OASIS - SPECIAL - HOME & HEARTH - DLF
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF DLF GARDENCITY
OASIS
JUNE - JULY 2021
HOME &
HEARTH
A HOLISTIC
HOME
WELLNESS
HEART
HEALTHY
FITNESS
THE SKIPPING
CHALLENGE
Hope SPECIAL
WELCOME
first word
OASIS
THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF DLF GARDENCITY
GM- Marketing
Gaurav Singh
E: singh-gaurav2@dlf.in
M: + 91 9818624356
AM- Marketing
Sreeya Bhattacharya
E: Bhattacharya-sreeya@dlf.in
M: +91 9650028912
Chief Editor
Parineeta Sethi
parineeta@pinnacleconnect.in
Editor-at-Large
Ranojoy Mukerji
ranojoy@pinnacleconnect.in
EDITORIAL
Assistant Editor
Dear Residents, Rainy skies often call for lazy days, Vidhi Gupta
T
but whether you are working out vidhi@pinnacleconnect.in
he season of fresh earth is a full regime or a simple practice,
finally upon us. With hours of staying fit can come in simple forms.
rainy days and windy nights, Features Writer
Research reveals how skipping at
the monsoon has arrived like a home and eating healthy for your Vrinda Rastogi
breath of fresh air in our lives. The heart are a few. Glimpse through fun vrinda@pinnacleconnect.in
tiny droplets of hope and joy bring activities you can enjoy with your
clear skies and clarity ahead. With little ones indoors and make the most ART
this issue, we urge our readers to of both, the season and the learning. Design: Creative Zone
find their light of hope as we strive to Keeping in mind the wellbeing of grafiks.skd@gmail.com
live life mindfully. everyone, there are yoga asanas
proven therapeutic for the mind,
Nothing sweeter than home, turn body, and soul. PINNACLE CONNECT
your abode into a positive space CORPORATE
with our guide to ancient Chinese It is no denying - when it rains; it Chief Executive Officer
home tradition, Feng Shui. To pours–but there will be clear skies Abhinav Kaushal
make sure you swap away your after every pouring rain. Until then, abhinav@pinnacleconnect.in
beauty essentials for monsoon’s we wish the rain washes over you like
must-haves, you can flip through a refreshing breeze this year. To our
our beauty sections for long-lasting loving readers, happy monsoon-ing! DLF Oasis is published by
recommendations. Of course, with Pinnacle Connect
beauty goes fashion hand-in-hand, on behalf of DLF
Warm regards
so we bring to you the easiest way to Pinnacle Connect LLP
detox your wardrobe and some DIY
325 Star Towers, sector-30,
fashion from experimenting on one’s
Gurgaon, Haryana, 122002
style to finding one’s own way of KARAN KUMAR Tel: +91 124 464 8592
expressions. CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER, DLF LIMITED
OASIS OASIS 1
CONTENTS
CONTENTS
20 22
30
30 COVER STORY:
National Doctors Day
4
34 FAMILY:
In Togetherness We Learn
38 RECIPES:
Monsoon Treats
4 HOME & HEARTH:
12 42 WELLNESS:
Stop Chasing Happiness 40
A Holistic Home 46 WATCH:
56
Movie Marathon
8 WELLNESS:
Be Well, Stay Happy 48 WELLNESS:
Self-Love in Resonance
10 BEAUTY:
Your Monsoon Skincare Bible 50 READ:
Savour the Words
12 BEAUTY:
Monsoon Mane 52 WHEELS:
New to Drive
14 FASHION: 22 WELLNESS:
Closet (Un)Chaos Stretch it Out 54 WHEELS:
Resetting the Indian Automotive
16 FASHION: 26 FITNESS: Industry
16
From Chic to Home-Chic The Skipping Challenge
58 FITNESS FOCUS:
20 CULTURE: 28 WELLNESS: The Flip Side of Remote Lifestyle:
Play Your Song Heart Healthy Burnout
2 OASIS OASIS 3
HOME & HEARTH
A HOLISTIC HOME
Feng Shui is a traditional ancient practice to
F
bring positivity in your life. or your life to be harmonious
and dreams realised to its
BY SHRADHA SALLA fullest, it is vital to have a
good flow of life-force energy in
your home. And it is the practice of
Feng Shui that teaches many ways
to improve this energy flow in one
of the most effective ways. Even the
Chinese characters of the words
‘Feng Shui’ represent ‘wind’ and
‘water’, the symbols which create a
gentle flow of energy. This natural
flow creates positive effects in our
lives, along with good luck.
Working on the five elements
- Earth, Metal, Water, Wood, and
Fire, the first and most important
rule of Feng Shui is to keep your
house clean. The more clean and
neat you keep it, the more easily
the energy will flow. Think of it like
you are sending a bow and arrow
from one side to the other. If there
is an obstruction in the middle,
it will get dropped. But if you can
see the target point clearly, the
arrow will reach the bullseye. It is
just like the saying ‘Cleanliness is
next to Godliness’. If you keep your
surroundings clean, good energies
will come into it. Next is to keep
your windows clean. Any kind of significance of water, keeping a Feng If any vase, glass, or an utensil is
energy that has to come into the Shui fountain is a major aspect for chipped, it must be thrown away.
house, whether it is sunlight or one to keep in the house. It can be It is recommended to always keep
the effect of a planetary position, placed in the north-east direction something on the dining table,
it comes through the windows. For or at the entrance. Coming to the whether eating or not, to make it
your entrance, the front gate or your furniture, less furniture is preferred seem inviting. Fresh flowers always
main door should always be well lit. because it helps the flow of positive do the magic. Having artwork
Even at night, a small light must be energy in empty spaces. The heavy around is considered beneficial in
there. furniture should go to the south and Feng Shui, but it should be positive.
light ones to the north. There must Say a big no to artwork representing
LIVING ROOM be enough sunlight in the living lonely women, crying, faces, or
Plants also play an important room, so curtains should always be anything broken. There should
role in Feng Shui, as water is an kept open. not be any pictures of knives, dead
element that makes life grow and animals or dead plants. To keep
watering your plants is something DINING ROOM yourself mindful of what you are
you will do every day. They promote The dining table is where eating and improving the digestion
a lot of luck, especially those smaller your family sits together, eats of your food, it is advised to not keep
bamboo plants. Continuing with the food, and shares conversations. a television in the dining area.
