7 reasons to trade city lights for rural nights

No.018 — Read old posts on Tinyfarmlab.com
Reading Time 4 minutes

Our home in Delhi is in the greener parts. It has residential parks.

It even touches the boundary with one of the only forests in Delhi, Sanjay Van.

It's a privilege to live in an area visited by peacocks.

Even though we lived closer to nature. We did not engage with nature.

Raghav quit his job in 2019. Ansh never joined one.

But it's difficult to work from home in the city.

Throughout the year there is at least one neighbouring home getting renovated. We live near the airport. This means there is a plane flying over every 5 minutes. It feels like it's almost crashing on the house.

Air pollution is evident in cities as it is measurable. But noise pollution and its effect on our mental health go unnoticed.

The New York Times once reported that the noise on Cairo's streets averages 85 decibels. It is like listening to a passing freight train from a 15-foot distance.

The winter smog doesn't allow the sun to come out for days.

It gets gloomy. People have stopped star gazing because you can barely see any. It is bizarre how people have gotten used to air purifiers.

Cities are always in the chase mode.

Fast-paced. Fast food. Speed dating. 10-minute deliveries.

Many young couples do not see themselves raising kids in such an environment.

It's a constant battle to protect your time and routines from the distractions of the city. There is constant stimulation. The city constantly calls for your attention. From navigating traffic to answering the doorbell to attending home deliveries.

People are tired of chasing deadlines and working hard, earning 6 figures but still living from paycheck to paycheck.

They are capitalizing on the freedom of remote work found during the pandemic.

Here are 7 reasons why people are trading city lights for rural nights.

City rush for forest hush.

1) You can engage with nature.

Rural life offers clean air, water, and the richest of ecosystems. When you grow food, you get in tune with nature's cycles - seasons, moon cycles, crop cycles, etc.

Sun exposure helps you get back on your circadian rhythm.

You rediscover your instincts when you work with natural materials.

Nature teaches you to delay gratification. You reap what you sow.

2) You can slow down

The life is more laid-back in the countryside. They value their time more.

A slow life does not necessarily mean an unproductive life. It means you consciously decelerating to do better. You get to plan your day and routines.

You can live more intentionally.

3) You get Creative Freedom

Nature is full of creative inspiration.

From the hues of the sun to the dance of the clouds.

From the sounds of water flowing in the creek and the birds chirping.

There is less distraction that helps you find your voice as an artist.

Taking a walk in the forest helps you overcome your creative block.

4) Give your children a different parenting.

You would want your children to grow up chasing butterflies. Running in the meadows. Swimming in the creeks. Befriending real animals. Foraging mushrooms. climbing trees. Counting stars.

Not watching TV or playing Pub G.

They can learn valuable life skills from growing food and lighting fires to building shelters.

5) Lower costs of living.

Life in the countryside is cheaper. The rents are lower. You can buy/lease (ethically) bigger parcels of land. You can grow your food or source it from local farmers. It does not provide you with the illusion of choices in the city. You feel more content with what you have.

6) Go back to the roots.

Going back to the roots can help you remind yourself of your identity and provide you with a sense of belonging. Build a deeper connection with the community and the rich culture.

Tap into the indigenous wisdom. You can learn about medicinal herbs and plants. Weave a basket. Preserve food. Build your shelter.

You get invited to the traditional ceremonies and rituals.

7) You become self-reliant over time.

Becoming self-sufficient is the ultimate way to reduce your environmental impact.

If the idea of moving to a rural village to live a slow life resonates with you.

Write to us sharing your dreams and aspirations. We would love to know more and help you on your journey.

Love,

Raghav and Ansh

PS: We’d also love to know what you thought of this newsletter, feel free to write feedback.

What you can watch - TED Talk - In Praise of Slowness by Carl Honore

Carl Honore in his TED talks about how society is obsessed with speed and how it erodes our health and productivity.

He asks two important questions,
“ How did we get so fast? “
“ Is it possible or even desirable to slow down? “

What you can listen - The Biggest Little Farm: John & Molly Chester | Rich Roll Podcast

“This all started with a promise that we would leave the big city and build a life in perfect harmony with nature.” - John Chester

Molly Chester and her filmmaker husband John Chester traded their life in urban Santa Monica for 200 acres of infertile land which later became Apricot Lane Farms.

They talk about their journey with our favorite podcaster Rich Roll.

What you can read - Why so many young people are leaving cities behind

It talks about why the youth in China are moving to remote areas and embracing ‘hermit living’, while Gen Z Americans are also relocating to the Mountain West in search of a simpler life.

P.P.S. - Our next YouTube video “ You are not an Artist ” drops at noon IST on our Channel - Tiny Farm Lab

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