Sumangali Morhall's Blog, page 3

The Real Mrs Tiggy-Winkle

One of the very (very) few German words I know is the one for hedgehog. I don’t remember where or why I learned it, but it stuck in my head because igel sounds like eagle, and there can be no two creatures more dissimilar. In fact there are not many creatures similar to the hedgehog at all.

These curious urchins have been in Britain for 15 million years, yet they’ve been driven to the brink of extinction in recent decades, perhaps soon to topple into obscurity with their erstwhile peers –the...

Easter Reflections

Easter was always my favourite time of year growing up. A long weekend with extra chocolate–what could be more appealing? Nature reaches a turning point at last. Birds are busy staking their claim on real estate for the coming season, singing their pitches in the early dawn. Snowdrops make way for crocuses and celandine. New buds arrive daily. In York the city walls have full yellow skirts of daffodils.

Often Easter falls when I’m away on retreat.April 13th is a red-letter day in the Sri Chin...

Thoughts on Peace

It felt homely to be back in Wales, if only for a weekend. I’d forgotten how fond I am of the atmosphere. There’s a magic about it, a friendliness, a deep self-certainty in the people that I’ve not noticed anywhere else.

Carmarthen is a long way into the heart of Wales and thus a long way into the magic of it. There I met with members of the
Sri Chinmoy Centre for an evening’s meditation and music. I treasure these times to share inspiration, news, and – especially important to our community...

Horton and the Perils of Horticulture

Do little people still read Dr Seuss nowadays, or am I showing my age? I loved taking time in those imagined worlds of the Cat in the Hat, Fox in Socks, Green Eggs and Ham – where everyone talks in rhyming couplets and looks a bit fuzzy round the edges. Such eccentricity is comforting to a child.

One story was far from reassuring though:Horton Hears a Who! Do you know it? Our hero – an elephant in this case – finds a speck of dust emitting a sound, and discovers an entire community living on...

Newness and Astrology

While Chinese New Year (Red Fire Monkey) is not until Monday, in my little corner of the globe it seems there’s already a lot of newness.

My family is in the midst of an almighty clear-out. There’s nothing like the buzz of giving things away, especially to people who even recognise what they are and thus how they could be useful. Not being the hoarding type, I’ve also found our countless trips to the council tip liberating, thrilling and strangely moreish. To me material objects use up menta...

The Eighth Colour of the Rainbow

I was once engaged in a rather challenging design job, but one that turned out quite instructive. The client had set up a new business and needed a brand identity. She was very particular about the colour scheme, yet she was not sure exactly what those colours were. They had been seen through her eyes on a visit to Bangladesh.

“The colours there are more colourful than anywhere,” she told me. Indeed, I could see from the photographs they were as lively as jewels in the sun, or sweets in a co...

Sugarless Tea

I just found this enchanting short film, written and directed by Sai Selvarajan.

It caught my attention by connecting India to Queens, New York (Sri Chinmoy came from India and made his home in Queens).

The artwork itself is brilliant, and the story heartwarming. Next time you have 4 minutes spare, I recommend it.

Full Steam Ahead

“Mind if I wait here?” asked an unfamiliar man I’d noticed walking down the alley and stopping by the mews where I live.

“Not at all,” I laughed, “you’re welcome. We’re used to it here.”

He didn’t look like the usual audience–none of the backpack, notebook or flask of tea about him, but tailored coat, three-piece suit, polished shoes. I suppose he’d been to the races.

“I’m not from here, just on my way back south. My son told me this is a good spot for watching.”

“It should be, specially sinc...

The Mythology of Mistakes

Do you ever stop to think what an achievement it is that you and I –metaphorically or metaphysically – are sitting here? Do you ever wonder that we’ve travelled this far? Perhaps you do. Perhaps I ought to do more often. I tend to think only of how far there is to go.

Maybe you live in a state of more serenity, but I confess to having rather too many thoughts. Some are harmless: The blackened cobweb waving in the ceiling is a little too high to reach. Some are useful: There’s enough milk for...

Not the Fruits Thereof

It was part way through a bowl of shahi paneer that I remembered Mr Ramesh. It was something about the restaurant chef that brought my tutor back to me from a half-buried past –something quiet, humble, yet dignified and neatly pressed. Any dish is more delicious when offered with care and attention, as Mr Ramesh knew very well.

In Britain we are not generally known for excellent service, except in high-end shops and restaurants, so it is always a happy find in everyday places. The recession h...