Journey of my Knowing

  The insistent chirping of my alarm pulled me from a peaceful slumber. It was a wonderful morning in Chennai, the kind that hinted at a bright and energizing day ahead. Yesterday, a quiet hunch had whispered of the need to connect with nature, to stretch my legs, and to breathe in air untainted by the city's hustle. Trekking. The word resonated deeply. And so, as planned, I woke up with a sense of anticipation. A quick refresh, a backpack already half-packed from the night before, and I was ready to embark on the roughly 1 hour and 15-minute journey to the Tada trekking spot. The roads were relatively empty at 7 AM, allowing for a smooth drive towards the Andhra Pradesh border. I reached the small Tata town, the gateway to Tada, and my stomach reminded me that a good trek starts with a good breakfast. Knowing I'd be spending a good three hours amidst nature, the thought of fueling my body with something wholesome felt crucial. Luck smiled upon me in the form of a small, unassu...

  As humans, we are constantly navigating a complex inner world. Thoughts race, emotions surge, and desires pull us in countless directions. From the profound longing for connection with a partner to the simple craving for a new car, our minds are ceaseless architects of our reality. But what if this incessant mental activity, while seemingly fundamental to our existence, also forms unseen chains that limit our true freedom? This question strikes at the very heart of the human condition, inviting us to explore the intricate relationship between our inner experiences and our outer lives. It asks if it's possible to transcend the relentless churn of thoughts, feelings, emotions, and desires, and what kind of liberation might await us on the other side. The Mind's Symphony: A Source of Both Creation and Turmoil Imagine a heated discussion with a loved one. The words exchanged, perhaps sharp or misinterpreted, echo in your mind long after the conversation ends. Thoughts replay the ...

  Life has a funny way of revealing its deeper truths as we journey through it. Especially after crossing the forty-five year mark, there’s a profound shift in perspective. Each day becomes a classroom, every stumble a lesson, and every challenge an invitation to evolve. We fall, we rise, and we move into the next phase, often carrying the scars and wisdom of battles fought within. Some of these battles, particularly those emotional ones, are far from easy. The pain and panic can linger for days, sometimes even shifting our entire perception of life, its meaning, and our place within it. There’s a dawning realization: life, when we try to rigidly hold it in our hands, feels incredibly difficult. But when we learn to surrender to the universe? It transforms into a playful, dynamic dance. We often believe we're the sole architects of our destiny, meticulously planning and executing every step. And yes, our effort matters. But only partially. True manifestation, true ease, truly unfol...

  Have you ever noticed the profound difference between the cacophony of a bustling city and the quiet stillness of a mountaintop? In the city, a symphony of horns, chatter, and hurried footsteps surrounds you. The air feels heavy, and the constant press of people can leave you feeling jostled and overwhelmed. Now, imagine yourself in the heart of a mountain range. Here, the air is crisp, the only sounds are the rustle of leaves or a distant bird call, and there's ample space to simply be . There's a natural calmness that permeates everything, a deep sense of quietness that invites introspection. This striking contrast isn't just about our physical environment; it's a powerful metaphor for our internal world. The City of the Mind vs. The Mountain of Awareness Our minds, much like a busy city, can often be cluttered with a relentless stream of thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Worries about the past, anxieties about the future, and the constant processing of daily even...

  The Unspoken Language of Being Human I see an old man, his steps slow and deliberate along the roadside. A young man, his eyes hollow with hunger, lurks in the shadows. Suddenly, a glint of silver. The old man fumbles, and a coin rolls from his grasp, unnoticed. The young man's hand darts out, quick as a hawk. He has the coin, and he melts back into the dimness. My mind reels. Both actions, the old man's unawareness and the young man's desperation, feel wrong. "Unsane," I'd called them, a betrayal of what a human should be. But then, a quiet voice inside me asks, Why? Why was the old man so unaware? And why was the young man so hungry he felt he had no choice? Maybe, just maybe, understanding their stories is more important than judging them. This, I realize, is the first step in developing awareness – a quality I believe is crucial for us, modern humans. The Monk in My Living Room My own heart yearns for silence. Imagine, a whole day without a single word...

