Manish Srivastava

[poetmanish]

Here’s a poem dedicated to the WORLD HUMANITARIAN DAY (Aug 19): QUITE LOGICALLY THEY ALL CAME IN In restless moments of failed logic I retreat to my inner world Praying to the invisible To protect my little dwelling “May my family and I be safe in the pandemic” I realised that I cannot be totally assured Unless my neighbours are safe too So I prayed for them And logically extended it to the entire neighbourhood But how could I leave out The boundary keepers That guard our sanitised apartments Against the raw streets? My awareness spilled over— To the cleaners and public servants Responsible for its upkeep They brought with them All the doctors, nurses and policemen That ensure that we are safe And that our cases are in check So that essentials reach safely At our doorsteps I am grateful to those brave souls Delivering milk, newspaper, couriers And hope each day And, by that logic, to the ones manufacturing the same In far-off factories and villages And the transporters, drivers, aeroplane crew They all need to be safe To deliver safety to my home Only in loving kindness Can I hold the well-being of the entire world Fear makes it difficult To embrace myself alone — Manish Srivastava (Poem from Midnight Journey of a Seed: Pathways to Resilience In the Face of a Pandemic by Manish Srivastava (www.tinyurl.com/seed-in) #humanitarian #worldhumanitarianday #ItTakesAVillage #gratitude #grateful #humanity #spiritualbook #innerwork #healing #selfawareness #writingcommunity #dailyquotes #poetconnection #poemsnproses #inspiringstories #mentalhealthawareness #mindfulness #resilience #dailypractices #dailyinspiration #art #goodreads #bestseller #readstagram #readersofinstagram #poetry #poetsofinstagram #poetrycommunity #writer #writersofinstagram Background photo by Cosmin Petrisor from Pexels https://www.instagram.com/p/ChcO9Z-jX7m/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[poetmanish]

This week we enter the third pathway of resilience— to “Revive” our spirit in the face of crisis. We could only do this by celebrating what matters, honouring our loved ones and reclaiming our inner freedom. Chapter 7 (Rejoicing the Gifts of Presence) helps us transform cynicism into gratitude by celebrating the beauty of the ordinary. Pls follow my social media feeds for more insights on the same. You may read more inspirational stories, poems, art and contemplative practices in Midnight Journey of a Seed: Pathways to Resilience in the Face of a crisis like Pandemic by Manish Srivastava. Read more here— www.tinyurl.com/SEED-in #revive #generosity #gratitude #grateful #spirituality #spiritualbook #innerwork #healing #selfawareness #writingcommunity #dailyquotes #poetconnection #poemsnproses #inspiringstories #mentalhealthawareness #mindfulness #resilience #dailypractices #dailyinspiration #art #goodreads #bestseller #readstagram #readersofinstagram #poetry #poetsofinstagram #poetrycommunity #writer #writersofinstagram Background photo by Cosmin Petrisor from Pexels https://www.instagram.com/p/ChUmN73slU4/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[poetmanish]

Dear friends pls join us on 13th august 5.30 pm India (8 am ET) for the online creative workshop on Pathways of Resilience. In this 90 min session Sonali Gera, GPHR, PCC and I will explore— how do we “revive” our spirit to thrive and serve amid any crisis? Pls register here (if you haven’t yet registered for the other Pathways to Resiliece workshops) at https://tinyurl.com/pathwaystoresilience #resilience #creative #leadershipdevelopment #personaldevelopment #revival #socialpresencingtheater https://www.instagram.com/p/ChCcezHN4JK/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[poetmanish]

