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A DIFFERENT WORLD

Standing in a crowded public transport bus, amidst the blaring horns and the chaos of the rush hour(s), I somehow managed to, magically, find some peace of mind. The madness of the world surrounding me notwithstanding, calm and clarity prevailed. I was in a trance, bliss, whatever one might prefer to call it.

With some wonderful, soothing music playing in my ears (some which of course, was that of Pink Floyd) I felt a feeling that I had long lost, but yet remembered vaguely. My fears, emotions, needs and desires completely vanished, my mind felt elated, bathing in the peace that it clearly deserved, but was long overdue.

I asked myself, what must have triggered this off? I tried to recollect, but no clear answer surfaced. I certainly was tripping on the magic of Pink Floyd (High Hopes, Wish You Were Here, Comfortably Numb, etc.). But I do that most times. Then why not every time? What was different and special about this particular time?

 It seemed to me that I was incapable of any negative energy (anger, hate, etc.). I had failed to see a man driving on the wrong side of the road, who was almost inches away from me. He had to swerve his way around to avoid a collision. He then stopped to glare at me, even threw a few angry words in my direction. In other circumstances, I would have taught him a lesson, return the favour. But not this time, it was too special to be thrown away for such a trivial cause.

I must admit, frustration seemed to overcome this calm (most noticeably when I was lying on my bed and my mom was nagging), but my mind soothed it, telling me it was of no help. Flushing out these negative thoughts and feelings, they seemed to be replaced by positivity.

Memories that haunt me at other times (those of failure, regret) were banished with ease. A shining light was holding them at bay, paving the way for hope and redemption. I was disillusioned with our way of life. I felt that humanity had lost its way. I felt like deserting all I had and live amongst the nature, where beauty really lies. Visions of a lake, where birds still fly and trees still grow, blossomed.

 I don’t know how Nirvana must feel. But if you asked me to define it, this was certainly it. Mind and body were in complete coordination. Broken free of all shackles, my mind saw things it never dreamt of.

My muscles were relaxed and didn’t feel any pain. Washed away off all the horrors of the world, I felt innocent and young again. After satisfying my appetite (yes, I still felt that need), I fell into a blissful sleep, devoid of dreams and thoughts. A fitting end to the best period of life I have lived yet.

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