THE MONTHLY E-MAGAZINE
September 2012 ISSUE
KOSMIC JOURNEY For Mind, Body and Soul
A Perspective across Generations
DEALING WITH STRESS The Doorway to Bliss
DETACHMENT Bringing in awareness MYTHS OF MEDITATION
Truly Inspiring story A Chat with Sudha Chandran
Founder’s Note
Dear Friends, I’d like to share with you something that I have been focusing on, with great passion and enthusiasm, and also with great success - Using our Breath to re-pattern our mind-body systems. We have a natural ability within each one of us to react to stress in a healthy and resourceful way, and this mechanism is through use of our breath. Our mind can do only one thing at a time – either focus on the innumerable stressful thoughts coming and going every moment, destabilizing us emotionally and draining us physically; or it can observe the breath. It is a well established fact that we can change or re-pattern our mind-body systems through breath observation, which is also known as Conscious Breathing or Energy Breathing. Practicing certain breathing movements result in an automatic unconscious tendency to remain free and clear, calm and creative, conscious and loving, to be naturally flowing even under the most difficult conditions, and in the midst of the most stressful situations. We can develop the ability to experience freedom and clarity, even when tested by physically uncomfortable or emotionally disturbing events, or when caught in negative or limiting thoughts. In other words, we can use the breath to wake up to who we really are, and to remember why we are here, especially in those moments when we need to the most. Something very remarkable happens in us when our breathing automatically responds in certain ways to stressful events. Something extraordinary happens in us when a different breathing response than usual is automatically triggered by stressful thoughts, events, or situations. Something amazing happens in us when certain new breathing responses become the habit of our system. When we train certain resourceful breathing reflexes into our system, we don’t have to think about being loving or kind, we don’t have to try to be patient or understanding, we don’t have to focus on being calm or creative: we automatically and naturally tend to feel and behave in these ways! It’s simply a matter of skill and practice. I made these breathing movements an important part of SKY Healing Technique, which I have developed after a lot of research and meditation. I wish that all of you should take advantage of this brilliant yet easy to learn ability within us, and make the most of life. Remember to meditate, exercise and have healthy diet on a regular basis. Drink lots of water. I wish you all the best. Love and Peace, Santosh Joshi
~ Kahlil Gibran ~ © Copyright 2011, “All Rights Reserved*
www.anewlifefoundation.com, www.kosmicjourney.com
The Monthly E-Magazine
September 2012 issue
For Mind, Body and Soul
Editor’s Note …..………..4
Tete-a-tete with Sudha chandran……………..14
Detachment- The doorway to Bliss ……………………….5
An interview with Sudha Chandran
By Priyanka Ghode
Dealing with stress A perspective across Generations…………..17 By Col. Rakesh Pedram
We do reap, What we sow ………………………………10 By Anuya Agnihotri
Students Exchange Programme An experience of lifetime……..................7
A path of my own……..21 By Aekta Kapoor
Science of Mudras……22 By Nalini Jethwani
By Rudra Chauhan
Myths of Meditation……….12 SKY Healing Workshop experience By Madhu Sahoo……….9
Food for Body, Mind and soul……….…………… 23
By Jyotsna Nair
Disclaimer : The contents of this E-Magazine are the thoughts / views of the contributors / writers herein. Any similarity with contents of any other magazines or books is purely coincidental, unless stated otherwise. Those thoughts / views are not necessarily the views of the owners of this e-magazine. Copyright : All the content, intellectual ideas and graphics of this E-Magazine is the sole property of the owners of www.kosmicjourney.com. Any copying or transferring or outside using of this material, unless authorised by the owners, will be seen as a breach of this Copyright and will be treated accordingly.
© Copyright 2011, “All Rights Reserved*
www.anewlifefoundation.com, www.kosmicjourney.com
Editor’s Note
Dear Friends,
spirituality, self introspection and self discovery. The more you
Welcome back. I hope you all are liking the issues of your e-
are on this path, the more you feel protected and at peace.
magazine Kosmic Journey. We would really appreciate your
As they say, “ whatever you resist, persists” . It is true in every
feedback regarding the same .
aspect of life. Say, If we resist anger it persists; if we resist
As we are moving towards Dec 2012, we are all experiencing a
hate, it persists; and so on. The best way to deal with these
lot of energy shifts in and around our life. It has already started
negative emotions is to make peace with them, to acknowledge
showing its effects in the form of increased number of natural
them. You may tell yourselves, “it is perfectly ok to be angry”,
calamities such as recent earthquakes in china and Costa Rica
and by doing so, these negative emotions will simply vanish.
and the very noticeable changes in the global climate. The
Try and apply this concept. It works like magic, and helps to
energy shift are sometimes so strong that they completely
stay in peace with yourself. This is the time of change and any
uproot you out of your emotional stability. People are simply
change always brings a lot of upheavals along with it. So to sail
going crazy, not able to comprehend, exactly why and where
through it smoothly, we need to learn to deal with our emotions
things are going wrong. The flip side of the whole scenario is
in a positive way.
that more and more people have started getting a pull towards
Love, Peace and Light….
FOUNDER : Santosh Joshi EDITOR : Aruna Joshi EDITORIAL COMMITTEE : Madhu, Preeti, Santa PUBLISHER : New Life Foundation
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
DESIGN BY
:
:
Jyotsna
New Life Foundation
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Do you like this e-magazine..? Then write to us at editor@kosmicjourney.com ~ 4 3 ~
Detachment The Doorway to Bliss Priyanka Ghode Pune, India Detachment
is an inner state of calmness and being uninvolved on the emotional and mental planes. It is definitely not indifference. People who are indifferent, do not care about anything, and are not active and initiative. Real detachment means inner strength, and the ability to function calmly and with full inner control under all circumstances. A detached person is not harassed and hurried, and can do everything with concentration and attention, thus insuring a successful outcome of his actions. People who possess emotional and mental detachment can be very active and caring, though they accept calmly whatever happens. Such people accept the good and the bad equally, because they enjoy inner balance and peace.
If they cannot do or change something, it does not disturb their peace of mind. If they are convinced of the importance of some action, they will pursue it whole-heartedly, and can ignore distractions easily. If they succeed with what they do, that is fine, and if they don't, they will either try again or forget the matter and move to something else. Count the number of times you got emotionally involved in something against your will and better judgment. How many times have you got angry, frustrated or disappointed? How many times have your moods swung high and low? Each time you tell yourself that next time you will stay cool and calm, and yet each time you forget what you said. When it comes to personal affairs, it is hard to stay emotionally uninvolved. You get involved, and this is quite natural, otherwise life would have been boring. Involvement makes life ticking and active. However, it is advisable to develop at least some detachment, as this will help you in many situations. Detachment is important in daily life, in the pursuit of ambitions and on the spiritual path. It is important to everyone, whether
pursuing spirituality or material success. Every spiritual tradition speaks about detachment, but detachment cannot be confined only to spirituality. What happens when somebody says to you something that you do not like? You will probably become angry, unhappy or insulted. Why is this so? Because you value other's people words and opinions more than you value your own thoughts and opinions of yourself. You let other's people thoughts; words and actions influence your happiness, actions and reactions. Your happiness and actions depend on them. On the other hand, if you are able to stay detached, you will not be disturbed. You will stay calm. You will even be able to benefit from what they say. You will not waste hours thinking about their words. Emotional detachment would not necessarily make your life problems-free. You will still encounter disturbing circumstances and disturbing people, because this is part of life. However, your attitude toward them, your state of mind, and the way you react would change. Have you ever thought, how much time and energy are wasted every day, brooding on useless thoughts and feelings, due to lack of detachment? Much of the anger, frustration, unhappiness and disappointments are due to lack of detachment. One of the ways to develop detachment is through meditation. In meditation, one endeavors not to follow the thoughts and feelings that arise. Meditating day after day, develops the habit of staying calm and emotionally detached, not only during meditation, but also in everyday life. If you practice any kind of meditation, sooner or later, you will start to experience detachment. You will find that you feel and behave in a different way under circumstances that previously raised anger or agitation. You will find that you can handle your daily affairs of life in a calm and relaxed way.
