Friendship
Taming our Ego
Ego refers to a person’s sense of self-importance and self-esteem, what you think of your own self. Everybody has an ego and that plays directly into their character, actions, communication and their overall decision-making skills. This is one element of our lives which has far-reaching consequences which shape every single part of our entire being, thus the importance for us to understand what it is and how it works.
By real Jemaabout a year ago in Confessions
Using Silence and Empathy to Find Strength. Top Story - August 2024.
The authority of silence 😌 Silence. It is not only the lack of noise. It is a tool, a power, a weapon. Silence can be the loudest statement in a society when everyone is yelling to be heard. Try to consider it. When have you lately really welcomed silence? Not the embarrassing sort that causes fidget, but the kind that lets you breathe, think, and simply be.
By Ojo2 years ago in Confessions
Indian festival Onam: A Celebration of Culture, Tradition, and Unity
Onam: A Celebration of Culture, Tradition, and Unity** Onam is not just a festival but a grand celebration deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of Kerala, a southwestern state in India known for its lush landscapes, rich heritage, and vibrant traditions. It marks the homecoming of King Mahabali, a beloved mythical ruler whose reign was considered a golden era of prosperity and equality. This ten-day festival, typically falling in the month of August or September, brings together people of all communities to revel in joyous festivities, culinary delights, colorful decorations, and traditional art forms. **Legend of Onam** The legend of Onam revolves around King Mahabali, known for his generosity, wisdom, and just rule. According to Hindu mythology, Mahabali was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu. His popularity and power grew to the extent that it worried the gods, particularly Indra, the king of gods. Seeking to humble Mahabali, Vishnu took the form of Vamana, a dwarf Brahmin boy, and approached Mahabali for alms. In a benevolent gesture, Mahabali offered to grant Vamana whatever he wished. Vamana then requested land measuring just three paces. As Mahabali agreed, Vamana expanded in size, covering the entire universe in two steps and leaving no space for the third. In reverence to Mahabali's generosity and devotion, Vamana blessed him to visit his people once a year. This annual visit is celebrated as Onam, symbolizing the return of Mahabali to his kingdom and the joyous welcome by his people. **Onam Celebrations** Onam festivities are marked by colorful rituals and traditions that start ten days before the main day, known as Thiru Onam. Each day has its own significance, with elaborate rituals and offerings made to honor Mahabali and seek his blessings for prosperity and happiness. 1. **Atham:** The first day of Onam begins with the Atham star and involves the ceremonial raising of Onam flags (Ona-pookkalam) in every household. The day sets the tone for the celebrations that follow. 2. **Pookalam:** One of the most enchanting aspects of Onam is the creation of intricate floral carpets or Pookalams. These are meticulously made using flowers of various colors and designs, adorning courtyards as a symbol of welcome and festivity. 3. **Traditional Cuisine:** Onam is incomplete without the grand Onam Sadhya, a feast served on banana leaves that includes a lavish spread of vegetarian dishes. Prepared with love and care, the Sadhya showcases the culinary heritage of Kerala, featuring delicacies like avial, olan, thoran, and payasam. 4. **Puli Kali and Kaikottikali:** Onam also witnesses vibrant cultural performances like Puli Kali, where artists painted as tigers dance through the streets, and Kaikottikali, a graceful dance performed by women in traditional attire. 5. **Vallam Kali (Boat Race):** Another highlight of Onam is the Vallam Kali, or snake boat race, where beautifully decorated longboats compete amidst cheering crowds on rivers and backwaters. It symbolizes team spirit and unity. 6. **Onakkodi:** New clothes, known as Onakkodi, are an essential part of Onam celebrations. Family members dress in traditional attire, adding to the festive spirit. 7. **Shopping and Markets:** Onam also sees bustling markets and shops offering a variety of items, from handcrafted souvenirs to sweets and snacks, enhancing the festive fervor. **Significance of Onam** Onam transcends religious boundaries, uniting people of all faiths in Kerala. It reflects the essence of unity, equality, and prosperity that Mahabali symbolizes. The festival reinforces social harmony and community bonding, fostering a sense of belonging and togetherness among Keralites. Moreover, Onam holds agricultural significance, celebrating the harvest season and the bountiful yield of crops. Farmers express gratitude to nature's bounty through rituals and prayers, seeking blessings for another prosperous year ahead. **Modern Celebrations** In contemporary times, Onam celebrations have evolved with cultural performances, competitions, and community events held worldwide where Keralites reside. The spirit of Onam resonates globally, with festivities showcasing Kerala's cultural richness and heritage. **Conclusion** Onam is more than just a festival; it is a celebration of Kerala's cultural resilience, traditions, and values. It brings families, friends, and communities together in joyous harmony, reflecting the spirit of unity and prosperity. As Keralites eagerly await the return of King Mahabali each year, Onam continues to embody the essence of tradition, festivity, and cultural heritage, making it one of India's most cherished and celebrated festivals.
