Cathartic Release

The therapeutic effects of laughter are well recognized. But there is another aspect about our club that has escaped general attention. With growing familiarity and increased bonding among members over time, the club has become the basis for emotional release to many – even as the ostensible reason for meeting daily is to exercise.
This cathartic melodrama plays out unfailingly before our eyes every morning. However hard anyone might try to enforce ‘discipline’, there can be no stopping the incessant chatter and jokes among members. If someone wants to talk on movies, another would discuss daughter-in-law, a third would pontificate on cooking while a fourth would brood over Sachin Tendulkar… There is no end to the subjects discussed here and with everyone having an opinion on everything under the rising sun, it is not just ‘verbal diarrhea’ (as Geeta Sardhana puts it) but virtually a dam breaking loose, letting out a torrent of bottled-up emotions, feelings and points-of-view.
Without holding a brief for chatterboxes, we can only reflect upon a sad truth that has come to govern our lives – particularly, the ladies. Most are condemned to a lonely, soul killing existence. Many don’t even have their spouses around to talk to. Children are busy with their lives, grandchildren are on their own trip… Moreover, as in all big cities, we have become islands unto ourselves, with hardly any interaction with neighbors. In this situation, the morning visit to the Garden comes as a huge relief. That one hour of mindless banter, leg-pulling and laughter has an incredibly liberating effect – a chance to feel alive and smell the roses.
So today, amid all the lively talk on wearing caps, Himachal tour and train reservations, Kishor and Renu Babani celebrated their return (the day-before) from a Thai holiday with chocolates (lead pic). And we cheered Mrs Harbans Singh (left pic) in absentia with an extra laugh. We had been missing her since yesterday, Guru Nanak Jayanti. Our best wishes go to her today, on her birthday, and for all time.
Harish Wadhwa:
* Wonderfully said and written Blog Monster. I went through the post twice/ thrice, appreciating each word and the lovely emotion in it. Great writing my friend. This is what makes it unique and gives us 1,70,000-plus hits, motivating each member.
* Today is halwe-wali ka janamdin. So, a very Happy Birthday Mrs Harbans Singh! May you be blessed with tons of happiness-roopi halwa and a deluge of ghee-roopi smiles. So when is it next?
* Thanks also to Kishor-da and Renu-ji di jodi for the lovely chocolate. Keep visiting Pattawa more often and getting us more goodies like these. Next time you can think of getting me that fascinating MP3 player we hear in the Garden...(Greeeeeeed!)
Renu Babani's PICSPEAK:
* What is going on here? Please explain what is happening?
* I may not be around personally, but am with you in spirit!