edge of awareness

I gazed out at the rippling fields, their emerald hues stretching far beneath the steady summer sun. Yet something felt amiss within my thoughts, as if there were unseen forces at work just beyond my perception. Questions had begun to emerge unbidden in my mind of late. Where did this world truly end and the next begin? What separated our experiences in this life from whatever followed? Were we merely subject to circumstance, or did some deeper design unfold moment to moment? As the gentle breeze carried whispers through the grass, I felt surrounded yet distant – present in the landscape yet apart from it in spirit. My thoughts wandered as if in a dreamscape, peering through veils I could not lift. There, just at the edges of awareness, shapes seemed to take form that defied understanding. A sense of liminality settled over me, of existing in a borderland between what is and what may come. Though the solid earth remained under my feet, within my mind’s eye another scenery revealed itself, one governed by rules beyond knowing. Try as I might to grasp the design at work, some greater Wisdom kept its counsel. All at once, the implications stirred unease within my heart. Yet beneath it surfaced too a strange consolation, as if in that very uncertainty there lay a kind of freedom. The future held its secrets still, and life proceeded as it would; for the present, it was enough to simply be.

hidden depths

Have you considered all that lies within the scope of a single human mind? We possess a capacity for thought seemingly without limits, yet most go through life exploring but a fraction of its potential. Our minds are akin to vast, uncharted landscapes hiding wonders just beyond the next rise. All it takes is for us to set forth and discover what lies in our power to uncover.

Take a moment to observe the world around you with open awareness rather than half-formed preoccupations. Look closely at a simple fruit – a banana, perhaps. Note the ingenious wrapper nature provided in its peel, protecting the nutritious flesh within while allowing seeds to disperse. Consider how from a drop of water and flecks of minerals, flowers emerge in a riot of color and fragrance.

Gaze upward at the sky. Consider the trees lining the streets. Science tells us they grew from tiny seeds, pulling carbon from the air through photosynthesis into mighty forms that support entire ecosystems. Yet how many walk by without thought for this quiet miracle? Or the birds that alight among their branches – how their wings beat faster than our eyes can follow yet grant them flight. Look closer and you see life animating even a single leaf in myriad small ways.

Mosquitoes flitting there move almost too rapidly for the eye to follow, yet the intricate motion of wings grants flight. Such observations need not stop at nature. We might reflect on where we came from – sprung from nothingness, shaped through eons, and carrying on lineages stretching back to the dawn of life. On what may come, and on seeing with new eyes what always surrounded us. When was the last time you truly pondered another person you passed, and the inner worlds they inhabit?

When was the last time you truly contemplated your own impermanence and mortality? How rapidly time passes, and the changes it brings with age. One day, you will have to leave this world of forms. Where will your thoughts have brought you by that point?

Yet in this fleeting life spins on, filled with purpose if only we have the insight to see it. Most are too engrossed in trivial distractions and egoism to reflect on life’s deeper questions. Why do we cling to temporary things when our true need lies in preparing for what’s to come? By thinking, however, we lift our gazes and perspectives.

Each new insight reminds us that within our minds exist endless unexplored lands. Imagine setting forth on that journey in full earnestness – pondering one’s very existence, nature’s ingenious designs, and life’s brief yet consequential moments. We might find greater awe, wisdom and connection. The more deeply we think, the vaster the vistas that emerge within. Truly, the possibility for knowledge and betterment contained in a single mind seems infinite – if only we make the choice to embark upon its exploration.

the boundless mind

Our minds seem limitless, capable of fathoming concepts far beyond what our physical senses allow. Yet for all its vastness, the mind resides within intricate boundaries not of its own making. Both mind and body are shaped by forces beyond our control or comprehension.

Consider the eye, doorway to the wonders and workings of the world. Through its structures – lens gathering light, retina receiving images – we peer out yet are kept protected within. Each component must fulfill its role without flaw, or the window closes. So too with other organs and systems keeping body and soul integrated, coordinated in hidden harmony.

The very faculties that allow us to perceive and comprehend our world did not originate from our own efforts but were endowed to us. How then did beings come to have such gifts as sight, hearing and thought? Not by any action or ability of their own, for these capacities preceded our existence and possession of them. Just as a builder uses tools they did not invent but are given for their work, so too were we provided with the means of awareness and reason by some Higher Intelligence that destined us with such marvels.

This Designer shows skill far beyond any earthly architect or engineer. Not just in crafting component parts but integrating them through laws and forces governing all creation. The balance upholding life itself on our inhabitable world emerges not by happenstance but intention. From microbes to stars, all obey harmonies revealing a Supreme Artisan.

