Announcements and Celebrations, Motivation and Inspiration
Published on 25/09/2023
Comments 76

40 Before Forty: My ‘Bucket List’ for Life

written by


Somehow, its not surprising that even after writing for last three years on this site, I never shared any kind of Bucket List with you. Rather strangely It never even occurred to me. Even when I keep a daily, weekly, monthly to-do list. But this time it felt that I must share what all is meaningful and going to move me for some years to come. To observe and record my own directions, to raise expectations even though I have worked hard to get all feelings of “expectations” out of my system in last some years; But to travel more, to be able to express from a point of stillness more, to vibe more with you, with whom i have shared my most valuable memories in these years in thought, and that you should know some deeper directions that my spirit is wishing to take.

Last week, I completed an important and likely decisive life cycle on our planet Earth. Touching the other side of 35. And I felt responsible to open up with you my family, my co-travellers here like I open myself with my physical family. And share things about my life and what it must look like, be filled with, that which will give me happiness to see them off in next half a decade or so to come.

World has been a wonder to me, and I a Yogi; believing in magic happening at every moment. I have always travelled like a stream that finds its way through landscapes. Living, staying for days, weeks and even months in places that needed my presence. Researching, Writing, Teaching, Serving, and even Working in cultures other than mine has always been my way of travelling and before any other events could happen I saw myself surrendering to my Guru who found me or I found him dancing deep in the Himalayas, to the mountain drums, on one cold night, in a Himalayan village.

Well, may be where it all started. First proper portrait.

My days, this life, my practices have been quite experiential in a way I somehow knew right from my teens of what not to do- Drugs, Liquor, smoking, partying for that matter are some traits that come in any adult’s life. But these and topping it all, quite fortunately for my body and spirit- I somehow managed to never eat meat, even after living in some culture’s where it became next to impossible to an extent becoming a mocking stock. But I sailed through. And this probably can be one interesting story on my days of food- my eating stories, cravings and many a nights going hungry while travelling in majorly non-vegetarian societies where I almost made it eating whatever green or on ground was available. Yet at other times I sailed with the tide, tried some things on the road with friends, people, tribesmen that spoke to me to try out in those times. But one thing that I am proud of other than remaining a vegetarian and going against the wishes of my family has been riding a motorbike as a passion. I love riding, and even after one deadly accident and few other minor ones that happened right in the second year of my owning one. I am ecstatic to share this feeling even today that I have ridden in almost every state of ‘India that is Bharat’ and which has taught me more about silence and wind and windows that any man or experience hasn’t. I love it but sadly I do not own any motorbike any longer.

Since last few years, I have observed a change in the way I travel. I am travelling far less and only moving to experience not the travels but the slowness of a society, a culture more. Earlier it was beauty, mountains, scapes and people. But now it has come around to inquiring the self. I like to visit places where I can interact with the elements more; to find myself in an awakened route, lively trees untouched by electromagnetic signals still, mapping the rivers, the Himalayas, finding an ancient being who has lived around doing fire rituals, someone who believes in the power of nature, the science of herbs and springs. Things have changed that way; though it is still travel but of an inner, deeply personal kind.

And to tell you the truth, nature has really been kind.

Starting to look upwards. A young me. At Devprayag, Uttarakhand

Today, I write to you seven evenings after completing another life cycle on this mud ball called Earth, sailing in the middle of nowhere but around Sun. And for the first time I felt that I should share something that I would really like to direct myself to at least some of these things in next few years or may be a decade to come. And perhaps to find out what my thought family here, my co-travellers think of it, or if there is anything more to it that you can suggest, before I turn 40 in next four years to come. It hopefully is going to be a great learning experience.

Quite honestly, I don’t expect that all what I mention here will happen in a given timeframe but who knows time, even if it takes a lifetime, its mere mention is proof that I am on right way.

Times of questioning, inquiring, learning, asserting and deciphering, Dal Lake, Kashmir.

