The Journey from City Life to Tehillah Life

Born in the lush hills of Coorg and raised amidst the bustle of Bangalore, I lived my life surrounded by the concrete jungle of corporate routines and fast-paced living. But when the pandemic hit, everything came to a screeching halt. We were locked inside our homes, our lives frozen in place, and the world outside felt like it was slowly crumbling. Months of isolation took a toll—not just on me, but on everyone in the family. The only thing that kept our sanity intact during those long, restless months was our terrace garden.

As the days turned into weeks and months, the garden flourished. The more time I spent nurturing it, the more I realized how deeply I had missed being close to nature. The garden expanded, spilling into every nook and cranny of our home—on the walls, the balconies, and even the utility spaces. It was as though the plants could sense the longing in my heart, and together, we found a rhythm in the quiet, simple acts of watering, pruning, and watching bloom and grow.

During the pandemic, when the world outside felt uncertain, I found solace in the green spaces around me. But it was clear—I needed more. I yearned for a life surrounded by nature, for a place to call home that wasn’t just a shelter but a sanctuary, a place where time moved slower and the rhythm of life felt more in tune with the earth. The longing to go back to the mountains, to Coorg, where my roots were, began to grow stronger and stronger.

It wasn't an easy dream to pursue. For more than a year, every other weekend and every holiday, I dragged my brother over the hills and the mountains, over the valleys and fields, we scoured the hills of Coorg, looking for a piece of land we could afford. Every corner we turned, we were faced with challenges—bureaucratic hurdles, high prices, and documents that weren’t in order. Yet, despite the doubts that echoed around us from those who questioned our decision—"How can you leave the city after all these years?" "It’s not practical to live in a forest; you won’t be able to sustain it!"—we pressed on. Every “no” pushed us closer to the right “yes.”

It wasn’t just about finding land—it was about finding the right land. The place we could call our own, a place where we could breathe, grow, and live in harmony with nature. There were moments of doubt, of exhaustion, of wondering if it was even possible. But with each setback, I prayed relentlessly, asking God to show us the way, to lead us to the land that would become our home.

And then, it happened. In 2023, we found it. Our piece of paradise, the place where everything would fall into place. I can’t explain how it worked out, but somehow, it did. We poured in everything we had—our savings, sold jewelry, borrowed from family, took a loan—but in the end we barely made it.

The journey hasn’t been easy. It’s been a path filled with challenges, arguments, moments of uncertainty. But every step, every hurdle, has led us closer to this beautiful dream of slowing down, reconnecting with the earth, and living with purpose. The first harvest of coffee we collected here, though small, was a reminder of how far we’ve come—and how much more there is to grow.

As I sit here now, among the birds and the coffee trees, I am filled with gratitude for this space, for the journey, and for the life that is unfolding before us. Tehilla is not just a place; it’s a dream, a dream that has been years in the making, and it is only just beginning.

This is the start of a new chapter, one where we live more simply, slower, and more connected to the earth. A place where we can breathe deeply, without the noise of the world constantly in our ears. A place where nature is not just something we visit, but something we are deeply a part of.

The Path to a Serene Life

Embracing a quieter life away from the city brings numerous rewards, including increased mental clarity, better relationships, and deeper connections to nature. By making intentional choices, fostering mindfulness, and engaging with your surroundings, you can transform your life for the better.

The journey toward simplicity is unique for everyone. As you explore this path, remember that true contentment lies in appreciating what you have and finding beauty in everyday life.

As you consider the prospect of a more serene lifestyle, remember that every small step toward simplicity can lead you to greater happiness, just waiting beyond the busy city limits.