“Conserve”, because No, nature does not need us instead we need nature to stay relevant as life on earth.”
By the end of 2020, the year had dented many a egos; almost all brands; Fashion, went out of fashion. Food, nobody trusted nobody’s hand. People afraid to touch, and our homes turned into new day Jails.
Even as i write this, humans throughout the globe are still afraid, vulnerable to come out of homes, economies hanging, and many a countres are going into yet another Lockdown.
All this while, in last one year, few things got cleared and were prayed for. We found ourselves back to an age where nothing more than the most required was needed. Nature took her stand. She wanted to breathe or rather more crudely wanted us to show her version of mirror, where only;
Air
Water
Food
Shelter
A relaxed and a calm mind
A healthy body,
were required. Everything else is a want, she said. These are your true needs.
: ँ :
There are many systems on our planet. Many various cycles, quietly doing their thing.
The Nitrogen Cycle
The Carbon Cycle
The Water Cycle
All these systems have kept the planet going for eons, all connected with each other. One specie which uses a particular thing removing it as a waste product, gets consumed by some other specie using it for its sustenance. We, each one are dependent on each other.
In the first part of this post, where we talked about the origin of life where all the water that had melted in the last Ice Age, kept releasing Oxygen into the atmosphere for 300 million years due to which Ozone layer came into being, preventing Ultra violet(UV) Rays from entering into the planets orbit. And that, thousands of years later would protect humans from serious diseases like Skin Cancer. But you know, had it only been that much, it would probably still be okay.
Two years ago, when i was cycling around Cambodia on a fellowship, while working on archiving the lost old songs of the greatest Cambodian singer, for
SINGSONG: The father of the golden voice of Cambodia, i met Jason, a young ex-Royal Navy officer at a bar, who for many a years before quitting, was stationed deep in the Pacific and told me that even though he never touched the Indian mainland, but his submarine was nearby, many hundred feet deep in the depths Indian Ocean for almost a decade. And out of nowhere, probably wanted to speak his heart out asked me, What do you think Nara how thick could Ozone Layer be? I had no idea, never thought of it. Well, when we say a layer, it seems it must be pretty thick, right! Ozone Layer is actually the size of a well manicured finger nail, around 3 millimetre. And that 3mm, is what stands between us and the interstellar space. Between us and the mad ultra violet radiations of the sun.
15-20 years ago, you might have heard of the CFC’s, chloro floro carbons, that were being released into the atmosphere by the countries, they got infamous as being the ones creating a hole in the Ozone Layer. It was there all around the news channels, about a big whole being created above the Ice Caps around Antarctic. Actually it was huge, by now Jason was probably talking to himself; and even that was okay for many corporations for the leisurely lives humans were living, when even though many found treating themselves for various Skin diseases.
I was once a proud man, he said, i was going at a breakneck speed. I achieved what i wanted to, hard and fast, i was happy and enjoying my life to the fullest, and desired nothing more than being in the Royal Navy, every thing was going as planned, everybody looked up to me and then bam!! He went quiet looking into the distance, his Cambodian bear in his left hand, keeping it aside he took out his shirt and showed me something strange looking, and said, this started appearing on my skin for the first time around ten years ago; i could see some small red patches on his skin. He continued, within a month or two i was nothing more than a red blob. I couldn’t touch anything, i cannot lie on bed, i couldn’t touch a spoon, could not eat with my own hands, many a nights i slept standing for an hour or two, and made sure nothing touched me. I had become as if someone has painted a red meat color all over me. And at last i had to quit. I left Navy right away, there was no medication as such but i was asked not to stay anyway near the colder regions rather live in a tropical country. And here i am. In Cambodia, seeking the purest light of the sun. For cure of a disease lies in the same source.
