Digging - A Sense Of Purpose

Adarsh, in need of cheap exercise to avoid getting more unhealthy, besides getting lazy and dull, proposed his friend Kabeer to join a gym, alongwith him. 

Kabeer, a well build, energetic boy, suggested Adarsh to lift himself instead of lifting weight in a gym. Not impressed, Adarsh refused, since most of his friends, with toned muscles were exercising for most of the part of a week in nearby gyms. 

Kabeer, in want of convincing Adarsh, enquired about his intent. Adarsh replied, "hey buddy, am interested in strength training", okay? 

Kabeer, casually recommended Adarsh to take up digging instead of lifting, if he wants. 

What? Are you kidding, Kabeer? yelled Adarsh laughingly. 

Kabeer requested Adarsh to listen to him, if he is serious about building muscles and strengthening himself. 

Adarsh, smilingly, permitted a few minutes to hear him out, before he finalises his decision to enroll in a gym along with Karthik and others. 

Kabeer, stated that soil digging is the most essential and primary activity of land preparation for raising forests. All hard objects such as boulders, stones, bricks, etc. and weeds require labour and digging skills. 

Adarsh, do you know that gardening can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol or prevent diabetes, heart disease, depression and osteoporosis. 

Oye! Stopping Kabeer in between, What is Osteoporosis, asked Adarsh. 

Bones becoming brittle due to deficiency of calcium or vitamin D is Ostoporosis, answered Kabeer. Do you know, Adarsh, ancient people did not ever have modern diseases like these, as they were more into digging up soil. And digging is the most ancient, economical and non violent form of exercise. 

Adarsh, responded with hmmm! Interesting! I must say. 

Once Kabeer noticed that Adarsh is responding keenly, he added that a study in The Netherlands reported that gardening can diminish stress more than a leisurely read. Especially, digging is a great exercise for your quadriceps, hamstrings and buttocks, as well as for your trunk, shoulders and arms. Digging works your back, core and leg muscles also and it will have you breathing hard in no time.

Kabeer, come on! Do not tell me that all the educated people, in towns and cities are unnecessarily ending up paying huge fees and exercising till they drop for being fitter and healthy, questioned Adarsh with a sarcasm. Kabeer, however ignored his question and continued stating that being around nature decreases heart rate and stress hormone levels, also. 

Adarsh, you may have witnessed Karthik, at times panting and exhausted after lifting weights, isn't it, asked Kabeer. 

Adarsh replied with a yes. It is obvious, he added. 

But you know what, the physical work of caring the Trees releases serotonin and dopamine - both hormones that would make you happy. 

"Kabeer, you are not only selling your stuff, now you are taking me on a ride", complained Adarsh. 

Kabeer, halted, thought for a few moments and sought some time from Adarsh. 

After a while. 

Adarsh, besides strengthening your muscles, what is your core purpose? 

What? replied Adarsh. 

Adarsh, what would you do after you have toned body, extra strength, smarter you, questioned Kabeer. 

Puzzeled for a while, Adarsh stated back, kindly elaborate your question. 

Kabeer explained Adarsh that growing things is equal to a sense of purpose. 

Adarsh, listen this carefully.  A 2015 study on the effects of having a sense of purpose found that participants who score higher on sense of purpose reported lower levels of functional disability, performed better on cognitive tests, especially episodic memory and speed of processing and reported better self-rated health and fewer depressive symptoms. 

What is episodic, quipped Adarsh. 

Episodic memory is the ability to recall and mentally re-experience specific episodes from one's personal past. This is unlike the semantic memory which is generic and is context free knowledge.

Oh, no wonder why you remembered the name of the student who was in our school in the year 2012, when everyone was struggling to recollect the event, wherein he had sung 3 songs in quick succession, against public demand. 

Adarsh, do you remember the occasion and those 3 songs, asked Kabeer. No, said Adarsh. 

I remember it Adarsh, said Kabeer. 

Oh great, is all of this due to digging? 

Kabeer smiled and stated that good digging makes the soil porous, improves the drainage and removes obstacles from the plant's roots. 

Kabeer is yet awaiting a response from Adarsh.