Diwali

 Today was an interesting day. I got a little upset by a couple of things that two people said and did. But my goal now is to use triggers as treasures. So I am trying to investigate into why that behaviour bothered me so much. I had arranged for a small dinner at my dad's house with a couple of his friends. Had invited my friend too. Everyone was late. My friend made an innocent enough remark about the arrangements being sub-par and one guest left suddenly.  A lot of this is my old pattern of being upset when someone criticizes or makes disparaging comments about my houses. Especially Bandra. But turns out even Vashi. Of course, now that I am trying to study the extent and depth of my bondages, I see that it's because of my identification with those spaces. Or seeking some validation of my housekeeping skills or something. I am somehow getting the sense that this feeling of inadequacy related to housekeeping, hosting, etc. is not my own. It is coming from elsewhere. 

And people''s reactions and behaviours are not a reflection of me. Because I don't exist. All this arose in consciousness and has dissolved in that. Must ponder on that.

Still, here are all the things that I am grateful for:

1. Papa is well. He looked so nice in his Blue kurta.

2. Our Vashi home looked joyful with the rangoli and diyas, etc.

3. The food was tasty. Luchi, mango chutney, chhole, potol stuffed with potatoes, brinjal fritters and paneer pakodas. And home made gulab jamuns - soft as clouds.

3. I thought I looked pretty good in a Manish Malhotra black jacket top that my mom and uncle had bought from Ensemble 25 years ago. 

4. Had money to go and return by auto.

5. Had money to give some baksheesh to my cleaning lady.

6. Had a great discussion with one of the guests who recommended a podcast called Fall of the Civilizations. I looked it up and it seems great. Looking forward to exploring it. It's also a book.

7. Got a recommendation for another Vedanta book called Tattvabodh through a video. 

8. Spoke to a friend and a few relatives. Was good.

9. Walked up Pali Hill during the afternoon. So happy!

10. Have water, electricity, plenty of food, and money to buy books.

11. White returning, the auto guy was going really fast. I asked him to slow down. He was so sweet and courteous about it. Slowed down and was really careful after that.