The above lake side views, on an evening brought a celebrant mood to the walkers, as Anna and I too walked a short distance along the walkway. A mother feeding her child while on a walk caught our attention as the communicative language between them was cordial and endearing.
The morning walk next day started with going to the church in a busy street in the city. It was a hallowed hour of music, worship and celebration of the Eucharist. We felt uplifted and refreshed at the end of that fellowship hour.
On our return we passed by a busy street. It was around 11 am. The following sights and scenes told different stories of life and experiences of people who live in that city.
We noticed a burning pot outside a big shop. It was a morning ritual practiced, perhaps a religious symbol with some meaning and message. The people waiting to enter the shop were many.
The way a shop gets popular is through the service it provides to the visitors. From the flow of visitors, it was self evident that this shop has a reputation of offering fair merchandise to the visitors.
We paused to observe the other scenes in the street. People from all walks of life begin their day to pursue what they need for the day.
On our return from the morning outing, we noticed this vendor on his morning round to sell pineapple fruits in his push cart. He was on his discourse to sell the fruit although the cost he quoted did not seem reasonable !
An evening beside the lake side and a morning in a busy street, left with us two sides of life in a city.
The leisurely pace beside the lake, where people find activities to relax and feel refreshed. The atmosphere beside the lakeside park was jubilant with families engaged in different activities. Even an adult was seen swinging in the swing meant for children!
The scene in the street next morning was a symbol of existential realities that we face in our lives. The care and attention we are required to offer to attend to our daily needs! The scenes in the street gave an impression of congestion and stress with too many in a small space, struggling to negotiate their path.
I pause to think!
Do I get pushed by the compulsions to keep pace with a life style that is portrayed in the social media, film world and consumer driven merchandise!
It was when I noticed this rose bush in the garden I felt enthused to quieten myself to live amidst this two contrasting realities!
To choose to live at our pace with our outlook to life, while we might feel compelled by the luring world of materiality!
A rose bush receives from the soil and from the sun all that it needs, without straining to live. It receives and flourishes.
What a way of being and becoming!
To be able to live with peace within and goodwill towards others!
M.C.Mathew ( text and photo)
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