As we start empathizing with the suffering of others and embracing our inner brokenness, the inner-outer duality dissolves and reveals the deeper meaning of the crisis we are going through. For some, these moments offer a new pathway toward healing. For others, they are reminders that there is something beyond what we see or suffer right now. Chapter 6 of the book Midnight Journey of a Seed is an invitation to “Transform our disillusionment into a higher purpose by discovering the more profound lessons this crisis is trying to teach us (Chapter 6: Awakening to the Grand Design) — Midnight Journey of a Seed: Pathways to Resilience In the Face of a Pandemic by Manish Srivastava (www.tinyurl.com/seed-in) #spirituality #spiritualbook #meaningoflife #purpose #innerwork #reconciling #healing #selfawareness #writingcommunity #dailyquotes #poetconnection #poemsnproses #inspiringstories #mentalhealthawareness #mindfulness #resilience #dailypractices #dailyinspiration #art #goodreads #bestseller #readstagram #readersofinstagram #poetry #poetsofinstagram #poetrycommunity #poetryisnotdead #writer #writerscity #writersofinstagram Background photo by Pixabay from Pexels https://www.instagram.com/p/Cgdk22jqiPN/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[poetmanish]

Why we can’t afford to brush aside a collective trauma like a pandemic, war or family crisis? What do we most long for to heal and liberate from our shared suffering? What is not grieved Seeps into the basement Causing tremors for many lifetimes The weary soul somehow survives While the lost one longs For an honourable goodbye The pandemic is fast Healing is slow Those that suffer Long for more time, space and love I wish each of us could take a moment Breathe in slowly Expand our collective presence Into a BIG space-time-heart Where all survivors could grieve All caretakers could heal And all those that fell Could peacefully depart Lines from Midnight Journey of a Seed: Pathways to Resilience In the Face of a Pandemic by Manish Srivastava www.tinyurl.com/seed-in #innerwork #bethechange #reconciling #healing #selfawareness #writingcommunity #lovepoetry #dailyquotes #poetconnection #poemsnproses #inspiringstories #dailyquotes #mentalhealthawareness #mindfulness #resilience #dailypractices #dailyinspiration #art #goodreads #bestseller #readstagram #readersofinstagram #poetry #poetsofinstagram #poetrycommunity #poetryisnotdead #writer #writerscity #writersofinstagram Photo by Brady Knoll from Pexels https://www.instagram.com/p/CgUM0IYNgBg/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[poetmanish]

Often the inner healing journey begins after we embrace the helplessness of the moment. When all our outer strategies and resources are exhausted, a faint voice finds its way to our hearts and takes us to a deep cave. Chapter 5 invites the readers into this cavern through the narrative poem of the archetypal warrior negotiating a personal and collective breakdown. The ancient Warli cave painting by Sumitra Ahake enriches the poem/ story. I hope all my friends find their pathway to healing and resilience through the art, stories and poetry in the book— Midnight Journey of a Seed: Pathways to Resilience In the Face of a Pandemic by Manish Srivastava www.tinyurl.com/seed-in #innerwork #bethechange #reconciling #healing #selfawareness #writingcommunity #lovepoetry #dailyquotes #poetconnection #poemsnproses #inspiringstories #dailyquotes #mentalhealthawareness #mindfulness #resilience #dailypractices #dailyinspiration #art #goodreads #bestseller #readstagram #readersofinstagram #poetry #poetsofinstagram #poetrycommunity #poetryisnotdead #writer #writerscity #writersofinstagram Warli art by Sumitra Ahake Photo by Brady Knoll from Pexels https://www.instagram.com/p/CgO_HxRtLiv/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[poetmanish]

Join me in journaling today on the above question. It might help us in “transforming our grief into healing by reconciling with our own inner brokenness (Chapter 5: Embracing the Shadows Within)” — Midnight Journey of a Seed: Pathways to Resilience In the Face of a Pandemic by Manish Srivastava (www.tinyurl.com/seed-in) #innerwork #bethechange #reconciling #healing #selfawareness #writingcommunity #lovepoetry #dailyquotes #poetconnection #poemsnproses #inspiringstories #dailyquotes #mentalhealthawareness #mindfulness #resilience #dailypractices #dailyinspiration #art #goodreads #bestseller #readstagram #readersofinstagram #poetry #poetsofinstagram #poetrycommunity #poetryisnotdead #writer #writerscity #writersofinstagram Photo by Brady Knoll from Pexels https://www.instagram.com/p/CgMaVoasl6R/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[poetmanish]

