Day 13 - Overanalyze this, and that!

Now that work deadlines and season five of GoT has come to an end (sob!), its time to sit down and write again.

Just the other day I stumbled upon an article written by an author whose writing I quite enjoy. She had written a piece about the movie Dil Dhadakne Do and how it shows women in a bad light.

I am not sure how many of you have seen the movie. But if you have,  what is your opinion?

I quite enjoyed the movie and in my opinion I felt that she has over analysed the movie a bit much! Don’t get me wrong. I am definitely a supporter of equality of the sexes and everything, but why must we dissect everything we see and hear today?

If you ask me, the men in the movie were equally flawed, if not more than the women.

It is after all a piece of fiction and I believe there is no need to delve any deeper to it than what meets the eye. It is a movie that showcases broken relationships and insecurities that many of us face in our day to day lives. It has been well portrayed by all the actors and that is all there is to it. If there are instances where some of the female characters are shown as submissive, over-emotional and lacking confidence, then the male protagonists too are shown as rash, irresponsible, and pompous! But then of course they all realize their shortcomings and come together in the end to live happily ever after. Just like how it happens in most movies.

Let us not unnecessarily over analyze and make everything about gender, race, class, etc.

Imagine a piece of fiction that features men and women who are flawless, living in a perfect world without any problems, would there be any story at all?

 

Thoughts on reading Sheryl's note to Dave

I came across Sheryl Sandberg’s note about her husband last evening. I had tears in my eyes even before I reached midway.

The trauma, the heartache, the void – she pours her heart out in honest words and thanks every single person who has been her rock during her darkest hours.

Millions of supporters offer her their prayers and well wishes pour in from various parts of the globe.

There are many amongst us who go through what Sheryl did.

But a majority choose to keep their heartaches to themselves. They do not how to articulate. Even if they did, there may be no one to listen.

A loss of a loved one is irreplaceable. No matter what your last name is, I am sure the pain is mind numbing to say the least.

Respect to each and every one of you who have reached this far.

I pray you keep going ahead, much farther and much more stronger.

 

Running in India : Women Take Off!

( As  published previously on Women's Web. )

Health and fitness is slowly gaining importance in the lives of Indian women today. Be it walking, Aerobics, Yoga or Zumba, many Indian women these days engage in one form of workout or the other. Of late, running has also been gaining importance in India. It is obvious from the number of running groups in India, and women participating in marathons and half marathons that this sport has gained a lot of popularity in recent times.

Running groups and events for Indian women
 
Runner Girls India (RGI), one of the largest network for female runners, was launched in Bangalore in 2007 with less than ten members. Today, RGI has close to 400 members and has expanded to various cities in the country and overseas as well. Mumbai Runner Girls and Diva Runners in Delhi are also some other popular running groups in India.

“One of the main reasons why running has gained a lot prominence is because it helps you fight stress levels and stay completely healthy,” says Naina Lal, founder of RGI. The largest running event in the country, Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon, saw a steady increase in the number of women participants this year; according to the organizers the extra 1000 – 1500 spots which were exclusively allotted for women were all filled up.

The Mumbai based DNA conducts a Ladies Only Half Marathon with varying categories earmarked for 5km, 10km and 21km and over 3800 women took to their feet this year for a social cause! What is also interesting to note is that running is not restricted to just young Indian women. Go to Mumbai Marine Drive on any Sunday morning at 6:00 AM, and you will be inspired seeing the number of elderly women sweating it out by the sea face.

Having said all of that, another important question still remains to be asked; is running on Indian roads really that easy for a woman? Sadly the answer is no. I remember having a conversation with a close friend of mine, a young mother, doctor and a marathoner who moved from Kerala to New Jersey. She was describing how much she loves the sport and I recall this statement distinctly: “You know Piya, I am not really sure if I would have been able to run so regularly on Indian roads.”  For anyone who has lived in the country at any given point of time, the reasons are really a no-brainer.

Safety tips when running in India

Picture an Indian scenario: unfortunately the majority of images that come to our minds are uneven roads, exposed garbage, potholes, hawkers fighting for space and burgeoning traffic. Apart from a stray dog or two who may take a fancy to you, street sexual harassment happens to be the biggest deterrent. Roshni Rai, founder of Mumbai Runner Girls acknowledges these problems but insists, “If one is training for marathons, you have to practice on the road at least once a week.”

Based on my own experiences and in conversation with a few other enthusiasts and professionals, here are some pointers if you want to embrace running in India:

- Be an early bird: It always helps to wake up a little early and hit the road for a comfortable run. Ask most Indian women who run and they will tell you that mornings work best and evenings are avoidable. “Mornings always work the best for me, I feel fresh and safe. Most of the roads are so poorly lit in the evenings,” says Ruta Vaidya, a working woman and a running enthusiast. This is also the time when the weather is normally at its best and street sexual harassers are mostly at bay.

- Get the right gear: Invest in good quality running shoes and comfortable running clothes. “One should be comfortable with whatever one is wearing. Usually I avoid running shorts which are too short if I am running alone. I wear knee length track pants,” Roshni Rai adds.  I cannot agree more.

