The less travelled path !

I watched this group of medical students at PIMS preparing for their college day in 2012. This was the photo taken on the previous day of their practice. They had 15 practices on three days, before they staged the dance on the day of the entertainment. On the day of their performance, they moved synchronising with music, co-ordianted movements swiftly and presented the dance rhythm in unison that the audience was spell bound. The long applause  was its proof. 

However, when I watched them on the previous day, they had a long way to go and I wondered how they would make it, more so it was a fusion dance with Bolywood, Indian classical and Bharatnatyam elements. I remember talking to one of them who had formal training in dance and choreography about the efforts needed to teach others to the synchrony. She said: ‘We enjoy dancing and that is what matters.  We get together and like being together. We hope the audience would enjoy what we put up’. It was an affirmative response overlooking the travail and efforts behind her determination to get it all correct. I was impressed with her motivation. 

Many do not even attempt to learn new skills for fear of not being able to ‘perfect’ them. To do anything well is most fulfilling. That needs natural and acquired skills. But anyone can make an effort to do something for the sake of enjoying the process and participation. During my school years, participation was emphasised as the purpose of all forms of activities of sports, drama, music, debates, public speaking, etc. Now, I feel the emphasis has shifted to ‘achievement’, so much so, only the price winners seem to have enjoyed the process and the outcome. 

If we are achievement driven, we limit our potential and prospects. A good friend whom Anna and I know for about 25 years started learning a new musical instrument when she was in her mid sixty, for the ‘pleasure' of it. She continues going for the practice and this group of senior citizens perform for a limited audience couple of times a year. They practice for pleasure and not for performance. So they are free of stress, desire to excel or wanting applause. 

There is always an another way to what is common. Often that is a less traveled way leading to greater solace, comfort and hope!  

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)