Worried

Theme: Emotions

This is another common emotion. It arises from anticipation of potential problems or dangers. In a small measure, it's helpful, but if it crosses a threshold, it can damage our mental and physical well-being.

Worry stems from our fear of the unknown when we know that we don't have control of some events.

The causes can be quite vast and varied. For example, personal concerns such as health, relationships, exams, job interviews, financial stability, etc. 

On a broader level, even environmental and social issues can trigger worry in us when we are overcome by the need to protect ourselves and those we love from harm.

I have wondered if animals also experience worry. I think they do in the form of fear. Haven't seen our cats and dogs looking scared when they are worried about their safety, especially?

I have read that worrying beyond a point doesn't help in any way. However, worrying alerts us to potential dangers and helps us take adequate steps to ensure that everything is okay.

One good tactic is to preempt worrying situations and avoid exposure to them.

But if we are in such a situation and we feel worried, it's better to calm down using techniques like mindfulness or meditation. These techniques help us be grounded in the present and reduce the tendency to ruminate over future problems over which we have no control.   

Identifying the cause of worry and developing a plan of action can provide a sense of control and direction.

Exercise can be an effective way to reduce stress and improve our sense of emotional well-being.

Of course, talking to friends and family or anyone whom we are comfortable confiding in can help enormously.

(I'm participating in #AtoZChallenge and #BlogchatterA2Z)

Vibe

Theme: Emotions

This is an emotion that is very common, but we usually don't pay much attention to it.

You walk into a restaurant, and you feel comfortable with everything and everyone around you: the music, the people, the lighting, the general ambience.

The warmth that you feel when you meet old friends.

We say we vibe with someone when we connect at a deeper level, evoking mutual understanding, shared interests, and easy rapport.

Vibes are felt, not seen. They're a combination of visual cues (think lighting, decor), sounds, smells, and even the body language of the people around you. 

The vibe is all about a certain energy that you feel, which puts you at ease.

It's not confined to a single emotional spectrum; rather, it can be positive, negative, or anywhere in between, depending on the context and individual perceptions.

It can also be negative when nothing around you seems to be right.

It's said the positive affirmations that come from vibing with someone can enhance our mental health, provide a sense of meaning, and contribute to our overall physical health.

Conversely, negative vibes can drain energy, create discomfort, and contribute to feelings of isolation.

Therefore, being mindful of the vibes we emit and surround ourselves with can be a form of self-care, a way to nurture our mental and emotional health.

(I'm participating in #AtoZChallenge and #BlogchatterA2Z)

Uneasy

Theme: Emotions

This word reminds me of the famous Shakespeare quote: Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown. 

Many achievements and attributes look glorious from the outside, but inside that person, they weigh a ton. 

If I am uncomfortable, restless or apprehensive, I am uneasy. 

Some instances that make me uneasy:

A dress that doesn't fit me properly.

Someone who is not known to me gets too close.

Inappropriate comments or mocking statements and comments.  

When people don't respect other people's choices and views.

When I am expecting something that I have a feeling will not be a pleasant experience.

How I deal with it:

Accept and face it head-on.

Change the topic. Focus on something else.

Do something constructive and focus on it.

Turn to my 'comfort bank' and pick something that makes me feel good.

(I'm participating in #AtoZChallenge and #BlogchatterA2Z)

Thrill

Theme: Emotions

It can be anything from intense excitement to a sense of anticipation. 

Sports provide many thrilling moments. 

Indian space scientists' landing a craft on the south pole of the moon—the first time anyone had done that — was a thrilling moment to watch live on television. 

For journalists, covering historic events can be thrilling. 

For others, skydiving or bungee jumping can be thrilling, the intellectual triumph of solving a complex problem, or the emotional high of a romantic encounter. 

It is the adrenaline rush before a big moment or the dopamine rush from achieving a long-sought goal.

However, remember, one person's thrill can be another person's boredom or even fear! 

Most thrilling moments have positive effects on our emotional well-being. They definitely elevate our mood because they have a feel-good impact. 

They can make our lives exciting and leave many unforgettable moments to cherish later.

