Strength Beyond Comfort

For many years I lived in cities. The noise, the hurry, the endless demands seemed to pull me in every direction. I kept busy, chasing goals and meeting expectations, but somewhere along the way I drifted from myself. My body felt worn by restless schedules, and my mind clouded by distractions. Spiritually, I felt disconnected, as if the small, simple joys of life had faded from view.

City life, with its bright screens and hurried footsteps, kept me from pausing. I forgot how to breathe deeply. I forgot how to sit quietly and simply be. Watching sunlight fall on leaves or listening to the wind in the trees became distant memories. Comfort and convenience had crept into every corner of my life, and I had grown unused to life’s small uncertainties. I tried at times to fight back, by taking my camera out, and going for an occasional photowalk with friends but it was not enough.

After living in different cities for so long, one thing became clear. I had grown unable to face actual hardships. A small change in my comfort zone and I would twist and turn, restless and uncomfortable. As a child I slept many summer nights under open skies, staring at the stars. But with time I got used to closed rooms and predictable comforts. I could no longer imagine sleeping outdoors. The temperature had to be just right, not too cold, not too hot. The city had softened me. I was so used to material comforts that I had forgotten how to live without them.

Now, in the village, I am finding myself again. I know I can live without electricity and mobile networks. On hot summer afternoons, I enjoy cool lemon water and feel sweat evaporate with every breeze. Even when I visit hot cities like Delhi, I no longer feel the suffocating discomfort I once associated with high temperatures. Climate change has made extremes more common but even a couple of degrees difference from my younger days no longer unsettles me. Winter’s chill, once unbearable, is something I welcome with a smile. The only comfort I need on cold nights is a hot water bottle by my side. Day by day I feel myself growing stronger both in body and mind as I live this slower life.

The same goes for water. As a child, I drank straight from taps without a second thought. In recent years, that seemed almost impossible. Perhaps the quality of water had declined, or perhaps my stomach had grown too sensitive after years of relying on purified and bottled water. But now, I feel that strength returning. I can enjoy fresh spring water and even drink water from someone’s home without worry. What suits others suits me too. I might even enjoy street food, but concerns about adulteration make me cautious, so I choose to stay away. That said, I’m still a little unsure about drinking tap water in cities, though it no longer feels as intimidating as it once did.

I have found a healthy circle of family and friends around me. Some stay in this village, some in the nearby towns and cities. I enjoy my own company but once in a while we meet. Instead of loud parties I prefer quiet conversations, one on one time with people I care about. We cook and eat together. Sometimes we go out for a walk in the hills. We talk openly, share problems, and help one another find solutions. Not long ago the wood in a couple of my windows began to rot. I thought I would have to replace the entire frame. A friend suggested a simple fix and helped me repair it without spending much. In the city my friendships revolved around eating, drinking, and entertainment. Here they are about meaningful talks about literature, philosophy, spirituality, life, and community living in the form of helping each other. It feels as though with every conversation I gain new perspectives while becoming stronger.

The village has not made life easy. Hardships are still there. But it has given me something the city took away. It has given me the strength to endure, the courage to embrace discomfort, the joy of quiet companionship, and the freedom to reflect. I once lost my way amidst noise and haste. Today in the calm of rural life I am slowly finding myself again. I am becoming healthier – mentally, spiritually, and physically!

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