How do you unwind after a demanding day?
After a demanding week, the protagonist finds solace by the riverbank, admiring a stunning sunset as he reflects on his recent success. In moments like these, he realises the value of spending quality time with Nature. He overcame past failures through diligent preparation, securing the second-highest position among his peers. Despite the surrounding celebration, he feels a moment of detachment and gratitude towards those who supported him. Nature offers him comfort, far from urban life’s chaos. He cherishes places of beauty and historical significance, where he rejuvenates his spirit and restores energy, appreciating their timeless stories and the tranquility they give.
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- The protagonist finds peace by the riverbank, reflecting on his success after overcoming past failures.
- He admires a stunning sunset, feeling gratitude for nature and the support he received during his struggles.
- The octogenarian recalls his journey of hard work and preparation that led to his success, feeling a deep connection to nature.
- He appreciates historical monuments and natural beauty as sources of healing and energy restoration.
- Ultimately, personal choices vary, but spending time in serene environments significantly enhances one’s well-being.
Setting sun
The sun was on the last leg of its journey. After travelling for about eleven hours, the big, perfectly rounded crimson heliacal ball was going down the horizon. As it went down, the scattering light filled the azure sky with different hues of red, tangerine and a wisp of pink. Looking unfazed, the big ball was gradually sinking.
Serene ambience
The blaze mellowed down maintaining the colour and brightness. It caused the sun to look pretty. Flying birds in a formation or sometimes alone added dimension to the whole scene. The cylindrical wavy reflection of the setting sun in the flowing river presented a phantasmagoric look. In the quiet ambience, a boatman drifted on the river in a canoe. Looking carefully in the water, the boatman probably hoped to have a good catch to sell in the fish market. The silhouetted boat with the boatman made the ambience surreal. Streaks of cottony clouds were adding serenity to the whole atmosphere.
Silent observer
Standing on the bank of the river, an octogenarian was trying to gulp down the elixir of natural beauty. His mind was calm and in harmony with the serene environment. Silently observing the sun, he appreciatively glanced around and thanked the Almighty in a whisper. He was spending quality time with nature, enjoying the beauty and the bliss. After the hectic and absorbing week, it was time for relaxation. By this time, the sun sank more and was half visible with a horizontal, slightly serrated line dividing the visible and invisible parts of the setting sun.
Reflection of the past
As our octogenarian friend looked at the sun, he saw Swifts flying in a rather circular fashion on the river surface. He slipped into his past and reflected.
Hard work
It was the second try. Learning from earlier mistakes and taking a cue from them, he prepared with an aim to take a quantum jump. Appropriate conditioning and preparation, raised the level of confidence. Completing the coursework and twice revising, he felt light but butterflies still fluttered in his stomach. The date of the result announcement was fast approaching.
Learning from mistakes
Candidly remembering past unsuccess because of certain flaws, he did not want to take a chance. After brainstorming, he chalked out a plan of study and diligently stuck to that. He was satisfied that his plan worked well, and he would come with flying colours but his breath ran like bellows with increased heart beat.
The D-day
The day finally came. Outside calm competed with the fast beating heart. The results were to be announced in the afternoon. Restlessness was increasing with time. Suddenly, the alleys reverberated with the yelling of hawkers selling the special edition of newspapers with the results. They were charging a premium price for that edition. Excited hawkers hawked with people swarming them. Everybody was in a hurry, wanting to grab the paper at once, without delay.
Standing quietly on the side of the alley, he moved towards the hawker who had finished distributing the papers to people encircling him. After paying him the price, he took the paper from the hawker and, with beating hearts, he opened the folds of paper…
Couldn’t believe it!
Unbelievable! He hardly believe his eyes! Not only had he succeeded, but had also secured the second-highest position among the successful students. The heart raced as a wave of ecstasy washed over, leaving him momentarily numb. He became stunned for a few moments. The people cheered, lifted him up, congratulating and garlanding him in celebration.
Obligated
With a stolid face, he could not show any sign of emotion. The people distributed sweets and cheered, oblivious of his mental block. Initially feeling nonaligned with the situation, stiffness gradually melted, and his eyes brimmed. He copiously thanked the Almighty and raised his hands in prayer. He felt obliged to the Almighty and all who believed him and stood beside him during his struggle. They buttressed him, helping unconditionally the way he wanted.
Each day was a challenge. Nevertheless, he worked unifocally, concentrating fully on his goal and channelling his energy.
Admiring Nature
A day after the announcement of the result, he visited his favourite spot on the riverbanks to spend quality time with Nature. Staring at the setting sun and admiring its beauty, he quietly tries to adjust his mental condition. The sun has always been fascinating. Feeling gratified, he felt thankful to the sun and Nature and also to primogenitors, who gave inspiration and insight to acknowledge the importance and benevolence of Nature. It is why the sun has been considered as God by our sagacious forefathers, he soliloquised.
After a hectic schedule or demanding day, he would find solace and comforting solitude in the lap of Mother Nature. She affectionately embraces in her lap. It soothes him inside out. (Tigris Valley)
quality time with Nature
The tiring and hectic routine schedule drains a lot, but then it is a part of life. Secluded and naturally beautiful spots give grace. The salubrious environment acts as a great mood enhancer which rejuvenates. Nonetheless, the place doesn’t matter much. Spending quality time away from the continuous strife, confined life in urban pigeonhole houses, stale air and cacophony is invigorating. The places can be anywhere, including a riverbank like the one described above or any other place of natural importance or sometimes historical monuments.
Unending bliss
Besides places of natural beauty, historical monuments and/or places of worship are also relieving and comforting. A historical monument takes us back in time, imagining the past glory, the spiritual and metaphysical bent of the minds of their creators and the cultural saga. It all boils down to giving him unending bliss.
Healing ointment
Spending quality time with Nature is rewarding. The symphony of a cascading fall, chirps and bells of singing birds, humming bumble bees and fluttering psithurism of butterflies creates a mesmerising effect that acts as a genteel yet powerful healing medication. It alleviates the soul’s pains, bruises, and cuts, providing lasting healing and restoring lost vitality.
Monuments speak
Finding solace in the vicinity of Nature by spending quality time, or a monumental shelter is easily reachable and doesn’t require much. Like nature, a monument speaks volumes. It has a long history. The walls of the monument are mute spectators of happenings within its confines. Touching the ruins gives a feeling of travelling in a time capsule, which takes one back and tries to recreate the scene which has now become history. They converse and narrate stories of their time. Storytellers, as they are, are the only authentic witnesses whose account is unquestionable. Some people try to sensationalise history by mixing imaginary incidents and spicy folklore to lure tourists, but that is not history. Mute monuments do not lie. They must be laughing at the foolishness of the persons misrepresenting their history.
Personal choice
Places of natural beauty and historical importance allow one to vent out one’s fatigue and mental exhaustion and help replenish the lost energy. Personal choices can differ. While some like dazzling night light, fun and frolic, some want to spend quality time along the bank of a river, walking on silky sand and conversing with Nature or imbibing history. People choose their way to celebrate or spend time. It all depends upon the inclination of a person as to how one wants to ease one’s mind and soul.
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Kamal Kishore Srivastava
A retired government officer turned writer and photographer, Kamal Kishore Srivastava is a regular blogger and essayist who explores life’s deeper meanings through immersive reflections on nature, impermanence, and happiness. On his blog Nature’s Narrative, he blends philosophical storytelling with practical insights. Writing 1200–1500 or more words regularly, Kamal is committed to refining his craft, expanding his audience, and building a sustainable space where thought and feeling meet.
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