Mummy 1923-2015

My beautiful mother Vimla Madan, passed away today. Peacefully and disease free at 92. No blood pressure, no heart disease, no diabetes, and not on any medications, not even a vitamin pill, since she was in her late forties I would guess, except the odd homeopathic remedy and daily long and brisk walks, till the last couple of years.

After retiring from over three decades of Government service in the Ministry of Defense in 1980, she fulfilled her desire and travelled all over Indian with her friend Miss Keskar. The two women went all the way to Kanyakumari and she even stopped to visit me in Bombay.

In her 60's she was introduced to Sahaja Yoga and that became her daily routine followed by a long session of Acupressure. She liked to care for her plants, and feed the birds when she could.

It took me several hours to write about her here, and I am doing so at the behest of some of my childhood friends who have inundated me with loving messages.

My mother leaves behind a rich legacy of first and foremost fulfilling her duties, being true her heart, to live to her highest potential, laugh and love and forgive easily. Her good habits, her generosity of spirit will be a hard act to follow.

Mummy was highly educated, obtaining a Master's degree at a time when it was not uncommon for girls to not finish high school. She was extremely accomplished, studied Hindi and French as an adult, because her education was in English and her second language was Urdu. She could knit at the speed of light and wrote even faster.

She loved painting and reading and writing long letters to me, this bequeathing me with a wealth that is beyond riches. At 78, she learned how to use a Mac notebook or 'Apple' computer, so she could read her favorite newspapers, The Times of India and the Deccan Herald. She also wrote emails to me, when she wanted me to know something in a hurry!

I can only hope that I can keep her goodness alive in the way I lead my life, and what I bequeath to my children. Words really fail me, so I'm telling her stories, but they say far too little about her.

Mummy lived a good life, and I think she will want me to celebrate that. She travelled alone till she was 86 years old, coming frequently to visit me first in Australia and in the USA. She has touched many lives and we are all the richer for having been touched by her presence in our lives.

I'll probably have to add to this, Mummy. There is so much of your life to celebrate! Meanwhile I will let you Rest. Rest in eternal Peace. I know you've earned it. I love you, as I always have and forever will. Veenu xoxoxoxo

Copyrighted Veenu Banga 2015.

Homeopathy in India vs the West

India has made Homeopathy its very own. It thrives today in India like in no other place on the planet. The billion plus Indians have held on to this one good thing, even as they let go of several other traditions in the name of modernity.

When I was growing up, India was in its infancy after getting freedom in 1947.  I recall overhearing a conversation about Homeopathy being born out of Ayurveda, and that the protocol was discovered in India. Despite Germany having no colony in India that I am aware of, the myth persisted that Homeopathy was one of the many treasures stolen from India during the 300 years of foreign rule. Homeopathy was so trusted and revered on the subcontinent, including Pakistan and Bangladesh. 

Today, what has to be one of the largest publisher (http://www.bjain.com) of Homeopathy text books, and homeopathic literature, is in India. They collaborate with several Western Homeopaths and the books are a fraction of the cost we pay in the West. 

In fact, when I was in India some months ago, I randomly purchased, among other books, "A Treatise on Diseases of the Skin", by Samuel Lilienthal from a Bhandari's outlet (a CVS/Walgreens type homeopathic chain of stores owned by the manufacturer of the remedies) which sells books as well, besides remedies, kits, homeopathic based cosmetics, hair oils etc, and other related materials like Bach's Flower remedy literature. Again, very inexpensive, affordable even for the locals, and very very busy with a thriving business! 

In the Publisher's note at the beginning of Samuel Lilienthal's "A Treatise on Diseases of the Skin" (who's only known work supposedly, was HOMEOPATHIC THERAPEUTICS) is noted: 

"Did he write any other gem? You will be surprised he did. We were also surprised when we discovered A TREATISE ON DISEASES OF THE SKIN by S. Lilienthal, M.D., in the library of Dana Ullman in California, who himself was unaware of the presence of the book in his library. This copy is Lilienthal's own copy which is interleaved and has additional notes by the author in his open miniature handwriting."

"Dr. Dana Ullman was kind enough to lend this copy to us for reprinting and making this gem available to the lovers of homeopathy. This book is an antique published way back in 1876."

(Dana Ullman who writes for the Huffington Post (www.huffingtonpost.com/dana-ullman/)  has done a lot to advance the cause of homeopathy in the US. When I first arrived in the US in the mid nineties, Dana Ullman's was the only voice of homeopathy that I knew of.)

