Author

Roopa

Hello there!

This is Roopa here, the creator of 'Bomma' the doll you see in the drawings on this blog - all hand-drawn by me ! As a Certified Yoga Teacher, I guide people of all ages towards health & joyfulness on the Yoga Path. Teaching is not just my profession; it is my calling, and I cherish the connections I build with every student.
Beyond the mat, my biggest smiles are when I am in the midst of nature!
I love the smell of the Earth, the sight of rivers, mountains & lakes, the taste of all fresh fruits & vegetables, the sweat n sparkle after a good workout, and the emotion of Carnatic classical ragas.
I like to think of myself as a person with a lot of possibilities! With degrees in English, Psychology, Sanskrit, Cardio–Pulmonary Perfusion, Applied Nutrition and some other interesting fields, I not only love learning, I share my knowledge as well.
I am a gardener, trekker, avid reader, learner & poet who enjoys motivating people to be their best!
Over the years, I have received Best Trainer Awards and Best Paper Awards at national conferences for my contributions to health and wellness. I’m also a freelance writer, published in The Hindu. I share insights on health, yoga, well-being, personal growth and mindful living on my blog, The Road Well Taken.
Do subscribe to my blog !

Wellness

5 Reasons Why Getting Comfortable With Hunger Is Great – conclusion.

by Roopa March 25, 2023

written by Roopa

It is a wonderfully light feeling when we get comfortable with hunger 🙂 ! We don’t over-eat, we stay active, energetic, and healthy ! It takes some time, practise and determination to get comfortable with & tolerate hunger. Do read the 7 simple, practical ways to respond to hunger here in my previous post.

I talked about opting to eat ‘food’ that nourishes us rather than ‘non-food’ that only appeals to the tongue in my previous post . I also emphasized that we need to pause, be aware of our bodies and minds, and then decide whether to eat or not when we think we are hungry.

Tolerance to hunger is greatly connected to contentment. As we learn to be content with what we eat, reduced quantities though it might be, we can consciously apply this feeling of contentment to other areas of life.

Read more about contentment in my next post!

The 5 benefits of tolerating hunger –

1) It is invaluable to maintaining good health – This is the biggest benefit of all. Combined with working out/exercise in some form every day, moderate eating ‘mitaahara’ is the best way to maintain health.

Overeating naturally leads to obesity which is a killer. A large number of people, both young and old struggle to handle excess bodyweight. We think we know a lot about food and over-eating and diets. We always have goals to be fitter, lighter etc but when it comes to actually implementing our goals, we rarely tell ourselves – “So what if I am hungry?! I will befriend this feeling. I must tolerate this hunger”.

This is the first thing to learn !

Just this one thought, this one mind-set change and determination – “I will tolerate this hunger” – will make a huge positive difference to our bodyweight and health. Everyone knows that maintaining a normal BMI is important but “how do I eat the right amount to maintain it?” is the question! If we learn to get comfortable with hunger, we automatically eat a decent amount because now we learn to be satisfied even if our stomachs are not absolutely ‘full’. We do not overeat, and it gets that much easier to have an acceptable BMI.

Not to worry, our body will get used to the fact that we are eating lesser now !

2) We enjoy and value our food better – Contrary to any thoughts that we lose interest in food when we eat lesser, we actually enjoy our food better !! Once we learn to eat consciously, in response to our true hunger, only whenever our bodies need that food, everything tastes so good ! We respect and relish the food we eat even more than before.

3) We develop superb will power, determination & mind control – Hunger is a very strong instinct, and it drives one to almost immediate action.

Physiological hunger has no face, religion or colour. It is felt by every living creature whether big, small, rich or poor. Creatures other than humans do not need to learn to tolerate it, they must only suffer hunger! But when we as humans learn to bear such a strong instinct as hunger, we realise and develop the strength of will power, resistance, determination, and mind control. The best part is that it benefits us not just in the aspect of our health & nourishment but it also builds ‘discipline’ that is applicable to other areas of our life. As we exercise control over what and when we eat, it makes our determination strong and this mind power can be applied to areas like our work, creativity, other goals and fitness.

4) We learn to be more patient, we learn to handle anger – When we are hungry we get impatient and angry (hangry!!). When we learn to handle hunger, we learn to be more patient, calmer, more in the moment and stronger. This can have great benefits in many other aspects of our lives. Think about it and comment !

5) We accept change more easily – We get comfortable in other areas of our life where change is required. We learn to easily say no to other not-so-pleasant habits/ areas where we need to improve.

