Yoga at Sunrise

Ket came alone on the first day. 

We spread out two mats and began our practice with the elementary question - What is yoga?

As the days went by, we were joined by friends, their friends, and family on certain occasions. Ket, Thao, Bindu, Hamsa, Sofia, Sarah, and Nalanda were regulars. Learning the Sanskrit terms for each yogasana and pranayama was a challenge they took on readily. 

This introduction to an ancient practice that unifies the body, mind, and soul, led us to a new bond of friendship with like-minded people. We just let our bodies lead us easily through the sequences without force or competition. Achievements were celebrated by personal happiness alone. 

Like children we went through the various phases of learning - beginning, developing, and mastering. While Thao's flexible body took up most challenges easily; Bindu, Sofia and Hamsa found solace in pranayama. Ket, Nalanda, and Sarah would surprise us with the length of time they held certain poses.

"Just breathe" I would remind them from time to time, as they folded themselves into a fluid kapotasana or a still ekpadasana. I was proud of their willingness to learn and dedication to the practice. 

We had started our class in the living room of our old PDO house where the girls drove up the hill as the sun rose in the Eastern pinkness, after dropping their children at school.  When it was time for us to move  house, our move came with a silver lining. 

The white bungalow that we had rented the year before we left Oman, had the perfect studio for a yoga class. A rectangular room with a french window framed by a brick wall on one side and complete whiteness in all other dimensions was one feature of the house that attracted us the most. 

Practicing shavasana in that room with the birds chirping on the frangipani and lemon trees outside was an experience in ultimate peacefulness. 

Om shanti!

How to Drink Water: A Cultural Parallelism

Every now and then, a concerned aunt or a health-conscious friend posts on social media groups about how many glasses of water we must drink each day and why. 

Thanks to these wellness-minded people, I now start my day with two glasses of lukewarm water tinged with turmeric, ginger, and lemon. 

The questions ‘what’ and ‘how much’ being answered,  I seek answers to the question - ‘how ’.

From vaguely remembered TV programs, I know a saffron-clad guru who advised people to sit down to drink water. 

So every morning, I pull a kitchen step-stool and sit on it to sip water. 

One day, S saw me and mentioned in passing that he had seen his devout Muslim friends sit in a particular way to drink water. 

Intrigued by the congruity in these customs, I do some research and come across a cultural parallelism.

According to Ayurveda, this is the method to drink water:

1. Sit down and drink water.
   (Here are the reasons given: If you drink water while standing, it flows down with pressure and damages the internal organs.  It also passes without filtration and the impurities settle in the bladder. Arthritis and joint damage may also occur because of the high-pressure flow of water.)
2. Avoid gulping down large volumes of water in a single breath. 
3. Drink room temperature water. Warm water is even better.
4. Drink only when you are thirsty. 
5. Know the indicators your body gives when you are thirsty. 
6. Drink water first thing in the morning. 
7. Drink water stored in silver and copper vessels.

The Islamic Sunnah prescribes the following seven steps on how to drink water:

1. Take a clean glass and fill it with water according to your requirement.    
2. Praise God for providing water. 
3.  Drink water with the right hand.
4. Sit down and drink water.
5.  Drink water while taking three breathing pauses.
6. While drinking water, do not blow or exhale your breath into the glass.
7.  Praise God after drinking water. 

There is an apparent similarity in teaching from two diverse cultural traditions on something as mundane as how to drink water. 

A more comprehensive study of convergence of different cultures could, perhaps, provide a rich historical basis for the formation of a world culture.

Two Souvenirs from Oman

They say that if you live in a place long enough, it grows on you.

After eleven beautiful years, we are taking a living part of Oman with us as we prepare to move on to our next adventure. 

The very ethos that defines Oman as a peaceful nation in the midst of Middle-Eastern strife is something that leaves its mark on every visitor or resident who comes here.

The philosophy of life of the Omani people is simple – Trust in God. Period. 

I have picked two lexical souvenirs from this philosophy to take along with me.

1)   Inshallah

In those early days, when we were setting up our new home in Muscat, our air conditioner stopped working. In some parts of the world, this is no big deal, but here it is a question of survival. Even more so if you have a toddler in the house. 

I called the phone number listed in the ‘Home Guidelines’ manual provided by the company. 

“Inshallah, I will come to fix your AC at 10 am” said a polite Omani male voice. 

At 10 am, I stand outside the front door, waiting.

The AC mechanic arrived at 12.30 pm. 

“Is everything ok?” I ask.

“Yes” he answered. 

“Then why the delay?”

“Oh, that....” he proceeded to give a long explanation. 

The AC could not be fixed that afternoon. A part needed replacement.

“I will bring it by 5 pm, inshallah” he said as he left.

The doorbell rang exactly at 5 pm. 

The AC was fixed soon after. 

I looked up the meaning of the word ‘inshallah’ and found out that it means ‘if God wills’. Since then, I have been using this word almost every day. 

