Embracing Peace Under the Banyan Tree: My Unexpected Conversation with Stillness

I never imagined I’d find peace sitting on a bench under a banyan tree. But life has its way of surprising you when you stop seeking surprises.

Last Sunday, I unintentionally left my phone at home. It was dead, and I was too lazy to charge it. Nevertheless, I chose to go for a walk — something I hadn’t done in months. I typically have excuses: too hot, too tired, too absorbed in scrolling.

But that day, I simply walked.

There’s a small park just five minutes from my apartment. I had passed it several times but had never actually entered. The rusted green gate creaked open as if it hadn’t welcomed visitors in years.

Inside, I found overgrown bushes, a few wildflowers, and one magnificent banyan tree, standing tall as if it had witnessed the world change for decades.

I sat on the bench beneath it, half-expecting someone to shoo me away. But no one came.

Initially, my mind was restless. I kept reaching for my pocket, forgetting there was no phone to check. Thoughts of deadlines, dishes in the sink, and whether I’d left the gas stove on flooded my mind. But gradually, that noise began fading.

In that stillness, I listened to the wind blowing the dead leaves, watched an ant carrying a breadcrumb three times its size, and noticed how the sun filtered through the branches, casting moving shadows on the ground. I felt… still.

I can’t remember the last time I felt that way.

In that moment, I realized how much I had missed life’s minor pleasures — moments that don’t seek likes or comments, existing simply for their own sake. For the first time in a long while, I just wanted to experience it.

I believe we all need a banyan tree bench in our lives, amid life’s endless pace. In our fast-paced world, where daily responsibilities often drown out our inner thoughts, finding a sanctuary is essential for our well-being.

A refuge that allows us to step back from the chaos and reconnect with our inner selves.

The banyan tree, with its sprawling roots and wide canopy, represents the perfect escape from life’s never-ending rush, where every day feels like a race against the clock, filled with obligations, deadlines, and constant connectivity.

Imagine sitting on a bench under its shade, surrounded by the gentle rustle of leaves and the soft chirping of birds. In that space, time seems to slow, allowing us to breathe deeply and reconnect with ourselves.

Even if it’s just ten minutes, this moment can remind us that we’re not merely existing, but truly alive, experiencing the surrounding beauty.

Since that Sunday, I’ve visited the park more often in my pursuit of peace. My phone usually stays behind. Although the world hasn’t changed, something within me quietly has.

I have understood that engaging in stillness invites us to listen to our thoughts and feelings and confront what we may have been avoiding. It’s in these quiet moments that we often discover the seeds of change..

Perhaps that’s how change begins — through a single step, a deep breath, and an unexpected conversation with stillness. In our hectic lives, it’s easy to overlook the power of these small moments.

Conclusion:

This experience reminds us of the importance of taking time for ourselves, allowing our minds to quiet and our hearts to open. In the silence, we can find clarity, gain perspective, and reconnect with what truly matters.

The banyan tree becomes a symbol of refuge, teaching us that in stillness, we can discover our peace and the beauty of simply being.

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