4 OASIS OASIS 5
HOME & HEARTH
KITCHEN Natural elements work wonders vase, Feng Shui magnets, or an shape elements represent Fire. And Air is
Kitchen should basically be when kept in the bedroom. This is aquarium. There are Chinese coins inculcated through Wind Chimes.
more towards the central area. The why we should hang a wind chime or which attract money where there Feng Shui is about correct energy
stove should be in the north-east a dream catcher with little bells as are three coins tied together with a flow which applies to your health, work,
corner, which is known as the fire they give out relaxing energy. Some red ribbon. Even Feng Shui crystals relationships, as well as your everyday
corner. Again, cleaning the kitchen people use a lot of Feng Shui crystals you can get in bunches of three, five, interactions. It believes in Chi energy, where
is a priority. Remember to clean in the bedroom to hang it near seven, and eleven, tied with a red it says that energy needs to flow and cannot
your kitchen’s windows as well, as the window so that when they hit ribbon when hung, is profitable. be stuck in one place. And this energy starts
stains minimise sunlight which is against each other, they make a little Feng Shui uses a lot of animals as from human beings. It is all within us and
important for having energy. sound. They are also known to be well. They use a turtle for prosperity, we give it out into the universe. Things
given positive flow around the room. horses for strength and energy, and which you do for yourself, like sleeping
BEDROOM If you think of colours, always Feng Shui cats, which are used in early, waking up fresh, eating light food, and
In Feng Shui, the bed should be have a neutral scheme. Never shops and work areas for good luck wearing comfy clothes, the same principle
positioned in such a way that you anything too bright or too dull. and money. You must have seen goes into your house as well.
can see your main door while laying If you have a squeaky door, fix it these Feng Shui cats as they are These two little words conjure up a big
on it and avoid facing head in the immediately. Also, never keep your used all over China, Singapore, and approach to living, yet, at its core, Feng Shui
north direction. The headboard gym equipment in the bedroom, let Thailand. is simply about feeling good and prospering
must be a stable one because it them be in the common area. If you We try to include all the Feng in your life.
provides stability, and avoid using have a bathroom attached, always Shui elements in some way or the About the writer: Shradha Salla is a
it while working from bed, instead keep its door closed and drains other. We include Earth by keeping renowned numerologist, tarot reader, Vastu
shift to a table when you want covered. our surroundings clean and using consultant, and has her own brand creation
to work. If you keep a TV in your earthy colours like yellow and called ‘I & Me’. She suggests possible
bedroom, you must conceal it when ROLE OF COLOURS AND brown. For Metal, we use Feng structural changes, energy enhancements
not in use as it disrupts the energy of ANIMALS Shui coins. To include Water, we in and around the surroundings, design
your space. You can conceal it with In terms of Colours, Red and have a Feng Shui fountain or an solutions, and even Vastu remedies
a little curtain, piece of cloth, or a Gold attract money in Feng Shui. aquarium, and plants. Colours like according to persons date of birth and
pull-down sheet. Other ways are to have a Feng Shui Red and Gold, and the triangular business partners.
WELLNESS
BE WELL,
STAY HAPPY
Feeling grey? Focus on your own self during this
pause mode that the pandemic brings along
and define your own state of wellbeing.
I
t is not uncommon for people to video calls, telecoms or physical munchies, might just be the answer.
experience seasonal fluctuation meetings. s
in moods. The monsoons might TEACH ‘EM
make some of you feel gloomy and REACH OUT, You might feel you are an average
irritated, but there are ways to CONNECT Joe even in your area of expertise.
overcome it. Of course, you would rather catch up Fret not. Train the juniors, give back
for coffee with your friends or meet what you have learnt. Share what
The present is a boon in disguise up for drinks in the evening. Do that you know with others. Groom and
as you are at home with the two virtually. Yet, there are those special train your pet. Teach your kids,
most valuable currencies in your friends whom you always thought cousins, neighbours, nieces a skill
hand— love and time. Make the you would make time for and yet did that you possess.
most of these to bring in self-love, not get around to doing so. Pick up
“VERY LITTLE care for your family, and enjoy the the phone and call. MOVE IT
IS NEEDED TO inner healing. Discover new ways to Remember, home chores make
MAKE A HAPPY develop a different rhythm to your LEARN A SKILL up activity, not focused exercise.
LIFE; day and enjoy the well-being that It is not a productivity challenge, Add a challenge to an activity to
morph it into a calorie-burning
flows in naturally. Here are 5 superb but learning something new always
IT IS ALL WITHIN ways to help you find your groove… gets those happy hormones flowing. exercise: Make use of free sessions
YOURSELF, IN The burst of online courses and on Instagram (follow fitness experts)
YOUR WAY OF I, ME, MYSELF workshops promising to hone up in boot camps, Zumba, power yoga,
pilates, boxercise….this helps in
THINKING “. Focus on self-care, as you deserve your proficiency in everything —
creating and sustaining a routine so
it. Figure out ways of fulfilling your ranging from Photoshop skills,
that you do not slip into a state of
social nutrition: whether through to breathing right, to making
-MARCUS AURELIUS limbo.
OASIS 9
BEAUTY
YOUR MONSOON
SKINCARE BIBLE Y GET MASKED
ou may romanticise the rain,
but the downpour brings Ban the dust and oil by applying
with it new challenges in ubtan (gram flour, honey, lime) with
sticky skin and often, acne. Breathe a dot of yogurt. Clay based masks
Tweak your glowing transition from summer to monsoon fresh vigour into your pore and including Fuller’s Earth (Multani
shine bright, as the sun takes on
skincare as the rain rolls in. a watery smile this season. Equip
mitti) comes in as an absolute skin
saviour. Make use of rosewater,
BY SHLIPI MADANN your vanity caddy with seasonal aloe vera, and milk to dilute the
essentials and get the glam glow…. preparations to keep acne away and
usher in the radiance.
SKIN SAVIOURS
Exfoliate your skin to slough off the HYDRATE RIGHT
dead cells and grime. Use a foam or a Honey based formulations work
gel cleanser for mild cleaning, and a beautifully as the humectant
gentle scrub to work on the oil prone hydrates your skin optimally.
areas of your face, especially in the Make a shift to light, gel-based
T-zone. Unclogged pores gift your moisturisers as these mattify your
skin unbeatable freshness. skin and at the same time, keep it
supple and shining. Use water-based
moisturisers to feed dryness and get
that glow in place.
SUNNY WAY
The sunscreen is your best friend,
even when it rains. Safeguard your
skin against the harmful rays of
the sun, and from the harmful
blue light in. A gel-based water
proof sunscreen leaves your skin
beautifully moist, without feeling
sticky. Make use of body, and
face sunscreen to guard yourself
against photoaging. Apply twice
every day for best results.
MAKE IT UP
Revamp your cosmetics wardrobe
with non-comedogenic and
water-resistant products for
light applications. Blot away the
moisture and sweat before putting
on makeup. It is a good idea to make
use of light dusting powder to ease
away the sweat and stickiness from
the neck, inner elbow, thighs… to
keep bacterial infections at bay.
10 OASIS OASIS 11
BEAUTY
MONSOON MANE W
ith the downpour wing in
droopy, mousy locks. Spruce
up your haircare guide to sport
a voluminous, silken, smooth mane, and
do away with the frizz and roughness. Cue
Pour a vitamin cocktail into your tresses to in for the essential must-haves during the
flaunt a magic mane this season. monsoon.
