Anjana Nambissan is a life coach guiding you through a transformative journey towards self-love and personal growth. She believes in the power of self-love and its profound impact on every aspect of your life.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a crucial time dedicated to reducing stigma, raising awareness, and promoting mental wellness across communities. This annual observance highlights the importance of mental health care and encourages open conversations about psychological well-being.
Established to combat the silence surrounding mental health issues, May serves as a platform for education, advocacy, and support. The month focuses on normalizing discussions about anxiety, depression, stress, and other mental health challenges that affect millions globally. Key themes include early intervention, accessibility to mental health resources, and the recognition that mental health is as important as physical health.
Recent years have seen unprecedented challenges to collective mental wellness. Workplace stress, social media pressures, economic uncertainty, and post-pandemic effects have intensified mental health concerns. Young adults and professionals face particular challenges with anxiety disorders, burnout, and depression becoming increasingly common.
Life coaches play a unique and valuable role in the mental health ecosystem. Unlike therapists who focus on clinical treatment of mental illness, life coaches work with generally healthy individuals seeking personal growth, goal achievement, and life optimization. They bridge the gap between traditional therapy and self-help, offering structured support for those wanting to enhance their mental wellness proactively.
Life coaches employ evidence-based techniques including cognitive behavioral strategies, mindfulness practices, and goal-setting frameworks. They help clients identify limiting beliefs, develop coping strategies, and create actionable plans for personal development. Through regular sessions, coaches provide accountability, perspective, and tools for managing stress, improving relationships, and building resilience.
One of life coaching's greatest strengths lies in its preventive approach. Rather than waiting for mental health crises, coaches help clients build emotional intelligence, stress management skills, and healthy lifestyle habits that protect against future psychological challenges. This proactive stance aligns perfectly with Mental Health Awareness Month's emphasis on prevention and early intervention.
Effective life coaches recognize their scope and limitations, often working collaboratively with mental health professionals. They refer clients to therapists when clinical intervention is needed while continuing to provide support for personal growth goals. This integrated approach ensures comprehensive care addressing both therapeutic needs and life enhancement objectives.
Life coaching offers a less stigmatized entry point for individuals hesitant about traditional mental health services. Many people feel more comfortable seeking a "life coach" than a "therapist," making coaching an accessible gateway to personal development and mental wellness support.
May Action Steps
During Mental Health Awareness Month, individuals can benefit from evaluating their mental wellness needs. Consider whether life coaching might complement existing self-care practices or provide structured support for personal goals. Life coaches can help develop mental wellness plans, establish healthy routines, and create accountability systems for ongoing psychological well-being.
The integration of life coaching into mental health awareness represents a holistic approach to psychological wellness, emphasizing growth, prevention, and empowerment alongside traditional therapeutic interventions.
Judy Barreto, a single mother of three boys, formerly ran "Spondeo Montessori" in Gilbert, Arizona, where she demonstrated her profound commitment to children's education. During her time as the school's leader, she placed special emphasis on incorporating environmentally conscious principles into the institution's framework and operations.
Judy embarked on a new professional path in the field of eco-therapy. We explore her fascinating transition from Montessori education administrator to eco-therapy practitioner, examining how her experience as both an educator and mother has informed this evolving career journey. Our conversation with Judy reveals the connecting threads between her previous work in structured nature-based education and her current pursuit of healing through environmental connection.
Key aspects of eco-therapy include:
Some specific eco-therapy approaches include forest bathing (shinrin-yoku from Japan), adventure therapy, care farming (therapeutic use of farming practices), and green exercise (physical activities in natural environments).
Popular Eco-Therapy Practices You Can Adopt
Here are several accessible eco-therapy practices that have gained popularity for their mental health benefits:
This Japanese practice involves mindful immersion in forest environments. Simply spend time walking slowly through a wooded area, engaging all senses—notice the scents, sounds, textures, and visual details. Research shows 2-3 hours of forest bathing can reduce stress hormones, lower blood pressure, and boost immune function.
