Unconditional Love

Today, we gather in sorrow as we remember my sister's cherished 10-year-old Labrador retriever, Max, a robust 80-pound bundle of joy. I've known him since he was a fluffy little puppy, and over the years, I've experienced the immense joy and emotional healing his gentle spirit has brought to our family.

The void left in Max's absence stirs tears in my eyes and weighs heavily on my heart. Yet, in my grief, I seek solace in the loving embrace of St. Francis, the revered patron saint of animals. I can vividly envision Max romping through a vibrant, sun-drenched meadow, where wildflowers sway gently in the warm breeze. In this picturesque paradise, I imagine him bounding freely, his spirit unburdened and filled with joy, surrounded by other playful animals, all basking in the brilliance of a peaceful existence beyond this life.

Max's journey is a beautiful testament to the profound bond between humans and dogs. In 2016, during my visit to my nephew in bustling Chennai, India, I had the delightful privilege of meeting Max as an adorable little puppy, alongside Mia, a stunning female Labrador of the same age.

Max and Mia were more than mere pets; they were woven into the fabric of my nephew Deepak's life. A true dog lover at heart, he couldn't resist showering affection on any stray that crossed his path. His wife recounts how, on their first date, he took her to a local dog shelter, showcasing the transformative power that these creatures have on our lives, despite her having grown up without any pets.

Deepak's unwavering passion for dogs eventually won her over. Before long, they welcomed not just one but two beloved furry companions into their home—an adventure that infused their lives with boundless joy, resonating with all of us who encountered these lively and affectionate creatures.

Mia was the gentle, loving soul, always eager to please, while Max exuded a spirited love that was as free as the wind. When Deepak had to relocate for work, they moved far from vibrant Chennai to a more conservative area that frowned upon feeding dogs meat. With a heavy heart, Deepak made the tough decision to send the dogs to my sister's home in our native Tamil Nadu. This was the beginning of a beautiful bond between the dogs and my sister, Hema, and her husband. They showered the dogs with love and affection, and honestly, it was a love that resonated deep within Max and Mia.

Last October, our beloved Mia was unexpectedly struck by jaundice and passed away swiftly—a heartbreaking loss that impacted Max more deeply than we could have anticipated. He became increasingly affectionate, yet beneath his tender demeanor lingered a profound sorrow that seemed to cast a shadow over his spirit, despite our best efforts to lift him up.

This morning, I received a devastating message from my sister: Max had passed away at 8:30 a.m. IST. In a sad twist of fate, he displayed no signs of illness, relished his breakfast, wandered about the house, and then lay by the kitchen door before tragically foaming at the mouth. In a matter of moments, he slipped away into the unknown.

Max's story serves as a poignant reminder of the deep connections that enrich our lives, urging us to treasure every fleeting moment with our furry friends.

Regardless of our individual beliefs about the existence of souls in dogs, one truth remains indisputable: our lives would be unimaginably less fulfilling without these remarkable creatures. Dogs, with their inexhaustible enthusiasm and loyalty, fill our days with warmth, joy, and an unbreakable bond of love. Every wag of their tail, bursting with excitement, and every gentle nuzzle, filled with affection, speaks volumes about their unwavering loyalty to us. They offer companionship and a profound sense of comfort that uplifts our spirits in our darkest hours, reminding us of the unparalleled beauty found in unconditional love.

Let us come together to honor all of God's creatures who share this extraordinary planet with us. We remember the souls of Mia and Max, two beloved dogs who touched our hearts indelibly. May they rest peacefully, forever cherished in our memories, serving as a lasting reminder of the joy and connection that our furry friends bring into our lives.

Peace,

Asha

Drink Happy, Live Happy!

"Please, sir, can I have some more?" This unforgettable line from Charles Dickens's novel Oliver Twist lingers in the hearts of many, evoking a deep sense of longing and yearning.

Let's dive into the wonderful world of "Mor" (மோர்), a cherished drink hailing from my home state of Tamil Nadu, renowned for its refreshing and comforting qualities. This delightful probiotic beverage is incredibly easy to make, offering a tantalizing burst of flavors that will undoubtedly awaken your taste buds. In the engaging vlog below, you'll discover how to prepare Mor— a cooling drink that is sure to captivate your children, and most likely, even the adults will be left wanting more!

My husband, Russill, and I are grateful to call North America our home. As Indian American citizens, we value the celebration of the Fourth of July in the United States. This occasion is marked by vibrant fireworks that illuminate the night sky, music that resonates throughout the atmosphere, and a deep sense of community that unites us.

