That Thing Called 'Inner Peace'

I was always told that Marine Drive is the most beautiful place in Mumbai and anyone who has visited Mumbai and haven't been to Marine Drive has missed out on the most important thing in their Mumbai trip. When I first saw this place in the daylight, it looked beautiful with the sparkling water glowing more with the sunlight. So, even though the place looked gorgeous, it did not touch me or move me in any way. This was 6 months ago.

Today, I visited Marine Drive again. At midnight. The place is much more calm and free with traffic noise. I walked the stretch in search of a free place. When I found one, I climbed up and stood on the pavement facing the never-ending sea. Unlike last time, today I had a reason to visit this place. A reason that most of us need some day or the other in our lives - A reason to forget our worries and find solace within ourselves. This place was not going to free me from my worries but standing right there with my hands stretched out, I knew it would bring me my strength back. For what seemed like eternity, I sat there starring at the waves splashing against the rocks, forming white foam and returning back to the sea. I kept gazing at the glistening reflection of the moon and the darkness that engulfed this gigantic sea. A small light-boat at the far end which disappeared in that darkness within few minutes. While staring at the sea, I kept playing the recording of my worries in my mind. It was almost like I am talking to the sea but at the same time knowing that none of my concerns will be addressed. To my surprise, after a while, I felt heard. I felt heard without any criticisms... I questioned.. I complained... I wondered... I argued... All of it in my thoughts... And yet, I felt at peace...
Tears trickled down my eyes making its way to my cheeks.. Tears of tiredness... Tears of hurt.. Tears of exhaustion... Tears of pain.. Tears of feeling broken.. Even amidst these feelings, I was embraced by the beauty of this place and touched by the calmness it offered me.. My lips curved into a smile and I looked around..
There were many people - Some sitting, some standing, some of them walking, some facing the sea while some facing the road. The entire stretch was glowing in yellow light. The shinning lights from the nearby buildings and the white lights from the hoardings shimmered this place making it more bright and lively.
There were all kinds of people around - Couples teasing each other with sheer love in their eyes and purity in their laughter; Families spending quality time chitchatting while the men of the clan guard the kiddies who are running around like free birds; A man talking to his lover in a chocked voice, begging her not to leave him while re-affirming his love for her in every second sentence; Group of young boys and girls sitting in circle, blowing puffs in the air while relishing their independence and freedom; A stand-up artist entertaining the crowd at a distance in the hope of getting applauded and recognized; A man sleeping on the pavement with absolute ease and comfort, without even worrying about his bag kept beside him; A couple sitting hand in hand discussing how tough their life had become after marriage with added responsibilities; A cab driver sharing his personal and professional frustration with a stranger sitting beside him; People walking, jogging, listening to music, clicking pictures, gossiping, laughing, cribbing, complaining and then there were some, like me, who seemed lost but yet at peace on this vary pavement.
I looked at the sea again.. To my amazement, I was no longer troubled by my worries. And I smiled again.. Is this place doing some kind of secret magic?? Well... May be.. It surely did some magic to me on this particular night.. When I saw the concerns, complaints, pain, hurt and worries around me, I realized I had many companions here.. I found my solace amongst these bunch of my look alikes.. I looked up in the sky and realized that I was not the only one worried... But most importantly, I felt at peace even with those troubled thoughts in my head.. And this place, right here, gave me this peace and calmness that I much needed... That night, I discovered my reason to fall in love with Marine drive, Mumbai and myself all over again.. This place, in its own beautiful way, united me with the world and God's beautiful creation..

Have you felt connected to Nature ever???? If not, then its your time to try it now:-) Take some time out to cherish this wonderful creation around you.. I am sure in doing so, you will fall in love with life and yourself all over again:-):-)