It's Time to Break the Chain

Have you noticed how this craze of violence, destruction, and terror, in the world,  occurs in waves, but in is also a constant?
What I mean is that although death, violence, destruction and devastation... what we call terror and war, is continuous globally,  there is something major that affects you, your country, something near you every 2-3 months, or makes it big in the news in terms of violence. In Nov, Dec, and Jan we were plagues with the headlines: girl is gang raped in Delhi, Colorado shooting, Connecticut School shooting... Now we have this focus on US drones killing many in Afghanistan and Pakistan; This week: 5 yr old raped in Delhi, Boston marathon bombing.
There is violence, death and destruction, everywhere that always doesn't make it to my attention, or big in the news that is shown in the US, but exists. We must be aware of this fact.
“World peace must develop from inner peace. Peace is not just mere absence of violence. Peace is, I think, the manifestation of human compassion.”
― Dalai Lama

That quote leads me to the next one:
 “There is a saying in Tibetan, 'Tragedy should be utilized as a source of strength.'
No matter what sort of difficulties, how painful experience is, if we lose our hope, that's our real disaster.”
― Dalai Lama XIV

Knowing there is violence, death, destruction and terror in the world, we must not lose hope, love, passion and give into fear or anger. Those two emotions lead to more of the violence, and destruction. Also always keep the ego in check!

So this pattern of violence, that turns good people into scared, and angry people, which thus turns them violent, hateful and destructive (you have been through it, even in a small way), people. We are unable to get over our egos, and calm ourselves down and see the bigger picture (simple psychology, philosophy and Buddhism, please read up on it, and try to keep your heart and mind open). I dunno much, but I do know this guy, the Dalai Lama has some keen insights into life, living, the world and peace, and although so hard to follow at times, the simple messages he communicates speak such truth.

Is it time to break the pattern or what? There is a chain of violence that needs to be broken. It can not be broken by death, war, punishment, revenge, hate, anger, fear, destruction, devastation, or more killing. Although sometimes the ego says "oh yeah you think you can hurt me? I'm gonna stamp you out!" "I will kill you to protect myself my family" Instead of trying to approach a situation of threat in a different way.
I've been using different approaches to situations that hurt me, make me angry, frustrated and scare me.

Sometimes we feel that the world is a huge place and nothing we do can make a difference?
“If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.”
― Dalai Lama
We are all mosquitoes and we CAN make a difference. And the difference we will make is through love, kindness and compassion.
“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.” ― Dalai Lama, The Art of Happiness

“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them.” ― Dalai Lama

“The whole purpose of religion is to facilitate love and compassion, patience, tolerance, humility, and forgiveness.” ― Dalai Lama

 “If you can cultivate the right attitude, your enemies are your best spiritual teachers because their presence provides you with the opportunity to enhance and develop tolerance, patience and understanding.” ― Dalai Lama


Instead of wondering how to end it, think of why they are doing this so we can prevent it in the future. Instead of thinking of punishing, or revenge, why not think about forgiveness, and killing them with kindness. When I say kill them with kindness, I don't mean death, but show them so much compassion that it melts away their evilness. I swear it works! It is so hard to do, because we are hurt, in pain, angry, and scared, and it takes so much to become a bigger better person. So much energy, love and mindfulness to forgive, and love in exchange for hate.

I'm not saying wrong doers must not be punished, they should be, but it is time to break the chains, to create real change. And warn evil doers, and help change them before they act. These depend on us though, our behavior, we are mosquitoes, we are the world, the people and we are all connected. As my friend Celeste said today on a facebook status, "Hate begets hate. Anger begets anger. How many horrendous things will have to happen before we choose love and connection? Clearly, hate and separation really isn't working." This is my message and question too!

In the end of your life though you choose what you want to be...

“Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.”
― Dalai Lam

“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”
― Dalai Lama

“Only the development of compassion and understanding for others can bring us the tranquility and happiness we all seek.”
― Dalai Lama

“All suffering is caused by ignorance. People inflict pain on others in the selfish pursuit of their own happiness or satisfaction”
― Dalai Lama

 Breathe!