Engage with plants through gardening activities. This could be as simple as maintaining indoor plants, creating a small container garden, or joining a community garden. The act of nurturing plants provides both immediate satisfaction and long-term rewards as you watch them grow.
Regular interaction with animals—whether pets, wildlife observation, or volunteering at animal sanctuaries—can reduce anxiety and provide emotional support. The human-animal bond has proven therapeutic effects.
Document your observations, feelings, and experiences in natural settings. This reflective practice helps process emotions while developing deeper connections to the environment. Combine writing with sketches of plants, landscapes, or wildlife.
Participate in habitat restoration, beach cleanups, or tree planting. These activities provide a sense of purpose and community while fostering environmental stewardship.
Create art inspired by or using natural materials. This might include painting outdoors, making mandalas from found objects, photography, or crafting with natural elements.
#EcoTherapy #Montessori #WellnessJourney #NatureHealing #ArizonaWellness
Keywords:
My guest Lavanya Dantuluri was one of my very first guest on this podcast. I truly appreciate her support and her knowledge share for all of us to learn and grow together with our plants!
Gardening in Arizona presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities shaped by the state's distinctive climate zones, from the scorching Sonoran Desert to the cooler high country elevations. This remarkable diversity allows for a surprising variety of plant life when you understand how to work with—rather than against—the local conditions.
Indoor gardening offers Arizonans refuge from the harsh exterior conditions. Low humidity becomes an advantage for succulents and cacti, which thrive in bright, sunny windows while requiring minimal water. Desert-adapted houseplants like snake plants, ZZ plants, and aloe vera flourish with the abundant natural light streaming through Arizona windows.
The challenge of dry indoor air can be addressed through strategic humidification for tropical plants. Many enthusiasts create microclimate zones in their homes—perhaps a bathroom jungle taking advantage of shower humidity for ferns and calatheas, while sun-drenched living rooms showcase colorful desert-adapted specimens.
Air conditioning during the scorching summer months creates another opportunity: the ability to grow plants that might otherwise succumb to extreme heat. Indoor herb gardens thrive year-round when placed near bright windows, providing fresh culinary ingredients regardless of outdoor temperatures.
Outdoor Growing: Embracing Desert Rhythms
Successful outdoor gardening in Arizona requires a fundamental shift in perspective. Rather than fighting the desert, seasoned gardeners embrace its natural cycles and conditions.
The growing calendar runs opposite to many other regions—fall becomes the primary planting season as temperatures moderate from summer extremes. Winter and spring offer ideal growing conditions for cool-season vegetables, flowering annuals, and establishing perennials before summer's arrival. Gardeners learn to create microclimates using shade structures, berms, and strategic placement to extend growing seasons.
Water conservation becomes not just environmentally responsible but aesthetically compelling through xeriscaping principles. Native plants like desert marigold, penstemon, brittlebush, and various cacti create stunning landscapes that require minimal irrigation once established. Smart irrigation systems—drip lines, ollas (buried clay pots), and gray water utilization—maximize every precious drop.
Tree selection proves crucial in the Arizona landscape. Desert-adapted species like mesquite, palo verde, and desert willow provide essential shade that can reduce ground temperatures by up to 20 degrees, creating hospitable zones for understory plantings.
The Resilient Garden Community
Perhaps most remarkable about Arizona gardening is the passionate community that has developed around it. Local knowledge becomes invaluable as experienced gardeners share hard-won wisdom about microclimate creation, rare regionally-adapted varieties, and innovative water conservation techniques.
Native plant societies promote preservation of the unique Sonoran ecosystem while demonstrating its ornamental potential. Community gardens showcase drought-tolerant food production methods, helping address food security challenges while conserving resources.
Seasonal Rhythms and Rewards
For those who align with Arizona's natural cycles rather than imposing external gardening calendars, the rewards are extraordinary. Winter months bring lush vegetables and vibrant cool-season flowers while much of the country lies dormant. Spring delivers spectacular wildflower displays and cactus blooms. Even summer offers unique opportunities for heat-loving tropical fruits like mangoes and bananas in protected locations.
