Back to the Stream: Where Life Was Simple and Sweet

A lot has changed in today's world, and I wish and feel things should come back to how it was during that time. But then, we keep moving forward, especially with technology, making lives easier and also reducing the values we once held so high.

Many times, when I just sit in silence, I reminisce over the past and see how life was good, but it doesn't mean we aren't appreciating the modern ways today, but when you compare both, you'd likely want to get back to the past at least even if it's to enjoy for a while.

In those times, in the village, there was nothing as taps or boreholes to get water. We went to the village river or stream to fetch water, and this was not done alone; we walked in groups, and it was always super fun.

Those days, when it was time to go fetch water, we alert other neighbours and friends so we could go together and while on the way, we gist, laughed and played to the extent that we didn't know we'd reached the stream and then we make jokes about that. The joys of placing those bowls on the head were incomparable. Most times, we wash our clothes at the stream and then bring them home to dry.

On other days, we made sure we found dirt clothes as a way of an excuse to visit the stream. There was an old man at that time we would go to collect his dirty clothes to wash, and thereafter we would receive some prayers, and that made us feel good for helping the older ones among us.

This act helped children and adults learn shared responsibility. When we went out in groups, we sang songs and shared stories, and everyone took part in their responsibility without any issue.

The quietness when we walked down the stream provided a mental space - no phones or distractions, and we were able to enjoy and appreciate nature and give gratitude to God, mostly when we saw birds singing with their sweet voices. It was a moment where we weren't distracted, and this gave us room to appreciate one another.

Walking to the river/stream, which was a long distance, was a natural way of exercise because when we placed those water containers on our heads, we developed strong muscles and stamina even without visiting the gym.

These days, who thinks of such when they could get them done at a gym? This is where technology has hijacked those moments from us. But we aren't unhappy about it because life must definitely move forward and newer things are introduced to improve our lives.

Today, and with the advent of technology, boreholes and taps are being provided, which has made us lose the good old days. There is now easy access to clean water which makes it faster to get. No longer do we walk in groups or even have time for ourselves physically except to be glued to our phones and be entertained by pictures and videos online. We don't even value nature as before as we are now lost in our own world.

Though, one advantage of this is that it makes it safer for people, especially young girls and women, not to risk their lives from dangers in remote areas. But this has taken away the values, patience and community efforts around us.

So, if there's one thing I would like to be brought back again, it is the moment of going to the streams in groups so we could be more engaged in each other's lives, share responsibilities, play, gist and appreciate nature more.

This will make us value each other's presence, and not be distracted by phones or other gadgets. Of course, this would still be there, but when there is a focus placed on effective communication and the values to be created, it makes the difference.

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_{Both images are generated from Meta AI}