  The Unseen Threads: How Prayer Unravels Our Decisions Have you ever felt like you're just going through the motions, making decisions on autopilot, without truly understanding the 'why' behind them? In our fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught in a reactive cycle, where our minds are constantly responding to external pressures. For me, my morning prayer isn't just a ritual; it's the moment when the unseen threads that weave through our thoughts and decisions begin to unravel, revealing a different way to navigate life. Caught in the Current: The Survival Mechanism of Thought Our minds are incredibly adaptive. Faced with the constant flux of social and economic conditions, they've developed a powerful survival mechanism . Thoughts pop up as ideas, often reflecting the immediate demands and anxieties of our environment. We get swept into an "autopilot" mode, making decisions almost instinctively. This creates a fascinating chain effect . Our ch...

We humans are complex beings, capable of profound love and breathtaking creativity. Yet, often, we find ourselves trapped in cycles of negativity, our inner peace eroded by forces we may not fully understand. Look closely, and you'll often find at the root of this unease a trio of interconnected culprits: comparison, attachment, and desire. These aren't inherently evil. Comparison, in its simplest form, helps us learn and understand differences. Attachment can foster deep bonds and care. Desire can fuel ambition and drive us toward growth. However, when these natural tendencies become unchecked and exaggerated, they morph into insidious forces that steal our joy and poison our relationships. The Poison of "More": The Trap of Comparison In our hyper-connected world, the highlight reel of everyone else's life is constantly on display. We scroll through feeds filled with seemingly perfect vacations, flawless achievements, and picture-perfect relationships. This const...

Finding Your Inner Calm: Decluttering Thoughts and Cultivating Positive Energy Many of us know that quiet magic of the early morning – the stillness before the world wakes, the potential for a moment of silence, perhaps a quiet prayer or reflection. In these moments, we can touch a deep sense of inner peace and tranquility. It feels like coming home to ourselves. Yet, the demands of daily life often pull us away from this state. We find ourselves rushing, caught in the necessary pursuit of "bread and butter," our minds buzzing with an endless stream of thoughts. It's easy to get lost in this mental clutter. If we look closely, our minds are often filled only with thoughts – plans, worries, replays of conversations, judgments. These thoughts, if we feed them with energy, can easily surface as feelings and powerful emotions, sometimes positive, often stressful or negative. The Challenge of the Cluttered Mind Living with a constantly cluttered mind is exhausting. It's l...

The gentle hush before the world fully awakens holds a unique energy, a stillness that offers fertile ground for inner growth. For centuries, spiritual traditions across the globe have recognized the profound benefits of engaging in practices like mantra, meditation, or prayer during these precious early morning hours. There's a magic in the dawn, a sense of possibility and renewal that permeates the atmosphere. By consciously choosing to rise before the hustle and bustle begins, you gift yourself a sanctuary of peace and an opportunity to set a powerful intention for the day ahead. Why the Early Morning Holds Special Significance:  * The Quietude of Brahma Muhurta: Often referred to as the "Ambrosial Hours" (typically about 1.5 hours before sunrise), this time is believed to be charged with a particularly pure and potent energy. The mind is naturally calmer after sleep, less cluttered with the impressions of the previous day.  * A Fresh Start for the Mind: Just as the ph...

This year has been a tapestry woven with threads of spirituality, creativity, and personal growth. From exploring the frontiers of artificial intelligence to deepening my connection with the divine, I've embarked on a journey of self-discovery that has transformed me in profound ways. As I reflect on the past year, I'm filled with immense gratitude for the lessons learned, the blessings received, and the love that has surrounded me. "The only journey is the journey within." - Rainer Maria Rilke This quote truly captures the essence of my 2025. It's been a year of delving deep, of exploring the landscapes of my soul and uncovering hidden strengths and aspirations. One of the most exciting adventures has been my foray into the world of AI. It's fascinating how technology can intersect with creativity, and I even enlisted the help of AI in bringing my two books to life! "The Stillness Within" and "Mindfulness Teen" are now out in the world,...

