THE long, wide highways can act as great teachers. They impart some valuable life lessons to the seekers. The biggest teaching from the highways is the need to understand the reality that there is no race. No matter how fast you drive, there will always be someone ahead of you, the highway proclaims loudly on every stretch. It is a signal to shun the momentary adrenaline rush, it is a pointer to enjoy your own pace, it is also an indication to take things easy. Speed thrills, of course, but what is the hurry!?! As the mean machines keep assuming demonic proportions on roads in the country, the highway lesson rings out prominently -- Take it easy, there are no prizes to be won for speeding. No one is amused by your zooming machines.

 

The only sentiment emanating from the sight of overspeeding vehicles is disgust for the driver. Speed is necessary but it has to be within limits and controlled by the first thought of concern for human lives. Strangely, the second part seems to be fading gradually from people’s feelings. The only aspect that bares out brazenly with speeding is DANGER. And yet, there are ‘daredevils’ who develop a penchant for putting lives, including their own, at stake. Such elements are far off from the gains of leisure and calmness. They are untouched by the delights of a cool and unhurried journey. For the sake of rushing through the travel, they forego the plethora of beauties lined up on the road chosen. It is not always about the destination, the journey too can be enjoyed. Alas! not by the speed merchants.

 

What the highway tries to drill into the user’s mind is the importance of leisure and pause in life. Because, life is not only about rush and speed. Hustle mindset is definitely a culture today but it cannot be celebrated all the time. Busyness cannot always be equated with success. It is all about finding space between rush and the rush hour. It calls for slowing down, adopting a steady pace, and pausing for a good view at one’s journey. It is absolutely essential to set a comfortable pace, be it on road or in daily routine. For, calmness is a virtue worth trying. And pause is a necessity worth adopting. Speed does thrill but with it life also becomes a blur. What is the hurry?! n