Hello dear friends,

I hope this blog finds you in a cheerful mood—much like the one I’m basking in right now.

Today, I’m overjoyed to share with you the beginning of a beautiful new chapter in my life.

I recently joined the Art of Living workshop, specifically the Happiness Programme, and it has been nothing short of rejuvenating, refreshing, and soul-touching.

As someone who cherishes peaceful early mornings and moments of reflection, this experience feels like a perfect fit—like the calm of a sunrise embracing my soul.

Day One: A New Dawn

From the very first day, I was greeted with warm smiles and hopeful hearts. Among these beautiful souls,

I formed a group of five vibrant individuals. Together, we named our group “Pancham”—a name inspired by harmony, melody, and the magic of unity.

Just as five fingers work in harmony to create something beautiful, so did we bring our collective energy into this transformative journey.

The workshop offered an impressive line-up—what I lovingly call the table of contents for joyful living:

• 🌿 Mindfulness
• 🌿 Sudarshan Kriya
• 🌿 Health & Well-being
• 🌿 Yoga & Meditation
• 🌿 Anger Management
• 🌿 Emotional Balance
• 🌿 Focus Techniques
• 🌿 Relationship Hacks

Each topic was like a soothing balm on the frictions of everyday life.

A Question That Stirred the Soul

Among the many reflective questions posed during the sessions, one in particular struck a chord with me:

“What is मन की जिम्मेवारी (the responsibility of the mind)?”

At first, I paused. But then, the simplicity of the question dissolved into deeper meaning. The responsibility of the mind… is not just to think but to think consciously.

It’s about recognizing our inner patterns before attempting to fix the world outside. This workshop isn’t just about healing—it’s about responding better. It’s about knowing yourself, before anything else.

Mindfulness, I learned, is about being present. Not living in the past we can’t change, or the future we can’t control. Just here. Just now.

🪷 Ready to live your best life?
Join thousands who have transformed with the Happiness Program from The Art of Living 🧘🏻‍♂

📆 9th – 11th May 2025

Benefits:
👉🏻 Stress Reduction
👉🏻 Improved Clarity of Mind
👉🏻 Emotional Balance
👉🏻 Restful Sleep
👉🏻 Boosted Health

Take time for yourself!
Fri- Sat -6.30 am- 9.00 am
Sunday – 9.00 am to 2.00 pm

Register➡: aolt.in/858921

The Final Day: A Celebration of Being

Today marked the final and most memorable day of our four-day journey. And what a unique celebration it was!

During the morning yoga session, we were asked to close our eyes and let our thoughts fly free like a bird.

With soulful music playing in the background, something magical happened—I found myself dancing.

Yes, me! With my eyes closed, I danced freely for nearly ten minutes, unburdened by hesitation or self-consciousness. It was a brand-new experience—liberating, exhilarating, and deeply moving.

Following that, we moved into a heartwarming group activity. Each group had to prepare breakfast together.

Our team, “Pancham” prepared fresh sandwiches and a colorful fruit salad. Other groups made delightful dishes too, and we all shared our creations.

This simple act of eating together, laughing together, and sharing stories brought us even closer.

Conversations from the Heart

One powerful session invited participants to express their inner feelings—either about their life goals or current emotional states—with a fellow participant. It was both intimate and inspiring.

Speaking from the heart—and listening with compassion—was healing in its purest form. I was touched by the honesty and depth of these one-on-one conversations.

Then came a very creative and secretive session. Each of us was given a paper plate, and everyone else had to write their thoughts about us on the back—our qualities, strengths, or even constructive observations.

These comments were anonymous, and reading them later was both fun and revealing.

I’ve attached a photo of the plate filled with heartfelt messages written for me by 20 fellow participants.

Their words lifted me in ways I hadn’t expected—warm, thoughtful, sometimes funny, but always kind. It’s a treasure I’ll keep close to my heart.

My Final Reflections

This workshop has not just taught me new things—it helped me unlearn. I’ve shed some weight from my emotional backpack. I’ve let go of judgments—of myself and others. I’ve realized that life doesn’t always need fixing; it just needs feeling.

I now understand that wellness is not just a state of body, but a state of being. Happiness is not something we chase—it’s something we nurture, moment by moment.

As I close this chapter of the workshop, I open a new one in life—with more awareness, deeper gratitude, and a lighter heart.
And to Ritu Bhalotia, my energetic and inspiring neighbor, thank you for nudging me into this experience. You were right—this was exactly what I needed.

To everyone reading this—take time for yourself. Reflect, breathe, and dance with your eyes closed. Join a workshop, hug a stranger, share your story. Your joyful journey awaits.

With gratitude and joy,
Vijay. Verma

BE HAPPY… BE ACTIVE… BE FOCUSED… BE ALIVE

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Categories: infotainment

Tags: #artofliving, #happiness, #meditation, #mental health, #mindfulness, #wellness, #Yoga, featured, healing, writing