Building Your CULT!

"Mamma, the bus is here! Hurry, stop wasting time wearing on your shoes," Xia, my daughter, scolds me. I'm always running late in the mornings, rushing to get her off to school before I can head out for my walk - my solace, my mindful time.

Going to a gym or enrolling in a vigorous fitness regime has never appealed to me. I feel too constrained, almost enslaved, by those environments. I much prefer to walk, jog, or simply flow outdoors, immersed in the sights, sounds, and smells of the natural world around me. How can one truly breathe freely in the stale, air-conditioned confines of a gym, surrounded by the pungent odour of collective sweat? If you want to run, just step outside and go - down the road, around your block, through the bustling market. Anywhere is fine, as long as you're breathing in the fresh air.

That's what I did when I moved to my new home. At first, I stuck to laps around the block, then gradually expanded my route to explore the larger area. One day, I chanced upon a lovely hidden oasis just behind my house - a lake I had glimpsed on Google Maps but never imagined was real. This was a raw, untamed piece of earth, with two tiny islands surrounded by a tranquil water body and a path winding all around it. It was a wild, serene space, untouched by modern development, with only the sounds of ducks and birds nesting in the dense foliage of the islands.

Unfortunately, the lake was not entirely safe - there were drug peddlers, stray dogs, and occasional "morning nature call" attendants lurking about. I ventured there a few times, drawn to its raw, untamed beauty, but always felt uneasy about my security. The lack of lighting and proper pathways added to the sense of danger, and eventually, I abandoned my visits.

But then, one day, everything had changed. As if touched by the wand of Cinderella's fairy godmother, the lake had been transformed. A lovely, tiled path now circled the water, with freshly painted fences providing a sense of safety and comfort. Even a small restroom facility had been added for the convenience of nature enthusiasts. I was surprised and overjoyed to discover this oasis had been reclaimed and revitalised.

Now, the lake is bustling with life - joggers, walkers, and runners of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds. There's the Mowlana in his lungis, accompanied by his two wives who seem a bit weary of his pace. A trio of housemaids in their nighties and dupattas, proudly wearing matching Bata walking shoes, greet me on each lap. A harried executive, always on the phone, swings his arms dramatically as he strides by. A mother and her teenage daughter, the latter miffed by the mother's nagging. And a dominant husband who makes his tall, pretty wife run and do sit-ups, though she looks like she'd be happier sleeping in her pyjamas.

We don't know each other's names, but we exchange silent nods, gestures, and warm smiles as we pass by. There are also the regular "wannabe Usain Bolts" who zip past me in bursts of speed, only to soon lose steam and start panting a few meters down the path. I see some familiar faces too, like the old lady who waddles like a duck, huffing and puffing, and the huge woman who always greets me with a smile - a silent pact between us.

These are the people who fill my mornings with life and hope - rich or poor, lean or heavy, each one pushing their boundaries, striving for a better version of themselves. They are my "CULT," my community of kindred spirits, united in our shared pursuit of health, well-being, and connection with the natural world. We may not speak, but our silent camaraderie and shared experiences bind us together in a way that goes beyond words.

Just as my corporate colleagues have found their "CULT" in the fitness chain, I've discovered mine in the vibrant, diverse tapestry of walkers, joggers, and nature enthusiasts who gather at the lakeside each morning. I encourage you to venture out and find your own "CULT" - the community that fills your heart with joy, inspires you to grow, and reminds you that we're all in this journey of life together, connected by the simple, unspoken bonds of shared experience and mutual understanding.