Life becomes easier – We free up time and energy when we eat lesser. Seriously. Try it! We get more time to do other things!

Some people might wonder if this topic is even relevant ! Who wants to tolerate hunger?! And why should one? There is so much food around, why should I deny myself something as basic as food !?

This post is not about denying oneself the pleasure of eating food, on the other hand, it is about how to enjoy food better and make sure that we live healthily enough to be able to enjoy it for a sufficiently long time ! 🙂

This topic is for those who:

1. Realise the importance and value of food and want to make the best of their lives by living in the best of their health rather than in ill- health with a ‘I live to eat’ attitude.

2. It is for those that want to lead active, healthy lives with a desire to be able to do whatever they want to do rather than lead lives in a diseased state.

3. It is for those that value and respect their bodies and realise that we all have just one body to live in , one that ONLY ONESELF can take care of. The first step on this path is to EAT RIGHT – THE RIGHT KIND in the RIGHT QUANTITY in a peaceful, joyful STATE OF MIND.

Mitaahaara

The concept of ‘mitaahara’ which means intake of ‘moderate amount of food’ (Sanskrit) is a great one. In no way does this mean that we cannot enjoy food! After all, eating good food is one of the pleasures of life and we must indulge in it once in a while.

The idea is to develop good eating habits right from a young age that will ensure we do not get obese and develop diseases later on. Getting comfortable with hunger is a great way to do this !

OTHER KINDS OF HUNGER !

Of course there are different definitions of the different aspects of hunger that is non-physiological. Hunger could mean an emptiness, as also the desires, craving and ambition for money, success, fame, love, attention, praise, power, validation and knowledge etc! This is a topic for another day !

What are the ways you ensure that you eat moderate quantities of food and maintain your BMI?

What is your experience with understanding and attending to your hunger – physiological or otherwise ?

Do share in the comments below !

March 25, 2023 4 comments

Wellness

5 reasons why getting comfortable with hunger is great! – Introduction.

by Roopa February 24, 2023

written by Roopa

This post is about physiological hunger; understanding what your hunger and craving for food means, and how to get comfortable with tolerating hunger so that you are able to eat quantities that help you stay healthy! By learning to get comfortable with hunger, you will have the mental strength and will power to avoid overeating – the most common cause of obesity, which in turn is the lead cause of many diseases.

“What !? Seriously? Don’t you get hungry ?!!” is a question I get asked very often when I casually mention that I don’t eat dinner, and haven’t for over 20 years now. So yes, though I will attend your dinner party, I am not gonna eat anything.

Of course I get hungry. I am a normal, healthy woman and I feel pain, hunger pangs, cold and heat like any other person! I am also fit, strong, energetic, and rarely fall sick. I have been this way for as long as I can remember ! I have never once got stressed out about my weight nor do I count calories nor do I follow any particular diet except for a ‘healthy one’ (nearly) every single day!

How do I do it?

Over the years, I have gotten comfortable with the feeling of hunger. That’s the key! I am not saying it is pleasant or easy but it’s a simple way to maintain a good BMI.

If you are looking to get healthier or lose weight and are a) a normal, healthy person with b) no known diseases including diabetes and hyperacidity and c) you eat 3 meals a day, building tolerance to hunger can help you limit the quantity you eat through the day and help you get lighter.

You need not skip an entire meal like I do. In my case, I need to eat a good breakfast since I run or workout everyday in the morning. I also feel the need to have a decent lunch since I am active through the day. I can do without dinner though. Maybe what works for you would be to eat 3 meals a day but in lesser quantities. Perhaps your activity levels are such that you don’t need breakfast but lunch and dinner will keep you going strong. Whatever it is, building a tolerance to hunger, getting comfortable with that feeling without eating, will help you achieve your weight management goals.

Understand your hunger – The effect of eating Food vs Non-food – What’s your fuel?

Think about your response to hunger. What do you do when you feel those hunger pangs rising there, in your stomach or… is it all just in your head? The commonest response /reaction most people have to hunger anytime is – just go eat!

Well, that is why we get hungry right? Hunger is just the body signaling to us to eat, isn’t it ?

Sure, you must eat when hungry but can you pause, wait just a bit and think and understand what this hunger really is at this point.

Asking yourself these questions below and answering them honestly will help!

Are you conscious, alert and aware of exactly how much ‘food’ your body needs everyday? Do you eat the right quantity or are you over-eating? Are you eating food or non-food?

