A few steps.
When did everyone forget to write? when did everyone stop walking? Be it for leisure or for a purpose. I remember stories of my Grandparents and Uncles walking anywhere between 10-20 km daily to go to work, meet relatives or to go to church. There was a time when walking was the only option for pilgrimage. One had to prepare oneself beforehand, as it would take many days or even weeks to reach the divine destination and then return the same way after. Perhaps the race of technology has enabled many to go where it seemed impossible before but it also seems to have devolved our ability to push the physical human limits of ourselves.
I wonder how many have experienced the relief, joy and awe of reaching one's destination after the hard journey that was. How many would actually give up going back home, thinking about what they would have to endure again on their way back? Perhaps that's why we used to ask the family to stay back when they visited? Not a matter of hospitality but rather a necessary preparation of rest for the journey back. Then, when it is time to leave they send you off with food and sweets that may provide relief on the journey as well as a little for those waiting back home.
Today we take transport for granted. We even postpone our journeys because of the 'lack' of means to travel. Even a small distance seems an impossible battle within the limits of human exertion. We wail at the fact that we have to walk the 200m to the bus stop where we have to sit or stand for the length of 20 minutes to get to our destination. We worry about lifestyle diseases like diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension.
If only we could take a step back and look at the big picture. Breathe and move forward.
I wonder how many have experienced the relief, joy and awe of reaching one's destination after the hard journey that was. How many would actually give up going back home, thinking about what they would have to endure again on their way back? Perhaps that's why we used to ask the family to stay back when they visited? Not a matter of hospitality but rather a necessary preparation of rest for the journey back. Then, when it is time to leave they send you off with food and sweets that may provide relief on the journey as well as a little for those waiting back home.
Today we take transport for granted. We even postpone our journeys because of the 'lack' of means to travel. Even a small distance seems an impossible battle within the limits of human exertion. We wail at the fact that we have to walk the 200m to the bus stop where we have to sit or stand for the length of 20 minutes to get to our destination. We worry about lifestyle diseases like diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension.
If only we could take a step back and look at the big picture. Breathe and move forward.
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