Before this Creator we stand not as masters but subjects of realms beyond grasp. Yet glimpses may be found by those with eyes to see. In moments when the mind transcends bounds of self, when we feel awe before grandeur in the sky or sea, whispers of transcendence stir our souls. And in acts of goodness flowing not from selfish impulse but other-centered care, we see reflections of our true nature and purpose.

Rather than deny the Boundless One whose gifts allow our bounded minds, wisdom lies in acknowledging the Source. In surrendering self-will and aligning with universal truths of love, mercy and justice, inner peace may be found. The Great Artisan envisions far vaster designs than our small lives; in surrendering to creative currents beyond control, we find our purpose and place within the endless whole.

the true north

On the edge of thought, the traveler pauses to ponder paths branching in the distance – visions of what may come into focus as understanding expands on the journey within.

We all have internal landscapes that we brave in our search for meaning and purpose. Winding paths lead us through valleys of doubt and hills of discovery as we explore who we are and why we are here. There are no maps for this terrain, only what we find before us at each turn. The way is rarely direct. Dead ends, detours and delays will come as tests of our learning and resolve. Ideas we held as guiding stars may fade or shift as our understanding grows. Challenges arise not to halt our progress, but to strengthen our grasp of the lessons in our grasp. When we emerge from these periods of reconsideration, our vision is sharper and our steps surer.

Though lonely at times to travel inward, solitude allows deep listening to the quiet whispers of intuition and truth. Away from external noise, we can discern the still, small voice within guiding us towards our place in the larger whole. Answers that seemed simple grow complex, helping us see with wider wisdom. Questions that perplexed find clarity as perspective expands. The journey has no finish point, only deeper understanding of the scenery and ourselves with every mile. We travel not towards some distant end but into an unfoldment without end. As long as we walk open and willing to learn, the path evolves to nurture our growth. Though the way may dim at moments, light finds us when our focus turns again to wonder over wonder already gleaned. Ever onward leads ever homeward in the adventure of becoming.

shelter from storms

Beyond the veil of uncertainty lies promise of new possibility. Though the path ahead is unclear, solace and courage reside within to see us through whatever may come.

We all face times when the mind threatens to become our own worst enemy. Plagued by worries and doubts, it aims to dampen our spirits and derail our progress. However, with conscious effort, we can cultivate an inner refuge where peace resides despite life’s turbulent seasons. It is in this shelter that we find strength to withstand challenges and rediscover our sense of purpose. During dark days, a pall of gloom hangs heavy, seeking to curb our confidence and stall our forward motion. But we must remember that for every storm, calm weather lies within reach if we know where to find it. In these moments, turning focus inward provides relief. Instead of wrestling with the rains themselves, quiet observation of how they affect us brings clarity. We start to see that we are not defined by difficulties, but rather by how we choose to rise in meeting them. It is a process of patience and presence – allowing dust to settle before moving on. Through this approach, self-doubts lose power, dissolving like morning mist beneath sunlight’s warmth. Hidden landscapes of unrealized potential are then revealed, awaiting exploration when waters recede, and debris is cleared away.

Troubles will come, as is their nature, but guiding starlight also arrives to show the way forward once more, step by step. True freedom does not mean an absence of struggles but maintaining equilibrium even in turmoil’s wake. The borders of the mind are infinite; we need only find faith in what lies outward, beyond each winding turn in the road less traveled. Though unclear, this path holds promise that brighter scenes emerge if we persevere. In darker moments, solace and bravery exist inside each of us, reserves to be tapped so we can face uncertainties with courage stitched into our spiritual armor. The road shows no end in sight from where we currently stand, gazing through fog’s veil at a blurred horizon. Still, purpose and determination reinforce our resilience to weather unpredictable seasons. A steadying inner refuge gives shelter from storms that buffet us externally and internally. This allows reclamation of hope that better days approach, even if not yet clear in our view. But progress happens quietly, one faithful stride at a time.

the eternal touch of Veluppa

In this nostalgic illustration by The Border of a Mind Studios, we see my grandfather immortalized in a quiet moment from decades ago. Captured here in serene reflection, he sits on the sit out of our ancestral family home in Varandarapilly, gazing peacefully into the rain. Transporting us back to a simpler, more leisurely afternoon, this artwork is a portal into the calming atmosphere of days when life moved at a slower pace. It was in such instances of gentle inward-looking that the seeds were sown for the stories he would one day share, fueling curiosity in the generations to come. Though now only represented in lines and colors on the page, this image preserves an instant that nurtured the bonds linking past to present and promises to nourish those yet to be formed.

