For many, the coronavirus-induced lockdown is akin to forced confinement. Barnali Rath, however, sees it differently.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to delve within… breathe, rest and rejuvenate. It’s a beautiful space for introspection and self-growth,” says the Odia costume designer.
“The first few days, I was planning what all I can do and finish through this lockdown period, but realised soon enough that I need not be in a race to be productive,” says Barnali.
She then slowed down. “I am not in a race against time. I spend a lot of time with my own self, observing my thoughts, writing them down and working on them,” informs Barnali.
She is also a recipe curator and used to post two recipe videos every week. She then took a long break.
“Since I don’t have access to my kitchen studio or my fabulous team members, I started working on making videos as I cooked and edited them on a simple editing app on my phone itself. It takes up a lot of my time but I am enjoying every bit of it. I was hesitant to make recipe videos this way, but I’ve received a lot of love from my followers,” Barnali informs.
She is also into home remedies on her skin and hair, something that she admits she normally wouldn’t do. “And yes, staying at home away from the pollution, it’s showing good results!”
Her other activities include listening to music and meditating.
“Overall, I would say it’s a breather that not only the earth needed badly, but each one of us as well,” says Barnali.