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One night, I headed to Edakkal Caves on a three-hour drive with my cousin's family. The excitement of exploring one of the oldest human settlements added to the charm of our journey through rolling hills and lush landscapes. Situated at an elevation of around 1200 feet above sea level in Kalpetta, Wayanad.
This stands as a testament to ancient human habitation. Inside the caves, there are pictorial drawings and engravings, offering a glimpse into the lives of the people who once called this place home. Two things caught my attention—the markings they left behind and the aspiration to live high.
As I observed the petroglyphs, their ancient language didn't speak to me in words. But the realization that these marks were made over 6000 years ago struck me profoundly. It dawned on me that the people who created these enigmatic drawings must have shared a profound relationship with the very rocks that sheltered them.
In pondering these marks, I reflected on our own tendencies to doodle or leave marks on things that hold gallivanting memories for us. Whether it's a band, a tattoo, a carefully chosen gift to someone or kind words, these acts are rooted in a deep connection and a sense of ownership & love.
We are all tattooing our lives—on our work, on our art, or with our loved ones—and that’s our individuality, that’s what sets us apart. We all leave a mark through these profound acts. While it may not always be witnessed by generations to come, a mark is eternally engraved. In life, I think we're all stitched together with marks; it's the kindness and generosity of someone that brought us to where we are today. And we are shaped by the marks left by them.
Considering the people who once called these caves home, I can't help but admire their aspirations. It's not that they lacked the technology or engineering to build a hut; they could have settled in the valley below. Yet, they chose to ascend 1200 feet to truly feel at home. I respect these people's determination and vision. I can imagine their leader declaring, "I want to wake up to the best views and fresh mountain winds, and if that means climbing 1200 feet, so be it. If I have to face challenges, even wars, to achieve this, I will." There's bravery in pursuing what you want.
Living with such big intentions and purpose is itself an act of bravery. As the engravings on the rocks suggest, it's clear they lived, enjoying moment by moment, in a mindful existence. For them, climbing wasn't discomfort; instead, living in a small hut without beautiful views and fresh mountain winds would be a huge discomfort.
Hearing aspirations like, "I don't care what people think of me; I'm going to learn what I want and do what I love," might still be threatening for some of us. Life throws a bunch of options our way, and it's on us to pick our aspirations. Achieving those goals demands a fair share of struggle and hustle. Yet, in this journey, it becomes evident that those with unwavering determination often reach the loftiest peaks in life.
SUHAID HUSSAIN
CONSULTANT PSYCHOLOGIST ‖ ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
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