Spring bloom : Cherry blossom 🌸
Blessings and much love to all 🙏💕
Post: Silent Saturday 🤚
Spring bloom : Cherry blossom 🌸
Blessings and much love to all 🙏💕
Tag: blogging
Post :Sunshine blogger award 4th 🙌
Hello wonderful people ! Have a great day 🙋🏻
During these troubled times, with news coming around of Corona Virus outbreak from all around the world, everyone seems to be in a panicky state. But yes with precautions, friends, don’t forget to appreciate and enjoy this beautiful journey called life. Because difficult times do not last long and hopefully, this will pass too. Our prayers and well wishing for those who have been affected.
My post is to announce that I have been nominated 4th time for Sun Sunshine Blogger award by Ceridwensilverhart of https://illuminatingthefoolsmirror.wordpress.com/author/ceridwensilverhart/. I am very thankful and grateful to her for the nomination. She owns a beautiful blog that features on various subjects on literature, traditional folklore and Mythology. I find her blog posts very interesting to read. Friends do go through her blog if you like reading these interesting kinds of stuff. Now, for the award…
The Rules
Thank the person who nominated you and provide a link back to their blog so others can find them.
Answer the 11 questions asked by the blogger who nominated you.
Nominate 11 other bloggers and ask them 11 new questions.
Notify the nominees about it by commenting on one of their blog posts.
List the rules and display a Sunshine Blogger Award logo on your post and/or your blog site.
The questions:
1. If you get all the items on your to-do list crossed off, what do you do?
This happens rarely with me. But yes, when it does, I would like to spend the time watching a movie, a comedy preferably. Mrs Doubtfire, Little Miss Sunshine are some of my favourites. Otherwise, I might end up strolling in a park or shopping as I love doing it.
2. What is a food or drink that you really enjoy but you know it’s not good for you?
Hot chocolate and Cheesecake.
3. Do you prefer to talk things out or silently mull?
I would always talk things out when it comes with my closed ones like my husband, my mom or with my son. With others, if it is hurting, I prefer to remain in silence.
4. How often do you look at the stars?
Yes, very often when they are there. I simply love Nature at any time, any day.
5. Given the choice, would you rather travel by car, by public transportation, or on foot?
Depends on the distance. If it is nearby, I would prefer going on foot. Otherwise, I would travel by car.
6. Where do you go barefoot?
I go barefoot to my place of worship. I am a Hindu by faith. I also love walking barefoot on the green grass if possible.
7. Would you feel more nervous walking alone at night down a city street or a country path?
I would be nervous about going alone on a lonely night, down a country path than walking in a city street where there are people around.
8. What device would you have a hard time living without?
I would be upset about living without my iPhone. But, if at all necessary, I can manage without it also.
9. How often do you read translated books or watch subtitled film?
I somehow, don’t enjoy reading translated books or watching movies with subtitles. I feel,that I miss the originality of the text or content.
10. What is one thing that surprised you about blogging?
That with blogging, you become more expressive, more empathetic and a better writer.
11. If you could pick a legacy to leave behind, what would it be?
More than anything else, I want to be remembered by my near and dear ones as a kind, loving person.
Now for nominations: I love and have great regards to all my fellow bloggers and those who follow my blog. So, I feel it is unfair to nominate some and leave the rest. Instead, I would prefer to nominating all of them. So, whoever like to take this award, feel free to do so. You can answer the same questions to those that I have answered.
Thanks for reading.
Blessings and much love to all 💐
Post : Sunshine blogger Award Again! 🌼
Hello Everyone! Have a great Tuesday 🙋🏻
I have been nominated for Sunshine blogger award for the third time. Yes, I am still not bored. I am simply loving it. Though not a real award, it feels great to be acknowledged by your fellow bloggers. I have been nominated by my fellow blogger Kacha of https://journeythroughlife591163021.wordpress.com. A big thanks to her.
Her blog is about her candid journey through depression and burn out and how she has struggled and overcome it. The beauty of her blog is that she has been very openhearted, unpretentious and honest. I hold great regards and earnest appreciation for her.