Are you really low energy-wise? Do you really NEED that food? What did you eat before this hunger started up again? How long ago did you eat? Are you a victim to the habit of eating?

A) Our bodies really don’t need much! To be healthy, active and energetic you need to eat the right amount of food, not more. B) You need to take care to provide the right kind of nutrition and nourishment to this supremely intelligent, amazing, beautiful body that we each live in!

Let’s say you own a petrol car. Will you put diesel or cooking oil or sawdust into your car and then expect it to run perfectly on that fuel?

Similarly you need to put in the right kind of fuel for your body and mind to function properly. Food is fuel. Grasp this clearly and firmly. And you must remember that while you can replace your car, replacing your body while you are still in it is currently not possible !

So if you are not particular about what you eat, as you should be, if you are putting all kinds of ‘non-foods’ into your body, instead of proper ‘food’ – the kind that will rejuvenate you and nourish you and preserve your health, you body will crave the right ‘food’ and make you hungry over and over again.

This is something you need to think about carefully and make the necessary changes in your diet! There’s no point tolerating hunger and then eating junk when you do eat!

What does being comfortable with hunger mean? And how does one do this?

If you decide to eat lesser than you usually do, for whatever reasons – to lose weight, to get healthier, or break some bad eating habits, the first thing you will have to do is win the battle against your tongue & stomach with your mind and will power.

You will want terribly to eat when you get hungry, to fill your mouth and stomach, but your mind might warn you about your goals, you might remember that you don’t need the food. What about that growling in your stomach? Can you change that?

We eat for a variety of reasons that need not only be physiological; food can soothe emotions, food helps in socializing, bonding with peers, food can also comfort you and change your mood. Being comfortable with hunger means understanding that though your body and mind are motivating you to eat, if you know that the intake is not necessary for you, you tolerate hunger calmly while still continuing to be active.

(Note – For sure you have to be very aware of your energy levels. If you are low on energy and need to eat, you must do so. Also if you are diabetic or have any other disease this IS NOT for you)

Here’s how to respond to hunger –

Response 1 – Sip water slowly. Warm water or cold water or water at room temperature… whatever works for you. Make water your best friend and the first ‘go to’ response. You will be amazed right from day 1 how beautifully this helps you tolerate hunger. Drink as much water as you wish to. Add some lemon juice if you like that taste. You can only feel good.

Response 2 – Tolerate the hunger. With your mind. Yes, so you are hungry. But you need NOT eat. You will do fine. You can tolerate it. If you find your stomach growling the first few days that you do not eat a meal, it’s a normal thing. As you consume lesser quantities of food, your body and mind will get used to it and you will find it easy to ignore that hunger, but you must power through those first few weeks! Tell yourself clearly that you will simply ignore that hunger because your goal is much higher.

Response 3 – Engage yourself in other activities. Get your mind to focus on things other than food. Go walking, listen to music, call some friends, do some writing or journaling. Do anything relaxing or productive that helps you take your mind off food.

Response 4 – Go nuts ! If you must absolutely eat something, go for nuts – a half cup of peanuts, some pistachios, a few almonds or anything non-carb like sticks of carrot or cucumber. (Do not overeat the nuts). You can choose to sip some juices if you like.

Response 5 – Plan your next amazing meal. What amazing, nourishing food will be your next meal? Plan it out clearly. Your mind will be able to overcome the current hunger in anticipation of a guaranteed meal that is coming up!

Response 6 – Brush your teeth. You might well be saying “what?!! seriously ?!” but take it from me, when you decide you do not need to eat anymore for the day, just brushing your teeth signals to your brain that you are done. It helps you say no to eating.

Response 7 – Breathe deeply and calm your hunger by calming your mind. When you indulge in some conscious deep breathing, you bring yourself into the ‘now’ and this calms your mind beautifully. Enjoy how easily it soothes your hunger pangs as well.

Try these tips out and let me know how you feel ! What is your experience in tolerating hunger? Have you ever gone on a fast?

The 5 great benefits of tolerating hunger, coming up in my next post !!

February 24, 2023 8 comments

Personal Growth

Why Excellence makes one so delighted!

by Roopa January 8, 2023

written by Roopa

Remember that time when you put in your heart and soul and made that great dish that everyone loved! Or that time when you went all out to help that customer! Yes, that time when you practiced that song really well and rendered it so beautifully! That time when you submitted your best science assignment! What a beautiful feeling that was huh! Makes you smile when you think of it !

That’s what it feels like when we do our best. How nice it would be to do our best every time! How delightful ! Not just for us but for the witness/recipient as well !

