I belong to a section of society that is truly experiencing the economic revolution taking place in India. From a period of scarcity, we are slowly moving to an age of abundance. And with it, the unwanted side-effects of obesity, overt consumerism and an insatiable thirst for more.
One of the things I want to retain is the ability to live simple and to enjoy the simple things in life. While I may acquire more, I want to be able to enjoy everything I acquire. So yesterday I did something I haven't done in a long, long time. I travelled by the local bus. I did it knowing I could afford the cab ride home. But every now and then, I like to remind myself of my humble beginnings. I enjoyed it thoroughly. Interacting with the king of the bus, the arrogant bus conductor, the pushing and jostling to get onto a crowded bus and the sights and sounds as we drove by the streets of Mumbai.
Little exercises like this help me keep my feet on the ground. They help me keep my needs in check and focus on the important things in my life.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
7 comments:
I did that too when I travelled to Miami earlier this year. I took the bus from my hotel to downtown, even though I could afford a cab or rental car. It doesn't take much to make me realize that there really isn't much that separates me from the less fortunate, or from those who are quite fortunate, for that matter.
Did you have correct change? That's the part that always get me! :-P
RM... you're right. there isn't too much that separates us really. and yeah, i had the change!!! :-D
Hope it was 106 or 108 - those are my favourite routes :)
Damn I havent taken a bus ride in forever...Maybe I'll try that over the weekend - make it a joyride - does that count though?
noojes
The joy, that you are still able to enjoy the basic things a common man does, makes you feel like you're still a part of this city..
You're still ' you ' after all the money and luxury you have:)
Try drinking chilled sugarcane juice on a hot afternoon at a tapri on the road..its awesome:)chucking the hygiene factor for once, feels good or rather feels human:)
What a powerful excercise in humility. There is such an unmitigating strength in being humble before God.
noojes... you're freaking me out! it was a 108!!! :-D and joyrides count! go for it!
namrata... yeah, nothing like the simple joys
alexys... humility is beautiful. and when we forget, God has his ways of reminding us :)
108 ROCKS!!!
I cannot believe I am discussing bus routes on bloggerville lol
noojes
Post a Comment