BY SHLIPI MADANN
LATHER UP
Bring in the organic shampoos to keep
chemical scalp fodder at bay. Choose
products in keeping with your hair type.
The trick lies in keeping your scalp squeaky
clean. Shampoo your hair regularly to
remove grime, left behind even by rain water
that lands on your head. Avoid using leave-
in conditioners and serums as they tend to
weigh down the locks, leaving them limp.
COOL CONDITION
Bring in a light conditioner as opposed to a
creamy, heavier concoction. Then begin by
applying a coin sized amount of the product,
starting at an inch away from the scalp,
along the strands. Tipping the strands also
keeps split ends at bay and gifts you a cool
crop.
FOB OFF THE FRIZZ
If you must apply oil, go for serum pods
and scalp oils that can be gently massaged
in. You must also avoid using creamy hair
packs and butters. Pack away your hair
straightening tools, as the heat builds up the
unruly frizz. Instead, bring on the anti-frizz
serum after you wash and towel blot your
hair to calm your mane.
UV ALERT
The sunshine impacts the natural colour
and the texture of your locks, especially
if you have colored your hair. Guard the
life of your hair colour and quality against
the rain and the sun. Make use of products
formulated for chemically treated hair, bring
in an umbrella when it rains, and a scarf or a
hat when the sun shines.
LAST WORD
Avoid using warm water to wash your
hair, as it robs the scalp of the natural oils.
Remember to perform the last rinse with a
mug of water with a tablespoon of vinegar
mixed in for that fabulous shine. Flipping
your mane forward and then back lends
instant volume.
OASIS 13
FASHION
CLOSET
(UN)CHAOS
Do you sometimes feel yourself being stressed
out with a messy and untidy wardrobe that
screams “I have so many clothes but nothing to
wear”? This is how you can fix it.
BY VRINDA RASTOGI
W
e have all found
ourselves standing in
front of our closets,
dissecting the very mess that we stand
in front of but never really getting to
untangling it. If you are struggling make sure you are tossing the right
with your style, lifestyle, or simply clothes out of your way. Off-season
have an extra hour at your hand, clothing, unworn outfits, and a size-
how about a little detour to your own too-big could very well come in handy
closet? for the future. You can also focus on
Simpler said than done, here are keeping clothes that can be layered
seven of the easiest ways you can throughout seasons or worn with
detox your wardrobe for a better other outfits.
and organised closet. After all, your
clothes deserve love and care too! 6. HAVE FUN
Ever been on a treadmill and
1. TAKE PICTURES realised music made it a lot more
In an era led by visuals, the enjoyable and less tiring? Well, that
foremost step to motivating yourself is the power of music and you must
is by taking pictures of the “before” take its full advantage as you set out
and “after” of your detox process. If to clean your closet. Turn up the
you are feeling bold, you could even volume and get yourself excited to
post the difference on your social de-clutter the very house of your
media and who knows, someone just expression! You could even pull out
might get inspired and get on with your favourite snacks to munch in
their own closet detox journey! 3. DETACH TO DETOX 4. DONATE, RECYCLE, OR between the process. Now does it
Emotional hoarding is a real REUSE sound doable?
2. BE PRACTICAL thing, and it only gets stronger Want to feel better about going on
To keep your detox as efficient and when it comes to our clothes. While your detox? You can always recycle or 7. STAY ORGANISED
easy as possible, stick to only those it is alright to keep close your most donate your clothes! Organisations So you have spent an hour or two
outfits that fit your current body and sentimental pieces of clothing, it is all across the world today accept segregating your clothes in different
lifestyle. Key word: Current. If you also okay to set yourself free from donations and are running recycling sections and even the drawers are
find yourself debating whether you extreme attachments. That one dress campaigns for unused/undamaged tidier than you have ever seen before,
would wear a particular clothing at your friend thought you would love clothes. but that is what it looks like right
some other point of time, try to talk but you do not and never plan on after. What about next week? Or next
yourself down and think practically. wearing is a prime example of why 5. DON’T GO COLD TURKEY month? The true root of staying as
Do you really really really need that emotionally hoarding items would Less is more, but your regrets stylish and seamless as you are meant
piece of clothing for a time you might not do anyone any good. The golden should not be. Where you try to keep to be is staying on top of your detox -
feel different about when it comes? rule is to detach and just let go. track of how minimal you could go, be it every week, month, or even day!
14 OASIS OASIS 15
FASHION
From Chic to Patch my Love
Local craftsmanship is an eye-catching addition to your
wardrobe. A simple and almost meditative way, bring
Home-Chic
in your grandmother’s needles and your cloth of choice
as you patch through designs of your selection! Bring in
quaint embroidered patches and that needle box: Stitch
them on, from dainty flowers bobbing in clusters to
vivid landscapes to bold lettering, or even fine miniature
details...to give your clothes a fresh spin.
It is time to let out your inner fashion designer as we bring you
simple and trendy DIY ideas to ramp up your wardrobe. Say hello
to your self-curated wardrobe of unique home-chic pieces!
BY VRINDA RASTOGI
F
rom experimenting on one’s style to finding one’s own way of expression, we have let out
Pin it In
our fashion instincts to the max. Staying chic is no longer confined to the outside, and
home-chic has become the new style statement. Fashion always comes full circle. Cue into a
few expert tips to skilfully reinvent your fashion essentials for this season!
Big bold, visible safety pins work wonderfully
as natty accessories in ‘lifting’ an outfit. From
lining couture trousers and sleeves with
big bold pins to accentuating accessories
with a plain old pin, you can use safety pins
of all different sizes for your shirts, jackets,
denims, trousers, bags, and even jewellery!
Iridescent and out of the box, try ingenious
ways of using safety pins and liven up your
closet.
Belt In
The world is going gaga over belts, and so should you.
But skimp on the basics and go ahead with something
else - a necktie! Yes, you read it right.Repurpose
your dad’s neckties. If they are vintage, target your
boyfriend’s fix. Pair your pair of jeans, trousers, or even
shorts with neckties as belts to add that slice of boho
chic to your appearance. Choose more than one tie
to bring in an extra silhouette to your outfit. Girdle up
fancy at the waist, below your chest or above your hips
for a cool swing.
16 OASIS OASIS 17FASHION
Tie & Dye Layer On
Even Zara is aflush with this color run. All you need is a tie- Who says layers are not for summers? Ban the blues.
dye ink kit (or you could make your own dye at home!), a Create your own fresh summer outfit by pairing
few rubber bands, and your cloth of choice. Voila! You have t-shirts (graphic works best!) with either your string
the most cost effective stole, dupatta, knot top... ready in dresses or short-sleeved ones. Either way, you are
a few hours. Tie-dyes are definitely the upcoming trend of bound to make a statement with this new look that
the year, so you can already get used to creating your own has been gaining love all around the globe!
cost-effective fashionable piece of style, right at home!
