#AtoZChallenge Archives

#BookReview 3: A to Z of Healing by Ishieta Chopra #BlogchatterEbooks

July 21, 2017 SoulMom Comments 2 comments

This April 2017, I took up my first challenge as a blogger – The A to Z challenge of blogging. Writing 26 posts in a month based on a theme, each post beginning from a letter of the alphabet and a new post to be posted everyday except Sundays. It was indeed an exciting challenge during which I discovered several diverse blogs and connected with many bloggers. At the end of it, I became an author with my first ebook: ‘Small Servings of Wellness’

As a part of the #BlogchatterEBookCarnival, we authors of ebooks have to review at least three books from the carnival. ‘A to Z of Healing’ by Ishieta Chopra is the third book I am reviewing.

Why I chose this ebook for review:

Over the last many years, I have developed a strong affinity towards the spiritual aspects of life, which include various modalities of energy sciences and healing. One of the many blogs that had caught my attention during the A to Z Challenge was ‘isheeriashealingcircles’ by Ishieta Chopra for the sheer similarities of interest. I was instantly attracted to review this ebook of Ishieta’s so that I could read in detail the interesting content all over again. There were also some common practises that we both regularly indulge in, like meditation, writing the swastika symbol at the start of each new book and burning incense at home to name a few!

My views on the ebook:

‘A to Z of healing’ is essentially a compilation of nuggets from the author’s experience of many years as a healer. It encompasses various elements that one would associate with alternative healing, energy sciences, spirituality, promoting positivity and well being. Her knowledge of so many aspects of the ethereal sciences is commendable. This book introduces the readers very subtly to the A to Z of healing subjects, prompting them to explore more.

Though I was blissfully aware of several subjects from this ebook, some of the facts were quite a revelation for me:

That we need a Guru to awaken the Kundalini within us.
The prayer flags represent sending out prayers to the universe, and when they start tearing off is when our prayers are being answered.
I have studied the science of chakras through pranic healing and reiki. Yet I was not aware that each of our chakras is associated with planets and seed mantras.
So also essential oils are associated with zodiac and astrology.
Hynotherapy was used in childbirth in ancient times to calm the mother in labour.

Very few healers I know cover so many diverse aspects of healing modalities. I congratulate Ishieta on all her healing endeavours and wish her success ahead.

Key takeaways for me:

This book has inspired me further to grow in my spiritual pursuits. Tarot card deck is something I have been meaning to learn, so that is something I will act upon soon. I practice different styles of meditation regularly, so using water images with all our senses for meditation is something to look forward to. I am an advocate of alternative medicines. Having heard of Bach Flower therapy from a friend who practises it, maybe I should explore that a bit more.

Rating: 4/5. What could have been better in this ebook is consistency in text formatting for flawless reading,

About the author:

Ishieta Chopra was introduced to the world of Healing, Numerology, and Magick by the oldest school of education and learning –her mother! She has been practicing alternative methods of healing for over a decade and a half. She is the Co-Author of the eBook: “Numerology – The Power of Numbers” (available on Amazon.in.) A practicing Numerologist, Tarot Reader & Reiki Healer & Master, she has set up Isheeria’s Healing Circles to help people Learn, Heal & (Re) Design their lives through the Esoteric Arts and Healing Methods.

You can reach Ishieta on:

Twitter: @Isheeria1

Facebook: IsheeriasHealingCircles

Instagram: 1.isheeria

You can contact her at: team@isheeriashealingcircles.com for personalised readings and predictions.

#BookReview 2: Off Beats by Gayatri Gadre #BlogchatterEbooks

July 11, 2017 SoulMom Comments 2 comments

Writing our first book can be such a pleasure, what with having earned the label of becoming an author! As a part of the #BlogchatterEBookCarnival, each of us authors have to pick 3 ebooks for reviews on our blog. My first review was of the eBook ‘Writing Tools’ by Cheryl Sterling: #EBook Review

Here’s presenting my second review for the #BlogchatterEBookCarnival with the ebook ‘Off Beats’ by Gayatri Gadre.

Why I chose this ebook for review:

Travel is one of my strong passions. To pick a book on offbeat travel destinations to review – I knew that would be something to look forward to. It’s always interesting to read on varied travel stories. Every traveler has their own experience of looking at a place and describing the details from their lens. I was curious to know of Gayatri’s perspective of travel as well as her style of writing. Another reason why I picked her book – she was the only blogger from the A to Z Challenge 2017 I had the privilege to meet offline.

