Wellness

About Saying Goodbye

By Dr.Amrita Basu(MBBS,MS) on April 1, 2024 9

Today marks the beginning of Blogchatter A to Z challenge and April Ultimate Blog Challenge .

Before I start jumping into this crazy April of blogging ,I need to tell you about my friend Martha’s husband Rich, who left for a new adventure on Easter.

It’s with a heavy heart I start writing today’s blog post remembering how inspiring Rich was with his gardening,trimming the hedges ,and DIY around the house.Their love story is fifty nine years long and is the kind of love that transcends time.

Knowing Rich through Martha’s posts on Facebook was sporadic and virtual ,but his loss is deeply felt.

I believe Rich will be okay wherever he is now.Goodbyes are always difficult and this virtual one feels incomplete .But knowing Martha and Rich this was something I had to write .

Rich is now all sparkly ,like a star and I hope he smiles when he reads this.

A is About Saying Goodbye and linking to Blogchatter

How to Conjure a Patronus :Positivity tips for those Gloomy days

By Dr.Amrita Basu(MBBS,MS) on March 20, 2024 0

We all have blue days. Be it a Monday, Tuesday or any other day of the week.My go to therapy for beating the blues is literally a dose of green.Going for a walk in a garden will be a confirmed mood booster.

Even watering my balcony plants helps me beat the gloom and doom.But sometimes things do get tiring . Whatever anyone says sometimes there’s only one way to choose,that’s forward. One can’t really go back and expect things to be the same or different according to one’s own will.

That’s why I believe you need to learn to conjure a patronus for those gloomy days.

What if you don’t have a powerful childhood happy memory?What if you are a child and can’t find a happy memory to draw the patronus from?That’s what Harry Potter taught a generation of children reading Harry Potter growing up.

It’s never too late to create your happy memory.Help will always be given to those who ask for it .We can all be a Phoenix and your super power may be being your best self.

But I am getting the cart ,in front of the horse. For those who grew up without reading Harry Potter(the movie watchers won’t really feel this), conjuring a patronus was one of the best magic spells the kids at Hogwarts learned. Regular schools don’t offer such education and you will be hard-pressed to find a book explaining how to conjure one.

But let me explain it to you

1. You need a magic wand and preferably have a little magic in you.

2.You need a very strong bright happy memory.

3.You need to know the spell.For that, you can read the book or I will share the incantation with you. Its expecto patronus.

So whenever Harry had to fight the dementors or happiness suckers, the only way to drive them away was this super powerful happiness-powered patronus which could disperse the horrible dementors.

If low moods are lack of self-motivation is keeping you back,you need to conjure your patronus to get going.

Remember that perfect summer holiday or the Durga puja with family? Remember what happened last December? Remember the first time you saw your spouse? Remember, making your first friend, and growing your first flower, fruit, and vegetables? Remember publishing your first blog post , or book ? All those are powerful seeds of super happy memories.

It’s very easy to get pulled down into a vortex of what-ifs. It’s even easier to blame those closest to us and even self-blame. None of which will help. What will help you conjure your patronus and fight your dementors is accepting that the now requires gratitude and you are probably living your dream in more ways than one.

Picnics,Winters,mango orchards and mustard fields |Video

By Dr.Amrita Basu(MBBS,MS) on March 3, 2024 0

As we skip towards end of February the days grow warmer and the nip in the air is felt mostly in the mornings and nights.

Before saying goodbye to winter officially sharing a video of the winter that was.

Winter picnics Mustard Fields and Mango Orchards

Hi welcome to the memories of a winter morning in Malda.Winters in Malda are synonymous with picnics, green mango
orchards & mustard fields.

Greens & yellows are colours which create joy in my heart and a sense of peace.

Gazing at the pond ,then forgetting to click food pics because you are too hungry .Picnics means good food.Breakfast means luchi /Radhaballabi or karaishutir Kochuri with alur dum is a breakfast staple .Usually with jilipi /jalebi and cups of tea and coffee.Lunch is using kasha mangsho(mutton curry) ,rice with dual,bhaja mixed veg,sweets,chatni, papor. Depending on the location you can play cricket or badminton,go for walks or just sit and chat.I love green locations and winter picnics always make my heart sing.

