A terrible calamity befell us at work the other day. I needed my usual mid morning dose of caffeine. I went up to the coffee vending machine and pushed the right buttons and… no milk! Just when I needed my coffee badly! It took me a while to calm down, get a hold on myself and come to terms with reality. There was just one instant coffee sachet in the jar. I decided to be adventurous and try some black coffee. “Hmmm. That doesn’t taste bad!” I told myself. I actually liked it enough to give black coffee another shot later in the day… and the next day… and the day after. Before I knew it, I had switched over to black coffee. All thanks to a thought adventure that was triggered off by a seemingly insignificant event. I am now learning to look for adventure in every situation. I feel alive.
Every moment is unique. Every event in our lives is unique. In this uniqueness, there are possibilities and opportunities to be explored. Lots of what/if branches. Each branch that we choose can lead us on an unforgettable journey and in this way, our destinies are written. Life can be such an adventure!
Right now, I’m sitting in a quiet café in Bangalore, waiting for a friend. He called a few minutes ago to tell me that he’s delayed. After grumbling to myself about Bangalore traffic and inconsiderate friends, I settle down with a coffee and observe my surroundings. The café is waking up. A boy of about 18 is dusting a display of Handicrafts. Sounds of pots and pans being moved about. Voices giving instructions. I breathe in the fresh, clean air. An early customer, a girl in her early 20s, is sitting at a nearby table working on her laptop. She looks up briefly with unseeing eyes, her thoughts elsewhere. Soft music plays in the background.
My spirit quietens down. I fish out my writing pad and pen and start writing. By the time my friend arrives, I have finished writing my blog and greet him with a smile. He is surprised to see that I am not annoyed.
I am so glad I allowed the magic of the moment to act upon me. Staying in the present. Knowing that every moment is special and unique. This allows me to explore the magic of the present. I must do this more often.