As we come together to celebrate Independence this Fourth of July weekend here in the U.S.A., it's essential to pause and reflect on the essence of being human. Regardless of our diverse backgrounds or where we find ourselves in the world, we all share a deep yearning for freedom—to enjoy life, embrace good health, and seek happiness and purpose. Along this journey, we encounter both triumphs and trials, each offering us valuable lessons that shape who we are. Let's honor our collective experiences and support one another in our pursuit of fulfillment.

During this season of fireworks, summer barbecues, picnics, and festive gatherings, let's extend our compassion to those in need. Sometimes, a kind word from a stranger can bring solace, or the innocent smile of a child might spark a moment of hope and happiness. Together, let's spread warmth and understanding, ensuring that the spirit of togetherness and joy reaches all, especially those who are struggling.

Cooking beautifully reflects our freedom. Initially, when we encounter a recipe, we tend to follow it closely, measuring each ingredient with care. However, as we gain confidence, we begin to add our own flair, adjusting flavors and textures to suit our personal tastes.

Home cooking, in particular, is deeply connected to our life experiences. Each time we prepare a dish, we infuse it with a bit of ourselves, making it special and personal. This creative expression, combined with our willingness to embrace mistakes, allows us to stay present and fully appreciate each moment. It’s a wonderful journey that reminds us to savor the little joys along the way.

With this spirit in mind, let's celebrate summer with a refreshing probiotic beverage that delights the soul and quenches your thirst on a hot day.

I'm excited to share a fantastic and simple recipe from our kitchen to yours! This traditional Indian drink is enjoyed by millions of people from all walks of life, making it a real crowd-pleaser. Each sip is a delightful experience that will excite your taste buds and brighten your day. Feel free to share it with your children—and yes, even the adults who are likely to ask for more! This drink could easily become the favorite at your next social gathering. Get ready to impress your guests and create treasured memories!

If you're looking for dairy-free options, consider trying coconut-based yogurt. It provides a creamy texture and a naturally sweet flavor that can elevate your dishes while keeping them dairy-free.

So, my friends, embrace the adventure in your culinary journey, and remember to have fun experimenting with new ingredients!

As I wrap up, I'd like to take a moment to remind you that you can discover this delightful probiotic drink, along with a range of other nourishing and flavorful recipes, in my second book, *The Wholeness Cookbook*. In this work, I explore the intricate relationships between the brain, mind, and body, while also addressing significant topics related to food politics, self-healing, and more. 🥰

For your copy please click the button below:

Wishing you a joyful heart and a vibrant spirit filled with good health and endless cheer!

Asha

Healing Our Emotions for a Healthier Consciousness

Have you seen the movie Thanks for Sharing? It was released back in 2012, starring Mark Ruffalo and Gwyneth Paltrow. I am a huge movie buff, and thank God, Russill, my husband, is one, too. 🥰

One of the most unforgettable lines from the movie goes like this:

"Feelings are like children. You don't want them driving the car, but you don't want to stuff them in the trunk, either."

This comparison about emotions being like children is the most brilliant one I've come across. It got me thinking that our emotions need guidance and understanding, just like children. Most importantly, how do we healthily and constructively manage strong emotions such as anger, sadness, jealousy, inadequacy, apathy, guilt, and fear without suppressing them?

I don't know about you, but I have been in stressful situations where I have been overwhelmed and tongue-tied by hurtful insults or misplaced anger directed toward me. The worst part is the overwhelm would turn into feelings of anger and inadequacy that would, at times, simmer beneath the surface, turning into a mood* that could last for days, disintegrating my health physically and mentally. And no amount of affirmations, spiritual practices, and meditations eased the pain and hurt that these moods created.

*The difference between a feeling and mood is that feelings (emotions) come and go, are generally a reaction to a person or situation, and do not linger. Meanwhile, moods need not be related to a particular person or incident and typically linger for days, weeks, or even months, chipping away at our joy.

I have spent almost thirty years focusing on nutrition and health. However, I did not know how to effectively manage emotions with strength and calm until I completed my emotional and spiritual wellbeing certification. The healing that came about helped with profound shifts that eluded me in the past.

The faculty who taught me included remarkable psychiatrists and psychologists. My favorite was the course taught by an MD, Repair Your Relationship With Yourself, based on Richard Schwartz's Internal Family Systems (IFS) methodology.

Here is a confession that might interest you: I have been a dedicated meditator steeped in Eastern and Western spirituality since I was 18 (my current age is 56).

Since my late teens, almost all of my life's focus needed to speak to my spiritual sensitivities and inclinations.

However, it wasn't until I was willing to explore my emotions in an in-depth manner that I noticed how I was using spirituality and meditation as a band-aid to temporarily feel good without addressing the root causes.

Relationships with our fellow beings are crucial for our overall health. However, they come with blessings and challenges. Intimate ones, such as marriage, can be even harder regardless of how much you love and care.