My views on the ebook:

Gayatri shares an honest account of her travel tales in a simple, conversational – like informal tone. She writes about a variety of places – from the countryside of Bath in UK to our very own Elephanta caves in Mumbai. Her interests as a tourist reflect diversity – whether enjoying the museums in London to paragliding in Kamshet; from spotting a unique orchestra on a railway station to camping under the stars.

Gayatri shares important information out of her own learning from different places. Travel tips like how to best reach the destination, what not to wear, what to avoid, what is a must-do and sharing important info links all serve as handy tips for passionate travelers.

How I wish I had the luxury and time to travel like her, with long road trips and unplanned stopovers. Like she rightly says, we live multiple lives while traveling! What stands out is her vivid expressions of the places. What also strikes out is her own personal connect with the place, for e.g. when she describes the Stonehenge or shares the poignant message of the Corpus clock at Cambridge.

Key takeaways for me:

The lesser-explored places have their own charm, each place speaks its own story to each traveler. Anne Frank’s museum will definitely be on my list when I visit Amsterdam. ‘Off Beats’ is a recommended read for those who like to take the untrodded travel path.

My rating: 4/5

Connect with the author:

Gayatri Gadre likes to call herself an explorer than an author. She offers digital marketing services to companies worldwide and in her free time she pursues various hobbies such as Latin ballroom dancing, Pottery, Origami and craft. Watch out for her soon to release debut novel.

Connect with Gayatri:

Reflections on my first #AtoZChallenge 2017

May 21, 2017 SoulMom Comments 5 comments

Challenges excite me. Perhaps one of the reasons why I accepted my first #AtoZChallenge of Blogging, April 2017. The thought of doing 26 posts in the month seemed arduous and time consuming, what with a busy month ahead. But I chose to think of the positives on the other side of completion. And surely, it did turn out to be some experience. Takeaways from the challenge:

Time Management

The #AtoZChallenge served as a lesson in my time management skills. When something’s got to be done no matter what, it always gets done. Sure, it requires planning and scheduling and setting deadlines. Like all important and urgent tasks do. Writing a few blog posts before their posting date was a big time saver. (Something I got to remind the procrastinator in me about not waiting until the last minute to complete stuff). It also enabled me to discover so many wonderful blogs, read and comment on them and share the posts I had liked.

Talent galore

Versatility was a striking feature of this challenge. A plethora of themes was available for readers with all kind of interests. Shailaja churned out suspenseful flash fiction pieces with oxymorons; Modern Gypsy expressed the beauty of art journaling, rekindling the artist in me; Destiny’s Child demonstrated 26 yogasanas with stunning flexibility; IsheeriasHealingCircle impressed upon the holistic aspects of living. How heart-warming it was to read another blog on divorce in India -there was an instant connection with Kalpanaa as I could relate to what she had to say. Then there were so many travel tales with gorgeous photographs. So also lots of new recipes being dished out for different tastebuds. It indeed is a blogosphere with oodles of talent.

Blogging camaraderie

Being a newbie blogger, I enjoyed the attention my blog received amongst several other accomplished blogs. I was noticed. I felt heard. Isn’t that such a basic human need – to be seen and heard? So it is in the online world as well! It was encouraging to read the comments from talented bloggers, conveying appreciation and encouragement. The blogging camaraderie kept me going.

Connections

The stories in our life form a big part of who we are and is the basis of all our expressions. The challenge helped me identify with bloggers I would definitely like to follow and stay in touch with. These connections made online seemed as significant and special as our friendships and associations in real life.

Gratitude

Personally for me, doing the challenge meant revisiting and reiterating all the experiences that touched my life. By writing about my spiritual growth influences helped me reconnect with them. It was a pleasant reminder of how I have evolved along the years along with life’s many other challenges!

I feel great to have completed the #AtoZChallenge and am thankful to it’s organisers and promoters.

Z – ‘Zen’ by Osho #AtoZChallenge

April 30, 2017 SoulMom Comments 8 comments

“Zen is another word for zest…living life passionately, making life a joy, a festival, a love, a laughter…for zip and zap and zing.” ~Osho

I like the word ‘Zen’. It has a distinct energy to it. I can imagine only flowing with this word. It exudes an upbeat feeling, something constantly on the move. So when I saw this book amongst Osho’s several other books at his Commune, I chose to make ‘Zen – living the fire of life’ my first Osho read.

As adolescents, maybe we grew up with a negative notion of sorts about Osho. Perhaps that prompted me more to explore his teachings at the Commune in Pune. And lead me to his fabulous variety of active meditations.

Energy. Movement. Dance.

This was in abundance in all his discourses as well as meditations. Moving with the constant flow of life and in full awareness of the present moment is broadly the essence of Osho’s teachings.

