As human beings, we crave calm and order in our lives. But how to achieve this calm in this chaotic world is the question that haunts many of us. From chaos to calm is a journey of transformation and restoration. It involves moving from a state of confusion, disarray, and disorder, to a state of peace, stability, and balance. The process of transitioning from chaos to calm can be challenging, but it is also an opportunity to learn, grow, and make positive changes in one's life. Through intentional effort, mindfulness, and self-care, individuals can cultivate inner peace and create a harmonious existence.
In a candid session at the Times LitFest 2023 in Delhi, authors Rakesh Dewan, Samantha Kochharr and Dahlia Sen Oberoi who have found this calm through their own journeys came under the same roof to discuss their journeys. The session was moderated by Swati Daftuar, Executive Editor at HarperColllins India.
Talking about her spiritual journey and Shamanic practice, author and Managing Director of Blossom Kochharr Aroma Magic, Samantha Kochhar said, “My spiritual journey started when the word ‘Shamanism’ popped up while I was googling. A lot of people don’t know that lord Shiva is the lord of Shamans. Shamanism has a lot to do with energy. The word Shaman means seeing in the dark... In shamanic practice most of the work is done with yourself rather than outside. I found a Shamanic teacher and got initiated into energy healing. That’s how I started my journey.”
Talking about her new book, 'Arribada- The arrival', Kochharr said, “'Arribada- The arrival' is about a man and a turtle where both try to find themselves and take the journey to become super beings. In the story, the turtle goes into the sea and arrives back at the nesting beach. What I believe is, all of us if we don’t come back to our core and to our root-- we don’t ‘arrive’. We’ve to arrive as the magnificent superhuman you’re destined and chosen to be.”
Adding his view point on what inspired him to write his book ‘Take the Chance’, author Rakesh Dewan said, “There was no eureka moment for me when I thought of this book that 'Yes, I want to write a book on this specific topic'. Books are born in the brain. I came to a conclusion to write this book through my own life. I explored about people who make choices and say yes outside of their comfort zone. The book is authored by me but it’s a two-way book where I write and you (the readers) respond.”
The authors also discussed the importance of coming out of one’s comfort zone and how it can be taken as a huge value creating experience. Dewan also showed a demo practice on what is ‘comfort zone’ and how one gets out of it.
Swati Daftuar then asked the authors about their spiritual journeys and their advice to others. To this author and intellectual property rights lawyer Dahlia Sen Oberoi, who has penned her debut book 'Ashramed', said, “We feel that we are so indispensable to the environment we are in that we feel that we cannot take a break. Even if we do realize that we need a break due to certain constraints like financial constraints, social constraints etc, we might not be able to physically go to an ashram. My only suggestion is that we really need to just take that time to meet with ourselves; it can be anywhere, not just in an Ashram. Communication with yourself is important and that doesn’t necessarily happen in an ashram. That conversation with self can happen anywhere.”
The author urged everyone to have that conversation with their bodies, souls and minds and to take out that time for themselves. “We are not as important as we make ourselves to be. We are absolutely insignificant. Instead of latching on to that self-importance we should get out and say, I’m a part of that very big universe and that’s why I am important,” she added.
Meanwhile, Kochharr said that it is important for all of us to take some time time out and to create a personal ritual, like meditating and having a conversation with oneself. This can help one stay calm and focussed in their lives, no matter what happens.
Watch the session here:
(Byline: Devanshi Batra)