If you want to join Gardening in Chandler FB group, you can find out more here: Gardening in Chandler FB Group
Doug Bland was the Executive Director of Arizona Interfaith Power and Light (AZIPL). AZIPL is a faith-based environmental nonprofit organization that works at the intersection of religion and ecology. It is the Arizona state chapter of the national Interfaith Power and Light organization.
Interfaith Power & Light (IPL) is a national network mobilizing people of faith and conscience to take action on climate change. Rooted in the understanding that caring for the Earth is a moral imperative shared across religious traditions, IPL provides educational and inspirational programs. They empower individuals and congregations to reduce their carbon footprint through energy stewardship, embracing renewable energy, and advocating for climate justice policies. IPL's strength lies in framing climate action not just as an environmental or political issue, but as a matter of ethics, morality, and our responsibility to future generations and the planet. With a network reaching millions, IPL amplifies a powerful moral voice in the climate movement.
Their mission focuses on mobilizing faith communities to address climate change and environmental issues through:
AZIPL works with various faith traditions including Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, and others across Arizona. They help religious communities integrate environmental stewardship into their spiritual practice and community outreach.
The organization typically offers programs like energy audits for houses of worship, climate education workshops, interfaith climate prayer services, and opportunities for faith leaders to speak out on environmental issues affecting Arizona communities.
To learn more about AZIPL, visit AZIPL website
Environmental biologist Manju Venkat shares how birds connect us to nature, offering solace during challenging times and inspiring mindfulness in our everyday lives.
Find more about Manju's birding here: Fine art Manju
Join us for a soul-stirring conversation with environmental biologist and passionate birder Manju Venkat, whose journey from Bengaluru, India to Southern California has been guided by a deep connection to the natural world.
In this episode, we explore how birds serve as both messengers and mirrors in our lives. Manju shares personal stories of finding direction through observing birds during life's challenging moments, and how these winged creatures can reconnect us to our environment when we feel most disconnected.
Discover:
Whether you're an experienced birder or simply curious about finding more meaning in the natural world, Manju's insights offer a refreshing perspective on how the creatures that surround us daily can transform our understanding of both nature and ourselves.
This conversation reminds us that sometimes, the guidance we seek is literally right outside our window, waiting to be noticed with fresh eyes. We cover below topics in our conversation.
Birding transforms ordinary walks into extraordinary adventures where each sighting feels like discovering hidden treasure. This accessible hobby requires minimal equipment—just binoculars and curiosity—yet offers endless depth as observers develop sharper eyes and ears for distinctive calls, flight patterns, and behaviors.
Beyond the joy of identification, birding connects us to seasonal rhythms and local ecosystems. Birds serve as environmental indicators, their presence or absence telling stories about habitat health. The practice naturally cultivates mindfulness as observers slow down, focus attention, and appreciate subtle details often missed in daily life.
Whether in urban parks or remote wilderness, birding builds community through shared checklists, guided walks, and citizen science projects that contribute to conservation efforts. For many enthusiasts, the pursuit evolves from simple species lists into deeper appreciation for how these remarkable creatures navigate survival challenges through migration, adaptation, and intelligence.
The perfect blend of science and soul, birding reminds us we're part of something wild and wonderful—even in our own backyards. Some simple tips:
Remember, birding isn't about competitive listing - it's about connecting with nature right where you are. The joy comes from observation, not achievement!
Tags: Nature, Science, Mindfulness, Environment, Wildlife
Snake Rescue & The Phoenix Herpetological SocietyThe Misunderstood World of Snakes
Snakes remain among the most misunderstood creatures, often feared despite their ecological importance. These reptiles serve as essential predators, controlling rodent populations that might spread disease or damage crops. Despite their beneficial role, misinformation leads to unnecessary killings and habitat destruction.