(I'm participating in #AtoZChallenge and #BlogchatterA2Z)

Suprise

Theme: Emotions

Surprise is when the unexpected occurs. When it's good, it's a surprise; when it's bad, it's a shock.

My wife and I had a surprise a few months ago. Read about that here. 

Birthday surprises are quite common. An unexpected phone call from your long-lost friend is another example. 

Some facts can be surprising. For example, Australia is wider than the moon! The diameter of the moon is 3,400 km; from east to west, Australia is 4,000 km.

When we are surprised, it sets off a cascade of neurological events that heighten our senses, preparing us to deal with the unknown.

Surprises can break the monotony of daily life, bringing a sense of novelty and excitement. Positive surprises, like an unexpected gift or kind gesture, can boost our mood and enhance our overall happiness. 

It's the unpredictability of surprise that keeps our emotional world vibrant and dynamic.

Surprising someone can show thoughtfulness and bring joy, potentially strengthening relationships. 

However, if not done with consideration for the other person's feelings and circumstances, it can backfire. 

In the unpredictable journey of life, surprises often make the most memorable stories and teach us the most about ourselves and others. 

So, here's to the surprises that await us around every corner – may they always keep life interesting.

(I'm participating in #AtoZChallenge and #BlogchatterA2Z)

Regret

Theme: Emotions

This one is a complex one. It's complex because it can be a positive emotion as well as a negative one, depending upon how we deal with it.

Regret is about what could have been. There is often an element of sadness and disappointment that goes along with regret.

It could be about words not spoken, opportunities missed, or even words spoken. Regrets are usually about something that went wrong. 

It can be a burden on the psyche, leading to rumination and stress. It can make one extremely guilty.

On the other hand, regret or remorse (a more intense and deeper form of regret) indicates sincerity about something that went wrong.

Regret is best seen as a learning experience. It guides us to better choices in the future.

Someone said, "I don't regret anything in life because what I did or how I did was the best I could have at that time. So, there is no point in regretting."

That's a good and positive way of looking at something that went wrong in the past.

(I'm participating in #AtoZChallenge and #BlogchatterA2Z)

Quietness

Theme: Emotions

This is not exactly an emotion. But some emotions can be related to it.

Personally, I am quiet, and I like quietness too. But not silence, though. There is a shade of difference between the two.

In our fast-paced, information-saturated world, quietness is a rarity.

But the fact is that an environment shorn of noise offers strength and beauty. 

Actually, being quiet is not just about the volume of sound or noise. It can mean a lot more.

Being quiet allows us to instrospect, reflect and also process our thoughts.

We are able to observe our surroundings better and gather information before we speak. 

We are also able to listen to other people. There is no better way to connect with people than to be a good listener.

When we are quiet, we are at peace, and that goes a long way in ensuring healthy emotional well-being.

Some people mistake a high volume of sound to be an indication of authority. It might be in the short term. In the long run, it doesn't help.    

Similarly, quietness can be mistaken for weakness. But, decisiveness and firmness, when warranted, would indicate the inner strength of quietness.

So, embrace the power of quiet observation, thoughtful reflection, and the strength that comes from a calm mind.

(I'm participating in #AtoZChallenge and #BlogchatterA2Z)

Pleasure

Theme: Emotions

I wrote about happiness on April 9. No, pleasure is not the same as happiness. They may be siblings, but they are definitely not twins!

Both are triggered by the chemical dopamine, but something that gives you pleasure is a fleeting, sensory-driven experience. It's the first step to being happy, which is a more sustained feeling of contentment, well-being, and fulfilment.

Writing a blog post can be a pleasurable activity, and the feeling one gets after completing a post is happiness.

A pleasurable activity makes us happy, relaxes us, reduces stress, and makes us feel optimistic. Sharing pleasurable experiences creates stronger bonds between people.

DIMINISHING RETURNS

But don't chase pleasure too much. That is addiciton, like to sugary foods or video games.

There is a theory of diminishing returns. The more you chase it and experience it, the less intense it becomes. That will lead to more stimulation to feel satisfied, which is not good.

