Lockdown lessons: Gratitude
Today is the 13th day of the Lockdown imposed by Indian Government on its citizens during the Covid-19 outbreak. I went out to buy groceries for the second time during the lockdown. We have 8 more days to go, or maybe there will be an extension?
There are couple of things that this lockdown has taught me. But before that I’d like to write about what I observed on my grocery round today.
The empty streets are not endearing. Human energy is vital. We say nature is thriving without us. And maybe it is, but I miss humans, I miss the hustle bustle of people just walking to do something, or leisurely. I miss people who are walking with kids, friends, family or alone as well. Human energy is pure and beautiful.
On my way back, I saw two kids, they probably belonged to one of the poor families and were loitering around. They must be no older than 4 years. And their parents probably didn’t bother about their whereabouts. Those two kids were walking as if nothing had happened at all. In their little world, they knew things are different. Yet they walked about happily playing on the empty streets, which would otherwise have buses or cars endangering their lives. They were barefoot. And their clothes were old. Yet that energy was so attractive, I felt like dropping my grocery bags and giving them hug. But of course #socialdistancing.
Today on my grocery round I could smell flowers from a tree. That is something which has rarely happened in my tree. Yes, I had my mask on, but the scent of those flowers was far too strong.
What has the lockdown and coronavirus taught me?
- Food is to be eaten with gratitude.
I thank farmers, delivery people, traders, parents, and nature for every single morsel I eat. Food is sacred and we have taken it for granted far too long. So much of Hinduism revolves around thanking the food before eating the meal. And the slokas you are taught tell you to thank those who made the food, and those who put the food on your plate. And also to thank the fire in your body which will digest the food.
I am going to forever be grateful for every meal. And grateful for all the meals I have had so far.
2. Introspection
There is a lot of introspection that takes place during the lockdown. You have no where else to go, so the mind goes inside. This introspection probably requires a separate blog. As I don’t think I will be done with it. It is an on-going process. Maybe it deserves a book?
Instead of going point wise, I’d like to sum up what this has taught me. I have learnt to live with more love, compassion and gratitude in my heart. For everything. And I support the country and its efforts to bring us out of this problem. Life is too precious to be taken for granted, and too precious to be lived recklessly.
Also, my anxieties about trivial problems seems to have faded away. I am forevermore grateful for all the knowledge I have received from books, teachers, peers and parents. That helps a lot with mental stability. There is nothing that comes to your aid like a strong foundation of empathy received through experiences (personal and other people’s experience).
I sincerely hope we come out of this as one world, and grieve the deaths of those who are lost with apology. Perhaps the world will become more beautiful, more caring. Perhaps we will take care of each other more. Perhaps we will learn to live with a bit more love. And perhaps the sun will shine more brightly upon all of us. :)
