The Essence of Living - By Janu Panicker

Written By: Janu Panicker

Category: ESSAY

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Janu Panicker, writing as JANU KRISHNAN, presents "The Essence of Living," an insightful essay entry for the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This compelling piece invites readers to reflect deeply on the interconnectedness of life, nature, and human existence. Janu offers a profound exploration of how we define our purpose and the lessons we can learn from the natural world around us.

About the Work

In "The Essence of Living," Janu Panicker eloquently delves into themes of mindfulness, purpose, and the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature. Through poignant reflections and personal anecdotes, Janu highlights the wisdom we can derive from observing trees and other elements of nature. The essay encourages readers to contemplate their role in the ecosystem and challenges societal norms about success and fulfillment.

JANU KRISHNAN

Original Submission by Janu Panicker

Open hand with plant with solid fill

Heart with pulse with solid fill

One good day, I asked my son, what he prefers to become as a living thing?

He said: I want to be a BIG TREE, proudly. Just be there! With winds and storms waving at me, yet standing still, nourishing the world. Inhaling and exhaling. That’s a very

beautiful reason to LIVE. Interesting!

Obviously, his answer completely caught me off guard, but I was thinking that it was WISE. How can a Gen Z care more about a tree than his own life?

We all look at trees as a part of the landscape, instead of appreciating the purpose behind their existence. They live longer than any of us.

Although my daughter’s reply was alarming and bit hilarious later. She wished to be a snake and would hiss like a poisonous venom to the ruthless people. Oh dear! What have I given birth, to? I wondered.

On the other hand, I was enlightened by another thought-maybe it wasn’t about being dangerous; it was more likely defensive. A snake doesn’t hiss to attack but it is a warning, saying, “Don’t even mess with me; I am not weak enough to be stepped on.” Suddenly, what sounded so dangerous became powerful to me. My daughter always has that GRIT in her, just waiting to emerge.

A 500-year-old tree lives mindfully, highly attuned, instead of being passive and wasteful. Its purpose of birth is more distinctive than ours. The tree senses its decay twenty years in advance. Hence, it prepares to return potassium, phosphate, and many other nutrients back to the soil that has been giving it life all these years. It is not just a sacrifice, but how profoundly substantial what it gives is before its fall. Magnificent!

However, we assume that humans are the smartest and most dynamic species. A tree’s life is more profound and consequential. Yet, trees know how to give back what they take from nature. Look at God’s creation-mountains, hills, caves, oceans, valleys, rivers, and billions of species-everything simply executes its mindful genesis, re-energizing on its own without manipulating another living being. Nature does not even compete with itself.

Can I proclaim this? Last year, when I was battling cancer, I didn’t think of the future or the past, just hoping that I would be alive today. Be it healing, recovery of my appearance, or treatments. My future is this-progressing daily, one step at a time. I have been living my life even when it is too hard and heavy at times to carry on. I have done things that once seemed impossible. Now, I sit and wonder how I could accomplish it all by myself in a year. It is the miraculous power of the Creator.

You won’t believe if I say what I did during my chemotherapy session; almost every day, I was potting new plants as if it was granting me another day extra, a NEW LIFE. Touching the soil, admiring the greenery and watching them blooming healed me. I feel more alive each time I look at my plants. Now, I have at least sixty plants alive. It was the best soothing therapy.

Another day, I was very disappointed when pests like caterpillars, snails, grass hoppers, praying mantis, birds, bugs attacked my plants. Grumbling to my family while we were trying to find some solutions to get rid of them. My wishes were purely to offer God with planted fruits and flowers comes from my garden. My unconditional love to God. I assumed that but:-

Then, my son asked: -

* Why do you treat this pest as your enemies?

* What if you’re feeding them their main source of food?

* How if these pets were sent by God to verify YOUR Love towards HIM.

OMG! That statements totally shifted my idea against them. Why I didn’t have that much of wisdom?

Instead of being frustrated and bitter. I openly accepted them as part of my family. Gratitude, I would say! Perhaps my garden is not invaded, but it’s the trusted producer. Yahoo! This is my way of paying it forward which is more sacred. Deeply divine!