Overcoming Loss and Embracing a New Beginning with Mindfulness Sonu and Raju's love story was a beautiful tapestry of shared joy and intimacy. But tragedy struck, and Raju's sudden passing left Sonu shattered, trapped in a cycle of grief and memories. Two years later, as her family planned her wedding, Sonu found herself on the precipice of a new life, but her heart remained tethered to the past. The emotional weight of moving forward felt insurmountable. Seeking solace, she turned to a mindfulness coach. Through mindfulness practices, she learned to navigate her trauma and depression. Initially, autopilot thoughts linked to Raju surfaced with her new partner, a common experience when processing grief. Mindfulness offered Sonu a way to manage these intrusive thoughts. She cultivated present-moment awareness, acknowledging thoughts without judgment or resistance, gently allowing them to pass. Through this compassionate approach, Sonu gradually untangled herself from the autopilo...

  The alarm hadn't even chimed when I found myself stirring. The remnants of a deep, dreamless sleep still clung to me, but a gentle anticipation tugged me awake. It was one of those mornings where everything felt aligned – the culmination of a restful night and the promise of a new day. Stepping outside into the pre-dawn hush, I inhaled the crisp air, a refreshing contrast to the warmth of my sheets. Each breath felt like a gift, a revitalizing gulp of nature's own elixir. As I walked, the world around me slowly awakened.  Birdsong filled the air, a harmonious chorus that swelled with each passing minute. Dewdrops sparkled on the leaves like tiny jewels, and the soft earthy scent of damp soil filled my nostrils. The path was known, yet new. The rustling leaves seemed to whisper secrets, and the sunlight filtering through the trees painted intricate patterns on the ground. I was fully immersed in the symphony of the senses, my mind blissfully empty of worries or plans. Lost in...

Happy weekend, everyone! While some of you are enjoying nature walks and weekend getaways, I woke up with a pondering thought: Are we individual beings or a collective one? This question struck me as I sat down at my laptop. It's a simple tool, yet owning it reflects a vast network of collective effort. Let's take a journey to understand the unseen chain behind this ordinary laptop. Earning the Means: To purchase this laptop, I needed money. This money came from my work, where countless dedicated individuals – my colleagues – contribute their skills daily. Their efforts are a vital link in the chain. Reaching the Consumer: The journey doesn't stop there. Walking into a showroom, I was greeted by a pleasant ambience, strategic product placement, and helpful salespeople. These elements, orchestrated by marketing and sales teams, ensured a smooth buying experience. Yet again, a collective effort. The Mastermind Behind the Machine: Before reaching the showroom, the laptop went ...

  Mental Health Awareness Month: My Coach's Toolkit [Stat: A recent study by Deloitte found that over 80% of white-collar workers reported experiencing at least one adverse mental health symptom.] This statistic highlights a growing concern: mental health in the workplace. For the past 3 years, I have been passionate about helping others navigate mental health as a coach Mindfulness and Emotional Intelligence Life Coach . My own journey with stress, burnout, and anxiety fueled that passion – it is something many of us face, especially in demanding corporate environments. The good news is, proactive steps can make a real difference. Here are some practices that keep me grounded: Power Down for Power Up: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep nightly. It sharpens your mind and strengthens your ability to handle stress. Fuel Your Focus: Eating nutritious meals gives your brain and body the energy they need to stay on top of things. Move It or Lose It: ...

  The inner child is a reflection of our soul? How much playfulness brings creativity to us? How much childishness gives happiness to us? As we grow we forget the playfulness, did you notice? Our responsibility makes us forget the inner child in us! How can we bring out the inner child in us? Is there any better approach to bringing creativity? Sometimes we need to think about the inner child. The best way of bringing out our inner child is through Art, Fun Games, playing with a child and much more. This will be the last blog for this year and I will be moving to hibernate for some days. #merrychristmas and #happynewyear to my dears. My small art to bring out my inner child, #thankful to everyone. Signing off for some days!

  Who is your best friend? To whom you can share everything? Why is a secretive kind of friend important? Let me narrate a story to understand the importance of maintaining secret, There lived a boy called Ram, He has many friends; Ram is very open and keeps sharing everything he knows. He shares all his personal and intimate information to all his friends; sometimes Ram friends don't maintain the intimacy. They share the Ram intimate information to neighbors. Ram personally gets hurt for this kind of behavior by their friends. We can see Similar Ram characters in our life. Being transparent to everyone is not always good. Our self-esteem gets hurt easily. Only person who treats you better is only you, do you agree? How to address our emotional issues? We need one secret kind of friend, not exactly a friend. Have you heard about writing a letter to God? Yes, it is one of powerful journaling techniques to address your emotional and mental health issues. You can share to your love...