Yet it is easy to just do whatever is passable, just acceptable, to get by. But that does not lead to excellence. Excellence requires us to put in more effort, our best effort in fact, to get superior and ‘higher than expectations’ results. It requires us to be immersed, present and reach standards that bring joy, satisfaction and delight, whatever our task or actions maybe.

The best part is – expertise and excellence raise the level of experience not just for the individual but for the person witnessing that expertise and excellence! This is the reason why it makes one so delighted!

Listen once more to Bharata Ratna M S Subbalakshmi singing Bhaja Govindam, recall Roger Federer’s passing shots, watch Mark Spitz in the pool…What pleasure, what joy, what inspiration just to witness their expertise, their elite performance !

While mastery and expertise pertain to skill sets and are acquired through consistent, dedicated practise, excellence is an attitude and a habit.

Excellence, mastery and expertise in any field are highly valued, respected and in demand. Whether in sports, science, art, literature or business, we recognise and admire high standards, high skill sets and high competence.

Everyday, we depend on experts in one way or the other – the nephrologist treating a sick family member, the lawyer taking up a property dispute on your behalf in the court, the guy that ‘expertly’ changes your car tyres, the pilot that flies you to Goa for your vacation – we need people who we can trust to keep our lives, money and family safe.

We look forward to enjoy the works, play and creations of excellent musicians, expert sportspersons, and masterful artists.

One need not get insane ‘chasing’ expertise, rather natural aptitude + immersive practice (sadhana) + regular course correction + a desire to be one’s best+ an attitude to DO one’s best every time leads to Excellence and Expertise.

Excellence is not a theoretical concept. It is not about just being the best version of oneself, it is about DOING our best, of being people in action, of doing the very best we can in any field, in any activity, be it small or big. The satisfaction, the joy of being in that space is immense.

Excellence is not about being better than anyone else at a task in any field. It is about being excellent in one’s own ways, being better than before.

Excellence is easy to recognise, as is mediocrity. Mediocre or sub-par levels of activity give neither the desired results nor high levels of satisfaction for the doer or the witness.

The Bhagavad Gita on Excellence:

The Bhagavad Gita IS about performance – performing to the best of one’s abilities.

As Krishna says in Bhagavad Gita, 3:21
यद्यदाचरति श्रेष्ठस्तत्तदेवेतरो जन: |
स यत्प्रमाणं कुरुते लोकस्तदनुवर्तते ||
Whatever actions great persons perform, common people follow. Whatever standards they set, all the world pursues.

By being excellent in one’s field, by choosing to be an expert, we can inspire many, guide many and teach many.

“Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence”
― Vince Lombardi

So are you ready to set those high standards and inspire the world with your excellence, mastery and expertise ? 🙂

January 8, 2023 6 comments

Wellness

How to make the moon shine brighter.

by Roopa December 22, 2022

written by Roopa

Yes, we can make the moon shine brighter … just as we can smell the fragrance of flowers more sharply, feel the raindrops more distinctly and enjoy everyday life more intensely!

We can take delight in a simple walk in the park as if it were amazing. Yes, we can relish our food more !

Caught in the daily grind of our work and routines, it is easy to look at everything in a hazy, superficial way. It is easy to feel things in a dull, disengaged manner.

But is that what we want? Or do we want everyday to have something fabulous in it?

Do we not want to get a kick from everything we do ?

Here are 4 ways to make everyday brighter, more memorable and joyful !

1.Engage fully:

When we engage fully, we see more, listen better, understand deeply, and do more.

Engaging fully means to give focused attention, open our senses completely, involve deeply, and be connected to whatever we are doing at that moment.

It could be simple acts like eating breakfast, talking on the phone with a colleague, jogging in a park, teaching a kid to do Math… Or gazing up at the Moon ! 🙂

While the word ‘detachment’ can mean different things in different contexts, for the best moments in our lives, we need to be attached and engaged with our passions and with whatever we are doing in that moment, not detached.

Engaged moments make us feel productive, fulfilled, and content.

“Do your best but be detached from the fruits/results of your actions though”, advises Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita.

2. Experience intensely:

There’s the superficial or shallow way of looking at things, of experiencing something. And then there’s the deep, engaged, intense way of experiencing things.

Think of how you would play with a new puppy in the house! After a long hard trek to the top, how would you enjoy the stunning, pure white waterfall spread out in front of you? If you had the opportunity to enjoy a cool, delicious drink in a lovely ambience… how you would relish it? How would you enjoy a fresh, juicy, crisp green apple plucked directly from the tree?

