Main akela hi chalaa thaa jaanib-e-manzil,
magar log saath aate gaye aur kaarwaan bantaa gayaa
– Majrooh Sultanpuri
[I had started alone towards my destination, but
People continued to arrive and a caravan continued to evolve]
This journey has been a long time coming.
Over the past six decades many people have contributed to shape my very being and to each of them I am grateful. But how far back does one go to express gratitude?
Osho reminds us that the precise moment of procreation when a new life commences, is itself the culmination of a series of preceding events and the result of combined efforts of friends and families who helped to bring the two parents together. Going back in history, the same is true in turn of each of their parents and so forth. Thus, at any moment possibly all history coexists in each of us simultaneously with the potential of the future waiting to spring forth through our actions. It is a sobering thought to be mindful of, as it is only this moment that we have control over. By the same token, we cannot limit our expression of gratitude to a few select people.
The act of showering, besides literally helping to clear my head also serves metaphorically as a reminder to reflect on the benevolence of Grace and express gratitude for:
- being well and able to take care of my daily needs
- the hot/cold running water available at the flick of the wrist
- the ability to enjoy the pleasurable sensation of water trickling over my body
- being able to drink from the water source by the simple act of turning my head up, while so many others are unable to access clean water
Each breath inhaled is the start of a new life “time” and affords us the opportunity to thank those around us and others not physically present.
wealthisnotmoney 
Wow! Good luck with this worthy endeavor.
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My late father used to say that phrase ‘Wealth is not money’ to us all the time. As children and young adults who dreamt of Ferrari’s and Maserati’s we just couldn’t understand what that meant and so I asked him one day and he said ‘you are my biggest wealth. All four of my children and my wife are the biggest wealth I could have!’ He also used to dismiss ownership of items – watches, pens etc and used to often tell us that in time possessions come to own us not the other way around.
Thank you for bringing back those memories and for reminding me about the attitude of gratitude! Looking forward to more!
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Keep writing. Keep inspiring. Keep caring.
As Shagorika aptly said “There are so many people that guide us, mentor us, show us the way, care for us, about us, and are there for us”. You should know you are one to me as to many others.
God bless.
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Pankaj- I’m a little late to the party but that meant I was able to read three of your thoughtful blogs all at once. They are beautifuly written and reading each I was reminded of the joy in friendship, family, stillness and even loss. I’m so glad you have begun to put these words down in a place I can visit them when needed.
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