Sunday, July 5, 2015

Living a rich life in humble way

If you are a regular visitor here, then you would know that this blogger is a walker too. As much as I love walking, I choose to write about it here on my blog.

I don’t know precisely how I picked this habit, but I have been walking considerably since long time ago. From home to office and back, to the town besides my planned evening walks. But as far as I know, I started walking when I couldn’t afford car.

Often my friends and colleagues asked me, “When are you going to buy car?"

I responded, unsure, “After I get married.”

Now I am married and I have come up with another excuse, “After I get a kid, I will.”

In Thimphu, you are expected to own a car as soon as you start working. It is supposedly to do with maintaining our social status. For those office goers and family person, it is to do with their convenience.


Simply put, without car, I struggled in Thimphu. Taxis were expensive. My bosses would give me works assuming I have car. Often the summer’s monsoon rain was thwarting, and the winter’s cold harsh. Moreover, attending a meeting or workshop was always a problem when I have to travel far away from my office.

A few years ago, I was sharing these concerns to a foreigner friend of mine. And in the meantime, I uttered that I was planning to buy a car.

My friend looked at me wide-eyed and surprised and then reacted, “Bhutan is such a beautiful country: magnificent landscape around you, fresh air, green plants all over and friendly people. Riku, you are very lucky to be born in Bhutan. Why do you want to buy car and cover yourself in a metal box?”  

It hit me hard, for that matter. After that I dropped the idea of owning a car. Instead, I started walking more and many times I declined when others have offered me lift.

It helps maintaining my good health, but much of my walking I just stop by and enjoy the nature. More than I could tell, it marvelously brings me closer to the Mother Nature. I become a part of it, part of beauty. The myriad colours of plants, the fragrance of flowers and the mystery of mountains always leave me astounded, brighter and happier.

Last week, I was hosting dinner to my close friend who just returned from his studies in India. He told me, “Bhutan itself is a five-star facility.” He explained that all that we have - fresh air, pristine forests and rivers, magnificent monasteries, stunning rural farms and undisturbed environment - are rare and precious.
“One can find these facilities only in a five-star hotel elsewhere. You have to pay for them - that too very expensive, artificial,” he continued adding, “But we (Bhutanese) don’t understand it unless we travel outside.” 

I don’t know how far I can maintain this attitude and habit. But as far as I am concerned I will try to avoid dragging myself cocooned in the metal box. Out in the open, wide and free, I will enjoy the five-star facilities walking. Like this, I will try to live my life rich with more intentions in a humble way. 

17 comments:

  1. Then keep walking and writing Riku sir,......:)

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  2. Move on. I know you are a man of your own words. Have a nice weekend.

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    1. I am flattered by your words here. Nice meeting you last time. Hope to see you again.

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  3. I wish I am in thimphu so that I can join with you because I am also doing same thing as you does.

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    1. It's pleasant to hear that you are also doing the same. Keep walking and stay happy.

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  4. Don't be swayed by public opinion sir, keep on inspiring others to do what you are doing.
    ''As people are walking all the time, in the same spot, a path appears.'' John Locke.

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    1. Loved this quote a lot. Thanks for sharing it here.

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  5. I love walking there too in Bhutan. I will walk wherever I could, wherever I go... :) Keep walking la! ^^

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    1. Yes you can, Rima. I am pretty sure that you can visit Bhutan again and again and inspire us lots.

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  6. keep walking..... I have seen different birds that I have not seen in pictures , I have seen many insects, even few small animals.....that is the gift of walking, ...........so keep walking and get inspired and keep writing... :-).

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    1. That's the nicest thing about walking...we get to see and experience many wonderful things. Thank you Samten Sir for sharing these kind words here.

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  7. Soon you'll will be deprived of this opportunity as number of people will get added ( I mean your kids..:P) and your responsibilities at home also get increased. Until then keep walking and writing bro. I too have to revisit almost dead habit of walking..

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    1. Yes, most probably. I am expecting the same in my life. Still then I want to urge on walking besides those activities. I am happy that you are thinking of revisiting the habit of walking.

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  8. I love walking too and I also don't have a car. I appreciate your passion. Keep walking until you have your kids and you are compelled to have one car for the family. It's a well-written post.

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    1. Sure, Sir, I will keep on walking. Thank you for the appreciation and enjoy your day!

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  9. And now the pressure is to have children faster? Hehe... anyways, nice post. Keep walking and blogging.

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