When we feel something intensely, our senses become acute and we experience things more.

When we feel more, we are more alive. Indeed, we can make this way of experiencing anything a habit !

To be able to feel intensely is a sign of a great and rich inner life, of deep thoughts, and an essential passion that allows us to enjoy everyday things more brightly.

Expressing what we feel is as important as experiencing it. The expression of intense feelings in positive and creative ways makes us feel wonderful ! It is the combination of emotion and intellect in intense ways that give rise to great works of art, prose, poetry and other forms of creativity.

It is through emotional intensity that we experience joy in life, have a passion for learning, have a drive to express our talents, and have the motivation for achievement.

When everyone lives with intensity, it elevates this world greatly.

3. Allow more sensitivity:

The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.

– WB Yeats

To experience the magic, it is good to be comfortable with natural human expressions and emotions. Feelings make us human, it is what makes us special. Definitely, there is no need to be passive, stoic or non-expressive.It is easy to desensitize ourselves to avoid emotions. This makes our days dull, draining and boring.

When we open our senses to perceive more and receive more, when we develop both our external and internal sensitivities to absorb more, we see things in more beautiful detail.

Sensitivity allows us to practise empathy, understanding and kindness. Our communication is clearer and our connection better because we perceive people and their feelings more clearly when we become more sensitive to others.

Emotional health is about our willingness to say yes to our inner and outer world, our ability to engage with it all, expand as required to absorb the beauty, challenges, changes and demands of this world. It is about allowing life to touch us, move us and affect us deeply, without losing our ground.

Thus, magic is about making the best of our emotional intensity.

4. Feel twinklingly, pulsatingly alive:

To be alive is to experience everything; sing, dance, love and give as totally and overflowingly as we can !

Pause when you feel drained, dull or bored ! Check your emotions and the work that you are doing. Are you engaged with what you are doing? What are your feelings? Are you doing something without having a feel for it? Without opening your senses to that task ?

To feel more alive, it is important to practise immersive living, intense experiencing and fully engaging with what we do, what we enjoy and the positive experiences we have!

We can explore exciting spaces beyond regular, societal or learnt constructs, being more sensitive rather than desensitizing.

Here’s wishing you all days that are twinklingly, pulsatingly alive !

Days with an abundant, bountiful, joyful, inner life, with an immense, unlimited zest for life !!

When we look at the moon with a sparkle in our eyes,… yes it WILL shine brighter ! 🙂

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December 22, 2022 2 comments

Wellness

The best connection with food !

by Roopa November 4, 2022

written by Roopa

Every one connects differently with food ! Here’s a secret ! In the particular way that you connect with food lies your health or ill-health ! For health, happiness and youthfulness, the right connect with food is essential !!

Yes! Food is meant to be enjoyed, savored and relished. Primarily, food provides that essential, nourishing, life-giving, life-sustaining source of energy and nourishment to all living creatures. All creatures need food to survive !

People associate food with many memories. Food and drink play an important role in celebrations all over the world ! Food is also strongly associated with culture, regions, history, traditions and festivals.

Food means different things to different people. For some, food is a source of happiness, a source of comfort, a binding factor that keeps families together. For some it is a reason to live for, they love to eat, and will travel distances to get the kind of food and drink that appeases their taste buds and appetites !

For some, eating food is something they just do to survive. They are not really interested in it. Some are aware of what nutrients their food contains while some are blissfully ignorant of what nutrition is all about. They simply enjoy their food !

Think about how YOU connect with food ! What relationship do you have with it? Do you eat for your health or to satisfy your taste buds? Perhaps you manage to do both!

What are your thoughts when you eat ? What you eat, how you eat, with what attitude, and how much you eat – all these make a difference to the way your body and mind respond to the food.

Food is meant to be consumed and must not consume you !!

Food is Divinity incarnate !

Ancient Indian texts prescribe the best ways to connect with food. They state that food is a form incarnate of the Supreme Divine ! In Samskrit, the ancient language of the sacred texts of India, this is stated as “Annam Parabrahma Swaroopam.”

Food is composed of all the components of Earth. The 5 natural elements – space, air, light (fire), water, and earth – are incorporated in it. Every aspect, every bit of nature is a part of your food.

There’s divinity in food – it is what your body is made up of !

A right attitude towards food goes a long way in keeping you healthy, energetic, active and peaceful in mind and body !!