As the sun dipped low on the horizon, painting vibrant shades of orange across the sky, I sat on the balcony watching it set with my son Ehan by my side. His small hand gripped mine tightly as we took in the beauty of the fading daylight together. Later, when sharing this moment with my father, it sparked a memory from his own childhood. He recalled walking hand-in-hand with his father, my grandfather, exploring the world around them.  As a young boy, he used to explore the outdoors holding his Uppa’s finger, feeling the roughness of his thumbnail beneath small fingers. Gripping his fingers brought him comfort and security. His early discoveries of the world happened through that simple, grounding point of contact.

When his father passed away, my dad was overcome with grief as he held those same hands one final time. When the day came to perform Veluppa’s last rites, a profound grief overcame him. Though lifeless, those fingers represented the connection and guidance his father had provided. It was through him that my dad’s horizons had been expanded and his curiosity for knowledge kindled. As he held those lifeless fingers one last time, he was transported back to being a child exploring by his Uppa’s side. An uncontrollable sorrow welled within at losing the figure who had expanded his mind. Though the physical being was no more, the impact of that guidance lived on.

While my father acknowledges having his own limitations in life, he feels immense gratitude for the curiosity and thirst for knowledge Veluppa kindled in him from a young age with the limited means available to them at that time. That spark is what continues to propel him forward even today. I have never known my father to place importance on lavish possessions or material wealth in all my years and he values his connections above everything and has always chased his passions that are predominantly nonmaterialistic and working towards uplifting and helping people behind the scenes and not vocal about it. He finds meaning and joy in simpler pleasures, a quality no doubt shaped by cherishing moments spent with Veluppa all those years ago and going through difficult conditions during his childhood and overcoming them with resilience. And it is what he hopes will also light Ehan’s path, passing that flame from one generation to the next. Now, my father finds solace knowing a piece of his father lives on through him and will be passed down to the next generation. As Ehan grows, I hope he too will fondly recall our sunset moments together from the balcony, just as my dad remembers his time with his father. Though my grandfather never met Ehan, an element of his spirit remains within our family and will be carried forward. Memories have a unique power to bridge the gaps created by time and distance between generations. In recalling experiences of our past, we preserve the legacy of those who came before us and maintain a sense of connection even after they are gone. My father’s remembrance of his father reminds me to cherish the moments I have now creating memories with my own son that will last a lifetime.

When Ehan grows older, I believe he too will fondly recall our shared sunset moments, just as my father still sees his Uppa’s face when reminiscing their walks long ago. Though my son never knew his great-grandfather, an element of his essence is preserved within our family and will live on through the bonds and memories that connect us across time. Life is shorter than we think.

ripples of possibility

Within each of us lies incredible power just beyond the reach of conditioned thinking, if only we dare dissolve the illusions that separate our inner worlds from the magical unknown.

We often find ourselves in a routine, traversing the same paths each day without truly experiencing the present moment. Our minds become cluttered with thoughts of yesterday and tomorrow, rarely grasping the opportunities that exist right now. But if we peel back the layers of conditioned thinking, there lies an incredible power just beneath the surface. Many never unlock this power, too afraid or unwilling to step beyond the boundaries they have created. But true change only emerges when we abandon what is familiar and embrace uncertainty. Deep within each of us lies a dormant magic, waiting to be awakened when we take that leap into the unknown. It is in these moments, when we challenge the limits of our perception, that transformation takes shape.

We all have those pivotal instants that break us free, if only we allow ourselves to be present for their arrival. They come unplanned, shattering expectations and predefined roles. It is only in leaving behind preconceived walls that we discover our innate power to change lives, including our own. Each small act of courage to transcend ordinary reality branches out in ripples of possibility. The boundaries of our minds are but an illusion if we have the courage to see beyond them. In each moment lies hidden magic when we open our eyes to the miraculous right before us.

closing cycles

As one cycle concludes, the landscape transforms, leaving space for new memories to emerge, whispering tales of resilience and growth.

In the journey of life, there comes a pivotal moment when we must recognize the end of a “stage”. Holding on beyond its natural course deprives us of the joy and significance that await us in the chapters yet to unfold. Whether we label it closing cycles, shutting doors, or ending chapters, what truly matters is our ability to bid farewell to the moments that have reached their conclusion. Have you recently lost your job, experienced the dissolution of a loving relationship, or ventured into the world beyond your parents’ abode? Perhaps a cherished friendship has abruptly ceased to exist? In the face of such transitions, it is natural to dwell on the reasons behind them. We may find ourselves immobilized, refusing to take another step until we unravel the mysteries of how something so imperative and solid in our lives could crumble to dust in an instant. However, this approach exacts an excruciating toll not only on ourselves but also on those entwined in our lives – our parents, partners, friends, children, siblings – all of whom are eager to turn the page and embrace the next chapter. Witnessing our stagnation burdens them with a sense of helplessness. One of us can exist simultaneously in the present and the past, even when we strive to comprehend the circumstances that befall us.