Scarf Up
If you are Insta savvy, you know the deal. The
simplest way to sass up your appearance is to
drape a scarf in innovative ways. Shape into a
Oddities Match
Mismatched colors and details rock, even in hair
crop top, an off-shoulder special, a scarf dress, a
accessories and shoes. Try asymmetrical cuts,
bandana, a chic turban, or a bag accessory. Pull
bias trims, scalloping with your pair of scissors
your hair back into a smooth knot, slip on casual
for bringing in interesting details. You can even
blaze and look smashing!
mismatch your tie-dyes for a spot of fun!
Shirts to Skirts
Sequin Sneakers Repurpose your old t-shirts and shirts
to flouncy skirts effortlessly with this
simple trick. With your waist and
All about
expressing yourself,
let these fashion
Sequins on sneakers rock. The only things you will preferred length in mind, cut the top alternatives become your
need are an E-6000 glue and metallic sequins to and bottom half of the t-shirt, measure next big obsession to creating
bedazzle your pair of shoes. Going bold or minimal, the wide flare you want your skirt to the perfectly minimal and
sequinning can be such a fun activity for you have, and cut the fabric to size before exciting closet of your
and yours to indulge in. You could even include you fine-stitch it to perfection. You can dreams. Get fashion savvy
metallic spikes for more spunk on your freshly further add numerous elements and and strut tall this
sequined dream shoes. silhouettes to your newfound obsession! season!
18 OASIS OASIS 19CULTURE
PLAY YOUR SONG
“
A hobby that will go a long way to help you in different
aspects of your life, this World Music Day marks the perfect
beginning to pick a musical instrument and learn online.
IT HAS BEEN PROVED THAT MUSIC IS A THERAPEUTIC TOOL. IT HELPS
IMPROVE CONCENTRATION, BODY MOVEMENT, CAN FIGHT FATIGUE
AND REDUCES DEPRESSION.”
U
1 4
pon research while observing the human 3. UKULELE
brain, neuroscientists found out that Easy to hold and lightweight makes the Ukulele a
while doing activities like solving a math great instrument to pick. With only four strings, it is
problem, making a list etc. made certain areas of much more approachable and easy to play songs. If
the brain light up. But while listening to music, you are someone who is interested in learning bass
the brain lit up like fireworks and when playing or violin, starting with Ukulele is the best option.
an instrument, the fireworks became a jubilee! It Since the chords are easy to read, it can be the perfect
turns out that playing a musical instrument is a instrument for children to begin their journey in
full-body workout for our brain. music.
It has been proved that music is a therapeutic WHY YOU SHOULD LEARN: Not heavy at all
tool. It helps improve concentration, body and plays melodious folk music
movement, can fight fatigue and reduces WHERE YOU CAN LEARN: Udemy
depression. And learning an instrument
4. TABLA
2 5
furthermore adds skills to your learning ability
with better social skills and confidence level. So Tabla is an instrument in Hindustani classical
pick up an instrument to tick another hobby off music played by hitting the fingers on the drum head
your list for better executive skills, creativity, and sliding the palm to create a sound. A lot of sounds
memory, problem solving and overall brain can be created from the tabla by changing how you
function, regardless of how old you are. use your hands. This movement of hand drumming
increases your physical stamina along with other
1. GUITAR common benefits of playing an instrument. Tabla has
Whether you are picking up the guitar for the a rich cultural background and you will be honouring
first time or you just want to brush up on your this tradition by learning how to play it.
skills, there are plenty of courses available which WHY YOU SHOULD LEARN: Famous Indian
will help you master the instrument. Not only is it percussion instrument
easy to carry and you can bring it anywhere, it also WHERE YOU CAN LEARN: Takelessons
makes you versatile as you can sing and write your
own songs. Guitar will also enhance your ability 5. SITAR
to play music because you will listen and identify Both for beginners and professionals, a Sitar is a
3
notes pretty easily. traditional Indian instrument. It is played by sitting
WHY YOU SHOULD LEARN: Sociable on the floor in a comfortable position, with the
and adaptable to any kind of music instrument held on your lap. Pluck the strings with a
WHERE YOU CAN LEARN: Plenty of wire plectrum worn on the right forefinger while the
YouTube videos the sounds you make and hear. Unlike any other left hand manipulates the strings with subtle pressure
instrument, the piano is unique because you play on or between the frets and with sideways pulls of
2. PIANO different keys with both hands and use your feet the strings. A little tough to play in the beginning,
Piano is an instrument which increases your too - which trains your brain to focus on several but with determination it can mesmerise you with its
focusing ability on rhythm, volume, melody and things at once. enchanting music.
harmony all at once. At the same time, it also WHY YOU SHOULD LEARN: Beautiful WHY YOU SHOULD LEARN: A dominant
helps you focus on finger positions and body and easy musical notes musical instrument in Hindustani music
posture. While learning the piano, you develop a WHERE YOU CAN LEARN: Plenty of WHERE YOU CAN LEARN: The Pink Lotus
musical ear, so you have a keen understanding of YouTube videos Academia
20 OASIS OASIS 21WELLNESS
STRETCH IT OUT
On this World Yoga Day, immerse in the many
benefits OF PRACTISING yoga and commit to making
it a part of your lifestyle.
T
he practice of yoga traces its
origin to the Indus-Saraswati
civilization in northern India
over 5000 years ago and has been
spread, over the years, to various
countries across the world. From
being a sacred practice that was only
taught orally, so much has been
written, portrayed, presented and
represented about yoga till date.
Even 30 minutes of practising every
morning can improve your mental,
physical and spiritual energies.
YOGA ASANAS
Every type of yoga has its benefits
and changes your life. “Hatha yoga is
a type of yoga that involves holding
specific body postures, called asanas.
Its aim is to strengthen your muscles
and create a mindful connection
to your body,” explains Samiksha
Shetty, a yoga practitioner. “Ashtanga
Yoga synchronizes breath and
movement by inhaling while in the
pose and exhaling as you transition
to the next pose. Vinyasa Yoga is
referred to as flow yoga, a one-per-
movement yoga. It helps to develop
a more balanced body as well as
prevent repetitive motion injuries
that can happen if you are always
doing the same thing every day.” She
further delineates a few asanas for
bringing in the vital body balance for
overall well being below:
TADASANA (Mountain Pose)
The foundation of all standing poses,
it improves your posture, brings
body awareness and lets you align
22 OASIS OASIS 23WELLNESS
feet apart. Lift and extend your hands
up in line with your shoulder. Turn
your right foot to the right (90 degree)
and turn your left foot inwards 45
degree. Now turn your whole body to
the right and square the hips. Exhale
hinge from the hip down towards your
right foot. Place your left hand next to
the right foot and twist from the waist
completely to the right side. Extend
your right hand straight up without
overextending your arm. Hold here for
5 to 9 breaths. If you cannot reach your
foot, place your hand against your
chin. You can add variations to the
hand to make it tougher like joining
the hands in Namaskara mudra and
hooking the elbow against the leg.
