It goes without saying that everyone loves leisure. Well, almost everyone. Leisure is the dessert that whets our appetite for savouring life. To relish its taste and quietly recede into the ‘lost’ personal space. Hence, often, its very important how this ‘extra special’ time is spent or squandered by us. What we do or stay away from during this time.

People who don’t appreciate their work, won’t appreciate leisure. Because they simply cannot differentiate between working hard and spending time doing nothing. As they spend their time doing nothing at work, what difference does it make? Albeit, I don’t speak as someone who clearly sees the thin line separating both, I am aware of the difference and how special that distinction is. A small urge to you (and to me) to appreciate your work, your priorities and you’ll know what leisure really means.

Appreciation is so crucial, its awareness can change your whole attitude towards life. You can distinctly smell and savour all the spices in your food, take in the warmth of the sun on a cold winter morning, get lost in the earthy smell on the first rain (never to recover and even dancing in it – feeling every drop on your skin), feel the music, laugh wholeheartedly,feel the love of people around you and your own too.

In short, you love being alive. Each moment is blissful. A blessing. You love life. And, you realize, that life loves you back too.

The most wonderful way of making this happen, making this a part of you is simple: Look at everything as if you are watching it for the first time. (That doesn’t mean you don’t work on the pending assignment thinking ‘Oh How wonderful! What is this?’ ) But have that sensitivity of possessing a childlike wonder. Don’t fake it. Just feel it happen and open your eyes.

You’ll find a new human being in your partner who loves you more than you ever realized. The trees on the boulevard side where you drive everyday will be magical and charming. The road that always appealed to you, yet you never went out to explore will be your next destination. The everyday espresso coffee will make you morning fresh every time. The numbers (at work) will be intriguing and fun to deal with.

To try out something new, something different – That will be your mantra. Just change your glasses. View the world in a new set of goggles. And, now, say Cheese!

Siddhartha