What India Gave Me

I've been reflecting a lot on my India journey lately, for obvious reasons. Now that the frustrations of living in a developing country (the mosquitoes, the monsoons, the traffic...) are fading, it's easier to recognize the gifts that India gave me. Here are a few:

1. Yoga When people ask me whether India changed my life, yoga is the first thing I think of. Although I've dabbled in yoga many times before I moved to India (beginning with my first yoga class my freshmen year at Fairfield University in Connecticut), I never stayed with it long enough to see an impact. But in India, it finally stuck. Perhaps that's because India is, after all, the birthplace of yoga. Or perhaps it was the combination of convenience and cost -- a wonderful yoga studio within walking distance of my apartment in Chennai, with daily yoga classes that, at less than a dollar per class, were virtually free. It got me in the habit of going daily, and I am proud that almost a year after my return, I still do my yoga, on my own, almost daily. The only thing that occasionally disrupts it is travel. And feeling so much better for it. Seems like a small thing, but for my health, and especially my back, the impact has been immense. I no longer even think about back surgery for the slipped disk that I had several years ago. 2. Cherished friends When I left Rochester for India in 2003, I don't think I ever expected to feel so accepted, so comfortable, across such vastly different cultures. Working together, side by side, with my Indian colleagues for four years allowed us to get to know each other in ways that would have never been possible as a tourist. It's a testament to Indian hospitality that I felt at once like an honored guest, and family.

Yogi in Varanasi, India

View from my window - Chennai, India

3. Room with a view My apartment in Thiruvanmiyur overlooked the beautiful Bay of Bengal (left). Short of winning the lottery, I doubt that I'll ever be able to afford a house with that kind of view in America. So I will always be grateful for those years of being lulled to sleep by the ocean, and waking up each morning to that breathtaking view. 4. Adventure, just the way I like it While in India, all my non-working hours were spent on travel. Hopping that overnight train, I could be in a different world every weekend.  Riding a camel. Cruising the backwaters. Sleeping in a treehouse. Sometimes exquisite, sometimes raw, occasionally risky. But always unforgettable. 5. Twenty-eight thousand Kodak moments That's how many pictures I took during the time I lived in India. (That includes photos from other countries that I traveled to while in India). I was a photographer in paradise. Between the colors, the weddings, the tigers, and the smiles, burning through 28,000 photographs in four years was easy!

Comments

[Shannon]

Because many of us grew to know and love India through you, our hearts and thoughts are with India right now also. Thanks for your insights.

[alba]

Hi Basia,
I'm Alba from Spain and I've been reading your blog for a while, i found it one day by chance while looking for the meaning of orange colour in India. Instead of finding just that I found a whole universe which I think is amazing. I really like the way you tell things and your wonderful pictures. I have a module at university called Indian Literatures in English and apart from reading we have to explore about Indian traditions and other facts, so believe it or not...you're helping me a lot :-)
I just wanted to say hello and tell you how valuable and inspirational your entries are
Alba

[sands]

what a delight to read such lovely words for my homeland, thank you.

[Sharon from CT]

That's a lovely tribute to India. I remember that yoga class in Fairfield...I still judge yoga teachers by that first one...she was so vibrant & full of life. I think yoga and tai chi are probably the two actiivities that you can get better at as you age. I get a kick out of toddlers showing me their downward dog! 28,000 photos......quite an accomplishment. Your love for your subject shows through.....Sharon

[Theresa]

Hi Basia - Like you, my heart goes out to the many victims of this hideous crime. I have visited India and I am shocked and saddened by what has happened in Mumbi. The people of India are vibrant, resilient and I am sure that they will be back to their routines very soon.

[donnaK]

Thank for sharing all of those gifts with thousands of other people--we your loyal blog readers. The ripple effect of the stone thrown in the pond ...Thank you, Thank you, thank you. Virtual yoga anyone?

[Basia]

Thanks for the nice words, everyone-

Alba: Welcome to the blog, I'm honored to have a reader (and commenter) from far-away Spain.

Donna: LOL, virtual yoga, I like that. I'm ready when you are-

[Anooja]

Hii Basia... Checked ur blog after a long time... am on maternity leave again.. we had the second baby.. hes 4 months old..thats why less time to surf the net..

Nice to read your comments about our country..

[amreekandesi]

Love your blog. Always interesting to see India from the eyes of foreigners.

You also have some great pictures posted here!

[Basia]

Anooja: Welcome back-

Amreekandesi: Thanks, and welcome to the blog!

[Indianink]

Nice blog Baisa, are you still living in chennai?

[Basia]

Indianink: No, I am no longer living in India. I'm back in the U.S.

[Indianink]

Thats great basia