Q: Hi Bhamini. Tell us about yourself. How did your journey with art begin?
When I was in grade 8 or 9, I was diagnosed with depression. After that I started doodling. Then, one fine day when nothing was working out and I had a lot in my head and could not express it at all, my mom gave me a canvas and colors and said, “Whatever comes to your mind, start painting.” And that is how I started. I learnt Bihari Madhubani painting from my aunt. She taught me the basics and I became interested in that. That is one part.
The other part is that I have always been very vocal about what I think is right and wrong. All of us have our own understanding of what is right and wrong, and there are no fixed parameters, which is why it’s a mess. I was very vocal about women’s rights, freedom, being liberated, the equality of all genders – and I was spiritual more than religious. Right now I don’t follow any religion; I am a spiritual person. So that is what I started expressing through my art.
Later I did an MBA. I thought I would never be able to pursue art as a career; that I wouldn’t be able to meet ends. How was I going to live on my own, unless I had some other form of support? The truth, according to me, is that you can’t. That’s how the condition of art is in our country right now – it’s not recognized.
So I told myself, “Okay, let’s see what happens!” I did my MBA, and took a job in Hyderabad. I was still emotionally and mentally not well, and I just couldn’t express myself. In the corporate space, every day was a challenge, and I would wait to go home and paint whatever was in my head. There was so much I wanted to express.
I am not good at expressing myself in words, and that was creating a lot of hindrance, because in the corporate sphere you have to behave in a certain way. It was a pressure, so I didn’t want to do it anymore. I was also passionate about fashion design, so I planned my own online boutique. That’s how I started a life as an entrepreneur.
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50 Years of Breathing
By the end of the 1960s, Westerners were traveling to India to visit Babuji. Among the first were the Danes, who all fell in love with Babuji and were instrumental in bringing the spiritual practices of Heartfulness to the West. One of these pioneers was THOMAS MOGENSEN, who first visited Shahjahanpur in 1971 with his wife and some friends. Here he shares the value of 50 years of Heartfulness.
The Journey of a LIFETIME
HEATHER MASON is a yoga therapist who has pioneered yoga and mindfulness in the healthcare sector, including for the National Health Services in the United Kingdom. Here, she is interviewed by EKTA BOUDERLIQUE of the Heartfulness Yoga Academy in the Yoga 4 Unity 2022 program.
Patience and Observation
CHRISTIAN MACKETANZ explains the creative process behind the paintings in his exhibition.
Yoga For Self-development
VERONIQUE NICOLAI is the Director of the Heartfulness Yoga Academy and the coordinator of the Yoga4Unity platform. As a pediatrician, she is also passionate about mental and physical well-being for all ages, especially children. Here she is interviewed by VARSHA KUSHWAHA of the Heartfulness Institute about her own journey of yoga.
The Benefits of DOING NOTHING
DR. ICHAK ADIZES is an expert in change management for organizations. Here he shares some thoughts on doing nothing, and how he creates the space to do that through a yogic meditation practice.
The Universal language of life
THOM BOND is a thought leader, peace educator, author, and mediation consultant who is best known for The Compassion Course. He’s the founder and Director of Education for the New York Center for Nonviolent Communication. He is interviewed by ELIZABETH DENLEY about his journey, his mentor, Marshall Rosenberg, and what drives our behavior and responses to life.
FOUR ATTITUDES That Will Transform Your Life Forever
Everyone is looking for guidance to navigate the uncertainty and challenges that we collectively face in today’s world. Sometimes the source of such guidance has been right in front of us all along, and all we need is a simple reminder that the answers to our deepest problems are within our grasp. DAAJI shares an ancient source with us, enlightening us on four simple atttitudes that keep us safe in all storms.
KINDRED SPIRITS: Transforming Darkness into Creativity
MELISSA BERNSTEIN is the co-founder of Melissa & Doug, a toy company with a mission to “provide a launch pad to ignite imagination and a sense of wonder in all children so they can discover themselves, their passions, and their purpose.” In this article, EMILIE MOGENSEN starts with a simple interview approach with Melissa, which blossoms into much more – a meeting of kindred spirits!
For Caretakers: HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELVES
The founder of Yoga Vahini, SARASWATHI VASUDEVAN, is interviewed by DR. VERONIQUE NICOLAI, Director, Heartfulness Yoga Academy, about the role yoga has to play in self-care for full-time caregivers. Her simple 10-minute breathing practice and checklist of questions for caregivers are a must for everyone.
Divine MISS EARTH
TEJASWINI MANOGNA was crowned Miss Earth India 2019, and went on to represent India at the international Miss Earth competition. She is a multi-talented advocate for major environmental and humanitarian issues, a doctor, a dancer, a yoga trainer, an NCC cadet, and a philanthropist. Here she is interviewed by RAJESH MENON of the Heartfulness Institute about her visit to Kanha Shanti Vanam.
Somatic Therapy for Addiction
A mixture of cognitive and physical therapy can help with this difficult health issue.
A Dose of Mental Health
Many people are microdosing, but scientists are split over whether the benefits of taking small amounts of psychedelic drugs are a placebo effect or something more
Build a Super Brain!
Taking care of your gray matter involves a spectrum of strategies. Luckily, there's some simple stuff you can do right now to improve how you think and feel every day.
16 Ways to Feel Calmer Now
There's so much going on in the world that's completely out of your control. But what you can do is tidy up the messiness inside your own mind. By addressing nagging worries, doing a bit of housekeeping, and injecting your life with a shot of simplicity, you can open up space for more love, optimism, and joy. Here's how to feel better fast.
FOCUSING ON WHAT MATTERS MOMENT BY MOMENT
The Summer 2002 issue of S&H included this still-timely article
RESTORING RELATIONSHIPS to Ourselves, to One Another, and to the Earth
AN INTERVIEW WITH FARIHA RÓISÍN
Brain Waves
Surprising ways meditation can help your brain stay sharp and agile.
BRITNEY TOXIC PREGNANCY!
Fears perinatal depression will cripple singer again
To Your Health
Here's what's extra good for you in this issue.
Is Your Routine Actually Keeping You Stuck in a Rut?
What's the difference between having some structure in your life and feeling like you're on repeat? It has a lot to do with perspective.