THE ROAD WELL TAKEN
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Gallery
  • Blog
    • Wellness
    • Top Youthful Living Tips
    • TREK MAGIC
    • Earth Connection
    • Personal Growth
    • Introduction – What this Blog is About !
    • Book Reviews
Tag:

Nature

Image depicting 5 steps to save Earth
Earth ConnectionEarth MattersMind MattersWellness

Desperate Need of the Hour-Earth Warriors

by Roopa April 22, 2024
written by Roopa

Today is World Earth Day.
The theme this year is Planet & Plastics.
This is not a day for somebody else outside or ‘others’.
You, Me and Everyone else can live ONLY on this planet.
We have nowhere else to live.
H
ence it is for You, Me and Everyone else individually as well as collectively to keep our ‘home’, our beautiful planet Earth liveable, clean and available for ourselves and our future generations.
Our lives and well-being are deeply connected with nature and unless we wake up at least now and make amends, we will have conditions worse than just heat waves, floods, cyclones and typhoons.

What is it that makes humans stupid enough to exploit and destroy their very home and imagine that they are the most intelligent of all creatures? I find it difficult to fathom this misunderstanding.

Till our last breath on Earth, we must ….

  1. Understand and imbibe how we depend completely on soil, trees, air, water and the natural world for our survival.
  2. Treat ALL these resources – air, water, soil, trees, the forests, the entire living world around us – with utmost loving, respectful care.

5 Simple Action Steps, Wherever on Earth you are…

  1. Use water mindfully, and as carefully as possible. Reuse water where possible. Every time I need to wash vegetables, fruits and grains, I put a bucket under the tap and feed this water  to some plants.
  2. Carry your own reusable bags with you and never accept plastic covers from any vendor whether in a mall or a local vegetable/fruit market. I keep foldable, reusable cloth bags in my vehicles and make sure my husband carries them in his car always.
  3. Recycle ALL plastic and recyclable items. Use the services of such service providers. Find such services close to you. I segregate waste and give out trash just once a month because I recycle or compost almost everything we use. One such provider – https://www.bintix.com/
  4. Carry your OWN water bottle from home wherever you go. This should become a HABIT. Whether you are attending a party or just going shopping, just making sure you drink from your own reusable bottle is going to make a great deal of difference to your plastic consumption. We ALWAYS carry our own water bottle whenever we step out of our house.
  5. ALL the organic waste needs to be composted. Simple small composting bins will take care of the composting process wherever we live. This compost can be used to grow our own tomatoes, basil or mint in small pots at home. Children learn to enjoy taking care of plants and learn a lot. EVERYTHING organic in my home is composted and used in our garden to grow our own vegetables and fruits.

What YOU DO Will Make A Difference!

Of what use is education and money if we do not have a planet to live on, if our kids have to struggle to breathe and get drinking water and our planet is destroyed?

We MUST make sure ALL children learn to make a habit of the 5 simple steps listed above.

If you think ‘someone else’ is going to save the planet for you so that you can live happily, you are terribly terribly mistaken.

April 22, 2024 3 comments
1 Facebook Twitter Linkedin
Book Reviews

Book Review – Slow is Beautiful by Ahlawat Gunjan

by Roopa August 7, 2023
written by Roopa
Photo of the book Small is Beautiful in an aesthetic setting

Slow is Beautiful is different from any other book I’ve read!

How many books prompt and entice the reader to add to its pages in any way they wish to and make the entire book their own, page by page? Ahlawat Gunjan does exactly this in his delightful journal-format book.

All art begins with emotions. And a myriad of emotions is what Gunjan transmits as well as elicits through his thoughts and the corresponding artwork on every page of his first book.

Fruits & flowers, shapes & shadows, colors & creepers, rain & rivers, birds & trees all come to life through Gunjan’s original and pleasing interpretations.

More important than a work of art itself is what it will sow. Art can die, a painting can disappear. What counts is the seed. ― Joan Miro.

Gunjan plants such seeds gently and deeply, urging readers to pause and observe nature thoughtfully, with mindfulness, to truly enjoy the variety of shapes, colours and forms around. Not just to look at them but also to appreciate the art and the beautiful design that is an integral part of all that nature constitutes.

Furthermore, he nudges you to slow down, let go, make, create and relish the beauty of both the process of creating as well as the creation itself.

Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.
― Pablo Picasso

There is ample space and scope in this book for the reader to put a sparkle into their days by journaling their thoughts and putting them into drawings, creations, sketches and more, guided by Gunjan’s questions and suggestions.

The outlook of a pomegranate being “nature understanding packing at its best” made me smile :). I know for sure, I will delve into this book often, to flip through the pages and reflect upon the wisdom in it. I will also learn to ‘see’ and internalize the beauty of nature in unhurried, novel ways.

Simply put – this book is a treasure.

