Hope Springs Eternal
If the winter of our discontent is here, can the spring of our redemption be far behind? Last month, I was back in Punjab, at the same place I had visited after the lockdown was lifted; a place, therefore, that was special. This time round it was for a meditation retreat. Our monastic routine was simple and stern: wake up at 5am, take a bath, step out in the cold under a canopy of stars and head for meditation and yoga (all participants had undertaken a Covid test). That’s how we rang in dawn every day—deep in dhyana. When we stepped out for a break and some much-needed coffee, we spotted frost on the ground. The day continued with sessions of pranic healing and more meditation and yoga in the evening. New friendships were forged and there was a budding sense of community. It was amazing. I have returned calmer, focussed, self-aware and a tad happier—as my beaming portrait will confirm.
It was a good way to bring 2020—a year that has
For me, 2020 was a year of contemplation, a reaffirmation of hope in the face of impossible odds, and recharging myself
been cursed like no other—to a close. I won’t add to the cacophony of complaints. For me, 2020 was a year of contemplation, a reaffirmation of hope in the face of impossible odds, an opportunity to spend more time at home with family, renew friendships, realise the immateriality of material possessions and recharge my batteries. And—most importantly—appreciate the value of travel which is far beyond that of a mere ‘holiday’.
This issue we look at the face of travel in 2021, as the world heads back to normalcy. Our features, on destinations like Binsar and Pangot, and laketrekking in the beautiful vale of Kashmir, encourage quiet getaways far from the madding crowds. Here’s to a great year of travel, folks!