Author: Rhea
In the conclusion of a two days’ workshop on Negotiation, for a team whose job is collecting money from non performing assets, and people who have serially defaulted – everyday , many of the participants used the word, “enlightened” as a checkout word. Given the kind of stress they face, this word felt ..different – out of place. I was a bit taken aback, and had to stay with the changed meaning of that word over the years for me. I became aware the word had many contexts and nuance. And so I got curious. I mean, what else !! Somehow…
The Future of work is , the work of our collective future – Community Over two decades of working with Organisations and Leaders, the urgency of this has never been felt so much. Community Building needs to be one on the MOST important, forward center agenda. Both within and without the organisation. If we have to thrive and not survive in these uncertain times. In the practice of Theory U – Thinking and seeing from the evolving Future, we are here. Post Pandemic once again asking the two FUNDAMENTAL questions: Who am I ?What is my work? A conversation about…
I was talking to a new mom, who runs an incredible circle initiative for new moms and dads, and their “new” experiences which cannot be discussed without either a barrage of “well meaning” advices or a full dose of ..”when I was your age.” or even the accusatory glance or shamed eye rolls when you DON’T want to hold the baby because your back is sore and you are tired and just need a few minutes to yourself. And no, it does not make you fall from grace from some imaginary high motherhood pedestal. Anyways, she had shared in our…
I was returning home after a very fulfilling Community gathering at our One Design Studio. People told me that I have always spoken of a place like this, where different people can come together. And people feel they can belong. I was just revelling in the silence and feeling of fullness on this Full moon night. Magic seemed to be in the air. The auto driver, who was an elderly guy, covered the short distance between the studio and my home, silently too. As soon as he stopped in front of my building, and I was about to give him…
Rose rose The much eagerly awaited Mount mary’s Bandra fair has started. Like thousands of people in Mumbai and India my childhood has been sign posted around this event. After a long two year pause due to covid, it is here again. so are the people. Since I live literally right next to the Church, Last 10 days I have been waking up to novena prayers and mass starting at 5.30 am. I feel blessed to say the least. This also means I have to for the next 7 days navigate 1000s of devotees coming to this pilgrimage site, vendors…
The pathway was beautiful Surrounded by nature’s bounty The sounds of parrots, and the excitement of kites nesting And the gentle flitting of butterflies It was breathtaking. I walked the path when it was sunny and bright And the bright orange Gulmohar kept beckoning. And then it rained heavily and it was blissful To watch the rain from the large windows, from the inside And I went again To the path.. Still looking at the green around, looking up. I slipped … and fell On the green moss that had gathered, slowly but surely a little each day. And the…
Yesterday was Eid. and this immediately brings to my mind some very dear friends from childhood, of shared Biryani from a large plate and the feeling of community and abundance, of new clothes and ‘eidi” which was also a ritual my grandma followed (some pocket money specially for this day) and not to forget the amazing sweet sheerkhurma. Since we did all the festivals in their appropriate rituals, I really did not know the difference. For me they were occasions to celebrate. Untill. I remember, Ruksana, my friend in class 2. Who I took home once, when no one came…
He : “What happened ?” Me : ” Nothing..I am feeling Sad” He: “Oh.. I am sorry!!! What can I do” Me: “No don’t be sorry…what is there to be sorry about?” He: “I am sorry..you are so unhappy” Me: “I am not unhappy” He (confused) – “But you said you are sad?” Me: “yes..(more confused) ..I am sad. But I am Not unhappy” Silence (confusion continues) Not the first time, not the first person. I have been on both sides often. How we understand, talk about, refer to, or don’t make such a difference to one’s experience of self…
Don’t tell me how well you can speak.Tell me how well you can listenTo what’s not said. Don’t tell me about all the hardshipsThat you have overcome.Tell me about the simple thingsThat you have found difficult. Don’t tell me about the thunder of applause.Tell me about the crumpling soundOf your heart breaking. Don’t tell me about the brilliance of the sun.Tell me about the image of the moonNot visible. Don’t tell me about your many friends.Tell me about your relationshipWith you. Don’t tell me about all the answers that you have found.Tell me about the questionsThat you are too scared…
Empty, is such a curious word I am empty, somehow seems to suggest an end, a despondency and lacking of. Even as it is uttered. That is how it is defined anyway. That which lacks content. The jar is empty, the hall was empty, the page was empty. My mind, is empty. Which these past few days it feels like, by the way. And there seems almost a obligation to fill it. As if empty is bad, sad and undesirable. And I wonder if it really is that. Space is never empty. We seem to have equated, no content with…