Today was such a unique morning, almost surreal. I woke up feeling excited because I had a beautiful dream. Normally, my dreams are scary, but this time it was sweet, and I couldn't believe it!
The weather was delightful as I set out for my first run of the week, aiming to cover 8 kilometers at a good pace. I headed to Van Vihar gate 2, took my ticket, and started stretching near the area where deer were grazing on the ground. Just above them, I noticed monkeys with their babies on the branches of a nearby tree. It was heartwarming to see the little ones curious about the deer, and one baby monkey was holding onto its mother tightly. Another mother was protecting her baby, making sure it didn't take any risky jumps. Motherly love is so touching, and you can feel it all around. The deer seemed excited to see me, and I was thrilled too. If only there wasn't a fence separating us, I would have gone to hug them!
After waving goodbye to the animals, I started my run. Van Vihar is like a magical place with a forest on one side and a massive lake on the other. The breeze and the birds added to the enchantment. If you're the first runner or visitor at Van Vihar, you'll often spot a variety of colorful birds walking on the road and trees. It's like living in a dream with so many vibrant birds around. As more people arrived, the birds preferred to hide in the denser areas of the forest away from human presence. During my run, I even saw a hyena crossing the road on its way to the lake for water. And the peacocks! They were just outside, ready to spread their feathers and perform their beautiful dance once the rain started.
I encountered many fellow walkers and runners during my run. We're all Van Vihar buddies, familiar with each other through our routine exercises. We greet each other with a cheerful "good morning" or a wave, motivating one another to keep going. What surprises me is that most of the runners and walkers are middle-aged or even older. Where are the youngsters like me in the morning? Probably still asleep, paying no attention to their health. People tend to neglect preventive measures and only start taking care of themselves when they fall sick. You know how it is!
Despite the tiring tempo run, I kept going and finished 8 kilometers with a speed of 5 minutes and 9 seconds per kilometer. I was overjoyed! This was my final tempo run before the Pachmarhi half marathon.
As soon as my run ended, it started pouring heavily, and I loved every moment of it. I even came across mother monkeys with their babies as we all walked through the rain together.
I took some time to get wet in the rain and experience the pure bliss of nature. It's not every day you get to enjoy monsoons in a national park in the heart of a capital city. I'm grateful for this experience, and I wanted to savor it while I could. Life is short, and we must live and enjoy each moment to the fullest!
After the fun, I hopped into my car, opened the windows, and had an amazing drive by the lakeside for half an hour.
Connecting with nature has changed my life. It keeps me calm, focused, and appreciative of life, no matter what. I can truly be in the moment, and that's the most significant lesson I've learned. Nature's power keeps me centered, grounded, and present.
Here's to more time in nature! Cheers to nature's bliss!