Embracing the ethereal beauty: A journey of self-realisation

By Ananya Jha

The night had let down her curtains. One could see millions of brightly lit stars at close quarters, twinkling and giving the impression of a beautifully choreographed ballet. However, the moon was even more beautiful than the stars around. Everything seemed exquisite, bathed in the mystic moonlight.

A cool summer breeze blew, ruffling the leaves of a nearby olive tree. I quivered, feeling the wind on the back of my neck, a gentle caress on my skin. Unaccustomed to the freshness, my lungs jerkily expanded as I breathed in the tropical summer breeze. From my bedroom window, I could see the vast forest stretching endlessly. Shades of green, yellow, and brown mingled with each other, like abstract art with a strong contrast between the pastel and bold shades.

I realised that I hadn’t been someone who took the time to appreciate the beauty of nature. But as the seasons changed, I found myself changing too. It was a moment of self-realisation, a chance to have a deep conversation with myself. In our busy city lives, we are constantly chasing ambitions, money, and fame. Have we become too caught up in the fast-paced and aggressive urban lifestyle to notice the language of nature? As I gazed at the sky, I began to lose myself in its vast expanse. Perhaps the loud and destructive path of rapid development hasn’t completely succeeded in silencing the voice of nature. We need to pause and appreciate the simple joys of life.

Closing my eyes, I rested my head against the windowpane. These moments of pure bliss and tranquility were rare amidst the chaos of the modern world.

I glanced at my neighbour in the next balcony. He leaned against the glass and wooden railing, enjoying the peaceful weather. I realised I wasn’t alone in considering this time as a series of blessings.

The sky was no longer pitch black. Instead, shades of dull grey were starting to overcome the darkness. It seemed to be reminding us that everything is temporary, and one day, everything will come to an end.

I ran my fingers through my hair, pushing it away from my face. Letting out a sigh, I longed to compose poetry about this unsettled weather, but my body refused to move, not wanting to miss even a second of this extraordinary moment.

The gentle breeze gradually turned into a stronger wind. The trees in the forest swayed to the melody of the wind, creating nature’s own orchestral music. The thunder came as an emotional rollercoaster, twinned with the earthbound lightning, enriching the cloud-conjured sense of midnight. Mother Nature too had to let loose once in a while. Perhaps, she too was tired of human nature. All we did was take, take, and take to accommodate our selfish needs, wants, and desires, never once returning the favor.

I untangled the wind chime that had been twisted by the wind. The clinking sound of the wind chime, the rustling of the wind, and the rhythmic sound of the raindrops falling were the most beautiful melody ever composed. I left the windowsill and closed the window as the light rain turned into a heavy downpour.

Looking up at the sky with a smile on my face, I turned away from my room, cherishing the celestial atmosphere and its otherworldly beauty.