Morning Delights
By: Abhinav Singh
Tags: Self-awareness, Self Reflection, Journey, Pandemic, Morning

The pandemic created history, in the magnificent destruction it brought to our proudly advanced society. Festering wounds of civilization were rend open, and the cost of human prosperity was displayed before our eyes. Some termed it ‘The Great Equalizer’, as the virus infected humans without seeing class or color. But they were soon silenced when the rich used their wealth as a mask to keep the virus at bay, while it ran amok in slums or such. Debates on mental health raged on online debate sessions, in tandem with news stories of mass deaths around the world. Social Media was expected to be the last frontier for unbridled human interaction. But soon it became too chaotic to be consumed in large doses. In this whirlwind of fear, confusion, guilt, and negativity; mornings came to my rescue.

5 AM: Lockdown

Humans are social animals and Lockdown tested this to the limit. Pandemic Fatigue drove us to try out new things, which once would have elicited an unenthusiastic response. For me, it was the act of waking up early in the morning and venturing out. After a point, there was no other alternative than to take a bicycle, and huff and puff my way down meandering paths.

New Hobbies

With the advent of such pervasive technology and services, we are slowly becoming used to the feeling of instant gratification. Acts like calling a friend, ordering a pizza, or hailing a cab seem so mundane today. We are unconsciously weaning ourselves away from hard labor and the pleasure which comes with steady efforts. Despite all this wisdom being quoted to me by my parents, I abandoned cycling as quickly as I had taken it up. Riding a bike brought forth hitherto unforeseen sights, accompanied by a bigger adrenaline rush.

Socially Distanced Travels

Being happy takes effort, for joy is an active emotion. Gloom creeps up if we are not vigilant, pulling us down its spiral path. Taking a pause and noting our surroundings once in a while shows us what we are missing. And more often than not, introverts like me are missing some alone time, perhaps in the great outdoors.

Oh Crop

‘Meditation’ is an obscure term, hiding within it some unknown knowledge that can apparently satiate human curiosity. It is often said people are capable of doing extraordinarily horrible things, but they have to do it running. Self-reflection awakes the conscience. Perhaps this is why meditation is difficult. Perhaps this is why early mornings and dark nights are difficult.

Sun Sets to Rise Again

The pandemic stopped the world and we were forced to reckon with some hard truths. A lot of people took up meditation in the morning to be at ease with themselves. When that proved too difficult and lonely, we flocked back to the blissful noise of social media.

Birds of a Feather, Flock Together

In moments like these, The Beatles usually have the best answers.

“Pools of sorrow, waves of joy are drifting through my opened mind. Possessing and caressing me”

-Across the Universe

Taming Wilderness

Wandering in the early morning brings you to some truly unique sights. You meet guards and nurses walking back to their home, after a night of vigilant duty. You meet vendors setting up stalls and haggling prices with farmers.

Farmers Market

Besides the unique sights, mornings can bring some delightful insights. Like this little flower vine coving the barbed wire. It serves a purpose greater than just that of aesthetics. It acts as a safe pathway for squirrels and insects on their daily commute.

Green Corridor

Parks and gardens are at their best in the winter mornings when there is a slight chill in the air. The winters ensure that fewer people are out at such an early time. Thus, the morning dew remains intact and you can relive the memories of your childhood while walking barefoot on the grass.

Pathway to Heaven

The pandemic’s effect was vast and encompassed the whole world. Animals welcomed this respite from human nuisance, taking back their land and resting with ease in the open. A grim testament to the parasitic relationship of humans with nature.

Dog Parks

I have always wondered how these street lamps feel during the day. The rays of the sun leave no nook or cranny untouched. And yet they stand tall, weathering the slaps of rains or the whips of winds. Secure in the role they play, satisfied in their contribution to the world.

Light Up the Sky

The monsoons brought my morning adventures to a somewhat abrupt end. As the dark clouds brimming with life spilled over my city, I decided to lean back and gaze with wonder. Perhaps it’s nature’s way of saying to pick up a book and go on a different kind of journey.

Storm Season

As each day passes, I often wonder about what I learned and lost in those waking hours. Writing poetry helps sometimes, to rein in thoughts, to justify emotions.

I cry a little every day For each new moment takes away Some shred of humanity from my mind Leaving behind a more mature humankind.

Sunshine is Here

And when the sun is at its peak, and the serenity of morning has disappeared; duck in a place that provides shade, to think of all the memories you made.

Paradise Found

-Abhinav Singh