<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" ?><!-- generator=Zoho Sites --><rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><channel><atom:link href="https://viva.rkmm.org/blogs/self-expression/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><title>VIVA-RKMM - Inspired Living , Self-expression</title><description>VIVA-RKMM - Inspired Living , Self-expression</description><link>https://viva.rkmm.org/blogs/self-expression</link><lastBuildDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 06:48:57 +0530</lastBuildDate><generator>http://zoho.com/sites/</generator><item><title><![CDATA[Self-expression - An element of a happy life]]></title><link>https://viva.rkmm.org/blogs/post/march2026</link><description><![CDATA[<img align="left" hspace="5" src="https://viva.rkmm.org/Yashwant work.jpeg"/>Swami Vivekananda reminds us that art is feeling expressed—through words, color, or sound. This month we celebrate self-expression as a source of joy. Our readers share poetry, art, and music that unburden the heart and connect deeply with the world.]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zpcontent-container blogpost-container "><div data-element-id="elm_gdhdYAZ8TB6SLUOPZckwcA" data-element-type="section" class="zpsection "><style type="text/css"></style><div class="zpcontainer-fluid zpcontainer"><div data-element-id="elm_UZBatsr1TOyqvND33i1hiw" data-element-type="row" class="zprow zprow-container zpalign-items- zpjustify-content- " data-equal-column=""><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_IefRGXgxQm-qChSqJo4Waw" data-element-type="column" class="zpelem-col zpcol-12 zpcol-md-12 zpcol-sm-12 zpalign-self- "><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_Mu4zALTyT5i2NkidpvUKpQ" data-element-type="text" class="zpelement zpelem-text "><style></style><div class="zptext zptext-align-center zptext-align-mobile-center zptext-align-tablet-center " data-editor="true"><p></p><div><p>Swami Vivekananda says, “all poetry, painting, and music is feeling expressed through words, through colour, through sound.” Our theme this month is based on this self-expression. We invited our readers and resource persons to send us their creative work that they use to understand, speak and communicate with the world. An expression that unburdens and provides immense joy!</p></div><p></p></div>
</div><div data-element-id="elm_v8jgpURBqy8Jsh55i9_JCQ" data-element-type="text" class="zpelement zpelem-text zpbackground-size-cover zpbackground-position-center-top zpbackground-repeat-no zpbackground-attachment-scroll "><style> [data-element-id="elm_v8jgpURBqy8Jsh55i9_JCQ"].zpelem-text { background-image: url(/strong%20person%20image.png); } </style><div class="zptext zptext-align-left zptext-align-mobile-left zptext-align-tablet-left " data-editor="true"><p style="text-align:center;"><b><span style="font-size:32px;font-family:Calligraffitti, cursive;">POETRY</span></b></p><p style="text-align:center;"><b><span style="font-size:32px;font-family:Calligraffitti, cursive;">Strength - Where I Still Stand…</span></b></p><p style="text-align:center;"><b><span style="font-size:20px;font-family:Calligraffitti, cursive;">By Divya Satish, Student of Grade 12, Excel Public School, MYsore</span></b></p><p></p><div><div><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);"><strong>They say strength is fire, one that never bends,&nbsp;</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);"><strong>With steady hands, a will that never ends.</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);"><strong>They say the strong don’t stumble - they only fight,</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);"><strong>They stand unbroken through the darkest of&nbsp; nights.&nbsp; </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);"><strong>They call it a mask that hides every pain, </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);"><strong>A voice unshaken through every mere strain. </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);"><strong>They say it’s moving on, and never looking back, </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);"><strong>A smile in hard times, hiding every little crack. </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);"><strong>But strength, to me, sounds nothing like their tales, </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);"><strong>It may not roar, it may even appear frail. </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);"><strong>It trembles, it breaks, it goes unseen - </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);"><strong>Yet it is mine, fierce in the spaces between.