Now to speak of the Award: Here are the rules
Rules for the award
• Thank the person who nominated you and provide a link back to their blog so others can find them.
• Answer the 11 questions asked by the blogger who nominated you.
• Nominate 11 other bloggers and ask them 11 new questions.
• Notify the nominees about it by commenting on one of their blog posts.
• List the rules and display a Sunshine Blogger Award logo on your post and/or your blog site
Her questions :
1 If you could, would you turn back time?
No, I wouldn’t. I try living in the present moment and take each moment as it comes. There is no point in thinking about the past or worrying about the future.
2 What is an expression you use quite often?
Nowadays, I try smiling very often.
3 What is your favourite fairy tale?
Now, as an adult, I am too realistic. But, yes during childhood, I love the stories of Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Snow White and seven dwarfs.
4 What is the trait you are most proud of?
I try being kind to all, as much as practically possible.
5 Where do you find inspiration for your blog?
My inspirations are very instinctive.
6 What languages do you speak?
I am an Indian living in The Netherlands. So, English is the common language I communicate mostly. At home with family, I speak my native Indian language including Hindi.
7 What do you dislike most about blogging?
I thoroughly enjoy blogging. There is nothing that I don’t like.
8 What subjects in a conversation are so boring to you
that you could fall asleep standing?
I find the technology conversation a bit boring.
9 What do you love to talk about?
I love life to the fullest. So, I love talking to people, their experiences, emotions, problems, joy, sorrow, everything about life
10 Do you have habits that can be considered as a little
out of the norm?
I love and read about spirituality very often. I keep listening to spiritual talks.
11 Which trend needs to stay in 2019?
The only trend that is going to stay the longest is “Back to basics”. Be it health trends, food trends, lifestyle trends, going back to basics is in.
As for my nominations, I love and have great regards to all my followers, readers and fellow bloggers. So, I don’t like picking out some names leaving the rest. So, anybody, whoever likes to do this award, you are most welcome and appreciated🙏. You can take the same questions given by Kacha as above.
Thanks for reading.
Blessings and much love to all 💐
Post : Sunshine Blogger Award 🙌
Hello everyone🙋🏻 ! This is the second time, I have been nominated for Sunshine Blogger Award. Though this is not a real award, it does mean a lot to me when your fellow bloggers start appreciating your posts and the blog. It’s a kind of great encouragement to me to continue doing what I like to do, writing about thoughts, beliefs, facts about life, health, healing and happiness.
I have been nominated this time by Panda in Progress. https://pandainprogress357664521.wordpress.com. Thank you so much for the nomination. Though she is only a few posts old, I have recently started following her blog. What I like about her blog is that she has been very honest and genuine about her struggle for depression and weight issues. A reminder from my side, my friend, keep sharing your thoughts and feelings because sharing can be a great outlet to let out the emotional baggage which we all carry. We are all here to listen to each other. You are not alone, my friend. And, you are a strong person and truly awesome!
Last time, I was nominated by Prashanti Alluri of Happiness Inn. https://happinessinn.blog. Thank you once again Prashanti. I have been following her blog for quite some time now. She has a beautiful blog and writes mostly on happiness. She is also a talented artist, draw beautiful sketches.
Rules for the Sunshine Blogger Award
1. Thank the person who nominated you and provide a link back to their blog.
2. List the Sunshine Blogger Award rules and display the logo on your site.
3. Answer the Sunshine Blogger Award questions.
4. Nominate eleven other bloggers and ask them eleven new questions.
5. Notify the nominees about their nominations by commenting on one of their blog posts.
Here, are the 11 questions asked which I have to answer…
1 What is your favourite season?
My favourite season is Spring. Though it is short, I love it because Nature is at its best.
2 If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I love my home country India. Since I live in Europe, I like travelling to the beautiful cities of Europe.
3 What inspires you to write?
I think writing is not only about fictions and fantasies. Being a realistic person, I like writing about our struggle, inspiration, facts about life and health.
4 Do you have a favourite animal?
I like lions, they are silent, yet ferocious when required.
