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The Enchanted Woods: How It made me Believe in magic

By Dr.Amrita Basu(MBBS,MS) on August 31, 2018 23

What is your favorite book and what impact did it have on you? My favorite book forever is The Enchanted Wood by Enid Blyton. It belongs to The Faraway Tree series, all of which are amazing.

The Enchanted Wood
The Magic Faraway Tree
The Folk of the Faraway Tree
Up the Faraway Tree

Author Enid Blyton

The beauty of Enid Blyton’s books can be understood by all her fans. I am sure many of you have read these books. But for all those who haven’t, let me tell you about the Enchanted woods and its Faraway tree.

It is an enchanted forest with magical creatures and the Faraway Tree, the most magical tree in the forest. The tree is full of magical people. It grows different fruits, in different branches. A new magical land comes up on top of this tree, every few weeks. This tree made me a tree hugger!

If you remember stories you read twenty-five years back that story is special. I became a Doctor and I am a logic-driven person most of the time. But I still choose to believe real magic exists. You just have to believe with all your heart, for good things to happen. You must remember the earth is for all living beings and not just humans. That’s what the Enchanted woods taught me.

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How did the Magic Faraway tree impact me? How did it make me who I am today?

When I was a child some serious family matters meant I had two very distinct choices. I could listen to adults talk or daydream while reading my favorite books. The latter was my savior. Discovering this book I realized early that books are always full of magic. It’s like nuggets of wisdom, dreams, life lessons from times past distilled into the pages. Fiction or nonfiction the author’s life leaves an impression on the book and the reader. Enid Blyton left an indelible link.

The lessons I learned from reading and revising the Enchanted woods series

Believe in yourself.
Have faith
There is magic inside you and outside. You just need to keep your intuitions alive.
Be good. It works in amazing ways.
Be thankful and kind. It always comes back.
Life is like the Faraway tree. You find different lessons at different times of life. Learn from all of them. The good bad and ugly will all help you move up in life.
Never stop dreaming.T hey do come true.
The best life is the one you create, with the people you love.
If you wish really hard, they come true.

I still try to hear the leaves of trees and plants I pass by. Are they saying,

making a wish, a wish ,a wish

…just like the trees of the enchanted forest!

Did you read this book? Let me know in the comments below.

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The Wisdom of God by A. W. Tozer:Book Review

By Dr.Amrita Basu(MBBS,MS) on August 30, 2018 0

The Wisdom of God by A. W. Tozer is not my typical reading material.But for some time I have tried the scope of my reading to spread beyond my comfort zone.

I was looking forward to an enlightening book about the wisdom of the Gods and the author doesn’t disappoint.

But it’s a book which has a definite readership and not for everyone.

The Pros :

If you are a devoutly religious person you will love this book.The author through his interpretations of various sermons and excerpts from scriptures guides you to a deeper understanding of what God wants and expects you to be.

He reflects on the deeper meanings and puts forward his understanding of how a good Christian should live.We are God’s children and following his path will help us live our life to the fullest.

This lesson is deeply ingrained in the book.

Though the thoughts are old they will still hold true for modern devotees of this faith.

My favorite quote from the book

Oh, heavenly father for too long I lived according to my own wisdom and found no rest or peace.Thy eternal wisdom has bought Thy peace into my life.Amen

The Cons :

Not for the non-religious and not for the casual reader.It’s heavy reading and in some parts repetitive.

My take from the book

The understanding of God’s will guides man’s path to a happy life.The man though intelligent learns only through his mistakes.The more you are aligned to what God wants from you, the less time you will spend searching in the dark for life’s true purpose.

About the Author:

A.W Tozer was a self-taught theologian, pastor and writer.he has written more than 40 books Though the sermons are from the 1960s they are still relevant for the modern believers of this faith.

Disclosure: I received a free copy from Bethany House publishers.The opinions are strictly mine.

(Disclaimer: There are affiliate links in the next part of the post.That means if you do click on a link and buy something I will get a small commission.This in no way affects the product price for you.I recommend only products I personally use and love.Your help and support is a big part of how I maintain this website.All help is deeply appreciated.You can tweet what you bought tagging me.I will always respond.)

Why Action Movies Like Commando 2 are Awesome!