SAVOUR SLOWLY

So, what is the way out? Engage in a variety of activities and explore different sources of pleasure to keep things interesting and prevent boredom.

Slow down and truly appreciate the pleasurable experience rather than rushing on to the next one.

Pleasure is a gift, a reminder of the good things in life. It can enhance our emotional and physical well-being and create a life filled with delightful moments. 

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Optimism

Theme: Emotions

When I think of this word, what comes to my mind is a glass half filled with water.

In childhood, I was told that looking at a glass as half-full is optimistic and looking at it as half-empty is pessimistic and that it's essential to be optimistic in life.

Optimism is the expectation of positive outcomes and a focus on the bright side of life. It is also a belief that things will ultimately turn out well.

One of my uncles used to say that optimism is not just about being positive; it has a profound impact on our well-being. Optimists are healthier, happier, and more likely to bounce back from setbacks.

REALISM

But isn't optimism an unrealistic concept? Is it not about just building castles in the air?

He used to correct me, saying that optimism is not about believing that there are no problems or obstacles. On the contrary, it's about accepting that there are problems and that you have the ability to overcome them.

It is the difference between saying, "It's doomed," and saying, "No, we can find a way out."

HOW TO BE OPTIMISTIC

Like anything constructive in life, optimism takes effort. We have to train our brains to see the glass as half full rather than half empty.

Look at challenges as opportunities. Instead of 'why', as 'why not'?

Consciously take time out to appreciate the good things in life.

Be friends with positive people.

By developing a more optimistic outlook, you can navigate challenges more effectively, build resilience, and ultimately, live a happier and more fulfilling life.

FOR ME GLASS IS HALF FULL

I am optimistic. I have cultivated that trait over the years.

The best indication of that is my participation in this Challenge. I knew it would be tough, but I told myself that it was possible. I am barely managing it.

I was travelling last week, and got back to Bengaluru only last Sunday. 

That is why I haven't been able to visit the blogs of the other participants or comment on them.

But I will surely catch up. Blog posts will remain, they aren't going to vanish.

(I'm participating in #AtoZChallenge and #BlogchatterA2Z)

Nervousness

Theme: Emotions

Unpleasant but not uncommon.

It's a normal human response to a perceived challenge. 

Medical professionals say it's our body's way of facing a stressful situation by releasing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones increase our heartbeat, breathing, blood flow, etc.

What are these stressful situations? 

Fear of something, uncertainty, uncomfortable social interactions, situations for which one is not ready, new or unfamiliar environments, overwhelming responsibilities or deadlines, etc.

Many people use nervousness as a trigger to be alert, focused and move forward with determination.

Nervousness is something that happens to everyone. Here are two anecdotes as mentioned in NBC's Today.

Sophia Loren's 1962 Oscar award for Two Women was the first time an actor had won for a foreign-language film. However, she was too nervous to attend the ceremony, later saying that she thought she'd faint if she actually won. Two weeks later, the award was given to her in her Rome apartment.

Mildred Pierce was Joan Crawford's comeback movie, but she was so nervous about the Academy Award ceremony in 1946 that she stayed home, claiming she was sick. As soon as she found out she'd won, she called her makeup team together to make sure she was camera-ready so she could pose with the Oscar.

Butterflies in your stomach? Maybe success is in the air!

(I'm participating in #AtoZChallenge and #BlogchatterA2Z)

Motivation

Theme: Emotions

Motivation is the driving force behind our actions. It is the fuel that keeps us moving forward even when the going gets tough.

Coming to think of it, motivation is the reason we do something. Take blogging, for example. Something is making me write blog posts. 

Motivation can stem from basic needs, emotional desires, or personal goals, and it varies greatly from person to person.

Where do I look for motivation? It's there in and around us.

For example, stories of people we admire, the beauty of nature, the thrill of creativity, the satisfaction of overcoming a challenge, the desire to make a difference, to improve our lives, to fulfil a sense of duty, a supportive comment, a compelling book ... the list goes on.

Can motivation help me achieve everything that I want? Not really. Motivation is the first step. I have to follow up on that with actions.