</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);"><strong>Strength is in the moment my eyes refuse to lie, </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);"><strong>The courage behind tears I no longer deny. </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);"><strong>It is&nbsp; in knowing that I am fragile, still feeling it all, </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);"><strong>It is a spark that rises though I nearly fall. </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);"><strong>Yes, I do - I start in pieces, small and frail, </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);"><strong>My voice a whisper, my hands pale. </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);"><strong>My chest, often a storm no one can see, </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);"><strong>A tide of hopelessness that pulls down on me.</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);"><strong>It feels like weakness - every shiver, </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);"><strong>The kind that shows doubt and fear. </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);"><strong>But then, a spark ignites deep inside - </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);"><strong>This is my courage, my unyielding guide. </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(45, 153, 180);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);"><strong>The spark grows, only grows, </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);"><strong>And slowly, I reach, as my hands find themselves. </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);"><strong>I cradle myself, my heart steady and true, </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);"><strong>And soon, it becomes my strength - the fire that carries me through. </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);"><strong>Strength is the moment my voice cracks -</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);"><strong>And I still speak, although it feels like I lack. </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);"><strong>It is when my hands are trembling, and they still reach for help, </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);"><strong>Finding courage in the quiet, somewhere within myself.</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);"><strong>It is giving myself the space I need,</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);"><strong>It is saying aloud, “I am hurting,” and letting it bleed. </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);"><strong>It is facing myself, looking back in the mirror, </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);"><strong>Even when I have confessed truths hidden behind my armour. </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(116, 200, 220);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);"><strong>Strength is still rising with the morning’s light,</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);"><strong>Holding myself steady, standing through the faint fight.</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);"><strong>Strength is letting out the tears I once swore to keep inside, </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);"><strong>It’s carrying pain like water and refusing to drown in the tide. </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);"><strong>Strength is in expression, in admitting what I do not know, </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);"><strong>In letting questions rise, and letting courage grow. </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);"><strong>It is in staying, even when the world would turn away, </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);"><strong>In owning each hurt, and letting myself stay. </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);"><strong>This strength is forged in moments only I have known - </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);"><strong>A quiet power, fully mine, yet endlessly grown.</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);"><strong>And that kind of strength - it’s not really quiet; </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);background-color:rgb(232, 207, 161);"><strong>It is the strength of simply continuing to be.&nbsp;</strong></span></p></div></div></div>
</div><div data-element-id="elm_T0iszmOfLiGNGIXu7sqioQ" data-element-type="heading" class="zpelement zpelem-heading "><style></style><h2
