"Lost and Found: A Journey to 10 Valuable Epiphanies"

Yesterday, my late evening Sukhna Lake walk and a telephonic rendezvous with a loved one were both cut short by a sudden and swift thunderstorm........

((Originally published on Facebook on May 6, 2016, this piece is based on a true incident of 5th and 6th May¹))

Began as a normal evening walk:At the convergence of day and night, the symphony of nature can sometimes bring forth moments that transcend the ordinary. Such was an incident, occurring over seven years ago, that unfolded one evening by the placid Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh. What began as a customary lakeside stroll took an unexpected turn, morphing into a profound journey of self-discovery. The journey commenced with the loss of a pair of spectacles and culminated in a wealth of epiphanies.

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The unexpected storm: The sudden onset of a furious thunderstorm interrupted my peaceful communion with the lake and the ongoing telephonic conversation. A gusty rush whisked away my cap, its liberation hindered only by a fortuitously placed bush. A hurried collection of my belongings ensued - the mobile phone, the remnants of a Subway sandwich, an emptied water bottle (adhering to the ethos of 'Swachh Bharat'), and my adventurous cap. With perfect timing, I sought shelter in my car just as the drizzle intensified into a torrential downpour.

Discovery of loss: Ensconced at home, amidst the comforting embrace of a warm blanket and a welcoming cup of coffee, the absence of my spectacles dawned on me. Searches within the domestic premises and in the car proved unfruitful. Retrieval amidst the stormy darkness was an impractical venture. Thus, with hope as my compass, I decided to undertake a pre-dawn mission of recovery the following day.

The early bird: With the intention of beating the early risers, I returned to the lake at the ungodly hour of 4:40 AM. My spectacles were conspicuously absent from their anticipated location. A fleeting thought suggested a passerby might have pocketed them, mistaking their value. Dispelling the suspense, my elusive spectacles were finally discovered, albeit not where anticipated, but rather in a location slightly off-course - a testament to the storm's tempestuous nature.

Dawn of realization— the ten epiphanies: There I sat, by the hushed lake, beneath the pre-dawn blush, life's silent whispers imparting valuable insights. This unexpected adventure began sketching an evolving learning curve, the contours of wisdom defined and redefined by every twist and turn.

1. Pursuit of lesser, trivial things can lead to the loss of something truly valuable.

2. The sting of loss is not rooted in monetary cost but in its personal value.

3. What might be priceless to one might be of negligible value to another.

4. Material possessions can often be retrieved, repaired, and replaced, but the departure of a loved one is irreversible.

5. The attempt to recover what is lost is necessary, yet wisdom dictates knowing when to surrender to the inevitability of loss.

6. Loss is a state of mind; both material possessions and, with time, the departure of people from our lives can be overcome.

7. The tranquillity of early hours often unveils opportunities overlooked by those who rise later.

8. No storm is eternal. Patience and resilience during tumultuous times can lead to reclaiming what was once lost.

9. Not all losses culminate in emptiness; sometimes, they open avenues to self-realisation and personal growth.

10. Each day is a new canvas to be painted, regardless of what was lost or found the day before; dawn ushers in a new opportunity to create, discover, and live anew.

Introspection: These insights extend beyond mere lessons, serving as potent reminders of the ephemeral nature of life and the importance of cherishing what we possess while we can. But is this the end of our journey, or are there more valuable epiphanies hidden within everyday occurrences? I extend an invitation for you to reflect and add to this list, for the lessons life offers are as abundant and diverse as life itself.

This philosophical journey traces its origin back to a humble Facebook post dated May 6, 2016. A testament to how simple, everyday events can birth profound philosophical insights. I encourage you to explore the original post, linked in the footnote below, to delve deeper into this introspective expedition.

Loss and gain is often a state of mind: An evening that began with a loss, evolved into a journey to invaluable wisdom. From the spectacular display of the storm to the tranquil whispers of the lake at dawn, it was a potent reminder that even within loss, invaluable insights can be found. Life, in its intricate dance, enriches us with wisdom and experiences, often when least anticipated.

Life’s not just about the cards you are dealt with— it’s also about how you play the game.

1. https://www.facebook.com/notes/10158358439437779