Poem: Time for Time...

Time for time...

Introduction

In a world driven by urgency, achievement and perpetual motion, we often forget the one element that quietly shapes every choice we make: time.
Not the ticking of clocks or the deadlines we chase, but the deeper, human kind of time - the time that allows us to breathe, to think, to heal, to become better versions of ourselves.

When we rush, we reduce life to transactions.
But when we slow down, we rediscover meaning.
Time is the silent architect of our wellbeing, our creativity, our relationships and our integrity.
It gives us space to feel, to learn, to make sense of our experiences - and to act with intention rather than impulse.

This poem is a reminder that making time is not an indulgence, but a necessity - like the oxygen we breathe.
It is a call to step out of the frantic tide, to honour what matters, and to see that a life well-lived is not measured by speed, but by depth.

Time for time...

Time is precious.
A quiet companion,
waiting patiently
for us to finally notice
its open hands.

We need time to breathe...
slowly, deeply,
as if each breath were a soft returning
to the person we once promised to be.

We need time to be mindful,
to listen inwardly,
to reconnect with the pulse
beneath all the noise.

We need time to meditate,
to let stillness teach us
what speed never will.

We need time to find our balance,
to reset the compass
that drifts while we rush.

We need time to pause...
to reflect on the imprint
our words and actions leave
on the hearts of others.

We need time to be proud...
of the mountains we have climbed,
and to mourn those we loved
while celebrating the light
they left behind.

We need time to write...
with thoughtfulness and care,
to heal gently,
to live fully
and lead kindly.

We need time to lend a steady hand,
to honour the success of others,
to celebrate their rising
as if it were our own.

We need time to count down
before stepping into new adventure -
that beautiful trembling
between fear and hope.

We need time to show,
to tell,
to reveal truths bravely
so harm can be prevented
and goodness protected.

We need time to spotlight
the best in humanity,
to notice beauty,
to share gratitude,
to applaud the quiet kindnesses
that hold the world together.

And most ironically of all,
we need time
to make more time -
to plan, to savour,
to cherish the things
that give our days their meaning
and our lives their warmth.

Because time moves,
but it also listens.
If we honour it,
it softly returns us back
to where we belong.

Adisha Kariyawasam,
28 November 2025

#MindfulLiving 🕊️
#TimeToReflect ⏳
#WellbeingMatters 🌿
#LiveWithIntention 💫
#KindnessInAction 🤝

Poem: On Being Human

On Being Human...

Introduction

In an age of instant answers and curated digital noise, we run the risk of losing the slow, human rituals that once shaped our minds - turning pages, writing by hand, learning with patience, and thinking for ourselves. This poem is a reminder that our humanity is not measured by the speed of our technology, but by the depth of our understanding, our compassion, and our willingness to stay awake in a world that tempts us with distraction and promises of instant gratification.

There is a quiet art to being human —

to learning slowly,

turning pages with intention,

letting ideas sink in at the pace

of real understanding.

To learn slowly is to forget slowly —

books imprint themselves gently

in ways that screens rarely can.

One reveals;

the other distracts.

There is a sanctuary in libraries —

cathedrals of paper and ink,

where knowledge rests patiently,

waiting for those who seek

not instant answers

but understanding.

Step inside,

and the world speaks softly.

There is beauty in penmanship —

the sweep of ink,

the honesty of handwriting,

each letter revealing the care,

clarity and presence

of the person who wrote it.

In a rushed world,

neat writing is a quiet act of respect.

There is dignity in how we meet each other —

not through labels or prejudice,

but through kindness, curiosity,

and a willingness to listen.

For every human being

carries unseen battles,

untold stories,

and a universe within them.

And yes —

the opposite of Artificial Intelligence

is Genuine Ignorance;

a reminder that tools without wisdom

can make us forget

what it means to truly think.

Beware the subtle hands

that seek to shape our beliefs,

the political currents

that pull at our choices,

the tactical votes

that speak in whispers of fear.

Stay awake.

Stay discerning.

For in the end,

what makes us human —

compassion, conscience, curiosity,

and the courage to read, reflect,

and think for ourselves —

must prevail,

not just for our sanity,

but for our shared humanity.

Adisha Kariyawasam

28th November 2025

#BeingHuman 🌿

#ReadReflectGrow 📚

#ThinkForYourself 💡

#EthicsInTheDigitalAge 🌐

#WisdomOverNoise 🕊️

Poem: Being Well

I wrote this poem whilst comnuting on the train back from work last night.  Its aim is to help deepen our understanding of, and explore the idea of Being Well; To help recognise that our energy, our resilience, and our ability to stay grounded are shaped not only by our own choices, but also by the quiet sacrifices of others. It honours the unseen efforts of parents, teachers, carers, colleagues and friends — and the often-overlooked sacrifices we make ourselves.

