Discoveries
I must begin with music, as it has shaped my outlook on life from an early age, becoming a lens through which I’ve experienced the world.
My artistic and reflective practice is deeply echoed in the thoughtful compositions of Philip Glass, Max Richter, Floating Points, Pharoah Sanders, and Stuart Bogie. Among them, Philip Glass’s music has become my daily companion, each listen unfolding like an epic, mesmerizing arc—an ideal soundtrack for the grandeur I see in life. All these works, introduced to me through dear friends and unique experiences—including a memorable afternoon hearing Stuart Bogie at the Ojas listening room in SoHo—remind me to value patience, intentionality, and deliberate simplicity. Like their music, my life’s composition aims to bridge tradition and innovation, balance complexity and clarity, and explore a harmonious synthesis of diverse influences. Each piece reminds me to slow down and savor the subtle power hidden in purposeful pacing and thoughtful expression.
Beyond these resonant notes, life itself unfolds like a gentle garden, imparting its lessons through silent rhythms and steady growth. Much like Chance, the observant gardener in Being There, I’ve discovered invaluable insights while spending time in both tangible and symbolic gardens—reflective spaces where I feel connected to myself and the world around me. In these calm moments, I often find a renewed sense of identity and a meaningful reminder of the harmony linking my inner self to the natural environment.
Everyday routines contain a subtle magic, captured so elegantly in Wim Wenders’ Perfect Days. This film underscores my conviction that meaning can be found in small details and seemingly mundane actions, echoing Marcus Aurelius and Paramahansa Yogananda’s philosophies on mindfulness and spiritual awareness. A quiet cup of tea, a well-worn footpath, or a brief conversation—all can sparkle with unexpected significance when approached with the right mindset.
Yet, amid life’s simplicity also lies complexity, poignantly portrayed in The World According to Garp. I like to think my journey mirrors Garp’s quest for authenticity in a world brimming with uncertainty—embracing vulnerability, humor, and even tragedy. Reflecting the timeless wisdom of The Tibetan Book of the Dead, I’ve learned to accept impermanence, honor life’s transitions, and recognize how contemplating mortality can be a profound tool for embracing what truly matters. In both works, chaos and change serve as catalysts for growth, reminding us to honor the fleeting nature of life and to align our actions with deeper truths.
The delicate interplay between humanity and nature, powerfully and vividly depicted in Koyaanisqatsi, a Philip Glass composition, continues to spark my curiosity and shape my philosophical approach. By revealing how technology and modernization strain our bond with the natural world, the film highlights our collective need to reconnect with something more fundamental. This idea aligns with Michael Singer’s The Untethered Soul, which emphasizes releasing inner constraints to foster deeper spiritual openness. Taken together, these works inspire me to question not only how we can balance ecological well-being with personal growth, but also how to cultivate a sense of harmony within ourselves.
Ultimately, my path remains an evolving dialogue with myself, nature, creativity, and the people I love—each step offering reflection, each moment a fresh revelation, all contributing to a deeper, more mindful existence.