~ 5 ~
Emotional agitation, anger, and hurt feelings, cause stress and unhappiness, and lead nowhere, except to more pain, suffering and broken relationships. They disturb your mind, disrupt your concentration, and prevent you from focusing on the matters at hand. If you wish to enjoy inner peace, it is imperative that you try to gain at least some degree of detachment.
Emotional involvement leads to attachment, to fear of letting go, and to avoiding changes. If you wish progress in life, you need at least some degree of emotional detachment, otherwise you let people and events, your thoughts and your past, tie you down.
"Letting Go”
To "let go" does not mean to stop caring; it means I can't do it for someone else. To "let go" is not to cut myself off; it's the realization I can't control another. To "let go" is not to enable, but to allow learning from natural consequences. To "let go" is to admit powerlessness, which means the outcome is not in my hands. To "let go" is not to try to change or blame another; it's to make the most of myself. To "let go" is not to care for, but to care about. To "let go" is not to fix, but to be supportive. To "let go" is not to judge, but to allow another to be a human being. To "let go" is not to be in the middle arranging all the outcomes, but to allow others to affect their own destinies. To "let go" is not to be protective; it's to permit another to face reality. To "let go" is not to deny, but to accept. To "let go" is not to nag, scold or argue, but instead to search out my own shortcomings and correct them. To "let go" is not to criticize and regulate anybody, but to try to become what I dream I can be. To "let go" is not to adjust everything to my desires, but to take each day as it comes and cherish myself in it. To "let go" is to not regret the past, but to grow and live for the future. To "let go" is to fear less and love myself more.
~ 6 ~
STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAMME A Life-time Experience
Rudra Chauhan Mumbai, India
I first heard of the Student Exchange Programme, through a session in my school, done by an organization named AFS (American Field Service. In the beginning, it did not make much sense to me. But when I was given the details of the programme, I was intrigued and excited. A Student Exchange program is something that is formed by the mutual co-operation between the governments of two countries. It is a program whereby, a certain number of students are selected through a strict and tough process of selection. The selected participants are sent to a foreign country that they have applied for, for a certain period of time that the program offers. There they stay with a family selected by a similar kind of selection process. They also study in a school in that foreign country. They learn their culture, their religion, their education, their lifestyle; simultaneously they teach the culture of their home country to the people they meet there. So indirectly, this is an exchange; but at a greater level of culture and lifestyle. The selection process is tough and strict as the students are ambassadors of the country. There are many programs that one can opt for- a full scholarship program, a partial-scholarship program, or a no-scholarship program. For a full-scholarship program , the options of countries to choose from are less, for a partial scholarship program, there are more options of countries to choose from, and for a no scholarship program, the options are aplenty. Then what if we have problems in that foreign country? No worries; the organization through which you will get selected, will make sure that there is a counselor arranged for you over there. So that if you have problems, you can discuss it with the counselor and the counselor can help you out with a solution. I immediately made a decision to apply for the full-scholarship program called YES (Youth Exchange and Study). However, although I had made up my mind, I soon realized that I would
have to convince my parents as without their permission and co-operation, I won’t be able to apply for this program. I talked with them the same evening and tried to convince them. Initially, they gave excuses on how I won’t be able to adjust myself in some other country on my own; with no known person around me. However, I saw their faces and I understood that basically they didn’t want me to go away from them; and it is completely reasonable for them to do that. I reasoned with them that such opportunities don’t come very often in one’s life and that I had to take a leap of faith and just let it all go. They also doubted whether I would get selected for this program in the first place ! But later on, when they heard that I was the only boy from the entire city who was selected, they were amazed. My father was so proud by this achievement that he was completely convinced. Although my mother was happy for me, she was also a little sad that her son would be going away for a year. But then in the end, she slowly started settling down to the idea that it was for my betterment. Before leaving for US, I had attended a couple of orientations organized by AFS. From those orientations I thought that my upcoming year would be a challenge, but then I said to myself, “What’s life without any challenge!” When I finally reached US, it initially felt very weird. Everything felt very new and very nice. I was also kind of nervous to face the new, and was excited for the upcoming year. I felt strange; I was full of mixed feelings. I landed in New York and then from there I had my connecting flight to Washington D.C. There I had another orientation. But this time, it wasn’t just me and my fellow Indian Exchange students, but students from other countries too. The three day orientation was one of the most amazing times I have had in America. After that, I flew to my host city; Phoenix, Arizona.
~ 7 ~
enough I guess. There were times when I would forget about home because I would get busy in doing something. But in general it was the home-sickness month.
Then January went the same way, and it was mid-February when I realized that now I have only four months left until I get back to India. And I said to myself, “I think I should try to make most out of every moment of my life.” And then it was back to the happy mood whereby I am trying to enjoy as much as I can because this is not going to come in my life again.
The AFS Group I did not know how Arizona was. However, as I was about to reach Phoenix, when I looked outside the window from the airplane, I was shocked; what I saw was a desert ! This was something I had not expected from Arizona. However, I kept telling myself that it wouldn’t be that bad. But, the moment I stepped out of the airport, I feel this boiling hot weather around me and I start thinking, “Have I entered an oven or what!? This is horrendous.” And I was in a bad mood for a couple of weeks. However, my host parents were very nice to me and I start settling down after a month or two. Later on, I apologized to them for not being in a good mood and not mingling in the way I should have. However, there is a phrase in Hindi that describes this situation perfectly, “Subah ka bhula agar shyam ko ghar aaye, toh usse bhula nahi kehte!” That’s how my host parents thought and accepted my apologies. The next couple of months went fantastic until December when it really started to drop down for me. This was the period when everything that was new to me started to get usual or old; and that’s when I started to miss things about India. Whenever I would see a bus, I would remember the BEST buses and the fun-time I had in them. Whenever, I would go to school, I would remember the everyday effort of going to school on a cycle and the fun-time I had in school. My host parents were trying their best to bring me out of my home-sickness. But it wasn’t
As June came in the way, it was time for a trip to Iowa and Connecticut which my host parents had planned at the very beginning of the year. That trip was a very memorable one. One of the best things that occurred was that, in Connecticut, the brother of my host father said, “You have to visit us again because now you are a part of our family.” This was special as I had hardly spent a week with them. That’s when I came to know the true value of this exchange program. You don’t just learn about other cultures and teach your culture to others, but you also become a part of a family and remain the same forever. As the time of returning back to India came closer, I was having mixed feelings; on one hand I was excited to get back home, whereas on the other hand I was getting sad too as I was going to miss my family, my friends and my life in America. When I left US, it was a poignant moment. I felt the sorrow of leaving my host family, although I didn’t let it show it on my face as I am not an emotionally expressive person.