VIRABHADRASANA (Warrior Pose)
This group of related lunging
asanas strengthens your limbs and
improves stability.
GET IT RIGHT: Warrior I: Start by
placing your feet 3 to 4 feet apart. Turn
your right foot completely to the right
(90 degree) and left foot 45 degree
inwards. Gradually turn your entire
body towards the right, squaring the
hips. The body faces the front of the
mat. Coming into a lunge, bend your
your spine and balance your weight UTKATA KONASANA (Goddess Pose) GET IT RIGHT: Start by sitting front knee and thigh, keeping the
equally from front to back and side This hip opener strengthens your on your mat with the legs bent at weight in the front heel and big toe and
to side. calves, glutes and core, making you the knees. Slowly lift the legs up the back foot is pressing from the outer
GET IT RIGHT: Start by standing feel more confident and strong. straight in the air and simultaneously heel. Square the hips and ensure the
up straight with your feet together. GET IT RIGHT: Start by placing straighten the hands in line with the knee is directly above the ankle.
Keep your toes comfortably spread on your feet 3-4 feet apart. Now turn knees parallel to the floor. Balance on Inhale, lift the arms up straight
the floor to create a wide solid base. your toes outwards about 45 -90 your hip joint. Lengthen your spine in line with your ears and extend
Engage your quadriceps, causing your degrees depending on your flexibility. and relax your shoulders. Hold your the trunk. Stay here for 5-10 breaths.
kneecaps to rise. Rotate your thighs Inhale, lengthen the spine. Exhale, legs and torso up at 45 degrees from Repeat on the other side.
“
inwards. Draw your belly in slightly. bend your knees and lower your hip the floor. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds Warrior II: Start by standing at
Stack your shoulders over your pelvis. down into a wide squat. Bring your and then lower our legs down straight the top of the mat with your feet
Let your arms hang naturally. Now palms together in front of your chest in front of you. Repeat three times. together. Inhale, raise your hands up
gently rock back and forth and side to in Namaskar mudra (balance on your If you are unable to straighten your to the ceiling and join your palms in
side. Gradually reduce this swaying toes for a tougher variation). Hold legs, you can practise with bent knees Namaskara mudra. As you exhale,
to a standstill, with your weight here for 9 to 12 breaths and repeat until you get stronger. Raise your legs balance and shift all the weight onto
HATHA YOGA IS A TYPE OF YOGA THAT balanced evenly on the feet. Balance a few rounds of this. For an easier straight and place your hands behind the left leg and lift the right leg up
INVOLVES HOLDING SPECIFIC BODY the crown of your head directly over variation, you could stand facing the your hips for support. backwards. Simultaneously hinge
POSTURES, CALLED ASANAS. ITS AIM IS TO the centre of your pelvis and maintain wall for support. forward from the hip and lower the
your chin parallel to the floor. Once PARIVRTTA TRIKONASANA (Revolved arms and torso downwards parallel
STRENGTHEN YOUR MUSCLES AND CREATE
you get comfortable in Tadasana, NAVASANA (Boat Pose) Side Angle Pose) to the floor. Look down at the floor
A MINDFUL CONNECTION TO YOUR BODY.” shift your weight onto your left foot Building a strong core will help This strengthens and stretches and stare at one unmoving point for
and lift your right knee up, keeping you feel centered and encourage you your legs, hips and spine, bettering balance. Hold this pose for 9 to 12
your thigh parallel to the floor. Keep to stand tall. The Navasana creates your sense of balance. breaths. For an easier variation, place
your belly tucked in and balance on a balance mentally and physically, GET IT RIGHT: Start by standing your palms in front of your chest in
the left leg. Repeat on the right leg. releasing stress and anxiety. upright and spread your feet 3 to 4 Namaskara mudra.
24 OASIS OASIS 25FITNESS
THE SKIPPING L
ooking for a concise exercise
format to stay fit? Learn
CHALLENGE
the ropes. Bring out that
forgotten skipping rope from the
recesses of your drawer and get
moving on the calorie crunch.
Even a minute a day of doing the
Make your moves with the rope to pump up your leaps gets your lungs pumping.
lungs, the fun way.
SHRUG THE FLAB
Shape up easily. You can crunch
up to 300 calories in half an hour
of skipping, shrugging off 400 gm
each week. Set the time aside each
day and let your body slip into
the rhythm as you scale up the
minutes on the rope.
TONE UP
Work on your calves and
abdominal muscles as you build
on your form. Be prepared for
a few days of soreness owing to
the lactic acid build up in your
body, especially if you have stayed
inactive for a long time. Stay
consistent and get in sync!
GET THE GLOW
Better your blood circulation as
you bring in this form of cardio YOUR SKIPPING
and watch your skin shine bright. GUIDE
The sweat you build up flushes Stay low to the ground, knees
out the toxins from your body and soft. Stay light on your feet
gifts you that unbeatable glow. to reduce the impact. Rotate
from your wrists rather than
FAIR DRIVE the shoulders.
Keep your core engaged
Improve your bone density as throughout.
you age. Women post 35 years
of age experience a decrease in
bone mass, more so as they wing
towards menopause. Jumping
ropes stimulates and strengthens
bones. AGILE & ADROIT
The key lies in the perfect balance
HAPPY HORMONES of stamina, strength and stellar co-
You can draw in your family ordination Celebrities like Justin
members and have fun in this Bieber, Kevin Hart, Dwayne Johnson
full-body workout. Your limbs are and Kate Hudson have integrated
in constant motion, your posture skipping ropes in their workout regime
firm and your senses alert as you to improve upon flexibility, focus and
jump rope. functional movement
26 OASIS OASIS 27WELLNESS
HEART
HEALTHY
Pour a vitamin cocktail into your tresses to
flaunt a magic mane this season.