Snake rescue operations address several challenges:
Professional rescuers use specialized knowledge and techniques to safely relocate snakes or provide rehabilitation for injured specimens.
Founded in 2001, the Phoenix Herpetological Society operates as a nonprofit sanctuary, education center, and rehabilitation facility with several vital missions:
PHS responds to thousands of rescue calls annually, from garden snake encounters to dangerous venomous species in residential areas. Their team includes:
Education forms the cornerstone of PHS's approach:
PHS participates in broader conservation efforts:
As one of North America's largest reptile sanctuaries, PHS provides homes for:
Effective snake rescue requires:
Listeners can support snake conservation through:
Snake rescue represents more than individual animal welfare—it embodies principles of coexistence between humans and wildlife. By fostering understanding rather than fear, rescue organizations help maintain ecological balance while protecting both human and animal interests.
The Phoenix Herpetological Society exemplifies how dedicated conservation efforts can change public perception through direct intervention, education, and advocacy. Their work demonstrates that even the most misunderstood creatures deserve protection and respect within our shared ecosystems.
The field of reptile rescue continues evolving through:
By highlighting these efforts, this podcast helps listeners recognize the importance of these conservation heroes and the remarkable animals they protect.
To learn more about the organization go here: Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary
Video version on YouTube: Hsss Heros with Chuck
Social Enterprise: Sustainability, Circular Economy & The Bra RecyclersSocial Enterprise Framework
Social enterprises combine for-profit and nonprofit models, using commercial strategies to drive positive social and environmental change while maintaining financial sustainability. Unlike traditional businesses focused on shareholder returns, they reinvest most profits to advance their mission.
Their distinctive "triple bottom line" approach measures success through financial performance, social impact, and environmental sustainability. This framework addresses complex societal challenges through innovative business solutions creating sustainable value for diverse stakeholders.
Sustainability within social enterprises encompasses:
These enterprises address current needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their own, serving as catalysts for transformative change.
The circular economy eliminates waste by continually reusing resources, contrasting with the linear "take-make-dispose" model. Key strategies include:
Social enterprises advance these principles through their mission-driven focus, pioneering approaches that address environmental challenges while creating economic opportunities.
The Bra Recyclers exemplifies social enterprise, sustainability, and circular economy principles by diverting undergarments from landfills while supporting women in challenging circumstances.
They collect bras through individual donations, corporate partnerships, and retailers. After inspection, items follow two pathways:
By extending textile lifecycles, they reduce:
The organization creates benefits by:
The Bra Recyclers maintains viability through:
This balanced approach ensures continued environmental and social mission fulfillment while remaining economically sustainable.
The intersection of social enterprise, sustainability, and circular economy principles offers a powerful framework for addressing interconnected challenges. Organizations like The Bra Recyclers demonstrate how mission-driven business models create meaningful impact by reimagining consumption patterns and waste streams, contributing to a more equitable and environmentally responsible economy.
Sustainability IntegrationCircular Economy IntegrationCase Study: The Bra RecyclersOperational ModelEnvironmental ImpactSocial ImpactEconomic SustainabilityConclusion
Learn more about Bra Recyclers on their website The Bra Recyclers
Check out The Bra Recyclers Ambassador program: Ambassador Program
Welcome to "Passion, purpose and preservation with Sandeep Iyer" - Saving the Sacred Hump a podcast where spiritual tradition meets conservation action! I'm your host Soumya, and I'm thrilled to guide you through an extraordinary journey into the world of India's most revered animals – the zebu cattle.
These magnificent hump-backed creatures aren't just livestock – they're living embodiments of India's spiritual heritage, agricultural wisdom, and cultural identity. For thousands of years, zebus have been interwoven with the fabric of Indian community life – from religious ceremonies and agricultural practices to family economics and traditional medicine.
Sandeep shares how his passion for zebus began with his personal story. What started as curiosity blossomed into a calling that eventually led him to establish Surabhi Goshala, an organization dedicated to supporting Indian communities in preserving both their zebu populations and the spiritual practices surrounding these sacred animals.
