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A book reading experience is a solo journey of exploring, learning, imagining and many other ‘ings” .The interpretation varies depending on the state of one’s mind  while the experience is on. How we all have devoured and exchanged notes on the popular yet timeless tomes as we have grown and evolved! Evolution is one big continuous journey which I am glad doesn’t have a defined destination for the ones, particularly, who feel that , a healthy exchange of words once in a way paves the path for new wonders . Again, this purely is the will and desire to see things in a different light, in a different thought pattern and a different dimension of opinions .

One on one close chats with like minded souls does make this a lot easier and acceptable , it’s the openness to understand a complete tangent view that makes these conversations interesting. Again, here, most views, the tangent, secant and others are known to the evolved reader , yet it’s the way with words and the intent behind those expressions that are relatable and interesting. A book club format in which everyone is ‘expected’ to read the chosen written matter may make informed and sometimes maverick opinions which may stem from their current state of mind and circumstances therein. It’s actually fun to hear cross references and in the bargain get a completely different take on the topic. This is where the collective wisdom comes in fore! The conceited few may disregard these , the open minds may absorb these and some fence sitters choose to be either in acceptance or in denial. All are perfectly valid. An indirect tiny speck of  learning helps with the good listeners in a good way. Same goes with topical conversations ! The optics vary from person to person and it is this very difference which makes for deeper understanding and silent reflections thereafter.

In the realm of daily anecdotes, one person’s experience is another one’s laugh or cry or an emotion which is so  varying it makes the person wonder whether he really  lived through that experience! No endorsements needed, no validations are expected, it’s all about shared experiences and thoughts. One may want to disregard this altogether , but egos left aside, this group synergy or “ one to many”  talks can be very interesting and stimulating and fun too at times! Someday, sometime it’s worthwhile for the silent few to also experience this!!

That wonderful band where my gen Z’s are in..a band which we all want to be in but soon becomes a sore point for us moms as we navigate through it! You as a parent were looking forward to getting there but the story in this phase pans out very differently..Add to that the woes this miserable gadget called the phone with its plethora of images has gotten them hooked and how! Covid has ruined them in so many ways I’ve lost count! All these guys in this zone are now a product of multi influences..As it is the hormones are running haywire and the feeds make them go further wonky in all senses..am forced but to laugh at wry humour, at their cringe worthy fashion and the menace of reels is all but exhausting.. They move a certain which way, talk a different tongue, twist, shake, imitate etc etc and its all wow and vibey! A reel  which  is transmitted at god alone knows what speed that before you know, it’s a sensation! Absolute mindless stuff about people , places and things..the 2 pronged fork wants you to be in the one marked as ignored and one other prong says hey, you ignore me and I will hereon shut myself up..what to do!? Tow the line, feel flustered but carry on being the good cop !

On the brighter side though, it’s a fun ride for both, them and you. The minute you sync with them ( and I feel that’s a good approach)  it’s a different world out there, one  which opens up, much to your surprise, imagination and wonderment. It’s a great idea to move with the changing times and who better to take you on that ride than your own offsprings. Its fun to resonate with their  thoughts  and mesh with their line of reasoning and why, their minds are not strictly crazy as it is anticipated by many. The optics of vision have evolved and it’s a wonderful feeling to be in the new range. New range of thoughts, emotions, reactions, impulses , responses etc etc. Again, we come back to the moot point of being open and accepting. No remorse of the era gone by, no what-ifs, no unnecessary thrusts on anything, why, that feels wonderful!

Moreso, if you are blessed with both the genders like I am ( yes, again this gender issue  calls for a fresh debate and new writings exclusively!) the joy in the journey is multiplied. The gen Z is not entirely crazy as perceived. In fact, I would like to think that in some arenas they are far more evolved than us. Here, I am not questioning age, authority, experience, wisdom –they will come as time goes but the ability to sieve the calm from the ruffle is quite with them. All one needs to do is believe in them and its all a beautiful phase of communication, experience, a tad bit of maturity and a whole bunch of laughs!

ALSO, I have seen the golden adage of SILENCE IS GOLDEN works wonders for kids in this age bracket..

A beautiful lull to this GREEK word..

As all things Greek which I am so fond of, comes this word with a meaning which has a very soulful tone.

Anything that is being done/worthwhile doing ought to be done with LOVE, CREATIVITY and with a SOUL.

The amalgamation of these 3 wondrous words will create MAGIC in our lives and existence and make living so very meaningful.

MERAKI moments to be found in raising kids, in following your passion, in discovering and rediscovering your inner self, in staring at the blank space and seeing beauty in it, in voila! that little punch added to your cooking to give yourself a Michelin star!

ALL and MORE points to a more evolved way of leading life , be it in the realm of your comfort or outside of it. The choice lies in only us to pull ourselves up when the chips are down and to elevate our heights when the going is good. All with BALANCE in place else the toppling and debasing are the only ugly visibles and the beauty of discovering MERAKI is lost somewhere.

Taking one step at a time, no matter how small that step is but steadily climbing with your soul in it will eventually create what you have set out for and in the bargain give you your MERAKI..