When I returned back, my family told me of how much they missed me whilst I was away ; that they would remember me in almost all the activities that they did. I was happy to be back home. Now when someone says to me, “What’s the big deal in being an exchange student?” I tell them, that it has enriched my life, having seen and experienced a different country. Staying away from the comforts of home and family has taught me to be selfreliant. The experience cannot fully be expressed in words, it has to be experienced and lived and I am indeed fortunate to have been a Foreign Exchange Student.
“If there is anything that we wish to change in the child, we should first examine it and see whether it is not something that could better be changed in ourselves. ~ C.G. Jung ~
“Having children makes you no more a parent than having a piano makes you a pianist” ~ Michael Levine ~
~ Alvin Price ~ ~ 8 ~
SKY
Healing
WORKSHOP EXPERIENCE
Madhu Sahoo,
Mumbai, India
I had heard the phrase “sky is the limit” several times before, but practicing the SKY technique has given the phrase an entire new meaning to me. When I decided to participate in the SKY workshop, it was both out of curiosity and the need for the desperately sought after ‘peace of mind’ that was lacking in my life. Some experiences in life leave us gasping for breath and no amount of kind words or advice is good enough to soothe the pain.
patient listener (those who know me know what I’m talking about). I feel this sudden surge of protective energy around me and I’m no longer afraid. The visualization part of the technique is the best part, in my opinion. It is like watching a movie. I never thought I could picture things so clearly. The best part is I have become a more positive person after the 21 days of SKY. I feel like an overhaul has taken place from within and something wonderful has blossomed.
The workshop experience itself was very fascinating - full of wit, humor and knowledge like all the workshops conducted by Santosh are. My moment of revelation came when we were informed by Santosh that we had to practice the SKY Technique for 21 days without a break. Consistency and I are antonyms; if I were told to brush my teeth for 21days continuously I would probably miss a day just trying to keep a track of the dates. Although I was not too cheerful about the 21 days of continuous practice, I knew deep within that this was much needed and I have full faith on Santosh. He reassuringly said to me at the end of the workshop “just keep faith and do it, don’t think too much. Enjoy the experience of the technique.” And I did just that. He did not even ask for a feedback, I guess as a mentor he knew already that the experience will speak for itself and it did!
To say that I’m grateful to Santosh Joshi would be an understatement. I cannot describe in words the Gratitude I feel towards him for introducing me to the SKY Technique. I can only say this about the SKY Technique, “when the student is ready, the master will appear.” So if you are truly ready and looking for peace, a newfound energy, happiness and positivity in your life then you MUST try out the SKY Technique.
In the first five days, I felt like a blanket of energy was wrapped around me each time I completed the technique. I have always had problems with sleep, and that was one of the first changes I noticed about myself. I would fall asleep within ten minutes of completing the technique at night. In the last 21 days I have calmed down substantially. The calming effect is a very positive change in me, as it is helping me become a good and
SKY Healing Highlights of SKY
• • • • •
SKY is a new age healing technique which makes use of one’s own energy meridians and breath as a powerful tool. This technique is extremely potent and powerful. It is a combination of ancient therapies with modern healing practices. SKY technique is short; however, even in a short time this technique has the effect of deep meditation. This technique has the potential of bringing harmony in our body, mind and soul. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON SKY HEALING CONTACT : +91 9820401670 /+91 9820500427 OR SEND AN EMAIL TO santosh@anewlifefoundation.com
~ 9 ~
We Do Reap, What We Sow Anuya Agnihotri Marlborough, Massachusetts, USA
This biblical quotation is just one way of expressing a fundamental truth about the Universe. If we do not change our ways, we will reap the whirlwind. Parenting is somewhat similar. Parenting is an extremely tenacious, fiercely competitive and highly accomplished job. It is arguably the biggest battle of a parent's life. Most parents claim that raising a child is like “ Planting and Caring for a Tree" as it can be likened to a tree that is grown from a seed. When a seed is planted, it needs to be nurtured constantly, until it is established as a sapling. Precisely, babies need constant care and attention in order to grow into responsible children. Once the tree is established, it still needs to be watered day after day. If you not do so; the plant would probably not survive. Similarly children should be nurtured so that they become established individuals. Although, they would need excessive care and the need to be 'watered' everyday in order to shine in the sunlight of the Universe. While it’s true that the apple rarely tumbles too far from the tree, it is also true that there are a multitude of things we as parents can do to raise a healthy and happy child. We might not be able to help the variety of our branches, but we are the ones who control the nutrients in their soil and the sunlight in their sky. Even making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body all your life. Having a child is surely the most beautiful act that two people in love can commit; whether the child is biological or not. But being a part of that act is somehow synonymous with being an eternally available source of perfection and nothing less.
In the Law of Karma ,what you get back is what you put out, and same is the case with parenting. So be loving, give love, have loving thoughts, become love and love will come back to you. The most important job is to love and be truly interested in your children. This not only gives them a sense of security, belonging, and support, but also soothes the difficulties of childhood. Love should be constant and unconditional--love must always be there, even when the child is behaving terribly. The parent should express and show their love openly so that the children never doubt its presence. Here I must quote a generous contribution from a mother who is friend of mine. She said, "My son is 4 years old and is very adamant. Sometimes he throws tantrums by flinging himself on the floor, writhing and screaming until he makes himself sick. So what we do is hold him firmly, calm him down until his rage melts into tears, cradle him but never insist on overpowering him. As the tantrum lasts, it does no good to argue or scold or even try a reason, so we let that moment go and wait patiently." She indeed does the right thing so that later on, the child should not feel shameful for having thrown a tantrum. The goal as a parent is to help your child feel competent and confident, and help them to develop a sense of passion and purpose. The journey of both the child and the parents travel through certain phases, which begins at childbirth, weaves through infancy, toddles on through childhood and moves in fits & starts through adolescence, on into adulthood. For both of them this journey is full of adventures, and this adventure is mutual.
~ 10 ~
Discipline is an essential preparation for the outside world. It will make your child happier and better behaved. Discipline means establishing and adhering to rules of behaviour. The parents should stress the importance of giving a clear direction and making sure that the children comply with the rules of conduct. It is better to use positive statements and say "Do this" more often than "Don't do that." It is essential to punish the child when you say you will. Be firm saying what you will do and doing what you have said. Punish them as soon as possible after the bad behaviour. Don't lay the burden on your spouse saying, "Wait till your father (or mother) gets home!" Mother Theresa quotes, "Everybody today seems to be in such a terrible rush, anxious for greater developments and greater riches and so on, so they have very little time with their
parents. Parents have very little time for each other, and in the home begins the disruption of the peace of the world." So, when you are in the presence of a child, you have to behave like a child as the child is going to observe every move of yours and try to repeat it. We are really never going to understand human nature until we know why a child on a merry-go-round will wave at his parents every time it goes around - and why his parents will always wave back. Parents can only give good advice or put their children on the right paths, but the final forming of a person's character lies in their own hands. Every child has unique gifts and talents. These special attributes can show up in a traditional school setting, but there are plenty of children who shine after the final bell has rung for the day. Nevertheless, Parents are like a potter, how they mould their children decides the destiny of the child.
