The Inner Life Of Animals

Reading for The Retreat 2024

Hi, Iʼm reading this book and wanted to share this quote with you. "Our dog Barry was a little wimp. As I have mentioned, before he came to us, he had already been passed along by a number of different owners. For the rest of his life he was scared of being abandoned, and he always got extremely worked up when he was taken along while we visited friends. If you are a dog, how are you supposed to know whether you’re going to be handed away yet again? He showed his nervousness by panting non-stop, so we finally gave up, leaving the distressed animal alone in the house for a couple of hours instead. When we got back, it was easy to see that Barry was relaxed. He became deaf in his old age and couldn’t hear us arrive, sleeping soundly until he blinked up at us when he felt the wooden floorboards vibrate under our feet. So Barry is an example of an animal that lacks courage, but we want to take a look at the opposite trait, and to do that, let’s step out into the woods." (from "The Inner Life of Animals: Surprising Observations of a Hidden World" by Peter Wohlleben) 

Start reading it for free: https://read.amazon.in/kp/kshare?asin=B01N9YNANU&id=7hayxowfs5a65ereaqlapm6sje 

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There are many dimensions to every person - Aria Gupta

Picture Courtesy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_Dimension

You might be wondering - why I haven't written this article in story form. It's because this topic has many details to consider. And I think that it's hard to convert it into a good story.

Moving on to the topic, we first need to define the meaning of dimensions. Dimensions may imply different things to different people. It could refer to their life responsibilities (mother, friend, etc.) or personality characteristics and traits. Ultimately, the dimensions of a person cover the numerous qualities that comprise a person. 

In my opinion, every role has a dimension that includes attributes. A student's role, for example, may involve characteristics such as procrastination or being studious (the traits vary from person to person). These characteristics and dimensions - create and define the individual's identity and contribute to their unique personality. People's dimensions can also include their talents and abilities, such as creative or intellectual ability. attributes

I won't say that our physical appearance is counted as a dimension; in reality, a person's true worth lies within their character and capabilities. These dimensions shape how individuals interact with the world around them and influence their behaviour and decision-making. 

Moreover, they play a crucial role in determining one's personal and professional growth, as they impact one's motivation, resilience, and overall well-being. Therefore, it is essential to recognise and nurture those dimensions to embrace and express one's true self.

To sum it up, dimensions refer to various roles of a person, including different life responsibilities, personality traits, talents, and abilities. They shape behaviour, decision-making, motivation, resilience, and overall well-being and are crucial for personal and professional success. Recognising and nurturing these dimensions is essential.

Aria Gupta

Grade VI || Gyanshree School

What Restrictions Do - Reveda Bhatt

Restrictions put on children make them disciplined. Now, that would be the common opinion.

But do I support it? 

No.

I don't because there shouldn't be restrictions stopping children from doing acts. It should be their morals. Putting restrictions, now be it for their good, makes them question, "Why?" Not getting a proper answer to it just makes them feel more attracted towards the thing restriction was put on because, as we all know, absence makes the heart grow fonder. Then the child just feels like he or she is being stopped from living fully now. That is the worst feeling. 

On the other hand, a child inculcated with morals has a sense of what's right or wrong because it's not for the restriction but for the teaching experience!

Therefore, I firmly oppose the idea of putting restrictions because discipline comes from the inner core of your character, which you've maintained not due to being feared but due to having your morals.

Reveda Bhatt
The Aryan School

What You Believe Is What You Achieve - Rishona Chopra

Our lifestyle relies on it – the quality of our thoughts, feelings, attitude, habits, personality and finally, our destiny. This means what we believe has a dominating influence on our future. We cannot afford to hold a single wrong belief. Society spreads limiting beliefs like Anger is necessary, Happiness is in achievements, Stress is natural, People and situations decide how I feel, and so on. Believing "anger is necessary", we used anger repeatedly. Although we set such a belief in our mindset, does our destiny know about this belief? It is simply influenced by our thoughts. Each thought of yours affects us, what we think we do. My thoughts full of anger come out in words; my words can influence my actions.

For example -
Due to some reason, I was angry at someone, and I started shouting at them. The situation didn't calm down, so I started hitting them. Without thinking, my thought became my words, and they became my actions. I began to respect it again and again. Soon, getting angry about the most minor things became my habit. Slowly, it became my character, and then my destiny followed along through karma. It becomes too late when we realise it has become our character because, at that stage, you simply can't reverse yourself without karma following along. You could change, there is a possibility, but your past actions won't. Therefore, start with your thoughts. Improve your thinking, and soon your positive thoughts will become your destiny.

