या समकालीन समाजात, अनेक व्यक्ती केवळ शारीरिक तृप्तीसाठी, संभोगातून जवळीक आणि सलगी मिळवण्यासाठी नातेसंबंध जोडतात. तरीही, केवळ हा सहवास पुरेसा नाही किंवा शारीरिक तृप्ती ह्यातून होत नाही हे लक्षात आल्यावर, ते बरेचदा मार्ग वेगळे करतात. यावरून प्रश्न पडतो: अशा घटनांमध्ये नातेसंबंधांचा सहवास खरोखरच अर्थपूर्ण होतो का? शिवाय, धार्मिक विधी आणि आजीवन सहवासाच्या प्रतिज्ञांनी पवित्र केलेल्या वैवाहिक बंधनातही, अनेक जोडपी त्यांच्या “संभोगाच्या किंवा सलगीच्या” अनुभवांबद्दल असमाधानी दिसतात. हा असंतोष अनेकदा विवाहबाह्य संबंधांकडे नेतो कारण व्यक्ती “त्यांच्या गौणांच्या” बाहेर “संभोगाच्या पूर्णत्वाचा” शोध घेतात.

मुळात म्हणजे “संभोग” आणि “सलगी” ची व्याख्या केवळ शारीरिक एकलट नसून त्याच्या पलीकडे जाते. त्यामध्ये ऊर्जा, भावना आणि आत्म्याचे गहन संबंध समाविष्ट आहे. काही प्राचीन समजात रुजलेल्या व्याख्येप्रमाणे, “सलगी” ही श्वास, ऊर्जा आणि आत्मिक घनिष्ठ संबंध यांचा एक सुसंवादी मिश्रण समाविष्ट आहे. हे केवळ भावनोत्कटता प्राप्त करण्याबद्दल नाही तर आपल्या जोडीदाराशी सखोल स्तरावर ऊर्जेचा अनुनाद करण्याबद्दल आहे.

म्हणून, भौतिक समाधानाच्या वरवरच्या प्रयत्नांमध्ये, आपल्या संभोगाबद्दलच्या आकलनाचे पुनर्मूल्यांकन करणे अत्यावश्यक आहे. ते केवळ शारीरिक तृप्तीच्या कृतीपर्यंत राखाण्याऐवजी, व्यक्तींमधील भावनिक, आध्यात्मिक, आत्मिक आणि सामाजिक संबंध वाढवण्याबद्दलचे सुद्धा आहे.

म्हणून शेवटी प्रश्न पडतो, “आपल्याला “संभोग” आणि “सलगी” चा अर्थ खरंच माहित आहे का?”

© प्रतिक

Kabhi jo tum aaogii, fursat aur waqt nikal kar
mein sunaunga tumhe kavita
jo sirf likhi hai tumhare liye

Bataunga tumhe woh shaam bhi
jab hawaon ne tumhari khushboo bheji thi
aur chand ne meri tanhaiyon mein
tumhari yaadon ka diya jalaya tha
Meri ungliyon ne lafzon ko chhua tha
aur woh sab likh diya
jo dil ne sirf mehsoos kiya tha tumhare liye

Yaad hai woh baarish ki raat?
Jab tumhari hasi bijli ki chamak jaisi lagi thi
aur tumhari aakhon ka noor
bheegti mitti ki khushbu se bhi gehra tha
mein khud ko rok na saka
aur hawaon se keh diya
ke tum meri duvaao ki wajah ho

Magar suno, ek baat aur kehni thi
Agar kabhi tum na bhi aa sako
Toh bas itna samajhna
Ki har shaam, har baarish, har chandni raat
Ab bhi tumhari hi dastaan sunate hain
Aur mein jab likhta huun koi gazal
Sher saare tumhari yaad me likhe jaate hai

Aaj bhi, jab tanha baithta hoon
toh har lafz, har lamha
mere dil ke kisi gungunate kone se ubhar aata hai
Aur mein phir se kalam uthata hoon
ek aur kavita likhne ke liye,
jo sirf tumhari hi baat karti ho

Ilsiye jab kabhi jo tum aaogii, fursat aur waqt nikal kar
mein sunaunga tumhe kavita
jo sirf likhi hai tumhare liye

~ Pratik

Storytime: Finding Peace in Perspective

Every now and then, people I trusted distanced themselves, each for their own reasons. I first spent a lot of time in a state of self-doubt, searching for answers and feeling overtaken by sorrow. My mind was racing with questions: “What went wrong? What made them depart?

However, I eventually learnt to comprehend their viewpoints, even if they were different from mine, after long reflection. It all came down to personal preferences and decisions. They had their own motivations, aspirations, and goals, just as I had mine.