Dissolving the bitterness of Life - An inspiring story Once a young man came to a revered teacher, who was seated under a tree near a beautiful lake, and asked for the solution for his unhappiness. After some minutes of conversation the old master kindly instructed the visitor to put a handful of salt in a glass of water and then to drink a few mouthfuls. “How does it taste?” the teacher asked. “Awful,” said the apprentice after he had spat out the revolting liquid a few paces away. The teacher chuckled and then asked the young man to take another handful of salt and put it in the lake. The two walked in silence to the nearby lake and when the youngster swirled his handful of salt into the lake, the old man told him, “Now drink from the lake.” As the water dripped down the young man’s chin, the master asked him again, “How does it taste?” “Good!” he replied. “Do you taste the salt?” asked the Master. “No,” said the young man. The Master sat beside the troubled youth, took his hands, and said, “The pain of life is pure salt; no more, no less. The amount of pain in life remains the same, exactly the same. But the level of ‘pain we taste’ depends on the container we put it into. So when you are in pain, the only thing you can do is to enlarge your sense of things. Stop being a glass. Become a lake.
And you can become a lake where you broaden your outlook; when you stop looking only at yourself and your own miseries. Look at life as a whole and the many things without which you would not be what you are today – your friends, family, hobbies, nature around you. When you are confronted with a problem, you see only the problem and ruminate over it endlessly which only makes the situation more tragic. Think of previous instances when things were better. Look at all the blessings that God has filled your life with about which you never give a thought. Never compare yourself negatively with others. You are a unique person and if you have the faith, God will provide what you need. When you have a pain in your life, put it in front of GOD – then it will surely lessen. Do not put it in front of yourself – as you cannot see beyond it. God is Infinite. Tap this source, with confidence. The young man left, and his viewpoint on his problems had totally changed. As the saying goes: “Tell your problems how big your God Is.”
~ Buddha’s final words ~ When Buddha was on his death bed he noticed his young disciple Anan was weeping. “Why are you weeping, Anan?” he asked. “Because the light of the world is about to be extinguished and we will be in darkness.” The Buddha summoned up all his remaining energy and spoke what were to be his final words on earth.. “Anan, Anan, be a light unto yourself...” ~ 11 ~
Myths of Meditation Jyotsna Nair Mumbai, India
Freedom is instantaneous the moment we accept things as they are. ~ Karen Maezen Miller Meditation is often considered as a worship or prayer. But it is not so. Meditation is awareness. Whatever you do with awareness is meditation. As long as any activity is free from any distraction to the mind, it is effective meditation. Meditation serves many purposes, from stress relief to selfawakening. Personally, I started meditating because I was fed up with my mind working overtime. I wanted peace, and through meditating regularly I have become less focused on the movement of my mind and more aware of the pristine peace that is always present. Despite meditation being so simple, and having such big rewards, there are some myths about meditation that can stop people getting started or make them quit before they get to reap the benefits possible from meditating regularly.
The top 10 myths of meditation myths are: Myth 1: Mediation is difficult. When practiced correctly, meditation can be the easiest and the most enjoyable thing you ever do. For something to be difficult, it requires effort, struggle, stress and stamina. However, the truth is that meditation requires the exact opposite. There is no effort because you are learning how to do nothing. There is no struggle because you are not forcing anything. There is no stress because you are not resisting anything, and there is no need for stamina because the main purpose of meditation is to relax.
Myth 2: I must still my mind “I can’t meditate because I can’t stop my thoughts” is one of the most common reasons I hear from people who’ve tried meditation but quit. However, what’s important to understand is that thoughts are a natural (and necessary) part of meditation. When you meditate, your body gets rest. When the body rests, it heals. Healing is an active process—stress
is released and healing is being undertaken. Due to the mind-body connection, activity in your body is reflected by activity in your mind—in the form of thoughts. Thoughts are therefore a sign that healing is taking place in your body. Healing your nervous system is a fantastic byproduct of meditation. It is not useful to resist having thoughts when meditating. To resist thoughts is to resist healing. Instead, let the healing process happen, as it naturally wants to, by not resisting the existence of thoughts. Let them come and go by learning to be at peace with whatever thoughts want to happen when you are meditating. Myth 3 : Meditation takes hours of time Studies have shown results that meditating only twenty minutes daily can improve concentration immensely and bring about positive changes in a person. There are meditations that take even less time than twenty minutes. As an example, if you let your eyes focus on nothing for just two minutes, this allows the brain to clear and helps to re-center focus. This technique is good for clearing the mind while working. Meditation can last for a short time or a long amount of time. It all depends on what the person whishes to accomplish through meditation. It is said that the minimum time in minutes one should spend daily in meditation for a perfect mental and physical body is equal to one’s age. However, more the duration of a session, deeper would be the state of meditation. Myth 4: Meditation stops when I open my eyes. Most of your day will be spent with your eyes open so thankfully the little flaps of skin that you call your eyelids do not need to impact your peace. Peace is experienced when you put your attention on the still silent space that resides within your conscious awareness. You can direct your attention with your eyes open and closed. One “goal” of meditation is to develop the habit of effortlessly having some of your attention looking inward on the presence of still silent space at all times. Eyes open or closed—it need not matter.
~ 12 ~
Myth 5 : Meditation requires a professional guide Another common misconception is that in order to meditate one must be professionally trained on how to do so. Meditation is a very personal experience, and while one could meditate through a guide, this is not necessary. Myth 6 : Meditation can be done only in the morning Meditation can be done at anytime during the day or night. Any time is right time for Meditation. However, early mornings are the best, as we would be fresh after a night’s sleep. It is preferable to set the same time daily for meditation, as then the mind and body gets tuned to that particular time. Myth 7 : Meditation is Contemplation Many times, the term meditate is used for deep contemplation or reflect / ponder upon something. Meditation is beyond contemplation state, and happens when the mind stops thinking. Myth 8: If thoughts are okay, then it’s good to think. Although having thoughts is OK, I am not recommending you intentionally think your way through every meditation. There is a big difference between having thoughts and thinking. When you are meditating, you want to let thoughts flow through your awareness without engaging in them through the act of thinking. Thinking occurs when you stop observing your thoughts and you start being your thoughts. When you are thinking, you are in the thought stream. You are in the dream. Engaged in the story of your mind, you are having an imaginary conversation with your friend, planning what you’re going to have for dinner, or whatever. Thinking is very similar to falling asleep. When you
are thinking, you are essentially lost in your mind. You are no longer present, nor consciously aware of your Real Self. Thinking is a habit you learn to do less of through the regular practice of meditation. Be gentle on yourself if you find yourself thinking when meditating. It’s just a habit. When you become aware that you’ve been thinking, simply come back to being alert and present. Myth 9 : Meditation is Chanting Meditation is many times misunderstood as chanting or repeating a mantra or an affirmation. As a matter of fact, Meditation is stilling all the activities of the mind. Chanting may sometimes be used to begin meditation as it helps in making the mind still, however meditation starts only when chanting stops. Myth 10 : It takes a long time to enjoy any benefits. You start benefiting from meditation from the moment you begin. You might not experience immediate peace or joy, but your body will get a chance to rest, release stored stress, and heal. This myth reminds me of a story. A 70-year-old man wanted to learn to play piano. His son questioned what the point was because it takes so long to learn. However, the piano-playing pensioner wasn’t persuaded to quit. Instead, he simply told his son that if he started now he’d be a much better piano player by age 75 than if he didn’t start at all. I love this story because it is very much the same for meditation. It may take a little time to experience highly noticeable changes. But if you start, and keep doing it regularly, you can be sure you will be experiencing much more peace, love, and happiness over the coming months and years, compared to if you never start at all.
