Sometimes when the drudgery of everyday routine bogs me down, I will escape. It may not be going off on a holiday, although that would be a preferred choice. But given the restraints of time and money, certain alternatives have to be sought. My form of escapism revolves around the most powerful thing in the world – and it all occurs within my mind.
I may be physically strapped to the confines of my work station, but with a broadband, my mind can wander off, far far away, to any part of the world, any nooks and cranny that my heart desire. As they say, the sky’s the limit!
Recently, a few good movies have rekindled my passion for books. I say “rekindled” because, as a literature student, I have been compelled to read certain books that do not really speak to me, so to speak. Reading all the jargon and scenarios that holds absolutely no meaning in my life, yet are examinable, simply killed my joy of reading. However, some excellent movies have propelled me to give novels a chance and boy was I bowled over!
The first that reintroduced me to books was The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. The subtle details and nuances that were not covered by the movie were all waiting for me to savour in the novel. And so, I have discovered that books still offer so much more than any other form of entertainment. And recently, The Reader by Bernhard Schlink as well as Richard Yate’s Revolutionary Road have ignited such passion in me. It’s ironical how my love for movies has led me back to books, my first love. And with equally passionate people around me like an old friend, a colleague as well as my spouse, it makes poring over the pages all the more joyful.
Words cannot express the great joy in delving into a whole new world, getting into the psyche of various characters, being involved in their thought processes and decision making. It makes me feel alive. Yes, alive without having to go through the same trying scenarios or making the same tough choices in life. Life is worth living!
And I absolutely have to share my new-found passion! Ever tried freezing a happy moment? If you have, you would certainly understand where I am coming from when I say photography has ignited this life within me. With just a tool in hand, I have discovered that I am able to present to the world, things from my own point of view and I don’t even care if it’s different from others. When we express our opinion, there is a possibility that we might offend. But with photography, it is a silent form of making a stand about things that matters to you. Everyone is entitled to our own perspective and it makes it even more intriguing and exciting when someone goes to the same location or event, either together or at another time, yet the results look entirely different. How very interesting!
The advent of electronics has made good quality cameras more and more affordable. Inflation may be something that will never change but thanks to the hard work of inventors and researchers, innovation means that the common folks like us will get to lay our hands on the prized equipment and create magic with it.
Books and photographs are magical. They allow us to escape the mundanity of our everyday lives as well as preserve the special moments for posterity. Live life to the fullest! Indulge in whatever makes you feel alive!
1 comment:
Eh, that 'old friend' is me, is it? HAHAHAHAA.....
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