The best things in world come for free

When was the last time you:

• Walked on grass early in the morning without slippers?
• Took a stroll along the beach, with the waters washing your feet?
• Took a early morning walk in a garden?
• Swam in a Sea/Ocean/River?
• Took bath in a waterfall?
• Went trekking in a hill station/forest?
• Had tea/pakoda at a road-side dhabha on a rainy day?
• Saw Sunrise/Sunset on a beach/good viewpoint?
• Went on a long ride/drive listening to some great music on a pleasant day?
• Heard the chirping of birds on an early morning garden walk?
• Got wet (intentionally!) in the rain?
• Ate at a local kaiyendi bhavan?

The points mentioned above are some of the things that give me a high, am sure some of them will apply to you too. No wonder, it's said that 'The best things in world come for free'.

On one side, we're going to the most expensive restaurants, the best multiplexes, the best malls in pursuit of happiness, but missing out on some of the free things that Mother Nature has gifted us. Not for one moment am I suggesting that we should throw away the luxuries of a good city life (They're really good!), but we should also experience what is naturally free - which would in all probability, give a bigger high than your latest visit to the new mall.

There are other joys of simple living as well - Travelling by bus/train (Rider: if it's not too crowded!) in Chennai for example. Not only do you save money, but you also keep yourself fit by walking up to the bus-stand/train station, you get to see/hear people of various strata in the society, keeps you grounded.. Similarly, I feel nice when I get to eat good road-side food.. The thing is, I used to experience a lot of these things when I was a kid, but graudally insulated myself from such activities under the excuse of more luxury/convenience and so on. It's amazing how we completely ignore joys of living a simple life, as we pursue more luxurious exploits in the search for happiness.