Off the Grid
I did not use my phone or the internet for one whole day. The results were astounding — no regular headache and no body ache. I did not even step out. I just tended to my plants, cleaned the house and did something I have never done — spent an inordinate amount of time cooking. Yes, I made the dreaded Dal again…and it is now — my favourite Dal…referring to the time that I tried my hand at it recently and burnt my hand as the scalding hot broth splashed out in fury. I cooked for myself and what a joy it was. I am not a cook in the real sense as in I just about scrape through to put a meal on the table when alone, else it’s my lovely house help who dishes out my experimental recipes. Well, I also fixed myself a salad, made an omelette, boiled an egg and made sauteed vegetables along with rice. I cook for the future also, not half as gluttonous as before. Bragworthy — yeah! But also to tell you, my dear reader, that never have I felt more productive and refreshed at the same time.
No screen time is a thing. It’s soulful and beautiful. I felt alive. When I was not cooking or cleaning, I was colouring or reading. It’s meditative. Nothing compares to “me time".
This, technically isn’t living off the "grid". It’s only off the grid if you generate your own electricity, manage your own water system and are completely cut off from the government. I think it’s a very cool concept. I watched a video about a family who live on the outskirts of Bangalore without any electricity. They use solar energy for heating etc and do other really cool stuff like make their own compost pit, harvest rainwater. It’s something I’d be up for - using science to live a way better life, amidst nature and sustainably so.
The moment we think that our purpose is bigger than ourselves, we feel the change...the contentment set in...like we’re on a higher ground. I think our purpose as human beings is to preserve our beautiful planet.
Only a person who sits and thinks, thinks and ponders, ponders and wonders can perhaps reach this conclusion. Humanity is the only religion, this planet is our home, we are in a big family and we must do all we can to make it last longer. We all know that the sun will explode and our galaxy will be wiped out but whilst alive, why don’t we make our lives count. Consume less. Take up less space. Be minimal. Be generous.
And this, is how I think, ladies and gentlemen.