What if I am not getting motivated? That is a common problem, but it is not unresolvable. Look for situations or things that provide a positive impact, such as friends who are comfortable to be with. Set small and achievable goals and use them as stepping stones to move ahead.

As mountaineer Edmund Hillary said, "I think it all comes down to motivation. If you really want to do something, you will work hard for it."

So, look for what you want. Get started. Get going.

(I'm participating in #AtoZChallenge and #BlogchatterA2Z)

Love

Theme: Emotions

This is a word that we throw around a lot.

I love pizza!

I love my dog!

I love you!

This little four-letter word has many shades of meaning because it's a spectrum, a kaleidoscope of emotions and connections. 

Love isn't just romantic; it's also the bond between friends, the protective instinct of a parent, and even the passion one feels for a hobby or vocation.

It can be disarming as well as therapeutic. 

Love can be synonymous with duty and responsibility.

It is also about what makes our lives easier or things that we enjoy. Like, our love for our favourite apps or food.

In a social context, love is the driving force behind movements that seek to create a better, more equitable world.

It's about compassion, empathy, and a desire for the greater good. 

The love for humanity.

(I'm participating in #AtoZChallenge and #BlogchatterA2Z)

Keenness

Theme: Emotions

I'm not too keen on spicy food, but I'm willing to give it a try. 

My brother is keen on learning history.

The team is keen on going on an excursion to boost morale.

Keenness is an emotional state that we are very familiar with. 

There is a lot of enthusiasm and a strong desire to engage with something that is close to our hearts.

Keenness is as much about passion as about aspiration. It is also a source of happiness. 

It is a positive emotion that drives us forward. 

The excitement that comes with keenness fuels our drive. We are eager to learn, explore, and achieve, pushing ourselves further than usual.

When we are keen on something, our minds buzz with ideas. New perspectives and innovative solutions emerge. 

However, we need to approach keenness with a bit of caution. If we don't get what we are keen on, that might lead to sadness and disappointment.

Therefore, it's important to balance keenness with patience.

(I'm participating in #AtoZChallenge and #BlogchatterA2Z)

Jealousy

Theme: Emotions

We know this emotion isn't good, but let us accept that it does creep into our system at some point.

Jealousy is an emotion that is a fixture in many movies and soap operas.

Teenage is the time when it seems to strike us really hard.  

Jealousy is widely described as a response to perceived threats to valued relationships or possessions.

It could be a lover's affection, or a friend's closeness, or even a coveted position in our office.

This emotional state makes us insecure, and it leads us to do something to protect what we see as our own.

Though it can be destructive, psychologists say that if channelled properly, it can be a powerful motivator. It can push us to improve ourselves.

I am told there is something called "healthy" and "unhealthy" jealousy.  

Healthy jealousy recognises the threat but focuses on self-improvement. Unhealthy jealousy becomes possessive, leading to manipulation and control.  

Though considered a vice, it's not possible to totally insulate ourselves from jealousy. That is because it stems out of our social interactions, from our attachment to what we consider ours.

It is important to realise if this emotional J virus has crept into our minds. That is possible only through some form of introspection.

Since jealousy comes from extreme attachment, the only way out is to detach ourselves.

We have to learn the concept of 'let go'.

The feeling of jealousy has to be seized as an opportunity to moderate ourselves and guide us towards a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the relational world.

(I'm participating in #AtoZChallenge and #BlogchatterA2Z)

Intrigued

Theme: Emotions

Collins Dictionary definition of 'intrigued': If you are intrigued by something, especially something strange, it interests you, and you want to know more about it.

It describes a state of mind that is curious and on a relentless pursuit of understanding.

It is the transition from the unknown to the known.

It is the foundation of science. 

Think of children -- the epitome of curiosity. They are constantly intrigued, and they are always asking questions.

Think of Isaac Newton and the falling apple.  The familiar became strange, and Newton's curiosity propelled him to unravel the laws of gravity.

We often find people happy with anything that conforms to their line of thought. They are always happy to agree.

A society in which people lack a scientific bend of mind is unhealthy and stagnant.