“What’s broken outside often triggers and surfaces what had been broken deep within. All challenges are an invitation to reconcile and heal the inner divides. This is the central and most difficult part of our resilience journey.” Chapter 5 from the book Midnight Journey of a Seed invites us to “Transform our grief into healing by reconciling with our own inner brokenness (Chapter 5: Embracing the Shadows Within)” — Midnight Journey of a Seed: Pathways to Resilience In the Face of a Pandemic by Manish Srivastava (www.tinyurl.com/seed-in) #innerwork #bethechange #reconciling #healing #selfawareness #writingcommunity #lovepoetry #dailyquotes #poetconnection #poemsnproses #inspiringstories #dailyquotes #mentalhealthawareness #mindfulness #resilience #dailypractices #dailyinspiration #art #goodreads #bestseller #readstagram #readersofinstagram #poetry #poetsofinstagram #poetrycommunity #poetryisnotdead #writer #writerscity #writersofinstagram Photo by Brady Knoll from Pexels https://www.instagram.com/p/CgJ5c2JNGJ7/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[poetmanish]

Mayur is my role model for “leading with an open heart and open will”. His first-hand experience of the migrant crisis amid severe lockdown broke my heart. He inspired many like me to co-initiate a citizen collective to support migrants in distress. I am grateful for our friendship and the transforming journeys we have taken across many personal, organizational and societal challenges. Read Mayur's experience with the migrant crisis here https://news.abplive.com/blog/migrant-crisis-intellectual-concepts-to-life-altering-experiences-1230946/amp And read about how he inspired me and others in the book— “Midnight Journey of a Seed: Pathways to Resilience In the Face of a Pandemic”, here https://sacredwell.in/books/midnightjourney/ @mayursatyavrat #celebratingfriendship #humansofbombay #resilience #lifealteringexperinces #openheart #compassionateleadership #healing #humanity #humansofmumbai #migrantcrisis #collectivetrauma #dailyquotes #writingcommunity #mentalhealthawareness #mindfulness #dailypractices #dailyinspiration #poetry #art #goodreads #readstagram #readersofinstagram #poetry #poetsofinstagram #poetrycommunity #writer #writersofinstagram #leadership #transformativeleadership https://www.instagram.com/p/CgI6VwoPTiL/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[poetmanish]

My teacher and Systems Thinking guru Peter Senge often says— “you cannot transform a societal challenge unless you see your handprint in creating the same”. Two years back, we witnessed the collective trauma of 23 million migrant labourers stranded on Indian highways amid the first severe lockdown. While we try to brush aside that painful memory or rationalise it as a political/ governance error, a part of us knows that the migrant crisis was only a symptom of the deeper class and caste divide that has plagued the very foundation of our civilisation. Perhaps the Pandemic (or any societal crisis) is an invitation for us to step out of the cocoon (silos) of denial and self-centeredness and embrace the collective suffering we are part of. This act of courage is the only hope we have for societal healing and resilience. This poem is a call for all of us to examine— what are the stains we have on our white collars? Stains on Our White The wounds of humanity Are hard to heal Millions were left broken on the road Despite serving all our needs Their pain, their shame, their betrayal Will not dissipate soon Their intense collective trauma Will haunt our factories, streets and bedrooms Germany still shudders in the memory of the Holocaust Jallianwala Bagh bleeds each night Ask the retired war veteran Who curls up in pain at the sound of raindrops Our proud white collars are stained With the bleeding footprints of 23 million souls Who walked across the country on bare feet While we sat by the windows of our urban castles — Midnight Journey of a Seed: Pathways to Resilience In the Face of a Pandemic by Manish Srivastava. Read more here— https://sacredwell.in/books/midnightjourney/ #collectivetrauma #systemstransformation #migrantcrisis #resilience #courage #compassion #healing #dailyquotes #writingcommunity #lovepoetry #poetconnection #poemsnproses #dailyquotes #mentalhealthawareness #resilience #dailypractices #dailyinspiration #poetry #art #goodreads #readstagram #readersofinstagram #poetry #poetsofinstagram #poetrycommunity #poetscity #poetryisnotdead #writer #turbulence #writersofinstagram https://www.instagram.com/p/CgCOBZOrtFz/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[poetmanish]