The publisher's note goes on to explain what a painstaking task it was to decipher Lilienthal's black ink miniature notes (samples of which are published in the book as well) and that task was accomplished by two homeopathic doctors and in-house editors. Despite that, the publisher writes, there are blanks (in the book) which still need filling, and the homeopathic community is invited to communicate their interpretations to the publishers so as to be included in subsequent prints. 

Why do I go to such lengths to explain this? For several reasons. Firstly, one can't help but marvel at the accessibilty of both the remedies and the literature. Secondly, can we even imagine the potential of a chain of homeopathic stores in the USA, operated by the manufacturers, and  devoted only to Homeopathy, like the Bhandari's outlets in India? Thirdly, look at the enthusiasm of the publisher. They obviously know there is a market. Can a population of 1.3 Billion be wrong? 

There are other large-scale manufactures of homeopathic remedies in India, one of which Baksons, even has their own college, (http://www.bakson.net/college/) 

Is it any wonder that in India there are SEVERAL (use of caps justified) self taught 'hobby' practitioners who have a full time job, and coming from all professions, who in the evening hold charitable clinics, and dispense remedies to the ailing poor and not so poor. We even had one such homeopath in our family. My late uncle Sarjit Singh, (who taught himself homeopathy reading the books of his daughter, who graduated from India's prestigious Nehru Homeopathic College) successfully treated their then 14 year old dog, who was struck with Canine Distemper, for which there is no known cure in western medicine. The dog recovered fully and lived an active and long life. 

The more I explore homeopathy, the more surprised I am to find it in so many far off places. There are of course, several Homeopathic schools in India. There is even a school that I know of in Greece, (http://www.vithoulkas.com/en/home.html) and I know this without any complex researching. It is information that just came my way. Just as I discovered my school, right here in Florida,  (http://www.academyofclassicalhomeopathy.com/About_us.html) when I casually enrolled for a webinar presented by Ann Jerome, under the auspices of the National Center for Homeopathy (http://www.nationalcenterforhomeopathy.org) of which Ann happens to be President. 

Why then is there a dearth of homeopathic practitioners at home, here in the USA? We are such a great nation, with the best research facilities in the world. Why are we missing out on this great science? Just imagine the possibilities, if our research potential and homeopathy came together! Indeed it is my sincerest belief that the USA could herald in a New Age, a Medical Revolution of sorts that would be unprecedented in modern history.

Right now, new diseases are rampant and medical bills from serious illness in the family, is the leading cause of bankruptcy in the country.

Why the stigma, the doubt, sometimes even ridicule to something 'scientifically' proven, invented by Hahnemann, who himself was an MD. Homeopathy was subsequently refined by many more physicians and pharmacists, and consequently endorsed and practiced by several MD mainstream doctors, not just in the 1800's but even at the turn of the century, and now too, in the US itself.

In fact, there were several Homeopathic colleges in the USA as well, and homeopathy enjoyed both popularity and repute. In fact, all of the USA, there is only one statue honoring a physician. That statue was dedicated in 1900, by none other than the US President at the time, President William McKinley. The statue is of Dr. Samuel Hahnemann.  Known as The Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843) Memorial, it is in the nations capitol, Washington DC. You can see it here:  http://www.nlm.nih.gov/hmd/medtour/hahnemann.html

Modern medicine cannot be replaced for its urgent care miracles. Endorsing homeopathy does not mean bashing allopathic care. However, considering the ease of use, ready availability, and most of all the low cost remedies, that make homeopathy an excellent alternative for several common and chronic complaints. In allopathy, the issue is with side effects of drugs, which sometimes far outweigh the risks of the disease.

The Hippocratic Oath to first, "Do no harm", is also better served with homeopathy. The excessive use of antibiotics, steroids, unnecessary surgery and other invasive chemical interventions is avoided, especially in situations where there is no known cure in allopathy, (such as a peri anal abscess or fistula-more about this in a forthcoming post) and known successful treatments in homeopathy.

As discussed in the last post, a very good introduction to homeopathy can be found in "The Journey of a Disease" by Dr. Mohinder Singh Jus, ( http://www.shi.ch ) who practices in Zug, Switzerland. 

Another very good book, is by Dr. Tom Dooley, who first trained as a conventional medical doctor and now practices (http://www.drdooley.net) Homeopathy in California. Dr. Tom Dooley's "Beyond Flat Earth", which he generously offers as a free read in e-book format is our text book for the Foundations of Homeopathy class. http://www.beyondflatearth.com

Homeopathy is an 'all inclusive' protocol, that harms no one, yet can potentially help everyone, including animals and PLANTS! Someone needs to let the world know, and yours truly is enjoying doing it. 

