Gaining New Skills During Lockdown: My Journey Through Yoga, Painting, and Digital Art

As we all navigated the challenging times of lockdowns and quarantines, many of us found ourselves with more time on our hands to explore new hobbies and skills. Let me share my personal journey, highlighting how I discovered and honed skills in yoga, painting, and digital art.

Embracing Inner Peace with Yoga and Meditation

Perhaps the most fitting and beneficial practice I undertook during this time was yoga and meditation. It was during lockdown that I realized there was no better period to learn and practice yoga. What started as an interest in connecting with my body and mind slowly transformed into a regular routine that has brought immense peace, clarity, and relaxation to my daily life.

Exploring the Canvas

During the initial days of lockdown, I decided to take up painting as a new hobby. I started with a simple image from Google and replicated it on A4 paper using poster colours. While the outcome was not perfect, it was a delightful surprise to see how much my children loved it and kept encouraging me to paint for them. Here is a photo of the painting captured on my phone.

Finding Time in the Kitchen

While the initial focus was on physical and mental well-being, exploring the culinary world was another endeavor that captivated me. Food has always been a significant part of my life, and during my quarantine, I dedicated myself to learning cooking techniques and recipes. From a young age, I was always fascinated by cooking shows, especially Masterchef India and Australia's Nigella’s Kitchen. However, my initial forays into cooking ended in a whimpering experiments such as making a donkey statue which tasted awful. But as I grew more proficient, my dishes became much more satisfying.

Recently, I have taken it to a whole new level by learning some traditional recipes passed down from my mother, grandmothers, and mother-in-law. Since my father often provides me with fresh fishes, I have experimented with various marinades and spices to ensure every dish turns out delicious. One such creation is my mutton biryani. While the cutting and chopping process was challenging, the end result was well worth the effort.

Unlocking the Digital Palette

Another lifelong passion that I have always harbored is using digital art and illustration. However, due to lack of resources, I kept postponing my efforts to learn this skill. It was during the lockdown that I finally decided to dive into digital illustration. I did my research and found a free app that works on my Android device. Initially, it was difficult to get a hang of it, but I persisted. With the help of do-it-yourself tips and a makeshift stylus made from a pencil wrapped in foil paper and cotton, I gradually improved my illustrations. Here are a few of my attempts, each making progress in its own right.

For those just starting with digital art, here's a quick tip: patience and consistent practice are key to improving your skills. The journey was challenging, but it was also incredibly rewarding.

If you are looking for ways to pass the time and discover new hobbies, consider yoga, painting, or digital art. There's no shortage of resources available online, and the key is to take the first step and practice consistently. Enjoy your new hobbies and the joy they bring to your life!