Anand Swamy, Author at Finding Swamy

April 14, 2021April 14, 2021

#90 – Mineral Spirits

We were in the Art District of Old Town Scottsdale. It was hot, but not unusual for Arizona in the slightest. The dry heat blanketed us like a transparent shawl and the subtle wind kept us cool momentarily while we stopped by a few galleries. Each one had a theme and a personality.

Whether it was a sculpture, painting, or photograph, each piece of art left a piece of its soul on the canvas it chose to imprint on. Art has the uncanny ability to allow us to escape and enjoy the beauty as it was meant to be enjoyed. No words, no thoughts, and no other action needed except to pay attention.

February 3, 2021February 3, 2021

#90 Luck

February 2, 2021February 2, 2021

#89 Curb Your Ego

The Ego.

It’s sensitive, invisible, and invites itself without notice.

It’s a derivative of our personality that seeks self-importance.

In other words, the ego wants acknowledgment.

It’s a puppy that does tricks and expects a reward. Everyone has this puppy.

When I acknowledge others, wanting acknowledgment, all that really means is that their puppy needs more training.

February 2, 2021February 2, 2021

#88 Endless River

Ancient Aboriginals have a rich culture centered around family, nature and tradition.

In Tasmania, Aboriginal warriors would often paint their faces.

A painted line on the forehead represents the self. Lines on each cheek represent the knowledge one attains in life. The portion where the cheeks meet the nose is intentionally left blank.

The blank area represents the knowledge one has yet to attain in this life.

A researcher and Psychologist from the National Institute of Aging noted that personality traits change little after the age of 30. In short, people are set in their ways, and change of any kind is limited.

February 2, 2021February 2, 2021

#87 Failure to Launch

Do you remember when you first started to walk?

Neither do I.

However, it was a pivotal moment in all our lives.

Babies learn to walk anywhere from 9 to 18 months.

When they first transition from crawling to standing up, the average infant falls about 17 times an hour when they’re awake.

January 29, 2021February 2, 2021

#86 Creation from Chaos

In the 1800’s, New Orleans was the epicenter of the African slave trade. It became the largest exporter of cotton in the American South.

Although these brave African souls faced bigotry, trepidation and turmoil, they had something that many resort to during times of strife.

Music.

January 28, 2021February 2, 2021

#85 Ball Don’t Lie

I played a lot of basketball growing up.

Many will agree, it’s the greatest sport ever created.

Thank you, Mr. Naismith.

Although I played on my high school team and in various tournaments, it was streetball that separated the men from the boys.

January 27, 2021February 2, 2021

#84 Dance

Rarely, if ever, do we skip to the end of the things we enjoy.

When it comes to our favorite songs, we make it a point to listen to every beat.

The chorus is just as important as the ending notes.

It’s times like this where some esoteric force that’s beyond our comprehension, pulls us close to accept the present moment.

January 26, 2021February 2, 2021

#83 Is It Really Free-Range?

I buy free-range, cage-free eggs.

I picture happy chickens, wallowing in the California Sun, listening to Bill Withers and two-stepping their feathers away in an open sunflower field.

As much as I want this to be true, it’s not.

At the very least, they must be free-range and cage-free, right?

January 25, 2021February 2, 2021

#82 Day of Silence

Celebrated in March, Nyepi, or day of silence marks the New Year according to the Balinese Calendar. It’s the oldest recorded ritual celebrated in human history.

It’s a public holiday in Indonesia but celebrated mainly in the city of Bali.

During Nyepi, the entire city is closed. There is no work. The airports are at a standstill. Lights are kept low. There is no entertainment, electronics aren’t permitted, and no one cooks.