I am learning more about the significance of small acts of kindness in our lives. My personal journey towards understanding the impact of silent support and genuine care during times of stress or sorrow is a work in process and I still struggle with wanting to take action rather than simply ‘being’ with others. But […]
Author: akashah
175. Mirrors
I have an abundance of mirrors and Buddha statues in my house, most of them in the literal sense, but I’d like to tell you about another pair of mirrors in my life – my elderly cats, Sid and Nancy. Their habits, challenges, and personality changes really mirror my own experiences of aging, solitude, and […]
174. The Past, Present and Future
“The past, present, and future walk into a bar. It was tense.” It’s so interesting to me how a joke like this prompts me to think about how these three periods interact within my life. You just never know what will spark reflection I guess. Yet here I am pondering the significance and interconnection of […]
173. What is Life?
Do you ever ponder the fleeting nature of existence? I sure do. Throughout different stages of my life—from my thirties to my seventies—I grapple with the realization that time passes more quickly than expected, like a shadow approaching a sunset. For this reason, I like to focus on cultivating kindness and discernment in my choices. […]
172. Facing the Day
I am still struggling with lingering COVID symptoms and it is really taking an emotional toll on me. Feeling exhausted, in pain, and a bit depressed, I come across an inspiring quote by Maya Angelou that prompts a transformative shift from self-pity to a feeling of openness and gratitude. This episode explores how a simple […]
171. Whining
I admit I have an inclination towards whining about minor discomforts. Not only that, I tend to downplay serious issues. In this episode, I share about my experience with COVID-19, detailing the symptoms and frustrations of being sick and isolated. And yet despite the misery, I find small moments of relief and realization about my […]
170. Nature
The difference between hurried procrastination and trusting that things will be accomplished in good time is a matter of quieting the mind, trusting the process, and not allowing the overwhelming number of tasks there are in a day to induce anxiety. While it sounds simple enough, is not always an easy endeavor. We humans like […]
169. Beauty & Don’t Plan
This episode features two short pieces reflecting on the my adventurous life and evolving sense of beauty. Inspired by a childhood admiration for fearless characters like Nancy Drew and the free spirit of wild horses, I share experiences of traveling and exploring diverse cultures in the Middle East during the 70s and 80s. Despite not […]
168. Melancholy
On this poignant Friday the 13th, I find myself consumed by a sense of melancholy. Despite years of therapy, the sadness resurfaces, prompting me to look back on past regrets and unfulfilled desires. Yet, amidst the heaviness, I recognize the countless blessings and dreams I have realized, offering immense satisfaction and fulfillment. I am learning […]
167. Finding My Way
In this episode, I share my journey of landing my first “real” job and navigating the challenges of working as a woman in the 1970s South. From a nerve-racking typewriter test to becoming a successful TV ad buyer for the Coca Cola account, I recount the obstacles I faced, including an awkward lunch meeting and […]