To be intrigued is a desirable feature of the human mind. 

It compels us to look beyond the surface, to peel back the layers of the mundane, and to reveal the extraordinary that lies beneath.

If no one is intrigued, there will be no progress, innovation, or growth.

(I'm participating in #AtoZChallenge and #BlogchatterA2Z)

Happiness

Theme: Emotions

From yesterday, I move to the other side of the coin today.

Everyone has a reasonably good idea of what grief is. But most people find it extremely difficult to define happiness. 

It is like a butterfly, beautiful and delicate, fluttering just out of reach.

It's so elusive that it has spawned multimillion-dollar wellness industries thriving on the patronage of people who are chasing that elusive H word. There are those self-help books to the latest mindfulness app.

Happiness is a journey, not a destination. And sometimes, it's okay if that journey includes a pit stop for ice cream.

Just smell the roses.

The perfect cup of coffee. 

The way your pet welcomes you back home from a tiring day in the office.

It's running into your long-lost friend who meant a lot for you in your life. 

It's the selfie for Instagram.

It's also the chaos of life and coming up trumps. 

It is also the triumph over adversity. 

Happiness is not a one-size-fits-all hat that one can pick up at a philosophy department store.

It is a dress tailor-made to fit each person's shape and size.

Remember, the dress is self-stitched. 

No one can give us happiness. We find it ourselves. 

As the Dalai Lama said, "Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions."

(I'm participating in #AtoZChallenge and #BlogchatterA2Z)

Grief

Theme: Emotions

This is a negative emotion, but it is a reality. We can't wish it away; we have to accept it.

Someone described grief as an unwelcome guest who has eaten up all our tasty emotional cookies.

It is also referred to as the emotional equivalent of a hiccup — unexpected, often inconvenient, and sometimes embarrassingly loud in public places.

Grief is triggered by the loss of someone or something dear to us. We have all experienced it at some point.

Just as a coin has two sides, grief is the other side of joy in life. One doesn't exist without the other.

AN ANCHOR

Many philosophers have said that our lives are shaped by people with whom we interact. When they leave us, we learn to come to terms with the reality of life without them.

The Truth About Forever is a novel by Sarah Dessen in which she tackles the theme of grief. 

She says: "Grief can be a burden, but also an anchor. You get used to the weight, how it holds you in place.”

It teaches us to confront the limitations of reason and embrace the unknown. 

Grief can be disruptive. But if we navigate it with courage and compassion, it can make our lives more purposeful and meaningful.

(I'm participating in #AtoZChallenge and #BlogchatterA2Z)

Frustration

Theme: Emotions

Traffic jams when you are rushing to someplace.

Unable to locate the car key when you are just about to leave home.

Relatives/friends/colleagues disagree with you when they should be agreeing.

That's when our expectation doesn't match the reality.

That's frustrating!

A very commonplace scenario that everyone can relate to.

If frustration lasts too long, it can lead to anxiety or even depression. That is not a good sign.

WHAT IS THE WAY OUT

Here are some ways to manage frustration:

Pause and take a few deep breaths.

Analyse what is annoying. If it is beyond our control, set that aside and focus on something that is in our control. 

If what is annoying is in our control, see what can be changed to make it work. 

Exercise. It's a remarkable way to get situations under our control and manage them.

IT CAN BE GOOD

It makes us look for solutions. It's a learning opportunity. Something new will emerge from frustration.

It makes us stronger and more resilient. It teaches us to be positive even when things aren't going as planned.

But it's essential to strike a balance.

Recognize when frustration becomes detrimental, and seek healthy outlets or support to manage it effectively.

As American entrepreneur, academician, social psychologist, author, and screenplay writer Bo Bennett said, "Frustration, although quite painful at times, is a very positive and essential part of success." 

(I'm participating in #AtoZChallenge and #BlogchatterA2Z)

Excitement

Theme: Emotions

Excitement is an emotional state that is characterized by feelings of enthusiasm, eagerness, and plenty of energy.

We are excited when we eagerly await something that we long for. We are excited when we get that.