5 What is your favourite book? “Becoming Supernatural” by Dr Joe Dispenza
6 How often do you write? I write very often.
7 What is your favourite time of day to be creative? Anytime
8 If you had to pick just one food, which would be your favourite? Tough one, I know!
Being in Medical Profession myself, I am very health conscious so love all kinds of fruits.
9 What is your favourite colour? Green because I love Nature.
10 Are walks or car rides better, why? I love walking. I and my husband often go for long walks. Walking is also a good form of cardio exercise.
11 And last, how long have you been blogging for? I am pretty new, have been blogging since the last 5-6 months.
Anyone, who feel free to do this award, please answer the same questions as above. I will be very happy and honoured🙏
Thanks for reading.
Blessings and much love to all 💐
Post : Emotions affects physical health 🙇🏻♀️ 4 ways to better handle your emotional wellbeing.
Hello Everyone ! Have a great day 🙋🏻
Your body is not a single entity. It is a community of 50 trillion cells which behaves the way you think, feel and act. When you are in good emotional health, your healthy mental state influence every cell of your body to grow, function healthily and die in normal cyclical order. Again, new cells born and the cycle goes on. But, then this is an ideal situation.
Today, life is full of stressful and unwanted changes. Some of these events like a job change, job stress, death of loved one, divorced or any such situations create a stronger sense of anxiety, sadness, pain which can completely disrupt your emotional health. With emotions running high, your physical health gets affected causing you to develop high blood pressure, hormonal imbalances, stomach ulcers, weight issues etc. Not only this, your immune system gets affected greatly. You are more prone to disease and illness. So, how do we deal with this?
Controlling our external environment, or the circumstances and events in life is not within our control. There is nothing we can do about it. The only thing we have control is on our emotions, thoughts which do influence our physical health.
4 ways to handle better your emotional state:
1.Resilience: Always keep having a positive view of self. Love yourself and understand your self-worth. This helps in creating a security blanket around yourself. Having strong social support, being close to your loved ones, friends do matter. Learning to accept change in the environment, and keeping everything in proper perspective is important. Not everything in life will happen as per your will. All these mindsets help in building resilience to deal with any situations healthily.
2.A balanced life: Always count on your Blessings and gratefulness. Focus on things in your life for which you are grateful. Try not to get obsessed with anything like job pressure, relationship issues, problems at work or at home. Because things do change with time. Let go of the things which are stressful to your life and make time for things which you can enjoy. Create a balance in your life which helps you, in your both, emotional and physical health.
3.Calm your mind: There is a strong mind-body connection. The more your mind is calmer, the more you are stressfree and enjoy a healthier body. Always, make time to engage yourself in mind activity like meditation, listening to calm music, deep breathing, stretching or Yoga.
4.Self-care: To take care of emotional health, try taking care of your physical health by following a healthy routine of eating healthy, sleep, exercise. Releasing pent up emotions by sharing with loved ones and friends is important too. Exercising also helps in letting out pent up emotions.
Thanks for reading.
Much love to all 💐
Post : Meditation minimizes Inflammation 🙌
Hello everyone ! Hope everybody is doing great 🙍🏻
We know by now that chronic inflammation is the commonest cause of various disease state in the body. Inflammation is a natural attempt of our body ‘s immune system to fight against a certain state like infections, injury or toxins which can harm the body. It is a defence system.
When cell damages, your body releases chemicals in the form of antibodies and protein to combat the threat and increases the blood supply to the damaged area to fasten the healing. This usually lasts for a few days and is called acute inflammation. But when the response lingers for a long time can be harmful to the body. In the chronic inflammatory state, the body goes into a constant state of threat. This is the state responsible for many diseases ranging from cancers, asthma, heart diseases, stroke, diabetes and even Alzheimer’s disease.
Chronic inflammation is influenced mainly by chronic stress, anxiety, prolonged infection, injury, autoimmune diseases (like type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, Psoriasis and many more), long exposure to toxins and lifestyle factors like smoking, obesity, alcoholism.
Physically, maintaining the health of the body by eating an anti-inflammatory healthy diet (antioxidant-rich ), exercise, Yoga, sleep helps the body greatly to prevent and defend from the inflammatory state.