Here’re 4 simple things to keep in mind whenever you eat! Ensure that you eat :

The RIGHT QUALITY /kind of food – Every inch of you is made up of the food you eat. Would you put into your body the best of food to keep it in top condition OR would you compromise on the quality and settle for a poor quality body ?! Be choosy and pick the best kinds of food to eat !!

Eat fresh, local, balanced, nutritious, vegetarian or vegan food that includes fruits, millets, cereals, lentils, vegetables, greens and nuts.

2.The RIGHT QUANTITY – Greed, over-eating, excessive eating, or too much interest and obsession with food is very harmful, and is the root cause of obesity. Moderation in quantity is the rule…. always better to eat a bit less rather than have a full stomach, is a good mantra !

3. At the RIGHT TIME – Eat when hungry, wait for a good appetite, which by itself is a sign of good health. Learn to say NO to food when you are not hungry (as long as you are a non-diabetic, reasonably healthy person).

4. With the RIGHT CONNECTION/Attitude – Consume/enjoy food with love, devotion, gratitude, respect, reverence, mindfulness and a conscious sense of satisfaction.

When you respect and love your body, then your attitude towards food should be, or rather will be, one of love, respect, gratitude, mindfulness, purpose and contentment.

Nutrients in food = Health, energy, vitality, peace, contentment.

Food for appeasement of taste buds only = Ill-health, obesity, diseases, lethargy, unease.

Food comes to your plate because of the effort of many people and should never be wasted. The most noble and essential work is that of the farmer.

7 steps to reconnect in the best way to food !! :

Be conscious, mindful and aware of what you are eating. Enjoy eating good, nutritious food.
Take a really hard look at what is on your plate and ask if your body needs that food or is it on your plate because you just want it?
Learn to choose the right kind of foods every time.
Check – would you feed what you are eating to a small child that is growing up?
Learn to enjoy the feeling of lightness of a partially-filled stomach.
Learn to enjoy some hunger pangs – smile when your mind demands food. Your body will adapt soon enough.
Be conscious of ‘contentment’ while eating. Stop eating when you feel content. Always take small portions and refill with small portions if you feel you need more. You will eat the right quantity this way and not waste any food.

Remember ! In the particular way that you connect to food lies your health or ill-health!

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November 4, 2022 0 comment

Earth Connection

Why To Be In Nature Feels So Amazing!!

by Roopa October 2, 2022

written by Roopa

Close your eyes for a minute and imagine… your feet in the cool waters of a lake, the wind in your hair, a crisp fresh breeze touching your face, the sound of the water splashing on the shores, the birds chirping… the calm, the silence, the joy.

Notice how you feel. The breath automatically becomes deeper, the face relaxes, the heart rate gets steady, and a sense of tranquility pervades us. It is easier to just smile and smile… 🙂

To be at ‘home’ feels so good, doesn’t it!

Even a few minutes spent in the midst of nature – maybe in a park, a balcony full of plants, or better still, by a river, amongst the mountains, or in a forest – how wonderful it feels !

Calm, serene, cool,

Mindful, healed, immersed,

Peaceful, strong, inspired,

Rested, relaxed, refreshed,

Soothed, cleansed, joyful,

at home !! …

These are the words most would use to describe their feelings when in the midst of nature !

Everyone connects differently with nature, some like me see divinity in every aspect of it, some enjoy the beauty, some use it as therapy, but none can remain untouched !

Petty aspects of human nature like anger, jealousy, envy, hate, pride, selfishness all disappear when we are immersed in the purity and beauty of nature.

The greatest knowledge is to know deeply that we are an inseparable part of everything around us in nature. Hence when we are in the midst of it, away from the hustle-bustle of everyday activities, it feels amazing to be in it, for we are in our ‘true’ home.

October 2, 2022 4 comments

Wellness

Giving and Receiving – both make you smile ! :)

by Roopa September 21, 2022

written by Roopa

To feel like a Ray of Sunshine, you need only to extend your hand and help others with a smile, thankful that they are receiving your help ! 🙂

It’s easier to give than to receive, for most people. However, unless there is a receiver, how can one give? It is the receiver who enables the giver to gift themselves the joy of giving. The two acts are interlinked.

Giving is a sure way to receive joy, satisfaction and gratitude just as by receiving, the receiver gives an opportunity to the giver to feel all these.

We are both receivers and givers, one way or the other.

What I learnt from my trek –

On my Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, something that struck me as amazing was the flow, balance and play between giving and receiving.

