HARMONY OF BODY AND SOUL: GRATITUDE IN MORNING RITUALS

ASHA MARWAHA

Sailing through the Panama Canal

As I reach my seventh decade, I find myself reflecting on the abundance of blessings in my life, particularly the gift of health and well-being that has carried me this far. Looking back, I feel I owe much of my state of well-being to my humble beginnings in India, where I was raised in the warm embrace of a large and loving joint family. 

Growing up amidst eight siblings and the families of my father's brothers, love and affection enveloped me from all sides. Our mornings were a testament to the importance of starting the day right, a practice instilled in me by my wise family members. Rising before the sun, we embraced the concept of Brahma Mahurat or the Creator’s Time, the early morning dawn, engaging in activities that nurtured our physical and spiritual well-being. Some practiced yoga, others took early morning walks, and together, we set a positive tone for the day ahead. Brahma means force or God or Creator and Mahurat means auspicious minute or time, which is believed to be an hour and forty minutes before sunrise.

From my mother, I learned the art of healthy cooking, watching her skillfully prepare meals with fresh spices and locally sourced vegetables, taught me the value of nourishing both body and soul. These early lessons in health and mindfulness have remained with me throughout my life. To this day I enjoy preparing healthy meals for my family and myself.

In my kitchen

Of course, life has presented me with its share of challenges. The sudden loss of my husband to a spider bite when he was still in his 40s marked a painful chapter in my journey. Yet, with the unwavering support of my family, I navigated through those difficult times, fulfilling my responsibilities as a professor and later as a college Principal while caring for my children. The love of my family and friends became a constant source of strength and joy during those trying moments. Even during those days, I tried to lead my life with the concepts that had been instilled in me by my elders.

Today, as I bask in the success of my children, now accomplished doctors in the United States, my heart remains deeply rooted in India, where I have my own home and a close-knit family circle. The love and support from my family and friends have been a steadfast pillar throughout my life's journey, making it richer and more meaningful. I also love and cherish the time I spend with my three children and their families. 

As an ardent traveler, I treasure the adventures I've shared with dear friends in California and cherished moments with family in India. Exploring different countries and cultures has enriched my life, broadened my perspectives, and instilled a sense of wonder and curiosity within me. My upcoming trip to Japan is another opportunity to revel in the beauty of this diverse world we inhabit.

I am also a forever learner. I keep my mind and heart active as I learn how to play the piano and learn Spanish on the Internet.

Enjoying the music I play

However, there's something truly magical about waking up early in the morning, a tradition I carry with pride from my joint family upbringing. The serene ambiance and tranquility during Brahma Muhurta connect me deeply with my spiritual side, fostering a profound connection with the Creator. The fresh air and the peacefulness of dawn provide the perfect canvas for me to recite the prayers passed down by my parents. 

These prayers are an integral part of my morning walks. They are based in Hindu mythology and my belief in a higher power. These morning prayers are my anchor. I start with the recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa. It is a poem of forty quatrains written by the poet Tulsidas. Reciting these verses chronologically this prayer takes about 20 minutes to complete. I recite a few more prayers concluding them with the powerful Gayatri Mantra. This mantra is recited to lift our consciousness and to learn about our higher purpose in life. It goes like this: Om bhur bhuvah svah, Tat savitur varenyan, Bhargo devasya dhimahi, dhiyo yo nah prachodayat.

I recite my prayer mantras in a chronological order during my walk. I have memorized these mantras and as I start my walk, the mantras flow automatically through my lips. These prayers reinforce my faith and ground me for the day ahead.

During these cherished moments, I also perform my acupressure exercises. This is an alternative medical technique where you put pressure on certain parts of the body called pressure points. I believe, pressing these points help to improve our blood flow and reenergize our body and mind. These practices have undoubtedly contributed to my well-being, granting me the strength to face life's challenges and the capacity to savor life's joys.

As I wander through my tranquil surroundings, I find myself in awe of nature's beauty. The sunrise, with its warm and golden glow, transforms the landscape, enveloping everything in a gentle embrace. I draw inspiration from observing the morning dew on the grass which glows like small diamonds; from the beautiful vibrant colors of yellow, pink, white, red, and violet blossoms; and from the resilient and vibrant weeds that flourish independently, without a need for someone to tend to them with fertilizer and water.

My early morning walks in California offer a different experience compared to those in New Delhi, yet both hold a special place in

I pass vibrant and colorful flowers on my walks

my heart. In California, I enjoy the quiet solitude, encountering the occasional dog walker with whom I exchange warm greetings. In New Delhi, where the population is larger and the early mornings are buzzing with activity, it's heartwarming to witness many people taking advantage of the cooler morning weather to exercise and connect with each other. There are also the sounds of hymns over the loudspeakers. I hear the rooster crowing his morning call and the birds all seem to come alive.

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As I reflect on my seven decades of life, I've come to understand that gratitude is the key to happiness. I am profoundly grateful for my upbringing, the love of my family, the cherished memories, and the life experiences that have shaped me into the person I am today. Each day, as I wake with a heart full of gratitude, I am eager to embrace whatever comes my way, knowing that life's journey is a tapestry woven from blessings, challenges, and moments of profound joy.