THE BRIGHT SIDE
CORONA DI ALLORO
wear your crown
January 1st, 2026
By Heera Alaya
On a crisp spring day, I find myself contemplating the work of arborists—they have skilfully pruned the trees, removing branches that are diseased, dead, or damaged. Over the years, I have come to appreciate how this practice significantly benefits the trees, promoting health, enhancing flower or fruit production, preventing disease, and bolstering structural integrity.
I recognise that the concept of pruning is equally applicable to life—it involves addressing years of superficial interactions, navigating the burdens of others’ expectations, and confronting their prejudices, limitations and projections. While the process of life-pruning can be both time-consuming and labour-intensive, this mindful endeavour eliminates the superfluous, lightens your load, and redirects energy back to yourself, allowing you to uncover your true self and explore what underpins your identity.
Pruning demands significant patience, mindfulness, and artistic skill to ensure precise cuts while maintaining a natural appearance. The clearer the foliage, the easier it is to recognise plant distress, allowing for prompt care, repair, and restoration. With a profound connection to nature, one realises the importance of adaptability—if the weather changes, you reschedule; if the chainsaw malfunctions, you procure an alternative tool. Ultimately, what matters most is the commitment to the work at hand—pruning …cont.
Years ago, when I first encountered the nomadic Muslim tribe of Gujjar-Bakarwals as they traversed Jammu and Kashmir, I was drawn to their simplicity. More recently, it was their goodness that captured my heart, while their uniquely designed …
IN HARMONY
guide to silent contemplation
In the enchanting region of Ladakh, India, nature’s brilliance transitions smoothly—from the stars that dazzle in the night sky to the rocky crags that sparkle with emerald, amethyst, and ochre hues under the sunlight. As I navigated …
THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED
discovering rich territories
ABSTRUSE IDYLLIC OASIS
Comprehending complex tapestries.
May 21st, 2026
By Heera Alaya
It’s a bucolic setting.
The fig tree—an embodiment of wealth and generosity—serves as a pergola. The lush leafy canopies, paired with the crisp, slow-moving emerald water, create a naturally air-conditioned ambience.
The weathered latticework wrought-iron chairs and slender-legged mottled-top table—designed to withstand the mistral—add timeless character.
The vocalisations fill the air in full force, as the whirring cicadas’ droning tymbal rattle blends harmoniously with the melodic birds’ syrinx … cont.
Mist continued, “Moonlight, nature is our cherished playground; it is here that we play, learn, and evolve. We must persist in doing what we do best, with the hope that the younger generation of humans will first acknowledge and then heed …”
MIST and MOONLIGHT
fond foundation
I wasn’t alone in my admiration for this sublime family—my friend Livia shared my intrigue. I had to whistle repeatedly across the branch to draw Livia’s attention, as she was captivated by the human father, who was teaching …
RAPHAEL and LIVIA
wonder
It was nothing short of spectacular to witness the entire process unfold over the days, to experience the frenzy, and to encounter a cultural phenomenon through the generosity of Tuscan natives. I intended to draw conclusions and paint a detailed mental picture of the breathtaking landscape, but Tuscany is a masterclass in sensory richness, with both its inherent and inherited traditions … cont.
OLIO NUOVO
born to the land: custodians of culture
The loaf of bread embodied the Ethiopian lady’s overflowing kindness and goodness, compelling me to utilise this generous gift in a meaningful way. The universe recognised my sentiments and my wish to share this wholesome offering.
GRATITUDE
gratitude synergy
Your life journey has deepened your intrinsic depth, reflecting your remarkable ability to listen without judgment and empathise with others’ pain and sorrow. You consistently offer the best—kindness, encouragement, and wisdom …
BIRTHING
a cocoon of wellness
Every turn I took, in delight, surprised me—glistening lemons to jewel-like pomegranates embody your richness, and never-ending vineyards capture your fullness. Your gifts continue to unfold—gentle, crisp breeze accompanying our every step fanned me with a profusion of fragrances— from blossoms, fruit, and plants. As I wandered through your gardens and orchards, this intriguing blend of changing scents made me ponder: When do hints of lavender marry lemons, and when do lemons invite roses to blend in, only for apples to unite seamlessly? These mysterious layers reflect your journeys—an art historian and landscape architect—leading to a wholesome amalgamation.