Rishona Chopra       
Grade VI
Gyanshree School

Amateur Drama - Rishona Chopra

Presenting a play truly takes effort. After all that practice, you need lots of confidence. 

I love acting and trust me, I get really nervous. I tell my parents to sit in a corner if I am acting so they can't see me! After the show, I am really confident and happy. The most embarrassing (well, sort of) role was when I had to act as a man. I didn't like the part, but I did like it a little - It was a mix of feelings. There was also this role I loved- When I had to do the voicing of Dorothy. I liked it, but I was so nervous that I had to practice after school too!

The audition is the worst part - You have to perform in front of students from other classes, and then you don't know whether you will be selected. At some point, I wish I were selected and then feel I wish I wasn't!

Totto-chan was very sure about what she wanted; her path was clear in front of her. I wish I were like her - having the courage to decide on a play herself. I just wish I could see her play!

A play, a show
It's something that slowly grows.
A little confidence,
Each character has to have a difference.
Something unique,
Maybe antique
The twist in the script,
Perhaps as old as a manuscript!
The acting,
And all the running!
The effort counts,
And the fun spreads all around!

Rishona Chopra
Grade VI
Gyanshree School

I am who I am - Linisha Agarwal

A person’s character should not be judged by their marks or the amount of wealth he or she has or by their looks. The deeds and personalities are what makes a person good.  I won’t be talking about where I come from, who my parents are, which school I study in or what class am I in or what my age is. Because these are things that just represent me but not define me. 

My character is what defines me.

Why do you want to be like others?

I me

I am who I am

I do what makes me happy.

I live for myself, not you.

U may not agree with me…

But I am not seeking your approval.

I am happy with all that I am!

Don’t let anyone decide what you will do?

You do what you want to do!!!

Just be yourself, don’t think how others will think. Be what you are. Why change? Why look like others or be others or copy others?

Can’t you be real you, we are much more beautiful than actresses, they look beautiful because they are in a mask, a mask of makeup. In reality, some of them are or might be really horrible. And if you think wow they are so thin then don’t imagine yourself to be like them because they do hours of exercise and their diet is way too less. So don’t imagine yourself like them, just live your own beautiful life.

If you say, I am so fat, see she is so slim. Then ask yourself, “why am I thinking about her body? I am cute this way but if I think I am too fat then exercise”. Why judge your body while seeing others?

Can you imagine if everyone in the world looks the same! Can you recognize each other? If not, then why be like others. Would you like it if there were two Jimin in South Korea… I would hate it!

Be you and stay you!

- Linisha Agarwal
Class 6, The Doon Girls' School Dehradun

Honesty and Respect - Tanishi Chitara

Tanishi Chitara 

Honesty and Respect are essential hallmarks of healthy relationships. In healthy relationships, people talk honestly, listen well, trust and respect each additional. Honesty is a vital character trait that every individual should possess. The possession of this trait is very beneficial for a person’s whole life. 

Honesty is the courage to speak the truth and reject disloyalty. At the same time, respect is a way of treating or thinking about someone. People respect others who are impressive for any reason, such as being in authority – like a teacher or cop or grandparents. We show respect by being polite and kind.

We are taught early that honesty is a great virtue; one must give respect to earn respect, and learning compassion requires standing in someone else’s shoes. All of these are pretty ideas. After all, people don’t want to be lied to; they want to be respected for who they are. I think it’s best summed up by the adage, “Treat others the way you wish to be treated.” 

Tanishi Chitara 

Class III

The Fabindia School

Honesty - Abhinav Singh

Abhinav Singh

Honesty implies being truthful. Honesty means developing a practice of speaking truth throughout life. A person who practices honesty in his/her life possesses a strong moral character. An honest person shows good behaviour, always follows the rules and regulations, maintains discipline, speaks the truth, and is punctual. An honest person is trustworthy as he always tends to speak the truth. 

Last month our class teacher told us about honesty, and I thought that I should be honest in life. Then I had been strictly following the path of honesty during my school time and my home also. I was happy and even amazed when I was honest in all my interactions with others. At this time, I found many people who were truthful to themselves and others. Within a few days itself, I realized how easy it was to change into a happy person and, at the same time, be honest.

I was surprised to find that people can deal with the ups and downs of life with equal happiness with a bit of hard work and a lot of self-control instead of getting annoyed, angry, and dishonest. I observed that everyone can be honest if they want to and have the willingness to follow the path of righteousness. I have made a decision to be honest with everyone and at all times.

Abhinav Singh Chouhan 

Class  VIII A

The Fabindia School