The Rebelle blog

There is so much chaos in and around our lives. Everywhere one looks at, there is noise, outrage, unhappiness, distress and uncertainty. When did this happen? We have become such slaves to lifestyles that chaos has become an essential part of us. Don't we all long for some solitude? That ME time, away from people and places increasingly! There are retreats now customised solely to help us achieve this inner peace and calm that we have been searching for from the vagaries of our busy lives. Nature has become a friend suddenly. So many people go on weekend trails and hikes on mountains, which is absolutely great. It also tests our physical fitness while really getting us acquainted newly with the many facets of nature. We miss out on so many things during the daily chaos. Even children who were thought to live stress-free lives for generations are now found to suffer from depression and anxiety. This is becoming worrisome. In our longing for better lifestyles and living conditi...

I met a stranger at the railway station today morning. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I am reading "Snow" by Orhan Pamuk, with fixed attention and completely engrossed as I always am while reading. Suddenly, someone sits next to me; oblivious to the thump on the seat, I continue to read. And, then comes a question. I look up, give an answer and suddenly he starts talking. Quite into a conversation mood do we slip in; and my book gets closed. When I reply to a question as to what do I study, he is surprised by my answer. "I am an Architect", I say and he says, "I am into Construction, a builder-developer!" One thing and the other, we get talking about the transport systems, built-environment in Mumbai suburbs, building materials, my architecture philosophy and training. When I tell him, I also intend to teach he says, "I would love to become your student." Then we t...