Human creates crime, destruction, pollution, war, massive killing in the name of freedom, fraudulence, human trafficking and slavery. We always think how to become rich in future, although we neglect to preserve the nature now. Future begins NOW, the moment we realize we’re animated and conscious.

Apart from that, humans are facing complications in living happily or peaceful here. We struggle with rejection, adjustment, comparison, expectations, past trauma, loneliness and multiple changes. Some people are flexible and adaptable, they fit in, some resist, some are too clueless and follow the system blindly, some are mentally disturbed and lives in their own fantasy or delusional world. Yet, somehow everyone is carrying something painful. We are always struggling to lead our life as normal and peaceful as we could be. We have many goals, desires, bucket list, to achieve every time. Therefore, act of kindness can make the world happier place, boosting each other with confidence and optimism - contributing to a more positive community. How aspiring it is!

Often, we tend to forget the pure reason of being here. We seldom ask “why are WE here?” We should be more conscious of the core purpose of our existence here. Real shift happens when we question the endless chase here and soften our judgement toward others and ourselves. We learn to forgive ourselves and others.

There are many holistic books teaching us the life’s basic essence. As in Bhagavad Gita, the 700 verses scripture, has transformed many lives by teaching us the profound truth of our birth, do everything dutifully but expect nothing in return. See the same divine in every living being regardless of their status. Reminder of not to be attached with people, materials and results. Honestly, it’s just a temporary timeline.

In the Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, emphasized on breaking free from the mental obsession between the past and future to find peace. Ikigai (Japanese secret to long and happy life) by Hector Gracia paying attention to the minute details of daily life of the present moments. Many psychologists have written about the science of human behaviour in different approaches to assist humanity. Now, the world is more complicated with multiple mental health disorders in human. Because we are failing to learn the basics like other living being.

We are the mastermind of creating things from another elements, or materials but never invented anything within our body. The tree is offering from leaves, roots, fruits and branches. Too many benefits. Unfortunately, when we reverse it, are we fostering the nature? Sun, water, earth, air are providing in many ways. In contrast, we are just making it worse by cutting many trees and build skyscrapers buildings to show our dominance and worthful than other species. Animals are used and exploited to feed, guard and monetize for us. Sadly, we failed to protect them.

DO remind ourselves that all the things are connected, like dots. Things pull and push on each other, breathe and living together as ONE WORLD. However, human behaves as if we deserve - first class treatment here. As if other species stand lower beneath us. The world will live forever, it has survived many natural disasters, human destruction before us and will continue longer than us, even when human misuse the power in destroying the future. Earth holds us even when we forget to stand after falls. How dejected it is, to realize the most intelligent species becoming the most destructive in this planet.

We are never truly grateful and connected with nature even though it keeps supplying us with everything we need; we rarely treasure or preserve it. Are we even appreciating it while it exists?

Isn’t that what many of us end up doing? We wake up, breathe, smile, eat, sleep - and repeat the same cycle again and again. Till, we feel unnoticed and bored. Is that how one should live? We eat carelessly, indulging in the entertainment and self-pleasure, glorifying celebrities or things that are so illusional. We waste the time scrolling for hours and neglecting the precious time we actually have here. Totally unaware tomorrow is not promised. immortal. Funny!

Isn’t that what many of us end up doing? We wake up, breathe, smile, eat, sleep - and repeat the same cycle again and again. Until we feel bored and nothing else sparks us. Is that brilliant? We eat carelessly, we indulge in entertainment, glorifying things that are so illusory. We waste the time scrolling for hours and neglect the precious time we actually have here. We are so unaware that maybe tomorrow is the last day of our lives. We live as if we are immortal. Funny!

Perhaps, only a few are truly living mindfully. Numerous people think that owning a few houses, cars, and financial stability has already fulfilled their birth purpose. Is that really what life is about? This is part of how society expects us to live - chasing approval, staying within the “elite” or lavish circle, and trying to fit into someone else’s idea of success.

If you don’t know what to pursue in your life right now;

* Pursue yourself, invest in your body and mind.

* Invest in good food and health care. You will thank me one day!

* Pursue yourself to become the calmest, happiest, care-free, most healed, kindest, confident and positive version of yourself.

