Dr. Padmaji is a retired Professor of Nursing, with a Ph.D. in Public Health and a Master's in Psychology. She has written five textbooks and over 60 research articles, and in 2020 received the Leading Educationalist of India Award, the Florence Nightingale Award, and the International Achievers Award, among many other international and national awards.

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A. Padmaji

<h4 style="text-align:justify;">Six years ago, A. PADMAJI found herself confronting a frightening health diagnosis. Today she is in remission, and here shares her journey and her gratitude for the role allopathic and complementary medicine and Heartfulness played in her recovery. This uplifting story is a testament to her faith.</h4>On February 7, 2017, at 55 years of age, I was diagnosed with stage three bilateral breast cancer. Chemotherapy started immediately, and then a double mastectomy was done, with chemotherapy continuing after surgery. A total of 17 cycles were given, followed by medication and radiotherapy. During the treatment, I developed severe vomiting, loose motions, hair loss, weakness, hand-foot syndrome (hands and feet were black and dried), and I had drainage on both sides for nearly four months as a complication of the surgery. Due to weak immunity, I developed tuberculosis in the liver, and was kept on anti-tuberculosis medication for eleven months.&nbsp;I also took herbal medicines for six months, and my husband gave me vegetable juice daily, early in the morning. All my family members supported me with their love and affection.Then, on October, 2022, I had a PET scan and other blood tests. All the reports came back normal.I had come out of my turmoil successfully because of Heartfulness and the continuous communications and blessings of Daaji during each and every stage of my recovery. A Heartfulness trainer gave me sessions daily, using the Heartfulness Cleaning technique, which has done wonders in my life. Heartfulness Meditation improved my willpower, confidence, and positive thoughts, which in turn led me to come out of my problem successfully.Daaji’s guidance and support were marvelous throughout these difficult times, both regarding my spiritual practice, as well as his team’s referrals to specialist allopathic doctors and naturopaths in the field. The doctors and Heartfulness trainers worked together, and as a result, I am a living example of how a disease like cancer can be cured.One night I was feeling very distressed. At 5 a.m. I saw Babuji near the side of my head. He was sitting on a chair cross-legged, continuously looking at my chest for quite some time. Throughout the following day, and for many more days, even till now, I remember that blissful movement with tears.After my cancer was cured, I received an invitation to meet the Honorable President of India on November 7, 2022, to receive a national Florence Nightingale Award for nursing. I have no words to express my love and gratitude. &nbsp;<hr><h4 style="text-align:center;">Illustration by LAKSHMI GADDAM</h4><hr>&nbsp;

The miracle of life

Alan Alexander Milne (18 January 1882 – 31 January 1956) was an English writer best known for his books about Winnie the Pooh, as well as for children's poetry. Milne was primarily a playwright before the huge success of Winnie the Pooh overshadowed all his previous work. Milne served in both world wars, as a lieutenant in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Warwickshire_Regiment">Royal Warwickshire Regiment</a> in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_World_War">First World War</a> and as a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captain_(British_Army_and_Royal_Marines)">captain</a>in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Home_Guard_(United_Kingdom)">Home Guard</a> in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_World_War">Second World War</a>.

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A.A. Milne

Listening to animals

Aavni is a sophomore at the University of Texas at Austin studying in the Electrical and Computer Engineering and Business Honors program. Her interests include baking, reading, and traveling.

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Aavni Kuppusamy

Dr. Abhay is a highly-valued spinal surgeon from Mumbai. After higher training in orthopedic surgery, he has been the recipient of various international awards throughout the course of his career.

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Abhay Nene

<h4>
 DR. ABHAY NENE is a spinal surgeon from
 Mumbai, India, who has been the recipient of
 various international awards throughout his career. He is interviewed here
 by
 DR. SNEHAL DESHPANDE
 of the Heartfulness Institute about back pain – why, how, and what to
 do?
</h4>

<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<h4>
 What Causes Back Pain?
</h4>


 Q: Dr. Nene, tell us about back pain. What does it
 encompass?



 AN: The world
 is made up of three kinds of people: those who are having back
 pain, those who’ve had back pain, and the rest who
 will have back pain.



 Back pain is one of the top three reasons to consult a doctor worldwide.
 That’s quite telling.&nbsp; It shows us how common it is.



 There is often a misconception that back pain is for the rich, or for the
 urban, but we’ve done a study where tribal Indians also voted back pain as
 their biggest problem after infant mortality and malnutrition. Back pain is
 a huge problem across communities, and across profiles of people.



 As a back surgeon, I define two categories
 of pain: The first comes from the
 physical structure. The pain comes from bones, joints,
 muscles, and ligaments. It is physical and mechanical in nature. It is not
 always urgent, but it is a nuisance.



 The second category of pain comes from the neural system,
 the nervous system. It is more urgent, and so a person often needs to seek
 medical help.


<h4>
 Posture
</h4>


 Q: What are the implications of having bad
 posture?&nbsp;



 AN: Take
 sitting as an activity. Most people are either leaning toward a computer
 monitor, looking at their mobile, snoozing at the table, or slouching. You
 might feel that you’re chilling in your chair, but you’re actually loading
 your back. Most of us load our backs over days, months, and years on end,
 without really servicing them. We use our backs for up to eighteen hours a
 day, and mostly we abuse them.



 There’s almost nothing that you do functionally where your back remains
 straight. That’s where posture comes in. If you load your back in a way that
 it was not designed to take loads, it’s gonna wear out faster. Posture is a
 neutral state in which your body takes loads.


<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<hr />

<h4 class="text-center">
 Most of us load our backs over days, months, and
 years on end,
 without really servicing them.
</h4>

<hr />

<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<h4>
 Sitting Versus Standing Desks
</h4>


 Q: Many people have been talking about standing tables
 while working from
 home. What are your views on that?



 AN: You have
 probably heard the statement, “Sitting is the new smoking.” The human body
 was designed to be upright, and the back consists of a central structure
 which is like the mast of a ship. The muscles around it are the dynamic
 supporters of the ship. Those two elements together give the back a
 shape memory. This shape memory loads the back at the disk
 level. These are the disks that lie between the bones of your back. They are
 like shape memory pillows. They’re supposed to absorb the load, but over
 time they degenerate.