Here is the inspiring Warli art painting by Sumitra Ahake, along with the chapter title poem. Like all other ten chapters, this one too starts with art and a narrative poem about an archetypal warrior who is learning to cultivate resilience amidst an overwhelming collective crisis (like the pandemic)… Reckoning with Gaia’s Wounds His brief solace was disrupted By a fearful howl A wounded soul fell in Through the cave’s mouth She brought with her stories Of fellow men, women and children Stranded out in the unforgiving storm He jumped on a raft to bring them to the cave But the lightning struck and ripped it apart It broke his heart and filled it in With grief for his fellow beings Those who served his kingdom for so long Were now abandoned to suffer alone Wisdom spoke from the ancestral walls— “Preserve what is close And do all you can To never let this happen again Surrender your heart to the divine And let it break in deep compassion For all of humankind” With a bleeding heart He floated little candles of hope To his comrades Across the rising flood — Midnight Journey of a Seed: Pathways to Resilience In the Face of a Pandemic by Manish Srivastava https://amzn.in/i4XP4T2 This poem is an invitation for us to explore— How do we transform our angst into compassion for those that suffer the most? Later, you will find inspiring stories, poems and practices about how some of us transformed our angst and helplessness in the face of the pandemic triggered migrant and health crisis. #resilience #embodiment #wisdomofbody #embodiedleadership #embodiedpoetry #healing #dailyquotes #writingcommunity #lovepoetry #poetconnection #poemsnproses #dailyquotes #mentalhealthawareness #resilience #dailypractices #dailyinspiration #poetry #art #goodreads #readstagram #readersofinstagram #poetry #poetsofinstagram #poetrycommunity #poetscity #poetryisnotdead #writer #writerscity #writersofinstagram https://www.instagram.com/p/Cf9EXwwMY0F/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[poetmanish]

Sometimes our personal journey towards resilience meets a roadblock. This is when we realise that cultivating resilience is a collective process. No tree can thrive if the forest suffers*. However, we cannot cultivate collective or societal resilience unless we develop the capacity to embrace the brokenness of those who suffer the most. Chapter 4, “Reckoning with the Gaia’s Wound”, invites us to cultivate collective resilience by transcending self-obsessed angst into compassionate action for fellow beings. It calls for higher leadership from each of us to see, feel and heal the collective trauma we are all part of. insights from the book Midnight Journey of a Seed: Pathways to Resilience In the Face of a Pandemic by Manish Srivastava https://amzn.in/i4XP4T2 (*grateful to the Marathwada village women who first shared this with me. My artist friend Sumitra also works with them) #resilience #embodiment #wisdomofbody #embodiedleadership #embodiedpoetry #healing #dailyquotes #writingcommunity #lovepoetry #poetconnection #poemsnproses #dailyquotes #mentalhealthawareness #resilience #dailypractices #dailyinspiration #poetry #art #goodreads #readstagram #readersofinstagram #poetry #poetsofinstagram #poetrycommunity #poetscity #poetryisnotdead #writer #writerscity #writersofinstagram https://www.instagram.com/p/Cf8JBaPrlQD/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[poetmanish]

This week, we bring insights from the 4th chapter of the book “Midnight Journey of a Seed”, which invites us to transform our angst into compassion by opening our hearts to those suffering the most (Chapter 4: Reckoning with Gaia’s Wounds). The first three chapters help us connect with our resources in an overwhelming crisis. We are now ready to look up again and reckon with the collective suffering we are part of. Cause resilience is a collective journey. I humbly recall the wisdom of the grassroots women I worked with in Marathwada— “a tree can’t be happy if the forest is suffering”! — Midnight Journey of a Seed: Pathways to Resilience In the Face of a Pandemic by Manish Srivastava https://amzn.in/i4XP4T2 #resilience #embodiment #wisdomofbody #embodiedleadership #embodiedpoetry #healing #dailyquotes #writingcommunity #lovepoetry #poetconnection #poemsnproses #dailyquotes #mentalhealthawareness #resilience #dailypractices #dailyinspiration #poetry #art #goodreads #readstagram #readersofinstagram #poetry #poetsofinstagram #poetrycommunity #poetscity #poetryisnotdead #writer #writerscity #writersofinstagram https://www.instagram.com/p/Cf5rW4KtlCM/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[poetmanish]