Sunday Group Meditation What : 1 hour group meditation When : Every Sunday At 8.30 Am Where : At Kandivali (East), Mumbai Please let us know on the following contact details if you would like to join Mobile : +91 9820401670 / 9820500427 Email : santosh@anewlifefoundation.com ~ 13 ~
Tete-a-tete with
Sudha Chandran “Sudha Chandran is a dancer, actor and a passionate human being. After she lost her leg to a fatal accident at the age of 16, she bounced back to life fighting the battle with her own self, emerging out as a winner. Living with one artificial leg, did not stop her from performing dance shows and acting in movies and TV serials. A truly inspiring story, Sudha Chandran narrates how this accident made her the person she is today.” K J : I am sure this question must have been asked to you umpteen number of times….What happened when you were 16 ? Sudha Chandran : It was meant to be a spiritual journey. I am basically a South Indian living in Mumbai. We led a normal busy Mumbai life, with my dad working and me studying. We have a kuldevata (family deity) in Trichi, south india, and every year we had to go there for abhishekh puja. It is a trip that we had actually forgotten to make for many years. This is how we decided to go to South India on a pilgrimage. We were travelling from Trichi to Chennai. While returning from this temple, there is a Goddess temple on the way, called the Samaypuram Temple. This is a Goddess of the downtrodden, the rudra avatar of the goddess. While we were nearing the Samaypuram Temple, somebody casually mentioned that this place was very dangerous. “ Bali chadhayi jaati hai “; there is a tradition of sacrifice. And within 15 minutes, there was a headon collision and nobody remembers anything after that. It was midnight, a dark amavas (new moon) night. There were 4 boys from Delhi who were athletes. I was the only person in the bus who could understand hindi and communicate with them. The first four rows were totally crashed and jammed. It was midnight and the boys ran to get an ambulance. There was a fracture on my right leg. The driver came and fell on my lap and gasped asking for water. One of the boys tied his banyan on my femur. I could not move, all I remember is removing the banyan, dipping it in water and tipping it into his mouth. He died soon after that on my lap. It was the first time that I was coming face to face with death. I was only 16 at that time. It was a harrowing time. We could not understand what was happening, I …….. I had seen hindi films and thought that
accidents separated people. I started looking for my mom and dad. Police told me to sign a Death certificate because my mother is dead. I could see her lying far away from me . I Looked at her, I realised that she is breathing. I brought this to the notice the police – the police is so negligent in our country. 5 days later I saw my parents. The amputation did not happen because of the accident . I was shifted to Trichi government hospital. No doctors, only interns. 5 days after the accident, my mother noticed my leg turning blue and tried to bring it to the notice of the doctors. At that time, the doctors assured her that everything was ok and that it was not related. That was a government hospital and they said that if we were not satisfied with their treatment, we could go elsewhere. It was then that I was moved me to Chennai. I was shifted to Vijaya Hospital in Chennai where for 15 days, my battle with the wound continued. The wound was not treated properly. It was covered with plaster. It was a losing battle and they finally decided to amputate my leg as gangrene had set in. I was a minor and my parents had to sign a ‘No objection certificate’ for amputating my leg. I think the biggest miracle that took place was that the leg had to be amputated below my know and that allowed me to stand up again and dance. Dr. Mohandas though an atheist, still quotes that he saw a miracle happen on the operating table. Because I had my knee, I could dance. I saw a miracle happened. I personally believe that there was some spirituality, may be, I was coming back from the temple that miracle happened. People say that when a mishap happens you loose trust in God. But my grandmom used to say that in the most difficult times cling on to your God. Only he can take you through this.
~ 14 ~
K J : How did you cope up on a day to day basis after that? Sudha Chandran : Well I had to prove my point and I did not look at it as a day to day. When I came back from south our so called sympathetic society, people used to come and meet me, they use to tell my mother,” “oh Mrs Chandran, so sad, you wanted to make your daughter an dancer and she cant even dance now. She is an intelligent girl, put her into education, make her IAS, don’t dream about her being a dancer.” I don’t know whether they were rude or sarcastic, I had no idea. It didn’t bother me at that time. What bothered me was the after effect of what people spoke to my parents. My mother would sit there crying thinking that I have gone to sleep. My father turned to alcoholism. He started to depend on alcohol to reduce the tension. As it is we were going through lot of issues, he would come drunk at night and then there would be ugly scenes. This was not the culture that my father had given me, I failed to understand what was happening. The beautiful small and happy family going into shambles. My mother use to go to the market at 8 o’clock in the night because she didn’t want people to ask her questions. I found that they were shying away from society. That point I decided that I need to do something that would make my parents proud .only thing I knew was dance. Only question is how? People thought that I had gone mad. The accident had affected her life. I believe that God answers your prayers. My connection and communication is always with god. In the first place, ‘why did this happen when I was coming back from your temple and having happened now you give me an answer’. Three months later Dr P. K. Sethi got Magsaysay award. That was the first time I read about him. I wrote a letter to Dr Sethi. He was an international doctor at that time. A very busy person but I got a reply from him asking me to meet him. I went and met him. I didn’t tell anybody about him. I just took my mom. The moment I saw him I don’t know what prompted, but I told him, “I would love to dance.” He said, “why not?” I said, “ Doctor do you think it is that simple?” He said, “Of course, I don’t think it is a big thing.” Then I started explaining, “ Sir it is Bharatnatyam, it has lot of foot work.” I started explaining him not realising that his daughter-in-law is a dancer. He said, “ you don’t worry I know about it.”
The moment he confirmed it, I started working towards it. It took me 2 long years, which was the most harrowing experience of my life. Many a times I said no, and each time I would turn around I would see my parents. Then I would tell , “No Sudha you go ahead and do it.”
I started all over from scratch. Thanks to my Guruji and my parents, that I could do it. When I was ready ,we booked the auditorium and I wanted to have a show. When I told my dad he said, “ don’t make a fool of me.” I said, “No dad I don’t want anybody to be there. It would be just me, my parents, my Guruji and Dr Sethi, if he is available.” The show was on Saturday and somehow the news leaked from somewhere and the newspaper carried an article, “ looses a foot walks a mind”. And everybody read as people knew me as a dancer, and the evening the auditorium was packed. I was shocked where did so many people come in from. My father said ,“this is the article and I don’t know how this came. I will look into this matter on Monday but you have to do this show now.” I would like to tell this since yours is a spiritual magazine. Till that time I was very bold but the moment the music started, the prayer song, my heart actually sank. I said Sudha will you or will you not. I just turned back and I asked my mom . I said, “If the God that I believe in, if my faith is true then he should be here.” They say God appears, god disappears. People feel. Today is my testing day.” I said, “Mom he will be there in the form of sanyasi. Check it out.” and I went. Suddenly I felt something has pushed me and I didn’t even realise that I danced for 3 hours. I finished my performance and I got a standing ovation. Show was over. I came back home. The biggest tribute I got was from my father who touched my feet when I came back home. He said, “ when I was sitting there, a man came and sat besides me. He gave me this purse and vibhuti and told me to apply this vibhuti on you and bless you. My mother said was scared as she believes in black magic. I opened the purse and there was lord Buddha’s photo in that. Then my mother suddenly recollected I telling her before I went on the stage that he will come as a sanyasi. It just got connected. This is my belief and it has been continuing since then.