 It is just like using a sofa for many months; eventually it loses its
 capacity to maintain shape. Similarly, the discs in the lower back begin to
 degenerate or dehydrate, so your back loses shape memory. When it’s put in
 an awkward shape, it doesn’t conform to it but adapts to that shape. If you
 sit on an old sofa, you sink in. A similar thing happens to your back when
 it’s loaded beyond its capacity.


<hr class="vertical-space1" />


<img decoding="async" width="450" height="676" alt="" class="lazyload has-img-center"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/backpain_posture2_cebdae52d5.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-11T18:15:16.929Z" />


<hr class="vertical-space1" />


 Standing:
 Please stand
 up with your back against a wall, and your heels dug in. A neutral posture
 is when the central line of gravity is perfectly aligned to load your back
 the least. That’s the neutral position of the back.



 Sitting:
 When you sit, instantly the lower back curves forwards, because your pelvis
 tends to tilt forwards.&nbsp; As soon as that happens, the centerline of
 gravity moves forward and the load on your back doubles or triples,
 depending on how you’re sitting.



 The right way to sit is in an imitation of standing, where you’re still
 arching. Your lower back is upright, which is done by engaging your muscles,
 not sitting passively, but most of us don’t sit like that. So that’s where
 standing desks, bar stools or high chairs come into play.



 When you stand, you get tired, or your legs hurt, but eventually it’s good
 because it helps you to stand for longer periods. People spend so much money
 on fancy chairs, but the best chair is your muscles.


<h4>
 Can Shoes Prevent Back Pain?
</h4>


 Q: There are specific kinds of shoes designed for walking,
 running, and
 everyday use. Can wearing a particular type of shoe help us
 avoid backache?



 AN: For 95% of
 the population, there’s no shoe that can remove back pain. I’m gonna to tell
 you a little story. A company that is a famous sole manufacturer asked
 someone to jump from ten feet with a very well-padded shoe, and then asked
 the person to jump without any shoes at all. The load on the knee and spine
 was less when he was barefoot.



 Your foot is not one block. It’s designed with very small hinges. So, when
 you land barefoot, your feet nicely absorb the shock so almost nothing lands
 on the torso. Heavy padded shoes actually take away that movement. Even
 though they give you a lot of shock absorption, they take away the micro
 movement in your feet, and that can actually be counterproductive.


<hr class="vertical-space1" />


<img decoding="async" width="450" height="673" alt="" class="lazyload has-img-center"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/backpain_posture3_1d3223fdbe.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-11T18:16:22.484Z" />


<hr class="vertical-space1" />


 So, there’s no magic shoe. There are, however, a few things that you may
 want to remember about shoes. People with flat feet and feet that hurt may
 do better with shoes that have inner padding which will align their axis
 together. People who wear tall heels for long hours push their center of
 gravity forward. They would be well advised to wear them for shorter
 periods.


<h4>
 Job-related Posture Problems
</h4>


 Q: There are some professions with repeated
 posture-related problems.
 What are these professions?



 AN: It’s very
 telling that an athlete who’s running every day, jumping, and doing
 heavy-duty loaded activities, rarely comes with back pain. But a
 white-collar professional, who’s sitting on a laptop all day is the most
 common candidate for back pain. During the pandemic, we all started sitting
 longer hours. Anyone whose work involves sitting for long hours is likely to
 suffer from back pain. Of course, athletes and people who engage in heavy
 lifting can get back pain, especially if they overshoot their capacity.



 Also, neck pain is a common postural problem because most people’s jobs
 involve looking down. That includes surgeons, diamond sorters, secretaries,
 and dentists; basically, anyone who tilts their neck for long hours will
 have neck problems.



 The most common professions are the most sedentary professions. The more
 active professions don’t come with back pain. Now, that’s counterintuitive!
 Something to think about!


<h4>
 Gym Injuries
</h4>


 Q: There is another group I also look at – gym
 enthusiasts. Some come to
 me with pulled muscles and other related injuries. What would you share
 with this group?



 AN: You have to
 be aware of your capacity, which means knowing your strain versus pain
 equation: if you do something that gives you strain, the next day you’re
 okay for another session. The minute you’ve got pain, you’ve overshot it.



 The other big problem in gyms is compound exercises. The machines are
 designed for ergonomic workouts, so the load on your back is not multiplied
 when you’re exercising your arms or legs.&nbsp; Compound exercise, in other
 words a free workout, for example, a weighted squat, will load your back,
 your legs, and your glutes. It’s a multi-muscle workout. If you’re not
 strong enough, which most of us are not, one of these will give way.



 When you’re doing a deadlift, for example, your hamstrings, quads, glutes,
 back, shoulders, arms, everything is loaded, and if they don’t all work in
 unison, the back gives way. The back gets the brunt of it.


<hr class="vertical-space1" />


<img decoding="async" width="450" height="453" alt="" class="lazyload has-img-center"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/backpain_posture4_51b341ba91.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-11T18:17:16.633Z" />


<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<hr />

<h4 class="text-center">
 You have to be aware of your capacity, which means
 knowing your
 strain versus pain equation: if you do something that gives you
 strain, the next day you’re okay for another session. The
 minute you’ve got pain, you’ve overshot it.
</h4>

<hr />

<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<h4>
 Lumbar Belts and Cervical Collars
</h4>


 Q: I have seen many people with either a belt around their
 abdomen or a
 collar around their neck, while doing everyday activities like going for a
 walk. What is your viewpoint on the use of collars and belts for neck pain
 and backache?



 AN: A lumbar
 belt is like a corset, a fake abdominal muscle, which keeps your tummy in.
 In a way, it gives you the right posture, it keeps your mind on your back,
 so you’re upright. That’s okay in the early days, but if you keep using it
 for longer, two or three things happen: your muscles start to forget that it
 was their job to hold you up, the belt begins to loosen so it’s no longer
 protecting you, and eventually, you’re not able to survive without it.



 Long term, it’s good to create your own belt. That means having really good
 strong abs so they become your belt. It is a permanent free belt that stays
 with you. Learn to walk upright, walk tall, and tuck your tummy in.



 The same is true for a cervical collar. The neck has a fixed load of ten
 pounds, but that load can multiply significantly the minute you start
 tilting your head forward.



