Thinking aloud through sketches, words and humour
Koi didn’t visit Monk for over a week. She spent time reflecting on all the conversations over the last few days. Soon, winter arrived and the mornings got even more colder. At the crack of dawn, a expansive blanket of fog stretched sleepily across the lake. At the bank, where Monk sat every day, a... Continue Reading →
The sun cast long shadows and began its goodbyes by kissing the lake golden. A lazy mist floated upon the water, as Koi made her way back to the banks. She could see the Monk bathed in the shimmering hues of the evening sun. His face was glowing with an ethereal aura. Koi hesitated and... Continue Reading →
It was still raining heavily that morning, when Koi returned to the Monk. This time, she was sure the Monk would still be there. All the other fish had swiftly retreated to the safety of lake bed, perturbed by the rhythmic pitter patter of raindrops on the surface and the occasional sound of distant thunder.... Continue Reading →
“What is gut feel, Monk? I hear everyone speaking about this and instinct and intuition. Tell me more.” Koi had been waiting to ask the monk this question since the last evening. Monk gifted Koi his trademark smile, that always radiated suddenly from his calm meditative visage. “Your questions are getting interesting Koi. Often, you... Continue Reading →
There was a slight drizzle and Koi wasn’t sure he would find the monk. She swam towards the garden anyway, amidst gentle ripples that danced as raindrops kissed the water. The monk was there, in his regular spot by the water, sitting cross legged with an aura of calm around him, unperturbed by the rain... Continue Reading →
The Koi was back after a few days. Swimming up to the monk on a cold winter morning, as a blanket of fog hung over the lake. The monk spoke first, with his eyes gently shut, yet sensing Koi was nearby in silence. “You are back Koi. How have you been?” “I am well Monk.... Continue Reading →
The Monk eyes were still shut, but he sensed an aura of restlessness as Koi approached him. “Is everything ok, Koi?” asked the monk with his eyes still closed. The Koi spoke as he neared the banks of the zen garden. “Monk, I am not feeling happy today. I watched you and have been trying... Continue Reading →
The Monk felt the Koi’s presence and opened his eyes “Welcome back my friend.” Koi smiled and said “I have another thought today Monk.” The Monk waited for Koi to continue. “Monk, how do I learn to forgive?” The monk smiled at Koi. “I love your questions Koi” and then closed his eyes in silence... Continue Reading →
The Koi fish was back early morning. “I thought of another question Monk.” She said. The monk patiently waited for Koi to speak. “What is wisdom Monk?” The monk was silent for what seemed like eternity and then he spoke softly. “Koi, Wisdom is listening intently to knowledge and making use of what she imparts.”... Continue Reading →
The Koi asked the monk one day “Have you found the answers you are looking for?” The Monk paused for a while and answered the Koi “I am not seeking answers, Koi. I am just beginning to know myself. When I really discover myself and become who I truly am, the other answers will magically... Continue Reading →
The Koi fish approached the monk one day. “I have a question for you” said the Koi. The monk waited patiently for the Koi fish to ask his question. “Why do you close your eyes?” The monk smiled with his eyes gently closed. “It allows me to be with myself and shut out the noise... Continue Reading →
“What is meditation?” The Koi fish asked the monk. The monk smiled and answered “Meditation is being in the now.” Koi went silent for a moment and asked “Are you meditating now?” “Yes. Right now I am completely present in our conversation. My mind is not astray, my thoughts aren’t scattered. The water is still... Continue Reading →
My father didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it. -Clarence Budington Kelland Exactly a year ago, My father left us, leaving behind a treasure trove of memories. He didn't leave behind a vacuum for the family, instead he filled our minds with warm thoughts of his positive... Continue Reading →
Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others. Jonathan Swift A vision board is a tool that has time and again helped me create a road map and clarify my own picture of where I want to be in the future and become a catalyst to achieve the dreams. I have... Continue Reading →
Once in a while, I let the monk get away from his solitude and mediate with others. The energy of connected silence i find visually and emotionally uplifting. In life too, we come across people who suddenly cross our paths, where you can immediately sense their aura, their positive energy and shared intent. Suddenly, there's... Continue Reading →
Meditation is best defined as a state where the mind is silent, completely still and without distraction. The mind is clear, relaxed, and focused inward. We aspire to achieve a state where the mind is silent and no longer distracts. Every individual will have their own process to get to this state of being. It's... Continue Reading →
Imagine a life where everyday is a vacation. Where every single day we wake up smiling with a hop in our step. What are things we do on a holiday? Slow down, hear the birds, feel the wind on our face, let go of all stress, do the things we love, spend quality time with... Continue Reading →
I have now begun sketching the monks set within zen gardens. Many years ago I had visited Kyoto and I guess the impact still remains. The experience as I wandered through the gardens soaking in the effect of calm that permeates the space was spellbinding. Kyoto gardens was on my bucket list for the longest... Continue Reading →
He who conquers others is strong, He who conquers himself is mighty. -Lao Tzu A beautiful quote by Lao Tzu. I also worked on the kanji for the word Fearless within this.
My sketchbook is filled with monks now. It is fast evolving into my own meditation space. I blank my mind completely and let the pen do its work letting things evolve on their own. Finding kanji for values which resonate with me is exciting. The pictures tend to depict these values and then I seek... Continue Reading →
Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom. Aristotle
Dubai gets just a few days of rain every year and it becomes a momentous occasion. Radio stations bring out their romantic playlists across languages, social media posts of raindrops and wet roads jostle for attention and every one is smiling. What's app groups remind everyone that it's magical and encourage people to head away... Continue Reading →
We were at sentosa, Singapore to watch the dolphin show. Suddenly the sky turned grey and heavy rains ensued. Lightning and thunder followed and after an hour of waiting, they called off the show for safety reasons. I pulled out my sketchbook and tried to capture the moment. The rains, the wind and the Dolphins... Continue Reading →
We are always waiting for the right moment for great things to happen. These visuals from across the digital hemisphere tell us that right now is the perfect time. That this very instance and moment that is unfolding is the best time to get going! Carpe diem.
Here are some of my favourite quotes on opportunity and how to be ready when they knock!!
When you look at technology over the years, my childhood seems like centuries away. When you stop for a moment to breathe and reflect its unbelievable how we contended with difficulties earlier. Everything around from my computer to my smartphone, my email, calendar, design and management software, my apps and my social media seem to... Continue Reading →
A collection of simple ideas and phrases that will instantly make you feel lighter. Smile away
I find it fascinating meeting successful people and understanding what makes them who they are, absorbing their secrets to success, seeking inspiration and lessons. Over my interactions with hundreds of entrepreneurs, I see extremely intelligent and innovative people struggle financially, dropouts become billionaires and billionaires become unhappy and unfulfilled. Then there's a rare species that gets... Continue Reading →
Some inspiring ideas and thoughts on decisions, decision making and learning from our decisions.
SEEKING ANSARS 