surrendering to india: stalled revelations

as many of you know, i am not much of a clothing shopper – except 2nd hand stores and thrift shops about which i am avid. i love the feeling of clothing that's been broken in, clothing that is already a little soft, clothing with some history. hence, traveling across the globe to a wedding (that IS why i'm in india) which includes some semi-formal events posed a challenge: would anything from my relaxed and uber-bohemian closet make the grade? also, quite specifically, Andrew would need a suit for one of the events and, quite specifically, Andrew has not owned a suit in YEARS. plus i have long history of body image issues (much healing AND still some leftovers) and inherited shopping trauma (my mother always made clothing shopping very fraught - for herself and, i suspect, for me).

hence, after a LOT of consultation with lovely and supportive fashionistas (SO grateful to Moss for constant feedback/suggestions and to Anne Aronov for LENDING me some key items), i arrived in India with more clothing than i have ever carried ANYWHERE. and with a MISSION: to SHOP for Andrew's suit and for a special kind of silk that i hoped would accessorize/juice up the mix and match outfits i brought with me. i was still considering buying a saree (aka sari) but hadn't yet decided.

although lots of people (indians and tourists alike) take cabs, me and Andrew like to walk. it is definitely how i get a feel for a place. inside a closed vehicle, i mainly get a feel for traffic - of which there is a constant TON here in Bengaluru. there are a TON of little motorized 3-wheeled open air cabs called RICKSHAWS that clog the streets. also a TON of motorcycles which Andrew has dubbed The Family Car because of how many people get squeezed onto one seat.

during our second full day of exposure - traffic, people density, dirt & pollution, new sounds sights smells tastes languages AND 90degree heat - we were quite overwhelmed. when we ended up in a department store where Andrew was trying on suits, i found a toilet and during that quiet moment of respite, i had a revelation: patience is a huge spiritual lesson being delivered by India. nothing happens quickly. communication can be scattershot. my expectations must be constantly tempered, readjusted, and softened. i emerged from the stall feeling a lot more space, for myself and for India...