 A collar allows this distance to remain constant so your head doesn’t drop
 down. In a way it’s doing you a service, but things can go wrong, so we
 don’t recommend a collar. First, you get used to it, and without it you’ll
 stoop. Second, you get a universal-sized collar. Your neck isn’t a
 one-size-fits-all; you could have a collar that’s too small or too big. It
 gives you a false sense of security. So, I would also deter you from wearing
 a collar.



 Instead, walk with your chin and vision parallel to the floor, the back of
 your head in line with your shoulder blades. When you’re upright, your
 muscles will tire, but they will then learn to adapt to that posture.



 So, collars and belts are okay for a short time, but dump them in the long
 run. Unless you use your muscles, you lose your muscles. Also, if you depend
 continuously on the belt, you tend to become psychologically dependent.


<hr class="vertical-space1" />


<img decoding="async" width="450" height="453" alt="" class="lazyload has-img-center"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/backpain_posture5_85899afd33.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-11T18:18:19.645Z" />


<hr class="vertical-space1" />


 Q: When is the right time to go for back surgery?



 AN: My
 professional opinion is that many people who have back pain are generally
 great candidates for rehabilitation, not surgery. Back pain comes from
 multiple sources, so you can tackle one or two at best. The surgery we do
 for back pain ends up stiffening the spine. It is going against nature’s
 principle of mobility. It makes your back stronger but less mobile. It does
 not necessarily fix your life. Surgery for back pain has a 50% success rate
 worldwide.



 In contrast, people who develop nerve pain are great candidates for surgery,
 and I would encourage them to have it, because often the pain goes down
 through the buttock into the leg, and that causes the leg to go numb or
 weak. It increases leg fatigue, weakness on walking, and so on.


<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<hr />

<h4 class="text-center">
 My professional opinion is that many people who have
 back pain are
 generally great candidates for rehabilitation, not surgery.
</h4>

<hr />

<hr class="vertical-space1" />


 Q: Which allied professionals can help with back
 pain?



 AN: First,
 there are physical therapists, because they know which muscles are weak, and
 which to strengthen to support the back. A physical therapist knows the
 physics of back pain, and they start enhancing the muscles without actually
 damaging the background.



 Next are nutritionists. A good nutritionist will help you cut down weight if
 necessary.



 Third, ergonomic experts can see how you place your computers, your
 workstations, and how you’re driving. They are often the lifestyle experts.
 Overall, I think these professionals help.


<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<hr />

<h4 class="text-center">Interview by DR. SNEHAL DESHPANDE</h4>

<hr />

Managing back pain and posture

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Abraham Lincoln

One Day at a Time

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ABRAHAM MASLOW

Either forward or backward

Dr. Verghese is a renowned physician, author, and professor at Stanford University School of Medicine. His best-selling books include My Own Country, The Tennis Partner, Cutting for Stone, and The Covenant of Water. He’s a member of the National Academy of Medicine, the American Academy of Arts &amp; Sciences, and was awarded the&nbsp;National Humanities Medal in 2015.&nbsp;

Abraham Verghese.webp

Abraham Verghese

The Covenant of Water

Aditi is from Pune in Maharashtra, India. She credits her mother and spiritual Master as her biggest influences in shaping her character. Aditi is a senior consultant for Infosys Technologies, and is also an athlete, representing her country as a Black belt, Dan 1, in Taekwondo and at the state level in other sports. She is a trained Hindustani classical singer and sitar player, and her band performs in and around Pune. She is also a Heartfulness trainer.