A trek lends itself to many simple ways in which one can help others. I can help someone by pulling them up a rock, holding their hand and walking with them if they have a fear of heights. If they run out of water, I can help by giving them water from my bottle. I can help by sharing my snacks if they are low on energy. I can give them a few words of encouragement to boost their mood, and lend an ear when they want to share something…

However, the more humbling and enlightening part is to become a receiver. To receive graciously and gratefully is a skill. Likewise, to ask for help with a smile when one needs it is a skill.

On the ascent to Gadsar Pass, for the first time during the trek, I knew I needed help to make it up the last few hundred meters. I stood there for a few moments, and with a smile, I reached out a hand, “can you hold my hand and help me up a bit?”. It was an interesting conversation Arvind and I had the next 15 minutes as we made it up the Pass together.

Both roles are important and are interlinked –

When the intention behind the receiving and the giving is pure and clear, it becomes a joyful, easy engagement for both. A gracious receiver uses this opportunity to show their appreciation to the giver. Indeed, by being a receiver and receiving help from someone, in whatever form that may be, the giver feels valued, capable and appreciated.

Both roles are positive as they build and strengthen relationships, and are expressions of trust and affection. We are not talking about ‘takers’ here, the ones who exploit someone’s good nature selfishly.

It made me feel happy that I could hold Ajay’s hand and help him on our descent on the last day of our trek. (He is uncomfortable on narrow high trails). Barely an hour later, it was his turn to handhold me down the rest of our descent! This balance and play of giving and receiving felt not the least bit awkward. That day will remain with us for long, making us smile when we recall it.

How blessed is a receiver to be the recipient of care, concern, affection, support and friendship!

“When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.” –Maya Angelou

At the workplace –

The joys and benefits of giving and receiving can be extended to the workplace and other situations as well. We can help our teams achieve goals by offering help, giving guidance and ideas. On the other hand, when we need help at the workplace and do not ask or do not have the openness to receive it, it eats into the quality of work. A balance between the ‘outflow’ and ‘inflow’ of resources is good to have.

Both the acts of giving and receiving need openness of heart and mind. We need to give with an open heart just as we need to be able to receive with an open heart without judging people on their roles, worth or competencies.

This is a ‘thank you’ post to all those who helped me on my trek, and those who received from me as well. 😊

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September 21, 2022 0 comment

TREK MAGIC

My awesome Kashmir Great Lakes Trek – part 3 !!!

by Roopa September 13, 2022

written by Roopa

The most awesome thing about trekking !!? Trekking ensures that we enjoy the Present for it requires us to BE IN the Present throughout !!! 🙂

Day 5 – Aha ! What does today hold?!! This is the question I ask everyday in the morning as I wake up !

And everyday I can be sure of one thing !

The day is going to be exciting and challenging …with incredible views !! 🙂

There’s not a single day on this trek where there are no steep ascents and descents or impressive views !

Today is Satsar day. Satsar means Seven Lakes and though we don’t see all seven lakes, we have an interesting day that starts with a stream crossing followed by a steep climb.

Then we see vast stretches of boulder fields that we need to cross. Hopping across the boulders is quite fun ! But only as long as they are dry, I learn later.

Stretches of mountains all around on Satsar Day

As we near the camp, it begins to drizzle. We are still 30 minutes away from the camp. The rain entirely changes the atmosphere and the trek paths . It is a new and not so pleasant experience to be on slippery rocks now after a long day. Nothing much to do except get into our tents and wait for the rain to stop. I learn later that one of our trek mates slipped and fell, luckily he wasn’t injured.

Day 6 – Thankfully, the weather is good this morning though it started off foggy and cloudy. Our destination – the last 2 lakes of this trek – Gangabal and Nandkol.

This is a day we have been hearing a lot about. We have 2 hours of boulder climbing to do. Tough one this ! :). And we have the Zaj Pass to cross !!

I need some help on the boulders. Boy ! was it challenging and exciting! 🙂

And then it’s up and down some hills till we cross the Zaj Pass, then again up and down some hills.

Our last camp tonight is on the banks of Gangabal Lake. Nandakol is the twin lake and it is difficult to take our eyes off these lakes as we cross Zaj Pass and can view them. It is a waiting game to click pics here as thick white clouds hang above the lakes, then move on to reveal them, then hide them again !

The spectacular Gangabal and Nandkol Lakes with the as yet unconquered Harmukh Peak in the background.

The mist is beautiful.