There are three L’s of my philosophy: life, love, laughter. Life is only a seed, love is a flower, laughter is a fragrance.

‘Zen’ encompasses his beliefs in a question and answer format with his disciples. The caption sums up the core of this book beautifully: Living the fire of life with zest, zip, zap and zing. Not the one to conform to any tradition, scriptures, religion or political grounds, his views are bold and revolutionary. With my own built up of courage over the years and experience with the unconventional, it is easier to make sense of Osho’s philosophy –now.

Key Highlights:

“Silence is not empty, it is very full. The moment you are absolutely attuned with nothingness, the whole descends in you, the beyond penetrates you.”

“Freedom is the ultimate desire of man. Man comes to flowering only in freedom. Meditation will bring freedom.”

“If God is the creator, then the only way to worship him is creativity.”

“When you are utterly empty, the whole of existence enters you.”

This post is part of the #AtoZChallenge 2017 Blogging from A to Z: http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/.

I write about my spiritual and personal growth influences from A to Z.
My previous posts in chronology:

Y – Yogshakti and Shilpa #AtoZChallenge

April 29, 2017 SoulMom Comments 0 Comment

Some souls are God’s chosen ones to touch upon other lives in the most wonderful ways. Their life’s calling is to spread the light that enlightens their very being. The cosmos works itself in a way by beautifully connecting these souls to the ones that truly need them. I am blessed to know and have one such soul in my life –Shilpa, founding owner of Yogshakti and my spiritual mentor!

Yogshakti is an integrative yoga centre based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. What differentiates this centre from other yoga centres I have known is their holistic approach towards all facets of health and well-being. Their courses and workshops include various modalities of asanas, breathing, mindfulness, relaxation, diet, meditation and more. Yogshakti is driven by a passion to help students find their inherent power and unleash their full potential. The centre exudes a sense of personal warmth and calm amidst the beautiful environs.

Shilpa has been teaching yoga since 1993 locally and internationally. Over the last 26 years, she studied different styles of Yoga to include Iyengar, Ashtanga, Anusara, Yin and Scaraveli Inspired Yoga and delved deep into the practices of Meditation, Mindfulness, Pranayama, the Buteyko method, Yoga Nidra & Advaita Vedanta philosophy. She has studied directly with masters such as Thich Nhat Hanh, Swami Veda Bharati and Advaita sage Ramesh Balsekar.

Personally for me, Shilpa has been instrumental in my own journey of spiritual pursuits. Her wisdom and clarity of thought has had a strong influence on the way I have perceived and dealt with my innumerable challenges. It is not very often that you find someone who inspires and resonates with your core so powerfully. I am truly blessed to have Shilpa as my guiding spiritual force. I dedicate this blogpost to convey my gratitude to her and my best wishes to Yogshakti. Stay blessed!

Do visit their website to know more: http://yogshakti.com/

This post is part of the #AtoZChallenge 2017 Blogging from A to Z: http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/.

I write about my spiritual and personal growth influences from A to Z.
My previous posts in chronology:

X- X (cross) roads of life #AtoZChallenge

April 28, 2017 SoulMom Comments 4 comments

Facing the crossroads of life ahead,
Not sure where to head…
So often I feel at loss…
Which bridges to burn and
Which ones to cross.

Mind wanders more there than here…
My inner voices I turn to hear
Some choices seem like regrets
To forgive or to forget?

Perhaps I’m looking for some sign
Or an intervention from the divine
Should I see how far I have come
Nah, its time I work for what’s yet to come.

For what lies behind is simply gone
And what eagerly awaits you at dawn
Is a new day…every day here on..
So just go tell life – bring it on!

~SoulMom (me)

How many times do we all reach the various crossroads in our life! The temptation of looking back and the fear of moving forward keep us stuck in many ways. It happens to me oh so often. Decision-making becomes tough. What do I do at such times? From all the positive influences in my life’s journey, I have learnt to make the following choices:

Become still
Listen to your inner guidance
Trust your intuition
Take one step at a time
Move forward in complete faith
Don’t ever look back

What choices do you make at the X-roads in your life?

This post is part of the #AtoZChallenge 2017 Blogging from A to Z: http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/.

I write about my spiritual and personal growth influences from A to Z.
My previous posts in chronology:

Image courtesy: http://bit.ly/2porJwt

W- ‘What I know for sure’ by Oprah #AtoZChallenge

April 27, 2017 SoulMom Comments 8 comments

“The biggest thrill you can ever achieve is to live the life of your dreams.” ~Oprah Winfrey

If I was ever granted a wish to meet one person in this world, just anyone in my wish list, it would be the woman I admire from my very core: Oprah Winfrey. To me, she is an epitome of ‘woman of substance’. A legend in her own right and an inspiring public figure. ‘What I know for sure’ is a beautiful book with excerpts from her monthly column of the same name in her magazine –O, The Oprah magazine.