MINERVA
in the spirit of olive trees
NATURALLY REFINED
living with a philosophy of ingenuity
October 15th, 2015
By Heera Alaya
As a young adult, I often travelled and found myself captivated by the details around me—lime-washed chairs with views of rolling vineyards, a fountain tucked away under a lush canopy of trees, or a vintage car left carelessly off the driveway. These enchanting settings left lasting impressions on my soul. Over the years, as I explored the layers of what seems effortlessly refined, I discovered that such settings rarely arise purely by chance; instead, they emerge from a philosophy rooted in ingenuity, intelligence, and independence.
I recall vividly an early morning spent in one of these pared-down, picturesque settings. The rising-drifting steam—from a cup of fragrant lavender tea held close to my face—guided my attention to vintage cloches, which further led me to breathtaking, undulating vineyards.
During breakfast, when I mentioned the bell-shaped glass domes, the lady of the house explained that they had been intentionally placed in the garden. The owners had crafted naturally refined spaces that reflect a deep appreciation for detail and minimalism, and a passion for tirelessly blending. In these idyllic settings, elements with stylistic differences co-exist harmoniously.
The perfect synergy of the senses extends beyond mere ambience; this refined naturalness emanates from individuals who thoughtfully curate and invigorate these spaces. In these settings—free from the noise of pretence—life becomes an exhilarating experience akin to relishing an alfresco meal: luscious food enjoyed on sun-drenched porches, framed by whitewashed masonry, dogs frolicking in the pond and a gentle breeze carrying the invigorating fragrance of citrus orchards.
Embrace the transformative journey of independent travel—where an openness to learning and a willingness to engage with strangers fosters a profound appreciation for the intricate layers that enrich your own facets.
CÔTE D’AZUR
Clear. Intense. Serene.
May 10th, 2026
By Heera Alaya
In a performative world that glorifies noise, flamboyance, and attention-seeking, it’s essential to recognise that a transformative landscape values quiet, understated, privacy and unpretentiousness. Trailblazers like American political figure and activist Eleanor Roosevelt, American civil rights activist Rosa Parks, and American novelist and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott clearly illustrate that one doesn’t need to be loud, ostentatious, or constantly in the spotlight to make a significant impact. Embracing traits such as quietness, introversion, and reserve can be a formidable advantage in personal success and social impact … cont.
A world-class canvas for treasured canvases, the National Gallery of Art [NGA], Washington, D.C., United States, is more than a physical space—it serves as a living canvas showcasing art, culture and education. As I view the paintings and sculptures on display, I am reminded of the essential role played by the museum’s guardians. Where would these masterpieces reside without their meticulous curation, protection and illumination? What would we know of history? How would we grasp the lessons of history, or discover insights about ourselves?
YURI and KAORI
character development
FRANCESCO
gardener
“You can go to a park, but it’s not the same as a garden. I want people to explore gardens like they are in paradise—to see, sit, read, and connect with nature. The only part of the world where we are equal is in nature—it doesn’t discriminate between rich and poor people.”
ANIL and DIWAN SINGH
gardeners
“Many people do this [deface nature]. It takes five to six months to tend a seed to a sapling, so it hurts when someone destroys the plant. When we maintain our environment, the plants will look good, blossom and add to the beauty of the surroundings.”
LOTTIE ALLEN
head gardener
Heera Alaya: [I beam] Yes, glide through dainty wildflowers, pause to a singing Blackbird, take a dip in the bathing pool, bounce in the wilderness with bumble bees, float up toward the glorious beech trees and continue not knowing what I would discover around the corner, which was Major Johnston’s intention—not to have a single vista but to be met with surprises at every turn.
Lottie Allen: Yeah, exploration and discovery are big parts of Hidcote. Often, people come and want a map—they want to know they have been everywhere and done everything, but part of the garden’s enchantment is following your nose and finding those moments of awe. As you turn a corner, it is something different you didn’t expect, giving you moments of joy.
On yet another enchanting morning, I found myself captivated by the multiple layers of nature’s splendour. Once again, my guides were the light bouncing off mountains and the air infused with pine and cedar. I trekked on, admiring the wildflowers with their sun-drenched faces, the nimble lambs grazing alongside their flock, and the gleaming, meandering streams. I hadn’t anticipated life would surprise me with delightful, Mary Poppins-like moments—children rushing down the verdant slopes toward me, showering me with pure, unadulterated affection.
INNOCENCE
untainted lives
LE FLEURISTE
the ripple effect
May 13th, 2026
By Heera Alaya
I have a vivid recollection of a beautiful Sunday in late May. Double espresso down, it was time to savour spring. I stepped out of my apartment, just a stone’s throw from the Jardin du Luxembourg [Jardin du Sénat] in the 6th arrondissement of Paris. The streets were largely quiet, with most shops closed except for a few florists … cont.