We have gotten to know each other well, lending a helping hand when required, laughing together, sharing food and water, trekking together… each one of these trek mates is special. This last evening we hang out a bit longer in the common tent, playing games, singing…

Day 7 – The last day of this trek is really tough! It is a formidable and arduous descent on tricky narrow trails from 11,500 ft down to 7800 ft in 6 hours. The first 3 hours are through unbelievably beautiful forests. The slopes are so lovely, it is hard to think we have to leave such beauty and go back!

There are villages around here and we see many children asking for ‘toffees’. The next 3 hours down are very testing as the trail is slippery with loose mud and pebbles. We have be watchful, and go slow. There is a point where I wonder whether we will ever reach the road where the bus to take us back to Srinagar is waiting ! I am grateful for the friendly company I have, as one of my trek mates and I do this descent together.

Finally, the end, as we step on to a tar road after a full week on uneven ground ! It feels so weird to be walking on a flat surface ! 🙂

Delighted to have completed the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek !!!! 🙂

What an amazing time I had ! Such an awesome trek 🙂

Stay with me as the Trek Magic continues here !!!

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September 13, 2022 2 comments

TREK MAGIC

My awesome Kashmir Great Lakes Trek !!- part 2

by Roopa September 9, 2022

written by Roopa

We experience magical moments that last a lifetime when we trek on the mountains!

It has been awesome so far and I am ready for Gadsar Pass at an elevation close to 14,000 ft !

Day 4 – We start from near Vishansar Lake where we had camped the previous night. It’s a 1000 ft ascent to the tranquil Krishansar Lake that seems to change colour every minute. As we gain height, both lakes are visible and appear to be on the same level ! It makes for a beautiful sight.

The beautiful and tranquil lakes of Vishnu and Krishna – Vishansar and Krishansar!

It is a steep and tough climb to Gadsar. The trail is narrow and pebbly. The horses carrying the luggage too need to rest occasionally.

How wonderful to smile at and greet the many fellow trekkers on this bright and sunny day! 🙂

My eyes and mind are fixed on my destination – the Pass ! I think of just how amazing I would feel when I get there ! And that keeps me going. Finally, after a few hours, I am at Gadsar Pass !! Yes, it is thrilling to make it up here ! (with the help of a friendly hand-hold over the last hundred meters of slippery track).

The sense of achievement at being able to push myself up that gigantic mountain to reach my goal is awesome !!! 🙂

It’s windy and cold up here. Everyone is noisily clicking group pics to celebrate this milestone. The other side of the Pass is a steep slippery descent and then…

The most beautiful vistas are spread out in the form of seemingly never-ending alpine meadows. There are flowers all round, covering every inch of land in blue, purple, yellow, pink, lilac…such glorious colors!!!

I have never experienced such a sight before.

I go a bit crazy in this bewitching, magnificent and irresistible setting !!

Like a puppy, I roll about in the green grass, in the flowers, soaking in this beauty, trying to get as close to Earth as I possibly can. I am smiling, laughing, skipping around ! :)) I can’t believe this sight.

The atmosphere, the stillness, the fragrance, the calm, the beauty… there’s something magical in these moments. With such intensity do I feel a connection with Nature here that tears are rolling down my cheeks. I don’t want to stop them. How blessed I am to be here, experiencing this beauty. I am filled with a new level of gratitude for everything.

I want to stay back in the meadows but it’s time to head campward. The next stop is Gadsar Lake.

We spend some time watching the colours of the water change with the light. It is a long walk to the camp. This day will always stay in my memories and make me feel so good whenever I recall it. As will this whole trek. 🙂

The next 3 days too promise excitement and beauty.

Stay and enjoy them with me here !!

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September 9, 2022 2 comments

TREK MAGIC

To trek is to experience Magic!

by Roopa September 6, 2022

written by Roopa

Trekking is a fantastic multiple-day outdoor activity that is simply Magical!!!

I have just gotten back from a beautiful trek !!

The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek.

By definition trekking is a long arduous ‘journey’ amidst nature, usually involving different terrains, including mountains.

My Kashmir Great Lakes Trek was a treat to the senses with absolutely amazing sights !!

The personal discoveries of my strengths – physical, emotional and mental have been immense, delightful and eye-opening.

I got a lot of time with myself, often alone for long distances on the ascents and descents, just being one with nature, the majestic mountains all around, the meadows with their pretty flowers seemingly spread out just for me !

I discovered that I had that inner strength I needed to overcome mild high altitude sickness and could climb and reach those tall peaks. I discovered that I could cover long distances alone, and that I enjoyed it. I enjoyed the physical and mental confidence I built over those 7 days.

The group I trekked with was awesome too, with lovely people!