 class="zpheading zpheading-style-none zpheading-align-center zpheading-align-mobile-left zpheading-align-tablet-left " data-editor="true"><span style="font-family:Calligraffitti, cursive;font-size:32px;"><strong>Music&nbsp;</strong></span><span style="font-family:Calligraffitti, cursive;font-size:16px;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);"><br/><span style="font-size:32px;">​</span>​&quot;Music is the highest art and, to those who understand is the highest worship&quot; - Swami Vivekananda</span><span style="font-family:Calligraffitti, cursive;font-size:20px;"><br/></span></h2></div>
<div data-element-id="elm_ckVATbgOdOn95ZTegkSyzA" data-element-type="video" class="zpelement zpelem-video "><style type="text/css"> @media (max-width: 767px) { [data-element-id="elm_ckVATbgOdOn95ZTegkSyzA"].zpelem-video iframe.zpvideo{ width:560px !important; height:315px !important; } } @media all and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width:991px){ [data-element-id="elm_ckVATbgOdOn95ZTegkSyzA"].zpelem-video iframe.zpvideo{ width:560px !important; height:315px !important; } } </style><div class="zpvideo-container zpiframe-align-center zpiframe-mobile-align-center zpiframe-tablet-align-center"><iframe class="zpvideo " width="1006" height="675" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HuFZZMZXQqo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
</div><div data-element-id="elm_uYhfofUZsKrTPaoLQ05nQg" data-element-type="text" class="zpelement zpelem-text "><style></style><div class="zptext zptext-align-left zptext-align-mobile-left zptext-align-tablet-left " data-editor="true"><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div><span style="font-family:Calligraffitti, cursive;font-size:20px;"><strong>Self- expression often brings us closer to inner harmony. For me, music has always been that path. A humble rendition of Chandrachooda Shiva Shankar Parvati in Raga Darbari Kannada&nbsp;</strong></span></div><p></p><div><div><span style="font-family:Calligraffitti, cursive;font-size:20px;"><strong>Singer: Mr. Rohan Pillai, Associate Professor, Delhi Technological University</strong></span><br/></div><p></p></div></div><div><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p></div></div></div>
</div><div data-element-id="elm_GI0c2139Yw3VsDBw8w_5fQ" data-element-type="text" class="zpelement zpelem-text "><style></style><div class="zptext zptext-align-left zptext-align-mobile-left zptext-align-tablet-left " data-editor="true"><p></p><div><div style="text-align:justify;">Music has been a constant companion in my life since childhood. I began learning Tabla (Guru – Makrand Halwe Sir) and Vocals (Guru – Ramesh Indu Basu Sir and Gurumaa Sudeshna Basu Mam) at the age of five, and later completed विशारद in Tabla. During my undergraduate years at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, I was the lead singer of a semi-classical rock band called Saptak, which gave me the opportunity to perform live music on stage and explore music in a collaborative way. Like many college bands, we eventually went our separate ways as everyone pursued different career paths.</div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:justify;">In recent years, balancing professional responsibilities, a part-time PhD, and some health challenges meant that music often took a back seat. Yet through all these phases, music has remained a constant friend—my space for reflection and self-expression. I often remind myself of the beautiful line from the song &quot;<span style="font-style:italic;">Ruk Jaana Nahin</span>&quot; by Kishore da:</div><div><br/></div><div>“रुक जाना नहीं तू कहीं हार के</div><div>काँटों पे चलके मिलेंगे साये बहार के</div><div>ओ राही, ओ राही...”</div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:justify;">The message resonates deeply with me -&nbsp; Life may slow us down with responsibilities, health challenges, or different career paths, but the music within me keeps urging me to move forward.</div></div><p></p></div>
</div><div data-element-id="elm_b624ntbRywCYOTu6KJDFsw" data-element-type="heading" class="zpelement zpelem-heading "><style></style><h2
 class="zpheading zpheading-style-none zpheading-align-center zpheading-align-mobile-left zpheading-align-tablet-left " data-editor="true"><span style="font-family:Calligraffitti, cursive;font-size:32px;"><strong>Arts and Craft (with poems they inspire) - Various Mediums</strong></span></h2></div>