Jason asked me, later on the same night after i had won a Table Tennis match against him, while recharging ourselves that if i know who generates the maximum amount of Oxygen ? Trees, of course i said. No. Wrong Nara! The maximum Oxygen is generated by the kelps, ancient plants living in the depths of the oceans. These Kelps grow up to 100 to 300ft high, and generate upto 70% of the earth’s oxygen. I had become attentive hearing a passionte navy officer’s talk on the secrets of the Sea and the conservation of the planet. For a moment i felt like that he is speaking about himself after a long time. Trees only generate around 30% of oxygen and you know what the bad news is, that the kelps are extremely volatile and sensitive to the UV radiation, like myself. If only the UV radiation increases by just 10% and sustains it for couple of years, the kelp will die within few months and once it does then it doesn’t really matter if you get Skin cancer or a nice date. You are going to burn, and earth will be your hell.
The hole in the ozone layer was a ‘serious’ problem to humanity but see, i said ‘was’. People, governments were forced to come together and decided to do something about it. Overnight decisions were taken to ban Arizols, CFC’s and since last 15 years the Ozone layer has completely regenerated, it started repairing itself in no time. Just that many a people like me had to suffer. Environment can heal itself much faster if our intent is to protect everyone.
Pandemic like the one we are going through is not something that just happened over night, nature knows. All human race was running like a toy with full battery, without any destination, or care for the larger other. Digging, exploiting, harming, corrupting, overusing, murdering our own resources, the speed with which we have disregarded our assets for profit is plainly shameful. We haven’t even spared our fellow species. Experimenting with the ways to kill them for our tongue and stomach and money. There is no other way nature will treat us any better.
We all have seen and most certainly used one of these cute, little plastic bags for carrying various goods and groceries over the years and throw them as a habit; and wherever we threw them throughout our lives, sooner or later they reach the sea. In our oceans, the Atlantic, or the Indian Ocean now, there have become these garbage patches twice the size of Texas or two Rajasthan’s put together, (11)eleven feet deep swirling like whirlpools. These are humongous land masses, created by you and me over the years by using plastic at some point of our lives. As we know now, these very oceans are our primary oxygen generators, we don’t an answer to this query that even if we remove this plastic from these oceans, where can we keep it? We don’t really know. Every time we use a plastic bag, we become the contributor to the already existing +1.
Stop using Plastic. A good amount of it is ending it inside sea animals stomach’s, fishes are directly, indirectly consuming it.
Pollutants, plastic have changed the character of our seas; the salt, that we eat daily, all is coming back to us, to our bodies.
Stop using Plastic. Please.
What nature had taken 4.5 billion years to become, we as a specie managed to ruin it in just 70 years. We all as of right now are not only seeing the effects but are bearing it. The alarm has already set off. And now its only upto us when to wake up.
There are four major reasons for our planet or nature to have unleashed a counter attack on us for uncontrollably heating up the Planet.
1. Our FOOD- and the ways we eat.
2. Electricity- Power generation
3. Transportation- Fuel, going from here to there.
4. And Construction- the buildings that we stay in, we live and we work in.
There are many others contributing factors but these are the four major causes that account for 95% of the emissions of the green house gases.
Power Generation/Electricity–Transportation-Building Construction, constitute to greater than 65% emissions of green house gases.
Where can we start? What can we do?
Well, we already have started, most of us have turned to LED lights– they are extremely efficient, easy on pockets.
Natural Energy – Turning to Solar water heater and other things using this mechanism : Even though it might take some amount for me to get started but to lead as an example as a school and for children who must know about it early, we are planning to change. They are so much cheaper and above all in Delhi and all over India we have so much Sunlight. This might take time for people to get used to this but this is the way to go, for the future yet again will acquire an ancient heart.
World is changing at the speed of thought now, and transport or getting around is soon going to change.
One of my dreams, that i haven’t still pursued is walking throughout Indian subcontinent, i may say that i regret not going for it earlier but cycling or walking are my personal favourite mode of getting around.
But thinking of walking to Mumbai from my home in Delhi every week is no less than declaring madness.
But some years from now, when electric cars and hybrid cars will be a norm, i will go for one. They will be expensive, but shall be fuel efficient and in long run will save a lot of money. Toyota is one of my favourite Car brands, and even though if you can’t afford it like me, lets wait and save for it.