The yellow mustard fields look golden in the sun.Time stands still as you are caught in the magic of this moment.Wishing you could capture it all in your heart,mind and soul.

But while I sat down to write about picnics in winter,I had a sudden thought.Why can’t we have picnics in summer,spring and autumn ?The Famous Five of Enid Blyton always went on picnics on their holidays.Then why can’t we?I think it has to do with suitable weather and your friends being ready for it.Because the most important ingredient for any picnic is the company.

Plus being Grateful that God gave you this glimpse into his beautiful work and the opportunity to have a loving family,good friends to enjoy what nature has to offer.

That’s what I carry forward from each winter,to spring…to the ripe mangoes of summers.Thank you for watching.
Until next time .

The Spiritual Anatomy

By Dr.Amrita Basu(MBBS,MS) on March 2, 2024 0

The Spiritual Anatomy by Daaji is my book for review today.

A serial entrepreneur turned spiritual guide whose Happiness journey is quite interesting and can make a very good story for the big screen.But saying that it’s also inspiring and insightful.

Pros :Talks about finding the centre within and journey of spirituality within .

The book is divided in sections according to what’s the area of spiritual anatomy you want to work on.

You learn about the different Chakras and how they work and how to find the centre within.

Life will give you whatever experience is most helpful for the evolution of your consciousness. How do you knowvthis is the experience you Need?Because this is the experience you are having at the moment. “
Eckhart Tolle

Daaji give us bits and pieces of his life and learnings throughout the book.

It’s an interesting book taking you on a journey within to find a stronger , calmer,clearer self.I like his dividing the book into different sections depending on the area of work .It’s like the Blooming of an internal flower.

If you are someone who wants to try meditation with yout spiritual anatomy as your guide ,give this a read.Its definitely a good way to become a more mindful self.

Since he started on his journey after raising kids and running a successful pharmacy business, you realize that this journey into a spiritual self started during his age (possible)of the Banprastha.That in itself is crucial.He was attracted to asceticism at a young age but was guided back to his home by the words of a wise monk.Life choices are not easy .They are not meant to be.Anyone who works on the path of self discovery realizes the journey and the destination are both highly coveted.You have to start the journey somewhere and this book is an interesting option for those who like to work inside out.

7 Lessons from Spiritual Anatomy

Our goal is to evolve our consciousness, to discover greater meaning and purpose in life and to àcheive our highest potential.

The caterpillar grows into a butterfly, even if it doesn’t wish to.You can grow into your own potential willfully.Here willfully means obstinate determination but in a good way.That is with the full force of your will.That’s special about human life

We grow physically,mentally and spiritually and our growth across these dimensions comes from the choices we make and the actions we take.

When the heart is at peace,the mind is at ease

Self Realization is the ultimate goal.

Your journey from what you are now, to who you ought to be the truest expression of you potential.

Book name Spiritual Anatomy: Meditation, Chakras, and the Journey to the Center

Author

Daaji a.k.a Kamlesh D. Patel (born 1956) Padma Bhushan also known as Daaji among his followers, is a spiritual leader, author and the fourth in the line of Rāja yoga masters in the Sahaj Marg system of spiritual practice. He has spent the last 4 decades training people across the globe in Heartfulness meditation. He enjoys going o nature walks with his grand children in Kanha Shanti Vanam ,India where he lives with his family.

His other Works

The Heartfulness Way (2018), Designing Destiny (2019), The Wisdom Bridge (2022), Spiritual Anatomy: Meditation, Chakras, and the Journey to the Center (2023

Official overview

From the internationally bestselling author of The Heartfulness Way comes a journey to the center of our consciousness, mapping a path for you to connect to your highest self through Heartfulness meditation and guided chakra practices.

When we think of wellbeing, we often think of our physical and mental health-tending to our bodies and minds to find peace, purpose, and connection in our lives. But as Kamlesh D. Patel (affectionately known as Daaji), spiritual leader of the Heartfulness Organization and fourth in line to the raja yoga tradition illuminates, there is a third system we too often overlook: The Spiritual Anatomy.

Cons

Not a religious text which is okay but there lies the basic confusion in the storytelling.Because the author wants to appeal to all the religion without mentioning the birth of meditation and why that works.That is something I wish he had written more about for better understanding ,even if in the addendum or in the more to read section .