I was once afraid of people saying, ‘Who does she think she is?’ Now I have the courage to stand and say, ‘This is who I am’.

Oprah has shared her wise gems from life’s experiences and lessons that have been revised, updated and packed with her insights in this beautiful book. To read her book and thereby getting a peep into her world of thoughts was an absolute delight! There’s just so much to learn, absorb, ponder and admire in her words, it is difficult to extract the best to put it out here. Nevertheless, here goes a glimpse of this enlightening book:

Key takeaways for me:

“Look inward – loving begins with you.”

“Sometimes we get so focused on the difficulty of our climb that we lose sight of being grateful for simply having a mountain to climb.”

“Being a mother is the hardest job on earth. Women everywhere must declare it so.”

“Wealth is a tool that gives you choices – but it cant compensate for a life not fully lived and it certainly can’t create a sense of peace within you.”

“Find a way to get paid for doing what you love. Then every pay check will be a bonus.”

“Evolving as a human being is a lifelong excavation process – digging deep to uncover your underlying issues.”

“Making a bold move is the only way to advance toward the grandest vision the universe has for you.”

“We are all the artists of our own lives – and that we can use as many colours and brushstrokes as we like.”

Go get Oprah’s keepsake book right here: http://amzn.to/2p65i0K

This post is part of the #AtoZChallenge 2017 Blogging from A to Z: http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/.

I write about my spiritual and personal growth influences from A to Z.
My previous posts in chronology:

Images courtesy: http://bit.ly/2py99F6

V- Vishen Lakhiani’s Mindvalley #AtoZChallenge

April 26, 2017 SoulMom Comments 0 Comment

“Dream big and your problems become small.” ~Vishen Lakhiani

Some speakers leave an impact as soon as you hear them. The connection is instantaneous and one that leaves you curious and thirsty for more. That’s how I felt when I first saw and heard Vishen Lakhiani online.

An entrepreneur, author and speaker, Vishen Lakhiani is the CEO and Founder of Mindvalley – a leading edu-tech company that specializes in modern learning experiences and content. It publishes personal growth education by the best authors in areas such as wellbeing, mindfulness, relationships, fitness, entrepreneurship and more. With digital education platforms, content platforms, mobile apps and live events, Mindvalley has served more than three million students, subscribers and followers worldwide. I am lucky and proud to be one of them.

Epic things start with small humble steps. Pay respect to your beginnings. And if you’re just starting out, know that it’s okay to be sucky. To be small and chaotic. Just make sure to never ever stop dreaming. ~ Vishen Lakhiani

Through Mindvalley’s various courses of transformational knowldege, one can learn to truly live the life of their dreams. So powerfully compelling is their content that enables unleashing our deepest potential. Being a student of their online spiritual school ‘Soulvana’ has brought about a fabulous shift in my mindset. I also follow their meditation app ‘Omvana’.

Vishen’s courses include globally acclaimed speakers like Eckhart Tolle, Caroline Myss, Lisa Nichols, Anodea Judith, Debbie Ford, Robin Sharma and many more. There is a different kind of passion for learning induced by him. He is also the author of recently released book ‘The Code of the Extraordinary Mind’.

Mindvalley has a unique company culture that makes it one of the best places to work for today. With a tagline of ‘Be extraordinary’ and by constantly pushing us to lead happier and healthier lives, Mindvalley is truly an extraordinary force in my life.

This post is part of the #AtoZChallenge 2017 Blogging from A to Z: http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/.

I write about my spiritual and personal growth influences from A to Z.
My previous posts in chronology:

Images courtesy: http://www.mindvalley.com/

U –Understanding Pranayam #AtoZChallenge

April 25, 2017 SoulMom Comments 7 comments

“The practice of ‘asanas’ and ‘pranayam’ wards off disease and helps to maintain alertness.” ~Swami Sivananda

‘Prana’ is a Sanskrit word for life force and ‘ayam’ is to draw out. ‘Pranayam’ means breath control. In the traditional teachings of yoga, our breath is said to carry our life force and is a vital link between our body and mind. Breathing correctly brings about a joyful and healthy existence. Learning the benefits of breathing right is an integral part of doing yoga.

To be honest, I do not enjoy breathing exercises as much as I enjoy performing the asanas in my yoga practice. However, I do recognize the tremendous difference Pranayam can make in our lives. It is only in doing it regularly that we see the impact it has on our body and mind.

