Throwback Thursday 1

Jan 8th, 2015

Some of my companions on this journey...

Often what we see on the surface and what lies underneath are different, hence we hear phrases like "Don't judge a book by its cover", or "Appearances can be deceptive" and so on. But every once so often, it does happen that what's on the outside is on the inside and vice versa, and when you can live your life where the inside and outside are in sync - where what you think, feel, and say are in harmony, that's when you radiate happiness from within and it can be perceived externally.

Don't apologize for it or try to explain it. Relish it, Enjoy it, Nurture it.

If your life looks good on the outside, there's nothing wrong with it - feel proud of it and let go of any judgments that come your way. But remember, superficial beauty, happiness, & bliss that is designed for others to view cannot help you thrive within. Cultivate that inner strength, compassion, love, and gratitude and know that it cannot stay hidden and will manifest itself outwardly. Focus on inward growth - and automatically,  you will see and feel its effects externally.

Spend time with yourself, explore paths that you want to - fearless, confident, and determined.  It's a beautiful world out there!

Message received today - Another sign:)

Today, Anandi, we believe God wants you to know that ...the surest way to become is to playact. 
Whenever you wish to change yourself, but find it difficult, start as children do by pretending 
that you already are. As you play at being who you wish to become, the playact itself will 
surely transform you.

Long live the King!

Jan 7th, 2015

Far more precious than a jeweled throne or a golden palace;
Far more important than the hoopla and chitchat around us;
Far more enduring than the transient elation, euphoria, and fuss;

Are ...
Our simple ways of living,
Our genuine ways of being,
Our easy ways of connecting,
Our carefree ways of enjoying,
Our supportive ways of growing,

And ...
If I am asked what brings me ultimate joy and a smile to my face?
Is it traveling to exotic lands or silken garments edged with lace?
Is it expensive gifts, lavish dinners, or fantastic declarations of love?
No in all honesty, It's actually none of the above...

Being happy, joyful, and in love is a simply natural thing,
When I share a quiet moment with you, night or morning.
Long conversations about the wonders of the world,
Or just a mesmerizing, music-filled evening.
The comfort of your company and the freedom to just be,
Is an invaluable gift that is most precious to me,
My days feel just right and I feel I have everything,
Coz I share it with you, my magnificent King!

This is what I received today: Message from God 

Today, Anandi, we believe God wants you to know that everyone is looking for love, but the blessed ones do the opposite. Blessed are those looking to give love. Right now think of three simple ways you can give love and be blessed.

Majestic Celebrations!

Jan 6th, 2015
Happy Birthday Rajeshree

How does one celebrate the birthday of a friend who:

* lives each day like a grand celebration,

* sets her own goals, carves her own path, and sets out confidently on her journey,

* enjoys the company of others but relishes her own just as much,

* gels in comfortably in every crowd yet stands out in her special, unique way,

* loves to try new things, learn from different people, and experience new adventures,

* excels in all things she chooses to do and does it with unflinching passion and focus,

* cares and expresses her love and affection to all who come her way, 

* truly understands that yesterday is gone and tomorrow is not here yet, and 
* is forever content in her magical world, enjoying her present and now.

Rajeshree - तुम्हे और क्या दूँ मैं दिल के सिवा। You have everything:)
You are an incredibly special, warm, talented, strong yet gentle person, so comfortable with who you are and what you want, and I feel fortunate that our paths crossed and led to this beautiful friendship. Your ability to live life to the fullest is something I adore, admire, and respect. 

Have a spectacular birthday - A special milestone that I'm sure will inspire you to continue to explore and discover yourself and the world!

Royal habits!

Jan 5th, 2015
I so believe that at certain times the universe conspires and sends you the same message through multiple sources.  This has happened so often with me and every single time, it feels magical and mystical! I have experienced so many different signs around me and it has really felt like they were out to find me and reach me one way or the other:) Could be eerie for sure or just absolutely fabulous! Anyway, today was one such day and the message was loud and clear. Thanks to DH who started it off by sharing this lovely quote with us (Girls, check your email).

