Refractive Thoughts

A unique and holistic experience that entails an ablution with application of oil to the head and body for pronounced health benefits….. It is a jiffy world in our fast-paced life.   Present day youngsters apply a little oil to their hair, jump into the shower, run the hot water from solar or geyser, use a variety of shampoo and conditioner (inspired by celebrity endorsements) to wash off the oil, quickly attempt to blow-dry the hair, and run out of the house with a wet-look hair!   An experience of today that fades in comparison to the elaborate ones of yesteryear cherished by my generation. I grew up in Mysore during the 70s and 80s, the pre-and-post preparation for an oil bath was an exquisite process.   Initiated with a massage to the scalp with warm castor oil, our grandma recited prayers to invoke the Lord’s blessings on us children; the application for the rest of our body followed and the rubdown helped our skin to absorb for enhanced glow and related b...

June marks the International Cancer Survivor’s month; exactly one year ago on 10-June was my beloved mother’s surgery to remove a cancerous growth.   By God’s Grace she is a survivor today and in good health now. Last year around her surgery schedule, a lot of time was spent at the hospital premises for tests, doctor reviews, therapy sessions, hospitalizations, and post care.   As I watched a sea of people of all ages, my perception changed; now I apply a different set of lenses when I look at things around.   At the hospital, there were a variety of faces - some sad, some very anxious, some perplexed, some writhed in pain, some heaved a sigh of relief, and some with a sprightly smile to hide the pain.   Things have quite a different meaning now! In the cancer hospital cocoon, it is natural to see many tonsured heads.   My mind froze in time and wandered a bit to surface the many facts that were deep etched in its crevices.   Head tonsure is con...