aditi.jpg

Aditi Saxena

<hr><h4>ADITI SAXENA holds a black belt in Taekwondo. She explains the beauty of this art form, and how it has given her the discipline, refinement of consciousness and moral fiber to live a life of purpose, with the balance of the spiritual and worldly aspects of existence.</h4><hr>Raised on Bruce Lee films, I became interested in martial arts as a kid. I grew up practicing Taekwondo, becoming a black belt 2 (there are seven levels of black belt, which we call “dan”), winning and losing many matches at the national level.The biggest achievement I have attained with all this is understanding my spiritual side. My Taekwondo Master has played a very big role in shaping this bud into a flower, and I feel I am still blossoming as I continue to practice. I’ve tried to combine this with my spiritual life, and I realize that I was already seeded with a spiritual interest from the very first day I started practicing Taekwondo. It has not only boosted my self-confidence and made me an honest person, but has also helped in character formation by developing kindness, self-control and compassion.The literal translation of Taekwondo is “The art (do) of kicking (tae) and punching (kwon).” It means “foot hand way.” Now, you must be wondering about the contradiction in terms; after all, the word “martial” in martial arts means “warlike” or “military.” So, how could it co-exist with the peaceful practice of spirituality? I was 7 when I insisted my parents put me in a Kungfu class in the garden opposite my society, and after two years I enrolled in Taekwondo. Since then, there has been no looking back! Even today, with work and family, I take time each day after morning meditation to practice Tai-kek and kicks, which keep me fit and fast with my reflexes.<h4>Why learn a martial art?</h4>There are many reasons why people turn to martial arts: Some want to defend themselves, and some join for spirituality. Everybody’s searching for meaning, as without an aim we are lost. When we fix a goal, the path appears, and to find the meaning of life we must walk the path and let life blossom from there.<hr><hr><h5 style="text-align:center;">When we fix a goal, the path appears, and to find the meaning of life we must walk the path and let life blossom from there.</h5><hr><hr>People often associate martial arts with combat, self-defense, and violence, but the combative craft is not just about flying kicks and flashy punches. The philosophy stresses peace and harmony. The real value of martial arts is helping individuals harness their natural strength.<h4>Why is it called self-defense?</h4>When we see someone being attacked, we don’t just think about our own safety and run away; we try to defend that person. But another aspect of martial arts is the inner dimension. You will notice that many martial arts end with the suffix “do”: Judo, Taekwondo, Aikido, Hapkido, Karate-do. Do is derived from the Chinese word Tao, which is the inner way. When someone studies martial arts, they are doing two things – learning a fighting technique and also learning mastery over the self. In the Korean art form of Taekwondo, do implies the philosophical approach to a way of life, a pathway to achieve enlightenment.<h4>The spiritual angle</h4>Have you ever wondered why martial arts masters always look calm and collected? The primary reason is that as they move from one level to the next, they don’t simply learn new skills to improve their movements and strength. They also begin to understand the energy flow of the body and the surroundings. They become one with the forces of life. They still face challenges, but they know how to overcome them. They know when to give due attention, patiently wait, and watch the situation, and to take action accordingly.<hr><hr><h5 style="text-align:center;">“Empty your mind; be formless, shapeless – like water. Now you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup, you put water into a bottle, it becomes the bottle, you put it into a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Now water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend.” —Bruce Lee</h5><hr><hr><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/beauty_martialarts2_img_0293b1f247.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-06T04:47:44.829Z" alt="beauty-martialarts2"><hr>It is not an aggressive game; it’s a spiritual art form. Humans have brought a bad name to these arts through their behavior and wrong usage. Martial arts are connected to inner peace, movement, awareness, observation and calmness. Only when the mind is settled can we foresee what will be the opponent’s next move, and that is why we have matches and practice fight.Over centuries, a variety of systems have been developed, practiced and spread by monks and nuns. Martial arts that are inspired by the philosophies of Hinduism and Buddhism incorporate meditation as part of the training. I grew up starting and ending each class bowing before our coach, then bowing before my seniors. It shows respect for the art, the coach, and fellow beings. It’s a sign of growing collectively together.The key aspects taught in the first month of Taekwondo are stands, posture, how to move correctly, and learning to hold a position for more than 100 counts, including many rounds of exercises. These practices develop patience and inner core strength before getting into the real field. We were called “lions that roar” and taught to defend only when attacked. But before that, we were taught to try every possibility of handling a situation patiently. I was constantly reminded by my coach to channel energy in the right direction, and once the vision is clear the wisdom to perform will automatically come at the right time. That is exactly what happened in competitions and matches. Remember Kungfu Panda and The Karate Kid? You know what I mean.Inner peace is a regular theme and we know very well that inner peace is achieved through training and meditation. Another reference I would give here is the movie, Doctor Strange. When you watch it from this angle, you will realize the hidden gems this art form carries.<hr><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/beauty_martialarts4_img_3f5ccd3fce.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-06T04:47:44.626Z" alt="beauty-martialarts">&nbsp;<hr>&nbsp;<h4>The physical aspects that lead to enlightenment:</h4>The true value in learning a martial art is in exploring and nurturing the inner qualities that develop, such as:Footwork: It teaches the student about qualities and flow of energy, developing both creative and destructive potential. Hard work patterns and exercises teaches the student about balance, patience, dynamics and how to follow the intuition of the natural spirit.Observing the opponent (looking into the eyes): This practice increases our ability to read the intention of the opponent, and helps understand body language and the next move. It increases willpower, and develops self-discipline and perseverance in the face of adversity.The act of blocking, striking, and deflecting: It works on our energy flow, helps refine our senses and makes us alert. We develop 360-degree awareness as we start listening and communicating with everything around us, yet remain unaffected within. Energy manifests within each individual as spirit; spirit manifests in each individual as mind; and that’s how we attain stillness within.When you see Bruce Lee’s fights, especially the blindfolded ones, so much stillness is infused in him, even when it’s a question of survival! He remains so focused without panic. His presence of mind clearly reflects in his behavior, expressions, actions, and being. It not only gives him a clear sight of who is attacking and from where, but also how to tackle the situation. Imagine if we all learned this art from an early age! Later on, when we start meditative practices, we would be prepared to continue our inner journey, as our consciousness has been refined over the years.Taekwondo is not only an excellent method of self-defense but also a way of life to attain mastery of “Self.” Through experience, I would say it refines the ego so that we live in harmony with the living beings of this universe. Respect, humility and high morals are some of the beautiful concepts I have learned naturally as I gain more insights from this art form. Most importantly, it maintains a strong and healthy master-student relationship.I remember receiving pearls of wisdom from my Master when he handed me the black belt certificate. It is a covenant that all serious students of Taekwondo are encouraged to live by:Be willing to go where the going may be tough and do the things that are worth doing, even though they are difficult.Be gentle to the weak and tough to the strong.Be content with what you have in money and position, but never in skills.Always finish what you begin, be it large or small.Be a willing teacher to anyone, regardless of religion, race or ideology. Always be a giver.Never yield to repression or threat in the pursuit of a noble cause.Teach attitude and skill with action rather than words.Always be yourself, even though your circumstances may change.Radiate love and positivity through your words and actions. Know that body language and eyes speak more about the inner strength we carry.Be the eternal teacher who teaches with the body when young, with words when old, and by moral precept even after death.My heart is filled with gratitude towards my Masters, and I feel amongst the most fortunate ones to have lived up till now, in strengthening my mind and realizing the beauty of the spirit.<hr><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/beauty_martialarts5_img_e5a90f8238.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-06T04:47:44.660Z" alt="beauty-martialarts"><hr><hr><h4 style="text-align:center;">Article by ADITI SAXENA</h4><hr>

The beauty of martial arts

<h4>
 ADITI SAXENA
 is a Heartfulness practitioner and trainer. Here, she describes how a
 spontaneous backpacking trip during the pandemic both fulfilled her craving
 for community and taught her the beauty of generosity.
</h4>

<hr class="vertical-space1" />


 Backpacking becomes fun when outer exploration triggers inner exploration! It
 becomes meditative when the journey is embraced more than visiting touristic
 places, which is why I explore the roads less traveled, as they lead to many
 new discoveries, both inner and outer.



 One such experience changed my outlook toward life. Being a social person, I
 value and enjoy community living, as it brings variety and teaches us about
 people, unsaid acts of kindness, sharing and caring for one another, and the
 feeling of family, irrespective of what backgrounds we come from. During these
 times, we relate to one another with gentle hearts that wants to offer service
 or just be there to create a safe space for everyone who walks in.



 A friend from the ServiceSpace community shared something so profound and
 relatable when he posed a question: How can we unlock multiple forms of
 wealth? One type that touched my heart was community! We think of contributors
 as individuals, but actually one plus one is greater than two because the plus
 sign has value. How we relate and connect to each other can change the entire
 outcome. If you look at a piece of graphite and a piece of diamond, they’re
 both made of carbon atoms. The difference is in how they’re connected to each
 other.



 My spiritual guide often speaks about how our vision should be “one eye
 pointing within and the other eye pointing outside.” Physically it sounds
 funny, but it has a very beautiful meaning. Consciously, we can introspect on
 the learnings that we receive, by exploring the changes that occur within as a
 result of daily life.