~ 15 ~
K J : What has been your source of inspiration that has pulled you through? Sudha Chandran : My failures. Each time I fail I know I am going to succeed. Each time I succeed I am going to fail. So each time I fail I tell myself that don’t worry Sudha, success is just round the corner.
that I had taken a right decision.
K J : Did you always feel that dancing was your goal? Sudha Chandran : No, as a child you cannot decide whether you want to be a dancer or a doctor. My mother was a classical singer and she wanted to be a dancer. It is always what your parents dream for you end up doing. What they have not realised they realise through you. My dad comes from Kerala. We had a big family there. When my dad came to Mumbai from kerala, apart from his job he use to work as a part timer, at a dancers office, as a typist. Her name was Sudha Doraiswami. He use to type her dance letters. That was the time he decided ‘that if ever I get married and I have a daughter she will be named Sudha’, and that’s how I got my name. She became Sudha Chandrashekhar after marriage and I became Sudha Chandran. My parents dreamt it for me and I followed it. I followed it till my mom died.
K J : So what do you do when somebody criticises you? Sudha Chandran : Before 40, I use to keep quiet but after 40, I give it back. I don’t take it lying down
K J : What are your views on parenting? Sudha Chandran : They are the best gift that God has given you. I fulfilled all my mother’s aspirations except my marriage. My mother wanted me to get married to a south Indian and married a North Indian. At that point in life I was looking for a man who would stand behind me like a rock and my husband Ravi is just like that. My mom kept telling my dad this is a wrong thing she is doing. All my dad said was that ‘I don’t know about that guy but I trust my daughter and my daughter can never go wrong.’ That answers all my questions for parents. Till the end my mother thought that I made a wrong decision but when she got cancer What Ravi has done for her, no son would have done. When she left the world she was convinced
K J : How do you take criticism? Sudha Chandran : I hate criticism. I don’t criticise and dont like to be criticised. Especially on personal issues. If its constructive I take it.
K J : How do you take day to day stress? Sudha Chandran : I enjoy working. I can’t sit idle. I am very happy when working. There is no time to even get stressed out. This is not being thrust on me. This is what I love doing. I am workaholic. K J : What is spirituality? Sudha Chandran : To me spirituality is talking to God when I need him. I have not seen him. But I know there is a force that I believe in. He is always guiding me. K J : Do you believe that there is a world out there? Sudha Chandran : I don’t know, but I completely believe in the theory of reincarnation. I love people who have learnt this. It is very interesting to know that something of this sort exists there. I would love to understand this. K J : Have you found the purpose of your life? Sudha Chandran : I don't know, but I feel it is being an inspiration to the next generation. And if that is the purpose, then I have found it. K J : What is your message to the readers of K J? Sudha Chandran : My life is a message. I am happy that people have been inspired by my life, people have learnt a lot from my life. And that people are evolving learning from my life.
~ 16 ~
Dealing with S T R E S S Perspective across
generations
Col. Rakesh Pedram CWE, Ludhiana, India With my muted agnostic credentials I am the most unsuited for contributing to this forum of people on a spiritual journey. But Santosh and Aruna being old friends have given me an opportunity to share my thoughts and views about issues affecting daily life and how we deal with them. Joining the National defence Academy at the age of 16 has kept me insulated from the corporate world with occasional jolts to reality during leave. Socio economic boom has however diminished the divide between the civilian environments and the rigid army settings. Stress which a decade back was only construed as physical and mental conditioning has entered the Army lexicon in form of mental stress primarily for dealing with situations on the home front. I intend to share how stress affects people in uniform and also share some insights on a child’s perspective to spirituality and happiness. I feel children are a great source of learning with innocence and no malice.
Ask the old cronies and veteran soldiers about the recent stress related outbursts by men in uniform and they will tell you in a cocky fashion, “These guys are getting too much of time to think”. Their solution- Keep them busy keep them gainfully occupied. Rigorous Physical in the mornings with shoulder rubbing troop games with the colleagues in the evenings followed by some regimental activity like mandir parade, social get together etc keeps mind body and soul in perfect synch. Don't forget to add a taut of rum touted as the best stress buster. Times have since changed and the omnipresent mobile can transfer stress and tensions of the rabid fights or cold war between Mom and wife or property disputed within seconds. A soldier fights on many fronts and this dimension of stress both at work and home is a challenge for the organisation. Long and continuous deployment in highly stressful counter terrorist
operations and diminishing peace tenures has further complicated the issue. An organisation strongly discouraging cult following and religious endorsement, the army deals with stress in a unique manner borrowing on tradition, camaraderie and accountability of the leader. The stress management programme of the army now hinges on spiritual development and understanding stress. Creative occupation of mind with physical activity and social interaction with peers is quintessential. The strength of the defence forces is in their bonding, interaction and a strong collective identity and a sense of purpose. Increased accountability of the leader to his command ensures problems with individuals are identified and nipped in the bud. Experience tells us that introvert and extrovert persons deal with stress in completely different manner. The introvert personality gravitated to depressions and suicidal tendencies while the extrovert personality can break the law and run amok. These vulnerable individuals are closely monitored and positive effort is taken in getting them to open out. Addressing the extraneous relationship problems though counselling is resorted and trained psychologists interact with the affected individuals. Stress however in itself isn’t all destructive. In combat it raises sensory perception to a high degree and helps deliver optimal battle performance. In common life too stress is helpful in meeting deadlines. It helps trigger creative juices and work under pressure. It is just the effect of the negative stress that one needs to understand and stem. The corporate world can borrow a lot from the army’s experience in dealing with stress. I feel the basic difference is that in civil organisation it is each one for himself and no sense of responsibility and interaction with the subordinates.
~ 17 ~
Married to woman who is also exploring the spiritual journey with the founders of New life foundation, my house is packed with self help books of all genre. I took some help from my 9 year old daughter, Sana, with whom I am in perfect synch, in trying to make sense of spirituality, health and happiness from her perspective. She has been dosed with Santosh’s presentations and her Moms genesis of every book she reads. I have posed some random questions to her and pen her unadulterated replies however silly they may sound.
Last book Mom read and told me about was Autobiography of a Yogi. This is story of a boy who runs away from house to become a sadhu. His guru appears in front of him after even after he dies to guide him. The story tells us that the soul never dies and your near and dear ones are always there to guide you. What are the advantages of being a spiritual being? Being connected to GOD Don’t have to listen to Moms lectures. You will not feel like doing anything bad and will be kind. You live in a world where everything is good. People to whom you are closest to? What you like and hate bout them? Mom Like •Takes me out to eat •Helps me in studies •Likes drawing and art my favourite subjects •Kind hearted •Takes me to see new places like museums and heritage sites
Have you ever felt stress at school? Yes. When I am playing dodge ball and my team is loosing and the game depends on me. So how do you deal with stress? Close my eyes drink cold water knock my forehead with my fist couple of times and forget about the incident. It goes away. Have you seen your mother stressed? How she deals with it? I have often. She Calls my Dad in Sukna cries fights and reads a trillion Deepak Chopra, Robin Sharma books. Then I think the stress goes and she doesn’t scold me. Seen your Dad stressed? Never. He is full of fun and always joking. If you are fun there is no stress. He reads Men are from mars and Women from Venus to find out why Mom gets angry. Your secret of good health? Tasty food, healthy snacks and playing. Getting up late. Your Mom reads a lot of books. Tell us about them and how they help? She reads books to help her connect to GOD. Deepak Chopra is her favourite. (Pulls out Synchro destiny from the shelf) This tells us if you think of something without negative thoughts it comes true. Like after my best friends Palak left Ahmedabad when her father was posted out I wished strongly that I meet her again and now my father has got posted to place close to their home. Power of subconscious minds tells us how powerful our dreams are. Subconscious mind is alive at night so if you sleep well you get most powerful and creative thoughts. But all books say same thing.