Y
our heart is a regular working
machine. When you need to
“
keep it running for longer, it is
essential to give your heart the fuel it
needs. being overweight; the lack of physical guide of Heartfulness Institute,
activity is a further contributor.” promotes Heartfulness meditation. He
In his book ‘Heart: A history’, Dr. However, simple alterations in your explains that the heartfulness method
Sandeep Jauhar says that the lifestyle can help in keeping your is a modified form of Patanjali’s
heart’s vital importance to our self- heart healthy and pumping. A PERSON Ashtanga Yoga which crystallized
understanding is no accident, “If the INFLUENCES THE into its present form in the mid-20th
heart is the last major organ to stop DIET & NUTRITION CONDITION OF THEIR century, “we bring our attention to
working, it is also the first to develop- It is advised by the experts that you the heart and meditate upon the
starting to beat approximately three should promote intake of foods that
HEART, BUT IT IS divine presence within. There are four
weeks into fetal life, even before there come straight from the ground and ONE’S LIFESTYLE techniques in the Heartfulness Way:
is blood to pump. From birth until are not really hampered in the process THAT BECOMES THE Relaxation, a guided tool that helps
death, it beats nearly three billion of processing and adulteration. REAL TRIGGER. relax the body prior to meditation–
times. The amount of work it performs Tofu mixed with fresh veggies Meditation; during which we meditate
is mind-boggling.” Which just makes provides vitamins and minerals on the Source of Light in our heart;
it even more important to make sure with antioxidant properties which cocoa content. Prefer unsaturated soft Cleaning; an active technique that
that we take care of our heart. directly support the heart. Fishes margarine and oils such as sunflower, helps to remove thoughts and
like tuna, trout etc. have omega-3 corn, rapeseed and olive oil while impressions that have built up over
No doubt that the genetic make-up fatty acids which are prominently restricting the salt and sugar intake. time; and Prayer; which allows us to
of a person influences the condition known for their heart health benefits. create a stronger connection to our
of their heart, but it is one’s lifestyle Antioxidants present in tomatoes FITNESS inner Source.”
that becomes the real trigger. Dr. help neutralize harmful free radicals, It is important to have a balance
Vasundhra Atre, Medical Director, preventing oxidative damage and between calories burned with calories AVOID TOBACCO
Fortis Hospital, Bangalore says, inflammation, both of which can consumed. Regular exercise plays Tobacco use is one of the most
“Diabetes, high blood pressure, contribute to heart disease. For an equally important role in slowing important risk factors that need to be
abnormal lipid profiles, tobacco, snacks, nuts like walnuts and almonds down the narrowing of the arteries to controlled. Quitting tobacco lowers
lack of physical activity, unhealthy reduce bad cholesterol, and give the heart and brain. A combination of the “bad” cholesterol levels, reduces
nutrition, obesity, heavy alcohol monounsaturated fats and fibre, aerobic, strengthening, and stretching blood clotting and the chance of a
intake, stress, and family history two crucial components to reduce exercises are advised. For adults, at sudden blockage of an artery. One
continue to be the major risk factors heart risks. Rich in antioxidants least thirty minutes of exercise a day must know that passive smoking also
for developing heart disease. It is no like flavonoids, Dark Chocolate can and for children an hour a day will increases the risk of coronary heart
longer considered a problem for the promote heart health. Heart risks are help reduce risk factors, maintain disease by 25 to 30 percent. The best
elderly. Even children are at increased lower by simply eating chocolate twice cardiovascular fitness and a healthy way to stop is exercising. Smokers who
risk with an increasing number a week. Just make sure the quality is weight. Yoga and meditation are exercise are twice as successful in their
indulging in tobacco smoking, and good and for it to have at least 70% always beneficial. Kamlesh Patel, attempts to stop smoking.
28 OASIS OASIS 29COVER STORY
MEDICAL
JUGGERNAUTS
Cherishing our braveheart doctors
who have been an invaluable resource
during the pandemic.
“…IT (HOPE) IS A CHOICE AND A FORCE; HOPING FOR
SOMETHING TAKES MORE THAN CASTING OUT A WISH TO THE
UNIVERSE AND WAITING FOR IT TO OCCUR. HOPE SHOULD
INSPIRE ACTION. AND WHEN IT DOES INSPIRE ACTION IN
MEDICINE AND SCIENCE, THAT HOPE CAN BECOME A REALITY,
BEYOND OUR WILDEST DREAMS.”
-DAVID FAJGENBAUM, IN HIS BOOK CHASING MY CURE:
A DOCTOR’S RACE TO TURN HOPE INTO ACTION; A MEMOIR
S
ince the pandemic began, all of us have wished for it to get over soon.
We express our hopes for a future in really uncertain times. We seek out
a light at the end of the tunnel and work to show, to each other, that we
all stand together.
While on one hand we are largely confined to our homes with businesses
and educational institutions all shut down in an attempt to contain the virus,
on the other hand doctors, health-care workers, and medical staff members
are leading the battle against COVID-19 from the front. Every day, the selfless
warriors are giving in their all towards health-care settings while wearing
masks and PPE kits for hours. While we practise social distancing, sit at home
and do what we can in our capacities, they wake up every day to look after the
patients in long duty hours.
30 OASIS OASIS 31COVER STORY
KNOW YOUR HEROES….
D
r. Singh was born to smile on their faces, reflecting
be in this honourable pure happiness – that is my
occupation, “I always moment of pure pride, a time
wanted to be a doctor. Even when I am honoured to wear
my parents were doctors, the white coat with dignity,
which inspired me to develop and privileged to be able to
a passion towards this noble take care of others.” To meet
profession.” He is a Consultant, the challenges of his stressful
Internal Medicine at Medanta, profession, Dr. Singh takes
Gurugram, and specialises in care of himself with family
Infectious Diseases, Lifestyle and friends. He spends time
Diseases, and Geriatric with his family members, close
Diseases. What gives him friends, and colleagues. He also
immense joy at work? “ It is all meditates regularly to destress
about treating and curing my himself. At the end of long
patients. The feeling of joy is working hours, he treasures
unbeatable, when you treat the quality time with his near
your critically ill patients with and dear ones. “I take out some
sincerity and commitment to ‘me-time’ by listening to music,
DR. HATINDER JEET make them recover from their watching the sports channel on
SINGH SETHI illness. When they meet their the television, reading articles,
DLF Primus Resident family members with a wide or going for a walk.”
F
or Dr. Alok Chopra, level, detecting the cause
the medical profession of the disease and finding
resides in his DNA. “After methods to twist biochemistry,
the partition of the country, diet, nutrition, lifestyles,
However, being isolated at home our family came from Pakistan environment platitudes to heal
did not stop the people from coming where one of my uncles had diseases. It gives me immense
together and helping the medical trained to be a doctor and my pleasure to be able to do this,
professionals in this fight. When father, a dental surgeon. As all maybe for the rest of my life,”
the second wave of the pandemic the young men in my family he says. To unwind, he spends
hit, people did their bit in every grew up to become doctors, time with his wife, children and
way possible. They delivered I too plunged headlong into grandchildren, a joy which he
home-cooked meals, searched for the profession.” Emerging is unable to express in words.
oxygen cylinders and refills, verified from the second wave of He also likes to spend time with
availability of leads on various the pandemic, Dr. Chopra people who are friendly and
medicines, became friends with is immensely happy that he do not sap his energy, “I read
strangers on social media to update was able to reach out to help a lot of books, not necessarily
information required minute by people in need, in ways he restricted to medicine. I do
minute, and the list goes on. Without We are collectively experiencing numerous patients, being at their could have never imagined. meditation, and exercise by
For him, this is not an ego swimming, running, cycling,
ignoring the realities people face, it is the same emotions as we cope with beck and call in the wee hours of
enhancer, but a celebration and practising pranayama,”
clear that the world is reaching for a the COVID-19 pandemic, providers the night, providing nursing care to
positive message. These words were are on the front lines caring for the patients- proving that it takes DR. ALOK CHOPRA of using his knowledge and he shares. “Cooking is a fresh
resources to help others, “I addition to my hobbies,
echoed by UN Secretary-General our loved ones and protecting a lot of effort to keep the country Founder of Daivam Wellness and
went ahead and changed as nutrition is a crucial
António Guterres to world leaders, as our communities. Our medical safe. The sacrifice that they are Aashlok Hospital the way I practise. Using component of my new way of
he emphasized the need for solidarity professionals have always been the making for the safety and welfare of the same biochemistry of practising medicine. I have
and global cooperation during these paragons of patience, graciousness, humanity is priceless and deserves modern medicine, I started to actually trained to be a chef,” he
unprecedented times. and compassion. Dealing with lifelong gratitude on our end. heal people at the grassroot reveals.