By Dr.Amrita Basu(MBBS,MS) on August 30, 2018 67

In real life, I fight illness, not bad guys. But watching movies like this makes me wish one could bash up diseases as easily as Karanveer Singh Dogra deals with the baddies. Good, bad and ugly are more clearly demarcated in action movies and helps my brain declutter from relative answers. Sometimes I want simple right and wrong and not a list of differential diagnosis. Action movies help cut through the nonsense to fighting evil. Eternally popular.

There’s a lot to be said for the level of fitness these action stars must have. It’s never a one-time thing, but years of dedication with no cheat days. That kind of persistence is exemplary. Every time I watch Vidyut Jammwal I try to inspire my hubby to lift more weights. Sadly he refuses to be inspired to that level. But we do lift weights as a part of our fitness goals.

Vidyut Jammwal is the man to get on your team if you want to catch a bad guy. I like clean real life and reel heroes with strong moral codes and loving Mother India. No Jailbird hero for me. I choose my heroes with care. Also, I believe entertainment and movies need to spread the right message. Sometimes difficult, but heroes need to be heroes! The youth looks up to them!

I am sure everyone loves action, it gives us a good adrenaline rush with none of the danger of real-life action. I like the non-gory kinds with no skull bashing! Action movies have a fast pace which keeps my attention from wandering. I gave up watching romance a long time back. Real life romance is better!

If the hero is as believable in action scenes as Vidyut Jammwal, Bruce Willis, Vin Diesel and our Terminator man Arnold Schwarzenegger, what’s not to love?

Why Action Movies Like Commando 2 are Awesome!

Why I feel Commando 2 is Awesome!A brief story summary

Commando 2 takes off from where Commando 1 left. But then, travels to Thailand to catch Vicky Chadda this time. With ex-commando and encounter specialist, Karanveer Singh Dogra (Vidyut Jamwal) acing the action sequences is my reason for watching this movie.

Hindi action movies have few such men who can do believable stunts. You will enjoy if you are an action fan. The storyline is straight of India’s political drama. Black money being siphoned off by Vicky Chadda stationed in Thailand.

Indian businessmen are happy to let him hide their dirty cash. The team sanctioned by Home Minister of India (played by Shefali Shah) also has Bhavna Reddy (Adah Sharma) as a Telugu speaking encounter specialist from Vijayawada. The pro-government ACP Bakhtawar (Freddy Daruwala) leads the team. Also part of the team is a corrupt cop and ethical hacker Zafar Hussain. ‘Hawala’ con master Vicky (Thakur Anoop Singh) is the main antagonist who runs his hawala racket from the Malaysia-Thailand border.

Kalaripayattu like fight sequences in Commando 1 does carry over to Commando 2 too. Vidyut Jammwal is the man to watch for. The cat and mouse game to catch Vicky has unexpected twists and turns.

Will they catch him? Will they be betrayed? Will Vidyut Jammwal save the day? You will have to watch it in the spirit of Mission Impossible series to enjoy this action-packed entertainer. If you too are planning to check out Commando 2, you can watch this amazing action movie online on ZEE5.

Don’t judge me for my choice of movies. A woman can dream of bashing up bad guys right? Do you love Action movies? Let me know in the comments below.

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Gym Wear for Maternity Days: Fit Moms, Fine Children

By Anamika on August 27, 2018 14

Babies are gifts, and women are chosen to deliver these precious gifts to the world. Taking care of moms while in pregnancy; from the first day till last, is a key to healthy and happy pregnancy and delivery.

Experts and Doctors always suggest the Moms-to-be to keep themselves moving(1). Research has proven examples of eased pregnancy discomforts from the mothers who regularly exercise during their expecting days.

Comfort is a must, while a little angel is growing inside you each day. Discomfort due to clothes shouldn’t be allowed while you’re working out So, it’s shopping time for all the expecting ladies out there!

Grab a few cool yet comfy Gym Wear which balances fashion as well as comfort even with your baby bump!

Fit it with Tights

To jog lightly or walk in any time of your pregnancy period(as long as it’s an uncomplicated pregnancy) is something every expert suggests(2)! An expecting lady should at least walk 30 -40 min a day to keep the child and herself healthy. For the moms who want to flaunt their baby bump or for those who want to show off their skinny legs, tights are the perfect companion. The stretchy material will let you freely move your legs with style.

Three fourth Pants & Capris

For the ladies who want fresh air to touch their legs(I did too), prefer Capris and 3/4ths.They give a clean and smart look for any exercise routine. It absorbs the sweat and let the air flow. It eases the blood circulation as well. Pregnant women are sure to love its Stretchy comfort with some quirky colors.