Next time: What are some conditions that homeopathy can cure and for which modern medicine has no satisfactory outcome.

Who and where are the homeopaths? Part 1.

Homeopaths, as Homeopathic doctors are affectionately known are everywhere.

Zug is the smallest of Switzerland's 26 cantons. In the quest of my passion for homeopathy, I drove through its beautiful green countryside this past autumn. The drive to Zug unveils sudden surprises. One sees hillside dotted with charming homes co existing peacefully with farm animals who contentedly graze on the green grass. While that may be Zug's charm, the story of its economical significance, while not apparent, is far more noteworthy. However, for a desperate patient, or a serious student of homeopathy, the most exciting treasure Zug holds is the Swiss Homeopathic Institute (SHI)
SHI Praxis (Practice) and SHI Schule (School).

By starting our journey to meet with the worlds most noteworthy Homeopaths in the town of Zug, we have extended our reach far back, and discovered Homeopathic Royalty, so to speak. Dr. Mohinder Singh Jus who started the SHI in 1998, is directly connected to the lineage of the revered Dr. James Tyler KENT, via his teacher Dr. B.K. Bose, "then the last living student of Dr. J.T. Kent."

The Dr. B.K. Bose Foundation was established in 1993, by Dr. Bose's world class homeopathic doctor student, Dr. Mohinder Singh Jus, to honor his teacher. Dr. B.K. Bose was a pioneer of homeopathy and headed the famous Calcutta Homeopathic College and Hospital. At one point Dr. Bose was also the physician for Moti Lal Nehru and the Nehru family.

Dr. Mohinder Singh Jus is clearly following in the footsteps of his great teacher. The SHI and the SHI Praxis is housed in an impressive three story building. On the second floor, the SHI Praxis offices welcome you to the open reception area. I can see a library to the left. Paintings by Dr. Jus himself adorn the walls of the Praxis. The colors, textures and subject matter, all reveal a compassionate sensitivity. The paintings are a labor of love, something Dr. Jus must bring to his work as an eminently good healer.

The waiting room is quite large, and even has a small play area, for their little patients. There is a very healthy looking, and tall ficus by the windows. I join several other people, some with kids waiting there. There is a very pregnant woman waiting with her husband holding her hand. The doctors themselves come to the waiting room, welcome and greet the patients, and escort them to their own office. I felt immediately at ease when it was my turn to be seen. The doctors' offices are also spacious and the whole building is filled with natural light.

Appointments with Dr. Jus himself are hard to obtain, with his diary booked with appointments up to two years in advance. If you are lucky to find an earlier opening, you may see him in six months. The wait list is restricted to 10 patients, and if you are the eleventh, they they will politely refuse to wait list you. Obviously, cancellations are rare.

Luckily for me, there are other doctors on staff, who have graduated from the SHI. Appointments are sometimes made available sooner than the usual two or three months it takes to secure one. I was extremely satisfied with my consultation with Mrs Carmen Muller-Nigg, and even more with the efficacy, and quick results with the remedy she prescribed for me.

The SHI school attracts only the best, from all over Europe. Even then, the SHI takes on students in small batches so the caliber of the graduate is consistently superior. The SHI is run by Dr. Mohinder Singh Jus and his wife, Dr. Martine Cachin Jus.

There is also a well stocked shop outside where, among other things, I picked up gluten free cereals, popped Amaranth which I have not seen elsewhere, vitamins, tea, body creme, the only book in English titled, "The Journey of a Disease" by Dr. Mohinder Singh Jus, and another book with paintings by Dr. Jus. However, my most exciting find was a bottle of Hildegard von Bingen dental care product!

Dr. Jus' "The Journey of a Disease" is an excellent book to get an understanding of homeopathy. I especially loved the wisdoms Dr. Jus shares, some of which are not directly related to remedies, but deal with the finer nuances of emotions that require a certain wisdom to understand, and co relate to a homeopathic cure. If you explore the SHI website and then read the book, you will notice Dr. Jus following closely in the footsteps of his great Master Dr. B.K. Bose.

Dr. Jus opens with Miasms, has spellbinding explanations of the Vital Force, which reverberated deep inside me. After covering every possible aspect of homeopathy, from dosage to potentization and diseases, including profiling some great homeopaths Dr. Jus closes gently but firmly, with my favorite chapter titled Sensitivity. In this short chapter he discusses life, how some of us live it, and how to harness our sensitivity to live it well.

