Bliss of Motherhood

Found this poem scribbled on a piece of paper, the day after my baby girl was born...dedicated to my lovely daughter, Sheen...

The scent of innocence wafts in,

Through the open windows of my heart.

Senses prevail in a sublime world,

Of surrealistic splendor.

Ears behold the gurgling laughter,

Of newborn cherubins.

Water tastes like sparkling wine,

In this other world of happiness.

Eyes open to a world of beauty,

Created to perfection by an unknown hand.

Magickal wonder rests softly

On everything seen and unseen...

That of which dreams are made of,

That of which I am a part,

In sleep as well as in wakefulness.

The Bald Experiment

A few months back, I shaved off my head as a social experiment.

The reactions I got were a mixed bag and confirmed my belief in social biases and stigmas associated with lack of a mop, and the collective definition of beauty.

While some of my friends were concerned at this sudden decision, they appreciated my “badass” look and said this ‘avatar’ suited me. Some said I resembled Aung, from The Last Airbender, some said I looked like a thug, some said I was Tylor from Billions, some said I am a monk now...some jested that I should get a tattoo on my head.

A few of my Instagram followers were downright rude and asked how dare I shave my head.
My Facebook friends were a little more subtle but most liked it (maybe because they are mostly from the western world and are more used to these random acts of change).
Twitter followers was concerned if I was ok.
I’m yet to get a reaction from LinkedIn, which I’m waiting for eagerly now.
My kid hated it and was more concerned about what “people” will think. Her friends were shocked and concerned.
I had  people in the apartment complex stare at me. Most people refused to comment.

Made me think about all those people who are naturally bald or had to shave off due to chemotherapy or maybe had their hair fall out because of some side effect of something they took or some disease. The social stigma is mind-boggling! 

We need to redefine beauty as something that's not skin deep or superfluous. Beauty lies in the way you behave with someone less fortunate than you. Beauty lives in a kind word, a much needed hug, a warm smile. Beauty is when you are present for someone who needs you. Beauty is when you ae honest and caring and loving and gentle and faithful and helpful. 

Maybe its time we redefined beauty and taught our children to look beyond the physical attributes and learnt to appreciate a person's soul.

They say beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder...they also say that the eyes are the window to our souls...let the eyes look into the souls of a living being and see their innate goodness and appreciate humanity...for else, we cease to be humans when we shun, mock, tease, ridicule our brethren solely based on their physical attributes. 

Be kind...it doesn't cost a penny!