On today's episode, we'll explore how zebu conservation is truly about nurturing homes – both the physical landscapes where these animals thrive and the spiritual homes they represent in people's hearts. You'll discover:
What makes this work so powerful is that it connects environmental conservation directly with spiritual practice. When we help a family maintain their traditional rituals that have shaped Indian identity for centuries.
From the Go Puja ceremonies honoring cattle as divine mothers, to the intricate knowledge of which zebu breeds thrive in specific microclimates, to the passing down of special mantras used while milking – these traditions create a holistic relationship between people, animals, and the divine that modern agricultural systems simply can't replicate.
Sandeep and his family are true heroes of this story: people who maintain sacred cow shelters called gaushalas, he shares his passion blending traditional practices with modern marketing, and spiritual leaders articulating why zebu protection is essential for dharmic living.
Whether you're interested in animal conservation, spiritual traditions, cultural preservation, or simply love fascinating stories about human-animal connections, I promise you'll find something meaningful in these conversations.
So join me as we explore this beautiful intersection of passion, purpose and preservation! Together, we'll discover how supporting traditional zebu practices isn't just about protecting animals – it's about nurturing the spiritual home that sustains us all.
If you feel moved to support the NGO's work with zebu conservation and community empowerment, visit Surabhi Goshala US to learn how you can contribute.
Now, let's begin our journey into the sacred world of zebus!
Welcome to a special Pride Month episode of our podcast, where we explore the remarkable life journey of Manu Srivastava – a multifaceted individual whose story embodies courage, transformation, and the power of living authentically.
Manu Srivastava is well-known throughout Phoenix Valley for his disciplined approach to teaching Hindustani classical music, but his identity extends far beyond his musical expertise. As the Chief Revenue Officer at White Fox, an innovative anti-drone company, Manu balances corporate leadership with his passionate commitment to preserving cultural traditions through Phoenix Gharana, the music institution he founded. When not immersed in music or business, Manu channels his energy into bodybuilding – a physical discipline that mirrors the mental strength he's cultivated throughout his life journey.
Born into a conservative Indian family, Manu's early years were shaped by traditional expectations and cultural norms. His formative experiences in Canada introduced new perspectives, creating an internal dialogue between his heritage and his emerging sense of self.
Manu's story is particularly compelling because it challenges conventional narratives. Before embracing his gay identity, he built a life that outwardly fulfilled societal expectations – including marriage and fatherhood. Yet beneath this conventional surface, he experienced the profound tension familiar to many who struggle to reconcile their true selves with external pressures.
The dissolution of his marriage represents a pivotal chapter in Manu's journey – not one of failure, but of courageous transformation. What makes this story especially powerful is the extraordinary support he received from his ex-wife during this transition. Rather than animosity, their relationship evolved into a different kind of partnership, centered on mutual respect and commitment to their son's wellbeing. This redefined family dynamic offers a beautiful template for how relationships can transform rather than simply end.
Parenthood has been central to Manu's evolution. His approach to raising his son demonstrates how authentic living becomes a powerful teaching tool. By embracing his true identity, Manu shows his son that living honestly requires courage but yields profound fulfillment. Through their relationship, we see how parenting can become a platform for challenging restrictive norms and nurturing the next generation's capacity for acceptance.
Manu's journey toward love culminated in finding his life partner Adam, whom he married in 2023. Their relationship represents not just personal happiness but a public affirmation of LGBTQ+ rights. Through social media advocacy and community engagement, Manu has transformed his personal journey into a platform for broader social change, particularly addressing the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals from traditional cultural backgrounds.
When Manu speaks about his experiences – from childhood confusion to adult clarity – he offers valuable insights into universal human themes: the search for identity, the desire for connection, and the courage required to live truthfully. His willingness to share vulnerable moments creates space for others to recognize themselves in his story.
Through Manu's story, we witness the beautiful possibility that emerges when individuals are empowered to integrate all aspects of their identity – cultural heritage, professional accomplishments, parental love, and authentic sexual orientation – into a cohesive, openly-lived life.
