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.

***

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. 

 As I belong to India , was.  raised in an Indian household———,staunch believers of Indian Hinduism mythology ——it has influenced my thoughts, actions & beliefs, and these were imbibed in me by my parents and grand parents .we all know that a child’s upbringing and character is hugely influenced by parents ,neighbors & school.I as a growing child was influenced by my uncle ( My father’s older brother) My uncle was a very religious,disciplined & wise person. He used to wake up in the wee hours of morning ,at about 4 am to offer his prayers ,do yoga & start the day at such an early hour . He was a lawyer by profesión . I used to wonder as to why he gets up so early when we all like to sleep little more . It created lot of anxiety & I asked him about it .

He introduced me with a very strange word belonging to Hindu Mythology i.e 

“ BRAHAMA MUHURTA “ —- Meaning & Ideology of this phrase and explained it .

This ideology has affected my thought process and I am impressed by it so let us first analyze the word — “ BRAHMAMUHURTA “ .This  word is the combination of two words ——— “ BRAHMA “ and “ MUHURTA”

      Word     Brahma in Indian Mythology is supposed to be” A FORCE “or God ”— 

The  “C REATER “ of this world , denotes  knowledgeability  ,creation ,propagation in a systematic & disciplined way . So it signifies the progress ,growth ,personal development,positive thinking . It is the epitome of our existence,this world.

“MUHURAT “ means the auspicious “minute “ or the time which is best to start our endeavors.” MUHURAT “ is used in Vedic astrology to determine the most auspicious time .This hour can be rightly labeled as “ The Creater Hour “ 

 So in nutshell “ Brahma. MUHURAT “ signifies the “ creater’ hour “ This is approximately an hour & forty minutes before sunrise. It is that auspicious hour or minute or time at which we should start any. important event .It is a commen practice in Hinduism to perform or avoid activities on the basis of the quality of “ MUHURTA. “ 

This is generally used to performing of some very important & significant events of our lives —— like solmenising marriage ceremonies, celebrations of child birth ,starting a business,” Bhumi Pujan “ ( construction of the house ) & so on .

Well  I am not emphasizing the importance of “ MUHURTA “ as such .

Technically ,” BRAHMAMUHARTA “ is the time ,an hour and forty minutes before sunrise . 

In our daily lives we look forward for  happiness , prosperity & peaceful atmosphere I like to go for my morning walks at least an hour befor e sunrise .This is a great time to start our daily routine. When we get up at this early hour ,go for morning walk , our mind is fresh & tranquil , free of all thoughts, Atmosphere is calm,fresh & soothig .Nature is at its best ,birds are chirping, cool air is  caressing us . 

When I start my morning walk ,I feel the whole nature has started it’s daily routine.In a country side atmosphere ythere are music like sounds of “ Cock A Doodle Doo” like an alarm to announce to the world of beginning of a brand new day .some times a see very tiny “ Bubbles Of Dew “ scattered on the green grass glowing like small diamonds.Sometimes I see ,small pretty flowers in very vibrant colors of yellow ,pink ,white ,red & even violet blossoms,screaming for our attention to appreciate their beauty so natural & surreal, as these coming from a bundle of weeds in this wilderness.

These weeds look really very majestic telling me that these can take care of their existence themselves.Nobody cares for their needs of fertilizer,water or pesticides & attention . It is a  time when we can discover ourselves , use the immense energy in some positive way . This HOUR can be rightly called “ The Creater’ Hour “

       I get inspired by this concept in my daily routine . In my view that auspicious hour is associated with a morning walk —- nature is so mesmerizing- a deep orange color glorifying the east & sun is peeping out to announce another beautiful day .what a fantastic view. Early morning boosts my immune system . 

 The atmosphere of morning times is different in different surroundings. In USA — I find morning walks are devoid of much human presence in the wee hours of morning. 

Usually I do not see any walker  during my first mile of walk ,after that I do find very skeleton presence of some people , mostly walking their dogs . Another interesting fact is that usually I find the same people at the same time & at the same location every day . So I am kind of looking for those at that moment , exchanging “ hello “ or “good morning “ . 

 When I am in New Delhi,India ,where I do spend few months every year ,there are lots of walkers —- men ,women ,boys ,girls — young. , old , kids —- belonging to all types of families —— rich ,poor ,middle income groups—-all walk with vigor 

Some times I see some women plucking flowers free of cost for offering to gods or for their prayers .Mostly I see small kids with their heavy school bags ,walking to their schools excitedly hand  in hand with their parents . The excitement & happiness on their faces can be seen clearly . These kids usually go to local government schools and do not need bus or car rides .On Sundays or holidays I find them enjoying in the park on swings or playing cricket . 

