GRATITUDE

                           

 

                 WALKING BENEDICTIONS

 “What a joy it is to feel the soft, springy earth under my feet once more, to follow grassy roads that lead to ferny brooks where I can bathe my fingers in a cataract of rippling notes, or to clamber over a stone wall into green fields that tumble and roll and climb in riotous gladness!” Helen Keller.

How true! While walking, one can revel in the true glory of nature, cherish the diverse colours of the sky, the splendor of the sea, the liveliness of flowers, and the grandeur of mountains.

 

 I started enjoying walking as a child during my summer vacation in Shimla and Kasauli. What a tremendous joy it is to hear the sweet songs of birds, see the soothing lush green foliage while out on a long walk in the hills! At that age, I never understood the benefits of walking and never bothered about it. It was just the sheer joy of discovering places leisurely on foot. I still reap the benefits of the seeds sown then, as I love to walk anywhere and any time of the day. When I was diagnosed with gastric reflux disease, walking benefited me more than any medicine.

 Apart from the utter joy of walking, it slows the aging process and increases the lifespan. It prevents the commencement of lifestyle diseases and helps an individual recuperate from diseases. Hippocrates rightly said, “Walking is a man’s best medicine.”  

Aristotle had most of his discussions while walking around Athens. For Bertrand Russell, prolific writer and thinker, walking was fundamental for his work. One can walk anywhere, any time and it is the simplest and easiest form of exercise for any age group. Walking briskly helps one accomplish advanced levels of fitness, leading to greater endurance and stamina. Muscles achieve greater definition, joints are lubricated and lung ability expands. All one needs is a pair of comfortable shoes and the will to step outside by putting one foot in front of the other. “Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it,” emphasizes Plato.

Several studies have confirmed the benefits of low intensity and high intensity walking. It helps in lowering bad cholesterol, raising good cholesterol, lowering blood pressure, reducing the risk of diabetes, managing one’s weight, improving one’s mood, and helping one become strong and fit. It increases the strength and density of bones and also prevents osteoporosis. Research has proven that when you walk, your foot’s impact on the ground sends pressure waves through the arteries that increase blood flow to the brain.

 Our thought process becomes clear and we have an opportunity to rediscover ourselves.  “I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown; for going out, I found, I was really going in.” John Muir

Walking is linked to better cognitive function amongst individuals and helps in keeping the brain young and attentive. A walk in the countryside reduces stress, anxiety, and keeps depression at bay. It is a sure cure for a short temper. Frequent walkers experience an enhanced level of cheerfulness with the surge of dopamine. It is calming to stroll with friends enjoying nature and its wonders, dicovering and exploring places. Walking with umbrellas in the drizzling rain and enjoying a rainy day picnic will surely take the fatigue out of anyone. One sleeps better after a long walk, which helps energy to soar in turn prepares us to face the challenges of modern life.

 

 

 The creative process of any kind is enhanced by walking. Friedrich Nietzsche, a German philosopher rightly says, “All truly great thoughts are conceived by walking,”

The creative juices start flowing after a good walk and one can reap the benefits immediately. This has been proved by various studies that creative levels were consistently higher for those walking compared to those sitting.

 So, “The sum of the whole is this: walk and be happy; walk and be healthy. The best way to lengthen out our days is to walk steadily and with a purpose,” Charles Dickens.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

             Bonds of a Grandma

 

 A little ray of sunshine, filled with happiness and love, is a grandmother. One of the most sacred bonds is the bond with the grandmother which remains the same across generations. I am sure each one of us will have amazing experiences related to our grandmothers. I had one such incredible connection with my Dadi.

 Bhabhi Ji (affectionately called), my grandmother, with a frail yet sturdy frame, had a luminous face, like a holy glow of the morning light. She drew her strength from Gurbani. The grind of hard life had taught her to empathize and be a strength to all. She was never tired of helping. She managed to live through difficult financial times and the biggest of partition without any brooding. She held the family together with her unconditional love and never forced her ideas on anyone. Her charisma and her gentle nature pulled everyone to her. She had the sheen of pure joy and happiness. Both young and old enjoyed her company.  We as her grandchildren longed for her company and enjoyed sharing our daily experiences with her. She never talked ill about anyone. In her spare time, she and my mom read out from the religious inspirational books. She was the best friend my mother ever had.  

She was articulate, read the Punjabi newspaper fully, and discussed world affairs with her journalist son. She had the forte of telling a story, without being patronizing, quietly weaving the magic in between. The inspirational stories about Sikh gurus told by her stayed with me which I enjoyed passing on to my daughter as an heirloom.

 She loved to read and followed Guru Granth Sahib’s teachings in her own life which she passed on to her atheist son and us grandchildren very well. Her practicality of imbibing the teachings to daily life was so good that we as grandchildren followed the teachings without being taught as a subject.

I have soothing memories of holding my grandmother’s hand walking with her to the Gurudwara for Guru Nanak Dev’s birthday celebrations, along with my teenage friends. All the food in the Gurudwara was cooked, served, and cleaned by volunteers peacefully and we had so much fun doing the seva. On wintry mornings we were woken up by the slow rhythmic singing of the Prabhat Pheries a few days before Gurpurab. It was a superb way to begin our day and we looked forward to it every morning.

 My grandmother was way ahead of her time. Cooking for her was all about nutrition. Bhabhi Ji used to cook food in a Sagli, a flat bottomed thick brass vessel, to preserve the vitamins and in turn enhancing the flavor. This was coming from a lady who was homeschooled. She pleasantly taught us to eat less than our hunger. Chopping fresh vegetables for cooking until the very end was her relaxing time. She felt worthy of eating breakfast only after chopping vegetables and picking up fallen leaves from the garden as that was her morning exercise.

 

 She had a broad outlook towards life as she never differentiated between me and my brother.  I felt pampered at times when on my brother’s birthday; I was given a gift first. If he was given a scooter to go to college, my father was ordered to get me a scooter right away.

 

Simplicity and balance in eating and life devoid of any lassitude were imbibed by sheer observation. Eating seasonal and healthy food, being passionate about your interests, and staying motivated were lessons well learned. Till today, my brother and I go back to her teachings, to find answers to our present-day troubles.

 

 Just thinking about her, all the blissful memories of my childhood have traveled to me from a great distance, to rejuvenate my soul. I will always miss her but sense her presence guiding me through life’s ups and downs.

She was a saint in the garb of an ordinary mortal.