Resurrecting gmail inbox

E-mail seems to be every productivity guru's enemy. "They take time away from your deep thoughts" they tell you in a gruff voice. "You have to schedule a time block for email, so it doesnt hamper your day otherwise"  they instruct. They make it seem like e-mail is interesting and irresistible- like candy or ice-cream- something you need willpower to keep away from.

But really, when was the last time you read an interesting e-mail?

Except for the fact that its something to do when you dont feel like doing anything else, why do we keep going to email? Work happens over email sure, but how often do you check your personal gmail? And do you remember the time someone you know e-mailed you? All the emails I get are from brands, companies  or spammers. Email is now a transactional space where we get information or are shown advertisements.  Personal communication happens on Whatsapp I suppose, or I think doesnt happen at all.

E-mails are the new handwritten letters- cute when you think about it, but really no one does it.
Our gmail inboxes are now the virtual equivalent of old drawers- treasures at the bottom but crap like receipts floating at the top.

So now we have developed the habit of going to gmail every couple of hours, but there is absolutely nothing there if you discount the ads and spam. How do we deal with this?

The answer is one word: Newsletters

Sensible people saying sensible stuff, to a bunch of similar people.  Its not the same as a personalised long mail about everything and nothing at the same time, but I suppose in the age of tik-tok, its a blessing.

The point of the post

Just to keep the habit going.
Just to clear the cobwebs in my mind.
Just to make sure my brain doesnt go rusty and little pieces of rust fall into other thoughts
Just to reassure myself I am writing, that it is making a difference
Just to try and stir up my lazy viscous brain into pushing up some interesting ideas
Nudging it to check if it can release some gem that has been lodged in between some worries.
Gently clearing the dirt, like a passionate archaelogist to reveal some ancient treasure.
Like a sculptor chiseling a masterpiece from a block of stone.
But what do you know?
Looks like my brain isnt interested in going beyond cliches.

Tiger in the woods

Tadoba, Pench, Ranthambore, Bandipur

When you see these names you immediately think of tigers. Majestic, beautiful and ruthless creatures that you will get to see for a few seconds or a few minutes depending on your luck. The morning safari starts with an air of repressed excitement and as the tour guides race across the safari roads, you get caught in the adrenaline too- they heard a call somewhere, they spotted pug marks here, the tiger must be around etc. And usually this culminates in a sighting, complete with quiet gasps and respectful wows. In case you are one of the unlucky jeeps you roam around, your spirits dipping, before the guide announces in a fake cheerful voice that you will see the tiger on our next safari. 

After a few of these safaris I cant help be underwhelmed and disappointed at how everything rides on that one elusive tiger being spotted. Sure its a tiger safari, thats what you are paying for, but the forest isnt just the tigers. How often do you see deer in the city? Arent wild dogs just as exotic to us ? And all national parks have a lake where you can see various kinds of birds and many animals come to drink water. Isnt that sight worth something? 

By racing around competing with other jeeps to spot the tiger, how are we making this any different from what we do back in our office? Fixing on a target and ignoring everything else to chase that one elusive thing that becomes a bragging currency once you come back.  

My niece who loves all animals gives the same kind of attention to a tiger, as she does to a cat. Sitting with her and watching a house cat made me realise that most animals are interesting if we pay enough attention to them. And I do that on my safaris, if the others arent in a frenzy to catch a tiger. Watching a troop of monkeys play with their young ones, observing animals drinking water, and seeing birds perform some kind of routine that only they understand. And I come back from the safari feeling content, regardless of whether the tiger was spotted ( or striped :D ) 

If you ever go on a tiger safari, look for the tiger, and be excited if you get to spot it. But in the heat of the chase, dont miss the forest for the tigers.