Ever felt like escaping from all the cacophony and the daily grind, and spending a weekend just reflecting on life and where it’s going? Pause, an event that helps you switch off from the rest of the world, and focus on yourself, in a serene setting to boot, is just the thing you need. Aikya Learning Centre located about a one-and-a-half-hour drive away from the centre of town, will be the participants’ home for four days. “Set in a green space with buildings made of rock slabs, their own vegetable garden, a lake and rock formations in the vicinity, it’s the ideal spot to look within yourself and take a break from your regular life,” says Shruthi Tharayil, one of the organisers. In its second edition, this one is a four-day event, unlike the first one which was held over three days.
Joining her in hosting the event are Roy Jacob, Kaushiek Pranoo, Arpita Gaidhane and Priya Prabhakaran, who were all part of the India Youth Jam (IYJ), an NGO that connects, inspires and collaborates with innovators and changemakers in the country. “IYJ has week-long ‘pauses’. But we thought shortening it down would work better for people who can’t afford to stay away for so long,” explains Tharayil.
From trust walks in pairs, where one person will be blindfolded and the other will lead, to regular walks to simply find a connect with nature and music sessions, there’s something for everyone. “We start with something called ‘the check in’, where you evaluate how you are feeling, and then move on to understanding what causes you stress and conflict in relationships. We also think about the stories that make us who we are, what lead to where we are today and more. This time around there’s an added focus on finding an ecological connect,” she explains.
The age group is restricted to those between 20 and 35, with a total of 20 slots available. “This is something that cannot be done in large groups. We have received an overwhelming response as urban folk are increasingly more than happy to go back to the simple way of living and being one with nature thanks to all the stress and we’re sure it’s going to be an enriching experience for everyone concerned,” concludes Pranoo.
