Anupam- The Dreamer

We, human beings, are incredible creation of Mother Nature. Over millions of years of evolution, we have become so called “modern”, “advanced” and “most-civilized” of all the previous generations that ever existed on this beautiful planet. Indeed, we have come a long way, no doubts about that, in terms of technological advancement, ease of living and all materialistic developments that we see around us day-in and day-out. However, in this mad race of proving ourselves as most modern and most advanced, we humans have somewhere lost connect with our own Mother Nature. The more we have progressed, the more distanced we have become from our own roots! We have come to believe that we can do and we must do whatever we wish and desire, even if it is against the laws of nature. For example, we should eat what we crave, even if that thing is not a seasonally grown vegetable/fruit. We don’t care if the food is grown by using pesticides, processed with chemicals, and stored in cold-storage over the period of months or even years. Take another example, we have come to believe that the easiest lifestyle should be one where the humans would have to do no physical work/activity. If we can walk to our nearest grocery store, why should we if there is a car waiting for us downstairs? Or if we can take stairs to climb a short distance, but why should we if we have the provision of a lift?

Indeed, we have come a very long way in terms of material growth…..and in the process moved away from the basic principles that have governed the lives of all the living beings for millions of years. Before modern-era, people used to eat what is grown locally without the use of pesticides etc., and only those vegetables/fruits which are seasonal. They used to do more physical activity, as it is this physical activity only over thousands of years of evolution which has led to the development of various capabilities and development of brain and various muscles in the humans. Had our ancestors sat idle all day like us and led sedentary lifestyle and could get everything and anything on the click of a button, then physically and mentally we would not have been as strong and smart as we are today! You might have also heard that what doesn’t get used, gets wasted. It has happened with some of the organs in the human body like appendix, which have gradually become as redundant as a floppy disk :D. There is plenty of literature out there on this topic, and I would refrain going deep into that. But, one thing is clear if we continue to stop using our hands and legs, who knows a time will come after thousands of years when human beings will be born without hands and legs!!!

Thus, it wouldn’t take an Einstein to prove that our linear progress in terms of materiality is directly co-related with our linear degradation in terms of physical and mental well-being. So, it is high time that humanity as a whole should go back to the basics atleast in those areas where it is beneficial for us as a whole. And the basics have always been the NATURE! Closer to the nature, means closer to our well-being and closer to our own self!

And what it means being closer to the NATURE? It means anything and everything that is guided by laws of nature and is in coherence with the laws of nature. In terms of food, eating organically grown food is always an environmental-friendly choice and if some of that can be home-grown nothing can beat that! Also, eating fresh, seasonal and less-processed food is always a healthier choice and also helps in energy conservation as there will be no need of long months of unwanted cold-storage facilities, which in turn will lead to lesser greenhouse gas emissions. In terms of physical activity, encouraging walking and cycling will also help in keeping us healthier and stronger, and at the same time will contribute to keep environment cleaner. Also, going back to the basics of Yoga and physical exercise in any form will keep up closer to the basic human instincts and helpful for our physical and mental health. In terms of usage of natural resources like food, water, air, energy resources, etc., if every person contributes his/her bit in reducing the wastage and adopts a low-carbon footprint lifestyle, then it wouldn’t only be beneficial to the people around us but also for the whole planet. This would also make us more humane, more compassionate and more responsible towards Mother Earth and to our fellow human beings, who may not be as affluent and resourceful as we are. After all, Mother Earth belongs to every single living being, alongwith all its fauna and flora. It belongs equally to Elon Musk as it belongs to the poorest of the poor living in the water-starved region of South Sudan. It also belongs equally to the pet dog that is eating pedigree on the couch of your air-conditioned room, as it belongs to the unfortunate turtle swimming in the Pacific Ocean with a plastic net stuck around its neck. Mother Earth does not distinguish between its creations, so as humans why should we? Closer to Mother Earth also means being closer to the human values that make us better humans and better global citizens. But that is a discussion, I leave for some other time…..Till then, I would leave will you with this beautiful piece of thought by Gandhiji- “The world has enough for everyone’s need, but not enough for everyone’s greed.” The earlier we understand and follow this talisman, the better it would be for us as a whole!

P.S.

When we look around, we often find people working against nature and nature’s forces. Like at individual level, we want to eat vegetables and fruits which do not grow naturally in a particular season, we want to eat anything we want, build lifestyle as we want like even at the cost of health etc. etc. We want more artificial less natural! But more often than not, going against nature backfires in terms of lifestyle diseases, laziness, inefficiency, more spending on artificial things etc. 

At bigger level, we want to undertake development which is not in harmony with nature like building heavy infrastructure in disaster prone areas, depletion of natural resources like water bodies etc. But time and time again nature teaches us howsoever powerful we may think we are, the nature is always more powerful. 

If at individual and societal level, we can live in harmony with nature, it can result into healthier lifestyle and a healthier planet. Closer to nature means closer to well-being. And farther from nature means “on the mercy of nature”. To my mind, one cannot stay away from nature for an extended period without own’s peril, if you don’t comply, nature will force you to comply 

Let me give you examples that why you can’t stay away from nature for long. 

1. If you eat fast food for even 3 days straight, then your body will start giving up and then you crave for ghar ka simple khana 

2. If your lifestyle is haphazard for even a few days, then you will be forced to take rest and correct it. And if you don’t you will fall ill.

3. If the artificial medicinal treatment fails, then you are forced to adopt natural ways of treatment. 

4. If you engage in mindless development against nature, then nature will bring you back to square one some day.

Rest you can check for yourself…