For some people, social interactions, like spending time with friends or meeting new people, generate a buzz of excitement. 

Overcoming challenges and experiencing success, even in a very small measure, whether personal or professional, is exciting for me. 

So also watching nail-biting, edge-of-the-seat games. For example, Glory at Gabba.

I am excited to travel to new places. For example, seeing Ballarat mines in Australia or visiting Nagaland).  

Sensory stimuli, such as vibrant colours, pleasant scents, or stirring music, can activate the senses and spark excitement in some people.

It's the anticipation of these experiences and the potential for positive outcomes that typically set the stage for an excited response.

DOPAMINE 

While all these can be external stimuli, physiologically, we feel excited because of the release of a chemical called dopamine.

We anticipate something pleasurable (like a delicious meal, a surprise gift, or a thrilling movie).

Our brain releases dopamine, creating a sense of excitement and motivation.

When we experience the actual reward (that tasty burger, the gift, or the movie), dopamine reinforces that feeling of excitement.  

AMUSEMENT VS EXCITEMENT

Amusement is more light-hearted and entertaining, while excitement is more intense and deep. 

Amusement can be a response to humour or playful situations, but excitement is more about a passionate engagement with an experience.

Watching a comedy show can be amusing but riding a roller coaster will be exciting.

WHAT ABOUT YOU

Which among the above excites experiences you?

(I'm participating in #AtoZChallenge and #BlogchatterA2Z)

Desolation

Theme: Emotions

When you hear the word desolate, one image that comes to mind is a barren land. But desolation is also a human emotion: a state of loneliness, despair, and loss.

One can feel desolate because of many reasons. 

The passing of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or the loss of a job.

A feeling of disconnect with friends, family, or society.

A traumatic event.

If one doesn't get what one was long for.

There is no one who hasn't felt desolate or lonely at some point in life.

Many studies have highlighted that loneliness is a pressing global health threat, affecting people across borders and demographics. 

Approximately one in four older people experience social isolation. Between 5% and 15% of adolescents also feel lonely.

IT'S TEMPORARY

Like everything else, this is not permanent. It's transient. It is temporary. 

The first step to tackling this emotion is to accept it. Then, take steps to get out of it.

Acceptance means acknowledging it. Talk about it to someone. It could be a trusted friend, a colleague or relative, or even a professional counsellor. 

I know this might not be easy. But this is the best possible way out of a difficult situation.

Figure out what activities leave you with a pleasant feeling of accomplishment. Do them. It could be anything from gardening to learning a new language.

Focus on goals that are easily achievable because the sense of achievement is highly therapeutic.

Ironically, when we have so many social media platforms that help us connect with people, the very same social media platforms can be the cause of the feeling of desolation and depression.

It's extremely important to be realistic. Moderation in our approach and interaction is essential. Never overdo anything. Have a sense of balance.

There isn't a templated solution to desolation. The trick is knowing what works best for each person.

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

What is your favourite stress buster?

(I'm participating in #AtoZChallenge and #BlogchatterA2Z)

Calmness

Theme: Emotions

A state of peace, tranquillity, contentment. 

Absence of agitation, worry, or strong emotions.

An ability to keep one's cool in the face of extreme pressure. 

All these symbolise calmness.

Needless to say, this is an admirable emotion in any person, especially in these times.

A calm mind can analyse situations clearly, weigh options rationally, and make sound decisions. 

Calmness means less stress. Less stress means better physical and mental health.

Calmness also means patience and empathy, which translate into stronger relationships. 

In workplaces, calm people tend to be more efficient and productive.

But beyond a limit, calmness can metamorphose into complacency, which is not a good attribute.

Excessive calmness can lead to procrastination and missing opportunities and goals. 

Calmness should not mean suppressing emotions that need to flow out. Bottling up emotions is unhealthy.

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

Are you generally calm or impulsive?

(I'm participating in #AtoZChallenge and #BlogchatterA2Z)

Bewilderment

Theme: Emotions

This is an emotion that combines confusion, surprise, amusement, or sometimes even shock. We are completely taken aback by an encounter, and it can be disorienting as well.

