My Favourite Photo
It was the fall of 2017. I was in Shanghai for an official assignment. For someone coming from the hot and humid part of India, the fall in Shanghai was an entirely novel experience. I landed there in the scorching summer, witnessed the gradual transition to autumn and finally immersed myself in the beauty of fall colours all over the place. I have been in a rather difficult phase of life at that time. The falling leaves, the rustling wind and the comforting temperature made me pay attention to the here and now. Somehow I was able to let go of the past. I looked forward to the morning and evening walks. Every place was burst with colours. The occasional rains added shine to the fallen leaves and I wondered how much beauty the world can hold.
Eventually, the trees shed all their leaves and winter began to crawl in. The gloom in the atmosphere started reminding me of my own life. But by then I have realized that nothing is permanent. The seasons will change. And there will be a Spring next, then a Summer, then fall and then winter again. Life is no different. It was an important life lesson. I am grateful that I could experience the joy and healing power of changing seasons.
I am experiencing a cold and dreary winter in my life now. Everything seems to be so frozen and colourless now. I am reminding myself that this will also pass.
“Spring passes and one remembers one’s innocence.
Summer passes and one remembers one’s exuberance.
Autumn passes and one remembers one’s reverence.
Winter passes and one remembers one’s perseverance.”