"Life is a pearl! How can you treat this pearl like a stone?" Dr Jus asks.

Indeed, think about it. How can we?

Contact information:
SHI Praxis, http://www.emindex.ch/hp/home.las?s=mohindersingh.jus
SHI School: http://www.shi.ch/english/index_2014.html


Next time: More About Homeopathy: Homeopathy and homeopathic schools in India 

What is Homeopathy?

Reflecting on two homeopathic remedies I recently used, what struck me was how my thinking process had been completely altered since taking these remedies.

This may appear nothing short of miraculous, which it is, at least for me. Homeopathic remedies work at different levels of the human body and psyche, sometimes setting the tone for emotional healing before addressing the physical, and sometimes vice versa. At other times, it is quite possible, that a remedy given for one ailment, may cure another underlying problem, before addressing the issue it was supposed to do anyway.

These two were both single doses, taken several weeks apart. That is how some homeopathic remedies work. One single, usually high potency dose, which initiates the shift inside of you. Then you consult with the doctor again in about 6 weeks. This is the first step in my journey of healing from a personal issue in which the physical and emotional overlap. Hippocrates and several other Masters of the methods of healing, in fact all agree on this mind, body, spirit connection. Besides, if I wished, I could freely name what remedy I am using without any reserve regarding my privacy concerns for the nature of my ailment, because the same remedy will act differently on different people!

Homeopathy has been working on the basis of what is now fashionably called 'bio-individuality'. Bio-individuality, which is what we also learn about at IIN, recognizes foremost that it is 'the whole person' and not 'a' disease that is being treated! (At the risk of sounding cheesy, I want to say, homeopathy strives for Wholistic Unity).

Yet, it really should come as no surprise, because the remedies are after all, based on 'organic' materials, of which our bodies are also comprised. We are reduced to 'dhatus', or the seven tissues, according to Ayurveda, the oldest system of medicine in the world. The treatment of a disease in western conventional medicine, is primarily treating the symptoms, in homeopathy, the 'person' is treated, because that person is simply the host of the malady.

'Miasm', which is beautifully described in Dr. Mohinder Singh Jus' book, THE JOURNEY OF A DISEASE, as the "specific individual vulnerability", is the vital core that is addressed to restore health to the person, in mind, body, spirit. In fact, I recall someone refer to homeopathy as 'spiritual' medicine. As a user, I would agree with that being an apt description.

Essentially the homeopathic remedies, are ONLY of organic origin, made from plant materials, metals, and even animal parts. However, there could be different methods that are applied to ingredients including some normally toxic ingredients, that render them safe and potently effective as a homeopathic remedy.

Since homeopathic remedies are not 'man made' or 'synthetic', their constitution is organic. As is ours, and that of all the other plants and any animal species that ever walked on this planet.

Our relationship with everything that exists in nature, even animals influences us at both physical and emotional levels. We relate to these natural God given gifts through our tastebuds, sense of smell, sense of feeling through skin, feelings through emotion etc. Similarly, these remedies communicate with the intelligence of our bodies, and impact us at that core, near 'spiritual' level.

Coming next: Who and where are the Homeopathic doctors? 

Favored by the Famous, the Rich and the Royal: HOMEOPATHY

Homeopathy has long been favored by Royalty. King George, recently made famous in the movie, "The King's Speech", was also using homeopathy at the time he was being provided with Speech therapy, as depicted in the movie. (http://www.naturalnews.com/031556_homeopathy_king.html) This link provides an extensive information on Homeopathy and its Royal patrons.

Very few people know that Homeopathy still thrives in the world of the rich and famous, from Hollywood and Bollywood celebrities, to politicians and sports stars. 

Past and present British Royalty, and Middle Eastern Royalty, remain followers and Patrons of this very comprehensive system of medicine.  

England's most beloved Queen Mother, who passed away peacefully in 2002, "relied on Homeopathy Homeopathy all her life", in the words of Prince Charles. The Queen mother lived to be a healthy101 years. At the Chelsea Flower show exhibit of healing plants, while dedicating the garden (that he himself helped design), to the Queen Mother, "It seemed a nice idea," said Prince Charles. "My grandmother relied on homeopathy all her life. I thought that she would appreciate the purpose behind this garden." 

