The Old Woman with the Weight: A Walk, Three Feelings, and a Lesson
This morning, on a walk through a college campus, I saw an old woman
carrying a heavy load on her head. In just a few seconds, three powerful and
conflicting feelings flashed through my mind.
First, I felt pity. The sight of an elderly lady, her back
slightly bent under the weight, stirred a deep sadness. My mind raced: What
compels her to work so hard at this age? What must her family situation be
like?
Then, in a sudden shift, I felt proud—for her. My pity was
quickly replaced by a wave of respect. I realized this was likely her quiet
declaration of independence. She probably did not wish to be a burden. There
was a dignified strength in her self-reliance that commanded admiration.
Finally, to my own surprise, I felt a pang of envy. Observing her
steady pace, her endurance, and her nimble balance, I wondered: Will I possess
that same physical resilience and vitality when I am her age? I am already on
that journey.
It was a simple, silent encounter that lasted mere moments, yet it
became a profound lesson. This is the gift of mindful observation: when we
travel—or even just walk—and truly see the people around us, we open ourselves
to unexpected insights. We don't just see a scene; we feel it, question it, and
learn from it.
That nameless old woman, carrying her burden with such quiet fortitude,
triggered in me a journey of empathy, appreciation, and inspiration. She
reminded me to sympathise with another's struggle, to appreciate the strength
in independence, and to act—to stay fit, not just for today, but for all the
tomorrows to come.
M.L. Narendra Kumar
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