Things I’d wish to change •Scolds a lot •Fights in front of me with Dad •Doesn't let me watch TV •Lectures me a lot •Forces me to take bath immediately after I come from playing. Dad Like •Loves things I like most, like ice-creams and chocolates •Never scolds •Permits to play with all his electronic things •He is always fun Things I’d wish to change •Wakes me up at 6 am •Forces me to do exercise •Scares me with Halloween Masks •Forgets everything and makes me search for it •Makes me sleep in a separate room at night Zorro(Boxer pet) Like •Listens to me every time •I can share everything with him •Looks after me •Very cute dog •Eats everything Things I’d wish to change Fights with other dogs Farts a lot Keeps getting tics which I have to clean. You have attended Santosh Kakas workshop in Ahmedabad. Tell me about past life regression. Its therapy to make you see your past lives. How many lives does a man have? Seven.
~ 18 ~
Fairy Dog Zorro
Sana, Fairy Queen
Fairy friends
Fairy God Mother n Dad
What do you want to be in your future life? I want to be a Snow Queen fairy. And your ambition in present life? National Geographic wild life photographer. Tell me about Santosh and Aruna. Santosh Uncle is always in a happy mood and talks to me a lot and makes me laugh. He makes colourful presentations with lots of pictures. I like him. Aruna Aunty has given me my huge teddy, ‘Big Brother Bhaalu’. I like her fashion style and like to wear her sandals. She is always laughing and I like it when they both come to our house.
Personal Regression & Counseling Session If you would like to experience a personal Regression Session or a Healing / Counseling Session, please contact on the below given contact details for charges, and to fix-up a date and time.
Mobile Email
Time for a regression session 2 – 3 hours approx. : +91 9820401670 / 9820500427 : santosh@anewlifefoundation.com ~ 19 ~
Where there is a will there is a way…. Shruti Kunisetty, Mumbai, India “Impossible is a word only to be found in the dictionary of fools”, said Napoleon. There is nothing in this world that is impossible. Determination is what brings us success. ‘Where there is a will there is a way’ the saying itself means that if we are unwavering enough to get something done we would always find a way to do it. Our will power is very strong. And with a strong will, one can do wonders. But unfortunately, we usually choose to give up or conclude a particular task as impossible. In fact, little things like waking up early in the morning, studying for a particular number of hours, keeping to time and organizing ourselves calls for a strong determination. But often we quit or postpone. When a little child takes his first steps he often falls down and even hurts himself, but it is because he gets up each time he falls that he is able to walk around in a few days time. People like Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Gandhi, and Sudha Chandran are great source of inspiration for today’s generation as they have achieved a lot with the help of their own resolve. These are just a few examples for us to understand but in life there are a number of hurdles which cannot be crossed without our grit and dedication. When we face a particular problem we are overcome with fear and anxiety and don’t realize the strength of our will. This is generally the reason why we tend to surrender. According to me each one of us is born with a capability
which allows us to do extraordinary things. It is just about how dedicated, patient and firm you are. I conclude by saying that where there is a will there is way.
New Life Foundation presents 2 Days Intensive Workshop on
Past Life Regression Therapy With
Santosh Joshi A renowned Past Life Regression Therapist, Motivational Speaker and a Life Coach This workshop is designed to help you in the following ways: • It helps in your quest of inner transformation and spiritual growth • It helps you in experiencing the deepest realms of your consciousness where memories of your past lives are stored • It helps in understanding your role in the Cosmic Creation and how you can actively participate in your evolution process • It helps in understanding your individual journey and finding your Life’s Purpose • It helps in making you understand how you can live life completely and heal your past emotions or traumas The workshop covers the following : • Brief information about Theory of Reincarnation/Evolution, Theory of Karma, Life after Life • Knowing How to find the Purpose of Life, What is Rebirthing Breathwork, Importance of Forgiving and Gratitude Experiencing – Past Life Regressions, Astral Travel, Meeting your Master, Theta level meditations For registration contact : +91 9820401670 / 9820500427
Email : santosh@anewlifefoundation.com
A PATH OF MY OWN… Aekta Kapoor Delhi, India There is no "right path" or "wrong path" but only the path that you're on. – Neale Donald Walsch I just realised a couple of days ago that I don’t know too many working moms – and the ones I know are usually those in the government or teaching sector where they get home by 3 or 4 pm; or who have support at home such as a mother or motherin-law, or at the very least a husband; or have only one child. I have yet to come across an Indian woman in circumstances such as my own: two kids; no other adult support at home; a full-time, high-stress job. I only have part-time domestic help and I run two homes. I also handle my own finances and admin work. I do an hour and a half of yoga daily, and make time to read. I never say no if someone asks for any kind of writing or editing help. And I still manage to be punctual most of the time.
An inner voice told me to ‘detach’ – from the chores, the expectations and the disappointments. From the fatigue and the sense of burden. With my eyes closed, I attempted it, and managed to attain a neutral mindset. But later, the tears welled up again and I asked God, “How can I detach if there is so much work to be done? How can I detach once my eyes are open?”
My life is carefully structured and my weekday routine mostly runs like clockwork. But when something happens to set it off routine – such as a wedding in the family or visiting guests – my equilibrium just gets thrown off gear. My workload goes up twice its usual capacity and I begin to crack under the strain.
The response came later in the form of the above quote in my inbox, and moments later, the universe sent me an unexpected gift. It was almost as if God was saying: “Your path is admittedly difficult but look, here’s a little treat to let you know I am thinking of you and appreciate your efforts.”
These days, the strain is coming from all ends. To top it all, my housekeeper took the day off when I was expecting guests. The burden of ensuring wedding-wearable outfits for all three of us, coordinating with the choreographer and driver taking kids for their dance sessions, doing my own writing and practice for the wedding events, driving to and from family functions twice a day, sweeping, mopping, doing the laundry, making tiffins and ensuring other meals for everyone – besides usual busy days at work – led to a mini breakdown this morning. A few exhausted tears rolled down my cheeks while I sat in lotus pose.
I love the silly catchphrase in one of the advertisements: Tedah hai par mera hai (it's crooked, but it's mine). Today, I see that the same holds true for my life's journey as well. The path is crooked but it's mine. I have to love it like I love everything else that's been bestowed on me. The highs and the lows together make me who I am. I'd be incomplete without these bends in the road. And who knows what wonderful surprises await at the next corner? Challenges never cease and responsibilities only grow. But then, so do I.
Being Truly Rich “If you want to feel rich, just count the things you have that money can’t buy” Many of us associate money to happiness. To a certain extent money may be important, in order to fulfil basic needs and responsibilities towards the well being of self, family, community and loved ones. But beyond a point money cannot replace relationships. It cannot buy happiness. It cannot make you truly rich. As they rightly say ” A truly rich man is the one whose children run into his arms when his arms are empty”.
