It has been more than a week since I returned from our family holidays to Himachal Pradesh but my hubby and son often joke that I haven't yet returned completely. Well, I am not to be blamed. The Nature lover in me is still engulfed with remnants of some of the most blissful and cathartic moments of my life! During the trip, tears of sheer joy filled my eyes several times and I was not able to control them. There was a serene calm and I felt immensely cleansed after experiencing those divine moments.
Call it magic of mystical Himalayas! From the very moment we drove through labyrinth of snow clad mountains, we were intrigued by the spectacular collage of colours, forms, textures and perspectives that took our breath away. Our usual talkative selves were completely lost in the beauty of abundant lush green surroundings, satin blue sky, floral carpet of different hues in purple and meandering streams cascading down the mountains, a sheer treat for the senses.
Hubby surprised me with the property where he had booked our stay at Palampur. In the backdrop of imposing Himalayas, amidst acres of thick forest and amazingly beautiful tea estate gardens, there were only five cottages and we had the privilege to stay in one of those cottages. I had carried some books and tried reading them, sitting outside the cottage but the surroundings were so mesmerizing that I completely surrendered myself to the sheer abundance and was soaked in silence.
IImagine yourself so tuned in with Nature that the energy of the very creation of the Universe seems to be in perfect harmony with your being. Slowly, it permeates deeply in your body, mind and soul and for those few moments there is absolutely nothing between you and Mother Nature! Experiencing those moments of tranquility are immensely therapeutic.
Only time we stayed in the cottage was at night when we were sleepy. Watching sun rays creating different designs on the snow clad Himalayas was so tempting that we didn't feel like missing out on a single moment. The humbling experience of witnessing expanse of majestic Himalayas is difficult to narrate.
Contrary to our urban life, we were completely free. Free from demands on time, expectations, worry of the future or regrets of the past. We were way far from all that. Our thoughts automatically managed to disappear, calm easily attained and our minds very still. Everything that we experienced was being translated or understood without reference to anything! It was happening in the moment where we were completely present.
Ever since I have returned from the holidays, I feel as if I am oozing out with some powerful energy that one derives only from being very close to Mother Nature. The flood of emotions I felt during these Holidays is beyond words! I learnt, Nature's true worship is in listening to it and deep down I have transformed at some level.
It is interesting, how despite visiting Himalayas so recently, my heart longs to be there and I know I wouldn't be able to stay away from it for long!