The bygone days shall not return; we cannot forever remain as children, angsty adolescents, or resentful offspring. We must relinquish the lovers who have departed without the slightest intention of returning, ceaselessly reliving our romantic liaison day and night. Life is a procession of moments that ebb away, and our task is to bid them farewell, allowing them to find their rightful place in the recesses of the past. Painful as it may be, it is crucial to purge our lives of mementos, to relocate, to donate our possessions to orphanages, to sell or give away the books that line our shelves. Every tangible aspect of this visible world is a manifestation of the invisible realm that resides within our hearts. By freeing ourselves from certain memories, we create space for new ones to flourish. Let go. Release. Detach. This existence is not a game with predetermined outcomes; we win some, we lose some. Refrain from harboring expectations, from yearning for appreciation of your efforts, from anticipating the discovery of your genius or the comprehension of your love. Cease tuning in to the emotional television that incessantly replays the program of your suffering after a loss. This relentless replay serves only to poison your spirit. Nothing is more treacherous than refusing to accept the conclusion of a fractured love affair, a promised but indefinitely postponed job, or decisions perpetually deferred in anticipation of an elusive “perfect moment.” Before we embark on a new chapter, we must conclude the old one. Remind yourself that what has passed shall never return. Recall that there was a time when you thrived without that person or thing, for nothing is truly irreplaceable. A habit does not signify a necessity. Though evident and arduous, this realization holds immense significance. Closing cycles is not an act of pride, incapacity, or arrogance. Rather, it is an acknowledgement that the previous phase no longer aligns with the rhythm of your life. Close the door. Change the tune. Cleanse your abode. Shake off the dust. Cease being who you once were and metamorphose into the person you are destined to become.

bordered by possibility

As we release what holds us back, new possibilities break through the barriers of our minds, carried on the winds of change into the open expanses of the future.

We all carry pieces of our past with us wherever we go. Memories, relationships, ideas, regrets – they cling to our minds and hearts, weighing us down. But how freeing it would feel to release those anchors and float unrestrained into the future. To cut away what no longer fits and make space for what is to come. It is a difficult process, dropping the familiar for the unknown. But staying stuck prevents growth. We must accept that we cannot control how others see or appreciate our efforts. Comparison and expectation breed only disappointment. Our talent and purpose may remain hidden for now – or change entirely as we change. And clinging to what was can obscure what could be. So examine closely what still serves you and what has outlived its purpose. Do not hold on out of pride or habit alone. Sweep away the clutter to find clarity once more. Close one chapter fully before beginning anew. It is not a rejection of the past, but an embrace of reinvention. From the ashes of what we release rises the phoenix of who we are becoming. Change is the only constant. We must learn to flow freely with its currents rather than fight futilely against the tides. In clearing out stale leaves, new blossoms find sunlight and room to unfold. The border of a mind expands with each liberation we grant ourselves. Freedom requires leaving some things behind; the reward is an open path ahead, bordered only by possibility.

reserves of inner strength

The turbulent waters ebb and flow against our innermost boundaries, eroding anchors of stability and flooding our mental footholds with doubt. Yet within each mind lies a stout foundation, built upon reserves of courage that can strengthen to withstand even the harshest of life’s tempests. Our deepest wells of fortitude and resolve are there to be tapped when adversity demands we raise our gaze and bravely confront the uncertainties stretching darkly across the horizon.

Each new morning holds the potential to upend our usual routines. As the light of day breaks over the horizon, we go about our rituals never suspecting what unexpected challenges may lie in wait just beyond sight. Life has a way of suddenly derailing even our best laid plans without warning. It is in these unforeseen crossroads where our true mettle is revealed – whether we bend or stand resolute against the uncertainties thrown our way.

For one such individual, the defining moment came as normalcy faded into a fog of dread. A simple start to the day transformed in an instant as difficult news shattered assumptions of what was yet to come. Where stability once anchored the hours and days ahead, now only murky questions lingered. Prevailing fears and doubts crowded out rational thought. Not ready to face what hovered at the edges of comprehension, a desperate hope begged for more time to mentally prepare for life’s new crucible. But circumstance allowed no reprieve. Harsh realities could no longer be postponed, demanding courage where escape seemed the easier option. Adversity plainly posed its challenge – to collapse under the weight of distress or rise above it. Though unprepared and unwilling, staying afloat required summoning reserves of inner strength left untapped. As the initial turmoil began to recede, hard-won perspective took shape. While we can never preempt life’s harshest blows, meeting them head on with fortitude and acceptance is the sole means of carrying on. Each trial we weather grows our ability to withstand the next, as darkness inevitably gives way back to light. Though adversity arrives unbidden, with time its lessons can be learned.