A monthly group walk is a special feature of the Sri Aurobindo Society, Singapore. At 8.00 am on Sun, 1st Sept, 2013, a group of about 15 adults and 4 youngsters gathered for the scheduled walk at Bishan Park. It was a brilliant morning with bright yellow sunshine spreading its glow and lending a special hue to the greenery all around us.
While waiting for everyone to assemble, I looked around. So many joggers, walkers and groups of health-conscious adults and children were enjoying the fresh air and sunshine in this beautifully landscaped park.
We all collected in a circle on a large and shady grassy patch selected by Mr Ramanathan and Mr Krishnamurthy for the warm-up. We followed Jayanthy’s smiling instructions for a gentle workout to warm-up as well as loosen up each part of the body. Self-reflection in each exercise helped to focus the mind on the present moment. I felt very light-hearted and happy and I am sure, so did the others. The little children too followed the routine enthusiastically.
Bishan Park certainly offers very scenic surroundings and its verdant greenery is a feast for the eyes. Today’s walk was an exhilarating experience. I was surprised and happy to find a lot of jamun trees in the park – the crushed fruits coloured the walkway under our feet deep purple. I even took a photograph of a luscious jamun laid out on a leaf like an offering to the Divine! Some orange-tinged mushrooms growing on a tree trunk were new to me.
We walked in groups briskly for about an hour. By the time we returned to our meeting point, dark grey clouds had clustered in the sky, cooling the park considerably.
Soon we moved to the hosts’ home for the second part of the day’s programme. A session of meditation, melodious chanting of shlokas, recitation of a special prayer by Ananya and significance of birthdays according to the Mother and Sri Aurobindo read by Swati were the highlights of the day. On behalf of everyone, I take this opportunity to thank our hosts, Mrs. & Mr. Krishnamurthy and Kiran & Swati for organizing an enjoyable gathering for all of us. We are grateful to them for providing soothing music to help engage the mind in meditation and nutritious home-cooked food to please the palate.
Observing nature, taking photographs, physical fitness, meditation, a delicious brunch, meeting and chatting with like-minded friends – I enjoyed getting these wonderful gifts in my goodie-bag from the walk. It was a complete package for physical and mental rejuvenation!
- Dr.
Anju Aditya
No comments:
Post a Comment