AFVOA Newsletter of Year 2021

Section 6 - Memoirs CV 2 No. 01 / 2021 Page 90 of 123 beginnings! There is a clarity of thought and vision, there is a resolute purpose. There is no point in dwelling on irritations and frustrations. The numerous quaint little shrines on each avenue venerating Vinayaka, face the cardinal directions. Involuntarily, I recall the Dikh/Disha(direction) Devta/Gods; entreat the East with prayers for severance, from attachment and entanglement; the South- from greed and Jealousy; West - freedom from lust and obsession; while from the North, I seek deliverance from anger and arrogance! Simple prayers mindfully thought that help one to gain moral stability. My daily morning-walks, rekindled after the lockdown after a 9-month gap does make for some painful plodding. The spirit is willing, the flesh weaker from disuse! Bravely I venture out hoping to regain my original speed/pace/ and distance! Escorted, by my dutiful son ensuring that I do not stumble and fall, these walks afford a closeness, a bonding sorely missed out due to his travels. I enjoy the attention, the affection and the beautiful bonds of kinship and look forward to the daily ritual! Strapped on, his gift to me- a Fitbit watch, to monitor my steps, heartbeat and breathing cycles, walking pace/speed/distance, to inspire, motivate and encourage me to walk; he lavishes guidance on how to use the gadget! I am hooked and the gadget is now indispensable! I am deeply grateful for the solace and comfort my daily morning walk brings!