You must buy it, and not just for yourself. When you gift someone this book, they will know that in small, slow ways, you are trying to make their lives beautiful as well ! 🙂

You can check out Ahlawat Gunjan and his works here.

Do share your thoughts on this review and on the book !

August 7, 2023 2 comments
0 Facebook Twitter Linkedin
Earth Connection

Why To Be In Nature Feels So Amazing!!

by Roopa October 2, 2022
written by Roopa
Nature is Home !!

Close your eyes for a minute and imagine… your feet in the cool waters of a lake, the wind in your hair, a crisp fresh breeze touching your face, the sound of the water splashing on the shores, the birds chirping… the calm, the silence, the joy.

Notice how you feel. The breath automatically becomes deeper, the face relaxes, the heart rate gets steady, and a sense of tranquility pervades us. It is easier to just smile and smile… 🙂

To be at ‘home’ feels so good, doesn’t it!

Even a few minutes spent in the midst of nature – maybe in a park, a balcony full of plants, or better still, by a river, amongst the mountains, or in a forest – how wonderful it feels !

Calm, serene, cool,

Mindful, healed, immersed,

Peaceful, strong, inspired,

Rested, relaxed, refreshed,

Soothed, cleansed, joyful,

at home !! …

These are the words most would use to describe their feelings when in the midst of nature !

Everyone connects differently with nature, some like me see divinity in every aspect of it, some enjoy the beauty, some use it as therapy, but none can remain untouched !

Petty aspects of human nature like anger, jealousy, envy, hate, pride, selfishness all disappear when we are immersed in the purity and beauty of nature.

The greatest knowledge is to know deeply that we are an inseparable part of everything around us in nature. Hence when we are in the midst of it, away from the hustle-bustle of everyday activities, it feels amazing to be in it, for we are in our ‘true’ home.

October 2, 2022 4 comments
0 Facebook Twitter Linkedin
TREK MAGIC

My awesome Kashmir Great Lakes Trek – part 3 !!!

by Roopa September 13, 2022
written by Roopa
The most awesome thing about trekking !!? Trekking ensures that we enjoy the Present for it requires us to BE IN the Present throughout !!! 🙂

Day 5 – Aha ! What does today hold?!! This is the question I ask everyday in the morning as I wake up !

And everyday I can be sure of one thing !

The day is going to be exciting and challenging …with incredible views !! 🙂

There’s not a single day on this trek where there are no steep ascents and descents or impressive views !

Today is Satsar day. Satsar means Seven Lakes and though we don’t see all seven lakes, we have an interesting day that starts with a stream crossing followed by a steep climb.

One of the Satsar Lakes

Then we see vast stretches of boulder fields that we need to cross. Hopping across the boulders is quite fun ! But only as long as they are dry, I learn later.

Stretches of mountains all around on Satsar Day

As we near the camp, it begins to drizzle. We are still 30 minutes away from the camp. The rain entirely changes the atmosphere and the trek paths . It is a new and not so pleasant experience to be on slippery rocks now after a long day. Nothing much to do except get into our tents and wait for the rain to stop. I learn later that one of our trek mates slipped and fell, luckily he wasn’t injured.

Day 6 – Thankfully, the weather is good this morning though it started off foggy and cloudy. Our destination – the last 2 lakes of this trek – Gangabal and Nandkol.

This is a day we have been hearing a lot about. We have 2 hours of boulder climbing to do. Tough one this ! :). And we have the Zaj Pass to cross !!

A mountain of boulders to climb !

I need some help on the boulders. Boy ! was it challenging and exciting! 🙂

And then it’s up and down some hills till we cross the Zaj Pass, then again up and down some hills.

Our last camp tonight is on the banks of Gangabal Lake. Nandakol is the twin lake and it is difficult to take our eyes off these lakes as we cross Zaj Pass and can view them. It is a waiting game to click pics here as thick white clouds hang above the lakes, then move on to reveal them, then hide them again !

The spectacular Gangabal and Nandkol Lakes with the as yet unconquered Harmukh Peak in the background.

The mist is beautiful.

We have gotten to know each other well, lending a helping hand when required, laughing together, sharing food and water, trekking together… each one of these trek mates is special. This last evening we hang out a bit longer in the common tent, playing games, singing…

Day 7 – The last day of this trek is really tough! It is a formidable and arduous descent on tricky narrow trails from 11,500 ft down to 7800 ft in 6 hours. The first 3 hours are through unbelievably beautiful forests. The slopes are so lovely, it is hard to think we have to leave such beauty and go back!

There are villages around here and we see many children asking for ‘toffees’. The next 3 hours down are very testing as the trail is slippery with loose mud and pebbles. We have be watchful, and go slow. There is a point where I wonder whether we will ever reach the road where the bus to take us back to Srinagar is waiting ! I am grateful for the friendly company I have, as one of my trek mates and I do this descent together.

