Finding calm

In a world increasingly distinct by speed and constant connectivity, a short break in my God’s own town offered a sporadic pause from routine and pressure. Far removed from the rush of work schedules and city noise, the days unfolded slowly, shaped by rain, familiar food, and quiet moments of reflection.

The monsoon climate set the tone. Meals were simple yet deeply comforting and delicious. It was not just food but my childhood plate. Home-made food, prepared with care, brought back memoirs of tradition and togetherness. Eating with loved ones without haste became part of the experience, reinforcing the idea that well-being is often rooted in the ordinary. Evenings were marked by brief stops at a neighbourhood tea shop — an unassuming place where strong tea, subdued conversations, little chit chats and shared pauses reflected the quiet charm of everyday life in Kerala.

What stood out most was the absence of pressure. There were no deadlines to meet, no traffic to navigate, and no constant pull of responsibilities. I miss my daily evening walk before sunset embracing the greenery around seeing familiar faces with many vehicles, bike drivers, buses pass by.

Kerala did not offer spectacle; it offered serenity. In doing so, it reaffirmed that sometimes the most meaningful journeys are those that lead us back to a calmer, more grounded version of ourselves.

Mathew Litty,
Dubai