A Thousand Connections
By Meera Venkatesan
Learning Consultant, Performance Storyteller, Trainer, Creative writer, Bangalore
Introduction by Venkat
‘A Thousand Connections’ a poem by Meera, is another beautiful way of asking the truth-seeking question – ‘Who Am I?’ The capacity to consciously ‘see’ brings the existence of the ‘seen’. Hence the self and the universe are deeply inter-twined and the perception keeps evolving as one grows in experience and self-realization. There are different ways we realize and these are unique in formats. I elaborate on five formats here. The first format is realization through the practice of it. For e.g. Only when one loves, one perceives the love received. The second format is realization through role reversal in a relationship. For e.g. Only when we become the cause, we see the true meanings of the effects consumed like seeing value in the rules after becoming a ruler oneself. The third format is realization through the experience of it. For e.g. Only the once heart-broken can sense what another heart-broken person is going through. The fourth format is realization through understanding of the nature of the living. For e.g. understanding physical needs, emotional needs, financial needs etc. helps in being compassionate. The fifth format is realization through self-awakening. For e.g. Seeing oneself as separate from the body and mind, as separate from the ego-system that seems to drive us or seeing love as a totally non-physical concept and seeing the oneness with the universe elevates our consciousness completely on everything.
Replete with curiosity and thought provoking questions, Meera’s poetry brings every shade of wonder, doubt and experience that every seeker’s mind goes through. The title is so apt for the myriad questions and perhaps there will be no conclusive answer to this mystery. Maybe we will remain in wonder or maybe realize a state where there is nothing to wonder.
Enjoy the finely expressed potpourri of notions and emotions by Meera, strung on questions, blended on the fine tip of curiosity.
Meera is into Learning and Development for both K12 and corporates, specializing in designing and delivering story based, scenario based and experiential training. At present she is a Learning Consultant at Anahata United efforts, an NGO brightening lives with career education.
She also conducts and curates storytelling sessions for children as well as adults.
A Thousand Connections
The universe and me, What could the connection be?
Am I your daughter, much loved and always forgiven?
Free to grow and play, dance and live as I will, in your pavilion?
Or Am I your caretaker, entrusted with the task of ensuring your existence?
Always alert, on guard against those trying to destroy your subsistence?
Am I your citizen, governed by your rules and regulations?
Living and Loving the part I play, confident in your competence?
Or Am I your ruler, having conquered your heights with my might?
Holding you in my hands with the power to protect or neglect?
Am I your friend, so close that we are indistinguishable from one another?
Listening and being heard even though we do not whisper or utter a word ?
Or Am I your devotee in awe of your presence, your power, your name,?
Lost in prayer, unable to fathom the beginning or end of your game?
Am I your lover, yearning to unravel your mysteries and your beauty?
Lost in you as you loose yourself in my zest, forgetting your duty?
Or Am I a mere spectator, watching you with mild interest?
Both of us pursuing our paths, which may occasionally intersect?
The universe and me, What could the connection be?
I stand in your expanse, my questioning palms upturned to you.
A thousand threads bind us, Which of them could be true?
Maybe -“We are connected”- That acknowledgement will do?
By Meera Venkatesan