By Tanvi Malik
"'Wake up wake up, it's a brand new day'
Plays on the alarm
Hustle begins this moment
Living life in 2X
What is the harm?
Enjoying the scent of favourite body wash
Is it a shampoo or a conditioner? Hurry! Watch!
Hastily bow in front of the Gods
I'll be late today too, to my mother's question I nod
Either no breakfast or a toast on a toe
Who has the time?
To soak in the new day
The to-do list, the world awaits
Fast-paced life, hustle culture
Where are the roses to smell?
Where is it that we are trying to reach
Running through the day, who is to tell
Busy, occupied, no bandwidth
Weekend's taken, can't go out
Chasing money to pay to be taught
Deep breath in, deep breath out
TV in the front, left hand holds the mobile
Right hand feeds us meanwhile
This is merely to exist
Not the way to live
Stop. Inhale deeply. Look around.
Notice everyone, notice everything
When did we become this way
Where a document can't be found
Begin afresh, life's version 2.0
Embrace each moment, savour nature's flow.
When someone speaks
Look into their eyes
Listen to the words unsaid
Shed a tear or put on a smile
Grateful for your loved ones who made it alive
A prayer mandatory, every day
Look at your food, bow down in gratitude
Mindful of every bite, make this life's new way
Stop the haste
Why the hurry
Where is it you are running
Breathe, hear, smell, see
Where is it you are headed
What happens when you reach
What's the guarantee of tomorrow
Go to the mountain and the beach
Mindfulness, you will not regret I assure
Hustle culture will rob you of peace
Who even made it our culture?
Relax your tensed muscles, live life with ease
A kind word, a listening ear
A warm embrace, not such a difficult task
Be a human, oh human being
Is it too much to ask?
Love deeply, laugh loudly
Be aware of everything, more and more
And may the wonderful light keep guiding you
As each day unfolds"