This couldn't be more timely. I had been looking forward to hosting a small, intimate gathering with storytelling, personal experiences, and songs, and all these questions started coming up: Who am I to tell my story? Am I declaring that I'm important? What if nobody turns up for it? My mind was jumping ahead, imagining how it was going to be—which, of course, it wouldn’t be, because the actual experience would unfold differently.

Yesterday, it dawned on me again: it’s not really about how well I deliver the message, but more about self-facilitation—what I can learn about myself through the experience. I’m taking inspiration from the video above, letting go of any expectation of how it’s supposed to be, and being prepared to play the fool.

I remember a few years ago, I attended an open mic session in Goa. Many talented musicians came and played their songs—some of which were deeply moving. But then there was one guy who got on stage and started singing “la la la” and random lyrics that came to his mind. He was clearly not a musician and looked quite stupid. But guess who got the most claps that night? It was him!

I think it was his confidence in his vulnerability that sent a ripple through the audience—a permission to be a fool. Paradoxically, that’s when we soften and become our best selves. That has been my experience too: when I’m prepared to mess up, but humble enough to admit it, that’s when I truly connect—with myself and with others.

Vimal 🙏