Desert Skies

As the plane lifted off from Chennai, excitement surged within me. My husband and I were headed to Corfu to celebrate his brother’s birthday, and I eagerly looked forward to reconnecting with my sister-in-law. Meanwhile, the flight buzzed with families and their lively children, filling the cabin with a mix of chatter and cries.

While flying over the vast Syrian desert, I pulled out my watercolors to capture the breathtaking view outside. The sky stretched endlessly, presenting a brilliant blue canvas adorned with wispy clouds. Below, green bushes dotted the arid terrain, and in the distance, faint hills glimmered under the sun, with hints of shimmering water resembling an oasis on a scorching day.

Perfect moment to mindfully immerse myself in the experience. Taking a deep breath allowed the colors and shapes outside to fill my mind completely. Each brushstroke became a form of meditation, effectively turning the cabin’s chaos drifted to the background as I felt drawn into the serene oasis of swirling colours in front of me.

As I painted, the landscape’s beauty revealed itself, stark against the trauma of war that has touched this region. The vivid hues of the desert, along with the resilience of nature, spoke of life enduring amidst hardship. Even in places marked by suffering, undeniable beauty exists—a poignant reminder of hope and healing.

Thoughts drifted through my mind as I embraced and validated each one. Whenever distractions arose, acknowledged, validated and redirected my attention back to the canvas, honoring them without judgement.

Over the last three years, our travels and mindfulness practices have significantly strengthened my relationship with my husband. Each trip became a shared adventure, a vibrant canvas for memories. By practising mindfulness together, we reduced arguments and deepened our connection. Whether we were exploring new places or enjoying quiet moments, these experiences continuously strengthened our partnership and understanding.

Amidst the joyful noise, a young Greek mother travelling alone with two little ones caught my attention. She looked utterly exhausted, a stark contrast to the vibrant energy surrounding her. Meanwhile, her children giggled and played, clearly needing a moment of respite.

Fortunately, the cabin crew came to her aid, offering to babysit while she slipped to the two spare seats at the back of the plane. As she finally closed her eyes, relief washed over her face as she embraced the much-needed quiet.

In that moment, a deep sense of connection emerged—not just to the beauty outside, but also to shared experiences of motherhood and the challenges of travel. This experience reminded me that, amidst the hustle and bustle, taking a moment for oneself is absolutely essential.

As the journey continued, excitement mingled with nerves about the celebrations ahead. Yet, gratitude for those small moments of kindness and the opportunity to practice mindfulness filled my heart. Each breath, each sight, and each connection became a reminder to cherish the experience, transforming an ordinary flight into a tapestry of shared humanity and beauty, ultimately reinforcing the bond between my husband and me.

My husband challenged me to a game of Euchre —looks like it’s time to unleash my secret weapon and kick his butt… mindfully of course.