Finally, the end, as we step on to a tar road after a full week on uneven ground ! It feels so weird to be walking on a flat surface ! 🙂

Delighted to have completed the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek !!!! 🙂

What an amazing time I had ! Such an awesome trek 🙂

Stay with me as the Trek Magic continues here !!!

Do fill out this very simple form to receive a mail notification from me with a link whenever I publish a fresh post !!

https://www.theroadwelltaken.com/fresh-post-notification-2/embed/#?secret=UgNewXYICI#?secret=qOyV2gevdH
September 13, 2022 2 comments
0 Facebook Twitter Linkedin
TREK MAGIC

My awesome Kashmir Great Lakes Trek !!- part 2

by Roopa September 9, 2022
written by Roopa

We experience magical moments that last a lifetime when we trek on the mountains!

It has been awesome so far and I am ready for Gadsar Pass at an elevation close to 14,000 ft !

Day 4 – We start from near Vishansar Lake where we had camped the previous night. It’s a 1000 ft ascent to the tranquil Krishansar Lake that seems to change colour every minute. As we gain height, both lakes are visible and appear to be on the same level ! It makes for a beautiful sight.

The beautiful and tranquil lakes of Vishnu and Krishna – Vishansar and Krishansar!

It is a steep and tough climb to Gadsar. The trail is narrow and pebbly. The horses carrying the luggage too need to rest occasionally.

How wonderful to smile at and greet the many fellow trekkers on this bright and sunny day! 🙂

My eyes and mind are fixed on my destination – the Pass ! I think of just how amazing I would feel when I get there ! And that keeps me going. Finally, after a few hours, I am at Gadsar Pass !! Yes, it is thrilling to make it up here ! (with the help of a friendly hand-hold over the last hundred meters of slippery track).

The sense of achievement at being able to push myself up that gigantic mountain to reach my goal is awesome !!! 🙂

It’s windy and cold up here. Everyone is noisily clicking group pics to celebrate this milestone. The other side of the Pass is a steep slippery descent and then…

The most beautiful vistas are spread out in the form of seemingly never-ending alpine meadows. There are flowers all round, covering every inch of land in blue, purple, yellow, pink, lilac…such glorious colors!!!

I have never experienced such a sight before.

I go a bit crazy in this bewitching, magnificent and irresistible setting !!

Like a puppy, I roll about in the green grass, in the flowers, soaking in this beauty, trying to get as close to Earth as I possibly can. I am smiling, laughing, skipping around ! :)) I can’t believe this sight.

The atmosphere, the stillness, the fragrance, the calm, the beauty… there’s something magical in these moments. With such intensity do I feel a connection with Nature here that tears are rolling down my cheeks. I don’t want to stop them. How blessed I am to be here, experiencing this beauty. I am filled with a new level of gratitude for everything.

I want to stay back in the meadows but it’s time to head campward. The next stop is Gadsar Lake.

Gadsar Lake

We spend some time watching the colours of the water change with the light. It is a long walk to the camp. This day will always stay in my memories and make me feel so good whenever I recall it. As will this whole trek. 🙂

A road well taken ! 🙂

The next 3 days too promise excitement and beauty.

Stay and enjoy them with me here !!

Do fill out this very simple form to receive a mail notification from me whenever I publish a fresh post !!

https://www.theroadwelltaken.com/fresh-post-notification-2/
September 9, 2022 2 comments
0 Facebook Twitter Linkedin
TREK MAGIC

To trek is to experience Magic!

by Roopa September 6, 2022
written by Roopa

Trekking is a fantastic multiple-day outdoor activity that is simply Magical!!!

I have just gotten back from a beautiful trek !!

The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek.

By definition trekking is a long arduous ‘journey’ amidst nature, usually involving different terrains, including mountains.

My Kashmir Great Lakes Trek was a treat to the senses with absolutely amazing sights !!

The personal discoveries of my strengths – physical, emotional and mental have been immense, delightful and eye-opening.

I got a lot of time with myself, often alone for long distances on the ascents and descents, just being one with nature, the majestic mountains all around, the meadows with their pretty flowers seemingly spread out just for me !

I discovered that I had that inner strength I needed to overcome mild high altitude sickness and could climb and reach those tall peaks. I discovered that I could cover long distances alone, and that I enjoyed it. I enjoyed the physical and mental confidence I built over those 7 days.

The group I trekked with was awesome too, with lovely people!

The one standing is me !!!! 🙂

Read more about my experiences here !