</div></div></div></div><div data-element-id="elm_MtEbSnUOCd4aqO8WYUFaKg" data-element-type="section" class="zpsection zpshape-divider-section zpdefault-section zpdefault-section-bg " style="background-color:rgb(243, 243, 206);background-image:unset;"><style type="text/css"></style><div class="zpcontainer-fluid zpcont-full-stretch"><div data-element-id="elm_z9gKxND9rvb-PbxCXOtDQA" data-element-type="row" class="zprow zprow-container zpalign-items-flex-start zpjustify-content-flex-start " data-equal-column="false"><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_PEcOo6elpu3ZZOvqJuolHQ" data-element-type="column" class="zpelem-col zpcol-12 zpcol-md-6 zpcol-sm-12 zpalign-self- zpdefault-section zpdefault-section-bg "><style type="text/css"> [data-element-id="elm_PEcOo6elpu3ZZOvqJuolHQ"].zpelem-col{ border-style:solid; border-color:#000000 !important; border-width:1px; } </style><div data-element-id="elm_A0oK4IKnQzWqzLwX8S4TiQ" data-element-type="image" class="zpelement zpelem-image "><style> @media (min-width: 992px) { [data-element-id="elm_A0oK4IKnQzWqzLwX8S4TiQ"] .zpimage-container figure img { width: 605px ; height: 486.14px ; } } @media (max-width: 767px) { [data-element-id="elm_A0oK4IKnQzWqzLwX8S4TiQ"] .zpimage-container figure img { width:415px ; height:274.68px ; } } </style><div data-caption-color="" data-size-tablet="" data-size-mobile="" data-align="center" data-tablet-image-separate="false" data-mobile-image-separate="false" class="zpimage-container zpimage-align-center zpimage-tablet-align-center zpimage-mobile-align-center zpimage-size-fit zpimage-tablet-fallback-fit zpimage-mobile-fallback-fit "><figure role="none" class="zpimage-data-ref"><span class="zpimage-anchor"><picture><img class="zpimage zpimage-style-none zpimage-space-none " src="/Saswati%20Di-s%20wood%20work%20on%20black%20cloth.jpeg" width="415" height="274.68" loading="lazy" size="fit"/></picture></span></figure></div>
</div><div data-element-id="elm_ySSsffmCVEOQlynWmsPi2w" data-element-type="heading" class="zpelement zpelem-heading "><style></style><h3
 class="zpheading zpheading-style-none zpheading-align-center zpheading-align-mobile-left zpheading-align-tablet-left " data-editor="true"><span style="font-family:Calligraffitti, cursive;font-size:20px;"><strong>Finding Myself&nbsp;</strong><br/><strong>​By Saswati Ghosh (Delhi)</strong></span></h3></div>
<div data-element-id="elm_WtfZTK_LLpuyuriUqIegxg" data-element-type="text" class="zpelement zpelem-text "><style></style><div class="zptext zptext-align-left zptext-align-mobile-left zptext-align-tablet-left " data-editor="true"><div>On a stretch of silent velvet black,</div><div><div>Where time itself forgets its track,</div><div>I placed a hut of fragile wood...</div></div><div>A trembling heart where longing stood.</div><div style="text-align:right;">Before it flows a river wide,</div><div style="text-align:right;">Not just of water… but of tide</div><div style="text-align:right;">That carries years, that carries pain,</div><div style="text-align:right;">That carries loss like hidden rain.</div><div>A little boat without a name,</div><div>Drifts softly through life’s silent flame.</div><div>No oars of pride, no sail of claim;</div><div>Just faith that moonlight stays the same.</div><div style="text-align:right;">The coconut tree, tall and lean,</div><div style="text-align:right;">Stands like a sage of all unseen.</div><div style="text-align:right;">Around its crown a few birds fly,</div><div style="text-align:right;">Like tiny pilgrims in the moonlit sky.</div><div>Beside it grows a gentle tree,</div><div>Soft leaves whispering silently...</div><div>As though they know what hearts endure,</div><div>And promise that all wounds will cure.</div><div style="text-align:right;">And then the moon…O tender fire,</div><div style="text-align:right;">A silver wound of soft desire!</div><div style="text-align:right;">It does not shout, it does not weep,</div><div style="text-align:right;">It only guards what souls must keep.</div><div>This is not craft upon black cloth,</div><div>It is my prayer beyond all oath.</div><div>It is the silence after tears,</div><div>It is the echo of my lost years.</div><div style="text-align:right;">The hut is body, frail and small,</div><div style="text-align:right;">The river… time that carries all.</div><div style="text-align:right;">The boat… my soul that drifts between,</div><div style="text-align:right;">The seen, the gone, the never-seen.</div><div>The birds…like hopes that rise and fly,</div><div>Returning home through endless sky.</div><div>The leaves that tremble, softly free,</div><div>Are whispers of that eternity!</div><div style="text-align:right;">And when this cloth and wood decay,</div><div style="text-align:right;">When my patient hands have passed away,</div><div style="text-align:right;">The moon will still, in silver roam…</div><div style="text-align:right;">And somewhere…I will find my eternal home.<br/></div></div>
