Of hobbies and behaviors

I recently volunteered at my kindergartner's art literacy class where a guest instructor introduced them to Michelangelo and concepts of 2D and 3D. The kids got to see a brief presentation describing various techniques the artist used for his work. A quick question and answer session later, the kids were all making a little masterpiece of their own, inspired by Michelangelo. For almost an hour, all twenty six kids of the class were remarkably quiet and focused, as if they each were possessed by the great artist himself. I was awestruck with the incredible silence that prevailed during that hour. We don't ever get to see that at home even with just one kid! I took a quick mental note- sign the kid up for some art classes!

I guess it is not just kids, even we as adults magically get the focus and the drive if the task at hand is stimulating and appealing. A good friend of mine often unwinds by spending the only free hour she gets every night (after her kid goes to bed) in designing jewelry. This involves working tiny beads with almost invisible holes onto the wire and using pliers to gently twist the metal around to combine various parts of jewelry. I once watched her do this- it is extremely delicate work and one that gave me a headache after a few failed attempts to get some slippery beads onto the thread. But my friend is very passionate about it. Even when she is exhausted for every thing else, she would gladly make that last neck piece in the middle of the night. She would whip out a pair of earrings in the kitchen while cooking.  Of course, by virtue of being her friend, I get rich dividends from her hobby. You should see the bracelet I wore yesterday :).

Most of us have things that we are passionate about, and the joy we get out of their pursuit is indescribable. However, for some (or for me at least), that extreme determination and joy also comes with a side-effect. When my focus reaches its peak, I get ridiculously oblivious to my surroundings. When I was about eight or so, there was a special event at school that I could not wait to go to and I finished my shower and breakfast in record time that morning. It was after I reached my school that I realized to my embarrassment that I had my towel still wrapped around me under my school dress! There were at least two different instances of my absentmindedly (and unintentionally) walking into men's restrooms, deep in thought, in the last ten years. Before your imagination takes you too far, let me assure you that I was out of there within five seconds on both occasions.

This past week, I have been obsessed with a new song from music class. It is easily the most difficult one for me so far, as it involved the use of lower octaves which are my weakest. I practiced that song during every waking minute- at home, in the car and at work. I wrote down the verses on fab paper so I could practice in the fab too! The night before the music class, I actually walked out of fab humming that song and was almost half way to my desk when a guy walking to the fab did a double take on me. I was walking around with my full bunny suit still on! (We are supposed to take the bunny suit, boot covers, hair net, gloves, all off, in a specific order before leaving the fab). It is a bummer that I didn't get an opportunity to sing the song solo at my class next day after all that practice (and embarrassment). The news at the music class was that we have the quorum for adult music lessons so at least I don't have to worry about sounding awful in front of some eight year olds. I recorded my singing the song at home and as I listen to it now, I realize what my teacher has been trying to tell me politely all along. My lower octaves suck! Time to switch gears and find something else to be passionate about. Been out at local navrathri celebrations on three nights this past week and danced till 1 am and that was super exciting. Perhaps I should just stick to biking and dance for now. At least that way, my chances of over-focusing and doing something stupid would be minimal!

In all seriousness, I wish there was a way we could do only the stuff we are passionate about. Then we too would always be at our best behavior like those kids at art class. I know my little world at home would be quite happy to never see me grumpy.

Raaga's Dandiya Debut