Void

(a poem written on 29 July 2019)

Void

The empty chair

The missing stare

So full of care...

Void

The bare bed

Words unsaid

Heart full of lead…

Void

The still cane

A closed pane

Weeping rain…

Void

Absent look

Quietened nook

Unopened book…

Void

A closed sill

The numb feel

House gone still…

Void

Poignant space

Reminiscences trace

The bond of grace…

Void

Memory pond

Forever fond

Immortal bond…

~ Pravin K Sabnis

Performing

Last Saturday, renowned singer, Gauri Pathare was speaking as chief jury at the 14^th Samraat Sangeet Sitara – a contest for Indian classical singers. She had words of guidance for the contestants. She defined the meaning of the term ‘performing arts’.

Pathare said that it was pertinent to note that the term was ‘performing’ not ‘performed’. She underlined the relevance of current performance irrespective of previous show. Hence we must focus to be better at all times.

She also made the point of setting the sights on a higher bar so that one always falls short of getting there. Such an approach results in an awareness that the best is yet to come. And this awareness keeps us rooted as well as spurs us to greater skies!

It is said so well that ‘best is yesterday… today be better!’ So often, so many of us are content with previous performance. We get lulled into complacency or arrogance that comes from a feeling that success has been achieved.

While we must celebrate our successful performances, we must not lose focus on the ongoing acts. When we concentrate on the ‘performing’, we ensure the right flow. Resting on laurels creates a stagnancy that stifles potential. The way to ‘performing’ is to keep on carrying out the mission by keeping a challenging vision.

Let go of the past performances old

Performing will take you to true gold!

~ Pravin K Sabnis

Worthwhile

Pedro took his father for an annual medical checkup. His father was not ready to go through the routine, as he felt that he was hale and hearty. When the results arrived, Pedro’s father threw a fit.

The reports declared that everything was in order. Pedro’s father grumbled, ‘I knew all was okay… it is a waste of your money… and my time!’ Pedro asked, ‘would you have been happier if the reports had confirmed major issues?’

So often, so many of us are seized by a disproportionate expectation on every return of investment. We worry whether time, money, or effort spent is worth the while! We set the anticipation and are distressed by the lack of fulfilment of that expectation.

Is it necessary to do a medical check-up only when ill? Should a vehicle go to the mechanic only when things go wrong? Should we do things only when they are inevitable? Should we sort issues only when they loom large?

While it is okay to keep an eye on the worth of our while, it is silly to be over obsessed by it. It is worthwhile to spend time, money and effort to even just confirm that things are okay… whether it is to confirm the status of our health, plans or relationships. It can be worthwhile to do things even when the situation does not overtly demand it!

Don’t be over obsessed by excessive expectation

Worthwhile are also acts sans single anticipation!

~ Pravin K Sabnis

Goodwill

Over the last sixteen years, Monday Muse has missed out only due to lack of internet connectivity. On Mondays, when I found it difficult to write something, I would go to the archives and reinterpret an earlier musing. However, last Monday the gap was due to a void in real life… the passing away of my muse – my mother!

In the aftermath of the death of a dear one, one discovers the departed personality through the stories shared by others. While many accounts were new to me, there was a common phrase to describe my mother… everyone confirmed that ‘she bore no ill will’ to anyone, not even to those who wronged her!

She had a fair share of persons who were unfair to her. She had seen hard times and had faced hostility and crooked behavior. When asked how she could respond with goodwill at all times, she would say, ‘I cannot change the way others behave… but I can choose the way I do!’

She would quote the poet-saint Kabir who wrote so well

‘Kabira khada bazar mein, maange sab ki khair

Na kehu se dosti, naa kehu se bair’

(In the market stands Kabir, with goodwill for all;

no favour for anyone nor any ill will)

Goodwill is to wish someone well. And to do so, one has to overcome ill will. It is okay to be hurt, angry or sad due to unacceptable behaviour of others, it is okay to argue or quarrel with them… but it is not okay to wish them ill. When we bear ill will, we lose our humanness. We get consumed by the anger or misery that the ill will throws back.

Goodwill is an intangible asset that adds to our worth. When we wish someone well, we hold onto compassion, kindness and cheerfulness. Goodwill for others makes for a happier person who exudes the joy that comes from freedom from bitterness. Like my mother whose goodwill now lives in the hearts of many!

Never let hurt trigger off ill will

Choose the asset of goodwill!

~ Pravin K Sabnis