Living in big cities like Mumbai can be tough. Its like running on a treadmill except that this one doesn't ever stop. Busy lives are running through it every day at a frenetic pace...pushing, jostling, brushing, sliding, hopping, racing... it's a crazy routine 24/7. The only time when we probably slow down is to catch our breath but only to get back to our relay race. Hoping we will find someone to pass our baton to...but alas it doesn't happen!
Right from early morning when the right palm slams down heavily on the alarm clock as if reprimanding it to shut up, its just one action mode all the way - Run, Run, Run!!!
Indeed, we live in a time where the Law of this (concrete) jungle has truly become - "Survival of the fastest." We are so obsessed with speed and getting things done 'right now' that anyone slower than us is looked down and frowned upon as a weakling. We no longer recognize patience as a virtue. In fact I would think its kind of become passe. The ad taglines very befittingly mirror our new attitudes. Take the case of Pepsi's ad campaign. In its efforts to woo the youth it proclaims Oh yes, Abhi! effectively echoing the values of the 'I want it it now!' generation.
The last two decades, what with a slew of break through in technology have truly been a super fast ride on the information highway and everything else cruising along with it.
Be it fast food, instant coffee, 2 minute noodles, instant gratification, fast 'friends' (yes they do change very often these days), tatkal passport, fast track visa, jaldi loans, speed dating, instant messaging, quick fixes, speed delivery, instant blood check, ready to eat recipes, speed dial, now or never offers, instant glue, instant recharge and even the movie Fast and Furious has now moved into its 6th edition. A sign of times indeed!
I would be blatantly lying if I didn't agree that all the above have made my life more comfortable. And I am genuinely happy for their existence. They have simplified our lives and help focus on more important issues in the scheme of things.
However, in spite of all the suitable hype around all these being useful, apt and convenient, I some times wonder what the hell happened to the good old maxim 'Slow and steady wins the race' and what happened to the sensible tortoise which we so lovingly embodied during our school days. Sadly, looks like the story's end has changed somehow over the years. It appears that the carefree or rather careless hare of earlier years has now become the new hero of the current generation and tortoise is the nice guy who finishes last.
I secretly hope not though.
For all that our lifestyles have turned out to be with the changing times I still am a fool for the old fashioned trappings.
Somehow there are but some things in life which will always remain either useful, appropriate, advantageous, pertinent or even charming because of their slowness. Without their slow effects they may just cease to exist. Here are some which are slow and have rock steadily been in existence till now.
For me slow and steady definitely wins the race. If not today, eventually it will! Because it's not about the destination, its the journey that matters most!
Right from early morning when the right palm slams down heavily on the alarm clock as if reprimanding it to shut up, its just one action mode all the way - Run, Run, Run!!!
Indeed, we live in a time where the Law of this (concrete) jungle has truly become - "Survival of the fastest." We are so obsessed with speed and getting things done 'right now' that anyone slower than us is looked down and frowned upon as a weakling. We no longer recognize patience as a virtue. In fact I would think its kind of become passe. The ad taglines very befittingly mirror our new attitudes. Take the case of Pepsi's ad campaign. In its efforts to woo the youth it proclaims Oh yes, Abhi! effectively echoing the values of the 'I want it it now!' generation.
The last two decades, what with a slew of break through in technology have truly been a super fast ride on the information highway and everything else cruising along with it.
Be it fast food, instant coffee, 2 minute noodles, instant gratification, fast 'friends' (yes they do change very often these days), tatkal passport, fast track visa, jaldi loans, speed dating, instant messaging, quick fixes, speed delivery, instant blood check, ready to eat recipes, speed dial, now or never offers, instant glue, instant recharge and even the movie Fast and Furious has now moved into its 6th edition. A sign of times indeed!
I would be blatantly lying if I didn't agree that all the above have made my life more comfortable. And I am genuinely happy for their existence. They have simplified our lives and help focus on more important issues in the scheme of things.
However, in spite of all the suitable hype around all these being useful, apt and convenient, I some times wonder what the hell happened to the good old maxim 'Slow and steady wins the race' and what happened to the sensible tortoise which we so lovingly embodied during our school days. Sadly, looks like the story's end has changed somehow over the years. It appears that the carefree or rather careless hare of earlier years has now become the new hero of the current generation and tortoise is the nice guy who finishes last.
I secretly hope not though.
For all that our lifestyles have turned out to be with the changing times I still am a fool for the old fashioned trappings.
Somehow there are but some things in life which will always remain either useful, appropriate, advantageous, pertinent or even charming because of their slowness. Without their slow effects they may just cease to exist. Here are some which are slow and have rock steadily been in existence till now.
- Yoga - Slow but powerful!
- Ayurvedic medicines - Slow but very effective!
- Slow eating/cooking - Very healthy!
- Slow dance/music - Romantic ofcourse!
- Talking slowly (which means, thinking and talking) - A sign of intelligence!
- Dheere dheere/holay holay wala pyaar - Again romantic!
- Creating Indian handicrafts - It takes painstaking efforts and long time to bring it to life but oh so beautiful is each piece
- Building meaningful relationships - Slowly but for life!
- Chivalry- Gently slow but oh so charming
- Slow vacations - No sightseeing, shopping but relaxing and only relaxing!
- Climbing steps (and not taking lift)- Again healthy
- Growing and nurturing plants - Slow process but brings great joy
- TLC - Tender Loving Care...whether kids, old parents, spouse, or anyone you care for. Slow and gentle but always works
- Book reading - Aah, the pleasures are many.
- Fishing - Yes, definitely slow but eventually rewarding (most times)
- Sitting in a temple/mosque/church - Brings peace
- Walking habit - as against riding in a car. Definitely healthy and therapeutic
- Art of Breathing/ Pranayam - Focusing on our breath. A slow process but is beneficial for lifelong.
For me slow and steady definitely wins the race. If not today, eventually it will! Because it's not about the destination, its the journey that matters most!
