I call them my rescuers. My books, my pen (figuratively; the obviousness being an online diary) and a deathly good cup of coffee. They say there isn’t much to the art of writing. You just sit at a desk and bleed. To an extent I agree with this; but a part of me says, “You don’t need to bleed. You just need to wear off your day into a book!”. To feel a little less heavy, to feel a slightly bit lighter, and to pen down what’s on your mind. It is a practice for some, a hobby for others, and a passion for those like me. It is my stress-buster, my go-to version of meditation and the best way to let out the anguish inside without inflicting it on anyone around!
A good book is like a journey. It entices you, it excites you and inspires you. It lets you enter a world of new thought. A school where you choose your learning. Whether it is a book of stories, memories or simply just one filled with wholesome advice; there is always something to learn from something to read. Before my rat race of employment and tasks began, I would be neck-deep in books for every free minute I would have (trust me, college days are full of free days when you have no care for on-time submissions!). Today, I would kill for a few free minutes to pick up a book with an empty mind. My thoughts bother my reading habits; focus comes hard these days. But, for years that I have grown, books have been the best-friends that never leave. They only open doors to worlds you never knew existed. I began the habit of reading when I was 14. The first booked I selected (don’t judge me here) was The Firm by John Grisham. Ummm, sometimes I go back in time and see what books I chose to read. It explains the darkishness in my mind, but still the caution and knowledge I learned. Ah, I don’t mean to stray into that side of me; excuse the conversation. Moving on……
I tend to come across people that find it hard to read a book. Some say it’s easier to watch a movie or listen to an audiobook. But what we miss in movies and audiobooks is the feeling of reading something that is raw, unintentional and spontaneous. Words in a book are a display of one’s thought process. Whether you read a story, a memoir, a self-help book or simply one’s diary (ask before you sneak into one!), it helps you see the world and its concepts from their eyes. It is a reflection of their minds, thoughts and ideas. But 2021 has made me realise; time to myself is as essential as the time I give to my full-plate of tasks. So, this year will be one to go back to books, words and people’s thoughts. And I shall begin this journey through William Blake; stay tuned for my two bits on his poems soon!
And finally, the third concurrent and permanent best-mate. A steaming cup of aromatic, freshly brewed and excellent coffee. Don’t hate me, but I give tea and coffee equal importance in my life. The former gives me the kick for the day, a freshness to wake up to. The latter brings out my inner musings, noon, evening and night. It is the one beverage that holds higher importance to me than a neat spirit (and that’s saying a lot!). Choose from a cappuccino, a foamy latte, an americano or simply the best south indian coffee from Madras Cafe in Matunga. I fall for each kind. A day without coffee feels incomplete; the way the day without my evening jaunts with my closest (even in distance) friend feels incomplete. Recently, I discovered a homegrown brand “Nangoo Coffee”. Homegrown variants, freshly ground and packaged in a home! It made me smile!
So, the Narmada in my french press, and my kitchen was soaking in the aroma of berry and nougat infused-kaffee. Oh man, I knew I had found my favourite sip. A medium roast, a relish on the tongue and a delight for my nostrils. It was a few years ago, when I would have a routine of completing a workout, a quick meal, change into some easy clothes and drive down to the nearest coffee shop. 10PM to 1AM was a ritual of almost three cups of coffee. But the best part of these hours was the time I had all to myself. Whether with a book in hand, a person on the side, or nothing at all. It was my time. To think, reflect and feel at peace.
When there’s no one to call or reach out to, I know these three are always there for me, no questions asked. So when you feel like you need a friend, look inward; there may truly be that one activity you need to get you going, to get you up and smiling. For some, it’s a long run, an hour at the gym, a few hours in the squash court (I had this phase too. Nothing like smacking something at a wall repeatedly!), a walk on fresh grass or the beach, an hour in the meditation room or simply a movie night with your family. Everyone has something; you just need to find yours!
Written By Anisha Masand
Week 2, January 2021