Breaking the Chain

This picture was exactly what I was trying to explain to my mother the other day. I was just telling my mom about a website which showed us how USA droned Pakistan from 2004 to now. It showed how drone attacks increased after president Obama came into office (these were the known drone attacks). The target of these drone attacks were always high profile terrorists etc., but the casualties included, children, civilians and "other" (which meant other terrorists I suppose). All in all till date there are over 3000 dead due to the drone attacks.

My mom pointed out, and rightfully so, that the terrorist organizations under attack of the drones, had killed 5000 plus people during 911 attack on the twin towers in 2001. That was a good point. However, I thought deeply about Ahimsa and all the things I have been learning, and I pointed out to her that we can't break the chain like this. Violence begets violence, this perpetuates more killing. The next time they will target 10,000, and we will retaliate and kill another 20,000... and so it will carry on. is that what we really want?

I know this is one of the most difficult things to accept, it is the toughest thing in life to do. Especially if you are the one affected. We hold on to the pain, anger and our hearts are consumed with revenge, hate and vengeance, retribution, justice... in the end though it comes down to what kind of human do you want to be. Retaliation is a good scare tactic, its a good way to get rid of bullies, but what do we want to be - as a person, as a people, as a nation, as a species? In the end it depends on us individuals... Choose wisely.

Breaking the chain can apply to not only violence, but addictions, negative perceptions, being stuck on a  project, friendships, anger, rivalries, egos, and the list could go on. It means taking a different perspective that does not cause another person harm. It means setting the ego aside and filling your heart with positivity instead. Positivity could be love, light, optimism, hope, kindness, caring, sharing... You see those "top 10 things what successful people do" or "top 20 things happy people do different", its this basic attitude that sets them apart. They don't let negativity hold them back, they don't let failure, hurt, anger drag them down. They focus and fill themselves with this positivity. Don't believe me? Try it!

When you focus on getting back at someone, or on sadness, you spiral yourself into that hole of darkness. An amazing example is Japan during the devastating tsunami. They could have been really sad about the tsunami and wallowed in self pity for days, but they mourned yes, they felt sad, but they didn't focus on that. They gathered themselves, and truly kept calm and carried on. ;-) Another example is the Buddhist Lama's they could be so angry, and hurt about China... but no they focus on their practice, their compassion, love and forgiveness and smile and teach others the same. I find this refreshing... don't you?

Forgiveness is not easy, but those who can master this has found some divinity within themselves. I will say forgiveness is higher than any revenge one can muster. I think those wise old guys from the religious and holi texts would agree, they knew what they were talking about.

Matisyahu lyrics

Inhale Nature, Exhale Love

Meditating these past few days have helped me renew my deep love and passion for nature. It starts with listening to my own breath, and feeling my heart beat gently in my chest. My engine that chugs, my fuel is what I give it, my love for me is how I maintain this little machine nature created.

While meditating I focus inwardly, yet vastly. I see myself, my life - remember the childhood and years passed, being in the present and sending intentions for the future; receiving the universe in its infinite-ness, I open my mind and heart to all.

Meditation complete, I open my eyes, and the world seems fresh, as though the monsoons have washed the world clean, and here I am to prance about in its fresh, squeaky clean newness! The leaves, the birds, the children laughing, everything feels good. Even the nuisances sound like a music in a different tone and melody. It hits me, I feel it and I let it go. It is the world, it is all nature.

I see the leaves on the branches of the great oak sway in the breeze. I am mesmerized. I realize how fascinating such a simple thing can be. I feel it.

I run, I run slowly, but mindfully. Running, feeling the wind in my hair, the earth under my feet, and the smells, and noises that fill the world. I feel the people. I feel the sweat roll down my forehead, neck and back. I enjoy the motion, and what it is doing for my health. I am mindful of how my body moves, and my feet fall, the natural biomechanics of it all, relearning the correct movements. I feel love, and smile. I breathe and run. It's a meditation in motion with the world!

This is me. I love me. This is the world, I love. This is life, I love. This is the nature, I love - forever present.

Breathe!

Rise

Struggles:

Sometimes just to get out of bed in the morning
To smile when the sky is grey
The driver that cuts in front - steer away from frowning
To talk when you have nothing nice to say.

To love when anger envelopes your being
To find compassion when you scrape through the day
Find the light when darkness is all you are seeing
Fighting the winter blues even though it is almost May.

