DEFINING MOMENTS : HAR KI DUN

One of the most important turning point in my life was my first visit to the Himalayas which was followed by trekking in various regions of the youngest mountain ranges in the world, which I have been doing religiously for last 20 odd years. Trekking has helped me immensely in all way. My physical, mental, emotional and offcourse social wellbeing. During each trek it has been a learning curve for me and everytime I feel like I have been reborn again. This year's trek was no different but there were few defining moments which we never anticipated.

FIRST: 

THE HUGGING

During the very first day as we were finishing our packed lunch at a makeshift dhaba surrounded by tall age old walnut trees,Nitesh,our charismatic young chief guide called everyone of us. All of a sudden we started discussing about trees. These tall walnut trees may be hundred years old have been the crux of the forest giving shade to the animals and humans, providing all important wood for the houses to be built in the villages, giving shelter for nesting providing all important oxygen to the environment and thus helping in glacier formation thus helping us to get the all important water. Do we ever say a mere 'thank you' to these majestic living beings?

These trees live in community with their roots interconnected helping and protecting the weakest. So much to learn from them! We  selected one tree each and hugged it. Hugged it with all emotions. Hugged with all empathy. It was feeling which I cannot describe in mere words.Today if I hug anyone, which is a rarity in a covid world, I will hug like I am hugging my good old friend,the walnut tree.

SECOND:

THE GRATITUDE

Every evening we used to gather in the dining tent for the Black Tea. On the second day,post tea session,Nitesh asked each one of us to express our gratitude to three individuals. Till then we as a trekkers hardly knew each other. That session opened each one of us like never before. From thanking the mighty nature to close knit family. From showing gratitude to parents and to the better half,equally. From thanking an individual to thanking close friends. Emotions outpouring from the toughest of trekkers showing their sensitive nature. All kinds of expression was seen on the faces that evening with fading sunlight and dropping of the temperatures. This particular session brought us together  feeling empathetic towards each other. Though it was heavy we all felt lighter to say the least.

THIRD:

THE POSTCARD

Reaching the summit has always been a joyous occasion. A feeling of satisfaction. A feeling of fulfillment. A feeling of being confident. A feeling of being totally with the nature. But to express our feelings by writing on a 5 rupee yellow postcard was something unique. I had not done this before neither my co-trekkers. The generation after mine had never seen the postcard before. So imaginative concept,Nitesh had pre-planned and got 16 postcards and 16 ball-pens. So thoughtful of him. Each individual selected his/her place in front of mighty Swargarohini peaks and valleys and started pouring out feelings on the card. Someone drew the landscape, Someone wrote the poetry,Few wrote one liners and few didn't left any space on that precious card. This card was to be kept with us as a momento. The most precious gift ever.

FOURTH:

THE SKIT

Everyone has some hidden talent and what is the better way than exhibiting it in front of 20 odd. On the fourth day we had to perform an almost impromptu skit on any topic of 2 to 5 mins in a group of three with giving a message. Almost everyone performed a tree hugging sequence as the impact of that on our psyche was too strong. All acted like pros shedding whatever inhibitions one had. In cities what we lack is the 'time for ourselves' phenomenon which according to me is extremely essential. A necessity. Everyone performed whatever talent they had getting a huge applause from the rest.

FIFTH:

THE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

On the last day as we finished our trek,we individually had to say few words about the best thing we experienced during our trek which was followed by recieving of token gift of  fridge magnet. Our guide Nitesh while distributing the gift individually,said few good words about each one according to his observations made during the trek making each one of us special. In a lifetime very few are appreciated in front of public. But the feeling of getting the appreciation is something very special. Everyone is born with a special quality and if that is spoken about in a nicer way then it would do a great deed for them. Morale boosting sort of! We all felt special that evening,no less.

SIXTH:

THE LEARNING

Trekking is all about learning. Over the period of years it has taught me many things and I still learn and relearn. From keeping our earth and environment clean by picking up trash on the trail thrown by the locals as well as the non-sensitized trekkers.(We picked almost 7 kgs of trash) Respecting the nature and it's natural resources,the flora and fauna. Reducing the carbon footprint. Not wasting water. Using a eco-toilet. Eating whatever is natural.  Learn to live simple and have minimalist approach as the villagers from the remotest part of the Himalayas. The only main learning and take home message is that our existence on this blue planet solely depends upon the existence of a healthy natural resources. So always respect the mountains,valleys,rivers and the trees.