</div></div><div data-element-id="elm_BN6GJzYZ7LFEqdNPuJcegg" data-element-type="column" class="zpelem-col zpcol-12 zpcol-md-6 zpcol-sm-12 zpalign-self- zpdefault-section zpdefault-section-bg "><style type="text/css"> [data-element-id="elm_BN6GJzYZ7LFEqdNPuJcegg"].zpelem-col{ border-style:solid; border-color:#000000 !important; border-width:1px; } </style><div data-element-id="elm_LLsjDog6DAfVdNlf-aCbOw" data-element-type="image" class="zpelement zpelem-image "><style> @media (min-width: 992px) { [data-element-id="elm_LLsjDog6DAfVdNlf-aCbOw"] .zpimage-container figure img { width: 473px !important ; height: 505.11px !important ; } } @media (max-width: 767px) { [data-element-id="elm_LLsjDog6DAfVdNlf-aCbOw"] .zpimage-container figure img { width:415px ; height:276.49px ; } } </style><div data-caption-color="" data-size-tablet="" data-size-mobile="" data-align="center" data-tablet-image-separate="false" data-mobile-image-separate="false" class="zpimage-container zpimage-align-center zpimage-tablet-align-center zpimage-mobile-align-center zpimage-size-custom zpimage-tablet-fallback-fit zpimage-mobile-fallback-fit "><figure role="none" class="zpimage-data-ref"><span class="zpimage-anchor"><picture><img class="zpimage zpimage-style-none zpimage-space-none " src="/Nidhi-s%20dolls.jpeg" width="415" height="276.49" loading="lazy" size="custom"/></picture></span></figure></div>
</div><div data-element-id="elm_11FvEj3OlKp3QUWyhL0Vtw" data-element-type="heading" class="zpelement zpelem-heading "><style></style><h3
 class="zpheading zpheading-style-none zpheading-align-center zpheading-align-mobile-left zpheading-align-tablet-left " data-editor="true"><span style="font-family:Calligraffitti, cursive;font-size:20px;"><strong>Unwinding Within</strong><br/><strong>​By Nidhi Agarwal (Gurugram)</strong></span></h3></div>
<div data-element-id="elm_qM28WawEUro2LFlZpSH4JA" data-element-type="text" class="zpelement zpelem-text "><style></style><div class="zptext zptext-align-left zptext-align-mobile-left zptext-align-tablet-left " data-editor="true"><p></p><div><div>Each loop untangles the threads&nbsp;</div><div>of confusion, stress,</div><div>and mental exhaustion.</div><div>Every crochet piece tells a story of compassion, of bonding,&nbsp;</div><div>of quiet moments spent between me and my crochet hook.</div><div>When anxiety overwhelms me,</div><div>I don’t search for words to explain it.</div><div>I simply crochet.</div><div><br/></div><div>And it becomes my silent friend,</div><div>helping me rejuvenate,</div><div>breathe a little deeper,</div><div>and slowly unwind.</div><br/><div>For me, the love for my handwork is <span style="font-style:italic;font-weight:bold;">Anantaa</span>- infinite, endless, &amp; stitched straight from my heart.</div></div><p></p></div>
</div><div data-element-id="elm_a7QTA2gGE8eEKInSXnYzKw" data-element-type="image" class="zpelement zpelem-image "><style> @media (min-width: 992px) { [data-element-id="elm_a7QTA2gGE8eEKInSXnYzKw"] .zpimage-container figure img { width: 453px !important ; height: 604px !important ; } } </style><div data-caption-color="" data-size-tablet="" data-size-mobile="" data-align="center" data-tablet-image-separate="false" data-mobile-image-separate="false" class="zpimage-container zpimage-align-center zpimage-tablet-align-center zpimage-mobile-align-center zpimage-size-custom zpimage-tablet-fallback-fit zpimage-mobile-fallback-fit hb-lightbox " data-lightbox-options="
                type:fullscreen,
                theme:dark"><figure role="none" class="zpimage-data-ref"><span class="zpimage-anchor" role="link" tabindex="0" aria-label="Open Lightbox" style="cursor:pointer;"><picture><img class="zpimage zpimage-style-none zpimage-space-none " src="/Nidhi%20with%20her%20dolls.jpeg" size="custom" data-lightbox="true"/></picture></span></figure></div>
</div></div></div></div><style> [data-element-id="elm_MtEbSnUOCd4aqO8WYUFaKg"] .zpshape-divider-common svg{ opacity:1 !important; } @media all and (min-width:992px){ [data-element-id="elm_MtEbSnUOCd4aqO8WYUFaKg"] .zpshape-divider-common svg{ opacity:1 !important; } } </style><div class="zpshape-divider zpshape-divider-common " data-shaper-others="05" data-shaper-others-hide-mobile="true" data-shaper-others-stretch="" data-svg-others-grad-color="" data-shaper-others-color-apply="false"><svg id="zpshape-divider-common-47" class="zpshape-divider-default-left-bottom zpshape-non-full zpshape-non-full-47" preserveAspectRatio="none" viewBox="0 0 373 427" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><defs><linearGradient x1="48.463%" y1="36.086%" x2="50%" y2="100%" id="zpshaper-grad-239"><stop stop-color="#F3F7FD" offset="0%"/><stop stop-color="#8FEBCB" offset="100%"/></linearGradient></defs><g id="Page-1" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g id="Artboard-Copy-102" transform="translate(0 -335)" fill="url(#zpshaper-grad-239)" fill-rule="nonzero"><g id="Asset-1" transform="rotate(15 -1054.682 571.383)"><path d="M137.8 9.567c19.517-8.353 40.019-11.9 54.401-6.819 19.823 7.058 23.325 28.98 20.4 52.404a53.57 53.57 