SAASWATHA KRISHNA

Introduction In the last few months, the entire world has been on a state of standstill, and fear has overcome every household. The dread of an unknown, deadly illness has crept upon 7.8 billion lives. The fear of this unknown and deadly disease caused by the Covid 19 (corona) virus has shaken humanity's very core. The catastrophic effect this has brought forward has impacted millions' economic, medical, social, physical, and even psychological aspects. Covid-19 ( or SARS-COV-2) or Coronavirus Disease is a deadly and contagious disease that attacks the respiratory system. The person infected might have symptoms like fever, cough, difficulty in breathing, etc. It can be both mild and severe. The lungs are the most affected organ in this disease. Identified in Wuhan, China and now spread worldwide with around 8 Million people affected by this virus and close to 1 million deaths. What is the state of Humanity? As we continue to battle this pandemic and tackle life in t...

In the midst of worldwide despair, raging anxieties and uncertainties can we however thin, find a silver lining?  As fear throttles our day to day life and immobilises our future, we scramble for hope and ask, "Is there anything good at all in the offset of this truly tumultuous period?" Even at this stage of ambiguity and distress, the collective human spirit reassures us with everyday grace and kindness that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. We, as social beings will come through with faith and the reform of one. Unanimity and collective anxiety can be overcome by shared empathy.  Walking together, socially distanced yet interconnected by moments of laughter through a shared video, a funny GIF or endless video call minutes gets us through together. Technology has found a way to ward off the isolation that this disease and fear was trying to engulf us in.

We humans, are restricted by our own thoughts and entrapped by the facade of our limitations. The road blocks that we believe is only an abstract notion in our mind that manifests as physical blockages.  Hesitant spark of ideas when made in circles and rooms of stagnance, dies down before it gets an opportunity to become an engulfing bright flame. Many a times we too, tend to play the role of a wet blanket, even before the wheels of ideation begin. This cycle of entrapment of ideas although originates in circles of discouragement is often Internalised for years thereafter. Our ideas die before they even see the other side of innovation. Every idea/thought seems unlikely untill it has come to fruition and implemented in a form that is beyond contrivance. Throughout history, theories of innovation and momentum of change were scoffed, denied, ridiculed and abhorred.  Galileo's radical notion that the Earth revolved around the Sun ; The Portuguese Explorer,Vasco Da Gam...

 When my weight sinks into the ground and holds it with intensity, I will not reminisce over the times my body heartily challenged gravity but I will celebrate my spirit that pulls me back to my feet.  With awareness of the new found boundaries my body faces, I will not lower my head in shame or misery but bask in the glory of my skin and the beauty of my resilience despite my circumstance.

The stillness of the night sky, the faint twinkle of the stars. The reassuring deep breaths and soft chirps of birds from a distance.They all tell me to listen and to take a moment and engulf in the present. The present gives us indefinite hope for the future. The predictability of nature, reminds me that I can rest my head and close my eyes and when I wake up, the sun will be back, the birds will be chirping and my breath carries on. 

Here you go, Universe. I give me to you. The most honest, vulnerable, raw version of me. I know you won't treat me any different than billions of people in this same existence with emotions and lives as complex as mine, so I won't ask you to treat me well. I won't ask you to show special sympathy on me. I won't ask you to shower me with blessings or ask you to do everything in my favour. I ask you this. Teach me to be strong, to be tenacious. Teach me again and again the value of kindness beyond everything. Show me the worst but also keep showing me the best in humanity to restore my faith after the worst. Give me the insight to recognize that guidance comes from the toughest times.

~An ode to my body~  Irrespective of all the seasons that have passed by, my body still remains supple and full of life.  It tells me brave tales of persistence and pushing through.  My body extends itself beyond it's functionalities and purposes to teach me lessons of rebirth, kindness and the power of softness.  . . . Our bodies is our home. Give it love, give it nutrition and it gives back health and sustainability.  If you're struggling to love yourself or the body that you were born in. Take it as slow as you can. List down 5 parts of your body that you admire the most. Not just for its attractiveness but how well it functions for you.  Thank your arms for getting things beyond your reach. Thank your shoulders for carrying the weight of your intelligent brain. Thank your legs for taking you places and letting you explore. Thank your skin for its adaptability, how well it protects you and keeps your vital organs safe. Thank your heart for gi...