8 Lessons (that I re-learned) by living near the rail tracks!

After living in Mumbai (Bombay) for over 5 decades, in January this year, I took a 982 km leap-of-faith and shifted to Bengaluru (Bangalore).

Yes, I did — with bag, baggage, family, car, experiences and prejudices!

It was a huge decision for me — waaay out of the “comfort zone”. Not an easy one — especially since I was born, brought up (and spoilt, I dare say!) in Mumbai.

They say, once you get used to living in Mumbai, life in every other place, in India, is unacceptably “slow”!

The house I now live in now, is right next to the railway tracks and every now and then a goods or passenger train passes or a lone engine makes its way — quite noisily!

At first, the occasional train noise was very disturbing, especially during the, now-so-common, online calls. But I’m gradually getting used to it.

There is also border wall that has been built, understandably, to keep people safely away from the tracks, but some enterprising people have “created” a small gap and use it as a “short cut” to get to the shops on other side, instead of taking the underpass which is an extra 7 minute walk.

8 weeks into the shift — and it’s like I’ve been re-born!

Here are 8 Lessons that I (re)learned:

1. No missed opportunity is the last one! If you miss one train, there will be another one — sure, at another time or on a different day. But you can still get to your destination. Life is a work-in-process. Nothing is final.

2. Everything happening around you — is not always about you. There are people on the train — going somewhere, for something. Some for work, others on vacation, or visiting a loved one. With hope, fear, excitement, anger, dread, longing — a variety of emotions. See them. Feel for them. Develop empathy.

3. An interruption — can be a welcome thing! When you’re in the middle of an intense discussion or watching a video and the train passes, loudly, there’s not much you can do except (press!) pause. A small pause is just that: small and momentary. Use it to quickly reassess things before resuming. Take stock of things at that time. Reflect. Take breaks — look around.

4. Not everyone who yells at you — is your enemy! They may be helping us, by stopping us from making a mistake! The Engine driver knows that people are risking their lives crossing the tracks. He blows the horn, from afar, to warn them! Treat people kindly — sometimes even if they yell at you!

5. Not every short cut is worth taking! A short cut can actually cut things short — including your life! Taking the risky shortcut across the tracks saves 7 minutes. But is it worth it? If things are taking longer, it may sometimes be better! Sure, risks have rewards — but weigh things carefully.

6. We sometimes fail to notice a potential disaster! Not everyone who gets hit by an oncoming train lives to tell the story! Sometimes you have to make a whole lot of noise — even to help people! If you don’t pay attention to the signs around you, it can seriously ruin you. Be observant — stay in the here and now.

7. Things are always relevant only when in perspective. There will be interruptions and distractions in what you’re doing. Don’t get hassled. The “noise” of the passing train, lasts for just 10 seconds. Sure, it can be loud for that time, but then it passes. Put things in perspective — always.

8. When things repeatedly happen to us, we tend to get accustomed to it. The noise of the passing train was at first, a shock, then an irritant — but now I barely notice it! Whether things are “good” or “bad”, over time, we tend to become “indifferent” to them. That is why we keep seeking out even “better” things, because the present “good” ones, no longer give us that much joy. Remember to always be grateful for the good things — don’t take them (or people) for granted.

Would love to hear your comments and experiences — lessons that you learned, re-learned or maybe even unlearned — because of where you stay!

Do share them, please!