Do you love to travel?
I, for one – really do.
My favourite spot in all these years of travel is a rock nestled between Rishikesh and Shivpuri.
The area is called Phool Chatti by the locals.
It is a group of rocks right next to Ganga.
Sitting on that rock on the riverside, I always feel peaceful and hear the quiet of nature.
Amidst the chirping of birds and the whistling of trees, I was reminded of human presence by my ringing phone.
It was an old friend. The kind that you don’t speak to very often, but the bond is strong.
“Hey Deep, how are you doing?”.
“I’m a little busy. Anything urgent?” I said in an irritated tone. I wanted to get back to silence. ASAP.
My friend went on: “Nothing urgent. I’m actually on the banks of Ganga. It’s so nice. You would have loved it here.”
“Wow, I’m at Ganga too.
Where are you? I can’t see you.”
“Strange, I can’t see you either.”
“Yeah, you can’t. Are you lying about being at the Ganga?”
“No! why would I? Are YOU lying?”
“I’m right here at Phool Chatti. On the river bank.”
“I’m at Assi Ghat (Banaras). On the river bank.”
“But the Ganga is in Phool Chatti – how can it be in Banaras!?”
If you feel this is a stupid thing to say, think again.
Neither of us is lying. But it is foolish of us to assume that just because Ganga is in one place, it can’t be in another city.
The Ganga can, and does flow in Rishikesh and Banaras at the same time.
Don’t forget: you are the all-expansive Ganga.
You’re the quiet trickle of Gangotri.
The loud, raging Bhagirathi of Upper Himalayas.
And the deep, steady Gangaji at Prayagraj.
You can be timid, yet brave.
You can be anxious, yet outgoing.
You can be extremely smart, but clueless about life.
You can be a good person, but with a little darkness.
All at the same time.
So, stop restricting yourself based on singular qualities, beliefs and experiences.
Stop kidding yourself.
You are much more than what you think you are.
The next time you lose belief, let this Hastākshar serve as a reminder.
Just because you’re down in one area of life, doesn’t mean you’ve lost everywhere.
So stop worrying, and go with the flow.
After all, that’s your true nature.