<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<hr />

<h4 class="has-text-align-center">
 We can introspect on the learnings that we receive, by
 exploring the
 changes that occur within as a result of daily life.
 
</h4>

<hr />

<hr class="vertical-space1" />


 This is exactly how I felt when I was backpacking for four months at Kulga
 Village in Himachal Pradesh, between December 2020 and March 2021. I learned
 that help comes in various forms, especially when you least expect it!



 I was exploring a place beyond Manikaran, just after Kasol and before Tosh in
 Parvati Valley. I was lost midway, it was getting dark, and there were no
 means of transport, so I had no clue where I would end up. I usually traveled
 with hostel mates, but this was something I wanted to explore by myself. I
 paused to think what I could do next when suddenly, from far off, I saw a
 family waving at me. With a sigh of relief, I walked toward them and they
 asked me if I have eaten anything. According to them, I seem to be lost! I ate
 the food at their small shop and asked them how much I should pay, but they
 refused and said, “Maybe this meal belonged to you, daughter.”


<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<div class="block-image">
 <figure>
 <img decoding="async" width="700" height="350" alt="act-of-generosity2-700x350"
 class="lazyload has-img-center"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/act_of_generosity2_700x350_302aa58ba0.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-10T12:00:36.823Z" />
 </figure>
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 I was touched, but insisted on paying, so they said it would be helpful if I
 could teach their son the 9 times table. I smiled and asked if they could help
 me find a guest house or hostel to spend the night, but they mentioned that
 there was nothing around. Instead, they invited me to stay in their house! I
 had no other choice but to accept, as I didn’t know where else to stay. So, we
 started walking, and on the way I taught their son (I am good at math so
 thankfully could be of some help here.)



 We climbed a mountain and reached their place after two hours!&nbsp;It was a
 very small room and they had just two mattresses with three people
 sharing.&nbsp;I had my sleeping bag but still they offered me one mattress
 saying that they would share the other one. I was touched. They said,
 “You are our guest tonight. Just this afternoon we were thinking of our
 daughter (who is no more) and wanted to feed a few more daughters who might
 cross our path. God heard our call, as you reach us. It fulfilled our
 wish.” I asked them how they could sleep as it was -1 degree outside. They
 mentioned that it was okay, “because you have come to us as a gift. It’s like
 letting our daughter sleep comfortably one last time on her mattress. That
 would give us more peace than anything else!” They refused to use my sleeping
 bag, saying, “It is Covid time, and you shouldn’t share the sleeping bag with
 anyone. Rest assured, we haven’t used this mattress and just keep it as is,
 but now after you, we will use it.” I was in tears that night. So much
 love and so much care. These were definitely angels in human form!



 The next morning, I prepared Marathi poha for them. We had a meal
 together and they bid me goodbye saying, “Beta, shine through your
 goodness and always help people who cross your way. You will never know what
 contentment and joy you will receive in return, as we are feeling this
 morning. We experienced having our daughter beside us, as this is how she may
 have been ten years from now.”



 That entire day I was in some different world. The incident shook me from
 within and reminded me of what my spiritual teacher says: “Even when a flower
 is hidden in crevices between stones, the honeybee will find where it is
 blooming.” How can we make our hearts like the beautiful flowers of this
 family?


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<h4 class="has-text-align-center">Illustrations by ANANYA PATEL</h4>

<hr />

An act of generosity

<h4>ADITI SAXENA considers the importance of teachers and role models in how we create our destiny and personality.</h4><hr>Have you ever wondered how we grow as personalities? How does our value system build, ultimately reflecting the same through our actions, behaviour and character?While I was thinking about this, I went back to my childhood days and saw myself standing there as a third person, observing how this journey of life has been so far. Immediately my heart was filled with gratitude towards my mentors and teachers, without whom I wouldn’t be the personality that I am today.Teachers play a very crucial role. They help in shaping character and also act as role models to achieve those personal goals that they have already walked through.I had a disciplined and goal-oriented lifestyle as a kid. My Taekwondo trainer and my spiritual guide have both been my mentors. They gave me the best childhood and fruitful college days by helping me to develop both physical and mental strength to face and accept every one of life’s challenges with faith and confidence.When I look back, I can’t imagine a single day without them. It is as if every brick is important in building the wall. Similarly, every effort of theirs has made me saner and wiser. The love they have given is shown in many ways: in the challenges they have made me face, and in the hours of practice for tournaments maintaining a calm and composed stature, even when the opponent wins.<hr><h4 style="text-align:center;">Teachers play a very crucial role. They help in shaping character and also act as role models to achieve those personal goals that they have already walked through.</h4><hr>Having a balanced state of mind is of utmost importance to me, and this was being honed through Taekwondo. Moving forward, that is also how I developed a profound interest in meditation with a spiritual teacher; the grounding was being prepared throughout all those years of childhood.In a physical discipline like Taekwondo, anger, ego, grudges and prejudice can only bring downfall, with which no player can succeed; for when that happens sportsmanship is missing and it is directly linked with mental fitness. I remember that winning tournaments was not difficult when I was mentally fit and free from anger. My Taekwondo teachers helped me develop an attitude of respect towards the opponent and moreover a respect for the opponent’s Master.In all this, I developed the capacity to think out of the box. I learnt to be creative in self-defence techniques, and discovered smart ways to finish off the match without creating any barrier with the other competitors.Developing the qualities of brotherhood, care and empathy, respecting each individual – their views, attitude towards situations and people – and still maintaining humility is a never-ending learning process.All this has helped me to grow in all ways. It has kept me fit, healthy and hearty. I encourage everyone to go out and explore life. Let your teachers guide you and shape you. It is only after going through a lot of moulding and churning that they make us that which we could never imagine.

