A Month of Simplicity and Serenity in Remote Himachal.

- By Farin Khatoon.

The crisp mountain air brushed against my face as I stepped off the bus, my feet landing on the rugged terrain of a remote village in Himachal Pradesh. I took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of pine trees and damp earth. There were no honking cars, no blaring advertisements, and no neon-lit restaurants. Just silence, a gentle breeze, and a sense of serenity that I hadn’t felt in years.

A Life Without Distractions

The first thing I noticed was the absence of modern conveniences. No Zomato, no Swiggy, no fast food outlets in sight. Here, food wasn’t something you ordered in a hurry; it was something you nurtured, cooked with patience, and savored slowly. My PG owner has welcomed me with warm, home-cooked meals made from farm-fresh vegetables. Each bite felt wholesome, nourishing not just my body but also my soul. Soon, I fell into the rhythm of their life—dinner at 8:00 PM, deep, undisturbed sleep before 10:00 PM. My restless city habits faded into the background, replaced by an unfamiliar but welcome stillness.

Walking Through Serenity

Every morning, my journey to the university turned into an adventure. The narrow dirt paths wound through emerald green valleys, lined with wildflowers swaying in the wind. As I walked, the rustling leaves and distant bird calls became my soundtrack. With barely any network connection, I found myself more present than ever. No constant buzzing of notifications, no urge to check emails—just me, the mountains, and my thoughts, finally given space to breathe.

The Healing Power of the Environment

As days turned into weeks, I noticed a shift within myself. The anxiety that had once clung to me like an old coat began to slip away. My mind, once cluttered with deadlines and digital distractions, felt lighter. Despite having a long list of tasks, I didn’t feel overwhelmed. The fresh mountain air, the simple lifestyle, and the act of being in nature worked like a balm, soothing me in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Stress, it seemed, was a product of our surroundings, and here, in this untouched corner of the world, there was little space for it.

Living in the Moment

For the first time in a long while, I wasn’t rushing through life—I was living it. Each meal was an experience, each walk a meditation, each sunrise a reminder of nature’s quiet beauty. There was no race to finish tasks, no pressure to perform beyond my limits. Even though my responsibilities remained, they no longer felt like burdens. Instead, they became a part of the flow, seamlessly integrating with my newfound peace.

A Lesson for Life

This experience wasn’t just a temporary escape; it was a revelation. I realized that simplicity isn’t about having less—it’s about appreciating more. The quiet meals, the organic food, the slow walks, the deep sleep—all these small things added up to something profound.

Though I may not always be able to live in the mountains, I now know that I can carry this essence with me. Prioritizing mindful eating, reducing digital noise, and making space for stillness—these are not just lessons from my time in Himachal; they are choices I can make every day.

Himachal gave me a rare gift: the ability to pause, to breathe, to simply be. And for that, I will always be grateful.