On a
recent trip to Gujarat, I encountered so much warmth and human kindness, from
so many strangers - it was remarkable. Not just in Gujarat- in Pune, in Hyderabad and back in Madras. Usually one small bad experience, an act
of rudeness or casual contempt, is all it takes to ruin an otherwise splendid
day or experience or conversation. Often I have been the culprit, sometimes the
victim. But there were several instances of incredible friendliness, genuine
warmth, from total strangers, and more often from friends and new
acquaintances. It is one thing to remember fondly, the lovely monuments, sumptuous
meals, and gorgeous sunsets and beautiful landscapes, but by far better to
sincerely feel gratitude, and express it. I wish I could repay the kindnesses,
the service, the smiles, even the grouchy ungracious favours – I got a train
ticket printed for free by a travel agent in Bhuj when I was looking for a
browsing center, who then waved away my offer of money : have you ever been “blessed”
by a surly favour?
Why does
an injustice rankle long after the glow of kindness fades? Why is it so much
easier to speak a harsh word than hold one’s tongue, or bear for a moment a
minor nuisance, than react with anger or disdain, and just make the whole thing
worse? Perhaps it is just me; I hope so.
The
kindness of strangers and the decency of friends also seems starkly to contrast
with viciousness of public discourse, and the venom with which people treat
someone they profess to love, or are expected to love. “When it is a deep, dark
November in your soul” wrote Melville in Moby Dick. Why deep dark November in
the soul when sunlight bathes your world and warmth caresses your surroundings,
I wonder.
And yet…
Very thoughtful article. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteNice one! Resonates with me.
ReplyDeleteA moment without expectations and a frame of mind to overlook minor and not so minor transgressions is all it takes to savour an experience.
ReplyDeleteOf course things get more complicated if expectations come in and stress happens!!
I should write more of these
ReplyDeleteWish people would reflect on this while dealing with hapless cohabitants of this planet!
ReplyDeleteWish people would also practice 0.01% of what they preach/write!
Zero expectations & the ability to overlook all transgressions & a thick skin in the process - takes time to develop.
ReplyDelete