0 01-18.632 34.094l-26.248 22.367 30.974-5.592-17.85 43.948a48.088 48.088 0 01-23.8 25.435l-28.493 13.638 35.53 2.898-29.07 71.906a44.877 44.877 0 01-9.962 14.967L92.307 311.17l26.827-8.523-16.184 39.993c-9.01 25.605-28.56 68.155-57.155 72.11l-32.607 71.156a31.933 31.933 0 01-9.282 11.763l-3.4 2.728 30.6-86.806C73.471 296.611 136.746 106.294 140.52 84.882c0 0-76.501 194.784-120.396 323.9-26.112-14.455-21.556-72.416-11.9-99.692l8.126-27.038 18.768 38.494-7.548-58.2a56.166 56.166 0 011.938-23.287l17-57.04 38.115 26.56-9.316-12.309c-14.78-19.946-19.259-45.737-12.07-69.52l13.328-44.323 34.953 53.87L94.04 68.79c-4.012-15.554 1.605-32.009 14.28-41.835a132.566 132.566 0 0116.423-10.774l24.548 37.71zm20.12 298.183c87.975-59.835 184.427-43.929 182.385-43.724-.102.341-47.052 38.911-102.717 80.416-21.245 1.912-39.085 4.71-50.116 6.315-.034.17 8.58 5.939 35.816 4.369a237.177 237.177 0 01-21.926 15.086c-12.358 8.329-24.172 16.555-35.373 24.44a710.58 710.58 0 00-67.786 21.912 392.52 392.52 0 0054.746-8.908c-43.511 31.845-74.22 50.72-92.163 51.199l-1.77 2.286c-.477-.614-38.302 45.943-21.28 15.462 6.367-11.297 34.66-49.15 75.515-84.682 44.396-44.816 102.683-80.724 127.775-92.602-1.702-3.55-135.844 71.951-190.658 153.29-2.86-7.1-1.907-20.753 4.562-37.82 27.646-6.246 45.043-48.638 52.874-74.204l.613-1.775a306.852 306.852 0 0112.733-11.468c-.92 12.663 10.35 21.435 9.294 28.774.069 0 2.656-13.278 8.41-34.474 6.094-4.745 12.256-9.387 19.066-13.892z" id="Combined-Shape"/></g></g></g></svg></div>
</div><div data-element-id="elm_BcZGngvUCS715odoBWkc8A" data-element-type="section" class="zpsection zpdefault-section zpdefault-section-bg " style="background-color:rgba(244, 222, 222, 1);background-image:unset;"><style type="text/css"></style><div class="zpcontainer-fluid zpcontainer"><div data-element-id="elm_LefCImseQUfwj9MXkRc3TQ" data-element-type="row" class="zprow zprow-container zpalign-items-center zpjustify-content-flex-start " data-equal-column=""><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_K5HYeCR7wfMxOVioESZJMQ" data-element-type="column" class="zpelem-col zpcol-12 zpcol-md-5 zpcol-sm-12 zpalign-self- zpdefault-section zpdefault-section-bg "><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_QUmFQU71ebA12nE55QFZ7w" data-element-type="image" class="zpelement zpelem-image "><style> @media (min-width: 992px) { [data-element-id="elm_QUmFQU71ebA12nE55QFZ7w"] .zpimage-container figure img { width: 499px ; height: 748.50px ; } } @media (max-width: 767px) { [data-element-id="elm_QUmFQU71ebA12nE55QFZ7w"] .zpimage-container figure img { width:415px ; height:276.81px ; } } [data-element-id="elm_QUmFQU71ebA12nE55QFZ7w"] .zpimage-container[class*='zpimage-overlay-effect-'] figure:hover figcaption , [data-element-id="elm_QUmFQU71ebA12nE55QFZ7w"] .zpimage-container[class*='zpimage-overlay-effect-'] figure figcaption { background:rgba(22,71,90,0.42) ; } </style><div data-caption-color="" data-size-tablet="" data-size-mobile="" data-align="center" data-tablet-image-separate="false" data-mobile-image-separate="false" class="zpimage-container zpimage-align-center zpimage-tablet-align-center zpimage-mobile-align-center zpimage-size-fit zpimage-tablet-fallback-fit zpimage-mobile-fallback-fit zpimage-overlay zpimage-overlay-effect-static-bottom "><figure role="none" class="zpimage-data-ref"><span class="zpimage-anchor"><picture><img class="zpimage zpimage-style-none zpimage-space-none " src="/night%20sky%20constellations.png" width="415" height="276.81" loading="lazy" size="fit"/></picture></span><figcaption class="zpimage-caption zpimage-caption-align-center"><span class="zpimage-caption-content">Image from the internet</span></figcaption></figure></div>
</div><div data-element-id="elm_2HxsTLONQdDC9gSOxCOrnQ" data-element-type="image" class="zpelement zpelem-image "><style> @media (min-width: 992px) { [data-element-id="elm_2HxsTLONQdDC9gSOxCOrnQ"] .zpimage-container figure img { width: 499px ; height: 356.47px ; } } [data-element-id="elm_2HxsTLONQdDC9gSOxCOrnQ"] .zpimage-container[class*='zpimage-overlay-effect-'] figure:hover figcaption , [data-element-id="elm_2HxsTLONQdDC9gSOxCOrnQ"] .zpimage-container[class*='zpimage-overlay-effect-'] figure figcaption { background:rgba(161,202,232,0.6) ; } </style><div data-caption-color="" data-size-tablet="" data-size-mobile="" data-align="center" data-tablet-image-separate="false" data-mobile-image-separate="false" class="zpimage-container zpimage-align-center zpimage-tablet-align-center zpimage-mobile-align-center zpimage-size-fit zpimage-tablet-fallback-fit zpimage-mobile-fallback-fit zpimage-overlay zpimage-overlay-effect-static-bottom hb-lightbox " data-lightbox-options="
                type:fullscreen,
