Passion series 2 - Yogic passion - Young

'Yogic' passion

This is a routine stuff - right after we are done with the basic asanas for the day, and are getting ready for the 21 rounds Surya Namaskar, there comes a puzzling question from my Yoga Master Mr.Sathyanarayana, 'vayasu eshtu?' and is answered regularly by the still young and going Mr. Aravindaskshan @ 85 'athnaru', meaning 'just 16'.

Worthy enough to say that he does the most interesting thing that most of us don't do, sorry don't see - the beauty of the rising sun. He sees it, walking up the mist, experiencing the dawn unfolding, into the Yoga corridor at 6 AM almost every single day.

And whenever I see him, my heart asks the intimidating question - will you be this brisk and active at his age? definitely challenging question that I cannot answer consciously today.

But Consciously knowing that there is a possible 'yes', if I can draw passion from the likes of Mr.Aravindaskshan. For now, from him to get up early and be active as he is, everyday. (Take away).

At this age, distinct are some of his traits,

- Can you bend and touch you toes? He can

- Can you squat 10 times non-stop? He can

- Can you walk up-right the cold, without sweaters? He can

Location: AGS Layout Park, Bangalore

Passion series 1 - Running - 'on the track'

'On the Track' passion
Not sure of his age, but not less than 55. And this is not the first time, I saw him doing this - before I start or after I finish, he continues, he still continues on the 400M track, slow and steady.

Just in case you wanted to know him, young by mind, here is how I can describe. Thin, pale, mostly on his brown trousers, a matching sleeveless tops, not a Jersey though, and a very old running shoe with socks. That is all I know about him at a distance.

There are hundreds running on and off the track, but why did he catch my eye. Because, even at a distance, I can presume that he is not running for his health alone, there is something else that is driving him. I think, his passion to run!

If I am seeing him the next time, I am going to ask this question - how can you desist this cruel mind, and stay up with your pace?

For I am still trying, and trying alone. But can't stick on to that steady pace. Anytime, and every time one go past me, the mind says 'run fast, and get him' only to say 'hey I am tired man, slow down' after some time.

For his consistent running, what else is Passion, if his is not!

Location: Railway Grounds, Madurai

Take(n) Away: Slow and Steady - to run long distances