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Recently, a friend of mine was exploring Mumbai when she unexpectedly discovered a magnificent mural. Located in Colaba, on the main road just past Sassoon Dock, it was painted by members of the Fearless Collective.
As I approach 10 years of living in India, I’ve been reflecting on my journey and what it’s entailed. Starting off in Kolkata and ending in Mumbai, it’s been a roller coaster of extraordinary experiences, discovery and self-discovery, frustration, transformation, and ultimately success. Here are some of the important things I’ve learned along the way.
There’s a saying amongst spiritual seekers that it’s grace alone that brings you to Tiruvannamalai and Mount Arunachala, and when the mountain calls you, you must go.
As the sun was setting, with monks beside me, I finally sat down to meditate. As I’ve previously studied Vipassana meditation, it was an experience that I was very much looking forward to. The overhead tree branches were alive with bird chatter, while gentle chanting in the background and the waft of incense helped lull me into quiet contemplation.
It was nearly 7 p.m. Darkness had almost completed its descent. I unsteadily stood on the lower step of the main ghat, Hari-ki-Pauri, at Haridwar with the holy water lapping at my feet. Apparently, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva had also once stood there, leaving their footprints behind.
Living in India definitely has its ups and downs — extreme ups and downs that it’s difficult to imagine unless you’ve gone through it yourself. I refer to it as the roller coaster. In some ways, living in India has been wonderful for me. It’s made me less of a control freak, and more easy going and adaptable. It’s taught me to develop boundaries with people, and be more assertive. It’s broadened my perspective on so many things, including life and spirituality. It’s opened me up to so many new experiences. In short, it’s added a new dimension to my personality.