The past two times that I have worked with a needle and thread, I noticed a deep concentration and an odd kind of commitment I felt to finishing what I started. How literally, ‘in my hands’ it is to start and finish or not! There’s no one watching you sewing that button, darning a tear or embroidering something and so there is no expectation … but something interesting happens; you notice how patient you are with yourself.
Category: Wax & Wane with Neerja
WAX AND WANE WITH NEERJA: I WISH I WERE A COCONUT
“Actually, you can think of it as “The Giving Tree” the “Swiss Army Knife” of the plant kingdom, and “Kalpavriksha”, which in Sanskrit means “tree of heaven” signifying a myth that it will produce whatever is asked of it.”
WAX & WANE WITH NEERJA: IT’S ONLY MORNING WHEN THE SUN RISES
Special children are special because with them, what you see is what you get. They express feelings, unabashed, that tug on our hearts. For so-called “normal” people it can get awkward and discomforting to accept this raw truthfulness of emotions.
WAX & WANE WITH NEERJA: BID SOME TRICKS!
I have two distinct images of people playing cards, my college mates, smoking, downing beers and biryani, gambling behind their parent’s backs, in noisy laughter and talk. The other, soirées hosted on felted mahogany card tables, cigar-in the-mouth, suited gentlemen wafting trails of Old Spice and Tabac, and perfumed, chiffon clad, coiffured ladies, bidding in even tones, as gloved bearers, served delectable tea and refreshments on shining silverware.
WAX & WANE WITH NEERJA: COLOUR ME QUICK!
Looking up after a rainstorm to see the gentle glowing colours of a rainbow is a magical moment.
There is something about colour that fills me with so much positivity.
Each colour means something special.
WAX & WANE WITH NEERJA: MINDFUL TREEDOM
“A tree teaches us valuable lessons from seed to tree.Its seed is buried under the earth and it has to shed its coat under this weight to sprout ~ to be born, to take its new form.”
WAX & WANE WITH NEERJA: THE PERFUMED TERRACE
“My maternal grandfather Lala Kailashpati Singhania’s home was a lovely bungalow with a beautiful garden, inspired by the English garden landscapes. The large open lawns were dotted with exotic flower beds; a greenhouse for his rare Orchids nestled amidst tall trees on one side and stone archways laden with Madhu Malti creepers on the other led to a swimming pool and the glasshouse where he entertained guests.”
WAX & WANE WITH NEERJA: LET’S DO THIS TOGETHER
“As the world shrinks into the palm of my hand, I came to learn that what is widely considered a quintessentially Indian street snack with its tightly packed spicy goodness, has come to us from across the world, centuries ago!”
WAX & WANE WITH NEERJA: LIFE IS A STRETCH
“Am I just vegetating in my comfort (dead)zone? I really shouldn’t be so complacent in my comfort zone, I think to myself!”
WAX & WANE WITH NEERJA: ZOOM OUT PLEASE!
“People had to engage with each other through small video boxes on screen and zoom “parties” and “meetings” were commonplace. My friend whose family is scattered all around the world and country, told me excitedly how a nephew would organise Sunday zoom parties.”
Wax & Wane with Neerja: He Is at Rest
By Neerja Shah From the moment Julius pranced into my life, fourteen years ago, I had this predominant thought, “I am happy,” I am his,