Breathe
There’s been quite a bit of palpable tension in the air lately, particularly this week and it likely won’t be easing up anytime soon. This week many of you have shared personal hardships with me. Collectively, we are carrying a lot on our shoulders. To say the least, the year 2020 has been a challenge.
Every situation is an opportunity. Either you harvest wellbeing, or suffering – it’s your choice. - Sadhguru
Today I thought I’d share some of my own personal thoughts on how I stay centered and balanced. There’s no question. I’ve faced major challenges over the years, but one thing I’ve learned is that how you choose to approach these hardships builds and defines character. With every challenge, there is an opportunity to learn something about ourselves and to grow in ways we never dreamed possible.
Meditation is a vital way to purify and quiet the mind, thus rejuvenating the body. - Deepak Chopra
Meditation has been an interesting journey for me rooting in childhood. I was always intrigued by the concept of meditation. When I was younger, we spent many of our summers at my grandparent’s house in Kerala, India. By far, those were my best childhood memories. My grandfather was a very disciplined man who firmly believed in the practice of prayer, yoga, and meditation. He first exposed me to homeopathy and ayurveda. As a young child, one of my favorite pastimes was simply observing him. I remember following him around watching him with growing curiosity and fascination. My sister would often join me. He was uniquely one of those people who didn’t seem disturbed by anyone watching. Every once in a while, he would look at us and chuckle, but then continue on. Every day, even weekends, it was the same routine. I could easily write a novel on my observations and reflections over those summers. Little did I know, this was all part of my own spiritual journey. Such a beautiful, priceless imprint in my life.
Fast-forward to now. With two young children who may as well be my appendages, it can feel seemingly impossible to find space for meditation and internal reflection. My 12-minute commute to work became my personal time. I often drove without any music on, rejoicing in silence. Gradually, I found myself feeling overwhelmed and craving meditation more and more, but couldn’t find the time for it, especially at home. Periodically I’d escape to group meditation sessions and left feeling renewed and revived. I finally decided that I absolutely needed to prioritize this practice. I’m proud to report that since February 2020, I’ve only missed one morning meditation session. To say that this daily practice has been transformative is an understatement. I cannot imagine going a single day without it. For the most part, my kids are respectful of this sacred 15-20 minute timeframe. Occasionally, my two year old will test boundaries (ahem like this morning) and my husband will sweep in for the rescue. It’s a non-negotiable part of my morning and I cannot speak enough about the inner peace and enlightenment it has brought me.
To me a lush carpet of pine needles or spongy grass is more welcome than the most luxurious Persian rug. - Helen Keller
Being outdoors is therapeutic and we try to spend time outdoors daily, usually gardening, which is one of my favorite hobbies. Gardening with the kids is especially fun, as they exude my same excitement watching our seeds sprout and grow and in harvesting fresh veggies and fruits. My soul lights up just being outdoors in connection with nature, soaking in the healing warmth of the sun or digging in the dirt. As a family, weather permitting, we dine outside on our patio quite often. Such a simple time that fills me with tremendous joy and gratitude.
Laughter.
Gotta have it. Sprinkled in everywhere. I live and breathe humor. There is no greater human connection than when you share the same sense of humor with someone else. I absolutely love this tribute that Will Smith gives the late Robin Williams which summarizes this point to a tee.
Dance, even if you have nowhere to do it but your living room. - Mary Schmich
Whether it’s belting out songs solo, with my kids, or having an impromptu dance party with them, music and movement are vital to life. Helping our son practice piano every day is one of my favorite things to do. I am grateful that my son has brought piano back into my life and has a shared love of this incredible instrument. The original family dance party started with me and my sister, and even with her gone, I still feel this immense bond. Music and dance forever connect us. It transcends time and space. The connection is real.
Family is not an important thing. It's everything. - Michael J. Fox.
Surrounding yourself with family and friends who lift your spirits and remind you of who we are is key. How grateful I am for my beautiful, blessed family. Life is busy, but prioritizing quality time together each and every day is important. Those fleeting moments that can easily get lost in the day-to-day are beyond precious. If we pay close attention, our children have much to teach us about ourselves, about the world around us. Listening to our children’s prayers before bed is always a humbling experience. Our prayers every night are one of gratitude for our many blessings. My husband—I cannot envision my life without him. He is my everything. And of course, our beloved fur baby, Gandhi, now a blessed angel in heaven. Family is everything.
Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world. - Howard Zinn
Service and giving back to our community bring me immense joy. This is essentially the heart and mission behind this new practice. Being of service to my patients is a tremendous honor that I never take for granted. My patients have taught me a lot over the years, and I’m grateful for the connections we have built and the healing that takes place every day.
When things change inside you, things change around you . - Unknown
So, when you really, really think about it - our basic needs are quite simple. Love, laughter, music, movement, nature, inner reflection, service. These are the basic elements that make us feel joyful, centered, and fulfilled; able to take on the world and all of its unpredictable chaos.
For each of us, our needs may be different, but they stem from the same basic elements.
Taking the time to reflect on what each of us as individuals need on a day-to-day basis is important. Figuring out how to prioritize it, I believe, can steer the course of our lives.
With much love,
