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!

A Toast to the Toastmasters

Finding a Thursday evening free in our family calendar in Muscat is a rarity. Since Friday and Saturday are weekending days, there are always events happening around town on Thursdays. 

My friend, Hamsa, is a natural motivator and cheerleader. She claims her confidence greatly improved after joining the SAB Toastmasters Club. I had never been to a Toastmasters Meeting and wanted to know more. 

When Hamsa sent me the invitation to join her as a guest on 17^th January for a Toastmasters Meeting, I looked forward to going as the rest of the family had other plans. 

On the way to the meeting, Hamsa told me a story that changed my perception of random encounters in life. I realised how effectively she could bring the story to life with her words while navigating her way through the Al Khuwair traffic on a dark weekend evening. 

The session started on time with a Call to Order by TM Monica immediately followed by a warm Welcome Address by DTM Mohammed Salar. The Toastmaster of the Day, TM Mohammed Balla, then introduced the Theme of the Day - Ancient Greece.  He introduced  each of the speakers by assigning them names from Greek Mythology according to the roles they played that evening and the personality traits he had observed during his interactions with them. By the end of the evening, he had presented a dazzling array of gods and goddesses - from Kronos, the God of Time, to Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love. 

The Time Keeper, TM Sarmadas gave a two-minute explanation of how he would be counting the minutes. TM Sara, the Word Master/Grammarian, introduced the Word of the Day, ‘Relinquish’, and explained its meaning. The intention was to use this word as many times as possible that evening. So every time anyone used the word, they were applauded with thumbs-up signs from the audience. And two thumbs-ups from Hamsa.

TM Tushar who manned the Ah Counter explained his role of keeping track of the ‘ah, uh, um’ fillers in speeches and also the repetition of words and phrases. 

In the second part the session, Project Speeches, TM Shaji was given seven minutes to give a speech on his topic ‘The Picture’. He effectively brought to life his domestic duties of taking his baby daughter to the park. He showed a picture of an elephant and asked the audience if they could identify it. Some members in the audience rightly guessed that it was Appu – the mascot of the 1982 Asian Games. TM Shaji displayed his other drawings and talked about his interest in sketching pictures in his spare time and not only doing engineering drawing at work. 

TM Monica’s topic ‘Problems or Opportunities’ began with her dramatic body language to tell the story about God’s servant who couldn’t keep silent in the face of injustice and thus ruined God’s plan. She exuded remarkable confidence in conveying her ideas.

DTM Mohammed Salar’s speech on ‘Distraction’ captured attention with an opening question about a small town in USA. He succeeded in making an appeal to the audience to stay away from using their phones while driving by giving graphic examples. 

Between these three Project Speeches, MTM Kalpana, TM Hamsavardhini, and TM Pranali gave some information about Evaluation Criteria. 

Voting slips for the best speaker were passed around and the Time Keeper gave the timing of each speech. 

In the third section, TM Vineeta presented three Table Topics which inspired impromptu speakers to speak on topics such as – ‘All is fair in love and war’. This was the section where non-members and guests could also participate.  Hamsa looked at me expectantly but at that moment my mind was blank and I couldn’t think of a thing to say about any of the three topics. The ones who did speak, however, did such a wonderful job that it was hard to believe that their speeches were not prepared in advance. Now I know what Hamsa meant by saying how her confidence in speech has grown considerably after joining this club. 

Next, the three speakers from the Project Speeches were briefly evaluated by TM Hamsavardhini, TM Pranali, and TM Kalpana. They effectively gave constructive criticism and provided areas for improvement with a great deal of encouragement. 

Again voting slips for the Best Evaluator were passed around. They also had a three-minute time limit. 

In the Reports section, TM Sara gave a count of the exact number of times the Word of the Day – ‘Relinquish’ was used. The Ah Counter in-charge,TM Tushar, accurately reported on the repetition of phrases, words, and fillers. TM Sarmadas reported on how the speakers managed their time. MTM Lakshmi gave a General Evaluator’s Report and covered all the sections of the evening session beginning from the very first minute the session started. 

The Toastmasters then got down to serious business with MTM Kalpana’s brief talk on Business Planning. 

During the Awards and Closing ceremony, DTM Sabiha joined DTM Mohammed Salar in handing out the certificates and trophies. In his closing remarks, DTM Mohammed Salar thanked guests in attendance and talked about the achievements of the SAB Toastmasters Club. The January 2019 edition of their newsletter, SAB Vision, was then released. 

The Toastmasters International, which has clubs all over the world, provides an "experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth.”

Photo courtesy: SAB Toastmasters Club, Muscat, Oman

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

Jebel Shams: A Salute to the Sun

 

The enormity of the landscape is astounding. 

It tells the million-year-old story of the geological upheavals that created the canyons, the tremendous pressure that shook the ocean floor and exposed the earth’s insides and laid them out in folds and layers of molten stone and sand. 

The echo of the rumble can still be felt in an inaudible visual gasp.

Perhaps it had happened in a multitude of millions of years...or perhaps in the scope of a single day. 

The sun has been a silent witness to the epical unfolding of this topographical drama.

