Adventure: Living in India – What a Journey!
May 18, 2009
I am very excited about today’s Spirit of Adventure story because it is a guest post by Nadia Ballas-Ruta of Happy Lotus. I love having readers and fellow bloggers share their stories so that others will be inspired to have adventures of their own. Enjoy!
Whenever I tell someone that I lived in India for six months, inevitably the reaction is: “Why?”
When I was living in India, there were times when that same question would cross my mind. However, it was one of the best decisions that I ever made. Since Mondays at Quest for Balance are about adventure, I am just going to focus on that aspect of living in India.
First Visit to India
I first visited India in 1999, a time in my life when I was lost and miserable. I had been studying Buddhism for two years and heard numerous stories of how people went looking for answers about life while traveling through India. So off I went and it was a wonderful experience.
India is one of those places that you can love and dislike at the same time. It is a country that is rich in paradoxes but yet somehow the people manage to have a sense of happiness about themselves at all times. Despite all the tough conditions, people there are truly happy which fascinated me and was something that had a profound effect on my soul. I wanted to be happy but was nowhere close to that goal.
Moving to India
In 2003, my husband and I decided that in January of 2004, we would move to India for six months. I was tired of having to be at a job that I did not love. I wanted to be free from responsibility. My soul was crying for a new experience and for some attention. My husband had a project that he could work on in India so it seemed ideal to quit our jobs and just go. My family thought we were insane but I did not care. I just wanted to be free…I needed to be free.
So we sold most of our possessions, cashed out our accounts, and headed to India. We first spent some time in Mumbai, then in Delhi, went to Agra to see the Taj Mahal, then on to Bangalore and finally we settled in a little village that is about two hours north of Bangalore. Visiting India was one thing, but living there took life to a whole new level.
Living in India
Wealth and poverty co-exist in India and no one seems to be bothered by it. Animals roam the streets, even in the big cities, and they have the right of way. I have seen traffic jams because all cars on both sides had to wait for a snake to get to the other side of the road. To kill an animal is bad karma and that rule is highly regarded, respected and adhered to without any afterthought.
People are also very generous there. Again, that is due to the theory of karma. Give to another and life will give back to you. One time in Mumbai, we went to one of the big department stores to exchange some shirts that I bought. It turned out that I did not have enough money to pay for the difference in cost but the department store cashier let me keep my new shirts anyway. Can you imagine a major department store in the West doing that?
Living in India was also a great teacher. For example, the living conditions considered basic in the West are not always available to everyone else on this beautiful planet. One morning when I went to use the shower, no water came out of the faucet. I sat down and cried but then laughed because if that had happened here in America, people would have freaked out but in India, not a big deal. The electricity would go out three or four times a day and no one complained. That is just how life is and people learn to go with the flow.
Lessons Learned
People in India are simple and happy. I often think they are so happy because they don’t have so many desires. The concept of options is something that is a given in the West but in India, only a select few have the luxury of so many options.
By living there, I came to appreciate what I so much took for granted but it also gave me a greater appreciation for life in general. Each day we start our mornings without ever doubting the fact that we will have another tomorrow. We act with such security that everything will always last; in India people do not have that delusion. People try each day to make the best out of what they have even if they have very little. Most are aware that tomorrow may not come so why not make the best of the moment?
My six months in India was definitely an adventure and it was not always smooth and easy. Living there was stressful at times. There were days when I longed to be back in an American supermarket with sixteen aisles of variety.
Despite all of those hard moments, India gave me one of the greatest adventures. It enabled me to look within and fully realize that I am far more powerful than I ever thought and that the world is my oyster. It is up to me to decide whether my life, my little speck of dust remains dust… or whether I turn it into a pearl.
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Have YOU had a wonderful adventure?
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Nadia, thanks for sharing this. I’m more intrigued than ever by the place. This passage caught my eye:
“People in India are simple and happy. I often think they are so happy because they don’t have so many desires. The concept of options is something that is a given in the West but in India, only a select few have the luxury of so many options.”
