Sundays in Doon

As I force myself into a quiet sitting posture, trying to contain my instinct to yap in every moment of collective silence, I crack a smile. It’s like a teacher shushing down her favourite student-- not wanting to but also realising that the needful must be done.

Welcome to what most Sunday mornings look like for me, at Jamun Village (Plum Village India). I'm often overwhelmed by a profound sense of gratitude. Nature, in its gentle stillness and wild abundance, thanks to the mondoon (Dehradun’s monsoon rendition), is so much more than a backdrop to my life; it is a living teacher, a source of renewal and inspiration, and a constant reminder of life's generosity.

Sacred Sundays

They begin early, often with tight hugs, gup-shups, and fighting insects for space on the ground for meditation under a sprawling canopy of trees. It’s ironic that I breathe light when the air is heavy with the scent of earth. I watch the sun filter through clouds and illuminate rolling hills. The world has slowed down, and so have I.

Inspired by Thich Nhat Hanh, whom we lovingly call "Thay," I practice sitting meditation, walking meditation, and tea meditation with my loving sangha. Each step along the winding path or each sip of tea is an opportunity to return to myself. As Thay reminds us, “Peace is every step”—I am invited to truly arrive, and nature too becomes my sangha.

In my 24 years of existence, it’s only now that my eyes and ears catch birds nesting or calling. I have never been so grateful for my eyes and eyes. Not even when I blasted Coke Studio music alone or tuned into Neelesh Misra’s Yaadon ka Idiot Box.

Sacred Sundays to Mindful Mondays

My energy from Sundays at Jamun Village (JV) ripple into my work. Whether I'm at my desk or meeting with colleagues, I strive to bring the same awareness and gratitude. Before starting any task, I take a mindful breath, grounding myself and setting an intention for calm focus.

Mindfulness in work means being fully present, listening deeply, and responding with honesty and clarity—not haste. It means allowing creativity to blossom, much like flowers after a rain, and welcoming mistakes as opportunities to learn.

On good days, if I catch a bird’s call during office hours, I’ll be taken back to JV’s lush land. I’ll close my eyes, and smile. For this gift of working in a city that allows me to enjoy these joys of life.

On not-so-good days, if I catch a bird’s chirp during office hours, I’ll remind myself, “I’m safe, I’m home.” Because birds don’t travel to unsafe destinations.