Be Guided

<h4 style="text-align:justify;">ADITI SAXENA reflects on the role her mother has played in her life, on her mother as the personification of loving detachment, and the way her mother’s legacy has helped to form her attitudes and values.&nbsp;</h4>&nbsp;“A mother is she who can take the place of all others&nbsp;but whose place no one else can take.” —Cardinal MermillodAs the vibrant hues of the Basant 2025 celebrations faded into the quiet of a Sunday evening, I found myself reflecting on the theme of “loving detachment” shared by Daaji. My thoughts naturally flowed toward the one person who has been a living embodiment of this principle—my mother.Growing up, I never fully grasped the depth of my mother’s wisdom. But as I reflect on my life and childhood, I see her as the embodiment of loving detachment—a principle so profound yet so beautifully simple. My mother is not just my guardian angel but also my guide; a strong nurturer who, as a single parent, raised me and my younger brother with an unparalleled balance of freedom and discipline. Her life is a testament to the idea that true love is not about possession but about nurturing with freedom, guiding with wisdom, and allowing growth through detachment.Coming from a middle-class Indian family, we were raised with values that transcended boundaries. Humanity always took precedence over any territorial divide. My mother taught us early on that caste, creed, and religion were man-made constructs, while anything that unites humanity was worth pursuing. We grew up with exposure to different cultures, sports, music, and visits to sacred places and spiritual organizations, learning from the lives of great spiritual giants across faiths. Through all this, my mother instilled in us a sense of curiosity, resilience, and independence, shaping us into the individuals we are today.<h4>Nurturing strength through independence</h4>“The best way to make children good is to make them happy.”&nbsp; —Oscar WildeAs a rather hyperactive child, I demanded more attention than most; but instead of curbing my energy, my mother found ways to channel it productively. She recognized that a strong body was essential in facing the world, and a well-nourished mind would be born of the right values and habits. From an early age, she ensured we had access to the right environment, guiding us subtly while allowing us to exercise our wisdom based on our age and experience.She was never one to coddle us, even in the smallest of circumstances. I remember watching other parents dropping their children off at the school bus stop, while my mother never did. As a child, this upset me—I thought she didn’t love us enough. But I later realized she was making us independent, ensuring we could stand on our own. Those times when we woke up late and missed the bus, she didn’t drop everything and rush to drop us off. Instead, she asked us to use our piggy bank savings, catch the right bus, and reach school on our own. What I didn’t know then was that she would silently watch over us, sometimes sending someone behind us on a scooter or coming herself, to ensure we were safe while we tried to learn our lessons. She wanted us to fight our own battles, solve our problems, and only ask for her intervention after we had tried everything we could. This lesson in accountability and self-reliance stayed with us for life.<h4>Wisdom beyond books</h4>“The greatest gift a parent can give their child is a strong foundation of values and the freedom to grow.”My mother’s approach to parenting was unconventional. She never pressured us to excel academically but made us aware that our choices would shape our future. She gave us the freedom to decide how much time we wanted to spend studying or playing, instilling a sense of self-discipline rather than fear. As the Sufi mystic Rumi once said, “Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.” My mother inspired us to explore positives from our observations with a sense of childlike wonder, also breaking down certain barriers by teaching us to love ourselves, trust our instincts, and embrace life with courage and curiosity. We were encouraged to explore various interests—music, theatre, painting, dance, sports, martial arts, classical singing, and even independent travel within and outside the city by the age of thirteen.How bold she was! She had unwavering faith in the Divine, trusting that we were always protected. This was in an era without cell phones, where only landlines and a few coins for emergency calls were our safety net. Despite this, she empowered us with the ability to navigate the world fearlessly, making us self-sufficient and capable.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/legacy_my_mother2_3a3f671070.webp" alt="legacy-my-mother2.webp"></figure>&nbsp;<hr><h4 style="text-align:center;">My mother inspired us to explore positives from our observations with a sense of childlike wonder, also breaking down certain barriers by teaching us to love ourselves, trust our instincts, and embrace life with courage and curiosity.&nbsp;</h4><hr><h4>A life rooted in spirituality and service</h4>“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.”&nbsp; —Muhammad AliOne of the most beneficial gifts my mother gave us was an early exposure to spirituality. She never imposed any belief system on us. When I expressed my interest in knowing more about Buddhism, Jainism, Sufism, Christianity, I was subtly guided to tag along with my aunt when she used to attend Sunday mass or sing in the choir. I could visit the library to read about Sufi saints, and understand the origin of different religions. She encouraged us to rise above dogmas, orthodox thinking, and societal boundaries, and to embrace the universal truths that bind us all by discovering the divine on our own.As Kabir beautifully said, “The river that flows in you also flows in me.”My mother taught us to see the same divine essence in everyone, regardless of their background. So celebrations in our home were different; birthdays or milestones and some of our weekends were spent visiting orphanages, old age homes, and animal shelters, sharing our joys with those who didn’t have families. She always emphasized the power of giving, valuing education and skill-sharing over material wealth. Through her actions, she showed us that the essence of life lies in nurturing, protecting, and uplifting others by understanding the power of humility and kindness.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/legacy_my_mother3_3117bd6fe6.webp" alt="legacy-my-mother3.webp"></figure>&nbsp;<hr><h4 style="text-align:center;">Through her actions, she showed us that the essence of life lies in nurturing, protecting, and uplifting others by understanding the power of humility and kindness.</h4><hr><h4>The silent influence of a spiritual warrior</h4>“The best way to teach a child is by example.”&nbsp; —Mother TeresaDespite her numerous responsibilities, my mother never wavered in her <a href="https://heartfulness.org/magazine/love-is-more-powerful-than-death" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">spiritual practices</a>. Morning meditation, evening cleaning, and night prayers were non-negotiable. We would sit silently beside her, imitating her devotion without realizing how deeply it was shaping us. Every Sunday, no matter where we were, she would find a Heartfulness Center and take us along. Her commitment to her path, filled with simplicity, humility, and joy silently influenced us, making us seekers in our own right.<hr><h4 style="text-align:center;">As we grew older, my mother became our friend, someone we could freely talk to about our likes, interests, and dilemmas. She taught us to listen to our hearts and use our intuitive capabilities to make life decisions</h4><hr>In the words of the poet Khalil Gibran, “Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself. They come through you but not from you, and though they are with you yet they belong not to you.”As we grew older, my mother became our friend, someone we could freely talk to about our likes, interests, and dilemmas. She taught us to listen to our hearts and use our intuitive capabilities to make life decisions, but her wisdom was not confined to us alone. Over the years, my friends and colleagues have found solace in her presence, often visiting our home to seek her guidance. I often joked that they were more her friends than mine!<h4>A living example of grace and strength</h4>“A mother’s love is infinite, her strength unparalleled, and her wisdom timeless.”Today, my mother remains an inspiration—not just to me but to all those who spend time with her. She defied all odds as a <a href="https://heartfulness.org/magazine/parenting-the-art-of-preserving" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">single parent</a>, ensuring we received the education we needed while teaching us to make our mark in the world through our actions and values. She encouraged us to be silent change makers, to stand up for what is right, and to protect those who cannot protect themselves.Her ability to rise above setbacks with a solution-oriented outlook has been one of her greatest strengths. She never allowed circumstances to dictate our destiny. Even when she suffered from severe arthritis, she put her mind towards reversing the condition with the help of yoga, and her own determination. She now continues to hike, travel, and embrace life with the same enthusiasm as ever.She remains my greatest teacher, my unwavering staff of support, and a true example of grace in action. Through her, I have learned that love is not about possession but about nurturing, guiding, and ultimately letting go with faith. I have learned from her to trust in life, to walk with kindness, and to let love flow freely, as she always has.And so, her legacy continues—not just in us but in everyone she has touched along the way. For she is the heart of our home, the light of our path, and the living embodiment of loving detachment.“God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers.”&nbsp; —Rudyard Kipling&nbsp;<img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/legacy_my_mother4_c506208e53.webp" alt="legacy-my-mother4.webp">&nbsp;<hr><h4 style="text-align:center;">Through her, I have learned that love is not about possession but about nurturing, guiding, and ultimately letting go with faith.&nbsp; I have learned from her to trust in life, to walk with kindness, and to let love flow freely, as she always has.</h4><hr>

