Sunday is a great day in IIT Madras, more so for me as I celebrate Sabbath rest on this day. This means that I dont do any "work" that would further my personal goals especially academic. In practice this translates into a day spent in church activities, meeting friends and allowing my mind to wander into fresh realms of thought- often theological/philosophical and sometimes romantic.
On the last Sunday (21st August) I decided to go for a jog. While I do this regularly, it is usually with a fixed timeline and the threat of a morning class on my mind. This Sunday though I had all the time in the world to enjoy my surroundings- both still and animated. As I cycled up to the track and field stadium, I passed by the large green clearing opposite the swimming pool complex as always. This time however, it was teeming with spotted deer. The scene transported me magically to the open glades in Sherwood forest. My trusted bow in my hand I was watching one of my merry men take aim at a majestic doe. The wind was blowing away from us and prevented the keen animal from sensing our presence. I had been training him for a while and today was his test- if he passed I would let him join one of the companies patrolling the highway for the rich, fattened stooges of the Sheriff. He was about to release and- Pop: I was back on my cycle suddenly aware of two guys glancing at me curiously. Anyway, I am sure he would have hit the target.
I was halfway through my rounds of the track when a flock of birds flew by in the characteristic arrow formation. Synchronization in large groups of independent agents. Order spontaneously arising out of a group of individuals following simple rules governing their interaction with local neighbors. I had Strogatz "Sync" on my book shelf. I would have to read that soon. The spotted dear came back to mind- The pattern of spots arising out of the coupled nonlinear reaction-diffusion mechanisms on the animals skin. Exciting Stuff!!- JD Murray's Mathematical Biology: Vol Two seemed a good place to read about this stuff in detail. Hopefully I can do so one day.
6 rounds of fast jogging interspersed with 30 Pullups left me feeling extremely satisfied with the days workout. Now for the best part of the outing- a slow cycle ride around the campus. Rejoicing in the beauty of the IIT campus and feeling proud of the sweat on my brow I made my way towards Gajender Circle (GC). This time I overcame the temptation of a tropical iceberg and tikka sandwich at CCD and went instead to Tiffany's. I am glad I did so as I met a wonderful person there who takes several courses with me. We had a nice chat and it was back to hostel- my room- dinner and the book I am reading currently (slow progress thanks to course work)- Come be My Life: Writing of Mother Teresa revealing her Deep Spirituality and Simple personification of the Cross of Christ.- Love and Self Giving.
True rest is very important. It is lovely to have some time when you can just let your legs and mind wander without a care for the minute hand of your watch- in fact do away with the watch itself. Its during these times that you get the best ideas and really connect with yourself. Especially for people who live in a world of ideas its important to find time to let go of what everyone has said before and just think- freely and wonderfully!
Till next time....
(Ps: the photos are not mine- hopefully will have nice ones to add soon)
On the last Sunday (21st August) I decided to go for a jog. While I do this regularly, it is usually with a fixed timeline and the threat of a morning class on my mind. This Sunday though I had all the time in the world to enjoy my surroundings- both still and animated. As I cycled up to the track and field stadium, I passed by the large green clearing opposite the swimming pool complex as always. This time however, it was teeming with spotted deer. The scene transported me magically to the open glades in Sherwood forest. My trusted bow in my hand I was watching one of my merry men take aim at a majestic doe. The wind was blowing away from us and prevented the keen animal from sensing our presence. I had been training him for a while and today was his test- if he passed I would let him join one of the companies patrolling the highway for the rich, fattened stooges of the Sheriff. He was about to release and- Pop: I was back on my cycle suddenly aware of two guys glancing at me curiously. Anyway, I am sure he would have hit the target.
I was halfway through my rounds of the track when a flock of birds flew by in the characteristic arrow formation. Synchronization in large groups of independent agents. Order spontaneously arising out of a group of individuals following simple rules governing their interaction with local neighbors. I had Strogatz "Sync" on my book shelf. I would have to read that soon. The spotted dear came back to mind- The pattern of spots arising out of the coupled nonlinear reaction-diffusion mechanisms on the animals skin. Exciting Stuff!!- JD Murray's Mathematical Biology: Vol Two seemed a good place to read about this stuff in detail. Hopefully I can do so one day.
6 rounds of fast jogging interspersed with 30 Pullups left me feeling extremely satisfied with the days workout. Now for the best part of the outing- a slow cycle ride around the campus. Rejoicing in the beauty of the IIT campus and feeling proud of the sweat on my brow I made my way towards Gajender Circle (GC). This time I overcame the temptation of a tropical iceberg and tikka sandwich at CCD and went instead to Tiffany's. I am glad I did so as I met a wonderful person there who takes several courses with me. We had a nice chat and it was back to hostel- my room- dinner and the book I am reading currently (slow progress thanks to course work)- Come be My Life: Writing of Mother Teresa revealing her Deep Spirituality and Simple personification of the Cross of Christ.- Love and Self Giving.
True rest is very important. It is lovely to have some time when you can just let your legs and mind wander without a care for the minute hand of your watch- in fact do away with the watch itself. Its during these times that you get the best ideas and really connect with yourself. Especially for people who live in a world of ideas its important to find time to let go of what everyone has said before and just think- freely and wonderfully!
Till next time....
(Ps: the photos are not mine- hopefully will have nice ones to add soon)