Have you ever read or listened to Barry Schwartz? He wrote a book called the paradox of choice. Basically they have proven that so many options make you unhappy. So “many options” is not actually a luxury. It’s a happiness killer. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!
Stephen – Rat Race Trap’s latest post… Your Brain on Food and Supplements – Acetylcholine
Thank you Lisis for asking Nadia to do this!
Nadia,
My favourite part was the department store incident. The observations you’ve shared with us about what you’ve learned about the Indian people you met resonate with me too. I’ve never been to India, but the Indian people I’ve met here through my EFL teachng and my husband’s job have been courteous, kind, helpful and grateful for the smallest of details. The respect and consideration my husband has been shown at his work (there are a lot of Indian graduates there) has astounded and humbled him. We’ve also noticed that they have more sensual awareness and gratitude too, that they appreciate the details of food and aromas.
Thank you for this piece; it’s so easy to believe that our happiness requirement defaults are set. We can all lower them and be an awful lot happier with what we have.
janice’s latest post… A Touch of Grace
Hi, Nadia! Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. I truly hope it will inspire my readers to take some chances and get out there to have awesome adventures. I know you’ll reply to your commenters today, but just wanted to say that Janice’s comment was so beautiful and intoxicating, it felt like an epilogue for the India story!
(Thanks, Janice!!!) =-)
Thanks for sharing this, Nadia (and Lisis)!
I have wanted to go to India for a long as I can remember. Since first seeing the Disney version of “The Jungle Book”, anyway. It always seems (to me) to be such a magical place, although I realize that the reality of it isn’t as “magical” as Hollywood would have us believe. It captures my imagination, though, and so I think I’ll definitely have to pay it a visit at some point in my life. In the meantime, stories such as this provide me with a little taste of what it’s like there. So, thank you!
Jay Schryer’s latest post… Mindful Meditation Monday, Week One
Hi Nadia –
This is almost exactly what Lisis, Hunter and I did back in June 2004 with our move to Costa Rica. Thanks for the post! By the way, what is the picture of .. which area, or city, etc.?
[...] in India was like. In my mind, it was one of the best rides ever. Today I have a guest post over at Quest for Balance where I write about my adventures in living there. I hope you will go check it out. Special thanks [...]
Great post!! It was so nice to read about the story here. Adventures are awesome and I think I need to start having more of my own!!
Positively Present’s latest post… 9 ways to walk in your own shoes
@ Stephen – I have not read the book that you mentioned but I totally agree with what he said about how too many options can be a happiness killer. So true. I will add that book to my never-ending list! Thank you!
@ Janice – I guess in the West we are spoiled by having so much and we lose sight of the importance of the little things. As for the department store story, that always amazes everyone because it is something that would never happen in the West. I remember telling the man at the store, that I could go get some more money and pay him back but he refused. He insisted that I keep everything and that there was no need to come back with more money. I almost cried because it was such a generous thing to do.
@ Lisis – Thank you so much for letting me guest post at your site. It means more than you know.
I also hope that my story encourages people to go on an adventure because life is really too short to waste by playing it safe. As you know, my family flipped when we went to India and the repercussions from my family was extremely harsh but it was worth it. I have never regretted any of it.
@ Jay – India is an exotic place and I think it fascinates many people. I think those who are on a spiritual path tend to be drawn to it more because of all that it represents. Either way or reason, India is a beautiful country.
@ Jeff – Very cool on the move to Costa Rica in 2004. That must have been fun or at least it sounds like fun.
As for the picture, it was taken from our apartment which was in a little village two hours north of Bangalore which is in Southern India.
Nadia-HappyLotus’s latest post… India – The Jewel In The Crown
@Janice and Nadia – If you haven’t read it already, I’d encourage you to read David’s post on Raptitude today for a neat take on how we are spoiled by having so much:
http://www.raptitude.com/2009/05/how-to-be-grateful-when-you-dont-feel-like-it/
=-)
So cool! India has had a firm place on my “to visit” list since you first told me about it. This really struck me:
NO!