This is the place where the sun’s rays plant the first kiss on the Omani soil every morning. 

A Surya Namaskar, a salute to this mighty sun...

/Om Mitraaya Namah /

One who is friendly to all

There were eleven of us, friends and friends of friends – Surya, Anna, Royce, Sanaa, Reena, Bindu, Raju, Deepmala, Balaji, Stephen and I.

The heat in the city of Muscat during the month of May can hit dizzying records. It was a warm and inviting sun which greeted us at 7.15 am when we started our journey towards the Hajar Mountain Range in Northern Oman which features the highest peak in the country, Jebel Shams – the Mountain of the Sun, and Wadi Ghul – the Grand Canyon of Arabia.

/Om Ravaye Namah /

One who shines

The radiance followed us as our 4WDs moved from city speeds of 100 km/h to highway speeds of 120 km/h. Bindu, Deepmala, and I took the steering wheels while Balaji, Raju, and Stephen coordinated with each other about navigation. 

We took a short halt at a wayside eatery and discussed the road strategy ahead. The next halt was uphill to take in the view. That was when we came across the first of the several mountain goats we saw on our trip. She eagerly feasted on orange rinds – the only treats we could give her.

/Om Suryaya Namah /

One who dispels darkness and generates activity

Full of positive spirit, and taking turns at the steering wheel, we approached the Jebel Shams Resort at 11.30 am. 

Raju had used his negotiation skills to get a good deal on the current rates at the resort. Perched near the canyon, the resort offers a cluster of chalets having all the basic amenities for a comfortable overnight stay, a swimming pool, and a wonderful view of the sunset. 

Each chalet has a barbecue pit in the back which held a special interest for Surya and Royce. At the picnic tables, Anna and Sanaa sipped on cool drinks.

/Om Bhaanave Namah /

One who illuminates 

Although bright, the temperature was moderate at the height of approximately 2,800 m. 

Mountain goats with long hair in shades of cream and brown cleverly climbed up in impossible places like the tops of skeletal trees.  Some of them took shelter from the strong light under whatever feeble  shade they could find.

/Om Khagaya Namah /

One who is all-pervading, one who moves through the sky

It was a calm day and bunches of pure white clouds floated idly in the sky. 

In the blazing mid-day sun, basked high-flying Egyptian Vultures. 

Meanwhile, three engineers in our group debated about the direction in which their droppings would fall. Stephen was quite sure it would be on his head. 

/Om Pooshne Namah /

One who gives nourishment and fulfilment

Balaji had thoughtfully packed homemade tamarind rice and lemon rice for lunch. Raju and Stephen had brought snacks and drinks. 

The resort staff provided a sumptuous Arabic dinner and a continental breakfast. It was incredible to eat such wholesome food in the inhospitable terrain where we had planned to stay overnight.

On our evening walk, we came across an Omani colleague of Balaji and Stephen who was driving back home with his family. He stopped to offer us fresh, sun-blushed apricots – a bounty of the rugged mountains. 

/Om Hiranya Garbhaya Namah /

One who has a golden- coloured brilliance

The setting sun brought a soft golden glow to the landscape. With a little coaxing, Sanaa was inspired to sing melodiously – 

“Tonight the super trouper

Lights are gonna find me

Shining like the sun

Smiling, having fun

Feeling like a number one.”  

/Om Mareechaye Namah /

One who gives light with infinite rays

The raw morning sun rays touched the mountain.

They shone on flaming pomegranate flowers and bushes of pink roses. Wide awake, goats bleated morning greetings in the distance.  The chill slowly gave way to warmth.

My early morning walk fetched a unique discovery – a dried up clump of low vegetation with translucent leaves so fragile that they would crumble if touched. The rays of the sun passed through the leaves as if they were made of clear glass. 

/Om Adityaaya Namah /

One who is the son of Aditi, the cosmic divine mother

Along the stone paths, Deepmala noticed fossils of small ancient sea creatures embedded in the black rocks streaked with white marble. 

It was impossible to lose track of the geological history of the landscape while walking around these mountains.

/Om Savitre Namah /

One who is responsible for life

Jebel Shams stands tall at more than 3000 m but what is more fascinating is the deep Wadi Ghul lying alongside it. The Wadi or dry riverbed is also called the Grand Canyon of Arabia because of the deep vertical fissure it exposes. 

Several species of cacti and sparse vegetation thrive here in isolated patches. A few houses of local shepherds and a pop-up stall selling handicrafts made from goat hair were the only signs of civilization in these parts. 

/Om Arkaaya Namah /

One who is worthy of praise and glory

 Reena, who has flown the nest to join college overseas, draped her arm around her mum's shoulders and chatted animatedly with her.

The starkness of nature here contrasts vividly with the security of being with people you love.

Thoughts of gratitude for divine blessings arise. 

/Om Bhaskaraya Namah /

One who gives wisdom and cosmic illumination

A spray of innumerable stars graced the moonless sky at night.

Witnessing such celestial majesty brings home the truth of our own insignificant lives. 

Bindu cleverly captured a shooting star on her phone camera.
 

For those of us who missed this heavenly sight, there is always a next time.

Inshallah!