1. To wake up each day of this life before Sun. 

2. To see this blog doing well and serving one in any way it can.

3. Starting a business. Online/Offline; something that lasts.

4. I expect myself to publish a book in 3 years. 

5. I also expect to make a documentary in this period.

6. Be able to publish a Photo-book on the 7000 km long Border of India meeting 6 countries(its already an ongoing project).

7. Own a Motorcycle.

8. To be able to do most 15,000 ft. and above trek in the Himalayas including the Annapurna Circuit/Everest Basecamp in Nepal.

At a friend’s place in Cherrapunji, Meghalaya.

9. Living, walking barefoot for 60 days and then more.

10. Expanding my school to become a center of learning and Sports for Children and Adults. 

11. Taking cooking seriously.

12. Taking playing flute, seriously.

13. Learning some jokes to crack. My father is great at it.

14. Conquer the oldest language, Sanskrit.

15. Starting a family/Owning or having a pet.

16. Learning to fly a copter/plane.

17. Get better with Speaking, Communicating, Marketing and selling skills.

18. Walking along one river from Source to Sea.

Days after completing a month walk along river Tungabhadra, here at the Arabian Sea, Karnataka.


19. Learning Pottery.

20. Leaving milk products and Indian Sweets for good.

21. To be able to visit USA and spend a night in the Redwood Forest/Visit Grand Canyon/New York City/The White House.

22. To be able to travel around South America while completing it at Machu Picchu.

23. Living with the Masai Mara Tribe(Africa)

24. And if ever I am in Africa, I must take a dip in the river Nile.

25. Taking Swimming seriously.

26. Living in Japan.

27. Visiting the Amazon and spending a night around fire with the shamans.

28. Riding across Australia with a company.

29. Visiting West Indies and working on a Project around Cricket in the Island nation.

30. Visiting Kailash Mansarovar aka. Tibet.

Somewhere in the Himalayas, close to my first Guru’s village, Uttarakhand.

31. Climbing mount Kilimanjaro.

32. Walking on the second greatest wall on planet i.e. Kumbhalgarh Fort in Udaipur and then (may be) walking on the great wall of China(though I am not too excited about it).

33. Getting in the best shape ever.

34. Working hard on earning some great friends for life.

35. Moving to the Himalayas/Countryside some day.

36. Growing my own food.

37. Be able to do a back Kick-up.

38. Be able to hear my mind less, heart more, love more, practicing Silence more.

39. Be able to concentrate better, focus better.

40. Taking my loved ones, parents on once in a lifetime journey; could be wherever they wish without thinking of money.

When you have shed all your stress to the Sun, Sand, to sweat and Sea, Gokarna, Karnataka.

And something that is the key to becoming immortal like the histories of the winning world.

41. Archiving mine, and world’s life better.



Of course, I went overboard and included most things I could think of, and some that may even take a lifetime to get to. But these are certainly those few that i think about and which will keep me at the edge of my life.

If you have anything that you felt while reading we have in common, please let me know. Rather I will be even happy to know yours, of how you might want something that should happen to you in next 5 years to come. Do share!

: ँ :

Thank you

If today is the first time you have arrived on The Road to Nara, you are heartily welcome ~ Namaste

“And If you enjoyed the post please let me know; share your experience in the comment section below and Do subscribe for unusual Tales of Nature, Culture, Ancient Learning and Travels.

ROAD TO NARA : Stories of Passion, Valour, Myth, Travel, Culture from India and around the World to your mailbox.


: ँ :

I will take this opportunity to introduce you to About me and importantly

As a co-traveller, let me take you through the Ten Lessons I learnt from several years on the road, before you course on your own Road to Nara.

Also read: 9 Most Read Stories from Road To Nara in 2022

: ँ :

You might also like to know about My Little School Project. 

If you wish to come over for a visit someday, that you must, you will be heartily welcome here


: ँ :

If you have anything to share, or feel like saying a hello, please feel free to write to me at narayankaudinya@gmail.com

To visit other long-term photographic works, please visit here.


