Natasha Mehta psychologist, educationist has very well synergized the technology and research of the west with knowledge and meditative wisdom of the East . She has helped students, parents and families gain confidence and taught them psychoanalytical skills to improve their lives. She is also a yoga and meditation practitioner who has done several workshops in schools, colleges and corporate offices in Mumbai and across India. Natasha Mehta ma’am with her ever present welcoming smile, started the session with two activities and she asked us all to participate whole heartedly .
Activity 1: This activity involved paper, we were asked to fold paper with our eyes closed . And we had to tear up a corner at every fold . When we had done the last tiny fold, still we managed to tear the corner. She asked us to open our eyes and see the paper. We all had different designs, some were very beautiful. She asked us questions like – Will you give your paper to other person? What can we learn from this activity? Will you exchange your life with someone else?
Few takeaways from the above activity: Even though the same instructions were given to all while doing the activity, the end result or the patterns on the paper were different and unique. Similarly, our life goes through a common trail of lifeline – school, college, education, career, job, higher studies, marriage, etc. yet each one of our lives are unique, different and special. Most of us said we love our paper and won’t exchange with others. This activity showed that a piece of paper and the patterns were very similar to how our lives are. Most of the HCI participants said even though our lives are hard we will not want to exchange our lives with someone else. We were made to really introspect on Who are we? Do we know ourselves fully? Do we know our full potential ? Do we accept ourselves the way we are ? Do we know others better ? Are their lives easy and less challenging ?
Umang added no matter what happens in life love you Zindagi. That beautifully resonated with all of us. Ma’am pointed out to us the way we love the piece of paper which is ours and we identify with the pattern similarly we have to love ourselves first , then only can we love everything and everyone around us . ie the essence of Love you Zindagi.
The takeaways:
1. We are still on self knowing journey 2. If we like some trait of others , we can learn and apply that in our lives 3. The more you know yourself , the more you can know the world around. 4. We have to know ourselves, like ourselves and accept ourselves . There is so much creativity and individuality in each one of us . That makes us all special.
Activity 2 A piece of paper n pen We were asked to list first 5-10 emotions that come to our minds . We jotted them down on a paper. Then placed the emotions in set A and set B. Above – we placed the emotions that came in high energy indicator. Below – low energy indicator. Through this exercise we learnt that emotions like happy, sad, anxiety, anger, excitement, surprise, worry, calm, love, etc., can be categorised into high energy and low energy indicators, but they cannot be categorised as positive and negative emotions as all emotions are important for us. It depends upon the situation and context, about the emotion we express. Eg: Even though anger seems like a high degree negative emotion, if this anger helps us to change a situation like you get angry at a person not wearing mask and coughing at you then the anger is the appropriate behaviour to correct the person so that all can be safe. Every challenge can also be an opportunity , it depends upon one’s perception. Ma’am stressed that we keep shifting, choosing and picking from a gamut of emotions given. So we are not unconsciously operated by emotions. No emotion is good or bad. When we learn the skill to express the appropriate emotion corresponding to the situation then we are using our emotional intelligence. She cautioned us that our minds work in polarities. Sometimes when we have been extremely negative in our lives and we shift towards positivity. A. We fear for the negative polarity B. Avoidance or denial will make us lose the strength or usefulness of negative emotions. So what is needed is we have to acknowledge the usefulness of emotions like anger,sadness, grief, excitement, etc. along with positive emotions. We have to be neutral and accepting of all emotions. When we are in the natural state of our being we don’t have to fake the other polarity. We are in higher vibration. When we disown the other part then we create conflict. So look at emotions that help us in the situation. People have the habit of staying in a cycle of negative emotions, even that is unhealthy or suppressing negative emotions is also not healthy. Ultimately, we all are positive beings from inside. We add layers of experience, perceptions and our understanding and habits which makes us negative over a period of time, but when we introspect we see that our core is positive.
So accept yourself, the positive center inside you will make you naturally heal. We need to rewire our minds depending on person to person . It is okay not to be okay . We have to create this fine balance , harmony between emotions. We ourselves choose what we want to feel . Ma’am ended the session with a soothing, relaxation session. We felt totally energised and calm and there were happy smiles on our faces thinking of great memories . She gave us the concept that we are the gatekeepers of our nostrils and no breath can come or go out without our permission. When our minds were totally relaxed and calm Ma’am made us repeat some affirmations
1. I am relaxed 2. I am happy 3. I am confident 4. I am thankful.
Overall, this session was indeed a blessed interactive and calming session as she beautifully taught us that no emotion is right or wrong. We have to be mindful and accept ourselves first. If you really want to love zindagi, start loving yourself . Your healing journey will begin from such love , acceptance and compassion for yourself.