32 OASIS OASIS 33FAMILY
IN TOGETHERNESS
WE LEARN Know Your
Have fun with your kids as you engage
together in simple experiments at home. Wind
G
By making their own wind vane,
et your little people moving and busying themselves in immersive experiments to take their minds off the puddles children learn from which direction
they could have leapt around in, otherwise during the downpour. Make learning fun with the interactive exercises the monsoon wind approaches.
as you put your heads together to come up with great inferences!
MATERIALS:
Cardboard piece
Pair of scissors
Glue
Pencil with an eraser on its back
Geometry Box
Straw
· Thumb pin
METHOD:
Tornado In
1. Take the cardboard piece and
make a big circle with a compass.
Cut the circle
A Jar
2. Mark all the directions (NSEW)
and angles (30°, 60°, 120°, 150°, 210°, This activity will help your child see
“
240°, 300°, 330°) formed in between clearly what a tornado looks like.
them on the circle by using a scale, The mini tornado formed inside the
pencil, and a protractor jar will demonstrate how centripetal
3. To make your arrow, cut a triangle force works to bring all the elements
using the cardboard. Pick a straw, (here, glitter) to the center of the jar.
slice it vertically for a centimetre
from one end, and stick the MATERIALS: THIS IS A
triangular cut out in between the A transparent jar WEATHER
slit with the help of glue. Mark a Glitter EXPERIMENT
point on the straw at around 6.5 Dish soap
Water
TO SHOW HOW
centimeters
4. Insert a thumb pin on that mark WARM AIR
and place it on the eraser part of METHOD: RISES TO MAKE
the pencil 1. Fill the jar with water till the top WAY FOR COLD
5. Take that same pencil and insert 2. Add little drops of dish soap. Do AIR, JUST HOW
it in the middle of the circular not add too much as it will prevent
cardboard, till midway clarity in seeing the tornada MONSOON
3. Add glitter to the jar WINDS WORK.”
Get the children to take the wind vane 4. Close the jar with a lid, tightly
outside the window, or balcony, and
track the wind direction. Hold the Just swirl your jar vigorously. Put
vane out in the wind and observe the the jar down and watch. Although it
way the arrow is pointing. Note that is easy to set up, the shaking might
the arrow is moving in the direction cloud the vision of the mini tornado
of the wind, even when you rotate the formed, so you have to be mindful of
pencil. the amount of soap you put.
OASIS 35FAMILY
Cloud In A
Cup
This experiment will show your kid how
clouds enlarge with droplets of water
and how rain takes place, by making a
cloud in a cup! It will help your little one
understand the precipitation part of the
water cycle, by demonstrating it.
MATERIALS:
Transparent cup
Shaving Cream
Dropper
Food colouring
Water
Bowl
METHOD:
1. Take the cup and fill it with water by
leaving a little space at the top
2. Put shaving cream at the top – this is
our cloud
3. Add drops of food colouring in the
cup
The shaving cream acts as a cloud, and
the coloured droplets as rain. The more
drops you add, the denser the foam
gets. Eventually, it rains. This activity
enhances the understanding of how
Warm Air & 2. In an ice tray, fill water and add
clouds can hold water until they can no
longer contain the enlarged droplets of
water, and eventually release rain.
Cold Air
drops of food colouring in each
cube. Freeze
3. Take the small bottle and add hot
Rainy Day water droplets on it
2. Ask your kid to paint the tray
with blue colour and paint
This is a weather experiment to show
how warm air rises to make way for
water. In the bottle, add a few drops
of another colour
4. After the coloured ice cubes are
Art brushes on the tray
3. Once the tray has a sufficient
amount of blue colour water
cold air, just how monsoon winds A fun way for your kids to identify
frozen, take them out and put one droplets pick the white paper
work. the amount and types of rain we
by one in the glass container and place it right on top of the
5. Now put the bottle with warm have! They get to paint with their tray
MATERIALS: water inside the same container paint brush, whichever stroke they 4. Flatten it down on the tray with a
Glass container want in a direction of their choice. gentle hand.
Small bottle in the size of sample You see that the ice cube sinks to the 5. Lift the paper, and your art is
bottle or essential oil bottom of the container, and the warm MATERIALS: ready
Water bottle is floating on the surface. The Baking tray
Food colouring- 2 colours (can take different colours will help distinguish Water Repeat this process with different
paint colours as well) that the cold air (ice cube) is at the White paper amounts of water droplets sprinkled
Ice bottom, and the warm air (the bottle) Paintbrush on the tray. After the paintings dry
is rising. The coloured layer will help Blue paint up, you can help your kid identify
METHOD: identify the cold and warm air. This the types of rain we see, like drizzle,
1. Take a glass container and fill it is similar to how air works in our METHOD: downpour, sprinkle… by the amount
with water at room temperature environment. 1. Pick the baking tray and sprinkle of blue paint on the paintings.
36 OASIS OASIS 37RECIPES
Watermelon
MONSOON
INGREDIENTS METHOD
1. Arrange diced seedless
& Feta Cheese
Seedless Watermelon
cubes watermelon on a plate and
Feta Cheese crumble the feta cheese over
Salad with Pine
TREATS
Pesto dressing 2. Scatter the pine nuts on it
Pine nuts 3. Dress the entire salad with pesto
Nuts Mint Sprig dressing
4. Mix everything. Top it up with
mint sprig
By Chef Azad Hussain
With slow monsoon evenings, coiled around the couch, sipping from The Ultima
your favourite hot drink, all you need is a perfect comfort dish to
complete your mood. Packed with flavours and the perfect crunch,
here are some delicious recipes to try at home.