It is such a stress-buster, this little Arabic word of four syllables. It releases us from the expectation of doing, reaching, achieving certain things in the stipulated time.  A lot depends on fate and the way divinity plans to chart things out in this world. 

This word encapsulates the essence of belief in the power of God. 

2)   Alhamdulilah

There was a time when Swine Flu brought grief to many families in Oman.

We were at the medicine-dispensing counter at the clinic waiting to collect some fever medication for our daughter. 

An Omani gentleman in blue overalls walked in, greeted ‘Salam Aleykum’ to all in the room, and proceeded to deposit some medicines on the counter. 

“How are you?” asked the chemist.

“Alhamdulilah, all is good” replied the gentleman. 

“Why have you brought back these medicines?” 

“These were for my little son. He doesn’t need them anymore. He passed away.”

A heavy silence descended in the room. 

“I am so sorry to hear that. My condolences ... ” said the chemist. 

“Alhamdulilah” said the gentleman. 

I searched and found out that ‘Alhamdulilah’ means ‘Praise be to God’. 

This incident imprinted on our minds the fact that we must offer praise to God in whatever circumstances we find ourselves in because that is divine will. 

There are several questions that come to us when faced with tragedy but the quietude of acceptance is the only path to peace and hope. 

In a few weeks, we will be at the Muscat International Airport reminiscing about all the places and people we have known here. It is not a pleasant prospect right now to think about these things. 

Inshallah, we will be able to visit this wonderful country again in the future. 

Till then, we wish peace and prosperity continues to reign in this blessed nation. 

Alhamdulilah!

Some more souvenirs from Oman for Art lovers

A Celebration of Feminine Power

Photo courtesy: Leelangika

Shakti – a performance depicting feminine power by the Muscat-based Kathak dance group, Leelangika, was presented at the Auditorium of the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre on 23^rd November to a full house. 

Although a classical Indian dance form, Kathak has moved away from temples and courts and has blossomed in national and international arenas. 

At Leelangika, dedicated pupils are guided by their dance guru, Jhumpa Chakraborty, who was recently awarded the title of Natya Sharadi for her contribution to the field of dance. Jhumpa is also a member of the International Council of Dance which is a part of UNESCO. Leelangika’s performers have also excelled in their presentations overseas. Earlier this year, at the Dance World Cup held in Canada, Leelangika’s young disciples along with their guru, won several medals and also the Crystal Trophy for highest score in three categories.

The evening began as the guest of honour, Prof Dr Issam El Mallah, who teaches Ethnomusicology at the University of Munich and is also an Adviser to the Board of Directors for Programming and Events at the Royal Opera House in Muscat, lighted the auspicious lamp. He lauded the efforts of the communities who strive to preserve their cultural arts and encouraged the young generation of dancers. 

A presentation of international certification was then made to some students of Leelangika from the International Dance Council.

In the present social schema in which women all over the world are realizing the true potential and power of their individual and collective voices, Shakti, which means Strength, comes as a timely inspiration for young women of the new generation. 

Each dance module in Shakti was meticulously composed by Jhumpa and skillfully taught to her disciples who brought her noble efforts to fruition. The performers were –  Anika, Diya, Dishita, Jahnabi , Juana , Suhana , Sinchan , Rupsa, Anna, Ananya, Anushka, Forum, Kena, Purvi, Rutuja, Sangamitra, Aditi Guru, Aviva, Manvi, Mitali, Maheeka, Sehar , Shaivi , Shreya , Vyatiba , Aditi Bahuguna, Zanam, Shrabosti, Sasha, Geetika, Anushaily, Dona, Mahua, Preeti, Rashmi, Vidya, and Dilna.

The first part of the programme included an invocation to the divine. The Guru Vandana, an energetic rendition by Aditi Guru, set the pace for the evening. It was followed by Saraswati Vandana in which the youngest dancers in the group brought forth tiny lamps balanced carefully in their cupped hands. These lamps lined the outer edge of the podium for the rest of the evening invoking guidance from Goddess Saraswati through the performances that unfolded. 

Next, young dancers in batches, depending on the number of years they had practiced, presented Kathak Nritya in three variations – Teental with 16 beats, Jhaptal with 10 beats, and Dhamar with 14 beats. The undulating folds of silken hemlines in shades of red and gold mesmerized the audience as they kept time with the intensive footwork and chakkars or spins. 

The final part of the programme had vibrant themes related to feminine power, catchy musical scores and a variety of ethnic costumes. A tribute to the motherland, Vande Mataram, had a theme of blue, white, saffron, and green costumes, and was rendered by Jhumpa and her senior disciples.