Being motivated even when there is so much to do
To discipline yourself against all temptations
To run, to move, exercise and to even just get up and go
Patience for all those slow moving situations.

To find beauty in the ugliness
To taste the sweet in the most bitter
To remember our pureness
To turn a bad moment into something better.

To spare your loved ones the brunt of frustrations
To find a peace amongst the chaos
Feel warmth among cold companions
Within the millions to find the "us".

Rise:

We will overcome these and be higher souls
We will be our own warriors
Sing louder than the bell tolls
Breaking all our barriers.


We will strive to day to be better than yesterday
Love endlessly
To be warm and shine: be a brighter ray
Smile continuously.

Smile - For everyday is a new day

Remember -The beauty of life itself

Breathe.

(I wrote this because I was having a hard time being motivated, and a colleague said he had a hard time getting the day started, a friend having a hard time getting out of bed and getting on with life, a friend letting go of the old and embracing the new... Let's remember we struggle with little things everyday but need to overcome them to be stronger and the higher person. Some of our struggles might be bigger than petty everyday ones, but we have to rise above be our own warriors!)

CATHARSIS

The purging of emotion.

Bottled up deep inside

though you have a smile

there is so much to hide

much to beguile.

Passion, Anger, Sorrow and Suffering

Frustrations, Anguish, Confusion, and Repression

Hurt, Pain, Rage a feeling of Chocking

Oppression, Conceal, Suppression....

A moment comes when we decide to let

the emotions that we've buried inside

to burst out, to jet

to flow and exit with the receding tide.

If the emotions make us a bubble,

or a balloon - a small nudge or snip

in the form of an external thrust to hell

can make us snap and pop.

The emotional purge can be beautiful

Sometimes it can be ugly

It can be dangerous to some and harmful

Yet it needs to be done, most definitely.

 Ophelia - Hamlet

Shakespeare and His Literature and its Relevance in Today's World

NPR, BBC and PRI, been listening to it a lot lately, and honestly, its nice to stay informed about the world, universe etc. I dislike wasting time on this topic, but Rupert Murdoch, his crew and the whole cell phone hacking scandal have been dominating the news stories lately; even though there are pressing matters such as the economies suffering all over the world, famine in Somalia, War in Libya, etc etc etc. No Murdoch and his new empire which was thriving on way to much power, was proven to be corrupt in the end, will make front page news everyday. When we give so much focus, energy and attention to such a "not good" thing, we are in fact giving it more power. We need to stop.
So this whole Murdoch deal, like all other things which are given so much power, is a classic example of Juvenal's quote (Circa 2nd Century AD) "Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?". Who Watches the Watchmen? So who keeps and eye on the police? Who keeps the people who keep justice in check, in check?

So there's this crazy balance/imbalance in our lives... (which I can later go on to prove that everything is relative and there is no perfectness in a universe so full of chaos, because it is in the end a perfect chaos! {maybe Einstein would appreciate that observation, it might be that profound}), which is that the one's who would once give us the news, and expose the truth, became the one's forfeiting that "trust". That trust has long been owned by who knows... people like Murdoch? Politicians? People in power (power = money)? Trust being the newspaper, which is now generalized as "media".

I just happened upon this quote from the German punk rock scene -
"When justice becomes injustice, resistance becomes duty"

(I shall tie that in to all the above now... and to the title... I tend to ramble, but thank god, no one is grading me on it! That is why it is a blog)

On a program on KCRW (NPR, BBC, PRI) they brought on a Shakespeare expert to analyze what was being said about Murdoch case becoming a tragic Shakespearean drama, example King Lear. however in King Lear, we feel sorry for the great who has led himself to trip over his own doings. The speaker goes on to say a more proper comparison would be Claudius from Hamlet. Claudius is the manipulator from the beginning, we dont feel sorry for him, as he makes calculated plots, and then loses everything in the end. Things got out of control there, and with Murdoch's company. They didn't care about the means, because they had the power, but they got the job done. So ethically its not right, morally its not right, and no person who wants a clean conscience would do that. However sometimes we get hungry and greedy for success, power and wealth. We have to check ourselves, because sometimes there is no one checking us.

