Journey May 2020
Conversing with Mother Earth
Shivi Verma sees the silver lining in the cloud of the current calamity and rejoices in the stillness of Nature—our One Being
Even though the coronavirus scare has gripped the entire world, for some strange reason, I get buoyed by the fact that the planet has become one in body, mind, and spirit like never before. By the time this article comes out, perhaps, a lot would have changed in our circumstances, but as of now, I cannot help but notice how tightly the human race has been tied into a big bundle by Mother Earth and cast away in a corner, to reflect on its priorities.
It is amusing to see how man’s illusion of being powerful and in control of everything has been beaten to a pulp by Nature, exposing to us our reality as well as vulnerability. That we are and were always at the mercy of Mother Earth, and it was her magnanimity which was letting us go on with our sordid and callous ways. Locked in our houses, we are looking for ways to spend our time and stay hopeful.
If I do not watch TV or read the newspaper which is, as usual, filled with stressful news, then I can say that this isolation is reconnecting me with the rhythm of the earth, its heartbeat, its pulse, and its silent whispers. Earlier, even as I would secure my me-time, a thousand errands would run at the back of my mind demanding my time and attention, and sooner or later, I would have to pull my weight to get things done.
However, for the first time in my life, I am faced with a situation where life has come to a screeching halt. I have nowhere to run to, no unfinished tasks to complete, and no social commitments to keep. As though the Universe heard the humanity’s cry for peace, calm, and quietude and granted it in bulk.
The lockdown ensures that there is no human disturbance of any sort in my life, and it feels great. No maids, cooks, helpers, guests, or guards ring my doorbell. All shopping has been postponed, and the office is being run from home. I wake up with an incredulous smile on my face, pleased at the thought that I do not have to rush to reach office. I finish household tasks with the help of my mother and then settle down to the ease and comfort of attending to my office amidst the twitter and warbling of numerous birds whose songs I have never heard in my life.
The halting of human activity has given a boost to other species, which otherwise stay hidden or quiet. All other sounds and sensations too have become pronounced. The rustle of the leaves, the squeal of a child, the murmur of the wind, and the fragrances in the air, sweep over my senses, filling me with languor. As I get lost in these sensorial pleasures, I slip into a somnambulance brought about by aligning with the rhythm of Mother Earth. I begin to feel her heartbeat, the rise and fall of her heaving bosom, the inflow and outflow of her slow, reassuring breath. A sense of calm and peace descends upon me, and my heart begins to burst with an inexplicable joy. Thankfully, this is not my experience alone. Perhaps, we all have been forced into this situation to realise the value of what we are forfeiting for money and material comforts. As we reconnect with Mother Earth and tune into her energies, we get reminded of our roots, our real purpose, and our interconnection with the entire Universe. We are ONE.
Editor of Life Positive, Shivi Verma is a devotee who found all her answers in loving God passionately.