The legacy of my mother

Aditya-Barrela.jpg

Aditya Barrela

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<div class="row">
 <div class="col-md-4"><img decoding="async" class="lazyload has-img-center" 
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/q1_2e47a30f8e.jpg" alt="consciousness-2">
 
 <h4 style="text-align: center;">What is 
 consciousness?</h4>
 </div>
 <div class="col-md-4"><img decoding="async" class="lazyload has-img-center" 
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/q2_4475b4698e.jpg" alt="consciousness-2">
 
 <h4 style="text-align: center;">How do you personally explore the subconscious and superconscious parts of your
 consciousness spectrum?</h4>
 </div>
 <div class="col-md-4"><img decoding="async" class="lazyload has-img-center" 
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/q3_c61a336fdc.jpg" alt="consciousness-2">
 
 <h4 style="text-align: center;">What defines today’s collective human consciousness?</h4>
 </div>
</div>

<hr class="vertical-space1">



<hr>
<hr class="vertical-space1">
<h4><img decoding="async"
 class="lazyload img-float-left has-img-center-in-mobile"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/Karen_O_Neill_2fdf08b917.jpg" alt="consciousness-2">KAREN O’
 NEILL 
 Heartfulness Fellow 
 New Delhi, India
</h4>
‘Consciousness’ is derived from the Latin words conscius, meaning ‘to know’ or
 ‘to be aware’, and conscrire, meaning ‘to be mutually aware’. Consciousness extends beyond oneself and includes
 awareness of our environment and our connection with others.
I believe in Swami Vivekananda’s saying that consciousness is a mere film between two
 oceans, the subconscious and the superconscious. This film becomes more permeable as I delve further into those
 parts of my consciousness that usually exist outside my spectrum of awareness. I have also found that this
 permeability continues throughout the night and I am able to recall my dreams in vivid detail. Keeping a dream
 journal alongside my meditation-diary has also helped me to explore parts of my consciousness which were otherwise
 unknown.
There are events in our history, especially violent and traumatic ones, which weigh
 heavily on human memory and consciousness. I believe that through methods such as the cleaning process, we are
 actively preventing the formation of new impressions and creating an egregore of peace, love and joy. We are aiming
 for the purification of consciousness to its highest, and this is what is shaping the collective human consciousness
 today.
<hr>
<hr class="vertical-space1">
<h4><img decoding="async"
 class="lazyload img-float-left has-img-center-in-mobile"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/Manav_Beniwal_89f45d042e.jpg" alt="consciousness-2">MANAV
 BENIWAL 
 Pre-med Student 
 Dayton, Ohio, USA
</h4>
Consciousness is the depth of human understanding. We think on a conscious level, from
 where we see and understand the real world. But outside that we have our conscious self, which we do not know or
 fully understand but can listen to. So in my mind, consciousness is something we can get in touch with by looking
 inside of ourselves.
I look inside myself and try to listen to the voice of my heart, and while doing so I
 can feel the intricacies of the subconscious and the superconscious. The subconscious is where we have all of our
 thoughts and predilections, whereas the superconscious is where we have to go, where our ultimate destination is. In
 meditation I am learning to understand both better.
At first I think of our collective consciousness as everyone in the entire world – not
 only our intentions and thoughts, but our general attitude towards the world, towards ourselves and our fellow human
 beings. But when I think deeper, it’s the idea that you, I and everyone else in this world are one. We are all One.
 If we are all part of that same inner consciousness, then the collective consciousness is just our need and desire
 to move back towards It.
<hr>
<hr class="vertical-space1">
<h4><img decoding="async"
 class="lazyload img-float-left has-img-center-in-mobile"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/Elodie_Requillar_T_efed9f192f.jpg" alt="consciousness-2">ELODIE
 REQUILLART 
 Product Manager 
 Lille, France
</h4>
Consciousness is awareness, and it is also intuition and vision. Also, with experience,
 I have noticed that the more I meditate the more my consciousness opens. For example, earlier, in the same
 situation, I would not have reacted in the same manner as I do now.
I think I am able to explore my subconscious and superconscious really through intuition
 and meditation, because intuition comes from the heart. I feel that the collective human consciousness is moving.
 People are more and more aware of their heart, and they want to go deep into their heart. Many young people have
 this awareness today.
<hr>
<hr class="vertical-space1">
<h4><img decoding="async"
 class="lazyload img-float-left has-img-center-in-mobile"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/Kaushalendra_Pratap_Singh_8139379987.jpg" alt="consciousness-2">KAUSHALENDRA
 PRATAP SINGH 
 Management Student 
 Lucknow, India
</h4>
Consciousness is the foundation on which anything happens, has happened, or will happen
 in the future. I have a very small glimpse of my subconscious when my intuition tells me the truth or when I see
 dreams. I’m still exploring superconsciousness.
I believe in a collective consciousness where each and every individual contributes in a
 very large way. The environment of a place changes with the mindsets of people. For example, a hospital may have a
 very shocking or fearful environment. In a very serene place, like a hill station, we can feel joyfulness and
 peacefulness because of this collective consciousness to which we all contribute. The intention with which we do or
 pursue things contributes to that environment. Our thoughts and intentions make up the collective consciousness,
 which is seen or perceived or known by the environment around.
<hr>
<hr class="vertical-space1">
<h4><img decoding="async"
 class="lazyload img-float-left has-img-center-in-mobile"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/Aditya_Barrela_783642d5c3.jpg" alt="consciousness-2">ADITYA
 BARRELA 
 Investment Promotion Consultant 
 Hyderabad, India
</h4>
The simple answer is that consciousness is our awareness, but I think consciousness is
 much more than simple awareness. It is part of us; it’s part of our subtle body. It’s also an agent for us to think,
 move, act and make decisions with too.
Impressions are deep-rooted within us because of our childhood and conditioning by the
 environment. Our interactions leave an impression on us, which takes place in our subconscious. Superconsciousness
 is something that I personally didn’t know exists until I started meditation. When we dive deep within ourselves,
 the consciousness that we have, which is our natural state, expands and reaches new heights. That condition becomes
 the new normal, our new consciousness; it becomes natural to us. Then there is a new level of superconsciousness
 waiting for us, and that’s what is interesting.
Consciousness evolves in nature. It can devolve in rare cases, but I think collectively
 as a species we’re going through major changes, shifts, leaps in our perception. We’re waking up to the truth that
 happiness is not outside but inside us. There is a saying that “We are drowning in information, while starving for
 wisdom.” I think that also summarizes today’s collective consciousness. We’ve so much information and data, but we
 don’t know how to make use of it, how to intuitively navigate through the chaos, through the VUCA world we have
 created for ourselves (VUCA means Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous). We also have a VUCA world inside us,
 and unless we simplify the inside, our collective consciousness is burdened, it cannot evolve.
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<hr>