I'm sure he loved this the minute he saw it as it resonates with his disciplined way of being. He is one inspiring person in my life who has shown me time and again that you can will your mind and your body to accomplish whatever goal you set. He is driven, hardworking, supremely disciplined, and a go-getter. It is through cultivating several healthy habits that he has discovered his mental strength and physical endurance.Not a single day will he compromises on his daily rituals of exercise regardless of the weather, location, or physical condition. He truly is the closest living example for me on how to initiate, nurture, and sustain a habit - Definitely something to be inspired by and learn from. If you want to become really good at a skill, the only way to achieve excellence is to practice it: frequently, diligently, resiliently.

After reflecting a bit on this quote and self-evaluating my own discipline (or lack thereof), I proceeded on to other mundane tasks, and lo and behold, I came across this amazing post from my favorite online blogger and author, Maria Popova on her website. Please do take a look- it's a fabulous read.

http://www.brainpickings.org/2014/01/02/how-long-it-takes-to-form-a-new-habit/
In this article, she provides a good synopsis of the book: 
Making Habits, Breaking Habits: Why We Do Things, Why We Don't, and How to Make Any Change Stick by Jeremy Dean. 

I guess when the universe is sending so many unilateral messages on cultivating discipline, one has to stop, listen, and act and then I wonder, perhaps these messages were always around but it's only now that I am now becoming more aware of their presence:)

~ Anandi

"Queen"tessenial presence!

Jan 3rd and 4th, 2015
Everything is transient so make the most of what is - for soon you will have to let it go.

We spend so many a waking minute either anticipating a future moment or ruminating over past ones. This may be on the continuum of short conversations and interactions or long events full of "busy"ness and movement; pleasant or unpleasant; planned or unplanned; personal or professional. Depending on what they are, they either bring us, what seems like, incredible-soulful happiness, hurtful-soul-sucking anxiety, or something in between:)
Do these feelings belong to the moment or do they belong to our perceptions? How long do we, should we, carry them? When we understand this distinction, we can pass freely and lightly from moment to moment, taking with us nothing but our mindful presence and acceptance.

Never lose an opportunity to be cognizant, to be aware of your thoughts and feelings; neither to bog yourself down nor to go flying in the clouds, but to recognize the direction and quality of your thoughts. Enjoy the external engagement thoroughly, but know when to engage internally. When you are able to find quiet moments with yourself, focusing internally, amidst the company of others, you can engage externally in more meaningful ways.

Sharing a powerful thought I've learned from the Brahmakumaris:
Several times a day, or on an as needed basis,
Disconnect from the external world
(not in anger or annoyance but mindfully);
Connect to the source within
(to recharge, rejuvenate, nourish, pause, reflect);
Reconnect to the external world
(afresh, enthused, light, with a clean slate).

Often we disconnect in anger or out of resentment and ego, but fail to connect within or try to reconnect again. Sometimes we disconnect then connect within and feel charged, but don't go to the next step of reconnecting. When we are able to switch between these three phases with ease (and also with effort, I guess), we have truly arrived.

This 3-step practice has been empowering for me. Although not even close to perfection, the progress itself is inspiring. The key is being mindful and recognizing when speaking up is important and when speaking to yourself is essential. I started with carving time for meditation, reflective walks, and introspective me-time to practice this but have now learnt that at any given moment in the day, I can choose to choose me - choose to connect to the limitless source within and feel the energy. It can be a struggle with some situations but with focused intent, it can become a natural practice.


Wishing you infinite power and energy and the desire to find it, nurture it, and share it.

~ Anandi

Royal princesses!

Jan 2nd, 2015

The  joy of having a sister makes a queen feel ultimate royalty!
Royal princesses - sisters: A relationship that you cherish and hold close all your life!!

My sister, my best friend, my confidante, my supporter.
One who understands me, accepts me, loves me unconditionally, encourages me, trusts me, pulls me up, advises me, laughs uncontrollably with me, cries honestly to me, shares life's sweet and bitter moments, who lets me be me, and who is proudly comfortable with who she is. We don't need to emulate each other or try to be like the other - we are like 2 peas in a pod yet two sides of a coin and we love it! 


