Why Be Wary?

Well, a disclaimer

If my amma or sis reads this, they are going to tear me off the face of the globe right this second and pin me to the wall of our home back in my hometown. You will see why. But nevertheless, I had to share this for there are few things I can hardly contain, and this is one such incident.

I have been rucking for over two months now, a 25lbs weight, pace of about 16 mins/mi, about 8 miles every day. Now with summer, some evenings are very pleasant. So I have gotten into the habit of carrying a flask of hot tea in my backpack and books. I have found couple of quiet spots in a park, and I sit there listening to classical music; oh yeah, I have for last 3 months now, gotten into listening to our old classics, Bach, Vivaldi, Listz, Mozart etc...

Anyway, now that you have a snapshot of my routine, here’s what happened today. So it was a pleasant 19degC this evening, so I chose a late evening walk. Reached the park, picked my spot and sat on a stone, settling myself in, around 9 PM. At this time around the park is slightly deserted, although not completely dead. I pulled my flask and mug, poured hot tea, chose to listen to one of Chopin’s Nocturnes on Amazon music, and with my feet dangling off the stone, sat there enjoying the dark sky with a slight tinge of red in the horizon. 

After few minutes, I heard someone talking, turned to see a man who was probably on a call, standing at a safe distance from me. I thought he was passing by, turned back to continue my sky gazing. But then I realized he was still standing there in one of the small workout area, and that bothered me. 

Then I found myself asking why did he spook me? Is it because of the timing of his presence? Why should I be suspicious of every man after hours? He was just going about his business, why should I think he was out there to harm me? One has to begin trusting somewhere. But staying alone has definitely made me wary of my surroundings. I relaxed my shoulders and told myself that it’s alright. Although, I was pretty alert, till he left my vicinity. 

I forced myself to sit there for some more time. You see, I am not scared of the dark or the silence or the spirits or animals. But people, I am very vigilant of them. I know, I know, better safe than sorry. But yet, it’s interesting how I am skeptical of my own species. 

Having said that, in just last 3 days, I have had complete strangers walk up to me and ask me about my hiking experience, which was pretty wonderful. So, it goes both ways. 

I guess, what I wanted to share was the fact that it disturbed me for being so quick to judge that man. I mean if there was a woman hovering behind me, I wouldn’t have been so guarded. I felt bad for men in general. Maybe they have become a constant subject of distrust what with all types of propaganda flying around in this world. 

Anyway, I just had to throw it out there. Now that’s out in the universe, I will sleep peacefully, Good night.