To follow my walks through the rural Indian Subcontinent, find me at 
Facebook | Twitter

This entry was posted in: Announcements and Celebrations, Motivation and Inspiration
Tagged with: , , , ,

by

Hi, I am Narayan Kaudinya. And i welcome you on this journey, the Road to Nara ! I am an Ethnographer and a practicing Indologist. I did my masters in History and further learnt Sanskrit, Yoga and Nerve-therapy. At 24, pushing most academic sounding, office sitting works away, i felt compelled to know and understand the world and my country, Bharat/India. I travelled, and as it happened i took up teaching in Kashmir and further up in the remote villages of Baltistan in the foothills of Karakoram Ranges. For around three years and many states later there came a time when i felt that it was only while teaching i learnt how to laugh, to see, feel, breathe, love and cry -with children, and mostly resource-less parents in the harshest-freezing border conditions. I write, and work as a documentary photographer and Filmmaker, with numerous published, exhibited and some awarded stories. In my travels and life i have let nature lead me, the divine mother, and as a Yogin, my resolve here is to share my experiences and thoughts as honestly, and through them to blossom in everyone the power and possibility in pursuing your breath, that you seek your true nature with courage and curiosity. Here, on this road i will share my spirit, my love for nature, the elements of life that are us. And in doing so, i'll be happy to see you along.

76 Comments

  2. Yetismith says

    I think you should continue doing as you have been, following your intuition. I believe we all have a path we are meant to follow. When we allow cultural dictates to affect our choices, we often move away from our real path. You have an impressive bucket list but I am sure you will achieve whatever is important to you and I wish you happiness and fulfillment.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Narayan Kaudinya says

      Thanks Caro for this beautiful, precious comment.

      Even though it’s a list that may take as much time as it needs but certainly I am not going to chase it leaving living life however it will present itself in future. These are ideas and I will be happy if ever I am able to do even some of them.

      Thank you ❤️🙏

      Like

      Reply
  3. Sunra Rainz says

    What a lovely wholesome post to read. I like your bucket list, it’s both ambitious, relatable and doable. I love how you describe the earth as a mud ball. I wrote a bucket list poem on my blog not so long ago which is quite ridiculous compared to yours! 😀

    I think travelling across most of the continents you mention is many people’s heartfelt dream, isn’t it? It’s wonderful if you can make it come true. We always have the carbon footprint impact to think about now. I can never travel without feeling the guilt of that.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Narayan Kaudinya says

      Dear Sunra, lovely to have you and your lovely, uplifting comment. I was smiling all day long.

      This list is put out only as a reminder as i would like them to arrive than I chasing and remaining expectant. Let see. As i shall try to find your bucket list.

      Yes, travelling comes closest to that wandering consciousness, as both meet and wonder wander. Its the happiest time our body, spirit experience.

      yes, Carbon footprint is a truth, but guilt may lead to inaction. Why not travel to each place of love and leave a few trees behind 🙂 I really would not want to travel when all world will carry a QR code 😀

      Thank you dear Sunra, this beautiful comment meant much.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      • Sunra Rainz says

        You’re welcome, Narayan. Thank you for your equally lovely comment. I understand your point of view, however, I’m never inactive. I do as much as I can as an individual to reduce my carbon footprint. But until flying becomes more eco-friendly, it will always undo everyone’s good work and that guilt is an awareness of the impact we all have on the planet. I only fly if I have to these days.

        I shall pop by again very soon! ☺️

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  4. Ashley says

    Narayan, that is some list! And honestly, you have achieved so much already. But you are right to still have goals: striving for them, the road, the journey, is what counts & of course learning from them.
    At 40 I was living & working in the rat race in London & it was only after turning 65 years of age & living back here in Norn Iron (that’s how we say it) that thinking about “other things/lives” returned (I stopped dreaming after I turned 20!) However, with time on my hands I returned to writing “something” & that continues to be an adventure. I have one other goal & that is to illustrate my little verses rather than using photos.
    There are other things I would like to do but I will write about those later. For now, suffice to say that even at my age, I’m also on the road, the Road to Ashley. 🙏

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Narayan Kaudinya says

      What life can teach a spirit, is just unbelievable dear Ashley. And you are on the path to yourself. How can I express my happiness when I read ‘Road to Ashley’. That is it! This is the only journey, to ourselves.

