‘my day to self’

When I got out of bed that morning I knew what I was going to do. I had done a lot of overthinking in the past days and my brain would surely explode and it was time to ease. I got dressed, put some kajal on for confidence and left home.

My first stop was Tata Literature Live Festival at the NCPA. I attended a session on how one writer reads and writes well about another writer. It was Sebastian Faulks talking about his work on Wodehouse and Fleming.

It was nice to know how a writer’s head processes. He gave insights as to how he goes about getting characters and styles right. It was an enriching session and I made plenty of notes. I got out of the session smiling as for me it was a perfect start for the day.

However, the next session played more with my brain cells. ‘How about a book that is located nowhere?’ ‘How about a world with no borders?’ ‘How about living a world with no labels of refugees, no labels of any other kind either?’

These questions popped up, answers were discussed and so many ideas were put in by the panellists. My favourite idea was put forth by Christos Tsiolkas, he talked about how language can be a bridge between the immigrants and citizens, as it can help have empathy.

After the session, I further discussed this idea with Christos, and he enlightened me and a fellow blogger. He added that how it is essential that both immigrants and citizens should put in efforts to know each other’s languages for a peaceful stay.

I was on a different high after this conversation, the rare feeling of having a great conversation and ideas shared, I felt as though I was flying! After such an amazing brain work it was time to feed the stomach.

I walked from NCPA to Colaba, asking directions to people on the way. I went to Olympia Caffe House and ate my Chicken Biryani. It is my favourite place around South Bombay. I had my heart and stomach filled as I stepped out.

Now I walked to Jehangir Art Gallery and met my old artist friend Abdul Gani outside. He graduated from JJ School of Art, has travelled for years, done quite a lot of work, and now for over nine years has a spot outside Jehangir Art Gallery where he sells small paintings, bookmarks etc. I bought two of his bookmarks.

He didn’t remember my last conversation with him years back, one could blame his age. He spoke to me still as if he knew me though, he shared his inspiration for work, how families treat artists etc. The conversation went on for around an hour and half of it is a blur, I don’t remember everything that he said but can still feel the warmth he spread.

He suggested me what I can do to improve my health, I promised to do so. I then walked into the Art Gallery had a tour around. I stared at a few beautiful works on canvas and in awe for art came out. I then bid Abdul Ji goodbye and left. My eyes were watery as I walked away from him.

In a short span, this artist was like an open book to me, he had suggested me health tips, he had shared some personal stories, I know his birthday now and I’ll surely be going to wish him.

The conversation with Abdul Ji, the love I received kept playing in my head and came out through my eyes as I walked towards General Post Office. I felt happy, warm and loved. I went to GPO, posted a few postcards as planned and took a train home from CST.

The entire day replayed in my head. The ideas that were exchanged, the knowledge I noted, the warmth I received and also the great food! A good day always ends with a great cup of tea with Maa, it was a delight to tell her about the day and see her smile.

I didn’t use my phone the entire day except for that one selfie with Christos. I didn’t have internet on my phone and neither did I call anyone for anything. The entire day was me, the people I talked, shared with and my mind talking to me.

Ideally, I would spend time near a water body and have ice cream to call it a perfect day. But I think this day didn’t need it. It was complete in its own way. A day I took to myself, to distance myself from my own thoughts and think beyond and look at life differently.

I keep thinking about what will the future behold, what will happen, what I am studying, will it help me at all, and so on. People name this feeling to be anxiety. And as I deal with this, there is so much more that keeps happening at home that adds to my minds’ struggle for peace.

A day as such, I saw thoughts, ideas, problems beyond my own. I thought through ideas of immigrants and citizen, their relation, the importance of language and translation and so much more at that one session. It reminded me deep within the power of the word.

A day as such helped me to understand labels. I was out to eat lunch, and I can’t forget the stares I got to be alone at a table for four. The waiter, the group of friends, the families said nothing to me, but their vivid stares and talk said it clear how unusual it was for them to see a girl alone at a table for four.

I smiled back at each stare I got, I didn’t dig myself into my phone. Nor did I call someone. I sat there, smiled at all the stares, ate my food happily and left. The irony is this happening to me just after I attended a session on how we should not be labelling people.

I urge you to have such a day to self too. You might not be in need of it, you might not have issues of anxiety or anything at home or you might just be the happiest soul right now, yet, I would suggest to take this one off to yourself.

I like indulging in art and conversations, your idea of easing mind can be different. Is it clicking photos? Just take your phone or a camera and head out, have no internet on phone and have an entire day where the maximum you speak to is with yourself.

I can’t explain why this day is essential, why this time to yourself is essential. But I would only urge you to do so and maybe when you try it, we can discuss together why it is essential. @nisha_navgire is my Insta id, in case you wish to know more about my day to self.