Tillitonse - A Transformational Journey Together

The ritual is pretty much the same every Saturday morning. Find a quiet space after chasing off strangers who wish to occupy the few tables, place the breakfast orders for the Upma, Idli, Vadas and medium/strong coffees and extra Sambar and then for the next 45 -60 minutes simply connect. And so it has been for over four years. Am not sure how it began, but the quest for a safe and open space to have meaningful conversations was clearly the early impetus. At first, I had questions that I could finally discuss… but over time, the questions fell away. Something else emerged.   Just a circle of comfort. A haven for the rare mixture of authenticity and vulnerability… A family member asked if we discuss politics and current events (the popular epitome of intelligence).   NEVER! Occasionally, the conversation may include a few minutes about movies etc. But more often than not it is about how best we can manage the monkey that is our mind. This morning session o...

THE MAGNETIC PULL OF AUTHENTICITY I was awash in a sea of familiarity and comfort last evening and yup, it felt good! At the wedding reception of Divya and Shantanu and met so many people whose lives has crossed mine over the last five years at the 136.1 Yoga Studio. Shared many a smile, reconnected and felt wonderful. This morning as I reflected upon the evening, the following thought emerged…… What made so many people from across the spectrum come and rejoice at this event? There were contenders…..the luxurious hotel, the financial well to do and connected hosts, the outstanding food, the quietly elegant music, or even the beautifully manicured bride……but I suspect there was another…. Beside her stood a man who has touched so many. In a city known for its conservatism and for people sticking to their own, this lanky young man from a small town from a very different past of the country India had found his way into the hearts of many.  Very few of us can str...

Over the past few months, the shocks in the system were getting closer and closer and I was unable to cope.... The repeat ill-health of close members of the family and needing to play the role of the care-giver, a physical ailment that kept me from my regular yoga asana class, the pressure of a final exam and finally the mental churn that has been ongoing through the year took its toll! I became increasingly irritable and unable to focus. I needed to get away from it all and take the time required to heal - A four part healing process has started: 1.  Surrounding myself with people who made me feel valued and wanted. A day with my coaching buddies in Mumbai and three days helping and participating in the wedding of my two closest spiritual travellers in an ashram setting provided the ideal elixir. I was able to get the nourishment and self-empathy I needed. 2. Jumping right into something that gives me joy - my work. As I re-start my coaching conversations today an...