Middle of November, after finishing the Diwali events and moving through a tight, demanding schedule, I found myself feeling more overwhelmed than I expected.
And yet, through all the busyness, one date kept me anchored: the 19th of November, which was my visit to Otorohanga.
I lived in Otorohanga around twenty-five years ago, and there is something about this small, simple town that still fills my heart in a way I cannot fully explain. It rests in the middle of our beautiful country, humble and uncomplicated, yet complete in its own way. It has everything you need — friendly faces, warm greetings, and, for me, a sense of ease that wraps around like a soft blanket.
Whenever I return, it isn’t nostalgia, it’s pure joy. I also have dear friends there, my Kiwi mum and dad, who make this beautiful town even more special. Their warmth is one of the many reasons I love going back again and again.
A warm and wonderful feeling deep in my heart, one that makes you smile without even realising it.
And it’s not just the town.
It’s the drive.
For me, driving alone has always been a form of meditation, something I genuinely preach and truly believe. Meditation is not limited to sitting cross-legged, listening to soft music, and trying to quieten the mind. Meditation can be your cooking, your painting, your walking… or your driving.
Anything that allows you to be fully present with yourself becomes a Mindful ritual.
The drive to Ōtorohanga, especially through the back roads, is one of my favourite meditations. i suggest…
Skip the busy motorway.
Take the quiet, winding routes.
And suddenly everything looks like magic.
Every turn feels like opening a new page of a children’s book. Each corner is more beautiful than the last. Lush green paddocks, all sorts of trees and shrubs catching the gorgeous sunlight — sometimes their colours even more intense under a moody sky. The hill showed changes like someone using soft brushstrokes.
And that day, it was absolutely perfect.
The rain had just stopped, leaving behind a sky that was blue and grey with a hint of other beautiful shades. It was dramatic, mesmerising, and magical. I saw that those low clouds were reflecting colours, shifting the light every moment. The grass looked vibrant green. The trees looked like they were dancing, with all the rain they were soaked in. I felt nature had prepared a special welcome just for me.
Even on my way into Otorohanga and again on my way back, I didn’t get a single drop of rain, only this majestic, ever-changing sky.
Water shimmered on the sides after the rain. There were so many green-shaded patches that looked stunning, cute little fences, tiny houses tucked into corners, large farmers’ homes, animals, and — my favourite — birds chirping all around the empty road.
There was no car in front of me.
No car behind me.
Just the gift of solitude and the soft hum of the back road.
This is the true magic of exploring our country: every corner, every kilometre holds a natural surprise waiting for you. Drive in every season. Go explore. Let nature teach you mindfulness. Let your journey become your gratitude journal, full of simple joys which remove any urge to complain.
Because truly, complaining doesn’t take us anywhere.
The more grateful we are, the more beautiful our life becomes.
On that drive, my heart overflowed with gratitude.
- Grateful that I am here at this moment.
- Grateful that I had the freedom, courage and ability to drive.
- Grateful that it was a gorgeous day.
- Gratitude for the soulful music in my car — and I was singing loudly without care.
- Gratitude for my destination, where meaningful work and wonderful people were waiting for me.
As I passed each tree, I found myself blowing little flying kisses or offering a wide smile to appreciate them. It sounds whimsical, but in that moment, it felt natural, joyful, and deeply grounding.
The journey reminded me of something so simple, yet so profound:
Mindfulness isn’t something we need to chase.
It’s something we can allow.
It lives in the ordinary moments — if we choose to notice.
By the time I reached Otorohanga, I felt lighter, calmer, and more connected to myself and the land around me. That drive didn’t just take me to my destination; it brought me back to myself.
And that is why I felt to write this blog.
I would love to hear about your own mindful journeys and moments of gratitude. Feel free to connect with me or share your reflections — let’s celebrate the little joys together.
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Thank you for being here. I hope these little insights and stories bring a spark to your day. Stay connected — there’s more goodness to come.
With love,
Anju 💛