This year has been full of spiritual learnings, daily chantings and meditation, that helped me stay grounded and enthusiastic, irrespective of the external circumstances and achieve a few milestones with the happy results, much more than I expected. I have been able to resume my passion for art and music everyday, the hobbies that I had parked aside for the past few years. I resumed bushwalking, hiking and running tracks.
At a professional and personal front, networked with several likeminded folks. Likewise, started a spiritual podcast with a few and realised how hard it is to translate Sanskrit slokas to English!
I'm thankful to my family, friends, godparents and gurus who have been supportive whenever I needed them. It goes without saying, "Good people can get you out of a thousand problems with charm and kindness," - Anoushka Hempel
Did I tell you, I revamped my blog and photography portfolio too... and this blog completes 15!!!
Wishing you a happy 2021 filled with happiness, good health and wealth.
22nd Oct 2019
We ordered plenty of desserts, of which I don't recollect the name of any dessert but one can't stop clicking the photos before eating. These are so cute and adorable. Dessert per piece varies anywhere between $ 15 to 18 but its worth it.
My mornings begin listening to melodious Kannada songs on Nammradio, an Internet Radio, these days. NammRadio has wide range of programs throughout the week playing genres, cinema songs, folklore, light music and devotional. The Radio is available in four timezones, India, USA, Gulf and Europe. If its unavailable in your geography, you are free to choose the one you of your choice. NammRadio is available in web browser version, App Store and Google Playstore
I have listened to most of their programs and every program is enjoyable. I hum the songs as I listen and singing the old Kannada songs when you grew up are the most that are close to your heart.
I don't have any single program as a favourite as I admire all the programs and songs being played on this Radio.
Most of us are bored staying home and interacting with near and dear ones on video chats, though nothing would ever come close to hug the loved ones we should we thankful for all the beautiful memories we have had earlier. The food, the money, health and whatever we have wished for and I believe nothing is stronger than a prayer with good intention for the loved ones.
I have compiled a list that can be achieved while staying at home:
1. Spend
time with family
If you live with your family, you have plenty of time spending with family that you have missed earlier.
2. Say 'Hello' to an old friend
I spoke to friends from childhood and each one of us were so happy to catch each others glimpse after ages.
4th August 2018
Perisher Ski Resort is a popular destination for skiers in winter when the valley is filled with snow. Perisher is 5 hour 30 minutes drive from Sydney and located in New South Wales, Australia. We started the previous night and reached early morning.
What to bring along?
- Ski jackets & trousers
- Waterproof gloves
- Ski Goggles or Mask
- Beanie
- Scarf
- Water bottle
- Snacks
- Food
- Camera, optional
You can hire toboggan, ski gears, ski shoes before you reach Perisher on your way. I just borrowed a toboggan and its the safest to slide down the snow if you are scared of skiing and breaking your bones.
We have a snowfall which made staying out in the snow made much colder and I also noticed my iPhone would get turned off due to the extreme temperature. If you are taking DSLR Camera with you, ensure you have packed it well and avoid the moisture settling inside the camera to avoid the damage.
We had to board a train to reach the top and the train ride was so much fun. We packed our lunches though the place had amazing restaurants and take aways to avoid the huge queues and wait time for pick up and as it was a picnic, we got to spend more time talking over lunch.
The first 6 months passed by just like that. Though, it has been a tough phase for all of us, it has been an year of immense life lessons emotionally, mentally and financially. I am occupied with the projects that I planned to do a decade ago. Every atomic progress I do, I pat myself and cheer.
Here goes few achievements:
- Enrolled to few courses and up skilled.
- Practice Meditation & Mindfulness, Suryanamaskara & Sudarshan Kriya Yoga, everyday.
- Restarted blogging, photography and tarot business.
- Bought a Ukulele and begun strumming.
- Reduce food wastage.
- Buy only after you use the existing stuff completely.
- Cleaned up the house, donated, sold and threw away the unwanted stuff.
Last but not the least, I have been regular at Gita chantings and this gives an immense strength and motivation.
What made you active and stay positive over the last 6 months?
June is a very special month to me. Its the month I entered this world and my birthday is on the World Environment Day and I like the pleasant green which represents Mother Earth. I believe that green brings good luck. Seeing the plight of the city today, come lets paint the world green, planting trees!
June is the month I traveled overseas to the world's most liveable and loveable city and I had loads of memoirs connected to the place. It has been the best gift I have received so far.
Every June I receive the prasad Badrinath temple during my birthday. This year, there has been a delay and I am hopeful, I will receive it soon.
Kia Ora is a the most commonly used welcome affirmation in New Zealand Maori language. One would notice Kia Ora at the airports, shopping malls, stores, coffee shops and restaurants, which means wishing you good health.
Kia Kaha is another commonly used Maori affirmation meaning, "Stay Strong", at all times and is a phrase for comforting and cajoling during difficult times.
Ka Pai meaning all good, is an easy way to respond when someone asks you "All okay?"
I learned these words during my visit to New Zealand and continue to use them. Isn't it a great way to greet?