But then, this is not enough, our environment, our thoughts, feelings, emotions are equally important for healthy mental health, responsible to prevent and defend the body from the inflammatory state. So, how do we maintain a sound, calm mind in spite of all the day to day triggers of stress from our daily grind?
Several types of research have found that meditation-like mindful practises does reduce inflammation by impacting in the brain ‘s functional connectivity. Stress reduction mindfulness practices have shown a marked reduction in inflammatory biomarkers like C reactive proteins.
Learning and practising meditation isn’t rocket science. We don’t need a special session under an expert or Guru to learn to meditate. It is simply a state with the least distraction and freeing the mind from the clutter of thoughts. It is making an effort to put our mind in a relaxed, calm and “nothing” state. There are loads of books, reading materials and videos on Youtube and other channels of guiding and teaching you to meditate. But for me, self learning and adopting my method to relax my mind and meditate , works better. Just devote some time for yourself everyday, away from all distractions.
Mindfulness too greatly helps the mind to free from the thoughts clutter. Like meditation, you don’t need to go to a “no thought” state. Instead, you remain fully aware of your surrounding, yet not being reactive to it. It is a basic human ability to be fully present at the moment. Like being simply aware of your breaths, or simply focussing on whatever task you are performing at the moment.
To conclude, whether you may meditate or learn to practise mindfulness, the main purpose is to clear your mind from unnecessary thoughts clutter. This helps your mind greatly from going into chronic stress and overthinking. Maintaining a calm and relaxed mind not only prevent unnecessary inflammation but nurture the physical body and is also self healing.
Thanks for reading.
Blessings and much love to all 💐
Post : Your quirky Subconscious mind 😇
In your, every day lives, the brain functions as two major parts – Conscious brain and Subconscious brain. Out of this, 90-95 % of your actvities are carried out by our subconscious brain which acts as an auto pilot. This is your habitual brain. While only 5 % is your thinking brain, the cortical brain, who does the conscious brain activity.
The subconscious mind is more of the inner primitive brain also called the limbic brain which does your automatic, habitual behaviours, which is also responsible for your emotions, feelings, reactions, fears, impulses and reflexes in your everyday lives. So, think, how important a role this subconscious mind plays in our day to day life.
From the day, you were born till 6-7 years of life, your brain is in the hypnotic stage. That means, you observed everything in your environment, programmed every good or bad habit from the people surrounding you, picked up every single activity you have seen. That’s how, the subconscious mind got programmed. As you grew up, you started understanding things slowly but you still picked up habits, beliefs, feelings, emotions, reactions of people, your parents, teachers, friends surrounding you.
By the time, you became an adult, you have already developed a personality, habits, traits, thinking patterns, which are very much part of you. Your subconscious mind takes the upper hand in controlling your life which you are not even aware.
Your subconscious mind is not your enemy. Because you cannot do without it. Whatever activities you perform like walking, speaking, eating, writing, driving are all because of your subconscious mind programming. Then, how does it affect your life?
When it interferes with your life purpose, your goal, your performance, your task, then it starts affecting your life. From childhood, apart from the huge lists of habits that you have, you might have picked up a certain negative pattern of thinking like fear of failure, low self-esteem, pessimistic thinking, fear of challenges, impulsiveness which can be stumbling block to succeed. Most of the time, you are not even aware of. You become frustrated, sad and disheartened. You read motivation books, watch motivating videos, make tons of effort. Still, unknowingly, you come back to your old thinking pattern. This is because you have developed this habitual thinking pattern over the years. Sometimes, in spite of knowing your faults, you are unable to change. You go through your same fear, worry, negative thinking again and again. Then, how can you change?
To reprogram your subconscious mind :
Keep repeating your changed beliefs and affirmations:
To break a habit and reprogram your mind for a new habit will take time. Your subconscious mind is habitual, so, to learn a new habit and reprogramme your subconscious mind would take some time.
