Inner Light

BK Shivani puts Emotional Health on the Spotlight during Dubai Visit

Thousands of residents in Dubai were in luck to have internationally-acclaimed spiritual and motivational speaker BK Shivani in their midst to kick off the year with inspiring messages on healing, strengthening family connections, and maintaining a peaceful and stable mind.

World renowned for her enlightening talks, Sister Shivani, as she is fondly called, has put emotional health on the spotlight on most of her talks during her visit on January 13-15. She further highlighted that paying attention to it is key to addressing mental health issues that are mostly coming from over consumption of negative content.

The Raja Yoga Center hosted her presence in the emirate

and helped organize her talks along with key partners. She delivered a speech at the 2nd International AYUSH Conference and Exhibition at the Dubai World Trade Centre;

which we can commit to is restricting content consumption and consume healthy content. Content is equal to personality, karma, and destiny.”

Content is equal to personality, karma, and destiny

Sister Shivani ‘

BITS Pilani Campus in International Academic City; Millennium Plaza; and India Club.

On family relationships and raising children, she urged attendees to commit to one change: “One little homework

She also focused on the powers of the soul to keep the mind free from ‘stains’ or negative influence and that changing the vocabulary of the mind is an easy thing to do but it needs practise. “If I give power to others, people will manipulate me. I need to keep the remote control of my words, thoughts, deeds, and state of mind with me,” she said.

In case you missed it, watch her sessions on our YouTube channel: @RajaYogaDubai1

- From Burnout to Balance

- Peaceful & Stable Mind (in Hindi Language)

BK Shivani addressing a huge gathering at Millenium Plaza, Dubai

AGE GROUP: 6-11 years

The Enlightened Kids (EK) initiative by the Raja Yoga Center on its 11th year continues to charm children in Dubai aged 6-11 years with a variety of creative activities each month.

The sessions are being held in the form of workshops with the objective of instilling positive values and nurturing their potential.

From January to March, the kids participated in various

unique activities with the aim of bringing out their best qualities.

From ‘Mind Metaverse’, to ‘Traffic Light Worksheet’, to the ‘Tunnel of Confidence’, they learned the meaning of self-esteem, simplicity, and inner peace. The children also engaged in dancing, guided meditation, yoga, and art sessions.

The Enlightened Kids (EK) is conducted for children aged 6-11 years by the Raja Yoga Center, Dubai

AGE GROUP: 18-40 years

The Virtue Café has kicked off this year with a new twist to its monthly programmes for youth and young professionals with the launch of the ‘Being Light’ Series.

The first session in January got everyone engaged in a special ‘Living Library’ session where participants shared inspiring life stories and discovered practical ways to embrace lightness through meditation and daily practices.

The second month was all

about exploring Compassionate Connections and heartfelt reflections and how to feel lighter in relationships through Empathy and Love.

And finally, March got the participants into grounding exercises to help reconnect with the self, reflecting on their purpose, actions, and sense of awareness.

Virtue Café is for youth aged 18 - 40 years focused on self-improvement.

JOURNEY OF SELF-DISCOVERY

Ankita Manjunath's path to confidence through meditation

Ankita Manjunath, a 30-year-old interior designer, hailing from India but raised in the Middle East, reminisces about her journey from a timid child to a confident professional. "I grew up in Sharjah, UAE, where I completed my high school education before pursuing further studies in India," she recounted. "At 17, I ventured into the world of architecture, a decision influenced by the pressures and expectations of my family yet aligned with my own interests."

Reflecting on her childhood, Ankita described it as "easy going," focused on academics and family time. However, her father's insistence on a robust career path during her crucial high school years nudged her towards architecture, a field that intrigued her. "I wasn't one for the limelight, public speaking, challenging others," she

It (Raja Yoga Meditation) targets

the root cause of stress and pain - our thoughts...

admitted, "but architecture seemed to strike a chord with

me."

Ankita's introduction to Raja Yoga came through her mother's practice when she was just nine. "I remember being fascinated by the concept of focusing on a point of light without blinking," she shared. "Though I didn't grasp its significance fully until I was older, it became an integral part of my life by the time I turned 24."

From being a shy kid growing up, to hosting large-scale gatherings for Raja Yoga Center in Dubai, Ankita has come a long way. When asked about the benefits of this meditation practice, Ankita emphasised its simplicity and the value on keeping one's eyes open. "It targets the root cause of stress and pain - our thoughts," she explained. The impact of

meditation on Ankita's life has been profound. "I used to buckle under pressure easily," she admitted. "But through practising Raja Yoga, especially incorporating Seva (service), I learned to deal with pressure more effectively."

“I would recommend those who have just taken the meditation course which is free, to definitely volunteer your time, expertise or effort for the center in some way or the other. It brings you closer to the Supreme and centre as well,” says Ankita, who regularly contributed in organising Virtue Café, one of the center’s monthly events which brings youth together for sessions on spiritual rejuvenation.

Drawing on the changes she experienced, Ankita highlighted heightened self-awareness, clearer communication, and improved confidence and self-respect. "It's like having a dialogue with oneself, which guides my interactions throughout the day."

Ankita also vouches for the importance of consistency in meditation practice and the power of giving back with positive intentions. "Always maintain the bhawna (sentiment) of benevolence," she concluded, "no matter the circumstances."

Meditation Course for Beginners is conducted regularly at Raja Yoga Center

VEGAN OMELETTE

Prep Time: 10mins | Cook Time: 40mins: 3

Ingredients:

1.1 cup finely chopped cabbage

2.1 cup finely chopped spinach

3.2 tablespoons finely chopped dill leaves

4.200g firm tofu, crumbled

5.1/4 cup plant-based milk

6.2 tablespoons almond flour

Method:

BEFORE WE COOK LET’S THINK OF A POSITIVE AFFIRMATION

I have a compassionate approach to life which helps my mind to stay

clear and focused

7.1/2 teaspoon black salt

8.Salt and pepper to taste

9.Pinch of chili powder

10.1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder

11.1 tablespoon psyllium husk powder

12.1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking

•In a blender, combine the crumbled tofu, plant-based milk, almond flour, black salt, salt, pepper, chili powder, turmeric powder, and psyllium husk powder. Blend until you have a smooth paste-like consistency.

•Heat the olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.

•Add the finely chopped cabbage, spinach, and dill leaves to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

•Pour the tofu mixture over the cooked vegetables in the skillet, spreading it out evenly.

•Cook the omelette for 4-5 minutes, or until the edges start to set and the bottom is golden brown.

•Carefully flip the omelette using a spatula, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side, until it's cooked through and golden brown.

•Once cooked, transfer the omelette to a plate and serve hot.

•You can garnish with additional dill leaves or fresh herbs if desired.

Enjoy your light, fluffy, and low-carb vegan omelette!

ABOUT RAJA YOGA CENTER

We promote spiritual understanding, leadership with integrity and elevated actions towards a better world. We offer FREE courses to individuals across various age groups.