted.... so is a sparrow. Though very small it is very powerful, its slightness giving it the advantage to many things. A sparrow is a perfect reminder to man that we are not powerful based on the materialistic things we own and also that we don't need a loud voice to be heard by others. A master in flight and camouflage, it shows us to use our creativity and think out of the box, when challenged. It serves as a reminder  to us that busy hands and minds promote a happy and full life. A sparrow can be very intimidating. 

I find them very friendly once they get to know you and that you mean no harm to them. I don't like caging birds...as I feel they need the freedom to fly."You can cage a bird, but you cannot make them sing." It really captured my heart with its simple beauty and song. Now it comes and sits on the Portia tree chirping happily and also while I watch sunset fluttering around. It is an unusual friendship proving that close and loving friendships are possible everywhere. It keeps chirping every so happily, becoming a balm to my soul and bringing joy to my heart.

Song in my soul.

There is a song inside my soul,
Of unsaid words,
that breathe inside me,

with the melody of my heart,
that picks a soul apart,
with a tinge of passion,
that stands the test of time.

Geetha Paniker

Where flowers bloom so do I!

A blooming bud,
in the depths of my heart,
with an ardent desire,

blossoms beautifully,
as a dewdrop arches on,
in the  supple petals,
of my emptied soul.

In the sunset of my soul.

Every sunset I watch, I find a connection with a deeper part of myself in my soul. I feel there is a sunset in every soul. The bright hues of the setting sun shines beauty on everything it touches. I let my soul soak in its mesmerizing beauty as the day fades and there is a comforting calm watching the birds fly home against the setting sun. Have you ever watched the sky turn into a display of beautiful colors and made you stop to gaze at it in awe? You can feel the light and breathtaking beauty of a glorious sunset in the core of your soul.

There is a sunset in every soul. Have you cared to listen to your soul? The truth could be that it is shrouded in clouds or caught in a full-fledged storm of your heart. The sunset could have been delayed because you are not true to yourself. It could be that you are not connecting to the deepest truth of life. Listen to the voice inside and let that inner light shine and sparkle. The unexpected storms might be due to the reasoning of the heart. Life just happens and you have to move on.

Even in the midst of an unexpected storm, a period of much cloudiness in your life you can still search for the sunset within. Explore what matters deeply to you without meaning harm to anyone else. Allow your heart-filled sunset to shine on that light and all its magical colors will fill around you with the passion you have within the depths of your soul. Sunsets bring meaning to the sunset of life.

Retreating facades

In the circuitous journey of life,

my soul takes flight in the,

actuality that is bent by lies,

flouting the complexities.

The soul is bared in the affectation,

charlatan smiles and painful thoughtlessness,

in a fiesta of blinds,

I blanket my true feelings in a shroud of dismay.

A desire to escape into the mystic mist,

departing miles away into the hills,

unmasking all my apparitions,

into a reality of lingering silences.

© Geetha Paniker.

Masquerade of life.

In quiet masquerade of life,

true feelings shroud in dismay,

the glimmering reflections,

in broken shards,

a memory vague lingers on,

like a captor in my soul.

© Geetha Paniker

The heart, that's the spring of life.

The heart is believed to be the strongest muscle in the human body. Perhaps that's the reason why it is able to withstand the use, misuse and abuse, with strength and courage. But like everything else, isn't there a limit to which it can endure? Is it the perspective of setting your priorities right? A lot of questions hang around my rebelling mind. I have always believed that the pain I feel today will be my strength tomorrow. I have always been a warrior, but does that make me less vulnerable or open to the weakening of the heart or the body? Sometimes it is the poison of the words that numbs the heart and soul, that makes me wish that I had a big whole where my heart is. But the empty spaces of my life stare at me. I kick start my survival mode to protect the emptiness that creeps into me. Emptiness seems to be atrophy, feeling numbed all over.

Am I creating a wall around my heart? The answer would be a big no, to be true to myself. When the heart is used and abused and misused, it gives warning signals, if you care to pay attention to. Now my heart is giving me an ultimatum. I decide to let go and move on, though there is a lot of pain and hurt. I decide to open my heart to things that make me alive, and not get weakened by the stings. It is easier said than done, but nothing is impossible; though it takes time. 

"Grow your heart by learning from the pain and continuing on. Continue on as before, loving as deeply as you can." The emotions of the mind and heart can be controlled, but the working of the heart needs time to recuperate. The pain still comes, soft and far between. My eyes still tear. But now, it’s for the gratitude, for the biggest lesson, for the little piece of my heart that tells me, "You are a fighter and you are going to be fine."

The body tells the heart to slow down; the heart tells the mind and body to slow down. If I don't take care of my heart, none will. I wake up to an awakening of putting myself first, living my moments for the little things that give me joy and finding magic in "The moment", something I keep being reminded by the butterflies that visit me.

Do I take care of my family? It goes without saying. Do I take care of my home? Of course, I do. Do I take care of my heart? Probably not.

I have found my sanctuaries to relax and just be. I always fully acknowledged the present in its entirety—every aspect, including the playful, joyful moments, and the uncomfortable, challenging ones; taking it as the inevitable. I found my space to re-connect to myself learning to let go of everything, trying to get rid of my inner barriers, being gentler to myself. I ask myself when is the last time that I acknowledged the feelings that were asking for my attention. How do take care of myself from the inside out without depending on any outside force, so that I can fully feel alive.

It is a self disciplining to make life easy for me and others. A journey I undertake for my well being and to gain strength physically, mentally and emotionally. 

Winged love

Two winged mates,

in the magic of a sunset,

sat on a wall preening the other,

cuddled up in a love so true,

billing and cooing one another,

enfolding in a warmth of a wrap around,

pure-heartedly together as one,

lost in reverie,

with the depth of admiring and being adored,

a small fire aroused inside,

into a blazing inferno of the present moment.

© Geetha Paniker