Bewilderment can stem from a situation, a piece of information, or even someone's behaviour.

Some examples: 

You walk into your house and find everything sort of scattered all over the place.

A child watching a magic show.

You do a web search to find out how a plane takes off when it increases its speed on the runway. You get an explanation that you simply can't understand.

Some of the body language that indicates bewilderment are furrowed brows, dropped jaw, wide eyes, etc.

If you are bewildered by something, is it good or bad? That depends on what is causing the bewilderment or what you are unable to understand. 

The magician's tricks leave you with a pleasant feeling. 

If you are unable to understand the explanation of how an aeroplane takes off, that could lead you to learn more about something called Bernaulli's Principle.

If you find furniture at home scattered all over the place, it might trigger panic and despair. But then it's better to calm yourself and figure out the why of it.

Mostly bewilderment can be the starting point to discovering a new world of understanding.

WHAT ABOUT YOU? 

Can you recall something that left you completely bewildered?

(I'm participating in #AtoZChallenge and #BlogchatterA2Z)

Amusement

Theme: Emotions

I am glad I am starting this series with a positive emotion. 

The delightful feeling of being pleasantly entertained or finding something humorously engaging, light-hearted pleasure and joy often accompanied by laughter or smiles — that's amusement. 

This can be triggered by various stimuli, from a joke to maybe a pet's playful antics.

For instance, think of a man who, after a long and taxing day at work, sees children playing in a park and enjoying, full of fun and entertainment.

This simple act of witnessing pure joy allows him to momentarily forget his stresses, highlighting the restorative power of amusement.

Another example. A grandfather at a family reunion entertains everyone with humourous anecdotes from his life's experiences. This shared experience becomes a cherished memory, reinforcing the social fabric that connects them.

Socially, amusement can enhance relationships. Shared experiences of joy and laughter can strengthen bonds between friends and family.

Of course, many experiences today are online. There are ubiquitous humourous "WhatsApp forwards", YouTube shorts, Facebook reels, and Instagram stories.

Amusement forms the core of the multibillion-dollar entertainment industry. Comedians, writers, and filmmakers often seek to evoke this emotion, crafting their work to resonate with the audience's sense of humour.

Amusement serves as an excellent stress reliever. An entertaining show provides a form of exercise for our brain, leaving us feeling refreshed and less burdened by stress.

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

When you think of amusement, what comes to your mind?

(I'm participating in #AtoZChallenge and #BlogchatterA2Z)

A to Z Challenge 2024

I have been thinking about whether I should sign up for this year's A to Z Blogging Challenge. 

That's because next month is going to be quite hectic for me with lots of work lined up.

The reluctance to break the six-year streak is stronger than a thought to give this year's round a miss. 

What am I going to blog about? I have no clue. I will most probably write about random topics, or I might come up with a theme in the next few days.

The posts are going to be short, for sure.

I'm not certain if I will be able to do as much blog-hopping as I used to, but I'll try, especially on the days I am relatively free.

A to Z Challenge

Blogchatter

No space to fill

Forms are an integral part of our lives, aren't they? You find them at airports, railway and bus stations, government offices, banks, hospitals, and post offices. 

On these seemingly innocuous sheets of paper, we have to fill in important details that will help offices grant us access, validate our identities, or facilitate transactions. 

But rarely have I found a form that had adequate space to fill in all the necessary details.

If they are asking us so many details, why aren't they leaving enough space?

They don't realise the consequences. When space is scarce, our handwriting suffers. We squeeze letters and abbreviate words. Illegible entries lead to errors, delays, and frustration.

Insufficient space also could mean my inability to give some detail or context to the answer I am providing.

So, it's better for all if they keep us customers in mind and leave enough space.

Or, better still, switch to digital. No problem of illegibility. Expandable fields provide enough space. We will save lots of paper as well. 

What are your thoughts on this issue? Have you ever struggled with cramped forms?

(Image credit: Freepik)

Three of Us

Last night, I watched the movie Three of Us. It's a Hindi film that was released in November last year.

