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Reena is the host of Reena’s Exploration Challenge

Reena’s Exploration Challenge #141

Welcome back to the Exploration Challenge!

WRITING PROMPT #141 – FREE FLOW

The beauty of this week’s prompt is that there is no prompt.

I often see a medley of colors during meditation. I’m unable to label or classify those, or see definitive ideas emerging. But in general, I perform better at whatever I do in the next 2-3 days.

Spend 6 minutes on watching this video

https://aeon.co/videos/as-above-so-below-an-artist-finds-the-cosmos-in-a-microscopic-chemical-reaction

After that, just write whatever comes to mind in free flow. Let some time elapse in between, if you so desire.

We use more of strategic and lateral thinking when the thought process is fettered by a theme. True creativity emerges when it is not confined.

We never have restrictions on length and format. This week, there are no restrictions of theme or subject – no picture, no words –…

Finally! free from the drudgery

of cleaning, sweeping, swabbing,

doing utensils in four households

her heart exhilarated!

but loss of monetary independence

now dependence on dwindling doles

perturbations pained her mind!

The thing that bothered her most

a housemaid for the menial chores

lockdown gave her the chance

to break this last shackle of injustice!

but mired in all the chores from morn till night

she wonders

where her “own” independence has disappeared!

Reena’s Exploration Challenge #140

“Freeing yourself was one thing, claiming ownership of that freed self was another.”

― Toni Morrison,Beloved

I read a very scary statistic. While two thirds of Seniors, like myself, believe that democracy is the only viable form of government, only one third of millennial’s believe in democracy and are willing to try other forms of government. Have they been studying Hobbes’ Leviathan in university? Do we need a strong ruler, beyond challenge, that makes us behave ourselves, keep us from destroying each other. Do we need our Putin, Erdogan, JinPing.

Here’s another thought. What will be the expectation level of future generations…

The value of what one holds to self, self-worth, is truly an underrated virtue.In times when things go astray, when none seem to have belief in us, even a tiny ounce of self-worth comes as a blessing in disguise.

Having self-worth and exuding confidence doesn’t necessarily mean that one is being proud or selfish. It’s a positive belief that reiterates hidden capabilities, confidence, of a person.

When one doesn’t believe in oneself, even the simplest of tasks seems difficult, humungous and unachievable. A feeling of despair and doubt sets in.

Self-worth is an experience, never imprison it, liberate it. A load of good it would be for self as well as for others. Radiate self-worth, spread positivity.It’s unto each and every one of us to bring out our best. No one has a higher vested interest in yourself than you.

Captive, without cause,

Scared, a parrot in a cage,

Anonymous…

Reena’s Exploration Challenge #84

Well… we have crossed the pleasant ambiance of spring and walked into a sultry summer in this part of the world. So guys, warm up to new ideas in Week 84. I see this space as one for collective evolution.

PROMPT 

Reena’s Exploration Challenge #84

Bartering with time

belongings for longings

my unabashed soul

Foolishly clutching

its crepuscular cravings

in last bag of hope

Give it up soul, don’t you know

sadness is just homeless love

*

Mindfills for MindLoveMisery’s – Dark night of the soul  & imagism – Frank Tassone d’Verse

a celebration to end slavery
and yet
the shackles remained
white hearts in fear
with attitudes of evil

jim crow laws
lynchings
no coloreds allowed, whites only
separate but equal
mass incarceration
systemic racism
police brutality

four hundred years as kept
one hundred fifty years lied to
is 2020 the year a promise realized
freedom a reality for the minority
so cruelly enslaved in various ways
will prejudices finally be put aside

will we finally be humane?

भाने लगे हैं ये बंधन मुझे
अपनी ज़ुल्फ़ों से रिहाई न दो

प्यास ही देती है तृप्ति मुझे
छीन लो प्याला, सुराही न दो

सच मान चुका हूँ बहाने तेरे
छोड़ दो अब कोई सफ़ाई न दो

ठुकरा चुकी हो खुद जिसे तुम
अब उस रिश्ते की दुहाई न दो

न आगे बढ़ा यह फ़साना अमित
कलम तोड़ दो, रोशनाई न दो

In response to: Reena’s Exploration Challenge # 140