Series: Reflections from SBOP Living® — Day 1 of Atmasamwad
Today marks the first day of a journey I have long anticipated — a solo trip dedicated to reflection, self-audit, and the pursuit of inner growth. While my books ("SBOP Living" and "Golden Retirement") often speak of the "Co-pilot" and "Relational Security," I believe that periodically, every high-achiever needs a season of solitude. I call this Atmasamwad — a deep, intentional "Self-Dialogue" or "Conversing with the Soul."
Think of it as a less demanding form of Vipassana (Chapter 16, "The Spiritual Journey") of my recently released book - "Golden Retirement." While it lacks the rigorous silence of a ten-day retreat, its purpose is the same: to step away from the "noise" of daily life to reflect on one’s flaws, shortcomings, and behaviour. My goal for these few days is simple yet profound — to become a better human being.
As I landed in Bangalore today, life immediately provided the laboratory for this work. I decided to close my day by practicing the MGH (Mindfulness - Gratitude - Happiness) framework (Chapter 16, "The Spiritual Journey"), finding the "Gratitude" in three distinct moments that touched me.
1. The Integrity of the "Leading Lady" at Uber
My journey began with a challenge. My destination lay five hours from Bangalore, and my first Uber driver refused the trip at the set fare, attempting to negotiate terms in his own favour. In my "Rajasic" past, this might have led to frustration or an argument.
Instead, I encountered a "Leading Lady" at the Uber desk whose honesty was breath-taking. Recognizing the system’s current limitations for such a long journey, she appropriately advised me to stop looking through Uber and instead try Namma Yatri. In a world of fierce corporate competition, her willingness to put my needs above her company’s immediate transaction was a spark of pure Warmth. My deepest gratitude to her for setting the right tone for my day.
2. The Promise Kept: The Namma Yatri Driver
Following her advice, I connected with a driver through the Namma Yatri app. The fare was low, designed for a CNG-fuelled vehicle, yet this driver arrived in a diesel car. Despite the higher operating costs for him, he did not complain or ask for more. He accepted the "deal," kept his promise, and drove me safely for five hours to my destination.
In business, we call this Excellence. In life, it is a testament to character. My gratitude to him deepened when I discovered a beautiful coincidence: he turned out to be from Sindagi, a village close to Vijayapura — the very town I hail from. This small, unexpected connection felt like a "blessing from home," a reminder from the universe that when we travel with an open heart, we find pieces of ourselves and our roots in the most unlikely places.
3. The Understanding of the "Co-Pilot"
Finally, my thoughts turn back home. A solo trip is a luxury, but it is only possible when built on a foundation of Relational Security (Chapter 9, "Beyond Wealth") again from my book "Golden Retirement."
I am filled with gratitude for my wife, Pratibha. She understood my reasoning for this "Atmasamwad" — recognizing that this time alone is not a withdrawal from her, but a necessary process for me to reflect and improve. Her support is the wind beneath the wings of my transformation.
The Humanology of Travel
These experiences remind me that even when things do not go according to our "Master Plan," there is beauty in the detour. By being Mindful of these interactions and choosing Gratitude over irritation, the result is a quiet, oozing Happiness.
This trip is not just about the kilometres covered; it is about the internal distance traveled. It is about watering down the ego and moving toward a more Sattvic state of being.
Your Reflection Point
You do not need to land in a different city to start your own "Atmasamwad." Today, I invite you to conduct your own nightly audit:
What three moments, however small or seemingly frustrating at first, touched your heart today? Can you identify the person who provided you with an unexpected "moment of grace," and have you mentally (or directly) expressed your gratitude to them?
A small intent to notice the good in others can make a large difference in the "Self-Dialogue" of your own life.
Dr. Sanjay Runwal Business Strategist & Humanologist