 I would like to share another aspect of my “ walk routine “. I recite my prayers during my entire walk , in a regular chronological way .I remember all my  mantras by heart , I have to repeat these all the time of my walk and . The moment I start my walk , these mantras automatically are on my lips . 

Besides chanting of religious mantras , I do my acupressure of fingers of hands .

I have been doing it for the last four dacads . It is also done in a systematic way . First I press the “big finger “ of right hand with the right hand “ thumb “. Same action is done with the  left hand . It is done for 15-20 minutes. After this I press the tip of my index finger with thumb —- I keep on switching all the fingers 

until all have been pressed equally , approximately 10 minutes each . I am sure this action of acupressure has helped me in my health . I believe this .

  India is really very different. I have observed lots of changes in the social fabric on Indian society during my seven dacads of life . As kids I used to accompany my father for morning walks. My father used to pluck a small ,soft branch of “ Neem Tree “ to make a “tooth brush “ for the teeth , known as “ Datun “ . He was very sure of medicinals value of “ Neem Tree “ I used to find it very bitter and never used it . But now I see the important medical value of “ Neem Tree “ in the Westeren society . 

For the last 20-25 years,I live in USA but I spend few months in India every year . As Indians we have very strong family ties & social values .I always look forward for my visit to India . My siblings , living in India eagerly wait for my visits . I am really blessed to have such a loving family. We always get nostalgic talking about our happy , simple,loving ,peaceful & enjoyable child hood . 

 This year I traveled a lot during my six months stay in India . I went to Different parts of our great country—- Kerala , Mumbai , Varanasi ,Jammu & Kashmir and had lots of fun . Srinagar was very beautiful . Gulmarg & Pehalgam  were  full of tourists — valleys with a thick carpet of Snow . All other places are worth going , for shopping & merry making . 

 I would like to wind up now , I hope readers may get inspired for going for morning walks , if not doing already . 

 

 

Hi , all i am here again after spending so much time in different part of world.It is really a very different life ,with different____ culture, language,food,social fabric,politics,religious beliefs -----
yes i am refering to India .

well i was in India for about 5-6 months ,it was a very varied type of experience .one feels so relaxed ,it is a very relaxed atmosphere ,
people are quite satisfied in a way with their lives.They may be poor ,sick,downtrodden,uneducated ,--- but put blame on their previous lives "KARMA"-- they feel very strongly about it .If they do not have a job or house or any other assets - they do not believe in other happenings but their destiny.it gives them lot of satisfaction in their daily lives.at the same time almost all of them whether they are daily workers like ,gardener,vegetable venders,servents ,small traders --------------- any one for that matter ----- have mobile phones with all the moderen apps.is'nt it strange.It definately shows their mental state of affairs ------- not much worried about financial problems but enjoying their lives with minimum resources.
       India is a country with dual or triple economy -------------- richest of people .middle income groups ,low income groups --- all are happy in their lives.The recent growth of social media has widened their horizen of  social spread.India has advanced in Television,Radio & print media.When i watch reality shows on television ,i am happy to see so many contestents from comparitively lower strata of soceity ,which was not the case in earlier times.This is a very positive shift in the society.Ok 

       To day ,1st November is my friends Birth Day .She shares my sun sign ,we are scorpion , i think there  are some similarities in our lives , looking at that i feel if there is some truth in the effects of  sun sign on our lives. we both were class mates in school and university ,but unfortunately we both had lost our mothers in very young age.We used to discuss our lives and problems. Our friendship is very mature , it spans over 45 years.we both have seen many ups and downs in life.But there is one big difference in our personalities---- i am very bold but she gets sub duded by her family members very quickly and cannot take a stand by herself.Well i think one has to protect oneself  from injustice.we need not be quarrelsome but can show our anger with humility too.
well does it mean our sun sign is responsible----- no way --- Perhaps there are some other forces which affect our actions.one leaves all this to one's destiny.
  well is there any thing as ?--- DESTINY--- we have seen very ordinary people getting all the goodies of life ,by ordinary i do not mean they are with out any wisdom.I think they have taken right decision at the right time in the right direction at the cross roads
some times our own attitude towards others make people around us good or bad. Positive thinking  is also a very important attribute in our lives.Positive attitude brightens our lives and negative feelings ruin our life and pushes us in a very dark corner and it has bad cascading effects on our existence,so let positivity  takes control of our behaviour.we should let certain events take their own shape and ignore these feelings of helplessness.

