Back On The Road

^{It’s been almost after 4 months that I am back on the road for running. It was hard to wake up early and get out on the road. The moment I hit the road, I realize that it’s not going to be easy. The body instantly resists. I feel an urge to give up after about a kilometer because of pain and tiredness. But it’s said that long distance running is all about mind – the body always wants to give up saying that you have done enough, but the mind can trick the body to go on and on.}

      ^{“Enough thinking about pain!” says the mind, “Enjoy the nature.” So I turn my eyes to the opposite trees and buildings in background, and suddenly see the sun popping its head out of nowhere. The orange ball is in generous mood, and looks into your eyes lovingly. For a change, it’s not a white, eye-blinding supernova star. There is a beautiful lake on the left. I see the water, still and reflecting the sun. The road is quiet, not much traffic adds to the morning music. The trees lined on the both the sides cover the road overhead. The yellow, red and purple flower palettes scattered on the road gives it a refreshing look.}

      ^{I observe one tree very closely. The brown skinned tree gives an impression of an old man, content with the life he has lived. The tree is fully covered with yellow flowers and it is hard to notice that it’s totally deprived of leaves, those chlorophyll banks. It must have weathered scorching heat, heavy rains and bitter cold over the years. And all these to provide pleasing scene to the eyes when it’s loaded with those flowers! There is a whole cycle of its life – to get new leaves, grow and expand, host the flowers, shed the leaves. For a few days, it will be clad in those beautiful flowers, smiling at the slightest touch of the wind and then it has to start the same cycle again. Months of standing upright in all weathers to spread the joy of life in spring, to feel the satisfaction of sort! But wait, is it in any way different then running? The cycle is same – the hard-pressed effort to reach to the finish line and feel the joy of crossing it. And the next day you start all over again! The words of Amit Trivedi’s magical Chakkar Ghumyo echo loudly in my ears.}