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Last Friday, I got invited to the Mariposa Folk Music Festival. I said yes immediately despite having a lot of deadlines and work to finish. My first “concert” experience here in Canada I didn’t want to let that opportunity go and I am glad I didn’t. As a person who loves all sorts of music, it was a fun experience to hear some Canadian and American artists perform live. I got introduced to artists like Bahamas, Shad, Noah Cyrus and William prince. I couldn’t get to hear Band of Horses (I have known this band for a long time. but that’s okay). On top of all these artists I know some of you have introduced me to some cool indie artists like Ritchy Mitch and the coal miners or the Tragically Hip and I got a lot introduced to some cool songs from the karaoke lists that was posted a few weeks ago.I can proudly say my taste in music has diversified over the years on top of the sounds of India I have heard music from a lot of different countries and a lot of different genres whether it’s old school rock , Japanese 80s pop, Filipino indie music , the soulful lyrical Urdu music from Pakistan, groovy dance music in Swahili ,some beautiful French tunes, some Nordic folk music or even the good old classical piano music I have heard and appreciated all of it even though I don’t understand the language.There’s a song for every mood, every moment, and every emotion. It’s like a faithful companion, providing support during challenging times and adding joy to celebrations. It’s capable of bridging cultural gaps and bringing us closer together.  So I wanted to ask all of you…. unlike me, most of you have had the opportunity to visit other countries. Did you have a chance to listen to the local music? Is there a song or genre of music you don’t quite understand but still listen to because you like the vibe or because it makes you feel good? Or perhaps it helps you concentrate? Or If you’re curious about music from another country that you’d like to explore? 

In the realm of quantum physics, where particles can exist in multiple states simultaneously, entangled across vast distances, defying  the classical rules that govern our macroscopic world. I found a unexpected but rather interesting inspiration in the form of a book called ” Quantum Physics made me do it”, it has given me a new perspective to my understanding of the universe and to some extent my approach to life and decision-making. Quantum Physics challenges the solid ground on which we have built our understanding of reality. It introduces a world where particles like electrons and photons  dance the realm of probabilities, existing in several places at once, spinning in two directions simultaneously, and influencing each other instantaneously over vast distances. This quantum weirdness, with its part particles living in superposition and entangled states, offers a compelling metaphor for the complexities of human existence and the interconnectedness of all things. The principle of super position, where quantum entities like electrons can exist in multiple states simultaneously, mirrors the multifaceted nature of our identities and choices. Just as a quantum particle doesn’t settle on a state until its observed, our paths in life remain open, full of potential, until we make a decision. This realization empowered me to embrace uncertainty in life, viewing each decision not as a closure of possibilities but as a step into a new realm of potentialities. Entanglement, another quantum marvel, suggests that particles can become linked, so the state of one instantaneously influences the state of another, no matter the distance between them. This concept resonated with me on a personal level, highlighting the deep connections we share with others. It served as a reminder that our actions and energies’ are interwoven with those around us to some extent, often in ways we cannot see or immediately  understand. Quantum physics, with its uncanny parallels to the intricacies of life, has given me a new perspective on the nature of reality, the illusion of differences, and the profound interconnectedness  of the universe. It’s a reminder that there are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in our philosophies. In embracing this quantum view, I’ve found a deeper appreciation for the mystery and beauty of existence. It’s a perspective that encourages curiosity, openness and a recognition of our shared journey through the vast, unfolding universe. It also offered a new lens through which to see the endless possibilities that life presents, teaching me that at heart of certainty lies a world brimming with an infinite potential. 

Social anxiety is not just about being shy or introverted. It’s a constant battle, a crippling fear of social interactions that can make everyday activities feel insurmountable. For many of us in our twenties, it’s like walking a tightrope between wanting to make meaningful connections and being paralyzed by the thought of interaction. Moving to a new country amplifies these feelings. You’re not just adapting to a new culture but also trying to find your place within it. It’s a journey of self-discovery, filled with highs and lows. In my case, moving from Mumbai to Canada for further studies introduced me to a whole new world. The transition from studying Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Analytics to working as a library associate in Barrie’s public library wasn’t just a career shift; it was a leap out of my comfort zone. The library, far from the quiet sanctuary many might imagine, became my arena. Every day, I was forced to interact more, challenge my social anxiety, and slowly find comfort in the discomfort. It’s been a quiet a journey of pushing boundaries, from taking up new hobbies like photography and biking to embracing the community that surrounds me. This path hasn’t been easy. The feeling of being alone, even when surrounded by people, is a constant companion. Yet, it’s also a reminder of the strength it takes to face our fears head-on. In my twenties, trying to figure out what I’m good at, I’ve learned that sometimes, what we’re truly good at isn’t tied to our degrees or job titles. It’s found in the small victories, the moments we choose to step out of our comfort zone, and the connections we dare to make despite the fear.   Crippling social anxiety may be part of my story, but it’s not the entire narrative. It’s a chapter that has taught me resilience, empathy, and the courage to keep moving forward, one step at a time. And for anyone walking a similar path, remember, you’re not alone. Together, we can navigate the complexities of our twenties, finding our strengths and making our mark, one interaction at a time.

Theres always something about a cup of chai and some pakoras (an Indian snack) that warms your heart along with the crisp sound of rain to bring peace to your mind. For me Rain has always been a positive experience. In all honesty living and growing up in Mumbai where it rains for over six months, I used to have mixed feelings about it, But I do remember the best memories I have had from my college years were in the rain. I remember the time where I used to go out hiking on Sundays, get drenched and be drenched for over 12 hours. I remember the top of the mountains where you literally feel like you are above the world just floating over clouds and then for a split second it clears up and you can see the view oh the view there are no words that can describe it. Besides the physical joy of being in the rain, I could never forget the colors it brought with it, the smell of the wet earth, the steady white noise that just felt like a lullaby to me, which calmed my mind and for those moments all the anxieties I had just seemed to melt away.When I moved to Canada this love for rain just intensified. Here it was much softer much pleasant. Here I could go out sometimes to just soak it in sit on a bench or bike around the city or take a hiking trail and I don’t have to worry about open manholes or getting stuck in traffic. Here I get to enjoy it.Being a pluviophile is a testimony in itself for having found peace in what most people would tag as the weather for mourning. From heavy monsoons in Mumbai to gentle rains in Canada, every drop of rain had interwoven different stories in my life, telling me to find joy in simple moments. For fellow pluviophiles, maybe even those yet to be, hopefully, this post will cause you to see the rain differently. Maybe when the skies turn grey again and the rain starts to fall, you too will have had a moment of peace and reason to smile, as I have done.