In today’s fast-paced world, it’s hard to find a moment’s peace. Traffic snarls, perpetual work commitments, unavoidable familial obligations, incessant social media intrusions, a never-ending political circus played out on 24/7 news channels and the push and pull of modern urban living all take a toll on a person’s mental and spiritual well-being. More people suffer from stress – even in countries which have historically understood the value and need for active de-stressing.
The Sacred Pushkar festival aims to rejuvenate your body, nourish your soul, and release tensions. Most importantly, it will help you to become aware of your inner self, and let you experience that elusive and rare state of spiritual and mental equanimity. And even provide you with the techniques to achieve this. By focusing on creating an atmosphere of peace, reflection and connectedness, the festival seeks to immerse participants in an experience which will leave them ready to face the world with a positive world-view. Through soothing musical experiences, mindfulness workshops, meditation and yoga sessions, and heritage walks, the Sacred Pushkar is the place to re-orient yourself, both physically and spiritually.
Stress is real and no matter how we look at it, it cannot be addressed without a determined effort to lead a cleaner, healthier, and calmer existence. Can we escape our stressful lives simply by going on short expensive vacations, retiring to a hamlet in the hills, or becoming sages? While appealing, none of these are realistic or feasible. Fortunately, there are simpler and more sustainable remedies, if one is willing to look.
The Sacred Pushkar festival is ideal for those looking to reset their lives while exploring one of the oldest and most mystifying of India’s towns. Pushkar, on the banks of the Pushkar Lake, is crisscrossed with winding streets and alleyways. It oozes an old-world charm and a slower pace of life. It is filled with countless temples whose bells fill the streets with an ancient symphony. The lake, the centre of the town, is surrounded by countless ghats leading down to the water.
Yoga, meditation and mindfulness are all practices which help bring positivity. While most people try to be physically active and conscious about what they eat, and how they behave, very few focus on the mind and soul in the same dedicated and disciplined way. Yoga, an international phenomenon now, is viewed by millions as a sure-shot way of keeping both the body and mind energised and robust. Meditation has stood the test of time and proven itself to be a balm for overstressed minds.
It is time then for all of us to embrace a more ‘mindful’ way of life. Taking the first step is hard, but not impossible. Your e-mails, deadlines and obligations may urge you to stay in the grind. But, your body, mind and soul scream out for nourishment. Will you answer the call?