6.00 am.

You probably would’ve been awake till six in the morning if you are a college sophomore or just keep wondering if such a time ever existed. That’s mid-night for the most of us. The month of May this year turned out to be torrid due to many debatable environmental issues. The days are longer and with the sun rising early every morning, waking up early is ineluctable. But this doesn’t seem to be a concrete reason. We need something more, I need something more. Yes, a work out.

                After a not-so-great-yet-fun even semester, lazing out at home with timely food is blissful. Then your conscience hits you when you have a glance at yourself in a mirror. A mirror shows want you want to see. If you’re happy or sad, if you think you’re fat or not. I began sketching a schedule, a to-do list for the vacation and topped it with ‘morning walk’. What an effortless way. I felt proud and motivated to see a list with about eight points which had interests, compulsions and demands. That night I crashed a little past mid-night hoping that I’ll have to start accomplishing my list from tomorrow.

6.00 am.

I was in a limbo, dreamless. I could feel a shiver. Someone shook me hard. I sat up to look around. It was ‘morning’, the time I’ve rarely seen. Dad was around in well clad shorts and tee, pulling up his sock. I remembered No. 1 on my list. To avoid looking like a total failure, I got out of bed and went to refresh. It was the most herculean task I’ve ever done. My head was literally spinning. Yet something told me I had to do it.

6.15 am.

The first ray of sun on me was rejuvenating, I must say. My eyes couldn’t open wide. It was too bright. (It was 6 for crying out loud!!!) My dad started walking swiftly in front of me. I was trying to keep in track. We started walking and I saw the world, after six.

Had you thought it was too early, you’re so wrong. People are working. Talking. And doing something. Yes it was just six.

As the walking got faster, you could feel you’re body prep-ing for work. You inhale and exhale deeply. But there is more than just biology. :P

6.30 am.

As we walked passed a junction, a traffic police was already on duty. He was a man of example and seeing him work at that time felt impulsive. But maybe I was wrong. He sidelined a truck on it’s way and started checking documents as one would do. The truck seemed to have the permit and papers by law. By this time we’ve walked past the truck. The driver and the police seemed to have a long conversation. I couldn’t stop wondering why but I had to keep in pace with dad. Fortunately we were on a straight road. I could turn back to see if the truck could pass by. But, no. We were quite far away now. The truck started and as it moved the driver handed over small bits of notes to the police man.

It was morning. India and Corruption.

6.45 am.

As we took a left and started walking in a four lane road, I could glance at so many fellow morning-walkers (yeah, they are fellow people now. :P ) Some were running and some walked swiftly. The others were slow and some were trying to see if their footsteps synced with the person in front (me. :D). The walking continued until dad suddenly spotted an old college friend. It was a pleasant surprise and they started the talking. I was still behind following them, both the talking and walking. I couldn’t help but to think how it would be to have a sudden acquaintance with a friend after years. I could spare a few minutes of my sleep for that. I started to feel morning was good.

7.00 am.

Hunger sets in. You still haven’t completed your round. By this time your legs are automatically doing the ‘x’ steps/min walking and the mind can concentrate on something else now.

What. Life.

The stress of getting through final year of college. Exam results and it’s consequences. Universitiy applications. Placement offers. Fearing the end of college. Fun. What movie is releasing next Friday? When can I meet her? Wondering how he did that. Why you like eating. Whether you will be allowed to do that. Why is the road so dirty? You start humming a song. And then eventually you start planning on what should be done that day. It all becomes coherent and there’s a plan. You’re awake and your body is ready to work. The to-do list flashes. You make up your mind to do something progressive.

7.15 am.

Home. It’s just the same. I grab my cup of milk and settle down with a newspaper. So many things happen around the world while you are asleep. After a few minutes of relaxation you are signaled by your body to do the next job and it’s just eight in the morning.

8.00 am.

I have 16 more hours. I took a look at my to-do list and the fourth point read, “Write a blog post’. I have done one. Looks like a morning walk can plan a day for you better than yourself. The only thing you have to do is, ‘Open you’re eyes at 6.00am’.

Burning calories,

Swetha Ananthan