~ 21 ~
SCIENCE OF MUDRAS MUDRA OF THE MONTH
Nalini Jethwani Varun Mudra
This mudra is formed by joining together the tips of the thumb and the little finger. This increase the Jal (water) element with in the body. Almost 70% of the body is water. Thus water is the most abundant element in the body, being present in the protoplasm of cells, extra-cellular fluid, lymph, blood, tears saliva, mucous, digestive juices, enzymes, hormones, semen, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) etc. A deficiency of water in the body would result in dehydration of tissues. Performance of ajl-vardhak mudra increase the water content of the body by suitably affecting the water-matabolism. Thus, it helps to rehydrate cells, tissues, muscles, skin, joint-cartialge, etc.
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Major Benefits: Varun mudra can be used to overcome the following disorders : Dryness of eyes, Dryness of the digestive tract(mouth, throat and intestines), Indigestion, For constipation, Dryness of the skin leading to cracks, dry eczema, psoriasis, etc., Degeneration of joint-cartilage, Osteo-Arthritis, Anaemia, cramps, dehydration, deficiency of hormones, scanty urination (oliguria), Scanty semen(oligospermia), scanty menses (oligomenorrhoea), Loss of taste sensation, tongue-disorders, disorders of vatta-exces. This should be done for 45 minutes every day, either at one stretch or in 3 parts(i.e, for 15 minutes, thrice a day).
Precaution: people having water-retention in their bodies or people with a Pitta + Kapha constitution should perform this mudra moderately, if at all.
MYSTIC MUSINGS THROUGH
TAROT If you have any questions pertaining to the issues you are going through, you can send your question (one at a time) to editor@kosmicjourney.com and we will be happy to answer that through tarot card reading. It is absolutely FREE. Please mention in your mail your date of birth and if it is ok to publish your question in the e-magazine, or if we can publish by changing your name. We will publish a few general questions with their answers in our next issue with the consent of the sender.
FOR PERSONAL TAROT SESSIONS CONTACT ARUNA JOSHI ON +91 9820500427 ~ 22 ~
Food for Body, Mind and Soul PUMPKIN LOVE Pumpkin bring to me memories to the time I was growing up and was a fussy eater. And one of the things that I eat without much of a fuss was Pumpkin Rice. I had a sweet tooth, so the natural sweetness from the pumpkins was very appetizing to me. My mom followed this wonderful recipe of Pumpkin rice, made with Orange pumpkins. Its very simple really. You cut up the pumpkin into little chunks, toss it in with some grains of rice and dal, add a dash of salt and spice powder (she used sambar powder) and pressure cook it for 3-4 whistles. When it is cooled off, she mashed it well with her hands and added a nice dollop of homemade ghee. Yuuummm! Good healthy antioxidant success. This was such a huge hit with me at that time. Soon, it gained the proportions of comfort food in my world. If we were headed out to travel, and mom had to take something along for me, she would cook pumpkin rice. If we came back home after a lengthy and tiring shopping trip, she would have made pumpkin rice prior to leaving, and it would go down very well on our return. Such was the specialness of pumpkin rice in my home and in my life. It was that easy resort for my mom in the hard days of food struggles with
Jyotsna Nair
me. Pumpkin Rice was the Maggi noodles of my college life, and that's saying something ! Despite having such strong connection with the vegetable, cooking with pumpkin is something I've started doing just recently. So it was an occasion of great sentiment and joy, the first time I cooked it for P. I was anxious and excited in turns. Excited to be making it again after such a long time. Anxious to have it well received with warmth by him. But I needn't have worried. P gulped it all down in a smooth, uninterrupted 10 minutes, by the end of which and my heart was overflowing! Just like the old times. And it made me realise...that the ways in which you live out memories are manifold. In addition to the pictures and videos, in addition to the memories, apart from the nostalgia and the temperaments...there is also this dimension. Food. And when I think of food...this is one of the things that comes to mind. Pumpkin rice. And pumpkin love. Here is my recipe for Pumpkin Rice (minus the ghee !)
Pumpkin Rice Ingredients 3 Tablespoon Olive Oil 1 Chopped Onion 2 cups basmati Rice ½ cup dal 1 cup Pumpkin 6 cups vegetable stock 3 bay leaves Salt, pepper to taste Method Heat oil. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally until softened and transluscent. Add rice and dal and stir. Add pumpkin, bay leaves, salt and pepper and stir. Add the vegetable stock and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally to keep rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot, until the liquid is absorbed and rice is cooked. Transfer to a bowl and serve immediately.
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Books & Movies " The
Greatness Guide" by Robin Sharma
"If you don't act on life, life will act on you" quotes flamboyant leadership guru Robin Sharma, who carved his niche with his worldwide famous book "Monk who sold his Ferrari", added another feather to his cap with his book "The Greatness Guide". This book wears an air of practical ideas which are easy and compelling. The language used in the book is admiringly 'simple'. This book offers 101 tips on making yourself great. The author pulls together his own experiences and combines them with succinct quotes from others to illustrate numerous ways that you can better yourself or your company. He continued to touch a little on everything time management, family life, setting a goal, determining what's important in life and many more such things. You will feel truly uplifted and inspired by this book, an appealing and real treat to his ardent fans.
ZINDAGI NA MILEGI DOBARA You don't get life a second time Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara is a beautifully scripted journey of catharsis. It is a story of three young men who take a holiday that changes their lives forever. It is a fantasy holiday that they had planned to take after college that never happened. It is a road trip in Spain where each one gets to do the ultimate sport of his choice and the other two just have to do it with him. Whether they want to or not. It is an adventure that will not only make them iron out their differences but also face their fears, alter their perception, unravel their fabric, force them to break out of the box and teach them to seize the day. In short, it is a holiday that will change their lives forever. During the journey, their outer shells are peeled off and their true lives are revealed to one another. Emerging stronger from the experience, they are prepared to live their lives moment by moment, taking pleasure in what they have than bother over what they don't. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara is a movie to give you a deep and heartfelt message on why we should live life by seizing the moment and following our hearts.
THE BLIND SIDE “ The Blind Side” (2009 ) is an inspirational sports movie. It won Sandra Bullock the Best Actress award in Academy Awards in 2010. This motivational story is about a homeless African _American youngster from a broken home who is taken in by a well-to-do family who help him fulfill his potential as an All-American football player and first round NFL draft pick. The movie is based on the true story of Baltomore ravens offensive tackle Micheal Oher. The entire movie is about Micheal becoming a professional football player and how his adoption into the Tuohy family got him there. Micheal ( Quinton Aaron ) a.k.a Big Mike is practically homeless when he meets Leign Tuohy ( Sandra Bullock ). She invites him into her home to be with her husband Sean ( Tim McGraw ) and her two young children, Collins and SJ. Michels appearance belies his personality and he soon becomes part of the Tuohy family. The more, The Blind Side progresses, the more engaging it becomes. Before you know it, you”ll be completely engrossed in Michael”s transformation. By the end of the film, Leigh Anne maintains the stick-to-itiveness that she utilizes to change Michael”s life and keep her own family together, she sheds her tough exterior and absorbs what their journey has revealed to her about herself. This is what makes the story unique. It is not just about a rich woman being charitable to a poor boy or the rise of an unlikely athlete ; it is about the transformation of a family, making it a truly inspiring film. It isn’t until the credits roll that you realize what a major sentimental impact it has made on you.
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Past Life Regression Workshop, Mumbai 1st – 2nd September 2012
I count him braver who conquers his desires than him who conquers his enemies; for the hardest victory is the victory over self. ~ Aristotle ~
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