Do fill click on this link below and fill out this very simple form to receive a mail notification from me whenever I publish a fresh post !!

https://www.theroadwelltaken.com/fresh-post-notification-2/embed/#?secret=UgNewXYICI#?secret=qOyV2gevdH
September 6, 2022 0 comment
0 Facebook Twitter Linkedin
TREK MAGIC

My awesome Kashmir Great Lakes Trek !! – part 1

by Roopa August 9, 2022
written by Roopa

Step by Step and Breath by Breath – that is the way to climb !

My Kashmir Great Lakes Trek was challenging, charming, and stimulating apart from being an awesome one overall !

The thrilling aspects of the trek:

Distance covered – 74 kms in 6 days (in mountainous high-altitude terrain)

Ascent to 14000ft (4200m)

Climb and descent of 3 Himalayan passes – Nichnai, Gadsar and Zaj

Steep ascents and steep descents every day

8 picturesque and beautiful glacier-fed lakes

Blossom-filled verdant meadows stretching as far as the eye can see

Gushing stream-crossings

Steep boulder climbs and extended boulder traverses

The Journey Unfolds !

Day 1 – We reach the base camp at Sonamarg, a very pretty place that means ‘Golden Meadow’. We spend the first night here by a beautiful river, getting to know each other, admiring the beauty all around, clicking our first pics, getting used to the wind, the cold, the tents, getting a feel of the days to come. It’s cold after sunset, I just can’t get warm enough in my sleeping bag, and barely sleep.

Awesome views around Sonamarg base camp

The horses look so good in these backgrounds

Day 2  –   The actual trek begins !! We start off to Nichnai. We have read that it is going to be a long and a tough day as we begin to ascend today. The meadows we climb up to are unbelievably beautiful, the shades of green are totally mesmerizing! The path also leads into a dark and deep-green forest. When we exit it, we have a really long stretch of walking on boulders along a stream for miles and miles before we reach our camp for the night! Yes, we get an idea of what the terrain and scenery is going to be like for the next few days and totally love it!  

Shepherds and their sheep add to the charm of the scenery!
The stream alongside which we walked

Again, I cannot get warm enough and sleep just a couple of hours this night. I also seem to have a headache and slight nausea. Good Lord! These seem like symptoms of Altitude Sickness! I know I am fit enough and any sickness will be mild, but all trek days are long here. I should cope somehow and get over it!

Day 3 – Today we have to climb across Nichnai Pass at 13,000 ft to reach Vishansar Lake where our camp is. We start off at 7.30 am as usual and a bit later to my surprise, I find my heart pounding after I take just a few steps! This is something totally new to me and I am laughing because this feels funny and I wonder what is happening in my body!

A few more steps and I HAVE to stop, rest, catch my breath and walk again. My oxygen saturation is 90 % and I realize I have to take it easy, pace my walk, rest, and just keep walking as best as I can!

My trek mates are ahead and I realize I am lagging behind. But so what?! 😊

As I get used to this unusual ‘pounding of my heart’ I learn how to pace my walk, how to breath in deeply, and tell myself to be patient. I must allow my body to learn to get used to the altitude, and that takes some time.

I send positive thoughts of gratitude to my body and I rest whenever I need to, which is every few steps!!

I walk alone along the flowing stream… it is just me, my thoughts, the sound of flowing water… the wonderful mountains all around me…

I realize I must cover the distance step–by-step, breath–by–breath. That is all there is to it. It feels wonderful.

Yes, I am enjoying my first high-altitude trek!!

I reach the Pass an hour after my group does.

We descend now, and what a sight the descent presents!

Vast, green, rock-filled meadows filled with pretty flowers in the prettiest colours imaginable. The rocks all around are a contrast in shape, size and material to the tiny plants, yet they blend together so beautifully.

That evening, from the camp, it’s an exciting ‘hop’ over boulders on a fast flowing river to reach the first lake of our trip – Vishansar Lake! It is so peaceful there, the waters are a beautiful blue-green, the sky is a bright blue, the rays of the Sun striking off the surface on one end makes the scene amazing.

I am feeling a lot better by now. I sleep well this night, finally !

I know the next day is supposed to be the toughest. It is Gadsar Pass Day – ascent to 14,000 feet on narrow mountain-edge trails.  

I believe I am mentally ready for whatever this day has to offer.

Stay with me on the rest of my trek in my next post here!

Do fill out this very simple form to receive a mail notification from me whenever I publish a fresh post !!

https://www.theroadwelltaken.com/fresh-post-notification-2/embed/#?secret=UgNewXYICI#?secret=qOyV2gevdH

August 9, 2022 2 comments
0 Facebook Twitter Linkedin

About Me

  • Facebook
  • Instagram

@2023 - All Right Reserved. The Road Well Taken

THE ROAD WELL TAKEN
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Gallery
  • Blog
    • Wellness
    • Top Youthful Living Tips
    • TREK MAGIC
    • Earth Connection
    • Personal Growth
    • Introduction – What this Blog is About !
    • Book Reviews