Jogger Pants & Track pants to the rescue

Nothing gives tranquillity as cotton pants can give. Most Jogger Pants come in cotton material and are wider. Whether you’re in your early days of pregnancy or last, these pants can give you ease while following your workout regime. The airiness and ability to soak sweat are unmatchable to any other gym wears. Track pants similarly give the same comfort and space and come in both cotton and other materials too.

The bottom wear choices are sorted! The future mums can choose the one that gives them total contentment. Now comes the Top wears. What clothes can meet the demand of the expecting moms? Check out the list here!

Sports Bras

Following at least a 30 to 40 -minute exercise routine daily, helps you stay healthy and keep in shape while in pregnancy, as well as makes it easier and faster to come back in the old shape after delivery.

While you’re carrying a baby inside you, your hormones change even minute to minute. The body reacts with the same, especially your breasts. The maternity days require a proper bust cloth to help keep them in shape as well as required comfort. Sports Bras for Women is a perfect choice when you’re expecting. There are non-Padded and non -wired sports bras available on Shoppers Stop, specially designed for would-be-mommies.

Sports bras with enough stretch sizes and styles are preferred by many while doing yoga, pallets, jogging, depending o the level of workout.

Tees and Tanks

Round neck tees with sports materials is a good choice but we need something which will look stylish with the above-mentioned bottom wears and gives an edgy look. So what if they’re just the Gym Clothes? Can’t they be swanky too? Choose a Crew neck printed Tee with that comes in sweat absorber material or you can go for Slim fit Tank tops as well. The workout may be tough, but at least your clothing won’t be!

Keep it Crop

The mums who cherish their baby bumps in later pregnancy days, I guess every expecting ladies do, but the ones who want to boast about them can choose to wear Crop Tops while they workout. Not just to flaunt the bump, they come with many other health benefits as well. The Crop Tops will give your Breasts a balance between your workout sessions as well as the bump may stay out and feel relax without any tight clothes around.

Make a move today .Break all the stereotypes of not exercising in your pregnancy days. Shop any of the above-mentioned Gym Gears from Shoppers Stop’s women gym wear collection and start your daily exercise regime for a healthy today and strong tomorrow!

Image source: Shoppers Stop

Affiliate Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post but you know all opinions are mine.Products are recommended only after I have personally used them.Please read my full disclaimer here.

Disclosure: All health and exercise decision for mothers to be should be taken after personal doctors consultation.This is meant for general awareness only and all decisions for a pregnant mother needs personalized recommendations from a registered medical practitioner after professional consultation.

References:

1) J Dev Orig Health Dis. 2014 Jun;5(3):259-67. doi: 10.1017/S2040174414000117.
The impact of a walking intervention during pregnancy on postpartum weight retention and infant anthropometric outcomes. Kong KL1, Campbell C1, Wagner K1, Peterson A2, Lanningham-Foster L1. (Pubmed)

2)Res Q Exerc Sport. 2008 Mar;79(1):28-35.
Walking for health in pregnancy: assessment by indirect calorimetry and accelerometry.DiNallo JM1, Le Masurier GC, Williams NI, Downs DS.(Pubmed)

A B.R.A.VE Year :52 weeks being Mindful by Gabriel Constans (Book Review)

By Dr.Amrita Basu(MBBS,MS) on August 27, 2018 1

Today I will tell you about the book, “A B.R.A.VE. Year: Fifty-two weeks of being mindful Gabriel Constance. It’s an interesting book. Before Reacting Access Validate and Explore. That’s what B.R.A.V.E stands for. This acronym will make you curious. The book is a journey inwards and BRAVE is how you will remember it.

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Writing for me is like the easiest form of mindfulness. But when I read this book, I realized I could actually meditate any time any place without the stress. The author is an experienced, meditation practitioner, and a consultant. She tells us a lot about how meditation can help you do more in life. Like the rest of the body, it’s good to exercise the mind with daily exercise and meditation. it will not only improve your health, it will decrease your stress, and it will make your mind stronger and body healthier. To get the most out of the book you must want to learn this ancient practice of speaking to your mind. It will not be easy, but it’s going to be worth the effort.

