The changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic were undoubtedly challenging, but in many ways, they also led to a surprising shift in perspective and a deeper appreciation for life’s simpler pleasures. I still remember the day the lockdown was announced. In a whirlwind of packing, we gathered everything from our home in the metro city and crammed them into a huge truck. My son and I then set off on a long journey back to our home village, unsure of what the future would hold.
We arrived home in the dead of night, tired but relieved to finally be at home. There was no time to rest, though. The truck was loaded with furniture and belongings, and it was just the two of us to unload everything. To make matters worse, we had left in such a rush that there was nothing to eat. Fortunately, we had some rice, chickpeas, and beans with us, so I quickly cooked them up. That became our only sustenance for the next few days.
In those early days, it felt like the world was on pause, and we thought there might be no “post-COVID life.” It was a strange, surreal time. But we didn’t sit still. We decided to plant banana trees and start a small vegetable garden, thinking we might face food shortages. Soon after, a government relief kit arrived with some basic groceries and food, which kept us going for a while.
What struck us most, though, was how nature seemed to come alive in our absence. With the lockdown keeping people indoors, the village felt almost empty, but in a good way. Animals roamed freely, and birds filled the air with their songs. It was like stepping into a different world—one that had been waiting for us to slow down and notice it. The tranquility, the lush greenery, and the peaceful chirping of birds became a backdrop for moments of meditation and reflection.
Living in the city for so many years, we hadn’t realized how much we missed the simple things. The stillness of village life, the connection to the land, and the absence of constant noise were like a balm for the soul. We embraced it fully. I started writing —short stories, articles, and eventually, a few books. It felt like the “sleeping author” inside me had finally awoken, and with the time and space to reflect, the words just flowed.
Though the lockdown brought its own set of challenges, including adjusting to a vegetarian diet and the scarcity of groceries, we managed. We learned to rely on what we grew ourselves—fruits, vegetables, and the small crops we nurtured. I even picked up new skills, spending time online learning how to design and edit books.
Despite the chaos of the world, we found a sense of peace and joy in the quiet rhythm of our new life. The lockdown, in many ways, became a time of rediscovery—of nature, of creativity, and of ourselves. It was a difficult time, yes, but it also gifted us with a deeper appreciation for the simple joys that often go unnoticed in our busy lives.
Looking back, I can honestly say that, in some strange way, we cherished every moment of it.
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