Hello and welcome back! Have you ever observed yourself immersed in “return trip energy”?

Ha ha, sorry for that rather abrupt opening. But yesterday, I caught myself observing something I’ve known and felt for virtually most of life. I was walking back home with Gabru after our morning walk. I like watching him as he’s walking back home because I know he’s satisfied and content. He’s a very different dog than the one who drags me out of the door as we’re leaving for the walk.

While leaving, he’s impatient and excited. During the walk, he’s curious, sniffing, and zigzagging at every tree stump, bush, or wet spot on the path. He’s easily triggered by every passing dog and could jump or lunge at anything that catches his fancy, forcing me to stay on guard all the time to avoid faceplanting myself.

On the way back, though, he’s calm and prim, trotting along in about as close to a straight path he can manage. He ignores most distractions. He simply wants to be home.

I’ve seen him in this mood many hundreds of times over the years. But it was only this week that I realised his “return trip energy” was infectious. I felt happy, calm, and content.

Upon reflecting a bit deeper, I realised we exhibit some versions of these energies when we’re going on vacations and coming back from them.

As we’re leaving for vacations, we’re excited, anxious, and edgy. The future is full of possibilities. The journey is what matters.

When we’re returning though, it’s the destination that matters. We’re tired and content, and all we want is to get back in the straightest possible path. We want to go home.

Both energies are infectious too.

Virtually all of us have experienced these. Many of us may even have consciously become aware of it. I only managed to do it this week. Perhaps it’s because we’re nearing summer vacation season!

It’s also summer, meaning flowers and fruits!

Now that the Tabebuias have all receded into the background, others are stepping up into the spotlight. For instance, this riotous Gulmohar a few lanes down from The Ken’s offices.

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And back home, we were eagerly awaiting the first of our mangoes to ripen on the tree, only to discover that someone made off with it!