What My Grandmother Taught Me About Mindful Living

My grandmother was the first minimalist I have ever known.

My father’s mother left us almost 3 months ago, yet her presence is all around us. I always carry a vivid image of her in my mind: sitting quietly on her couch, with a short sweet smile brightening her face, her short white hair tied neatly in a braid, and her hands cradling a mug of tea as she took her medicines. She is wearing her favorite white and blue saree, with a sleeveless blouse and her signature black sandals — the uniform she wore for the 27 years I have seen her. She is surrounded by 3 children and 5 grandchildren, taking in all the noise from the commotion around her.

She lived resiliently, and wisely.

On the other hand, my mum’s mother is the most loving human I know. She is fiercely independent and inspires creativity in everything she does. She used to design woolen sweaters and leggings for me, pampered me with her endless love and blessings, baked the most delicious delicacies back in the day and inspired me to be a better person in my daily life — even in the face of challenges. She is the one who handed down the most embarrassing yet adorable names for me.

She is simple, and mindful.

Whether we realize it or not, our daily lives are deeply influenced by the places we have been to, the things we have seen, the experiences we have had and the people we have known along the way. These little episodes of life shape up our personal set of values as well as behavioral values, which eventually help us embark on our journey towards a more conscious and sustainable living.

Some people grow up to be voracious readers, some become avid DIYers, some are fierce activists, some become exceptional storytellers, while some others have learned to slow everything down and enjoy the little things in life. All these journeys have been transformed by the way we choose to imbibe our value system. So many people around me have found inspiration to lead an intentional life from their grandparents — and maybe you have too, from your parents, or neighbors, or strangers, or spiritual leaders.

The only way by which we can create meaningful and lasting change is if we celebrate the goodness the previous generations have instilled in us, and dedicate ourselves to improving the foundations they have laid.

Read on to find some bite sized wisdom I have learnt from both my grandmothers:

MY GRANDMOTHER TAUGHT ME..

1. To be strong. She worked as a full-time bank manager and raised a family alone, and succeeded at both. My grandfather passed away when my father was 10.

2. That a little spark of kindness can go a long way.

3. That spending time with yourself and on yourself is always worth it.

4. To live as unabashedly and colorfully as you want.

5. To never waste food. There are so many unfortunate people in the world who live without food.

6. That family is the most important thing. And showering love, affection and care on them is your biggest responsibility.

7. To only buy what you need. Nothing should sit unused in the house, just looking pretty.

8. To grow my own food and take care of my garden.

9. The importance of a spiritual routine. This was a big part of her everyday life and I subconsciously picked this up.

10. To mend things at home, and breathe life into old clothes - she is the originator of DIY for me.

11. To be a strong and independent woman, not afraid to flow against the stream.

12. To be a patient listener. She still hears my stories on end without interrupting even once!

13. The importance of friendships. She is 85 and has a social circle that could fill a room.

14. To be kind. She never misses an opportunity to express her love and gratitude for everyone around her.

15. That nothing is going to last forever. Neither your good deeds, nor your bad ones. And that is the best thing about life.

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What did your grandmother teach you about ethical living? I would love to hear your lessons in the comments below!

Xx, AG