I have been living quite unexpectedly in Minnesota for the past year. That sounds bizarre even to myself, despite my myriad places of residences in the last few years, and my general openness to live anywhere, and thus making me a global citizen. I take great pride in that flexibility and while I'm mostly very adaptable to new situations, and even welcome it from time to time, nothing had prepared me for Minnesota.
I don't know why I would want to write about the lakes first, but I feel like it. After all, this is the land of 10,000 lakes, and it is not just an epithet. I have seen societies which pride in making interacting with nature a priority, but nothing compares to what I've been seeing here, especially in summer when I ventured out more than in colder weather. Lakes have their own personalities and roles to play here. People build their weekend time, family bonding time, unwinding time around them. Owning a boat or a lake cabin is certainly part of the evolution of being Minnesotan. Personally I'm not there yet, but have been to lake cabins and boat rides to experience the joy.
My connection with the lakes isn't as sophisticated. But I must say it has been profound and meaningful. I have used the lake-shore near my house in multiple ways. As a playground for my kids, as an unwinding place for me with silence as my partner, as a meditation spot, as a biking companion, as a friend that I talk to internally while staring at the horizon. Oh it has seen so much of my past year, the various colors of my internal emotions, my ups and downs, my tears and smiles and a lot of melodrama. I have spent several hours (around my other responsibilities) simply listening to music and staring at the water, looking for answers either to pop out from the water or from within me. My life has changed and evolved, and the lake is still the same. May be a little frozen for this time of the year:-), but still mostly the same underneath. That sounds more profound than it ought to.
I have also had some variety in my lake experience, I've been on a remote one fishing with friends, attended a summer boat party with a live band on another, and walked around and done yoga by one a few times with friends. But the lake near my house will be the one I feel connected to.
People in Minnesota have a surprising warmth that they embrace you with. Having lived in the east coast, and having set very low expectations in a new city where I knew no one as I was moving in, it came as a pleasant surprise. There are still boundaries around personal space, but whatever is shared or given, is done with a smile. Many people warned me about "Minnesota nice" and how I should be careful with that, given my trusting nature. Interestingly enough, it didn't bother me at all. I strongly believe that a beautiful smile is the window to one’s soul, even if it faked. And if you can’t tell the difference, what difference does it make?
I have been very fortunate to meet some wonderful people, and I know that some of them are friends for life. They have been there during the difficult times and fun times, and seen me through my initial settling down in a new place with major life changes. And their love for me has remained consistent throughout the ups and downs. They have seen me evolve, and turn into what I am today.
And then there are the winters. You have probably read my previous blog on winter driving, and it was inspired by my first winter in Minnesota. Although cold weather is not new to me, the extremity that Minnesota presents can be challenging. Ironically, it hasn’t turned me into a fan of the cold, but has definitely increased my tolerance for the various seasons. I also have a renewed appreciation for the relatively warmer places I’ve lived. I find it even funny at some level to call the northeast warmer.
As I now look back at the almost two years, and I am standing at the threshold of my relocation back to the northeast, I cannot but marvel at all the beautiful gifts this phase of my life has given me. I take with me very precious things, mostly intangible. And I hope that they stay with me forever. I don’t think I needed anything more than the experiences that I’ve just been through, perfectly timed. The warmth of the people despite the cold weather, the happiness and welcoming nature of the loved ones that surround me has been priceless, and of course, nice!
I don't know why I would want to write about the lakes first, but I feel like it. After all, this is the land of 10,000 lakes, and it is not just an epithet. I have seen societies which pride in making interacting with nature a priority, but nothing compares to what I've been seeing here, especially in summer when I ventured out more than in colder weather. Lakes have their own personalities and roles to play here. People build their weekend time, family bonding time, unwinding time around them. Owning a boat or a lake cabin is certainly part of the evolution of being Minnesotan. Personally I'm not there yet, but have been to lake cabins and boat rides to experience the joy.
My connection with the lakes isn't as sophisticated. But I must say it has been profound and meaningful. I have used the lake-shore near my house in multiple ways. As a playground for my kids, as an unwinding place for me with silence as my partner, as a meditation spot, as a biking companion, as a friend that I talk to internally while staring at the horizon. Oh it has seen so much of my past year, the various colors of my internal emotions, my ups and downs, my tears and smiles and a lot of melodrama. I have spent several hours (around my other responsibilities) simply listening to music and staring at the water, looking for answers either to pop out from the water or from within me. My life has changed and evolved, and the lake is still the same. May be a little frozen for this time of the year:-), but still mostly the same underneath. That sounds more profound than it ought to.
I have also had some variety in my lake experience, I've been on a remote one fishing with friends, attended a summer boat party with a live band on another, and walked around and done yoga by one a few times with friends. But the lake near my house will be the one I feel connected to.
People in Minnesota have a surprising warmth that they embrace you with. Having lived in the east coast, and having set very low expectations in a new city where I knew no one as I was moving in, it came as a pleasant surprise. There are still boundaries around personal space, but whatever is shared or given, is done with a smile. Many people warned me about "Minnesota nice" and how I should be careful with that, given my trusting nature. Interestingly enough, it didn't bother me at all. I strongly believe that a beautiful smile is the window to one’s soul, even if it faked. And if you can’t tell the difference, what difference does it make?
I have been very fortunate to meet some wonderful people, and I know that some of them are friends for life. They have been there during the difficult times and fun times, and seen me through my initial settling down in a new place with major life changes. And their love for me has remained consistent throughout the ups and downs. They have seen me evolve, and turn into what I am today.
And then there are the winters. You have probably read my previous blog on winter driving, and it was inspired by my first winter in Minnesota. Although cold weather is not new to me, the extremity that Minnesota presents can be challenging. Ironically, it hasn’t turned me into a fan of the cold, but has definitely increased my tolerance for the various seasons. I also have a renewed appreciation for the relatively warmer places I’ve lived. I find it even funny at some level to call the northeast warmer.
As I now look back at the almost two years, and I am standing at the threshold of my relocation back to the northeast, I cannot but marvel at all the beautiful gifts this phase of my life has given me. I take with me very precious things, mostly intangible. And I hope that they stay with me forever. I don’t think I needed anything more than the experiences that I’ve just been through, perfectly timed. The warmth of the people despite the cold weather, the happiness and welcoming nature of the loved ones that surround me has been priceless, and of course, nice!
