Can You Feel the Rhythm?
Did you know that Rhythms of Renewal is the name of a book written by Rebekah Lyons? Published in 2019, the book offered a practical path towards creating a peaceful and purposeful life.
Besides tracking the personal trajectory of the author herself, the book was based on scientific research and the opinions of renowned psychologists, on the one hand, and the Bible, on the other. And while I would refrain myself from delving deep into the book, the core concept of Lyons’ well-received book resonates with the theme of this month.
If we look with intent, we can feel the rhythm of renewal all around us.
It is the embedded in the natural world, in the seasonal cycles, in the endless customs and cultures and across communities and creative patterns. In her book, Lyons categorically mentions the four rhythms that can empower us to lead full and fascinating lives.
Rest. Restore. Connect. Create.
Once I register that, I’m reminded of a Ted show I had watched not long ago. In that show, Dan Buettner (link to show- https://www.ted.com/talks/dan_buettner_how_to_live_to_be_100?language=en) discusses certain rhythms or cyclical patterns that are noticed in a comparatively small section of people when compared to the prodigious population of the world. This minority of people have been living healthy and hearty lives for as long as one hundred years or even more. I know that the proposition sounds like an oxymoron and is too good to be true.
Innumerable investigations have been conducted to examine the conditions conducive for life and longevity of this cluster. A comprehensive assessment of those reveal that their lives are governed by acts and activities that reflect the intrinsic rhythm of creation, mostly involuntary and some consciously curated.
To clarify further, Dan refers to the five Blue Zones in the world where centenarians abound. The foremost noticeable feature of this blithe community is that they take it slow. They relish every moment fully before it blends into the next. This approach prioritizes repose and emotional well-being even while working, somewhat similar to the way the environment exists. Everything in nature has an innate rhythm of its own. Neither the sun complains of exhaustion nor the trees are in a rush to grow. They simply exist in a state of flow.
Somehow, a ‘dohe’ (couplet) by the renowned Indian devotional mystic poet-saint, Kabir comes to mind:
“Dhere Dhere Re Mana, Dhere Sab Kuch Hoye
Mali Seenche So Ghara, Ritu Aaye Phal Hoye.”
That also reminds me of the fact that April has been recognized as National Poetry Month and perhaps, rightly so. Rhythm is, essentially, the heart of poetry and when better to appreciate its cadence than a month which is in sync with the renewing rhythms of nature. Just like the rhythms of the seasons, poetry can capture the ebb and flow of human emotions, bringing new perspectives to ideas of change, growth and inclusion.
Once we are in charge of the pace of our lives, we need to present ourselves with a purpose. A reason to wake up every morning or as people in Okinawa, in the southwest of Japan would call it, an ‘Ikigai’. It could be something as ordinary as watering your potted plants, walking your dog in the park or even an awe-inspiring act like engaging in a scientific breakthrough to save the planet. As long as an impetus is felt, anything and everything can be a purpose to lead a pleasurable and productive life.
The most concerning aspect, however, is how does one sustain the passion for his purpose? In fact, a person is preoccupied with various occupations, professional and personal, till a point of time. And then gradually, after a certain age, he finds himself redundant, both physically and mentally. Interestingly, at this juncture, it is the rhythms of routine tasks that can keep him rejuvenated and relevant.
Of course, he needs to stay active, nurture healthy habits, spend time with nature, practice gratitude, but most importantly, he needs to connect and create. What about doing all those things he never had had the time for? It is indeed, no longer an avant-garde theory. In fact, I know too many people, who have started considering their bucket list a bit too seriously in the golden years of their lives. Believe it or not, a friend’s mom is getting all geared up to make it to the Everest Base Camp next year! But for those, who lack motivation, a little nudge from our side can put them back on track. A pen and paper in the hands of an aspiring author, a ticket for the traveler at heart, a gift of attention to the one-time performer or the active involvement of the elderly in the day-to-day running of the house.
To be able to connect and create is an imperative issue as far as teens and young adults of today are concerned as well. Shockingly, they are demotivated and delusional and their minds are either racing or merely dragging along. Trapped in an isolated virtual space and bereft of the rhythms of a community, they only continue and barely create. Maybe, we should recall the beaker experiment of our school days to be able to drive them. We have to leave the muddy water aside and let the impure particles settle slowly but surely. Only then, the clear and pure water will emerge and clarity will be evident.
Keeping the cultural rhythms in mind, let us go for new beginnings. Let us pay homage to the cyclical patterns of being and come together as communities to celebrate renewal and renovation. Be it Baisakhi in Punjab, Bohag Bihu in the north-eastern states, Gudi Pawa in Maharashtra, Ugadi in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Vishu in Kerala or Poila Boishakh in West Bengal, all of them, after all, exemplify the exuberance of a fresh start.
Let that be a conscious move towards creating an evolving and inclusive society where every individual is a unique identity yet intrinsically connected to another through the rhythms of pause, ponder and proceed to perform.
By Promita Banerjee Nag
An avid word enthusiast and content-churner, Promita is fuelled by novel writings, ideas and light-hearted banter. A teacher by passion, she treads the path of unequivocal learning with and through her students. Mother, music and ‘mishti’ mostly convince her. If you wish for a tête-à-tête, feel free to reach out to her at promita033@gmail.com.
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