A different point of view, sure there will sympathizers of Murdoch, example his peers and friends; they would want to see him have justice, but then what kind of justice? "With great power comes great responsibility" and with that there also comes great penalty (Spiderman is fiction).
So the victims of the injustice they should get their justice. It's easy for him to dump the blame on his employees, but in the end he is the owner. With any success it is always shared success, but when there is a failure, a true leader will come forward to take full responsibility of that failure, without pointing fingers.

This is what has been taught over centuries, as good ethics and morals. However it seems we have forgotten humanity and the world, and become utterly selfish and self serving in our motives.

(I might break out into a rant of love, but I shall hold my tongue currently). So if Murdoch had apologized sincerely, and had taken the blame for the corporate irresponsibility, then he would have won the public hearts. However his arrogance and attempts to cover up, have made him untrustworthy.

So there are no doubt good genuine leader's out there, and then there are ones that make bad decisions.

Shakespeare wrote a lot of plays, and all of them had political undertones. We can all relate to one or more of his characters... who will you be? who do you want to be?

And just a side note, personally I think Obama is a great leader, carrying the troubled, and burdened times of this country and the world. Yet he is harshly judged. I was sad to hear that NASA had to end it's space shuttle program and Outer Space travel is becoming commercialized/privatized. The federal budget can not support it any more... We spent too much money on WAR!

I will end on the note:

There was never a Good War
Or a Bad Peace.

But was there EVER a peace?





Breathe!



(When I end on "Breathe", it's to remind us that we are here, and now. We are alive and breathing is so pure. So let us let that purity into us).

The Tigeress

Your words made a deep impact. I don't know how or why, they inspired me, and hit me hard where, like you knew where to aim. I was impressed. More over I was inspired. Yes the fire began burning again, and I knew what I wanted... from MY life. And what I wanted from and for the world.

You showed me my inner secrets, my inner power - The Tiger in me arose... no more whimpering cub. You took down your wall which protects your heart, and showed me where it hurts; I asked you for patience and you gave me my space... you told me I needed to be stronger, assertive, confident in me. I dont know how or why, but it helped. and Here I am.

you were gentle, you love me, my support system, my best friend, like music does love and life flow...

I am a Tigress, see me run, hear me roar.

Thank you for the many experiences, the love and the memories!

Letting go of the past, embracing the new...


OM

Breathe!

Two Quotes

DalaiLama:

"Compassion is a deep desire to see others relieved of suffering; love is the other facet, a strong wish to see others happy."

"When hatred or anger are generated they have the capacity to destroy one's virtue and calmness of mind."

Things Learnt in 2009

Tolerance - i need to be more tolerant of my sister and she of me. we get on each other's nerves. We are poles apart different people. we shared eachother's lives for over 20 years, we know each other best, though we are separate people. tolerance to love each other and hate each other must be learned.

Patience - to deal with these trying times. to try over and over again for something which will never seem to work out. it seems so taxing and one of the most hardest things to learn. To wait... to anticipate with weary hearts.

Forgiveness - i learnt once from a very close friend that to forgive is like a blessing from a higher force. To cast away one's mistakes but love their very soul is something so deep, and a mystery to many people. Some have mastered it. I patiently try to forgive. To me mistakes involving one's heart and soul is harder to forgive rather than with inanimate objects which don't matter with regard to the immensity of Everything.

Compassion - passion to live life, work hard and make a difference was always my driving force. however compassion is something i lost. I remember working hard on christmas/season's greetings cards one year. I got so few replies it hurt to send any out the next year. Compassion is similar to unconditional love... its all so tricky... to love the right way is skill or some other word like being gifted.

Discipline - To live in moderation. To me this means to take care of my body. I am lucky to have a good one, which is all too damaged yet with injuries, and abuse. So to treat it with care would be my goal. To pursue things that will enlighten me and help me better myself is another goal, this can be done by focusing, limiting and disciplining myself.

Courage - I shrink after every fall, it takes me a long time to get back up. No matter how hard the fall we should never be disheartened, but spring upon our feet and meet life with full force. EVERY TIME. Have a fiery heart and determination to always get back up.

Confidence - believe in one's self and that alone is all the power you need. Do not be arrogant, pretentious or self righteous... but a confidence full of humility. To be humble is tricky these days, but it is a virtue. Confidence can be achieved with humility, however the balance is tricky.