Join us as we amplify Manu Srivastava's voice, celebrating not just his individual journey but the broader movement toward a world where everyone can live as their complete, authentic selves without fear or constraint.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal or health or professional advice.
Previous episode link: Single mom by choice - Journey
We continue our conversation with Shilpa on her "single mom by choice" journey. If you have not yet heard the previous episode, I highly recommend you listen to that one first before going over this, her journey of decision making is pretty interesting.
When you want to do something in life, and it is something you really really want to be or do it, no matter what, it happens. It just happens. Is it the clarity of thought that makes it happen? Is it the determination of the intention itself? Or a supportive move from the universe to give us assurance? We may all have different theories about that, but we all can definitely relate to that experience in our life at some point.
Shilpa and I continue our conversation here to talk about her In-virto fertilization experience, and planning for almost 2 years about her strong intention to be a mother. She also shares how she cut down on her consumption, saving money for the baby before even getting pregnant.
Finally, being a woman from the Indian origin and sharing our deep roots of traditional thinking, Shilpa shares how she and her family supported her to embrace this unconventional and technological way of having a baby and be a single mother.
Previous episode link: Single mom by choice - Journey
We continue our conversation with Shilpa on her "single mom by choice" journey. If you have not yet heard the previous episode, I highly recommend you listen to that one first before going over this, her journey of decision making is pretty interesting.
In this episode Shilpa shares her journey knowing about donors and the choosing process. Little bit about sperm donor, who is always an adult male. A sperm donor is a person who donates their sperm for use in assisted reproduction, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or artificial insemination. Sperm donation can be anonymous or known, depending on the preferences of the donor and the intended recipient(s).
We have a special guest to talk about her becoming mother journey. This is very different from normal motherhood journey that I have heard about in my life. We will hear from Shilpa Dhawan from Jersey City, USA. She is a single mother by choice. We will learn more on that soon. She is working in a high flying corporate job in the financial industry. She considers herself very fortunate to be blessed with an adorable baby girl who is currently 3 years old. Currently, Shilpa is a very busy mom answering her daughters "WHYs" :)
A single mom by choice is a woman who decides to become a mother without being in a committed relationship or without the support of a partner. This may involve using assisted reproductive technologies such as sperm donation, or adoption.
Choosing to become a single mom is a deeply personal decision and can be influenced by a variety of factors, such as a desire for motherhood, the lack of a suitable partner, or a need to take control of one's life and future.
While it may present some unique challenges, being a single mom by choice can also be rewarding. It requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice, but it can also provide a strong sense of fulfillment and joy. It's important to have a support system of family and friends, as well as access to resources such as childcare and financial assistance, to help navigate the challenges that come with raising a child alone.
Background on the intention to create this podcast: My journey to create this specific podcast episode started when I attend a panel discussion with Rajita on Bharatanatyam and Salsa. Rajita was opened up my curious mind to learn about the relationship between Bharatanatyam or any type of dance and physical therapy. In this 3 part series we discuss about mother hood, journey with learning dance and marrying art with medical care.
Physical therapy and dance can be closely intertwined. Physical therapy involves the use of various techniques to improve movement, reduce pain, and restore function in people who have experienced injuries, illnesses, or disabilities. On the other hand, dance is a form of movement that can be used as a therapeutic tool to improve physical and mental health.
Dance can be used as a form of exercise to improve physical fitness, flexibility, balance, coordination, and endurance. It can also be used to improve mood, reduce stress, and enhance social interaction. In addition, dance therapy is a specialized form of therapy that uses dance as a way to express emotions, enhance communication, and improve body awareness.
Physical therapists can use dance as a form of therapy to help patients recover from injuries, illnesses, or disabilities. For example, dance can be used to help patients regain strength and mobility after surgery or an injury. It can also be used to improve balance and coordination in patients with neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease.
