The Hindu Business Line : Just unwind

It is quite common these days to read columns that advise the stressed-out professional in today’s hectic world to take it easy, and learn to relax. Generally however, the young executive treats the so-called relaxation itself as another routine, to be strictly scheduled and practised rigorously, often with hard and rigorous exercise. Stress-busting is such serious business that one wonders if it just adds to the stress, but it has many enthusiastic votaries. There i s however a much simpler option available to everyone — to take time off and be away at a quiet and pretty spot, free from the telephone and the burdens of office just for a weekend — and truly let go. This is called a retreat, usually in an ambience similar to an ashram, but with none of the chanting and ritual that one associates with obviously religious places. This is highly recommended for corporate managers in particular, and even housewives and mothers of teenage children! However, bear in mind these important requirements and caveats before embarking on such a weekend.

How to calm the mind and body

Firstly, the place: It must be quiet, unpolluted, green and clean, and preferably full of trees that promise fresh cool breezes. It should not be a commercial centre, such as a beach resort, unless a group can book all of its facilities or a secluded area of it. Creature comforts should be taken care of but not be intrusive, the idea being to be left to one’s devices rather than be attached to a gymnasium like schedule of heavy work-outs. Space is essential for long walks of up to an hour in the early mornings and evenings. Attendance should be less than 20, not always of a small and close-knit group; a large crowd is an absolute no-no.

The need to unwind and rest is fully respected and personal time is sacrosanct, so rooms have to be strictly private and preferably on a single-occupancy basis. During the day, food must be kept to a regular routine and not strain the catering so that it does not add to the administrative hassles. The best of retreats are places where smoking and drinking are banned and meat too is off the menu, no TV sets or phones mar the quiet of the rooms. So one gets to de-tox the mind and the body, so to speak!

Solution is within oneself

Part of the goal is to practise simplicity. And de-clutter the environment so that it helps towards an uncluttered mind, preparing it for some real open and free reflection. It follows, therefore, that this is not a place for all-night partying or chattering but rather some serious discussion, reading and watching or listening to some tapes. There is nowadays a wide range of such material from great sages including Thich Nhat Hanh, many Zen masters, Jiddu Krishanmurti, Ramana Maharshi, Nisargadatta Maharaj and so many others. A useful format is an hour’s video each day followed by an hour’s dialogue among those inclined to participate and ponder over the really serious issues of life. Such a programme then becomes not just a welcome break or a holiday but an opportunity to examine one’s own life — the pressures and strain one lives under; and by looking at them in a detached manner, see clearly their true origins. In the best of outcomes, one comes to realise that the source of stress is within oneself and not outside and, therefore, the solutions lie within too, not in any regimen of so-called meditation, sitting in particular postures.

S. RAMACHANDER

(Feedback can be sent to sr.chander@gmail.com)

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