I shall strive for these character qualities which have been diluted through the many days, journeys and trials i have faced these passed years.

ok this is all. I trust it would be a good lesson for most.

Posted by me in Feb 2009 on Facebook

Then

&

Now

The Men Who Stare at Goats

"A reporter, trying to lose himself in the romance of war after his marriage fails, gets more than he bargains for when he meets a special forces agent who reveals the existence of a secret, psychic military unit whose goal is to end war as we know it. The founder of the unit has gone missing and the trail leads to another psychic soldier who has distorted the mission to serve his own ends." - Rob Harris

This movie was bizarre yet intriguing. It made me think about how ridiculous this Hippie Cult in the army was. How could something so ridiculous be funded by the government? However in the end of the movie I realized to begin with the whole idea of any war is ridiculous. People like fighting, its primal instinct to fight and survive. However humans are conscientiousness beings, that separates us from the animals. Since we have the ability to rise above the "fighting to live attitude"... and we have such great intelligence then why can we not create a peace, rather than create guns and bombs? So although this movie was hilariously absurd in all aspects, it had a deeper message. I didn't get the whole movie until Hrishi pointed out there is a profound meaning in the movie. It's something to think about (for those who wish to ponder) even though it is a laughable comedy.

The Dilemma: Compassion to people ... compassion to animals

So the past couple of years I have been working as a Park Ranger for the National Park Service, then as a GIS intern at the Metro Parks around Akron, now the land planner at the one in Cleveland. I help conserve natural areas, for the enjoyment of people and to help save species of animals. Ohio, may not be a Sundarbans, or great barrier reef, it is a makeshift home to many migratory species. It's waters drain into the Great lakes which eventually drain into the Atlantic Ocean. The environment and the quality of the environment is a shared responsibility. Some of us work more actively in the field than others.

However what is the COST of conservation? In Northeast Ohio people are concerned we are taking away their land. The land which they rightfully own, for some dumb birdies. In India Medha Patkar and Baba Amte stood up for the tribal/village people who would be affected by the dam which was to be built across the Narmada River. Did those people really matter? Did that whole environment really matter? Is not renewable energy for the overpopulated cities of India more important than some people in a village, who farm, they could farm or do whatever they do elsewhere right? Do these peoples' sentiments really matter?

I have been reading this book called "The Hungry Tide" by Amitav Ghosh. I highly recommend it if you have any interest in Indian culture, environment, tigers, culture in Asia, philosophy or just really good piece of fiction. The story is set in the Indian section of the Sundarbans. This is a real area, and all the facts that follow are true. The Sundarbans are the largest mangrove forest in the world. A Mangrove forest is a special habitat created where the river meets the sea, the depositing silt creates temporary and changing landforms, this process gives birth to semi-aquatic flora and specialized fauna. This area is also the humble abode of the Royal Bengal Tiger. WWF, and other such organizations have listed the Tiger as a threatened and endangered species. This animal is subject to loss of habitat, and poaching.

The Sundarbans is also home to a very popular species that inhabits the earth: Humans. So two great predators occupy this dense jungle, or whatever is left of it. As the humans make way for more homes, the tigers fight for survival... the people who live here are mostly refugees, living in abject poverty, poor, fishing in the little streams and rivers that form this vast delta. Who has rights to this land? WWF and people from our class are all for SAVE THE TIGER. The tiger is dying. However, where will these people go? Do they matter?

Then again there are people like me who work hard but for no great compensation, to protect these areas, quoting the book (at this point two characters are discussing the difference between conserving habitats for animals and keeping animals in captivity): "the difference (...) is that is what it was intended, not by you or me, but by nature, by the earth, by the planet that keeps us all alive. Just suppose we cross that imaginary line that prevents us from deciding that no other species matters except ourselves. What will be left then? Aren't we alone enough in the Universe? And do you think it will stop at that? Once we decide we can kill off other species, it will be people next. Just the kind of people you were speaking of, people who are poor and unnoticed."

This made me think that perhaps preservation does draw the line from us killing off the earth and then killing each other for more of it. When we create preservations, reservations, conservation areas... It is because we acknowledge the fact that this is a place that must be shared not only with humans but reserved for animals who would otherwise have no home. WE as a species are selfish and greedy, taking the best and leaving the rest to the lowest. Some might call it survival of the fittest, but most of us are more than fit. So since we are the dominant species and class why not help the "less fit" more often.