Listen to the review

Through the fifty-two weeks of mindful meditation, the author guides you gently, so that you can imbibe the benefits of the steps of meditation in the right order. If you do this with sincerity, your senses will be heightened. You will find your inner self more aware and at peace at the same time. It will take courage, bravery and honestly to get all the lessons inside you. If you want to experience the best way to go forward in life, you have to read this book.

What I liked best:
What really stood out to me was how kind her words are. It is as if she has traveled the path and found the light to be real and not j a mirage.

The author talks about, including meditation into every aspect of your daily life, not just when you are meditating. I liked this part best. It’s about are turning the lamp inwards

Meditation, after all, is a very integral part of India as yoga tradition, but with the daily rush, you forget to think and introspect. It’s a deeply personal and inspirational ritual. But if you learn it, your inner sanctum will always know how to be healthy and happy even when there is chaos all around.way of meeting our inner health.The book will help you explore meditation in your own way.

She will tell you the steps for simple meditation practices at the end of the chapter, my favorite meditation exercises are :

Points of contact.
Can you count to Ten?

(Read my Affiliate Disclaimer)

Find it here

What could be better?

The meditation exercises are not included in the table of content and it takes some time to find the one you are looking for at random.

Takeaway:

It’s a beautiful book and has helped me start a new journey. This is not a book that can be left alone. You will take action. Just read it and see

About the Author: Gabriel Constans works with several organizations promoting mental health and meditation. You can find her at gogabriel.com

You might love this too: Slay Naysayers now!

Why National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month Affects You Too

By Caitlin Hoff on August 26, 2018 21

With time and age comes wisdom, confidence, experience, and often times health issues. Men and women above forty are more at risk for many diseases and conditions including diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. One of these cancers threatening women over forty is ovarian cancer, which ranks fifth in cancer deaths of women. September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, so it’s time to get informed and talk about the dangers of ovarian cancer.

14,000 women die yearly from ovarian cancer, and there is a pretty significant reason that this number is so high. Only 15% of ovarian cancers are diagnosed at stage 1. In a sample size of 100 women diagnosed with ovarian cancer, 85 women would be diagnosed with an advanced stage of the cancer. So what can we do to lower our chances of becoming one of these statistics?

Why National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month Affects You Too

Know your risk. If you have a family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer, your chances of developing ovarian cancer are higher. Make sure your gynecologist is aware of this fact when treating you for other gynecological issues.
Get tested. Like breast cancer, the genetic mutations BRCA1 and BRCA2, often indicate a greater risk of developing ovarian cancer. If breast cancer or ovarian cancer runs in your family, ask your gynecologist to test for these genetic mutations. A Pap smear is not meant to detect ovarian cancer, and in the few cases that it has, the cancer was already in advanced stages.
Keep your vagina healthy. Douches, cleansing wipes, and other consumer products are advertised to “clean” a woman’s vagina, but often they contain harmful ingredients that shouldn’t be in your body. Some of these ingredients include dyes, fragrances, and even glitter found in women’s bathing products like bath bombs. Talcum powder is another substance that has been linked to ovarian cancer in many studies. The exact correlation between the two is not yet clear, but while there is still doubt and a possible connection, it is wise to keep talcum powder and any artificial or chemical substances away from your genital areas.Washing with plain water, every time you visit the loo does the job well.
Be proactive as you age. Again, you are at a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer after 40, as you reach post-menopause towards your late 50s, and if you are obese. While you can’t stop aging, you can be proactive in keeping a healthy lifestyle that reduces your risk. Stay active and eat a healthy diet that includes vitamins A, D & E along with omega-3 fatty acids, which can be found in many types of fish and other seafood or taken as a supplement. By keeping your BMI under 30 with a healthy, active lifestyle, a woman can greatly reduce her risk of both ovarian cancer and heart disease.

Education is key in fighting this gynecological cancer, so let’s support all women this September by spreading awareness. Tell your mother, your daughter, your sister or your friend about the dangers of ovarian cancer. Share these preventative measures that every woman should take and lower your own chances today. It’s time to change these statistics once and for all!”

Disclosure: All health decisions should be taken after personal doctors consultation.This is meant for general awareness only and all treatment decisions need personalized recommendations from a registered medical practitioner after professional consultation.

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The Enchanted Woods: How It made me Believe in magic

How did the Magic Faraway tree impact me? How did it make me who I am today?

The lessons I learned from reading and revising the Enchanted woods series

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