By Saira2 years ago in Confessions
Fuck It. Content Warning.
We should be able to share life's disparities with people we are close to without having to cover ourselves up in a blanket of toxic positivity. I am not always fine. I am not always feeling well. My skin gets ashy as fuck sometimes. Sometimes people don't tell me when I have a booger in my nose, and I walk around all day looking disgusting. I am not always happy, but that doesn't mean that I am sad. I can have inside joy, but my face resembles a resting bitch face. Please, stop harassing me with the "are you alright" questions, and on the flip side, if I express my struggle and pain, don't just tell me "it'll be alright." It's quite ridiculous. I hate having to be anything other than me.
By Erianna Gilliam2 years ago in Confessions
Trading Relief Aid for Sex in Sudan: A Shocking Reality
### Trading Relief Aid for Sex in Sudan: A Shocking Reality In a report published by The Guardian, a disturbing practice has been uncovered involving the Sudanese army trading relief aid for sex in the region of Omdurman. This report exposes a shocking reality where many Sudanese women are coerced into sex in exchange for essential necessities for survival, highlighting the worsening humanitarian conditions in the country due to conflicts and economic crises.
By William2 years ago in Confessions
Void of all emotions
There are people capable of looking you in the eyes, crying to you with all their heart and still betray you at the end of the day. Even while appealing to your humanity, even while begging you on their knees and making you all sorts of promises, they will still deliberately choose to stab you in the back.
By real Jema2 years ago in Confessions
How i got Embarrassed
It was a bright Monday morning, and the Coridor of high school it was buzzed with the usual energy. I felt a bit off, but with so many classes to attend, I shrugged it off and pushed through the day. By the time lunch period arrived, I was grateful for a break. I headed to the cafeteria with my friends, trying to ignore the mild cramps in my lower abdomen.
By Tatenda Zinyemba2 years ago in Confessions
More Than Just Friends
Introduction This is for Heather Hubler's "Friends among us" challenge that you can read about and enter here: While I could have done a poem for this I feel that I want to write more about what I see friendship as and what it means to me. So I will take a few lines to include experiences and ideas and I hope that readers can take something away from this.
By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred 2 years ago in Confessions
Indian festival diwali
Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, holds a unique place in the hearts of millions across the world, especially in India, where it is celebrated with unmatched fervor and joy. This vibrant festival, with its origins deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, transcends religious boundaries to become a unifying cultural phenomenon.
By Saira Praween2 years ago in Confessions
Life can get boring
I don’t remember a time when I was bored out of my mind for over an hour. It certainly happens from time to time, but really never lasts long enough to be concerning. Either I’ll fall asleep or I’ll just get something productive to do with my time, but never do I let myself sink into boredom for too long. This time around my life didn’t get boring but I kind of saw that in the lives of others. I saw some people not know what to do of their day and basically waste countless hours of their time doing something they were not interested in.
By real Jema2 years ago in Confessions
The blasphemy of the Holy spirit
The concept of “blasphemy against the Spirit” is mentioned in Mark 3:22–30 and Matthew 12:22–32. Jesus has just performed a miracle. A demon-possessed man was brought to Jesus, and the Lord cast the demon out, healing the man of blindness and muteness. The eyewitnesses to this exorcism began to wonder if Jesus was indeed the Messiah they had been waiting for. A group of Pharisees, hearing the talk of the Messiah, quickly quashed any budding faith in the crowd: “It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons,” they said (Matthew 12:24).
By soyombo Gbolahan 2 years ago in Confessions