STILL REVOLUTION While the world is overwhelmed By freezing fear And anxious quick-fixes Staying still Is A revolution Poem from — Midnight Journey of a Seed: Pathways to Resilience In the Face of a Pandemic by Manish Srivastava https://amzn.in/72Gjkey Stone statue made by my son (Samay) and me at the Garden of Caves near Cherapunji, Meghalaya. #poetscommunity #poetrycommunity #wordstoponder #wordstoliveby #wordsnquotes #wordsofig #lightpoetry #positivethoughts #positivethinking #positivevibes #micropoetry #communitvofpoets #poeticsouls #poeticsoul #wordsofig #igpoetry #igwriters #dailyquotes #mentalhealthawareness #resilience #dailypractices #dailyinspiration #poetry #art #stillness #mindfulness #cherapunji #meghalaya #yoga https://www.instagram.com/p/Cf0vMeWMeiI/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[poetmanish]

HOW DO WE INTEGRATE OUR INNER & OUTER BROKENNESS TO UNCOVER THE DEEPER PURPOSE OF THE CRISIS? Pls join Sonali Gera and me on 9th July, 5.30 to 7 pm India (8-9.30 am ET) for a creative online workshop on “RECONCILING. Pls click here to register (if you haven’t yet done so) — https://tinyurl.com/pathwaystoresilience #Resilience #reconciliation #healing #pathwaystoresilience #embodiedleadership #somaticexperiencing #socialpresencingtheatre #poetry #mindfulness #mentalwellbeing Background Photo by icon0.com from Pexels https://www.instagram.com/p/CfwDMmWrZe1/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[poetmanish]

Deep in our cave, I wondered “The storm has been here for long And there seems to be no end. How do we know why all this happened? The seed looked up towards the sky And thoughtfully replied “Well, it’s time to accept the suffering That we have been part of Reconnect with the purpose We are born for Even in this disaster The Gaia has a plan! — Manish Srivastava, Midnight Journey of a Seed: Pathways to Resilience in the Face of a Pandemic. Read more here�https://amzn.in/1OqOFDf Pls join Sonali Gera and me on 9th July, 5.30 to 7 pm India (8-9.30 am ET) for a creative online workshop on “RECONCILING- the art of integrating our inner & outer brokenness to uncover the deeper purpose of the crisis.” We will read similar poems, do some contemplative and embodiment practices and co-create! Pls click here to register (if you haven’t yet done so) — https://tinyurl.com/pathwaystoresilience #resilience #embodiment #wisdomofbody #embodiedleadership #embodiedpoetry #healing #dailyquotes #writingcommunity #lovepoetry #poetconnection #poemsnproses #dailyquotes #mentalhealthawareness #resilience #dailypractices #dailyinspiration #poetry #art #goodreads #readstagram #readersofinstagram #poetry #poetsofinstagram #poetrycommunity #poetscity #poetryisnotdead #writer #turbulence #writersofinstagram Background Photo by icon0.com from Pexels https://www.instagram.com/p/CftnmYbsYXQ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[poetmanish]

Welcome to the second phase (part 2) of the book “Midnight Journey of s Seed”. Last month we focused on “Resourcing” to help participants and social media followers reconnect with their deeper sources of resilience. This week our theme would be “Reconciling”. Once we feel restored and resourceful, we can begin the important work of reconciling or integrating our inner & outer brokenness to uncover the deeper purpose of the crisis. Pls join us on 9th July, 5.30 to 7 pm India (8-9.30 am ET) for a creative online workshop on “RECONCILING. Pls click here to register (if you haven’t yet done so) — https://tinyurl.com/pathwaystoresilience Sonali Gera & Manish Srivastava #Resilience #reconciliation #healing #pathwaystoresilience #embodiedleadership #somaticexperiencing #socialpresencingtheatre #poetry #mindfulness #mentalwellbeing Background Photo by icon0.com from Pexels https://www.instagram.com/p/CfrCxRKOJ45/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=