A positive approach

29^th November

 “Perfection is such an unrealistic expectation which is discouraging too for those who feel they must live up to an adult’s expectation of perfection” Jane Nelson

Winter mornings are gloomy and frosty at Durga Tekdi, a man made forest which has got its name due to the Durga temple on the hills. No one likes to discard the warmth of a blanket to hustle for a morning walk into a dingy dark forest where you see ethereal human figures till the sun rises to illuminate the beings around. As habitual we reached the outskirts of the forest area, parked the car and started walking briskly to overcome the chill. While walking along the long stretch guiding the walking track in the forest we felt warmth enliven us. We could see many vehicles parked in the parking lot. The cars were sheltered in the huge ground and the scooters and bikes along the core path.

Outlying the main gate at the entrance a striking long log is mounted vertically on two forked logs on either sides forming a barrier which indicates people to evade parking their scooters and cars beyond the point. We love walking the whole stretch despite the fact that the inside walk is nearly three kms uphill. It is an exotic scenic spot where there are tiny green spaces lined by hedges with metallic benches for weary travellers. There are sheltered rounded paved spots at various spots on both the sides of the walking track interspersed between the fast growing trees. It is enthralling to watch the sky change hues at sunrise as the red ball of fire makes its existence through the murky sky boasting mingled colours.

At a distance behind me I could hear a girl whining as she desperately wanted to go back home. It was Diwali vacation and many of the parents trudged their children by ousting them from sleep to keep up the continuity of their walks. I turned back to see a father with a twelve year old daughter cross by. The girl was amused as her father had tricked her into walking with a few engrossing exercises making her forget the long path. The girl felt delighted on her achievement of completing the long walk.  Through out the vacation the father had something special to narrate to the daughter. They would race uphill or down the terrain. When the school began there was a lull in the forest with only the older folks rushing back home to send their children to school. I love to dash down the last stretch. Yesterday as I began to run I heard footsteps following me and then overtake me. I saw that it was the little girl. I kept at pace and saw that she raced beyond the gate reached the log of wood and jumped across using the log as a hurdle, a clean jump. She later reached the car and waited for her father to reach with a gleam of pride.  Subtle and gentle coaxing had led to this accomplishment. It reminded me that gentle cajoling in any path of life with the intention of encouraging always leads to multitude in results

“Recognition of improvement is encouraging and inspires children to continue their efforts. A positive approach invites co operation, mutual respect, responsibility and social interest.” Jane Nelson