learnings

Every time nature strikes a disaster we are always surprised and shocked. Questions -why, how, what loom large. Each time such large scale tragedies occur we are struck by how miraculous that you (readers of this blog) and myself are alive due to some quirk of fate. Nature humbles us. How small, how temporary is this life! Yet we rarely appreciate and celebrate life. Can we not be kinder to ourselves and to others? For what and whom do we amass or hoard wealth? In one stroke of disaster we lose everything. Then can we not make it a habit to share our resources in cash or kind to the needy? Can we not smile, laugh( at ourselves too) and share our happiness with others? Can we not forgive and forget and move on? Life is there till it is there. Live it.  

I am experiencing a rare solitude break. As an Indian female ( especially of my gen) I have rarely been actually alone at any point of time. Safety in numbers was the theme in practice then and until now. School- journey to and fro in a school bus; college - always surrounded. Then came marriage and raising family.. And there was never any 'solitude break'. I too grew up and older thinking being alone isn't fun. Till now. I approached solitude on tip toes. I began to finally 'listen' to myself. I got productive during this period. I am now wallowing in it. Solitude also teaches the value of company. I am looking forward to noisier times ahead. But give me a solitude break any time!!!  

While organising events at our workplace (corporate or academic), there are several 'types' who emerge: 1. Ostrich type: I see nothing hence avoid me. 2. Rodent type: I shall gnaw and gnaw ( read gossip) and crap everywhere. 3. Beaver type: I work and work and work silently and underground 4. Elephant type: I will trumpet and boast whenever I can and I trample if I don't like it. I have a strong memory for revenge 5. Peacock type: I enjoy walking in at the right moment and throw my weight around. I screech and stutter to make myself seen and heard. 6. Cuckoo type: I love to steal the thunder from the actual worker. 7. Cat type: I shall not pitch in even if I am talented or can do. I love my comfort zone too much to leave it. 8. Dog type: I will be loyal and faithful and I am willing to be trained. 9. Owl type: I look, I see, I know. I will wait for disaster to strike and then pour in the wisdom ( comes too late) 10. Ant type: I am visible at work. I am willing to

A couple of days ago a parent of a 10 year old came seeking admission. I had a small interaction with the mother. Being very enthusiastic about her ward and about her entering a new school she had many queries. Obviously one query centred around on how to prepare her ward for the new academic year. She was wondering if she should enrol her ward for personality development classes, karate, dance, cookery or tuitions during summer. In one breath she said she wanted to give her child the very best. That struck me. I suggested that she just spend time with her ward -laze together, relax together, gaze at stars and have simple fun. She was wonderstruck and meekly replied that she would do so as she hadn't spent enough time last year. Then she bubbled with joy as she kept affirming to herself, ' yes I am going to spend time with my child'. Such simple joys, such simple solutions.  

During the Good Friday weekend I had led a brigade of 50 students and 6 teachers to Mysore. We stayed for a night at Mysore and visited the Big palace, Jaganmohan palace, the zoo, Somanthpura Kesava temple(Hoysala architecture) and Chamundi hills. The highlight of the trip was the behaviour of the students. They were so awesome. The one who forgets to do his assignments was the most responsible. The one who whines a lot was most adaptable. The one who was fussy was so disciplined. The one who was so restless in class was so obedient. It struck me once again that we ought not to judge students within the four walls of the classroom. How happy and cheerful the children looked! They grasped so much of History, Geography, math and Science in that short trip. They learnt life skills without being taught. They were so punctual, followed instructions and had a blast too. Wish we could do away with this stifling education system and teach them this way!