I feel blessed that I share this special bond with my sister, one that has grown since childhood and matured immensely in the past 15 years. I wish this for my own girls - knowing in my heart that one day that you will feel and share this incredible connection. I also know that it's unfair to expect this to happen overnight or right now where fighting over a 1-Direction poster supercedes all sisterly emotion but I do know as you grow together, you will need to find your own path to each other, build your relationship the way you want to. All I can say is that it will be so worth it!  


Hold on to each other always..Someday, you will sit together and have a good laugh at all the trivial arguments, the fun vacations together, the silly conversations over breakfast, the fights that you thought you would never get over, the moments of stillness and the moments of chaos - and you will hug each other tight and remember your childhood fondly.



Love you my girls! Sharing something special with you that my sister shared with me on my 40th birthday. Stay blessed - stay close!

~ Anandi

------------------------------------

What can you say about a sister who
Has everything? Laughter, life, love
Smiles, tears, enthusiasm, spark, knowledge,
Spunk and to top it all off, Beauty.

A sister isn’t just a sibling!
She is a whole world.
The things she touches are amazing. The love
She shares is beautiful.
And her encouragement is spectacular.

To have a sister doesn’t make you special,
To know your sister, makes you invincible.
The bond sisters’ share is enlightening.
The love they give to each other is magnificent.

To look into your sisters eyes and know
What she is thinking, isn’t a miracle, it’s natural
To see her smile warms your heart. To hear her talk
Sooths your soul. To feel her heartbeat in you, is special.

They say sisters are from cradle to grave,
But I believe that it is the in between that counts.
When she takes the rap for something you did,
She doesn’t need a thanks, she does it because she cares.

When she sits up till 3:00 AM with you,
Even if she has to get up at 7:00 AM,
She doesn’t feel exhausted, she feels cleansed

When you two cry together till your eyes are all puffy,
She isn’t just sad she believes that it cures the heart.

When she can sympathize with you
Because she’s been there, it’s comforting.
When she can share your dreams with you,
It’s encouraging. When she beats you up
Because you’re a brat, it’s learning.

Sisters can do anything. Together they
Will conquer the world. But when it’s
All said and done, she will hold you hand
Because she’s proud to be your sister.

So, if you are blessed to have a sister through blood,
Be thankful. And if you’re all alone, grab the first precious girl
In your life, and make her your sister.
Sisters are everything you need.
And a whole lot more.

Return of the Queen!

Jan 1st, 2015

A brand new year! Free, untainted, with unlimited possibilities and opportunities galore!
Opportunities to live each moment completely, wisely, generously! Opportunities to strengthen relationships, to model behaviors one wants to see in others especially the children, and to stay aware of all the extraordinary magic in everyday's ordinary moments...I'm convinced the word extraordinary basically stems from putting your extra positive energy into seemingly ordinary moments -- and "voila", you get extraordinary moments!

Here are my top mantras, goals, guides, for this year - and for the rest of my years. These are written as simple reminders for me, and hopefully something my children will read and follow someday if they so desire. JSA: Every single day, you make me want to be a better person and for that I'll be eternally grateful.

So, here goes:

1. Spend quiet moments with yourself, daily, as often as you can and as often as you need. When you learn to love your own company, you can never ever be alone. Enjoy your time with yourself - learn a new hobby, spend time doing what gives you joy, take a walk or go for a run, spend at least 5 minutes everyday looking at the clouds and sky - it's a humbling experience and will leave you light and peaceful. It is often in these quiet moments spent with yourself that you will find answers to all the questions within you. Spending time with yourself does not mean ignoring or avoiding others - it just means that you will give yourself priority for a chosen period of time each day - to connect with yourself, to energize yourself, and to nourish yourself.

2. Respond to any persons' words or actions or any difficult situation only after some reflection (expect of course, in situations where instinctive, natural reflexes are imperative). There is great power in pausing and reflecting before speaking or acting. Sometimes not communicating right away is a positive thing. Allow your mind and heart enough time to process your thoughts and feelings before giving in to impulsive thoughts, actions, or words.