Consciousness

<h4>ADITYA BARRELA is inspired by the recent “Rising with Kindness” international youth conference in Kanha Shanti Vanam.</h4><hr>When a student asked the renowned archaeologist Margaret Mead to share the earliest evidence of civilization in our history, she did not refer to tools, religious idols, or clay pots. She instead referred to a 15,000-year-old broken female femur bone that had been healed. She advocated that this healed femur is the first evidence in recorded history that a person was taken care of and protected by others. Kindness is an inherent trait, helping humanity thrive. But it is more than that. Kindness is behind some of the greatest inventions of mankind, be it agriculture, medicine, or otherwise. Generosity is also resplendent in nature when we take a closer look.Since the pandemic lockdowns, we have stepped out into a world marred with unprecedented challenges – climate change, health-related crises, economic volatility, and conflict. Unfortunately, we are increasingly conditioned to prioritize self-interest, rendering kindness as an unaffordable luxury.<hr><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/kindness_matters5_700x467_9fad04872f.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-12T11:01:46.915Z" alt="kindness-matters5"><hr>Deep in our hearts, we are acutely aware that we need kindness toward ourselves, toward each other, and toward nature. It is time to reconnect with the intrinsic quality of kindness, and to refocus our attention on the many invisible acts of kindness, unity, and friendliness seen around the world as we rise together from disruptive global events. Thankfully, millennials and Gen Z seem to know this.Today’s youth truly and deeply care about human society and ecology like never before, and we do something about it. Celebrities and sports stars like Emma Watson, Leonardo DiCaprio, BTS, Virat Kohli, Deepika Padukone, P.V. Sindhu, and hundreds of others have championed causes and role-modeled kindness. Young activists like Greta Thunberg, Malala Yousufzai, Tahsin Uddin, and HaaziqKazi have demonstrated the power of youth. Thanks to such inspiration, and the unprecedented awareness of broader social and ecological issues, today’s youth are proactively kind.<hr><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/kindness_matters2_700x379_a8756d2d17.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-12T11:02:18.357Z" alt="kindness-matters2"><hr>While kindness is naturally the right thing to do, it is not the easy thing to do. For a start, we cannot be kind to society or nature without first being kind to ourselves. Kindness is not a source of weakness but rather a sign of true strength and resourcefulness. And kindness toward ourselves does not come easy. Often we hold ourselves to very high ideals and are merciless with ourselves. While such ideals are good for self-development, without contemplation and willpower to change the very same ideals can become a barrier. Self-destruction instead of self-transformation is the result.This is where practices like Heartfulness, Mindfulness, etc. come into the picture to bring clarity, compassion, and courage. We realize that when we dive into the depths of the love and light in our hearts we find infinite resources we can share with the world. Meditation gives us the equanimity to respond to life rather than react.Only in times of crisis do the compassion and unity of humanity stand tested. To celebrate kindness, foster camaraderie, and learn to “self-care,” the Heartfulness Institute in association with AICTE and UNESCO MGIEP hosted the Rising with Kindness International Youth Conference at Kanha Shanti Vanam from August 12 to 14, 2022. 15,000 students attended in person, and an additional 20,000 attended virtually from 55 countries.<hr><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/kindness_matters3_700x466_c41ae88655.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-12T11:02:50.146Z" alt="kindness-matters3"><hr>They were inspired by luminaries, learned yoga and meditation, and were able to scale-up their impact, network with like-minded people, and enjoy the kindness concert by Ricky Kej. The event was free of charge and so accessible to many youth. Food and accommodation costs were sponsored for all delegates.We have witnessed millions of incredible acts of empathy and compassion that have brought relief, created and strengthened bonds, and helped build lasting solutions as the world accepts a new normal. Together, let’s continue that momentum by Rising with Kindness.To watch videos of the activities during the conference, go to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/c/Heartfulness/videos">www.youtube.com/c/Heartfulness/videos</a><hr>

Why kindness matters

Aesop (c. 620–564 BCE) was a Greek storyteller credited with a number of fables now known as <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aesop%27s_Fables">Aesop's Fables</a>. Although his existence is not well documented, numerous stories have been credited to him, &nbsp;gathered across the centuries in many languages in a storytelling tradition that continues to this day. Many of his tales are characterized by anthropomorphic animal characters.

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