FOUND SOLACE IN SOLITUDE

FOUND SOLACE IN SOLITUDE

I first heard of novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the beginning of March and did not take it seriously. My friend told me about it while rubbing her hands with sanitizer which I had mistaken as her obsession for cleanliness. At that time, I took it frivolously like any other virus that it would not affect Indians as we are burly enough to scare these kinds of viruses.

But I realized the gravity of situation when CBSE board postponed the exams till further notice and an unprecedented lockdown was imposed. Panic and fear surrounded everywhere. Our PM Narendra Modi urged the citizens to stay home and stay safe.

At the outset, I felt joyful for unexpected holidays to stay home amidst the hectic schedule of working late nights preparing report cards, CBSE board exam duties, and answer sheets evaluation etc. I felt in high spirits for not rushing to school at 7.00 in the morning, not wearing make-up, not gulping my breakfast, no guests and no travelling. It was completely ‘Me’ time when I was able to spend quality time with my son, play with him, and teach him which I really miss during my working days. It was like comfort and solace prevailed over. This was the time when I thought of practicing yoga (although it is a part of my daily routine but I perform it in haste) and meditation. I had read experiences of spiritual leaders and was curious to take a dive into it.

Unaware of its powerful impact, I started putting meditation into practice in an open space. First day, I sat facing east to sun and closed my eyes. It was the impeccable and absolute sun-rising time. As soon as, I closed my eyes, cool red sun’s image reflected into my eyes and settled there for 10 seconds. Gradually, the light of sun disseminated at full blast and turned into plasma or I will correlate it with mercury. As mercury keeps on undulating and does not embrace any shape on the plain surface, the same was with this substance. I endeavored to give it an elegant shape of my own preference but it rejected to take any form. After this, some bubbles started popping up. This all practice took about 10 minutes and I withdrew and got up.

Second day, I did not start off by staring at sun. First, I did Surya Namaskara, Pranayam, Kapalabhati and Bhramari Yoga. While doing the last one, I once more saw the alike transparent, watery substance flowing into my brain which I call mercury. It was like scattering different types of substances like oil, water on the floor and trying mixing it by blowing air , they touch each other’s circumference but do not get mixed. It happened for several minutes and then it started obtaining colours especially sea green colour. These drops were moving into the shapes of an amoeba and transmitting different colours. First it turned into green, then grey and then golden, again green, grey and golden. Finally it completely turned  golden and spread all over my body. I felt that I was deep inside it up to my neck and was able to see the trees and blue sky even with my closed eyes. Deep into golden, now blue sky came all over my head. I kept on seeing this for several minutes. I felt overwhelmed and smiled. It was an experience like being in heaven.

Since then, I have never missed my practice even for a single day because I don’t want to miss my those ecstatic moments at the break of the day. I had no idea that I would rediscover my inner being in this time of lockdown. We all know, this time will not remain the same. The vaccine for COVID-19 will be discovered soon but the change it has brought to my attitude towards myself and change in my life-style is definitely going to stay for long.

Pic credit - Google images