Being aware, I came to understand, is about acknowledging that no one’s journey is intended to be exactly like yours. It’s impossible to keep onto a connection without shared excitement or principles; no matter how hard you try, it will eventually slip through. Without respect, communication, and a shared commitment, true friendship, work, or partnerships cannot flourish. Understanding another person’s point of view does not imply letting up of your own convictions; rather, it calls for finding common ground and, if necessary, taking a graceful step back.

Ultimately, awareness gives you the power to control and direct your emotions. You learn to control your emotions and use them as a tool for growth in yourself rather than dwelling on negative areas. Even if you may not be able to manage your anger or resentment, the benefits of having control and inner serenity much than the drawbacks.

Tathastu!

~ Takle

Here’s the thing: we, as humans, often end up investing our energy and effort ‘especially’ in relationships and connections, into the wrong places. We chase the attention of people who are barely interested in us, while taking for granted those who genuinely love, care for, and respect us. It’s an odd paradox, and one I’ve personally been guilty of.

Let’s call this Storytime: The Wake-Up Call.

Years ago, I was in a relationship. As time passed and things settled into a comfortable rhythm, I did something I now realize was a big mistake, I shifted my priorities. Instead of valuing the person who was deeply invested in me, I started giving more importance to casual connections and friendships that held little meaning. I wanted to be liked by everyone, so I pushed aside my own relationship boundaries and ignored the effort my partner was putting in, all for the sake of being “social.” In retrospect, I was foolishly prioritizing the wrong people and situations, and making my partner feel like an afterthought.

After a lot of introspection, I finally acknowledged my mistakes. Gradually, I worked on myself and learnt a lesson that now guides me every day: value those who value you. If someone is putting in the effort, time, and energy, reciprocate with the same respect. And if I feel someone or something isn’t resonating with my growth or peace, I no longer waste my energy there. I let go, no explanations, no hard feelings, just clarity and self-respect.

So here’s my advice to you: “Resonate where you feel growth, worthiness, and respect.” Don’t diminish yourself for the sake of love or relationships that don’t elevate you. Protect your peace and surround yourself with people who genuinely care.

Take care of yourselves.

Tathastu!

~ Takle

As I listened, I couldn’t help but ask if her boyfriend even understood what she truly wanted. After a reflective pause, she admitted he likely didn’t. And there, I think, lies a significant truth about relationships: DESIRES and NEEDS must be clearly communicated and understood. DESIRES can often be flexible, but core NEEDS? Those are non-negotiable. For example, if there were someone I adored and her love language was rooted in the material world — designer gifts, luxe dinners, and lifestyle statements. She wouldn’t be wrong in any way. Her love language, shaped by her own lifestyle, is her prerogative. However, my nature tends to resist overly materialistic expressions, as my idea of love is built on simpler, more sentimental and core values.

In moments like these, I realise how essential it is to reflect on the compatibility of our NEEDS and love languages. Relationships are like a dance; when partners don’t step in rhythm, frustration and misalignment can quickly take centre stage. It’s crucial to ask ourselves, “Is my partner capable of understanding and fulfilling my core NEEDS?” If not, the only way forward is to communicate openly. And if even after that conversation, those NEEDS remain unmet, then we’re left with two choices: to adjust our expectations or to seek a connection where our NEEDS are recognised, cherished, and naturally met with love and admiration.

Similar to discovering the perfect balance in a cup of coffee, finding balance in a relationship is satisfying and comforting. A depth that is both reassuring and inspiring is created when our love languages and basic NEEDS coincide, much like an engaging book you don’t want to put down. Love should ultimately be based on respect, compassion, and understanding that enable both partners to thrive.

Tathastu!

~ Takle

Consider it to be similar to a central water supply. All connecting pipelines are impacted if the primary source is disrupted, albeit the effects are less severe the farther they are from the main source. The same is true for sub-timeline events, like a troubled relationship or a job setback, which may have an enormous effect on that particular route but aren’t intended to completely alter your main timeline unless you let it to do so. Although it might be difficult, it’s essential to keep each sub-path apart from your core in order to preserve endurance and peace.

Let’s take the scenario where you are experiencing a difficult time at work. It’s OK to feel anxious, even if this sub-timeline consumes you. However, it’s like a leak in the main water line; eventually, every aspect of your life is affected if that work stress spills over and affects your personal well-being. You have the option to deliberately safeguard your primary self instead, keeping obstacles inside their allotted time frames. By doing this, you not only reduce the damage to your health but also improve your capacity to approach these challenges with more clarity.

In a world where timetables are always changing, it is your responsibility to protect the most important person, "you.” As you evolve, accept each sub-timeline, but keep your limits in place. These approaches, when properly handled, can improve your life without sacrificing your fundamental stability. Take care of your primary timeline, nurture it, and allow each branch to spur development rather than cause disturbance.

Tathastu!

~ Takle