Firstly, decide on what you have to change in yourself. Frame that belief or affirmation in your mind. The subconscious mind does not understand verbal language so using metaphors is a convenient way. Then, keep repeating and reaffirming daily till you can form it a habit. It can take a long time and years. But, this is the most convenient and effective way to change your subconscious mind.
Then, there are other methods, like energy psychology, hypnosis, Psych -K where the brain is brought to the alpha-theta a wave stage, and then the belief is slipped into your subconscious mind. I have not much idea about these methods because I have never tried them. You can get more information on them, if you are interested in
Thanks for reading.
Take care. Much love to all 💐
Is ego negative? 4 simple points of understanding.
By ego, it means simply, our identity of “self “. It is neither negative nor positive. As a human being to live and survive, we need a strong sense of identity to develop relationships, to thrive, to make a living, to succeed. So, there is nothing wrong with it. Chasing your dream, wanting to own a big house, an expensive car, to earn money, going for adventure is not at all bad.
But, when ego turns into pride, we become over conscious of our identity. When “self” rules life and when fear craves to overprotect our self-identity, then, ego can be disastrous to both us and the people around with whom we live. We become completely blinded of our true identity (soul identity) in order to protect our fake self or ego. We fail to understand, acknowledge and hold no room for other’s opinions and feelings as we think we are always right.
So, religious practices like Buddhism preaches to conquer the ego and lead a life of our true self. Because, the ego is often identified as our false self, materialistic state, social status, the success which can never lead to happiness and peace within.
So, how do we control our ego? Monks and yogis practised meditation for years to get into their true self and tarnished their ego. But, neither you and I have that much time or patience in our everyday life to practise to let go of our ego.
1.So, the easy way to control our ego is being aware of our existence, the limited time we live in this world. And to remember that death is inevitable and inescapable.
2. Staying grounded, and being in company of people that keep you grounded.
3.Realising the present moment, being grateful for it. To understand that living every moment is a blessing and gift.
4. Being aware and avoiding our egotistical pattern of thinking and reactions. (e.g. I am superior, I am better than others, No one can compete with me ….. so on). Reminding myself, that this world has been created by perception, not reality and everything here is transient, not permanent. Our real self and true nature is our relationship with the Universe and the Divine.
All these steps help us to be close to our true self and remind us that our ego is simply, a self-identity tool, just a survival trait in this competitive world and nothing else. We know when to draw the line and not losing our true self and peace.
Thanks for reading.
Peace and love 🙏
Post :Fear Factor !
Fear Factor !
In each one of us, life runs with a common drive, call emotion. Whatever action we do, there is an emotion behind. Not only human, but all animals have emotions. So, fear is also a basic emotion, an instinct for a potential danger.
Whenever we see, feel, sense some kind of danger/threat, biologically, the amygdala and hypothalamus in the brain get instantly activated. The stress hormones like cortisol, adrenaline are pumped in the blood stream which result in rapid heart beat, high blood pressure, dilated pupil, tightening of big muscles and sweating, ready to run, fight or response. Actually, this is our biological mechanism, a protective response which helps us to survive. Fear, as an instinct is not bad at all. In fact when fear comes, our mind becomes focus, sharpened at the particular task and we can perform better. It is an adaptive mechanism.The instinct is short lived and the body comes back to its normal homeostasis.
Feeling little fear for an upcoming event, job interview, exam, speech, stage performance is a natural instinct. In fact, it would help you to be more focus on the up coming task. Instinctual fear for fire, height, speed or some kind of potential danger to life is all natural. So fear is adaptive and protective when short lived.
But then, why fear affect us ? When fear becomes habitual, crippling, excessive, it will eventually affect our mental and physical health. When fear is imaginative, irrational, unrealistic, it gets you into real trouble. It will affect your daily life. Then, it is no longer instinctive. It becomes habitual in the sub conscious mind for some imaginative events or ideas which is not even real or that has never happened. In such cases, it is very difficult to get out of such mind frame. Constant fear can lead to anxiety. Anxiety and stress not only have negative impact on your health but also the daily functioning of life. To get out from a habitual fear, a default sub conscious programme, you need to be constantly aware of such moments. The most important thing is your will power, the trust and belief in yourself to bring out the change. This is not an easy task. But, yes, it is possible and you can overcome fear eventually. At times, professional help might be necessary, if the situation is out of control.