(By the way, I don't understand why a Hindi film should have an English title. There is nothing in the movie to justify it, either. There are many such Hindi and Malayalam films. Possibly, it is because of the demands of today's English-dominated Internet.)

Anyway, that was a digression. 

The film is about Shailaja Patankar (acted by Shefali Shah), a middle-aged woman from Mumbai who has been diagnosed with an early stage of dementia. 

As her memory fades slowly, one day, it occurs to her that she should visit the small town of Vengurla, some 100 km from Goa, where she did her schooling. She left the place 28 years ago.

The film is about all that she finds as she travels back in time.

The film is about nostalgia. It's much more than just memories or thoughts. It's about actual reality. 

It's also about the idea of time. "Later" is something that we take for granted, little realising that there might not be a "later time".

The movie is on Netflix and has English subtitles. It is a short film - 1 hour 39 mins. I hope it's available worldwide.

Surprise

Around 8 pm, the doorbell rang. My wife was wondering who might have come at that hour. 

Upon opening the door, there was my son's friend VB at the door. (My son works in Sydney, Australia.)

My wife was pleasantly surprised to see VB and told him, "Come on in!"

But VB sort of hesitated and told my wife, "There is someone who has come with me to meet you."

For a moment, she thought, who could it be.

There is a common friend of my son and VB who we knew was in the city. So, my wife's first thought was it must be him. 

And then, from behind, emerged our son, with his baggage and all.

It was supposed to be a big surprise, and it very much was!

Only a few days ago, he was on one of the regular video calls with us! And here he is!

It was so surreal; my wife couldn't believe what was happening.

I was in my office, and I wasn't told about our son's arrival. 

When I returned home from work at 2 am, as I always do, I couldn't believe it when I saw my son!

He had booked the flight tickets as early as October, and he didn't give us even the slightest hint all these months. 

Only two of his friends knew, and they all kept it a well-guarded secret.

Have you been surprised like this? Or, have you surprised someone?

(Illustration from Freepik)

Inside the Magic of Bengaluru's Chitra Santhe

What makes a work of art sell? This is something that I have always wondered about. 

Is it something that depicts reality as it is? Or something that depicts reality with a little or a lot of distortion? Or, is it something that is totally unrelated to reality?

Maybe all of these sell. It depends on what you are looking for.

All these thoughts came to my mind when I went to Bengaluru's Chitra Santhe last Sunday, Jan 7. 

That's the famous art fair of the city, wherein artists from all around the country come to showcase their work. The last time I went there was almost 10 years ago. 

This was the 21st edition of the event. It's organised by Karnataka Chitrakala Parishad in January every year. 

The entire stretch of road of over a kilometre in front of the KCP turns into a market of sorts with artists displaying their works on both sides of the street.

Every year, there is a huge number of visitors, especially in the evening. This year, apparently, some four hundred thousand people came for this single-day event.

Everyone from the curious to the aficionados come over. Why not? Because art isn't about one particular form, nor has it any limits. It exists both on canvas as well as on one's mind.

Though these artists are selling their work, they are not into it for money. It's pure passion, like for one of the artists who had come to display his works at the Chitra Santhe. Back home, his studio is next to the provision store that he runs for a living.

There was another artist who actually runs a small IT solutions company which executes projects for some of the well-known names in the industry.

Yet another was someone who had worked his way up from being a wall painter. Probably buoyed by his self-confidence, he had an enthusiastic demeanour about him. 

There was quite a buzz around his booth, and many of his works were getting sold out. They were all vignettes from various aspects of our daily lives, depictions that radiated contrast and brightness.

One of the artists told me that it's not the experts who mostly buy their works; it's the layperson, who has simply fallen in love with the creation and doesn't want to leave without possessing it.

The connoisseurs, on the other hand, spend time at the booth, staring at the works, admiring them, chatting with the artists about the intricacies and layers of the strokes and the curves.

Even if they leave without a buy, the conversation usually ends with an exchange of contact details and a firm assurance to pick up from where they left off sooner rather than later.

As one of the artists told me, "Money takes care of the material needs, but it's those smiles and nods of appreciation that stay with us forever."