“As a fire blazes brightly when the covering of ash over it is scattered by the wind, the divine fire within the body shines in all its majesty when the ashes of desire are scattered by the practice of pranayama.” ~B.K.S.Iyengar

Some of the popular types of Pranayam are Kapalabhati, Ujjayi, Nadi Sodhana, Shitali, Bhramari, Anuloma Viloma and Bhastrika.

Benefits of Pranayam:

Reduces symptoms of various diseases
Improves digestive capabilities
Enhances levels of energy in the body
Prevents degeneration of brain cells
Weight reduction
Reduces stress and anxiety
Improvement in mood
Reduces insomnia
Quietness in your mind and nerves
Connects you to your inner self
Improves self-awareness

Pranayam techniques are highly scientific in origin as it is a systematic process of inhaling and exhaling. It is said that when we own our breath, no one can steal our peace!

This post is part of the #AtoZChallenge 2017 Blogging from A to Z: http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/.

I write about my spiritual and personal growth influences from A to Z.
My previous posts in chronology:

Image courtesy: http://bit.ly/2pcIrBb

T- Thich Nhat Hanh #AtoZChallenge

April 24, 2017 SoulMom Comments 0 Comment

“With mindfulness, you can establish yourself in the present in order to touch the wonders of life that are available in that moment.” ~Thich Nhat Hanh

Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese Buddhist monk fondly referred to as Thay, is a world-renowned Zen master, spiritual leader and author. I first heard of him when I received his book ‘Peace is every step’ as a gift from my then husband (life and it’s ironies). It was the first time I got introduced to the word ‘mindfulness’. Until then I knew of only the ‘mind’ being ‘full’ of noises.

Breathing in, I calm my body.

Breathing out, I smile.

Dwelling in the present moment,

I know this is a wonderful moment!

Thay’s key teaching is to inculcate the practice of mindfulness through which we can learn to live in peace and happiness. We are so busy getting an education and a job and material possessions, that we forget living the present moment – the only moment there is for us to be alive. He highlights some of the ways we can learn to be mindful through conscious breathing, thinking less, meditating and nourishing our awareness of the moment.

There is nothing to chase after. We can go back to ourselves, enjoy our breathing, our smiling, ourselves and our beautiful environment.

His teachings are not just theoretical but they highlight the simple ways we can be mindful and aware in our daily activities – while walking, while eating, while driving or even while washing the dishes. We don’t have to be sitting only in a meditation hall to feel peace and happiness. It is available to us at every given moment.

Being passionate about calligraphy, I also enjoy his calligraphic works and how effortlessly they flow through his hands. It a mindful art of Nhat Hanh that captures and expresses his lifetime of meditative insights, peace and compassion.

Listening to his words of immense wisdom infused with a sense of calm and a bit of humour, has been extremely soothing to the chaotic mind. He is a spiritual leader I truly admire and follow.

Key Highlights:

“The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.”

“Wearing a smile on your face is a sign that you are master of yourself.”

“Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.”

Look at some of his bestsellers here: http://amzn.to/2p7Xuda

This post is part of the #AtoZChallenge 2017 Blogging from A to Z: http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/.
I write about my spiritual and personal growth influences from A to Z.
My previous posts in chronology:

Images courtesy: http://bit.ly/2pFwyEt; http://bit.ly/2oRTa1J

SoulMom

Single Parenting | Spirituality | Self-Empowerment

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Tag: #AtoZChallenge

#BookReview 3: A to Z of Healing by Ishieta Chopra #BlogchatterEbooks

July 21, 2017 SoulMom Comments 2 comments

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#BookReview 2: Off Beats by Gayatri Gadre #BlogchatterEbooks

July 11, 2017 SoulMom Comments 2 comments

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Reflections on my first #AtoZChallenge 2017

May 21, 2017 SoulMom Comments 5 comments

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Z – ‘Zen’ by Osho #AtoZChallenge

April 30, 2017 SoulMom Comments 8 comments

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Y – Yogshakti and Shilpa #AtoZChallenge

April 29, 2017 SoulMom Comments 0 Comment

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X- X (cross) roads of life #AtoZChallenge

April 28, 2017 SoulMom Comments 4 comments

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W- ‘What I know for sure’ by Oprah #AtoZChallenge

April 27, 2017 SoulMom Comments 8 comments

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V- Vishen Lakhiani’s Mindvalley #AtoZChallenge

April 26, 2017 SoulMom Comments 0 Comment

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U –Understanding Pranayam #AtoZChallenge

April 25, 2017 SoulMom Comments 7 comments

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T- Thich Nhat Hanh #AtoZChallenge

April 24, 2017 SoulMom Comments 0 Comment

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