Russill and I are no exceptions. Countless graces have helped us work through our rough patches these last 35 years. But I give great credence to helping each other work through our strong emotions by setting aside our egoic selves. As you may be aware, the primary goal of our egos is to be correct and look good without losing face at any cost.

Our brain is extraordinary, and the frontal lobes are the crowning glory of the human species. Yet, we are hard-wired to focus on the negative and limitations more than the positive and possibilities. This tendency is known as negativity bias, and it happens to the best of us.

It's a universal truth that regardless of how evolved we may consider ourselves, every human has to grapple with an inherent negativity bias. We use reasons (often convincing ones) to justify our thoughts, feelings, habits, and why we are the way we are rather than proactively changing them.

Believe me, I also resist change when I encounter it. But our souls are meant to heal and evolve. The hard fact is, whether we like it or not, expansion requires change, a new vision, and a new way of doing and being to help us reach the unreachable or the unattainable, be it in health, relationships, or joy.

Living with inner calm and fortitude in our world today is not easy. We understand this feeling well, which is why we have just started a transformative journey with a fantastic group of registered students who are deeply committed to their transformation for the highest good of all. This profound and doable program is designed to create an imperturbable sense of belonging to ourselves in the most authentic way possible. Moreover, there isn't an exhaustive to-do list, which is why it is so doable.

You will be guided by accessible and attainable actions to tap deep-state perceptions with the intention of ushering in levels of self-healing that might have previously evaded you.

Finally, whether you are a vegan or ketovore, this transformative journey, which includes cooking together, can help.

Once a month, we gather as a community to participate in the joy of cooking together on Zoom, which we've accomplished quite wonderfully since COVID-19.

Our aim is not to persuade you to adopt a specific dietary preference or way of being but to guide you toward a place of depth-consciousness and peace, all from the comfort of your home.

Our gatherings also include community prayer, meditation, presentations, and discussions. And you miss nothing since, even if you can't make the live Zoom sessions, everything, including brand new lessons on Supraconsciousness (a state of transcendental consciousness), is loaded up for you to stream at your fingertips, any time of the day or night. You control what you do, how much you do, and when you do it.

Russill and I would love for you to join us, as it is never too late. That is the beauty of online!

Please click on the link below for more information and enrollment:

To your health and happiness

Asha

Joyful connections and masala fry

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

Get ready for an exhilarating culinary journey in this vlog. We're about to dive into the heart of India's vibrant fish market and food culture, and I couldn't be more thrilled to share this unique experience with you.

Let me introduce you to Valli, an amazing swordstress whose skillful fish filleting caught my eye in the bustling and lively marketplace brimming with the day's fresh treasures from the Indian Ocean. She is a respected figure in the fish market, known for her precision and speed in filleting fish, a skill she has honed over decades of hard work.

Valli's warm smile is sure to capture your heart, just like it did mine. She has been selling fish since she was eight years old, and now, at 55, her journey is truly remarkable and inspiring.

Be sure to look for the altar on the left side above Valli's head. It will be adorned with an image of goddess Lakshmi, Saraswati, and the elephant-headed Ganesha, a lit oil lamp, fresh flowers, and marked each day with the symbol of the goddess: turmeric (a large circle) and kumkum (dots and red lines) powder. This altar is a symbol of reverence and gratitude towards the goddesses for the bountiful catch and the prosperity they bring to the market.

The individuals you'll meet in the video are the endearing Tamil people, whose warmth and openness have a way of embracing you, irrespective of your background or beliefs.

As you'll witness, I formed connections with other vendors, and our mutual delight in the culinary arts and cultural traditions is unmistakable. It's a language that unites us all, transcending borders and uniting people.

Tamil Nadu, a state in southern India, is known for its rich cultural heritage and delectable cuisine. While in India, one of my favorite foods—you guessed right—is fish and shrimp. I am partial to Silver Pomfret and Indo-Pacific king mackerel, which Tamilians, the Indigenous people of Tamil Nadu, my birthplace, also favor.

The video also shares one of the most popular traditional fish cooking styles. I demonstrate the 'Meen Varuval,' a classic Tamil fish fry staple in many households. This simple dish, with its crispy golden-brown exterior and tender, flavorful interior, not only tantalizes the taste buds but also carries centuries of tradition and cultural significance. The dish is prepared by marinating the fish in a blend of spices and then shallow frying it to perfection.

My brothers and sisters, I invite you to sit back, relax, and join me on this virtual journey to India and her darling people.

Wishing you health and peace.

Asha.

Was it my heart, or did I suffer a stroke?

