ordinary

Coffee and Conversations: Wisdom in Every Sip

My dad always said, “Coffee drinkers are better thinkers.” He was a wise man. I’ve never had a reason to doubt him.

These days, “Coffee?” is the answer to everything.

Questions, answers, problems—it doesn’t matter. Coffee solves it all. Especially in Mumbai. The city hums with its energy, fuelled by endless cups.

Maybe it’s the caffeine. Or maybe coffee is just a great excuse to pause, talk, and think.

Either way, I’m not arguing. Coffee?

The Potter’s Quiet Emotion

A mound of clay transforms into pots in hours. Each pot looks identical. But I wonder—does the potter feel the same shaping every one? Is there joy in the rhythm, or is it just routine?

Each curve of the clay carries a trace of his hand, maybe even his mood. A fleeting emotion, frozen in form. What stories would he share if asked about the pots?

Or perhaps, like the clay, he’s shaped by the act of creating—silent, steady, and a little mysterious.

A potter’s world is one of quiet emotion, moulded into shape.

The Ocean’s Eternal Charm

There’s something magical about the ocean. She kisses the shore endlessly, even when sent away. Her waves are calm one moment, terrifying the next. Yet, she never fails to soothe a restless soul.

Add to this the South China Sea at sunset—hues so breathtaking they need no filter. The sky and sea meet in a silent embrace, as if sharing secrets. It’s a moment that captures the ocean’s timeless charm: her power, her grace, and her quiet promise to amaze, always. Sometimes, all it takes is a glance at her to find peace.

(at Kota Kinabalu)

Travel: More Than Just Seeing

Travel does more than take you places—it puts you face to face with your biases. It forces you to notice what you usually ignore. And suddenly, new possibilities appear.

It’s not about ‘just seeing.’ It’s about feeling, learning, and understanding. When you travel with intent, the world becomes richer. You notice details, connect with people, and see life from another angle.

That’s when travel truly keeps you alive—by opening your mind and reshaping the way you see the world.

An Open Window, A World of Calm

An open window behind, a simple bench beckoning you to sit, a loyal plant keeping you company, and soft grass beneath your feet. There’s even a shade nearby, waiting for you to decide if you need it. Above you, the open sky stretches endlessly—a perfect invitation to pause and just be.

Now, imagine tossing in a book, a bottle of water, and a steaming cup of hot coffee. Sounds idyllic, doesn’t it? There’s just one catch: throw away the watch. This is not a moment for time to meddle.

This little setup isn’t just about comfort; it’s a rebellion. A rebellion against hurried calendars, buzzing phones, and endless to-do lists. It’s a reminder that life isn’t a race; it’s more like an unscripted performance under a limitless sky.

What happens when you sink into that bench? You’ll notice things—the subtle rustle of leaves, the changing hues of the sky, or the way sunlight dances on your coffee cup. Perhaps the book you brought along finally gets the attention it deserves, its pages flipping lazily in the breeze.

And if you’re lucky, you’ll discover the joy of doing absolutely nothing. Yes, nothing! It’s underrated, often mistaken for laziness, but oh, the freedom it holds. No notifications, no deadlines—just you, your thoughts, and maybe that sneaky plant that’s somehow photobombing your serene moment.

The best part? This isn’t a luxury reserved for sprawling gardens or countryside retreats. It could be your balcony, your backyard, or even a park bench nearby. What matters isn’t the setting but the mindset.

So, take the plunge. Open that window, grab your coffee, and let the sky remind you how vast your world really is—if only you’d stop to notice.

A Sense of Play: The Secret to Joy and Creativity

All you need is a sense of play. A little ease. And suddenly, laughter and joy follow.

Play isn’t just for kids. It’s what makes things work—at work, at home, and everywhere in between. Experiment. Try. Run. Jump. Do something silly.

It works. Every single time.

If you need proof, look at kids. They don’t overthink. They don’t worry about failing. They just play. And in that play, they create, explore, and discover—things, and themselves.

What if we could bring just a little of that into our daily lives? A playful mindset might just be the secret to more joy, less stress, and surprising new ideas.

So today, try it. Play. Not for a result, but for the fun of it. Let the laughter find you.

Kids do it all the time. Why shouldn’t we?

(at Alibaug Beach)

Orchestrated Moments: When Connection Breaks Through

Another morning. Another airport.

What seemed like a car was just an assortment of lights, choreographed to perfection. Orchestration rules the world now. Every movement, every detail, neatly arranged.

Amidst the glitz and precision, an old friend appears, catching me by surprise. “You haven’t changed one bit,” they say.

“I’m glad you looked,” I reply.

A moment. A hug. A smile.

Orchestration may dominate our world, but moments like these remind us there’s something it can’t choreograph—genuine connections.

And for that, I’m grateful.

(at Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport)

The Tread Within: How Character Shapes Our Marks

The treads on tyres leave their distinct marks on the ground, telling a story of grip, direction, and purpose.

It’s the same with us. What’s inside shapes how we behave, speak, and leave our mark on the world. When the tread is strong, it shows in our character and actions.

But when the tread wears out—when we let life grind us down—the marks we leave lose their distinctiveness. A bald tyre leaves no meaningful trace.

The tread within matters. Nurture it, renew it, and ensure it’s ready for the road ahead. That’s how you leave a lasting mark.

Dreams Beyond the Border

At the border, ribbons flutter in the breeze. Messages of every kind, written in hues of hope.

One catches my eye: “One Korea. One dream.”

Despite the rockets launched or speeches rattled from global podiums, these ribbons remain steadfast, carrying fervent hopes and fragile dreams.

Dreams of a different future. A longing for peace. For harmony.

Thankfully, human hope endures where politics falters.

At Imjingak, the ribbons whisper what the world sometimes forgets.

Pipes

There are pipes that surround other pipes. All carried by wheels. Which have more wheels within wheels than there are wheels!

Big pipes. Silent, sturdy, and taken for granted. They don’t ask for attention, but without them, everything stops. Water, gas, data, ideas—flow matters. And flow needs structure.

Much like leadership. The best ones don’t make noise. They don’t demand applause. They just keep things moving—efficiently, reliably, and often unnoticed.

These pipes feed us with information and ideas about the world. For our own good we better think of which pipes we drink from and what wheels power them!

(at Mumbai, India)