When it comes to fear, childhood is an important phase. Unrealistic, irrational fears inculcated in childhood may result in anxiety, phobias and even panic attacks in future life.
Simple tips to overcome your fear in everyday life.
Start facing your fear. The first or second time, you may tumble, but slowly you will overcome.
As I have already mentioned, by being more aware of such moments, know yourself why you get anxious or fearful and being prepared for such moments. So next time, when it comes you know, it is just your imaginative mind. Take a few deep breathes, and it goes away after a while.
Try maintain a calm mind, exercise, yoga and meditation surely helps in calming the mind.
Your spirituality or faith in something that is higher than you makes you feel connected and safe.
But lastly, yes, if fear is out of control, medical/professional help is necessary.
Thanks for reading.
Peace and love 🙏
Post: 10 tips of eating healthy🙌
Eating healthy is easier and cheaper…
Eating healthy isn’t complicated or fussy. In fact,it is the easiest option if we make it a way of life, a daily habit.
Its time to erase all our myth about eating healthy.Common myths are eating healthy is expensive, being difficult due to non availability of resources and circumstances at work, travel and so on. But the truth is if we have a will to do so, we can make it easier always: The most common simple ways can be :
1. We should always eat the locally available produce in whichever part of the world we live. Whole grains, pulses, vegetables and fruits which are locally grown, which are in abundance in your region, fresh and not expensive.
2. The most important component in our body is water which comprises of 60 to 70%. So, it is very essential for our body’s wellbeing. Moreover, drinking water is easily and readily available resource in major parts of the world. And, we know drinking water is a healthy habit. The more we hydrate ourselves, the more healthy is our brain and body, not to forget the added benefit of glowing skin and complexion. But the problem today is we always opt for aerated water, soda, cola and alcoholic drinks. So in fact unhealthy drinking is expensive. If we carry our water bottle, it’s not just cheap but healthy too.
3. It is not only enough to eat healthy but also to keep a check on the portion of whatever we eat. Not only at home, but in work place or wherever we travel, it is important to eat in moderate portion. Eating in moderate portion is the most essential tip to keep a check on body weight.
4. We have read enough, by now, that eating healthy is curbing sugar, excess fat and avoiding processed food. The simple logic behind this is healthy food are preferably raw, in natural form and which are not over cooked and their natural nutrients are restored. So the best option is to carry our home cooked food, fresh veggies, fruits wherever we go. If this is not possible, we need to choose from the best options available at that point of time.
5.The wisest way of shopping healthy is sticking to our grocery list (Buy items which are necessary ). Buy unprocessed , generic brands which are less expensive and healthy. Sometimes, seasonal fresh fruits ,veggies, sea food are expensive. So frozen fruits and veggies are cheaper option. Off course, sea food and meat should be fresh. Grains, pulses can be brought in bulk to save some amount of money.
6. As mentioned earlier, choice of best option of food easily available is not only wise but at times cheaper. Instead of meat ,switching to beans, pulses are better choices. Instead of junk food, gorging some nuts or a fruit whenever hungry is way better. Instead of dining in a restaurant, celebrating at home with home cooked meal is not only cheap but a healthier option.
7.Left overs of food are great option to use our creative cooking skill for the next meal time. So the freezer is our great friend.
8. If you have a yard at home, growing your own veggies is a very wise option. If not, at least have some pots of herbs on your window balcony for ready use.
9.Above all, eating should never be associated with entertainment or pleasure. We eat to live, grow and nourish ourselves. Eating three proper meals a day is more than enough.This is actually the concept of intermittent eating (eating in specific timings).Gorging a fruits or a handful of nuts whenever hungry is just normal craving.
10.Only eating healthy is not enough. Physical activities, exercises, movement of our body are very ,very important to maintain a good health. Lastly, maintaining a calm mind, meditating, relaxing are very essential for holistic life.
Thanks for reading.
Peace and love 🙏
3H:health,happiness,healing 