Pomegranate & INGREDIENTS
Fresh pomegranate Seeds
METHOD
1. Tear up the basil leaves and
Basil Dream Fresh Basil Leaves
Lemon Juice
place them in a tall glass
2. Use a wooden spoon or
Dash of Pomegranate Juice “muddler” to gently crush the
By Chef Azad Hussain
from The Ultima Topped with Sprite basil. This releases the flavor
Berries for garnish from the leaves
3. Add pomegranate juice and
lemon juice to the glass
4. Stir to blend all the ingredients
5. Add sprite to the glass
6. Garnish with a sprig of basil, few
pomegranate seeds, and berriesRECIPES
Chocolate
Whiskey Cake
with a Milk
Chocolate
Frosting
By Archit Agarwal Food
Blogger @architlost
INGREDIENTS
For the cake
¾ cup vegetable oil, plus more
for pan
1⅓ cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1¾ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
½ cup unsweetened cocoa
powder (preferably Dutched
cocoa)
1 tablespoon instant coffee
3 medium eggs (to make it
eggless: swap the eggs for 1/3
cup of Greek yogurt or hung
curd)
1 cup milk vanilla extract in a medium bowl or until a toothpick inserted in
60 ml whiskey
1 tsp. vanilla extract
until well combined and creamy,
for about 30 seconds. Using
the centre of the cake comes
out clean Almond INGREDIENTS
500 gm pumpkin casserole pan and sauté ginger
For the frosting
170 grams of semisweet
a spatula, mix egg mixture
into dry ingredients until fully
incorporated. It will be thick and
5. For the frosting: Melt chocolate
and butter in the microwave
or in a double boiler until
Pumpkin 1½ tablespoon green chilies,
chopped
2 tablespoon garlic and ginger,
and garlic, green chilies, cumin
seeds and all the spices
3. Add the pumpkin. Cook for 15-
Kabab
chocolate (or compound pasty, which is okay! completely melted. Using a chopped 20 minutes till the pumpkin is
chocolate) 3. Warm 1 cup milk in a small hand mixer, whip the chocolate 1 tablespoon cumin seeds cooked, and the water has dried
¼ cup icing sugar saucepan over medium heat mixture, slowly adding milk 1 tablespoon cracked coriander out
By Chef Manish Mehrotra
60 ml whole milk until it comes to just a bare and icing sugar (sifted). Mix 1 tablespoon red chili powder 4. Add the chopped almonds and
150 grams unsalted butter simmer—make sure it does not all the ingredients and place 1/8 tablespoon nutmeg powder cook for another 5 minutes.
¾ teaspoon vanilla extract come to a boil. Whisk warmed the mixture in the fridge for 1 tablespoon chat masala Let the mixture cool down. Cut
milk into batter until lump-free 30 minutes. Remove and whip 1 tablespoon dry mango powder them into rough, thin patties of
METHOD and just combined; do not over- again for 5 minutes. Place in 40 gram Desi Ghee 30 grams each. Coat them with
1. Whisk all your dry ingredients mix the fridge and follow the same 20 grams of almonds, silvered slivered almonds
together in a large dry bowl: 4. Immediately transfer batter to process again until you create a 40 grams of almonds chopped 5. Heat Desi Ghee in a pan and
flour, cocoa, salt, instant coffee, the prepared pan. Tap the pan a glossy thick frosting (I repeated place the patties in medium
baking powder and soda along few times on the work surface to the process twice. The more you METHOD hot oil. Cook till the bottom
with all the granulated sugar encourage some of the bubbles whip, the more air would build 1. Peel, deseed and grate the caramelizes and then carefully
2. For your wet ingredients: add to escape. Bake cake in an oven into the frosting and the lighter pumpkin turn the patties. Cook them till
your eggs, oil, whiskey, and at 160 celsius for 40-50 minutes the color would get) 2. Heat desi ghee in a thick bottom they are crisp from outside.
40 OASIS OASIS 41WELLNESS
STOP CHASING
HAPPINESS - INSTEAD
BUILD A VIBRANT CASTE
OF TRUE HAPPINESS
Even if the world may be sapped of all vibrancy, learn how to
rejoice here in the hues of hope, faith, and joy.
BY LOVINA JHA
I
n this pandemic-stricken world, to ecstasy. And sometimes our on outside events, but was instead
we are experiencing more sadness, challenges seem so huge, twisting our dependent on “forging a strong spirit”.
anxiety and hopelessness than ever hearts so tightly, that it feels as though This was possibly also the secret of
before. With lockdowns, economic all the hope has been simply wrung people, who always seemed happy!
upheavals, loss of human life, fragile out. This, to me, was an absolutely
mental health, elevated stress and a Yet, I have seen in my life and also empowering concept. It meant that
very uncertain future–it feels like the read real life stories about how some I had the sole power to prepare
world is sapped of all its vibrancy. people despite severe challenges and and create endless moments of
As a young boy, John Lennon - one continued hardships, with great ease joy. Of course, it needed taking
of the founders of The Beatles, learnt ‘always continue to look on the bright responsibility, of a continuous
from his mother that happiness side’. What is the secret that helps creation of transformative inner
is the key to a fulfilling life. So, in them achieve this seemingly elusive experiences that would challenge all
elementary school, when children state? my fears, my human weaknesses and
were given the task of writing what Being a wellness professional, gently nudge me towards a state of
they want to become when they a student of human psychology, deep exhilaration.
grow up, John wrote just one word: and having dealt with a fair share To someone, who had wasted a lot
“Happy.” The teachers said, “You of low phases in my life, I found of time thinking, “I will be truly happy
do not understand the task!” and myself naturally inclined to unravel when I get my dream project; I will
without blinking an eyelid, the future this elusive phenomenon. I started be truly happy when my relationship
great musician replied, “You do not researching happiness, by reading with my husband changes; I will
understand life!”. numerous positive psychology be truly happy when I buy my new
And he was right. Everyone dreams books, interviewing many people home;” I can admit that this way of
of happiness. across the globe, and trying many instead tapping on true happiness by
spiritual modalities - all in the “forging a strong spirit” was not easy.
But, what exactly is happiness? pursuit to discover and preserve more But, despite fulfilling some of my
Does happiness merely mean happiness. After many years, what I biggest desires, I was devastated to
constantly smiling? Or does “discovered” is encapsulated in these discover how every other stressful
happiness mean to laugh with your words of Dr. Daisaku Ikeda, who is experience still had the power to
friends? Is happiness dancing in the a Japanese Buddhist philosopher, completely knock me over, making
rain? Or is happiness sunshine on a educator, author, and nuclear me feel completely bereft of all hope
bright summer day? Happiness could disarmament advocate. He says, “True and joy.
be all of the above. Happiness can be happiness means forging a strong Did I want to live my life this way?
found in the smallest of things. spirit that is undefeated, no matter Most definitely not.
On any given day, we experience how trying our circumstances are.” It was time for some serious
a spectrum of emotions and moods, Whoa! I was wrong in searching inner change. So, deeply reflecting
from bored to bubbling enthusiasm, for happiness. This seemingly elusive on Dr. Daisaku Ikeda’s words, I took
from anxiety to calm, from anger state of happiness did not depend the challenge of building my veryYou can also read