3. Be present and "completely" present at every given moment. Give it your attention, your undivided focus . Don't dwindle - thinking about the past or the future. Surrender to the moment as it is the only real thing. Whether it is cutting vegetables, doing laundry, speaking to a friend or spouse, problem-solving at work, gardening, or anything - give that moment your everything. If you can do this one thing, you will find purpose and joy in every single thing you do. You will be able to eliminate the cacophony and noise completely and not be sad about the past or worry about the future. Make every moment count.

4. Practice gratitude on a daily basis, on a moment to moment basis. There is so much to be grateful for and we should stay aware and deeply appreciative of our blessings, even when and especially when situations, events, people or our own thinking tells us otherwise. I have all I need and more - that is the mantra. Everything is transient - we have all we need at any given moment. That knowledge is powerful beyond belief - entrench it within yourself. In addition, don't be shy of expressing your gratitude - to your family, to your friends, to yourself. There is a great power in expression. Of course, remember to give generously and genuinely and at the same time, accept gracefully.

5. Cherish the magic the natural universe offers. Accept and enjoy the beauties of nature - Don't take for granted the warmth of a sunny day, the raindrops on the foliage, the intricate shapes of a snowflake, the different types of leaves, the endless shapes of clouds.  When we connect with nature, we feel peaceful because everything in nature "just is". Allow moments spent in natural surroundings to remind you of your true peaceful nature. "Look at the nature, trees, ocean, sun, moon and stars; how they operate silently with peace. Bring this nature's nature in your nature and you will feel infinite potential within you.~ Dev Samudre"

6. Learn more about and reach out to inspirational people, who through simple acts of kindness or through concerted efforts towards a cause - are making a difference to the lives of others. It is magical to see how much kindness, compassion, selflessness there is around us. Make it a part of you are. Service is what empowers the channeling of the positive energies of the world. If you are able to do something for someone, do it in heartbeat - The fact that you are "able" to means that you are empowered and chosen for it - the "will" to do it should be natural and instantaneous. You need to use the power given to you to attract more power.


7. Respect and take care of your body: keep it nourished, healthy, and safe. Make exercise a part of your daily routine - whatever that might be. They say it takes 21 days of practice to make something a habit. Start today. Do it often enough that it becomes a daily natural habit like brushing your teeth. Just like you think of what to wear everyday, also think about what you're wearing inside your body - What are you putting in your body? Make the right choices that will keep your body strong and healthy and allow you to do all the things you want to in life. It's not at all about physical appearances or looking good but about keeping your body optimally functional, and again it's all about the choices you make. You will definitely reap the benefits (one way or the other) of how you choose to treat, feed, and care for your body.

8. Laugh without inhibition.  Laugh at yourself too. Be silly often. Laughter is a form of exercise too and it energizes not only your body but also your inner being. Surround yourself with those who make you smile and laugh. And if you're in the company of the opposite, share your smile and laughter with them. Life is too short to sulk, be angry, or carry grudges.

9. Travel the world, see new places or at the very least, walk on a new path as often as you can. While the tried and tested will assure of you of known and planned destinations, taking the unknown path can lead you through magical adventures, making the journey more special than the final destination. Try something new, often. Make wise choices for sure, but don't be afraid of trying alternatives. You'll never know what else is out there if you don't take a different path.





10. Finally - Be pronoid not paranoid!
Pronoia is the opposite state of mind to paranoia. "Having the sense that there is a conspiracy that exists to support you. The more you learn about the connected universe, the more "pronoid" you become." Pronoia means that you think the best of others, regardless of the situation; you believe in the positive energy in the world; you trust that you can make anything happen if you choose and work towards it; it's the ultimate belief in the law of attraction and the power of thinking positively about yourself, others, and the world. It allows you take the perspective of others in a positive spirit, to move on and let go of anything that drags your spirit down, and to stay rejuvenated by being connected to an unlimited energy source - one that you draw from, and one that you contribute to.

As I end this first post of the year, I must add the disclaimer very clearly and upfront that these are my goals and certainly not accomplishments, as yet:) However, being a work-in-progress is just as motivating and up-lifting.

While I learn from my past, I wont live there.
While I look forward to the future, I cant live there.
So I'll enjoy my now, giving it my all, enjoying my presence in the moment and the presence of those who choose to be with me.

~ Anandi