“The truth is I'm getting old, I said.
We already are old, she said with a sigh. What happens is that you don't feel
it on the inside, but from the outside everybody can see it.” Gabriel García Márquez
Long back
when I visited the Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan
School at Hyderabad , along with my friend Vimala Subramanium to attend the PEAS (Program for
Environmental Awareness in Schools) program, we saw a lovely poem on a poster, stuck on the wall of the entrance near the office. I wanted to write
the poem, but my friend said she had it with her. The poem depicts a mother’s
feelings when she is old conveying how her youth flew and there were times when
her little one had asked her to read a story more at bedtime, however, she had to
refuse it, owing to her busy schedule, today when she has grown old, time stands still, and she has
the time to read more, as well as do more for her children, but her children have
fluttered away. My son was a little boy of five then, while my friend’s son was
a teenager. We both realized that it was the present that we needed to live in,
and give more time for our children. The thought of our children moving away
from us nev er
crossed our minds then. Today I could easily empathize with my friends in the park, being the
mother of a grown up son.
Recently
we had another Faculty Development
Program. It was supposed to be the last one for the academic year. There was
a lot related to the introspection of self. A few psychometric tests were also
conducted with a self analysis of our tests, teaching us how human beings can react
to various situations in an accommodating way,
a competitive way and in many more ways depending on their upbringing
and their ability to face various situations. The program included a large number of
examples. A common one was about the eagle that lives for more than thirty years. Though we were
then told about it as 70 years to emphasize a value. The instructor said that
as the eagle grows old, its flexible talons are unable to grab a prey. Its beak
loses its sharpness, and its wings are no longer able to take the quick sweep
as they stick to the chest and turn heavy. In these circumstances, the eagle has the preference of dying
or undergoing a painful penance of
living through the change where it lives away for a long period of six mont hs by knocking down its beak, and wrenching out its talons and wings. It then waits for six months for the growth of a new sharp beak, and sharper talons, that help it again in the sustenance for another thirty years.
This was an
example illustrated to help us live through a change, shedding the past
memories and habits, traditions and practices in a dynamic world. We treasured the session
since it was a much needed one professionally in the vibrant world, when life can be overwhelming at times.
I reminisced that as the eagle, we encounter a change in our personal lives too. It is
inevitable that our children grow and lead their own lives. An expectation
from them leads to unhappiness and pain. My friends seemed lost as they
were encountering the change, which was painful like the eagle’s penance, but
with time new talons of the abilities and roots of rationality teach one to
overcome the change by leading a meaningful life, with the difficult days
transforming itself into experiences, making the person mature enough to lead a life contentedly and cheerfully. Trials and tribulations of being away from our
children make us stronger rather than bitter
as at every stage man comes across a different purpose, helping him keep going courageously. Any decision involves a sacrifice, perhaps old age also brings about a
sacrifice of companionship of children for long periods of time, but it definitely
wins their love. Any kind of sickness
when treated with optimism cures sooner as no one has, nor will be able to escape aging, sickness or death. Life is a stream of water that does not flow backwards. A proper schedule with a walk, a smile, good food, friends and a new goal
each day can aid a person soar above old age, approximating the eagle’s talons.
“Hope is sweet.
Hope is illumining.
Hope is fulfilling.
Hope can be everlasting.
Therefore, do not give up hope,
Even in the sunset of your life.”
― Sri Chinmoy,
Hope is illumining.
Hope is fulfilling.
Hope can be everlasting.
Therefore, do not give up hope,
Even in the sunset of your life.”
― Sri Chinmoy,
One doesn't even have to press play, it's autorun. We have to learn to like the music and ignore the noise: that's all!
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading the post.Ashutosh sir ... I am able to understand it....
ReplyDeleteThe good old HPS days! We are all so busy with our lives that before we realize,old age sets in.There is little time for being mentally prepared to face the same nevertheless old age is a beautiful phase of life to be lived with optimism.You have conveyed the message well Jyothi.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading the post Vimala, true, the good old HPS days. Each phase in life has to be encountered with the same enthusiasm. Well said Vimala.
ReplyDelete