A few days back, I decided to go away to a quiet secluded area that I will henceforth refer to as Paradise. It was really to escape a day I am beginning to slowly dread - my birthday.
Turning older has never scared me. A few gray strands will make me look so much more dignified. What scares me, is that my thoughts are getting older than me. I am beginning to look at things the way someone at 60 would. When I should want to go and party with friends at a pub, I want to head to the hills like a hermit would.
I would like to admit that my mind is never at rest. I am not one of those rare breeds that can switch on and off as and when I please. My emotions rule my rational side. So in a way, I don't have the emotional maturity of a hermit.
Anyway, paradise was perfect. 100 acres of lush greenery with about 4 people around. After years, I walked barefoot and felt the blades of grass tickle my soles. In a way, it tickled my soul as well. I was breathing in fresh, unpolluted air that soothed my mind more than my lungs.
My eyes were washed clean with mist that enveloped me everywhere I went. It felt like I was floating in clouds, without wings.
After a really long time, I felt the weariness wash away naturally. From my body and mind. I slept like a baby, undisturbed in a dreamless slumber and woke up to the sound of crickets and birds. 6 am and 6 pm were just digits that reflected in my watch. My phone got off network ( for a change, I was happy that it did). I felt like I had escaped from assumptions, thoughts, people, situations, habits, feelings, luxuries and lots more.
I slept on a bed of grass when I wanted to. I dined on a block of stone if I felt like it. Why, I bathe under a waterfall, without worrying about jaundice, leeches and animals.
A blade of grass. That's all it takes to change the way you feel. Doesn't cost the world but gives you peace of mind. Try it sometime. You won't come back unhappy.
