Numerous articles have been written on how solitude is necessary.
Peace & quiet to connect with oneself. And with today's crazy life, I
quite agree with it. Deep breaths, yoga, a long stroll and what not to help us
find our self. So I thought to myself, since I haven't tried anything new recently,
why not this! I did every one of those things listed above and more but still
could not rise above the city noise. Early morning - didn't help. Late night -
didn't help either. I could not point a finger to what it was that disturbed me
but it was something freakishly close. A 'ding' and bulb lit up. It was the
phone. THE PHONE which roams around with me everywhere under the pretext of
keeping me connected. And the rare occasions when i forget it somewhere,
it plays this enchanting music and lures me back. Like the bagpiper calling out
to the rats: / So! I did what any smart person would do - i switched it off. As
shocking as that is, I did do it. Well honestly, I had to - I was boarding a
flight *sheepish grin*. A bumpy ride & lots
of lightening later, we overshot the airport. While the captain
calmed the janta down, I looked outside my window and saw this - city lights
being left behind, engulfed by the clear black night sky. And amidst it shining
bright as a pearl, a white full moon. Like a solitaire in a coal mine. And i
stared at it enchanted. I forgot I needed to land to tend
urgent calls. I forgot there were tasks to be ticked, items to be added in the
To-Do. I just stared. My mind was wiped like a clean blank slate. It seemed
like forever; like the moon smiled back at me and told me in as many words
"inner peace" ;) - step 1 towards solitude.
It was pouring with strong wind. It was cool. It was the kind of
weather where you just stand out and let the wind play with your hair; let the
water tickle your face; let them plaster a smile on your face. Where you
breathe, in deep long breaths, their very existence. Doors wide open, dim
lights & some old bollywood songs. I kicked off my slippers, stepped
out to say hello to the rains and play with wind. Came back to my room and sat
down with the wretched technology again. But the force of nature, its allure
was stronger. I set aside the phone, lay down on my bed, turned up the music
and played with my hair like a retarded child while the cool breeze tickled my
feet. Again, my mind was wiped like a clean slate. My music, its words, the
tickling wind and pitter patter of raindrops. "Inner peace" - step 2
towards solitude.
So what is finding solitude? What is an ideal environment to
connect with oneself? What is the whole concept of connecting with oneself
anyway? It's nothing. Don't be fooled by such jargon of preachers.
What I realise today is that you do not need any special conducive
environment. You do not need any special from of concentration. You
do not need to run from the incessantly ringing phone or the
city lights - its noise. If there is one thing you do not need to work for, it
is finding peace & quiet. All you need is to be selfish. Selfish enough
to spend time with yourself.
5 mins to say hi to who you are.
5 mins to remember what makes you happy.
5 mins to realise what you've become.
5 mins to realise what you wish to be.
Or just 5 mins of a clean blank slate & retarded activity.
5 mins to cleanse yourself. To rejuvenate.
5 mins everyday is a sure shot prescription of managing a nagging
wife, a lazy husband, a drama queen girlfriend or a pure drama boyfriend (yes
they exist), an irritating boss, worrying parents, bullying siblings or crisis
laden friends.
Spend 5 mins with yourself. Just you. Be Selfish. *inner peace*
Waqt ki qaid mein hai
zindagi magar
Chand ghadiya yahi hain jo azaad hain.............