The garden now (includes) a small stone memorial inscribed with the words "In loving and devoted memory" flanked by the "ER" of the Queen Mother and the three-feathered crest of the Prince of Wales." (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1394345/Prince-dedicates-garden-to-Queen-Mother.html) 

It is a complete puzzle to me, as to why Homeopathy is such a mystery, almost a questionable protocol, to the very people it can help tremendously. It is you and I, the common person of modest means. Homeopathic remedies are extremely inexpensive and when properly stored, have a shelf life longer than a normal lifespan.

The most important and urgent need of the hour is to get this 'organic' and 'inseparable' sense, the knowledge of our relationship to these remedies, be known as common knowledge. Many of us have no idea what homeopathy is. 

Curious? Find out more: What is Homeopathy?  

Platform Nine and a half: Episode 2.

Platform Nine and a half Episode 2.

Totally unawares, once again I wondered into my Platform nine and half. This was a charming encounter, and it happened in the early autumn, in a small fishing village north of Amsterdam. 

We were in the Netherlands for a workshop, discovering the universality of existence, and our soul's purpose on this planet's journey. Some of us fulfill it, some of us lose the roadmap. Yet others find their purpose, but only after being lost for some part of their earthly existence.  

While our journeys are different, they are also intertwined in undercurrents, some collectively defined by happenings bigger than those we control. War and political disruption, or some natural calamity create circumstances that engulf large masses of humanity. Within that surge of happenstance, are small actions that we control and decide upon. So goes by the time, defined as one's life.

One of the topics at the workshop/ retreat was how we are all connected to one another, not just as a race, but as human beings. Of the several traits that bind us together, one is Man's spirit of innovation as a means of survival. Innovations that live long past their inventors for the benefit of all humanity. Being held in the Netherlands, the workshop presenter used a great example used to illustrate the point. It was the invention of the Dutch dykes and windmills. This innovation literally 'pushed out the oceans' and 'created' land for the Dutch to cultivate. 

"The Dutch have become very innovative when it comes to keeping out the water. They have built dykes, fortifications and last but not least wind and watermills to create new land. The oldest mill is a watermill that dates back to the eighth century. These techniques were used to pump dry hundreds of lakes and swamps and to prevent land from flooding. Today, windmills are characteristic of the Dutch landscape and a symbol of the Dutch struggle with water."

-From: http://www.holland.com/us/tourism/article/dutch-windmills.htm

and

http://www.holland.com/global/tourism/article/functions-of-windmills-in-holland.htm

After the completion of the Workshop, we extended our stay for another night, in an attempt to hold on to the Energy which can only be generated with so many well intentioned souls in the same space. One's heart beats to a calm, peaceful, contented rhythm, assuring us that all is well with the world, and if not, it has the potential. Solutions seem possible. 

There had been complete unity in thought and intention in that sacred space. The loving and calming peaceful energy is like an invisible fog, that envelops you in an embrace. We decided to stay on another night to hold on to the magic. 

The next morning found us in the said fishing village. We had dined here the previous night, and were back this morning to buy some smoked eel to take home. While we waited to be served, we eyed the different fish. Soon enough, a smiling lady offered us a taste of the salmon we had been eyeing, but were hesitating to buy. Of course it was delicious and we brought not just the salmon, but also the trout and the eel, being assured it would survive the two hours drive to Brussels. 

"Where are you from," she asked us. Usually, this means that they have either been to India, or there is an India story. "Florida" is my automatic response, as I quickly added, "originally from India."

"I have been to India", she told us.

"In 1977, with my husband, and we were in Bombay". 

"I got lost" she added. "One minute we were out for a walk, and then, he went another way and I could not find him." She had the 'look' on her face, as if she were reliving her story. 

"We did not have mobile phones in those days," she said laughingly. "Then I met a woman, and she asked me to sleep in her house. So I did." That was it, just like that. She met a stranger who took her home. She went.

"How did you and your husband finally find each other?" The surprise in my face must have showed.

"I just went to the airport, and he was there," she stated almost matter of factly. "Then we came home," she added. 

I did not ask her how long she stayed at the woman's place, or other details. Being away from India so long, my curiosity has ebbed somewhat, but it was enough to know, that clearly hers was a happy experience. 

She wanted to know if an encounter such as hers, would still be likely in India. "After all this time," because, "all the clever people who are doing computer work, and they have so much money?" 

Without wanting to shatter her fantasy, I told her possibly in the smaller towns, but one never really knows these days. I made a couple of trips to Bombay myself in 1977. The woman and I could have been in Bombay at the same time, under the same sky, maybe we passed each other on the street. Now we were meeting again?