                theme:dark"><figure role="none" class="zpimage-data-ref"><span class="zpimage-anchor" role="link" tabindex="0" aria-label="Open Lightbox" style="cursor:pointer;"><picture><img class="zpimage zpimage-style-none zpimage-space-none " src="/moon%20and%20venus-%20lotus%20.jpeg" size="fit" data-lightbox="true"/></picture></span><figcaption class="zpimage-caption zpimage-caption-align-center"><span class="zpimage-caption-content">Author's creative depiction of Moon placed in Anuradha Nakshatra along with Venus in the 7th House</span></figcaption></figure></div>
</div></div><div data-element-id="elm_-zjr6mEeHUq7rSKsklyitg" data-element-type="column" class="zpelem-col zpcol-12 zpcol-md-7 zpcol-sm-12 zpalign-self- zpdefault-section zpdefault-section-bg "><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_l9kNmziLv7a-eWPJJbtOaQ" data-element-type="heading" class="zpelement zpelem-heading "><style></style><h2
 class="zpheading zpheading-style-none zpheading-align-center zpheading-align-mobile-left zpheading-align-tablet-left " data-editor="true"><span style="font-family:Calligraffitti, cursive;font-size:32px;"><strong>Seeking Knowledge</strong></span><br/><span style="font-family:Calligraffitti, cursive;font-size:20px;">​</span><span style="font-family:Calligraffitti, cursive;font-size:20px;"><b>A Cosmic Invitation</b><br/><b>​By Saumil Shah (Bangalore)</b></span></h2></div>
<div data-element-id="elm_gDwWrVnpl5LIpO68IGbBkg" data-element-type="text" class="zpelement zpelem-text "><style></style><div class="zptext zptext-align-justify zptext-align-mobile-left zptext-align-tablet-left " data-editor="true"><p><span>At the heart of existence lies a simple yet profound understanding: Energy is our being.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span><br/></span></p><p><span>What we perceive as the physical body is merely the visible expression of this underlying force—manifesting continuously through sensation, emotion, thought, and action. Beneath the structures of matter and form, life unfolds as a dynamic field of energy. My work begins with this recognition. Every human life enters the world at a singular moment in time. In that moment, the heavens hold a precise arrangement—the Sun, the Moon, the Planets, and the Constellations occupying specific positions across the vast celestial field. This fleeting configuration leaves behind a subtle imprint, a cosmic signature that accompanies us throughout our journey on Earth. Astrology calls this imprint the Natal Chart. Within it converge the 27 Lunar Constellations (Nakshatras), the 12 Zodiac Signs, the 12 Houses that mirror the archetypal stages of human life, and the nine planetary influences that shape the rhythms of our existence. Together they form an intricate design—an energetic blueprint that belongs to each individual alone. No two such designs are ever the same. Within this celestial arrangement lies a quiet affirmation: “Each of us carries a distinct energetic identity, and our lives unfold as expressions of this uniqueness.” Among the planetary rhythms, the Sun moves steadily through the twelve zodiac constellations, completing its cycle in approximately twelve months. The Moon, more immediate in its influence upon life on Earth, travels through the twenty-seven Nakshatras, completing its journey in roughly twenty-eight days. These constellations are not merely distant stars scattered across the sky. They form ancient celestial patterns, each carrying a specific essence and radiating a distinct energetic quality.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span><br/></span></p><p><span>In my work, particular emphasis is placed on the Nakshatras, for they influence the subtler dimensions of our psyche. Their connection with the Moon, the celestial body closest to Earth, makes their energetic imprint especially significant in understanding the inner landscape of a human being. Astrology traditionally adopts a geocentric perspective, observing the Earth as the center from which celestial movements are understood. Within this framework we work with nine planetary influences: Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Rahu (North Lunar Node), and Ketu (South Lunar Node). At the moment of birth, these planetary bodies occupy precise positions within the Nakshatras, Zodiac signs, and Houses. This exact configuration forms the Natal Chart—a cosmic map that reflects the energetic blueprint of one’s life on Earth. Within this blueprint we gain insight into our natural gifts, behavioral tendencies, life lessons, and evolving potentials. Yet the dialogue between the cosmos and the individual does not exist only in the sky. Within the Earth itself exist minerals that resonate with planetary energies. Over immense spans