avatarSanghita Pal

Summary

Sanghita Pal recounts a serene and meditative experience of 'Dolce Far Niente' (the sweetness of doing nothing) while gazing at the Blue Mountains in Ooty, India, during an autumn family trip.

Abstract

Sanghita Pal shares a personal narrative of a family vacation to Ooty, India, during autumn, where she discovered the profound comfort in the art of doing nothing. Capturing the essence of the UNESCO World Heritage site, she describes the enchanting transformation of the Blue Mountains at sunrise and the tranquility of simply gazing at the landscape for hours. Pal emphasizes the meditative quality of this idleness, encouraging readers to embrace the comfort and fulfillment that comes from such moments of stillness.

Opinions

  • The author finds immense value in the act of simply being, embracing the concept of 'Dolce Far Niente.'
  • Ooty is portrayed as a picturesque and heavenly destination that offers a pristine paradise for travelers.
  • The experience of watching the sunrise over the Blue Mountains is described in almost spiritual terms, highlighting the author's deep appreciation for nature's beauty.
  • The article suggests that such moments of comfort and meditation are not just relaxing but also fulfilling and should be sought out in one's life.
  • Pal expresses gratitude for the September photo story challenge prompt provided by Ellie Jacobson, which likely inspired her reflection on comfort.
  • The author acknowledges and shows appreciation for fellow photographers and storytellers who contribute to the medium, indicating a sense of community and mutual respect among creatives.
Gazing at the Blue Mountains (Nilgiris), Ooty, India [Image: Sanghita Pal fixing handphone on a tripod]

PHOTOGRAPHY, TRAVEL, LIFE EXPERIENCE

Indulge in the Comfort of Doing Nothing

September Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Comfort”

Gazing is Comforting — Dolce Far Niente

It was the peak of autumn and I was visiting Ooty located in southern India with my family last year. Surrounded by fabulous forests, lovely lakes, great gardens, and wonderful waterfalls; outstanding Ooty is a traveller’s pristine paradise up in the hills.

At an altitude of 2,240 metres (7,350 feet) above sea level, Ooty truly justifies the designation of a UNESCO World Heritage site and you can catch a glimpse of the essence of the rest of the reserve in the town.

We could experience heaven on earth, exploring new and interesting terrains where we felt like creating moments in every nook and corner of the place.

Sheer Magic!

I am an early riser. During our course of stay, I used to eagerly wait for the sun to come up.

With mobile in hand overlooking the beautiful sleepy Ketty valley enveloped in thin mist cover and a church bell ringing somewhere deep down there, the black sillhoutte of Blue mountains used to transform into real blue with the sun rays swathing the valley with an ethereal glow.

Surreal!

After I finished taking pictures to my heart’s content, I used to sit near the window lifting my legs and placing them over the windowsill of the resort’s room.

I would gaze at the enchanting Blue mountains (Nilgiris) and the greenery and doing nothing else for hours together.

Every single day.

Religiously.

Trust me, the art of doing nothing, Dolce Far Niente, the sweet idleness, can be so meditative, comforting and fulfilling.

Try sometime and let me know!

Thanks heaps Ellie Jacobson for the beautiful September prompt.

B-I-G shoutouts to some of my fellow friends who weave magic with their photo stories:

Mary| Vidya| Sandi| Lucy| Sally| Jason| JoAnn| Ravyne| Rhonda| Dunelair| Adrienne| Adrienne| Penny| Pam| James| David| Denise| Anne| Jillian| Jan| James| ShortClipWriter| Laurie| Nicole| Katie| Remi| Nancy

Thanks much for stopping by. Hello September, my birth month!

Travel
Photography
Life Experience
Six Word Photo Story
Monthly Challenge
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