the yatra seed

can't process what just happened---

Hello Hello Hello!!

I have a crazy life update! I lived in a train for 15 continuous days!

let me take you to the start..

Some 6 months ago, my biggest client had turned down. I was kinda low, but my intuitive self knew it was coming. I had prepared myself to get over it and move on, but it was hard. And to my surprise, Prachi was sitting in my studio, even before I reached! (Prachi is my best friend, and it is surprising because she lived in Boston, and I lived in our hometown)

We started talking about various different things, how she landed up here, the planning of the surprise, discussing the next steps for me, and one of them was Jagriti Yatra. Her mom had come across various videos and she casually mentioned it.

That was the first time I’d seen its website, and made a mental note to apply. Usually, all application forms have a deadline. But this one didn’t. So it was all self motivation which made me come back and fill all the details.

There were various questions, and each of them needed essay type answers. That was what was impressive about the process. I didn’t have to highlight my achievements/ talents or ambitions here. They were asking about my failures, and how I moved on from it. Such a process is rare, and I was totally up for it.

Somehow I cleared all rounds and was selected to travel all across India, in a special train, with some 500 odd individuals.

All parts of this journey was exciting, just that I was scared about bathing and toilet facilities. The loos of Indian railways are bad, and I was afraid of various infections. I’d been in a comfort zone for the last 2-3 years, where taking an afternoon nap had become a part of my lifestyle. I’d barely have to talk to strangers. I’d built a very cosy life by renting a small studio space immensely close to home. This studio has plants, books and plenty of art supplies. I’d become more of a hermit, who barely went out. This journey was going to challenge all that comfort.

In some ways, I was excited, my creative self needed this. But on the other hand, I was under extreme anxiety. I couldn’t talk to people about going there. Sure, The journey sounds cool, but my superstitious self didn’t want to jinx it. I called up Prachi’s mom a few days before leaving and the only thing she told me was to hang in there. The worry is before being there. Once you’re in the train, all of it will go. And god, she was right!

And there I was, in the train, with a locked suitcase, whose digits I didn’t know. And there was a girl, who was very keen on helping me.

‘No, I don’t need help, I’ll try all permutations and combinations quietly tomorrow. It is 1a.m. right now, let’s go to sleep’

‘No, let me watch YouTube videos, and look up the web.’

I’d been so used to doing my things independently that this felt very strange. Then came another girl, who punched the lock in various ways, and went away.

I got back to work. 111, 112, 113…. 120, 121! and it easily opened up.

“it was definitely the punches”

It was then I realised that I’d come to the Yatra, and it is okay to trust others here. And that I’d be looked after. Which also meant I’d to look out for others. When I woke up the next day, the anxiety was gone. And luckily there was a yoga instructor, in our compartment, who was stretching in the morning. I asked if I could join, and she immediately got into the instructor mode.

During the first breakfast, we started telling our stories. Once we allowed ourselves to talk without filters, it all became easy.

It is a generalised belief that one must not share a lot of details with strangers. But I feel, strangers are the best listeners, and their advices can hit differently.

That’s it folks. I can go on and on about this journey, but maybe some other time. Till then, let me share a drawing of my bed for these 15 days.

Ishani is the one who was the first person to help me with my lock situation. Samruddhi is the yoga instructor. And Juhi is the one who punched my suitcase!

Also, you must check out jagritiyatra.com

and if you’re into checking websites: you can also check uncannystudio.in

It’s my very own, very new, very fresh website. It’s a work in progress, so I’d love some feedback. Thank you, and have a happy weekend ahead :)))