It is a reminder that replenishing our energy is not selfish; It is an act of renewal, gratitude and self-respect. May this poem help readers pause, breathe, and remember that Being Well is a shared, compassionate journey.

It is inspired by my colleagues Marcia Pires FHEA, Sarah Jane Pryce-Compson MSc, Susan Aufiero and Professor Dawne Irving-Bell 

... and dedicated to my dear son Deeshana Kariyawasam  💕

Being Well

Being well…

begins with noticing

the ebb and flow of energy

within your own chest -

how your breath falters

when you push too hard,

and how it steadies

when you finally make time to rest.

It is the courage

to fill your cup again

without apology - 

through quiet mornings,

a short walk in soft light,

a moment of prayer,

a cup of tea shared

with someone who truly understands.

Being well…

is gratitude in motion - 

a gentle bow

to the sacrifices of others:

the parent who worked late

so you could dream freely,

the friend who stayed awake

just to listen,

the colleague who carried extra weight

so your spirit wouldn’t break.

And it is remembering

your own sacrifices too -

the nights you held yourself together

when no one knew,

the responsibilities you shouldered

without complaint,

the tears you swallowed

so others could feel safe.

Being well…

is recognising all of this

with tenderness,

and letting gratitude

soften the edges of your day.

It is choosing

to replenish,

to restore,

to rise slowly -

knowing that each small act

of kindness to yourself

helps you walk more lightly

in a world that needs your calm.

Being well…

is not a destination - 

it is a returning,

a remembering,

a quiet vow

to honour the sacred balance

between what you give

and what you need.

Despite what is going on around you,

May you wake each day

renewed,

grateful,

and spacious enough

to continue becoming

who you were always meant to be.

© Adisha Kariyawasam

22 November 2025

#WellbeingMatters 🌿

#EnergyReplenished 💫

#GratitudeInAction 💛

#HealingJourney 🌄

#Poetry ✨

Poem: The Violinist 🎻

Music has the rare power to still the mind and heal the heart. This poem reflects that sacred moment when an artist becomes one with their instrument - where every vibration is an offering, every note a breath of calm. It is a tribute to the art of performance, written from personal experience and the peace that flows when violinists and indeed all of us, express ourselves from the heart.

🎻 The Violinist

In the concert hall, a hush of anticipation has begun,

Listeners poised — their hearts and minds are one.

Eager souls, in silent reverie they stand,

Awaiting the magic from my violinist’s hand.

In the quiet hush, my violin case unlatched,

Unveiling beauty untouched, a treasure unmatched.

Rosin dust like memories, softly blown away,

Reveals craftsmanship in quiet display.

Elegant curves of the scroll - a delicate glance,

Mother-of-pearl pegs - a subtle romance.

Maple-hued body, a canvas of grace,

Each stroke of the bow, a tender embrace.

With rosin and bow, a symphony prepared,

Strings come alive, with melodies shared.

A journey through time - each note a sweet embrace,

Muscle memory guiding my heart to trace.

Vibrations resonate from strings to my core,

Emotions unspoken through music they soar.

A beauty beyond words in each sweet refrain,

The violin sings - relieving all pain.

In the embrace of my music, I find release,

With each melodious note, my spirit finds peace.

Performing with grace, I am whole once more,

At one with my soul - restored to the core.

Adisha Kariyawasam

12 November 2025

🎶 #MusicHeals

🎻 #Violin

💫 #MindfulMoments

📖 #Poetry

💚 #Wellbeing

Poem: The Whisper of Hope...

For all who have loved deeply and lost dearly - may the rising sun remind you that love never fades,
it simply changes form and continues to shine
in the quiet whisper of each new dawn.

The Whisper of Hope...

In the cradle of dawn’s tender hue,
The sky awakens in shades anew.
Through parting clouds, soft light will slope,
A gentle reminder, a whisper of Hope.

Each sunrise sings though hearts may weep,
Love’s promise stirs from its quiet sleep.
No night endures, no shadow can cope,
For day returns with a whisper of Hope.

Tears may glisten, like dew reborn,
Yet they nourish dreams through every morn.
For even in sorrow, the spirit can cope,
When hearts are healed by a whisper of Hope.

So let us rise where soft rays gleam,
And hold our loved ones in each dream.
For every dawn helps hearts to cope,
Renewing life in the whisper of Hope.

Adisha Kariyawasam
12/11/2025

🌤 #Hope
🌿 #Healing
🌈 #Remembrance
💫 #NewBeginnings
🕊 #Poetry