The Transition

The Transition

June 2011

By Life Positive

More than a year ago I made the move from Hyderabad to Bangalore in order to stay with my daughter and her family after my husband passed away in early 2009.

Ours had been a long marriage of 43 years and we had lived in the same home for more than 30 years. Thus, this wasn’t an easy decision nor was it going to be an easy move, but once the decision had been made I made up my mind to embrace and flow along with it. It was in the first week of November 2009 that I, along with my personal belongings, shifted to Bangalore.

Initially, I felt a great deal of restlessness and anxiety…a distinct feeling of being lost.

For a while my sleep was disturbed as well. However, gradually over time I began to adjust myself to my new and very different surroundings. Being married seemed to have so many advantages.

I had grown used to being one half of a couple. So much so that being on my own seemed very hard, even traumatic.

That was the major challenge. Learning to do everything on my own, with no one else to share it all with.

Besides, there were the other adjustments that had to be made like exploring the neighbourhood and finding out what was available where, adjusting to living with seven other people in the house, the change of addresses and transfer of bank accounts, then meeting and making a circle of friends and creating a new life for myself.

This included finding a yoga class and a group of like-minded people to help sustain my passion for yoga and meditation.

Of course, all this took time. But within the span of a few months, say three or four, I began to find my feet.

Now, I spend my time reading, doing things with my grown-up children and my grandchildren, doing some volunteer work, helping out with household chores, doing my yoga practice at home as well as attending classes.

I had a number of distinct advantages that helped me navigate the tough times. Fortunately, I am fit and energetic. I enjoy a healthy lifestyle and a stable income. I have learned the value of tolerance and patience.

My faith in the Supreme and a spiritual outlook certainly helped a lot.

I am also sincerely grateful to my daughter and her loving children and husband for making space for me in their home and for their generous and hearty welcome.

I thank my stars everyday for all those who have helped, encouraged and guided me along the path to a new and vibrant life…a miraculous rebirth.

Sandra Maheshwari, Bangalore