David Cain’s latest post… How to Be Grateful When You Don’t Feel Like It
Nadia,
When I went to India, I remember that the hotel had a baby elephant that they kept for weddings. The elephant was supposed to bring good luck I think.
I also experienced the power going on and off regularly. I got used to keeping a candle nearby.
Roger – A Content Life’s latest post… Silence and Solitude
Roger, you just reminded me of my childhood in Costa Rica… we ALWAYS had candles and matches nearby. Perhaps that explains my fascination with Extreme Candle Meditation these days?
@ David – I know…there is no way that would happen here. None whatsoever!
@ Roger – One hotel I stayed at while there had a baby elephant too. Actually, I remember being in Mumbai and seeing an elephant walking freely down the street. It was so funny and yet touching too. And yes, candles were a must along with a flashlight.
@ Lisis – I think you are on to something with the candles!
Nadia-HappyLotus’s latest post… India – The Jewel In The Crown
Hi Nadia and Lisis!
I enjoyed reading about what your India experience meant to you. It reminded of a time when I was in the Army, stationed near Kuwait (for the Gulf War of ‘91); we lived in camel dung-covered bedouin tents. It is the color of the landscape that brought back these memories, as well as the generosity of the local people. We had no electricity or running water, but when we happened across a local, they were always smiling and would often offer us food and drink. It really touched me. I’m glad you had the experience and wish that more Americans could have the same. Cheers to you and thanks for sharing!
India is where my heart is. Although, I built my own home in US, I always try to visit my home country often to get some perspective. Even the poorest of the poor is happy to come home to their family after a long tiresome work day.
I agree, people there go with a flow. No complains. Life is very simple. When I was a kid, some evening power cuts( besides the scheduled ones :-0) come as a surprise when the entire night goes by staring up at the star-lit sky, having dinners up on the roof top and especially when undone homework is excused in school.
Thanks Nadia and Lisis for the walk down the memory lane!
It definitely takes a lot of courage to leave the comfort of home in quest for adventure and change!
Lori, I didn’t even know this whole Army story! Sounds like a Spirit of Adventure post that needs to be shared!
Prathi, you just reminded me of the Vikram Seth novels (the first place I learned about the hanging out on the roof thing.) We both got a walk down memory lane!
@ Lori – I know what you mean about wishing more Americans could have such an experience. Makes us appreciate of what we have and why so many people would do anything to come live here. Thank you for sharing your experience and for serving our country.
@ Prathi – I am so happy to have been able to provide you with a walk down memory lane. I have to admit sharing these experiences and writing this post along with the one at my site, made me realize how much India impacted my soul and life. It made me a much better person and for that I am always grateful to Mother India. Namaste, my friend!
Nadia-HappyLotus’s latest post… India – The Jewel In The Crown
Thanks for sharing, I have longed to go to India for some time. It’s interesting, I went to Japan for awhile and it was a wonderful experience, and offered many of the same lessons as you have written of here regarding how the easy materialism of American life cuts us off from certain realities and truths (at least outside Tokyo, in the smaller towns.) But Japan was different because at that time all the young Japanese wanted to go to America and be American! So there was this strange paradox – Americans going there to experience the ‘Far East’ and the young Japanese all mimicking American pop culture.
Re: India, others I know who have visited there have really been overwhelmed by the poverty in some areas, and that impacted their ability to enjoy themselves. So there is a mix there I know, as everywhere, since it is such a big country. On the other hand, as you mentioned, desire and ‘the American dream’ doesn’t rule their every moment, and there is such freedom in that. Clearly both sides of the Atlantic can learn from each other…
Lisa (mommymystic)’s latest post… When Parents Lie to Children – Excerpt from Original Faith by Paul M. Martin
@ Lisa – In the big cities of India, all the popular stores and food places were American. America represents all that is possible and that is why so many people want to come here. Dreams do come true in America if you work hard enough. However, as you so beautifully said, all countries can learn from each other.