      If there is one wish that I can make on your behalf, it would only be to leave Norn iron for sometime and come here, get a place near river Ganges, and write, walk, breathe.

      Thank you so much. Gratitude and Love.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  5. gabychops says

    Narayan’s extraordinary and exciting plans for the future, some easier to achieve,
    others needing much more time than four years, and as a bucket list is usually made when one has limited time in life to do what one always wanted, it opens endless possibilities for someone so young, and coming from a long-living family. After all, Narayan’s grandfather was celebrating not long ago reaching 100 years, and in a perfect mental state, even if not as fit as before. And so, there is every chance that Narayan will live to that age and beyond, especially as he keeps super-fit, and is
    a committed vegetarian. Writing a book about the village life of India, with all the diverse languages, religious rituals, and unusual practices would provide him with
    immortality and financial stability to be able to travel the world. Expanding his school
    is an important undertaking on par with writing as it would provide a highly educated
    young generation of people dedicated to making India an even greater country than
    it is already.
    One can only wish that Narayan’s all dreams and wishes are realized in time.

    Joanna

    Like

    Reply
    • Narayan Kaudinya says

      My dearest dearest Joanna, its humbling how you present it. You are as always right, this list is not for four years or even for any number, these are some steps that I might need to see the person I can become. Yes, school is top-most priority. And country is even more.

      Thank you for your humbling comments.

      Like

      Reply
  8. Cheryl, Gulf Coast Poet says

    Wow! You will have a very busy life, even if you take the next 40 years to do all of these things, Narayan! 🙂 If you come to Florida, you might enjoy swimming with the manatees! I could make a few other recommendations, but I think your list is pretty long already! ❤

    Like

    Reply
    • Narayan Kaudinya says

      Ah Cheryl, busy life is a certainty. I see my parents and I look at the clock, each day is pushed to the limits. But yes, this was something i took a flight of thought. Let see how and what happens when, no chasing nothing 🙂

      You will know when I will come for sure Cheryl. That day will be a blessing.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  9. Pingback: 40 Before Forty: My ‘Bucket List’ to complete in next Four Years

  10. Anonymous says

    One of the best ,that I’ve come across so far ….great going Nara,wish you bestest of the best in concurring life ,May you achieve everything that’s there in your bucket and more..
    Lots of love and peace
    Toya

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Narayan Kaudinya says

      Ah, Toya, you are the bestest for being wholly you and supporting in each way. Love to you. I hope to carry your humble blessings always.

      Like

      Reply
  12. Anonymous says

    A comprehensive list, you have already seen and experienced more than most people. IF you don’t complete the list before forty there will still be plenty of time after forty!

    Like

    Reply
    • Narayan Kaudinya says

      Dear Janet, of course I myself dont think this can be done in four year since I need those many hours to sit and write and edit my visual works to start with.

      Once I started thinking of a bucket list i couldn’t stop myself. So this be a reminder for the years to come. I will let them come than chasing and feeling exhausted 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
    • Narayan Kaudinya says

      Hehe, Dearest Cindy, taking your comment with a pinch of salt. Hope if I cannot make it in 4, I do it in 14. If I get to live of course 💖🥰

      Like

      Reply
  20. Martha Kennedy says

    You reminded me of when I was 35 — half my life ago, now. I felt middle-aged. “Where has it all gone? Why is home ownership such a big deal to my husband? Mowing the lawn is just like vacuuming the living room! What’s the point!” I thought that. I didn’t have a list — and no idea! — but somehow that lawn-mowing thought was kind of an epiphany. That year, I got my first real dog — a lab/springer mix, Truffle. I found my way to one of the few remaining untouched spots in the city of San Diego. I found a trail. It was so hard at first, every step every day brought me closer to that which is me. All blessings on your journey.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Narayan Kaudinya says

      Dearest Martha, let me first apologise in taking time, in acknowledging your beautiful comment on something as far fetched as my wishes in this bucket of lists.