Drawing inspiration from Nature, solo, duet and group dances explored the theme of strength through elements of Nature – rain, clouds, thunder, and sunlight.  They also brought to life mythological stories of Mother Goddesses – Ganga, Parvati, Kali, and Durga. The stories of Radha- Krishna, and those of nayikas who adorn themselves and wait for their beloved, displayed the distinctively feminine strength and belief in the power of love. Vibrant fusion music saw young performers dance to ‘Jiya re jiya’ – a highlight of the evening that brought an infectious happiness to the audience. 

The evening ended with a dramatic presentation on the strength of the female victims of today’s society who fight back those who harass them. As the protagonist of the story, Shrabosti exhibited her brilliant acting skills coupled with the grace of this dance form. The show came to a close as Jhumpa, one of the participants, gave a hand to help the girls who had collapsed after fighting their oppressors, and led them into a bright new world where Shakti – the feminine power reigned supreme and the future held hope.

(Parts of this report were published in the Muscat Daily and The Times of Oman)

Creative Camels on a Treasure Hunt

The Creative Camels have been meeting in the landscaped gardens of Ras al Hamra, Muscat, every fortnightly to discuss creative ways of doing things and to play games.

Last weekend they had an end-of-the-school-year garden party. 

The secret plan of the Treasure Hunt was meticulously hatched and the clues were logically built up. Our young artist in residence went to the beach to gather stones for the Treasure Hunt and then to the Art Store to get golden paint. Homework took a backseat and the stones became pieces of golden treasure with the first letters of the Camels' names painted on them. 

The first camel arrived half an hour earlier than expected. 
Oh uh, but the Treasure Chest was still sitting on the dining table!
The young artist distracted the first camel in the garden while the Treasure Chest was surreptitiously being hidden. 

One by one the camels arrived bearing mum-made snacks in non-disposable boxes and trays.  

The first game seemed super simple. 
Each of them had to use two fingers to collectively balance a stick  and bring it down. The volunteers gave straight-forward instructions. 
The stage was set. 
Nothing could go wrong. 
How long would it take to lower a straight stick?


Imagine the Camels' amazement when instead of going down, the stick steadily rose up!
The volunteers tried to make matters easier. 
"Think of a strategy to make it come down" they suggested. 
Aha, the Camels then tried to 'let go' of the stick from one end and another till it gradually descended. Smart move. 

The next game got them all as tangled up as the branches of the trees above. 
  
They stood in a circle and held hands with neighbours. At a slow count of ten, they knotted themselves up as much as they could. 
They remained in this twisted shape till clear instructions were given about who should do what to untangle the lot. 

A cleverly camouflaged butterfly in the hedge revealed the first clue of the Treasure Hunt.

Clue: The Creative Camels are looking for hidden treasure. They need an orange lamp to show them the way.
 

The orange lamp was guarded by birds.  

Clue: They see a white bus stop at a distance. 


They skipped to the white bus stop on the side road.

Clue:They take a ride on the bus but one of its tyre bursts, so they go looking for a hanging tyre.

The tyre hanging in the garden has been a favourite plaything for years.

Clue: Tired and weary, they look for a safe house on a tree to spend the night.

They attempt to clamber up the treehouse. 

Clue:  When they wake up, they are hungry. They find a balloon and think its a fruit. 

The bunch of red balloons holds the last clue. But they have to unscramble the letters ...


B O M O T A L U I E

The Camels scratched their heads. 
It didn't take them long to spell out 'AUTOMOBILE' and they rushed to the little red car parked nearby. 
They opened the door and lifted the Treasure Chest proudly as if it were an over-sized trophy. 

After the Camels found what lay in the treasure chest for each of them,  they had to answer a Quiz before they could reach the feast. 

(Photo courtesy: Taru)

 The Quiz made them remember their past meetings.

What did the spell do to Princess Nityashree?
Name three things that The Very Hungry Caterpillar ate.
Name this yogasana (with a demo).
Give a synonym for 'Thankfulness'.
What is this art pattern called?
Give one method of remembering people's names.
Who is the rich sister of 'Khichdi'?

Much credit must be given to those Camels whose hands shot up straight high to answer every question of the quiz.

(Photo courtesy: Taru)

After sharing a  couple of stories about how we should be grateful for the food we get, the Camels respectfully lined up at the table and helped themselves sensibly taking only as much as they could eat. 

Among other things, their backstage star mums had prepared date sweets, samosas, varieties of pop corn, cupcakes, cheese pizzas, chana salad, pizza sandwiches, and fruit jelly. A cool drink of fresh mint and lemon complimented the food. 

(Photo courtesy: Taru)

  
Balloons, buntings, 'monkeys', and hand-made cards brought gaiety to the party. The Camels had collectively made a happy memory. Somebody left a spoon behind, but it is not golden. There have been no takers so far.

Creative Camels featured in this story and photos: Aarav, Abhishek, Aditya, Anna, Daksh, Dhanya, Gargi, Ishaan, Joydeep, Lehini, Mrunmayi, Manav, Nagila, Ruchita, Sanaa, Shrushti, Surya, Vaibhav