Homes : Earth constructions, some known as adobe, some as rammed earth. And some of these houses that i have posted here were in place 1000s of years ago, which are slowly coming back to revival. These are the smartest homes on our planet. They don’t need AC, just like we should never need one, because in summers they turn cool, and in winters they give heat.
Something that i look forward to and wait to make for myself to live in. And with available technology in today’s time, one can even built a mud home as high as 3-4 floors. So if you have a plot of land or think of buying one; do think of building or making something that is natural, a mud or a rammed earth home. You will do your body, mind and a whole of other little beings a lot of good.
And the last one, our Food.
Being a Yogi, for me Breath and Food are two most crucial subjects, and are as much essential for each and every one of you, whoever is walking along, on the Road to Nara with me, i will try and make sure to keep sharing with you some deeper aspects that are important for all of us. Even though i have shared couple of times about the essence of food and what should a Yogi food be like? But you know its never only just food, but a few things around it that helps in building an attitude towards all what we consume, important and hence i will be sharing it in the last part of this segment.
: ँ :
For writing related or other queries, please write to me at narayankaudinya@gmail.com
For some colourful short excerpts from everyday life, please come over to :
F I T
ROAD TO NARA 
A very insightful post Narayan. Yes, the pandemic jolted us and taught us many lessons. The only thing that needs to be seen is are we good students of life, inculcating the lessons learnt or we go back to our exploitative ways?
The piece about ozone layer and oxygen generation was very informative. I was not aware of this.
And yes, plastic is our most dreaded enemy. Sadly it has made inroads into every aspect of our lives. It requires a collective effort from people and the government to drastically reduce its production and usage.
Use of alternative and natural products should be encouraged and subsidised.
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Thank you so much Radhika, your presence is always elevating and valued. It is true, what i and you feel but at the same time i feel sorry and sense that this whole issue has now and kind of become passe’, all the more now when industries and businessmen have lost time and money, i am certain newer things with much more zeal will come up to cover up the lost time.
Also apologies, I was away Radhika, and thus just couldn’t find time earlier, to write to you before.
Nara x
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Also next week is important Radhika as i will share the last post of this series on health and food as it is one and most important source which can make our bodies and mind a better place to live.
Thank you again.
Nara x
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Thank you Narayan for this marvelous post. What I didn’t know that the hole in the ozone layers has been completely regenerated, at least this is good news. We all humans have to do so much work to safe our dear planet we all live in.
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Cornelia, i apologise. I was away for the whole week and only came last night.
Yes, it has mostly been regenerated but news of Ice caps melting still unnerves me. Because if it keeps going on like this, we are going to lose a lot of land, and you never know how nature might take that revenge now when we have seen with the Wuhan Virus.
No doubt, Cornelia. We have to do a lot lot more. Each passing day feels like a count, unlike days in nature.
Nara x
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Narayan, no need to apologize , there is always the right time for everything. I absolutely am thankful for your response and can’t agree more with you. Stay safe and healthy and have an inspiring week.
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And including in that work is a lot about our interaction with our co-beings, species and how we interact with them. I feel and fear all these bird flu’s, pandemic’s is a reaction to all of that we have given them.
Thanks again Cornelia
Nara x
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Well articulated post Narayan. I really found the story of the Navy officer you mentioned ,very informative and intriguing.A wonderful post on spreading awareness of environmental man-made hazards.Specially plastics. I am going to reblog this post in my website as a part of creating awareness on environmental issues.Hope you dont mind . Thx 🤗
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Very few people share as heartily as you did. Thank you for this.
And yes Gauri, the episode with Jason became kind of a highlight of my being in Cambodia, even though i was working on a completely different story on the fellowship you might have seen, but by the days end spending time with him was elevating. The last post of this awareness series also starts from him.
Thank you Gauri, your presence is welcoming and is much valued.
