The Calling Of A Soul in My Story

I woke up feeling strange. A cocktail of emotions stirring what I never felt for a long time. The sound that awoke me… I rose lingeringly from the bed. My feet brushed the softness of the carpet, my hands ruffling my hair more out of habit than anything. It was the middle of the night. The moon was streaming into the room conjuring images of an ascetic sitting on a distant mountain in meditation. How strange!

A cool breeze wafted the air with a musky smell that I couldn’t place the scent of. But it seems familiar. What is that sound? It stirs an ancient feeling in me. A sudden goosebump spreads all over my skin accompanied by a yearning to embark on a quest that takes a grip on me. I stand to breathe in the musk-i-ness dousing the air around me. I pause at the sill of the door and hesitate to switch on the lights. The moonlight gives an eerie glow to the whole house, as if everything is aglow from within; even the lifeless furniture. Am I in an eerie version of “Alice in Wonderland”?

I wander, tiptoeing towards the sound, but I cannot place the exact location of its source. I approached the pot of a hibiscus plant which flowered beautifully. Red plump hibiscus adorns the house. I remember that they weren’t here before I went to sleep. I caress the flowers, almost beseeching and feel a strange power course through my body. Nothing jolting, but rather it was invigorating. I feel my sense awake, something stirring in the pit of my stomach.

The window in the living room was mesmerising. It seemed to open up to another world. There were cracks in the wood, testifying to its age and the wisdom that came with it. But I wasn’t afraid, it was benevolent darkness across, beckoning me to embrace it. The sound though..it was building up in my being, I could feel it. I swept across the expansive living room which is sparsely and minimally designed with warm woods and a path leading to an artificially created Zen garden. There was no wind, the leaves were static, yet I felt something.. I moved to the garden and again cursorily glanced at the moon. It is so beautiful. I became transfixed.

Nothing can describe the coolness that envelops me at this instant. Looking down at my arms, I felt that the moonlight was emanating from me rather than being illuminated by it. I glanced back at the hibiscus flowers, they seem to float in the air, like they are adorning someone. The plant looked like it was someone. Darkness plays with the mind.

I walked back inside, suddenly aware of the source of the sound. It is Silence. The silence of my mind. It has stopped. Is it death awaiting me? With this experience of quietness, I can feel the present. I wander no more. Lead me to Thy. I am ready.

My gratitude to Medha Shri Ji for coming up with the idea, organising and mobilising so many of us. Kudos to all the participants for being here.

Featured image made with Canva