(This post is part of the A to Z Challenge. I am writing this month on activities that keep me refreshed during these depressing days. It's Day 14 today.)
India went into a three-week shutdown on March 25. Now it has been extended to May 3. Initially, I felt the stay-at-home a welcome change. But not before long, perceptions of 'captivity' and 'imprisonment' began creeping up.
Nothing more miserable than locking up oneself in the house, not for a few hours but, for days on end. Finally, it was time to step out to get the essentials.
The walk up to the neighbourhood department store was a whiff of fresh air. Perked up, I realised how the concrete confines sequestered me from nature. I decided, henceforth, I must be out of my house at least for a minimum of half an hour every day.
As I go for my morning walk/jog, while the fresh air (pollution is really down now) along with the rays of the morning sun pumps in energy into the body, the lush greenery of the shrubs and trees along the perimeter invigorates the mind.
The proximity to nature is not just about the liveliness it brings. That's something that I have experienced before too. What the recent 'lockdown escapades' made me realise was how nature is important to us. After all, in this "new normal" we are getting used to, nature is having the last laugh, isn't it?
Nothing more miserable than locking up oneself in the house, not for a few hours but, for days on end. Finally, it was time to step out to get the essentials.
The walk up to the neighbourhood department store was a whiff of fresh air. Perked up, I realised how the concrete confines sequestered me from nature. I decided, henceforth, I must be out of my house at least for a minimum of half an hour every day.
As I go for my morning walk/jog, while the fresh air (pollution is really down now) along with the rays of the morning sun pumps in energy into the body, the lush greenery of the shrubs and trees along the perimeter invigorates the mind.
The proximity to nature is not just about the liveliness it brings. That's something that I have experienced before too. What the recent 'lockdown escapades' made me realise was how nature is important to us. After all, in this "new normal" we are getting used to, nature is having the last laugh, isn't it?
This is thought-provoking. Although at many places people are not allowed to go for morning/evening walks too, but nevertheless, this phase has forced us to realize our placement in the planetary elements...and yes 'Nature is having the last laugh'
ReplyDeleteHi Jyoti - Luckily there is a walkway around our apartment complex.
DeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteAgreed! YAM xx
Hi Yamini - :-)
DeleteI think Nature is finally breathing freely and strangely so are we. The pollution levels have fallen a lot and the air feels fresher.
ReplyDeleteHi Suzy - Absolutely. Hopefully, we will not go back to our old ways again.
DeleteWild animals are walking on the streets, birds everywhere, fresh air, it's much better!
ReplyDeleteN is for Nature
Very true. there was a whats app forward which showed- Animals/ Birds moving freely & people caged inside. Nature is healing itself. And the good news heard today is- due to less pollution levels- Monsoon is expected to bring normal showers.
ReplyDeleteHi Viyoma - Yes, I saw that news about monsoon. Waking up now to the chirps of birds!
DeleteNow I realize the sufferings of POWs in solitary confinement alone in a small dark room without any light.
ReplyDeleteHi Pradeep - we're allowed an hour a day and if necessary getting to the store for essentials. Take care - while the powers that be work out what and how we can get to the end ... take care - Hilary
ReplyDeleteI'll say this: I have never enjoyed yard work as much as I have during this lock down. It's still not my favorite thing to do, but at least it's an excuse to be outside for a bit.
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Hi James - I can understand everyone might not like being doors.
DeleteI could not agree more. In fact, it's about time I go work in my front garden patch. Stay safe!
ReplyDeleteHi Darla - Enjoy! Be safe!
DeleteNature is indeed getting a much overdue respite from encroaching humans. Good to read you're able to enjoy the outdoor even if for a little bit.
ReplyDeleteStay safe Pradeep.
Hi Arti - Yes, absolutely. Thank, Arti.
DeleteIt really is nice to get out and go for a walk for a while. My only wish is that it was slightly warmer out :)
ReplyDeleteIf I couldn't get out for walks, I'd be going way more crazy now.
ReplyDeleteYes!
ReplyDeleteI'm lucky to live in a tropical country where we naturally keep all doors and windows open all the time, so I get plenty of fresh air. Plus, we have a small garden, so I don't really have to go out. Even still, taking a walk is a refreshing change!
Hi Red - Same here!
DeleteI would not be able to write daily and yet keep the readers happy with short,varied and interesting posts as you do. Keep them coming!
ReplyDeleteHi KP - Thank you!
DeleteAfter trying to tame or cage every other living thing on the planet, we are getting a taste of our own medicine. I'm glad you mentioned how the air is clearing up. Maybe us humans should stay caged! (only half joking)
ReplyDeleteHi Jade - I hope we don't back to bad ways after this, and remember the wider world we are living in.
DeleteThis lock down has made us realize the importance of the things that we were taking for granted all these years!! Glad that you are able to spend some time outside in the nature!
ReplyDeleteHi Shilpa - Yes. Thanks.
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