      To tell you, I feel Bucket lists are kind of vague and a person can go overboard in penning down every wild desire he or she has. For one it might not happen but only because the opportunity was provided to let the list out in the world of hope and desire, I feel I couldn’t have written any less.

      In your journey, of all what you think you didn’t do brought a naturalist out of you. You are nature in full spring and I no one better than I can feel how precious have you been to you and this universe. Truffle did a world of magic to you!

      Thank you.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  21. Alison and Don says

    Oh I do love your spirit Narayan! And your enthusiasm and ambition to live life to the fullest. We are at different ends of life you and I, and when I was your age I wrote a similar list. Much of it didn’t happen, but much did. Your dedication to the inner journey will always lead you along the right path, even if sometimes it feels like a struggle. You are wise beyond your years you know.
    Alison 💕

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    • Narayan Kaudinya says

      Dearest Ali, I read your posts with much anticipation now. All the more when you are at the most important phase in your life. How much learning is there in your words, details of how Don is accepting and transferring responsibilities.

      Last post was and felt like an emotional quest in both of your journeys, I read it within an hour of you publishing it. Dearest Ali I only hope that whenever that moment comes when you plan to come to India again, I should be the one greeting you or be around when you visit river Ganga again.

      I acknowledge each word with gratitude. Like you, I know that all wishes will not come to fruition but regardless I will make sure that these and many more come to become a tree and not only mine but through me many humans and families earn happiness and light.

      My regards and strength to you and Don, Love.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  23. TTT says

    A blessed birthday, Narayan! Albeit belatedly.

    You curated the old photos of a young you very well. They represented your chronological evolution evocatively. You as a wide-eyed baby…you were already in awe of the world even then! And you looking up as a young man…you were already a big dreamer early on. And you chilling with your friend’s furbabies…well that’s just cute. 🙂

    I wish you every entry in your bucket list, especially #40. No achievement or experience can beat the blessing of sharing happy moments with your parents. Go for it!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  25. Irisje R says

    I think the many items on your list are feasible in 4 years. Some of them are quite similar to mine too 😁. Best of luck and courage to you.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  26. Ka Malana - Fiestaestrellas.com says

    I want to write so much in reply, but I also want to honor that very special silent connection that I feel that we share. We met in words, but we have hearts that are connected. While I am not a geographically close friend, and I don’t get to read your blog often enough, I feel heart-connected enough to believe that we can be friends for a long time. I am 8? years your senior. Many of the items on your list are on mine, too. Except the more physically rigorous ones, not so much. Of your list I wanted to add: I did not start my family until age 38 in pregnancy. It’s by the far, the most important thing I have/am doing. It makes the other items on the list harder/more interesting to complete/accomplish/pursue–however, well worth it. I feel blessed that life arranged that focus for me on my little one. I don’t know what your beliefs are, exactly. I plan on having ONE life. I don’t really want to come back on Earth for another mud ball round. LOL. I love your writing. There. I tried to fit in the most important things I could. May you experience so much more of your own loving heart through all these amazing pursuits and your already rich life history. I truly appreciate your life experience that you do share here. How you share your fascination with cultures other than your own, lands, etc…

    So many blessings to you, Nara! I’m grateful to co-journey with you!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Narayan Kaudinya says

      Aah lot. Thank you for writing. Family is going through some little adjustments. And so I in my universe within. Family adding some and losing the eldest one. I will be writing soon.

      Means much Usf, thank you.

      Like

      Reply
    • Narayan Kaudinya says

      Aah, thank you Lakshmi Ji. Yes there are some dreams and some turned to goals. Yes, hopefully, I will make it a life lived with values along the way.

      Thank you again, Lakshmi ji.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

Leave a comment