The Synchronicity Of Words


Mental Health, Musings, podcast

Do you believe in synchronicity? In the mysterious arrangement the Universe sometimes makes on our behalf? I do. Or rather, I don’t believe as much as watch the magic unfold, if I allow the Universe to guide me. Last week, I hosted the lovely Srividya Sivakumar for the MyndStories Minis Podcast. Now, I really don’t […]

March 16, 2023

Meeting Waseem


Everyday, Musings

I had a most interesting morning. A night of vivid dreams, turning impossibilities into presence the way only dreams can. I woke up discombobulated by the dream, feeling tugged by the past. It’s always strange when people not in your life appear like they never left.  A temple. My hand in theirs. Narrow roads. Joy, […]

March 15, 2023

The Cat’s Gifts


Musings

I have never been particularly fond of cats. Dogs, with their utter neediness and hopeless, vulnerable love, have been more my friends.  Years ago, almost two decades ago, I was nicknamed the ‘Cat’ at university. I am not sure why, but I think it had something to do with my inherent sarcasm and laziness –  […]

March 9, 2023

Finding The Fun In Life


Mental Health, podcast

How do you create a podcast that surges to the top in just 2 days? How do you create a show that knocks off a therapist talking about dating and relationships? #AskShanty He knows. I don’t consider myself a podcast host – call me a writer if you may be feeling so generous. But podcast […]

March 3, 2023

An Ode To My Valentines


Musings

February is the month of love, isn’t it? That Hallmark-magnetized celebration on February 14th?It’s only fitting that I tell you I celebrate this month with not one Valentine but five.  I am not polyamorous, but these Valentines are my forever corners – I go to bed knowing they have my back.  Meet my Valentines: Voozy […]

February 28, 2023

The Kindness Butterfly


Interviews, Writing

Have I been kind? Many times, I find myself asking this question. The answer I get each time is revealing. I am frequently unkind. To myself and others. Short with my time and words and harsh with my flaws. But what is kindness, really? I used to mistake kindness for being ‘nice.’ It resulted in […]

February 20, 2023

Sneak Peek Into The Star Whisperer


Everyday

 In 2019, I sat for a month and wrote a YA novel.  It seemed to write itself, and after it was done, I sent a few letters to publishers when the manuscript wasn’t fully formed. The expected rejections set me back, and I pushed the novel away.  But my friend didn’t let go. She kept […]

February 14, 2023

Cafe Stories: How Our Life Is A Story


Musings

Last weekend, I was sitting by a beach in coastal Karnataka. I had a week of beach-time ahead of me. Or so I thought. The sun settled into a weak haze, overpowered by a full moon that rose angrily to the sky. The next morning, as I was well into my Sunday long run, my […]

February 11, 2023

Peeking Into A Writer’s Life


Musings

Who remembers Malgudi Days? Right from the time I remember watching ‘Malgudi Days’ on Doordarshan as a kid, I have been drawn to RK Narayan’s world. It’s a world of humor, witty observations, and philosophical ruminations on life, and one that holds our humanity in the deepest compassion. There’s no better pilgrimage for a writer […]

February 10, 2023