hi readers ,good morning ,really enjoying the good weather ,especially at the east coast of USA------ Washington DC.nature has blessed us with all the wonders of the universe.While travelling to different parts of Caribbean islands during my last vacation on a cruise ship ,I observed nature ,----------forests,vegetation,landscapes,birds species,rivers,oceans.and most important human beings of those areas.Different parts of nations have varied types of interests,----people are busy in their daily life  routines------,manufacturing ,selling,farming ,guiding tours,driving taxis ,doing exotic cooking to entice tourists and all such stuffs .we are all living our lives according to our beliefs.
    Our beliefs are very strong and depend on our upbringing ----.religious ,social.economic,family values,schooling and parenting.We are so much dependent on our circumstances,Some of us like to be different from accepted norms but then we have to be prepared for the resentment of our family ,friends ,and society.But the reaction of the society also depends on our social standing , attitude and strong conviction of ideas.I personally feel that there is nothing really good or very bad.If we are good persons, compassionate,,caring for other's feelings ,kind and loving ,then nobody will be mean to us,There is so much misery and unhappiness in this world that some  people have to resort to some type of aggressive actions  to  achieve  their goals.Any way i had wonderful time with my friends on the cruise. 
      Cruises are a good vacation ,we r away from all the hulla-balla of our daily life and routine living .when i stand outside in the balcony of big vast ocean--- specifically ---- Pacific Ocean, it looks unending ,infinite very powerful.i feel like going down and looking for the vast marine organism which is supposed to be much more than what we have on the earth,but it is only in my imaginary world as i am not a swimmer not an adventurist.I think all this in a make believe world of mine.
   we spent seven days on the cruise ,touring four islands and merry making with friends.i would advise my friends to do some adventure like this and have fun.

LIFE

What is life ? It is a mystery ,when I was a small girl I always used to wonder as to who we are and what  is our purpose on this  earth but now I think the mystery has multiplied many folds.When i see

oh, I am here after about two years ,it is really not good on my part to be so neglectful about my writing.I was in a way busy in some other chores of this life.Some times I wonder as to why we keep so busy,to be more truth ful ,I think I was little lazy too.I trvelled a lot after my last Trip to Africa ,about which i was writing in my previous blog.i visit India for about 4-5 months every year.I get connected to my old life.it is amazing as to how i am able to adjust in almost all types of circumstances.

hi everyone--- so much time has passed since I wrote last. life is good and running fast. 2014 is already flying away --it is mid April--and soon more months will follow ,so many happenings ,some one is born ,some one goes away from this world.We are not able to know the mysteries of this universe.I always wonder as to why we undergo all the sufferings with no fault of ours---- many times we attribute it to our past Karmas.I am sure that all religons teach us to be good human beings but still we encounter all types of people.

I am writing after gap of almost four years ,s ?o much has happened in these years that some times I shudder to think about it.Life is so fragile that one wonders as to how and why we are controlled by an unknown force ,force which is invisible,non -answerable and non communicable.We are told by various learned people to accept these happenings as these are pre destined. I am referring to the untimely demise of my brother ----------,such a loss that I am unable to accept it.A person who is so dedicated to health and leading a disciplined and balanced life is no more within a span of 3-4 monthes.One is so helpless and is forced by unknown power to accept it. A person who is so close to you and loves his near and dear ones so much vanishes in matter of seconds.I am unable to get answers to all such quarries .Who has made this world, human-beings,plants,all organism and controls it with an iron hand.

 I have read so many spiritual books and all suggest to live in present and have a positive approach towards life.Live in present and do not worry about future. How is it possible .

The name Serengeti comes from the Massai word " Serenget"referring to an " endless plain".As you stand on the southern grass plains ,you experience this vastness,and can witness one of the greatest concentrations of plain animals left on earth. The plains were formed 3-4 millions years ago when ash blown from volcanoes in the Ngorongoro highlands covered the rolling scapes the early beginning ,man and wild life have shared this magical place.These tribes ---- Massais--- like to live with wild animals ,their whole life------- ,rituals,diet,clothes ,social life and life style revolves around lions,cows,wilderbeasts etc.We went to see their village.They were all ready to welcome us.They were dressed in very bright red and yellow long apparels with lot of jewellery of bright colored beads and metal.They live in mud and straw huts with lots of cow-dung and flies.Place was stinking but these people were very happy.One of their young men had been to New York when he was a teenager,and we asked him as to weather he would like to live there.he told us that he will like to stay and live in his village with his animals .They could all speak English but very happy in their dirty environment.We were told that these people even drink the raw blood of cows.They puncture one vein near the neck of the cow and drain out the blood and it forms the part of their diet.They showed us their Tribal dance .They have a small market where they sell their art and handicrafts .We also went inside their huts---- no cots,chairs ,beds or any other modern amenities of life.it was really amazing as to how these people were living in such hostile surroundings and still seemed so happy and satisfied.