Nara x
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They say beautiful things happen when you least expect, may be that is what you experienced in Cambodia. Thank you so much for your kind words 🙏. Hope you keep filling our time with your valuable content in future as this one. Thanks for this beautiful piece as much as I loved reading I also enjoyed sharing it❤
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Thank you again.
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Pingback: The cost of Life ? ( Reblogged) – Bit of everything
Excellent post! Very informative!
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Indira, thank you very much. Appreciating your words here, even though it took me sometime to write to you here. Hope you are doing things happily.
Nara x
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I love this article you wrote, woven together with engaging conversation and a sincere appeal to save our resources, our beautiful planet. The title illustrates what we want to know here, very well. What is “the cost of life?” The garbage patches have upset me for some time. Boyan Slat, I believe, designed a device that would clean up this garbage. It has taken many years to develop this project. But, it even rains plastic now, so it’s really got to go.
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Ka, thank you so much. You know, i only wanted to write more and deeply this year at least here on the blog, but before i could move forward i felt to get these issues out in the open which even though should have been taken care of much before, but as we now know how catastrophic last year has been, we seemed to have taken that bridge which was/and to a large extent still wants to leave these things behind. Man/governments today are funding highly towards AI and future today. It can’t happen so smoothly, and even if it did nature is much powerful and not kind to give us any extra time for a reset.
Yes, i had learnt about the device, but i couldn’t follow its results. I hope we do better post covid.
As for now and the last part of this series, i will speak out about food, and how, it will effect our mind, which in turn sculpt our body from inside first, as food is one of the four pillars which can reveal our possible future.
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And thank you again dear Ka, your wise words and presence is always appreciated. My wishes. I hope you and loved ones are good.
Nara x
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Informative and thought-provoking post, Narayan! I was amazed at the thinness of the ozone layer, found the adobe homes interesting, and enjoyed reading this post!
I would like to add that some biodegradable plastics are already available, and I buy them when I can. 🙂
I hope you soon get your electric car or maybe a hydrogen car and tour India! ❤ Take care.
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Cheryl, i read each word of yours very closely now, somehow. I would love to have a adobe homes than cars, as for touring India is going to happen soon, i will only love even if i only do it on my motorcycle.
But lots of writing to be done to earn it before i leave again or even start thinking of it again.
My love to you, eat well and if i may suggest, include turmeric in your food, or a spoonful with water or milk on an empty stomach. Would be very very helpful.
Nara x
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And thanks again, looking forward to keep read you more.
Nara x
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A very thoughtfull, insightful and informative piece, Naryan. Thank you.
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Dear, lovely to have you here and your words. It was also very intriguing to read and learn about your historical, political career and interests that earnestly focused your work towards better the agri practices. I am certain you are still making some change through words and work. I am going to come and read Irish through you.
The last part of this three part series is going to be up tomorrow. You might like it as i will be sharing some ancient secrets about wellness and food.
Nara x
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Thanks again Frank. Delighted to meet you here.
Nara x
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Every time I read this post I am astonished at the wisdom and knowledge of the author.
It is impossible not to be persuaded by his words and photos to change our habits, after reading this post for the first time I changed the milk delivery to be in glass bottles, not plastic.
Furthermore, I intend to help to plant thousands of trees in India and if at all possible never to buy anything with plastic packaging.
Thank you, Narayan, for helping me to change my habits!!
Joanna
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You are delightful with your words, with each act. Your life, surroundings, yourself are a testimony to how life should be lived dear nature. Yes, trees, your last post as much as mine had really made me think about the ‘who am I’ and what all can be done for lasting impact we can leave dear. I am with you whole heartedly whenever and wherever the trees will call us.
With gratitude
Nara x
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Very insightful article. I loved the line where no man trusts no man’s hand,the navy officer and about saving the environment.. Not only you made it informative but also gave a amazing message
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So long Raga. Welcome. I hope you, your studies are going slow but without much tension. 🙂
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Hahah yes. I am back Narayan. Yes over with academic year but now in internship. Thank you for asking and I hope you are well too
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Also thank you for writing. Was delighted to read from you.
Narayan x
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