of time—often hundreds of thousands, even millions of years—crystals are formed deep within the Earth through heat, pressure, and elemental transformation. What emerges from this process is not merely matter, but a concentrated reservoir of natural force and intelligence. These minerals are known as crystals, and within astrological tradition they are recognized as planetary gemstones. The renowned scientist Nikola Tesla once observed that within a crystal we see evidence of a formative life principle—an intelligence that may not yet be fully understood, yet is unmistakably present. Across civilizations, ancient sages, scholars, and healers recognized this same truth: gemstones possess the capacity to resonate with the subtle energies of the cosmos. Through careful study of the Natal Chart, it becomes possible to understand which planetary energies are already supportive in a person’s life and which may benefit from greater balance. In such cases, specific gemstones—selected with care and precision— can serve as mediums through which these planetary influences are harmonized. When set into thoughtfully crafted jewellery, the gemstone becomes both an aesthetic expression and an energetic instrument—a bridge between the cosmic and the earthly. My work is devoted to guiding individuals through this process: To understand the celestial blueprint present at birth, and to consciously integrate its energies into life through the resonance of gemstones.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span><br/></span></p><p><span>Ultimately, the intention is simple - <span style="font-style:italic;">To deepen awareness of the subtle forces that shape our lives. To restore harmony between the individual and the cosmos. And to remember that beneath all form, we are energy beings participating in a vast and living universe.&nbsp;</span></span></p></div>
</div></div></div><div data-element-id="elm_a78LWCFoPBUqGg9qGxtnwg" data-element-type="row" class="zprow zprow-container zpalign-items-flex-start zpjustify-content-flex-start zpdefault-section zpdefault-section-bg " data-equal-column="false"><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_gUVWcCK6B3h2RRhJm3H01g" data-element-type="column" class="zpelem-col zpcol-12 zpcol-md-12 zpcol-sm-12 zpalign-self- zpdefault-section zpdefault-section-bg "><style type="text/css"> [data-element-id="elm_gUVWcCK6B3h2RRhJm3H01g"].zpelem-col{ background-color:rgba(224,243,206,0.49); background-image:unset; } </style><div data-element-id="elm_5F4fveNN3Sx1JI_3ic9n4A" data-element-type="heading" class="zpelement zpelem-heading "><style></style><h2
 class="zpheading zpheading-style-none zpheading-align-center zpheading-align-mobile-left zpheading-align-tablet-left " data-editor="true"><span style="font-family:Calligraffitti, cursive;font-size:32px;"><strong>Photography</strong></span></h2></div>
<div data-element-id="elm_35fatfi4pPkmQk_Tfti8SQ" data-element-type="imagetext" class="zpelement zpelem-imagetext "><style> @media (min-width: 992px) { [data-element-id="elm_35fatfi4pPkmQk_Tfti8SQ"] .zpimagetext-container figure img { width: 1240px ; height: 852.50px ; } } [data-element-id="elm_35fatfi4pPkmQk_Tfti8SQ"] .zpimagetext-container figure figcaption .zpimage-caption-content { color:rgba(226,29,29,1) ; font-family:'Calligraffitti',cursive; font-size:20px; font-weight:400; line-height:0px; letter-spacing:6px; } </style><div data-size-tablet="" data-size-mobile="" data-align="left" data-tablet-image-separate="false" data-mobile-image-separate="false" class="zpimagetext-container zpimage-with-text-container zpimage-align-left zpimage-tablet-align-center zpimage-mobile-align-center zpimage-size-fit zpimage-tablet-fallback-fit zpimage-mobile-fallback-fit hb-lightbox " data-lightbox-options="
            type:fullscreen,
            theme:dark"><figure role="none" class="zpimage-data-ref"><span class="zpimage-anchor" role="link" tabindex="0" aria-label="Open Lightbox" style="cursor:pointer;"><picture><img class="zpimage zpimage-style-none zpimage-space-none " src="/Yashwant%20work.jpeg" size="fit" data-lightbox="true"/></picture></span><figcaption class="zpimage-caption zpimage-caption-align-center"><span class="zpimage-caption-content">....and then we found paradise!</span></figcaption></figure><div class="zpimage-text zpimage-text-align-left zpimage-text-align-mobile-left zpimage-text-align-tablet-left " data-editor="true"><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:24px;">Photograph of the Mawsmai Caves, Cherrapunji, Meghalaya by Yashwant Pankaj</span></p></div>
</div></div></div></div></div></div></div> ]]></content:encoded><pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 16:20:10 +0530</pubDate></item></channel></rss>