Top Model and Photographer Adhiraj shares his experience during complete Lockdown

When I spoke to Adhiraj on the phone, he said he is making the best use of being closeted at home. He is discovering a lot about himself and also enjoying the urge to explore new areas of creativity, like poetry and music.

Here are his jottings:

An Idle Mind is the devil’s workshop — Remember the popular proverb we learned when we were in school. My father had a habit of quoting proverbs to me when I was in school. Little did I understand why he kept quoting proverbs to me … I misinterpreted it thinking maybe he just likes the ring of proverbs! But at this juncture, I realize … the things he used to tell me often crosses my mind … it has so much inner meaning!

In the current scenario when there is a complete lockdown, most of the things aren’t working normally. It’s very important that we don’t keep an idle mind … we may say that there isn’t much to do … It’s actually been quite the opposite for me since these unexpected off days have started … I have been reading a lot of positive things rather than indulging myself in the situation by repeatedly viewing news, videos and posts on social media. Although, it’s important to be aware of what’s happening in the world but not to a point of overindulgence leading us to read fake news, negative remarks and criticisms!

Usually, when we are in the grip of negativity a lot of us forget to be compassionate, which is an absolute essential character we should have … and can’t be missed especially during such times. I have been practicing, truthfulness, compassion and forbearance …the basic principles of Falun Dafa, an ancient Cultivation practice for the mind and body. This break has really helped me do the five sets of exercises and meditation regularly … I have managed to increase the duration of the practice and it has really helped my mind to be in a state of calm and peace. Also this practice helps boost immunity, so naturally, I feel quite energetic and active even if I am always at home. Besides reading the profound teachings of Mr Li Hongzhi, the founder of Falun Dafa in the book Zhuan Falun, it has essentially been a strong guiding factor for me at all times. Since I was visiting my mother when the lockdown happened, I have been able to teach her the exercises, which has also been beneficial for her.

Being a creative person and a self-taught photographer, I need to constantly evolve myself. I am using this break to regularly set aside time to expand my knowledge online, also constantly trying to further improve my editing and retouching skills. The other day I also found my bamboo flute at home … so I have been trying to play some tunes that I have learned. Music is something that has a deep connection with our inner side and listening to tranquil and peaceful music is always a part of my daily life.

This is certainly a time when we need to reconnect with our inner selves… I had given up on writing poetry a couple of years back and being in the confines of the four walls yet staying positive has been a big help in reinvigorating my creative side. I have managed to write a few poems and who knows by the end of all this maybe I will have enough of them to publish!

Lastly, how I view this entire scenario is that there are some greater causes behind everything that happens around us, we should definitely try to reflect on our own thoughts and actions. This moment has been given to us and we have the choice to either let evil breed in our idle minds or…

“We walk with glory heads held high, the distant miles of constant mirages, the piercing thorns from the cactus dry, the scorching heat of the dreary desert sun …Yet, the shade awaits not so far, of soothing palms and blissful waters … let’s all return to the eternal oasis”

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