If that is a deliberate choice that’s good too.But if you want to reach the centre of youur soul,you might need to know the centre of the yogic meditation where it all started.However that’s just my mindset

So will I recommend this book?Absolutely. It’s a book that will slowly guide you on your journey towards finding your deepest aspiration,highest potential and a calmer self.

Buy it on Amazon .

Yhe review is powered by Blogchatter Book Review Program.

Disclaimer:If you have any mental health issues kindly consult your doctor before starting any meditation therapy .

You Raise me Up :A Prayer of Gratitude

By Dr.Amrita Basu(MBBS,MS) on February 9, 2024 0

Josh Groban’s song is iconic.

“You Raise Me up so I can stand on mountains

You Raise Me up to walk on stormy seas

I am stronger when I am on your shoulders.

You Raise me up to more than I can be .”

You Raise me Up!

Songs with words like these make you remember the higher power who has brought me along in this journey.It’s also a time to remember,all those who raised me up .Josh Groban’s voice and the way he says these words touched a chord in my heart and that’s why this post is a thank you post.

Saying thank you to all those who raised me up.

My Bhagoban

My mother

My maternal grandmother though briefly

My sister(in a strange way trying to be a good sister and setting an example helped me make better choices ).Plus she inspired me to be a better cook and calmer person.

My aunts and uncles who helped me become a doctor by supporting my higher education.

My childhood friends

My best girl friend from college

My husband

My daughter

My books,

My teachers in school,college and now who taught me how to do things right.

All my virtual mentors like Amy Lynn Andrew’s, Pat Flynn ,Joanna Penn

My friends in my life now who help and support me without asking questions.

My plants

All my patients who trust me

All the readers of my blog ,my podcast listeners and YouTube and social media followers

Blogchatter

Amazon KDP

To the unknown muse who helps me fight imposter syndrome everyday.

In all places separated by time and geography women who have done their bit to make this world a better place for women. My paternal grandmother was working in an office during the sixties .She was a graduate woman and definitely an inspirational figure through family stories.She died before I was born and my mother always reminded us we had this vision to remember. My Maa and all my maternal aunts all worked in reputed Government offices and their struggle helped me realize why women need women to lift them up.

Painting Calm by Inga Buividavice plus Nature Paintings

By Dr.Amrita Basu(MBBS,MS) on February 8, 2024 2

I liked the name of the book and I bought it.But before that I had signed up for a Domestika course by the same author and liked her style.Welcome to my book review Painting Calm by Inga Buividavice-Connect to Nature through the art of Watercolour!

I quickly read through the whole book because it’s an easy read.Its also great for beginners.It teaches you steps and drawing leaves in wreaths or mandala pattern.That keeps me happy .

jewel tree by Amrita Basu with IAP MALDA Pledge.We will strive to make mother earth greener and healthier for her children. — Jewel tree by Amrita Basu with IAP MALDA Pledge.We will strive to make mother earth greener and healthier for her children.

Pros of the book

Easy to read

Step by step

Calm illustrations which don’t overwhelm

Helpful tips

Soothing color palate

Anyone can get started with these instructions.

Biggest takeaway:Let nature be your inspiration and stop trying to make it an exact biological illustration if you really want to start enjoying the watercolour process.

*Painting Calm by Inga Buividavice -Book Review*

I like painting leaves and flowers.That’s a thing with me.I can’t stop painting leaves and flowers,doodling them and planting trees .When I have a lot of money I plan to buy as much land I can and plant and plant and plant.I want to leave a greener world for my child and my painting is a way of manifesting all the green in my life .It started in 2014 but escalated to a dream I am living 2020 onwards .The pandemic did teach me a very important lesson.That of nature being crucial for all kinds of health.You cannot be truly healthy without a dose of nature everyday.

Painting along with Painting Calm

So when I picked up this book I wanted a closer look at the leaves ,wreaths and composition the artist was painting.They looked simple but magical at the same time.

It’s really difficult to paint in the minimalist style which is also soothing.That I think is the artists Inga Buividavice’s book’s usp.You will truly connect to nature in more ways than one.