Early on Thursday morning (this episode occurred last week), at around 3:00 a.m., I woke up with the urgent need to use the restroom. While I was using it, I started feeling very dizzy and like I was going to pass out. The pressure in my head was overwhelming, and I felt like I was being pulled into a deep, dark hole.

I tried to make my way back to bed, but I ended up falling and knocking over the towel stand. Miraculously, I managed to get up and reach the bedroom.

As I attempted to go back to sleep, the pressure in my head persisted, and my ears started ringing. This was followed by difficulty breathing, sweating, and pain that moved from the left side of my neck to my fingers.

I started to panic and thought about calling 911 several times. Instead, I reached out to my husband Russill, who was 5,076 miles (8193 km) away in the Netherlands.

Adding to my distress, Russill did not answer my call. Due to the time difference between the US and Amsterdam, he was rehearsing with a fellow musician for an upcoming event and had his phone on silent mode.

Feeling anxious and physically uncomfortable, I started to worry about worst-case scenarios like a heart attack or brain embolism.

Instead of staying in bed feeling scared, I got dressed and moved to my favorite couch, where I meditate daily. Although the pressure in my chest persisted, I practiced deliberate, deep breathing similar to Pranayama, a yoga breathing exercise.

As I started to feel more at ease, I felt the urge to start my day earlier than usual, but I remembered the importance of rest. I went back to bed and drifted into a peaceful sleep for the next few hours. When I woke up, I felt better and knew I was on the path to recovery.

A friendly reminder: I trust you will not misinterpret the above incident. I am NOT suggesting that you should not seek prompt medical attention, such as calling emergency services on time.

I was fortunate enough that nothing undue happened. This need not be the case. Getting timely medical help is crucial if you think that you are experiencing heart issues, stroke, or other life-threatening conditions.

So, what really happened to my body and brain?

Here's the back story:

Russill and I recently had our annual physical exams, including a CT calcium scoring scan. If you're unfamiliar with this particular test, it can detect early-stage atherosclerosis in the arteries.

This was our first time having this test done, and our primary care physician (PCP) thought it was a good idea, given that we were in our mid-to-late fifties.

Our test was normal, and the scores were zero, meaning very low cardiovascular disease risk. The PCP was pleased, and we were over the moon.

I tend to be mindful about what I consume, including the products I use on my skin, about 90% of the time.

Occasionally, I consume store-bought items such as packaged foods, ice cream from popular brands, soft cheeses, etc. Following a successful physical examination, I chose to consume these products.

Sadly, many of these items, even if the food company advertises them as healthy alternatives, are packed with sugars (despite the packaging claiming no added sugars), unhealthy fats, and other fancy-sounding yet ultra-processed ingredients that I usually try to avoid.

As expected, my body responded by gaining a few unwanted pounds, indicating the need for a detox. Russill left for his international trip on Monday, and I began my cleanse in earnest, aiming to flush out the toxins and restore balance to my body.

The detox was going well until I decided to add milk thistle, a supplement known for its cleansing properties, to my regime on Wednesday at suppertime

Previous History:

Some of you may recall that I have previously shared my journey with fibroids, which I have been managing for 17 years. Through regular ultrasound monitoring, switching to a healthier eating habit, and utilizing healing mental practices, I have successfully reduced the size of these fibroids, bringing me great peace and well-being.

Although I used to take milk thistle in my mid-twenties for detoxification purposes, I hadn't done so for a long time, especially after being diagnosed with fibroids, until now.

If you are wondering what the issue is with this particular supplement, here is the info:

Milk thistle is not recommended for women with fibroids, even if they have shrunk and are asymptomatic, as they are for me. Duh! What was I thinking? In retrospect, my need to cleanse overrode caution.

Like most foods and supplements, milk thistle has advantages and disadvantages, such as causing allergic reactions and lowering blood pressure.

Remember my dizzy spell while trying to empty the bladder?

A classic symptom of low blood pressure. The pain on my left side was caused by a heavy fall when the sturdy towel stand collapsed, but thankfully, I didn't suffer any bruises or broken bones. I consider this a miracle and am deeply grateful.

Here are the key points to remember:

• Herbal supplements, like medications, have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. As the body ages, effectiveness may diminish, and potential risks may increase.

• What may be well-tolerated by one person could lead to adverse reactions in another. This holds true for healthy natural foods, drinks, and over-the-counter supplements.

• Always exercise caution when considering a detox, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions.

Also, it is a good idea to consult your healthcare provider before a detox or, for that matter, when starting to experiment with a new way of eating.

A while ago, I crafted a set of uplifting reminders titled "Golden Guidelines For A Healthier You" for my clients. The concept was for them to display it on their refrigerators for quick and easy reference.

If you would like a complimentary copy to download, click the button below.