'Lazy' had always been the word that describes me best. This laid back attitude follows me everywhere like a shadow, no matter how hard I try to shrug it off. I always start off something with a great excitement, but lose interest somewhere in the process and end up leaving the task incomplete. I used to get frustrated initially, but now it does not affect me anymore. I have learnt to live with it minus any emotional outbursts. One kind of becomes thick skinned, I believe.
I've always admired people who go for walks, exercise regularly, eat healthy food and take interest in the general well-being of their existence. I tried to make friends with these fitness freaks, so that their quality rubs off on me. But the lethargic being in me refuses to budge. I console myself by saying that its all in their genes. My genes are the culprit. They don't allow me to follow an exercise regimen. Am I to be blamed for it? You cannot select your genes, can you? Well, the friends were tired of persuading me to join some gym, aerobics or yoga class. A friend who had recently joined a yoga class, extolled its benefits over the mind and body, so much so that I started feeling guilty about not doing anything. "This is the 'me' time and nobody can take it away from me", said the friend, making me feel like a sacrificial cow at the altar of familial responsibilities.
A little voice in me, suppressed for ages, too weak to even get up and talk, said, "Please do something now." I made up my mind to act immediately. After all, we all need 'me' time! I accompanied the friend to her class. "Inhale....exhale out", said the teacher and the students followed suit. "Practicing Pranayam gives inner peace." I enrolled immediately. Quite excited that I was, I went in the evening, shopping for some yoga gear. The mat, the yoga wear, water bottle, towel, the works. Finally, the being in me is woken up. Or so I thought!
The first day, and I wanted to create a good impression. The teacher said that we will begin with meditation. "Close your eyes and let the thoughts flow. Do not be judgmental." Well, I let my thoughts flow, taking care not to pass any comments. But hey! Why has the flow stopped abruptly when I thought about the kitchen? Did I or did I not turn off the gas? I could not concentrate. My mind was racing fast. Fearing the worst, I excused myself for the day and rushed back home. By now a small crowd would have gathered around. But I was surprised to see none. And more surprised to see that the gas was turned off. I was sure it was still burning. Oh hell! I wasted the day.
The next day, I checked everything properly, making sure that there is no room for doubt. The teacher began, "Take a deep breath.......". I breathed deeply........ hmmmm.... the aroma of some delicious food being cooked pierced my nostrils and I found myself salivating. I felt hungry all of a sudden, when a gentle tap on my shoulder rudely shook me off from the world of culinary delight. "Please pay attention and follow my instructions", said the teacher sharply. I felt ashamed. I decided to stay put and give it my best shot. I made a firm resolution to be a good student and learn the art of concentrating.
Yet another day dawned, and I awoke with a new vigour. After all, a resolution is for keeps. The teacher said that the session will begin with exercises. "Stretch your arms and slowly bend from your waist!" I did as instructed. And all of a sudden someone remembers me desperately and wants to talk to me. So sang my mobile, loud and clear!
I had told that it's all in the genes. But I did not pay heed to myself. Now, someone try to motivate me to join Yoga again!
I've always admired people who go for walks, exercise regularly, eat healthy food and take interest in the general well-being of their existence. I tried to make friends with these fitness freaks, so that their quality rubs off on me. But the lethargic being in me refuses to budge. I console myself by saying that its all in their genes. My genes are the culprit. They don't allow me to follow an exercise regimen. Am I to be blamed for it? You cannot select your genes, can you? Well, the friends were tired of persuading me to join some gym, aerobics or yoga class. A friend who had recently joined a yoga class, extolled its benefits over the mind and body, so much so that I started feeling guilty about not doing anything. "This is the 'me' time and nobody can take it away from me", said the friend, making me feel like a sacrificial cow at the altar of familial responsibilities.
A little voice in me, suppressed for ages, too weak to even get up and talk, said, "Please do something now." I made up my mind to act immediately. After all, we all need 'me' time! I accompanied the friend to her class. "Inhale....exhale out", said the teacher and the students followed suit. "Practicing Pranayam gives inner peace." I enrolled immediately. Quite excited that I was, I went in the evening, shopping for some yoga gear. The mat, the yoga wear, water bottle, towel, the works. Finally, the being in me is woken up. Or so I thought!
The first day, and I wanted to create a good impression. The teacher said that we will begin with meditation. "Close your eyes and let the thoughts flow. Do not be judgmental." Well, I let my thoughts flow, taking care not to pass any comments. But hey! Why has the flow stopped abruptly when I thought about the kitchen? Did I or did I not turn off the gas? I could not concentrate. My mind was racing fast. Fearing the worst, I excused myself for the day and rushed back home. By now a small crowd would have gathered around. But I was surprised to see none. And more surprised to see that the gas was turned off. I was sure it was still burning. Oh hell! I wasted the day.
The next day, I checked everything properly, making sure that there is no room for doubt. The teacher began, "Take a deep breath.......". I breathed deeply........ hmmmm.... the aroma of some delicious food being cooked pierced my nostrils and I found myself salivating. I felt hungry all of a sudden, when a gentle tap on my shoulder rudely shook me off from the world of culinary delight. "Please pay attention and follow my instructions", said the teacher sharply. I felt ashamed. I decided to stay put and give it my best shot. I made a firm resolution to be a good student and learn the art of concentrating.
Yet another day dawned, and I awoke with a new vigour. After all, a resolution is for keeps. The teacher said that the session will begin with exercises. "Stretch your arms and slowly bend from your waist!" I did as instructed. And all of a sudden someone remembers me desperately and wants to talk to me. So sang my mobile, loud and clear!
I had told that it's all in the genes. But I did not pay heed to myself. Now, someone try to motivate me to join Yoga again!
Definitely identify with whatever you say...guess we are sailing the same boat :)
ReplyDeleteHaha, nice one! This is not just your story :. We won't do somethings until we have no choice. Do one thing, but do it well rather than multitasking and being a pro in everything because it doesn't work that way. I started learning French, learning some design stuff, and doing yoga. Guess what? I dropped the rest and stuck to learning design(and still lazy at that!)
ReplyDeleteI figure that it is sometimes best not to look at others and just
do what you are comfortable with and enjoy!
haha... Thanks Archana. By the way I'm not able to read your blog. I'm still learning yaar.
ReplyDelete