When there’s a will to do the right things, there are finest ways and paths guiding our focus. Manifest it!

The healthiest person on earth should be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Mentally and physically sound! It will be more inspiring than promoting the slimming campaigns or fashion pageants. Not for beauty nor the wealth. Many of us will suffer a big loss in this competition, in future. And, maybe that realization is exactly what human needs. I believe people act recklessly when taking health for granted.

A healthy body, mind and soul are the ultimate luxury in the future. Many of us will crave for peaceful and simple life instead of living in the penthouse at a famous city.

Make life simple -

If you did something wrong, rectify it by COMMUNICATION.

If you hurt someone’s feelings, be aware and ASK for FORGIVENESS.

If you didn’t listen enough, ASK and LISTEN AGAIN.

If you feel like talking to someone, TEXT OR CALL.

If you’re insensitive to your needs and desires, NOTICE it AND TAKE ACTIONS.

Consider them as essential to build a relationship.

We are human, not mind readers - do EXPRESS CLEARLY, so someone understand you more. And react to it. We can discuss and learn to let go the unnecessary emotional baggage!

Are we HUMAN - should be measured by what we own instead of who we really are as person?

Exactly that - we should do what we’re best at, not what society expects of us, or what our so-called “elite” acquaintances consider as triumphant.

Because the real success in life is not about being famous or rich alone - it’s relatively of being useful, genuinely kind and honest. We all are not given a good or bad life. We are given one life. It’s up to us to make it good or bad. Making choices and decisions are part of our lives.

You don’t have to be religious to spread kindness and treat living species with more compassion. JUST be HUMAN - true essence. To preserve our core attribute that we born with - the love, care, kindness, respect, tolerance and sharing this planet with everyone.

It’s unity, not ownership or copyright over this world. Animals don’t know how to be rich but they know how to live their lives; they don’t ask for excessive things. They live within their limits, time and their natural capabilities. Yet, we call ourselves superior, constantly wanting more. Being human should not mean dominance. It should focus more about DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITY.

Kudos to the animals who are coping better than us. We are rushing to reach luxurious life in an accelerated way. What is the meaning of luxurious or super - deluxe life, if it’s built from an unhealthy foundation?

We compare, compete and die exhausted, ignoring the damage we have done to our body, mind and soul. Most of the time, it’s too late to repair or rejuvenate. However, live your life till the last moment you have here, doing the best you can.

Alternatively, we can always choose and chase for better things: -

Choose GOD,

Choose pink health,

Choose peace of mind,

Choose focus and discipline,

Choose patience and tolerance,

Choose kindness and empathy,

Choose gratitude,

Choose paying it forward,

Choose living in present moment,

Choose nature and relaxing vibes.

Once you stop chasing, and start living - if your intention is pure and good, even the wrong path will lead you to the RIGHT destination. Life rearranges everything in your favour. Keep visualizing and belief in who YOU can become. Trust that everything happens for very good reasons. I did and I am nourishing it soulfully.

Maybe our core purpose is not something wild, it’s purely something to experience, to grow, to love, to contribute or to be awaken as HUMAN.

When we understand that each day isn’t one more day but one less, will add more value to the things that truly matter! Just eat more humble pies and never think you’re better than anyone else.

GOD - I hope to remain an energetic, positive - driven woman as I was last year and keep rising higher.

What we will do while we are still breathing?

How many of us willingly being a BLOOD OR ORGAN DONOR? Something valid before our body become ashes. We do charities, raise funds and many other social works to support the planet being a better place to live. However, are we ready to give back what we have received?

There’s a beautiful phrase that says; what we give doesn’t always return, but what we give is what we ARE, and that MATTERS MOST!

From dust you are, and to dust YOU shall RETURN!

~ TAIL END ~

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, is an esteemed event celebrating the art of written expression. It brings together diverse voices from around the world, showcasing the power of words to inspire and provoke thought. This competition is a platform for writers to share their unique perspectives and contribute to global conversations on creativity and culture.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Janu Panicker for their thoughtful contribution, "The Essence of Living," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Janu's reflective essay offers invaluable insights into the beauty of mindful living and the importance of reconnecting with nature. We appreciate Janu's participation and look forward to witnessing more of their creative journey.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.