However there is still the line between helping poverty stricken people and helping the environment. When the Narmada Bachao Andolan (Medha Patkar and Baba Amte's non-government organization) began a movement against the dam, it aimed at preserving habitat (trees etc) and people. Then there is an area like the Smoky Mountain National Park, which preserves a small portion of the smoky mountains and is home to the Cherokee Indians. So how do we find a balance in countries countries in Africa, South America, and South Asia to strike a balance between helping the poor, but helping the animals too. Maybe even separating the two. We can not afford to lose the earth's second greatest predator (being the Big Cats). However can not ignore poor people and cast them aside. However conserving the nature is my job at the moment. There are both sides of the coin, which can go hand in hand. Which side of the coin are you? and what have you done so far?

H20

I am a river,
deftly i flow.

No one can hold me back
breaking all dams i go.

I am an ocean,
I know all lands.

I am as vast as the skies,
bounded by the sands.

I am the rain,
tears of the heavens.

Everyone's pain,
washed away with goodness.

I am the lake,
still and calm.

Waiting for time,
Rippling in storm.

I am the Waterfalls,
powerful and strong.

Overwhelming at times,
Pleasing for all!

I am water,
Cool and changing.

No one can hold me,
Yet giving life to all!

Loves Life Laughs

We live, we love, we laugh... I think these are the most important things we do.

I have lived but 26 years, and so far I loved so many people, animals, places, things... I love so much that sometimes it feels like that my heart may burst. However there are times when I stop out of sheer fatigue and its like the doldrums when there is just me loneliness, and all I feel is "Comfortably Numb". However this short piece is on Loving and that feeling. I love my family. but as Richard Bach said in Illusions- The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life. Rarely do members of one family grow up under the same roof." and "Don't be dismayed at good-byes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends."

I keep that with me in my heart, because "friends are a gift you give yourself", so i love my friends dearly is what I am trying to say. I can only hope they love me as I love them.

I realised I loved him when I met him after years, by then it was too late. I had had my opportunity to do something about it, but nay I had lingered, doubted and let it pass. So now I must wait, for a different lifetime perhaps. Perhaps it was never meant to be? Was it meant to only be a friendship? I guess I will find out in the end, but is there an end at all?

Another One. We loved each other, or so we thought. We were young and said our "I love you"s, all for naught; less than 9 months and he was gone. Gone just as the waves splash upon the beach and leaves it high and dry as it recedes into the low tide. Years later I have a strange "knowing" of him. The familiarity feels good, and there seems to be a connection, but i am not sure what. I did question him regarding this, but I can't figure it out. Thus those memories, those moments, or just him whether he has changed or not... friendship lasts forever, even though time moved on leaving "us" in the dust.

Bonds can be unbreakable; perhaps even so unshakable than "marriage". Thus it goes to show that even man can't make up and "institution" of marriage and MAKE it last forever till death do us part. Real bonds show test of time and change, (did i miss something?). I can vouch for that.

My best get-together was with the boy I loved in high school. I always truly thought I loved him despite all his faults, despite his lack of care towards me, the way he thought I was nothing compared to him. I resented him at times, but then I always knew I cared for him after ALL we had been through. YEARS later we stood on a beach holding each other, and he just said "You are one of the sweetest person I ever met". I think that's when I knew my patience, and care had paid off. I can't even begin to remember the number of times I had told him I loved him no matter what. He would always laugh about it, and say he just didn't feel the same way. I guess I shall always love that fool, through thick and thin. And I'll never regret it. We're friends deep down. Although who knows, he might deny his side of it.

Strangely some of my good friends so far I am yet to meet. I have been there friends through the internet so long, it feels like I know them, but then I think back, and wow I have never met them in person. Lately I met one such person in real life, and we have much more appreciation for each other now! It felt great, and although it was just a few hours, it makes up for ALL that time we missed out on. He was lovely. I plan to meet my other 2-3 friends soon!!!!

Love Love Love ... All you need is LOVE!!!

Image Courtesy National Geographic- Picture of the day. Mick Tsikas. International Photo Contest. 2008.