- Choose a residential park/track: Running in enclosed parks, running tracks, or a jogger’s park is a safer option if you are a lone runner. I stay in one of the most crowded suburbs in Mumbai and running on the road is far from a comforting thought. The last time I ventured out, I had to stop every few minutes either to sidestep garbage or to avoid colliding with a reckless cyclist.

- Carry an ID proof document and a mobile phone: If you are on the road and running alone, it is very important that you carry a document of identification and your mobile phone so that in a worst case scenario, you can call for help or if you are injured, even a stranger can contact your relative for help. It is also a good idea to always keep some extra money in one of your pant pockets.

- Run with a group: This is definitely the most common safety measure that Indian women can adopt when running. “Find a group who runs on that same route and that is the safest option,” remarks Roshni Rai.  This is also a common rule in all running groups. If you don’t want to be a part of any official running group, choose a friend or a group of friends in your area and you are all set.

Whether it is for a cause or just for fun, running is a great way for Indian women to maintain their health and fitness. Be warned though, once you get started, it can get highly addictive!

Ladies, let not the hostility of Indian roads scare you from enjoying your favourite sport! Lace up your running shoes and Get, Set, GO!

Wholesome Weekend Wisdom

In the past few months, some weekends have been so hectic that by Sunday evening I feel worn out and tired. It is almost like I need the following Monday to recuperate!
But the last one was very different. I am usually not in a habit of listing out my “chores” on this blog, but I felt so happy and contented that I just, u know, wanted to write about it. :)

The reason being, in 48 hours, I was able to:
• Get some sound sleep
• Have ONLY homemade food (Read all three meals on Sat and had a friend
over for breakfast on Sun too!), barring a delicious Poha samosa which I could not resist
• Read peacefully without the blackberry buzzing in between. Just me and my book.
• Step out with girlfriends for some worthwhile shopping
• Go on a breathtaking midnight drive by the sea face
• Sleep some more
• Brush upon my driving and put in that extra effort for the tricky U-turns!
• Catch up with an old roommate cum good friend, on phone of course
• Indulge in a rejuvenating massage on Sunday evening

A fitting end to an awesome wholesome weekend, would you say? :)

I know many of you obviously do much more, but I am really thrilled in having done so much and not feeling worn out, even a tad bit! I am not sure if this observation makes sense, but having lived in two metros before, somehow you value your weekends so much more when you are married, and living in the busiest of cities – Mumbai. Weird, but true!

Many of us make the longest “To-do” list even after a hectic five day week that the weekends are chock-a-block! And then there is that melancholic Monday that follows where you regret not having done the 8th and 9th item on your list. One common mistake that we all make - “me-time” hardly features in the list. I don’t want to sound all overly philosophical here, but trust me the “me-time” makes all the difference. So if you are not traveling or embroiled in an emergency, here is what I humbly suggest to make those weekends more wholesome:

Trim the list: Instead of drawing up a list of 10 – 12 things, aim at doing 4 – 5 things and see them to closure. Also please factor in the traffic, the maid who may not show up on time, and of course the spur -of-the-moment movie that happens followed by coffee at Gloria’s!

Sleep like a log: In any case, you are up watching Bones/other sitcoms OR taking that late night conference call during the week, might as well give your body the rest it deserves during these two days. But yeah, if you are out clubbing on Saturday night, then please indulge in that beauty sleep till Sunday brunch/lunch.

Make some “Me-time”: Plans are always made with spouse, friends, family and acquaintances, but never with oneself. This is something which we completely ignore and trust me I am speaking from experience; it makes a lot of difference if you make it a part of your weekend routine. Just take some time, at least 30 – 40 minutes during the weekend and do something that you love, something that relaxes you. It must involve only you. Read a book, cook a yummy dish for yourself, write, listen to music, dance, go for a walk/massage, try a new yoga posture, or simply just meditate. It really enhances your concentration and declutters your mind to a large extent. I assure you over a period of time, you will be able to show lethargy the finger! :)

No place such as home: Yes I agree most of us take plenty of joy and pride in being bitten by the travel bug and sometimes go to the extent of traveling almost every weekend. It is important to go for those picnics and treks now and then, but should you insist on seeing those mountains and birds every week? I honestly do not think so. What will happen to your cozy pad? The one place that welcomes you whole heartedly after a tough day at work, you don’t want it to gather dust, do you? Try and spend some time indoors, and dedicate that time to your making your home cleaner and cozier.

Not another desk job: Don’t make your dining table also your office desk. Let go of that unfinished presentation, let it not eat into your head while you are at the beach with your loved one. I know this is easier said than done, and many of us (including me) break the golden rule of “No work during weekends”. At least let us make the honest attempt or soon our social life will simply cease to exist. What say? One cannot leave everything to Facebook. The boss will understand.

I am confident that the above pointers will help you in one way or the other. So sport that smile as always and the everything else will follow :)

Ah, before I forget, this article is also a product of my “me-time” and I already feel like a million bucks! Woohoo!

Here is to many more wholesome weekends for me and you!