Nadia-HappyLotus’s latest post… India – The Jewel In The Crown
Hi Nadia,
Thanks for sharing your adventure here how fun!! I love reading about all that you saw and experienced. It’s amazing how you gain a greater appreciation for all that you have when you no longer have it. Good for you and your husband for going outside of your (and MANY others) comfort zone and having such a great experience!
Sherri (Serene Journey)’s latest post… Guest Post At Simple Mom
@ Sherri – Lisis was so kind to ask me to guest post and I just could not resist the offer. It is great to be able to share with others what I learned. It is so true that you don’t really realize what you have until you do not have it. Every day when I turn on the faucet I am so happy to see water coming out.
Thank you again, Lisis for the chance to guest post and thank you to everyone who commented and did not comment. I really appreciate you all reading about my adventure. You are awesome!
Nadia-HappyLotus’s latest post… India – The Jewel In The Crown
Nadia, I am so glad you did… this has been a lot of fun today, watching this whole conversation unfold before my eyes. I hope that others will consider guest posting or emailing me their stories of adventure to be shared on future Mondays.
Have a Great Week everyone!!! =-)
Nadia, it sure sounded like you had a wonderful stay in India! Oh yes…I completely understand the feeling about wanting to be free. A complete change in environment is an excellent idea!
It’s funny….but I went over to stay in America for 5 months in 1999 (I believe). I was in-between jobs then. I went to stay with my boyfriend…now my husband…who was sent there for training. It was more of a vacation for me than anything as we took the opportunity to travel and to visit some relatives (my husband’s mother was American). Living in America certainly didn’t look all that difficult, with all the conveniences!
Evelyn Lim’s latest post… Express Your Soul Gifts
Hi Lisis,
Thanks so much for sharing your space so that Nadia could tell her story – fascinating!
Hi Nadia,
You are most definitely a pearl! And I love how your time there gave you a chance to look within – this is powerful. And not always easy when we’re surrounded by all the distractions we have here in the West.
Our world is a beautiful place, and filled with wonderful people – all over! Isn’t it great that you’ve had the opportunity to experience this in another part of the world! Thank you, Nadia, for sharing this part of your life journey…
Lance’s latest post… Sunday Thought For The Day
I want to visit india for a few months next year so really appreciate you sharing your story Nadia. I liked the honesty as well
Nice idea for a post Lisis!
Cheers,
Glen
Thanks, Glen! Hey, you just reminded me… you have an adventurous South Africa story to share with us, don’t you?
The whole point of Spirit of Adventure Mondays is to get people out of their unfulfilling monotony and excited about life. Everyone has a bit of adventure in them, don’t you think?
@ Evelyn – Life in America is real easy because things are so abundant and convenient. We have are issues too but for the most part things are so different. Most people never have to worry if water will come out of the faucet or not. Plus are supermarkets here are huge and full of variety. One company here sells 12 kinds of orange juice.
@ Lance – Thank you, Lance, for always being so kind and supportive. Living in India gave me the freedom to look within. I don’t think I could done that here because of all the demands and pressures. Cost of living here is so high which it makes it hard to just drop out and be.
@ Glen – Before you go to India, let me know and I can give you some advice. It is a beautiful country and I am sure you will have a great time. As for the honesty, you are welcome. My belief that if a person wants to help another, you have to be open and honest with your experience. So that is what I try to do.
Nadia-HappyLotus’s latest post… Civil Procedure
[...] (On Simplicity, Attraction Mind Map, Urban Monk, Sharing The Journey, Goodlife ZEN, Write to Done, Quest for Balance and Jungle of Life). I have had the chance to interview people who not only graciously gave me the [...]
Great article.
I’m off to India in January for three months. Can’t wait.
Jonny | thelifething.com´s last blog ..Your Blog Is Awesome and I Am A Shameless Whore – The Risky Second Series
Jonny, you should try to meet Zeenat (from Positive Provocations) while you are there. I know that’s on MY Bucket List, ’cause the girl is an angel.