In addition, physical therapists may use specific dance techniques, such as the Alexander Technique or the Feldenkrais Method, to help patients improve their posture and body mechanics. These techniques can be especially helpful for patients with chronic pain or movement disorders.
Overall, physical therapy and dance can complement each other to help individuals improve their physical and mental well-being. Physical therapists can use dance as a tool to enhance their treatment plans, while dance therapists can work with physical therapists to develop a comprehensive plan for their patients.
Rajita also talks about taking care of our body bringing her Physical Therapy expertise in this panel discussion here
In this episode, Rajita and I continue our conversation about being mom, discovering our interests that aligns with our kids and feeling satisfaction with one's work which is key for happiness. We delve more into discovering teaching Bharatanatyam through her son. Now along with her son, she has more boys, girls and adults who are learning this form of art. Raji and I also talk about comparing one with others vs absorbing one's energy to go deeper inside our own learning.
A bit about Rajita - Rajitha Bharatan is a Bharatanatyam dancer and Physical Therapist by Profession.
She was introduced into the art form of Bharatanatyam under the guidance of her teacher, Smt Suganda Iyer and later with Manjula Ramamoorthy from Hyderabad, India. During her learning years in India, she performed in various dance festivals and also for national television.
Her love to learn and excel the art form, led her to complete various dance exams, take up variety of workshops and volunteer in community events to propagate the dance form.
While she pursued her career in Physical therapy in India, Canada, UK and US, she also continued to perform as a solo artist to represent her art and culture.
Rajitha lives in Phoenix, AZ with her 3 boys and husband, where she continues to actively learn, perform ,teach. Rajita also collaborates with local artists while pursuing her career as a Physical Therapist.
Rajita also talks about taking care of our body bringing her Physical Therapy expertise in this panel discussion here
Rajitha Bharatan is a Bharatanatyam dancer and Physical Therapist by Profession.
She was introduced into the art form of Bharatanatyam under the guidance of her teacher, Smt Suganda Iyer and later with Manjula Ramamoorthy from hyderabad, India. During her learning years in India, she performed in various dance festivals and also for national television.
Her love to learn and excel the art form, led her to complete various dance exams, take up variety of workshops and volunteer in community events to propagate the dance form.
While she pursued her career in Physical therapy in India, Canada, UK and US, she also continued to perform as a solo artist to represent her art and culture.
Rajitha lives in Phoenix, AZ with her 3 boys and husband, where she continues to actively learn, perform ,teach. Rajita also collaborates with local artists while pursuing her career as a Physical Therapist.
Rajita also talks about taking care of our body bringing her Physical Therapy expertise in this panel discussion: https://youtu.be/7QRPKBzAH4M
Path to happiness series final episode is on relationships. In this episode, we will go over relationships and the main cause how it can impact our happiness levels. For sustained happiness we need to slowly develop awareness, self-awareness and understanding of our own self. To attain that, the best feedback loop is our relationships. Our relationships gives us metrics, the variables that trigger us and how we respond with emotion.
Every interaction triggers an emotion in us. The emotion is dependent on our memory, our bias, our physical exertion levels. The interaction for me has always made me feel happier about it or not happy about it. And that emotion, becomes the driver for the judgement we make. Every-time the thoughts do NOT match our though that is seen as a threat in our mind and we feel challenged.
While the above drives judgement which directly impact our happiness, the second main driver in relationships is the expectations. Interview of Ratan Tata https://youtube.com/shorts/40xpZ8Z4b40?feature=share where he mentions he does not have to react to other peoples concerns. His entire mind is free to focus on "work" and not worry about these dependencies for happiness.
The question is, why should I expect someone else to make me feel happier? who put those thoughts in my mind to expect them from others? does it provide a sustained levels of happiness?
You know when you are right about something?
You know the feeling of proud which can potentially slide towards arrogance?
In this episode I will share my realization about arrogance to humbleness in a very practical way and the path to happiness.
When does confidence turns to arrogance?
Listen to this episode to know more.