To my delight, I took a leap of faith—I took flight with all my might. Now, I hum along with bees, dance with the wind and swerve with the planes. I am finally free to feel the fragrances of spring, the lushness of summer, the kaleidoscope of autumn, and the starkness of winter.
PICKLES
relishing life
“Look at those whiskers! You are a dreamboat, aren’t you?” Since no passerby had glanced at me, I was puzzled—was she praising my dapper bow or the delightful dawn she kept referencing? Regardless, I was relishing the attention; for the first time, I felt visible and wanted.
MR BUMBLE
the joy of adoption
The bare foliage—caressed by the gentle rays of light—invites me in to appreciate the sparkling morning dew, and the soft, repositioning flowers encourage me to wonder whether the stars had played hide-and-seek at night. Nature’s elements are gentle reminders to embrace A childlike spirit—imaginative, playful and curious.
HUSH
soothing-restorative sanctuaries
EMOTIONAL FLUIDITY
unified sensibilities
September 26th, 2017
By Heera Alaya
Having braved the frosty winters, we continue to nestle against each other, reaching for a hint of sunshine. The bees were here, dancing, and so were the butterflies who indulged in a midsummer feast. And then, you stumbled along. So intrigued are you by our crumpled imperfections that you hover around in quiet delight. Your fingers caress our soft petals like gossamer wings, your breath brushes against us like the seductive breeze. In those moments, you capture us through the lens of your soul, and we unite in emotional fluidity.
When you are graced with physical beauty and, more importantly, cultivate inner richness, becoming increasingly beautiful in life’s journey, be aware that those burdened by inner turmoil and ugliness will be belligerent towards you. Such hostile actions towards fellow humans are akin to defacing beautiful heritage buildings or vandalising classic vintage cars. The more discontent a person feels within, the more they tend to project their self-loathing onto others. Therefore, never allow yourself to feel guilty or downplay your beauty; instead, embrace it and commit to rebuilding repeatedly. Just as with everyone else’s, your beauty serves as a vital force for the universe’s survival. Be exquisite.
SWEET PEA
be beautiful
March 8th, 2016
By Heera Alaya
Maintaining composure, holding her dignified posture, she calmly retorted, “While you play with countless toys, stuff your face with anything you come by, make grunting sounds that annoy, and remain a tail-wagging Mama’s boy, I ponder.”
QUIET CAT
independent thinking and intentional evolving
“Catnapping is so much more than just conserving energy; it’s a purposeful pause to soak in the sunshine and relish the fresh air, much like our Nordic friends do. It’s the perfect moment for daydreaming about sharpening our claws …”
SIGNORE SERGIO
gatto pisolino
Enthused about investing my trust in “We” and supporting him through an unfamiliar territory, I patiently answered the barrage of “buts and ifs” fired at me, going hoarse in the bargain. Despite my efforts to lift We, we kept paddling in circles.
IKAT
authenticity
The Water Lilies series deftly illustrates the interplay between art and science. The artistry captivates with its dynamic interplay of light and shadow, bold brushstrokes, and blending techniques, while Monet’s deep understanding of nature …
MASTERMINDS
layered richness
BUON APPETITO
nutrition for our sensibilities
May 16th, 2016
By Heera Alaya
In the spiritual journey of life, eating transcends mere gratification of the palate; it nourishes our sensibilities. An appreciation for simple foods, small portions and aesthetically pleasing presentations—mirroring inner beauty and contentment—is essential to fully embracing nourishing experiences.
I reflect on two contrasting episodes that enhanced my sensory awareness and imparted invaluable life lessons.
My first experience took place in East India, where a remarkably lovely young woman, employed as domestic help, graciously invited me to her home for a festival meal. Thrilled by the invitation, I accepted without hesitation. My mind raced with anticipation, pondering what the afternoon might hold: Would she be wearing her special saree paired with a vibrant red blouse? Would her home’s floor be adorned with intricate rangoli designs crafted from colored rice powder? Would I indulge in delightful rice sweets? My imagination was limited—the visual narration and emotional experience extended by this young woman far surpassed my expectations. The precious wonderland this young woman invited me into was a dream!
On the day of the luncheon, the young woman graciously accepted my box of sweets and led me through the expansive rice fields to her modest dwelling, a thatched hut nestled among the greenery. Unapologetically, the young woman invited me inside and introduced me to her family, who, like her, exuded warmth; their musical, uplifting greetings reflected a rich sense of hospitality. This sense of abundance extended to the refined presentation—vibrant orchids accompanied the delicate waft of incense …cont.
