Do What You Love. Love what you do.’ I truly believe in this mantra that Steve Jobs left us with. I use this philosophy while dealing with my life, especially in difficult times like these.
It is imperative to stay motivated and brace situations, and have gratitude for what you have. Life will always have challenges, it is up to us whether we go into despair or find hope to emerge stronger.
I’m a social person by nature, and generally spend my days surrounded by people – colleagues and students at Whistling Woods International (WWI), my family and friends. As the lockdown was announced, I wondered how I would manage without seeing everyone for almost a month.
But as the news gradually sank in, I began to look at the situation with a whole new perspective. I perceived it as an opportunity, and I was going to make the best of it.
At work, we started having Zoom meetings to ensure students don’t miss out on any learnings. While we are on a spring break, the faculty is working very hard to create online modules for all their classes.
The team at WWI came up with this lovely idea of asking students to send in their creative work during this lockdown. With the ongoing scenario, here’s how I am currently keeping myself occupied.
Bonding with family
My husband, Rahul and our two children, Aanya and Ranveer mean everything to me, and this is the perfect opportunity for us to reconnect and grow closer in a meaningful way. We’ve implemented a daily routine to keep us engaged, occupied and active. Our days begin bright and early – just because we’re stuck at home doesn’t mean we spend our days lazing around! The kids start online school and we start our mornings with yoga. When not studying, they spend time painting and also trying out new recipes.
We engage in activities including playing board games from Monopoly and Taboo to building Lego. We have been watching movies together and we have all three meals together, which is truly a wonderful and gratifying experience.
Learning new skills
Usually, we spend our days in a whirlwind of activity. Managing the day-to-day running of an institute seldom leaves me with a lot of free time. Presently, I am using this extra time productively - painting and attending to my small terrace garden, which I really love by the way. I also try to learn a new recipe every alternate day.
Bake away!
I have always loved to bake but hardly found the time for it. Now I’ve been compiling recipes, and trying to bake cakes or batches of cookies as a special treat for the kids. I involve my children in the process too– measuring the ingredients, kneading and rolling the dough, and popping it in the oven, which is extremely therapeutic, and leaves you with a sense of accomplishment.
Looking within
I also use this time to deepen my faith and delve deep into spirituality. Being a practitioner of Nichiren Buddhism, I have always believed in the power of the universe and approaching everyone with compassion. This lockdown period has given me the time to reach out to friends, family and others in the community to help them develop a strong spiritual self, find peace within and contribute through prayers to help combat the current global crisis.
In an uncertain time, spending quality time with the family and yourself is the best remedy. Slowing down has made me realise how much we miss out when we run the rat race. So while everything seems to be cancelled from colleges to concerts and sports events, always remember – hope is not cancelled. Look for a silver lining, and you’ll always find one.