She was amiable and clearly wanted to chat. We talked about being the generation that has marveled at  the birth of the Transistor radio, felt pride and awe at the moon landings, and now take for granted cell phones and every conceivable gizmo and gadget, that we use in our daily lives.

I had my own story to tell her about the kindness of strangers. It unfolded in 1978, a few days before Christmas. My daughter was just a baby and we were traveling to the UK. Our flight which took off from Delhi was the last to land in London, before the airport was closed due to inhospitable/ inclement weather. All subsequent incoming flights had been cancelled. 

London however, was not our final destination. It was Hull, in Yorkshire. The Humber Bridge was still under construction. If we could not fly out, it could be a slowfive hour car journey on treacherous roads. Fortunately, Aer Lingus operated the 30 minute flight on its small 8 seater  "The Gods must be crazy" surreal plane. 

Upon landing in Hull, we were quickly taken on board the ship we were joining there. The heavy snow and extreme cold were so bad that when I woke up the next morning, and ventured out on deck, I could see sharp edged and humungous chunks of white hard froth frozen into ice, bobbing on the surface of whatever it was we were floating on, because I could barely see the water. It was that cold.

The Humber river seemed to be quite choppy and nearly frozen like crude and dirty ice cream being churned in an angry wide blender. It was as if the North Sea (reputedly always choppy and constantly a source of ships' rolling and pitching) had come up the very river that flows into it. 

The ship was held up in port, due to maintenance requirements and for commercial reasons. They estimated a stay of over 5 weeks. Two days after our arrival, the ship had power supply malfunctioning and we had no heating in the cabins. While the off shore crew worked hard to restore heating, we surrounded our daughter's crib with bright high power light bulbs to keep her warm. 

The off shore Plumber charger, working on something else frequently went past the cabin as I kept the door open to avoid the loneliness of being cooped up on board ship. At times he haltingly glanced inside, with a hesitant  smile of acknowledgement. It was a little unnerving. The next day, he knocked at the door and of course, I let him in. He said he had been telling his wife, about the baby, and that there was no power on the ship. She had asked him to bring us home to stay with them till power was restored to the heating. It was just like that, a simple and direct invitation. That is how we met Eddie and Margaret. 

We still remain connected, I told the lady, as she smiled and nodded as if we had just shared a delicious meal. At the moment, we both met on a shared plane of consciousness. 

The world is full of wonderfully kind people. People to people, inherently we all want the same things for us, our families, our communities and in our lives. We are created to be good and noble, with the potential to 'push back the ocean', which the Dutch did, so more food could be grown to feed all the people. We were not meant to be the near cannibalistic creatures we have become, in pursuit of our greed. It is but only the goodness within us, that can make our life's journey worthwhile. 

At the end of this journey, the playing field is leveled, dust to dust. Only love survives. That was the lesson of the workshop. All we need to do is remember this fact. The rest would fall in place if we could simply base our actions on realizing that we are connected by virtue of being the most superior race. That is to be remembered, and that alone should matter, first and foremost. 

Why do some of us lose the roadmap then? Why do we stray from our highest potential and fall into the trap of deceitful behavior, some taking pride in being cruel and callous. Why the sham, and inauthentic living? Who are we trying to fool, when the first person to be fooled is ourselves. Why not discover our own Platform nine and half? Why not take a journey that will be one of continuous joy in companionship. Some of us are doing it already. They appear as angels, but are as real as you and me. Why instead do we contaminate the joys our journey can afford and make it the pursuit of tangibles? Will we ever know, can we not understand? 

My mothers family practices and traditions.

My mother’s first family also had a ritual of a morning ‘varjish’ (physical exercise) regimen for the men. This included a rebounding of sorts, bouncing on your heels, rolling your toes forward, bouncing back on your heels and on and on like that, for what seemed like forever to me, as they all stood in a line, rebounding away in their pajamas, (probably TMI) while they read the morning’s newspapers, taking turns reading the three different newspapers in three different languages. English, hindi and Urdu. Each newspaper was a cultural entity in itself. 

I now recognize this kind of rebounding movement, as something we also do in Qi-Gong, as a way to stimulate all the acupressure points (which are the same for acupuncture) and meridian channels that run to or from our feet. Mummy’s two younger brothers and father were sometimes joined by my Bari (literal meaning, older) Aunty, Mummy’s older sister.  The women, or my Bari Aunty to be precise, had a yoga routine, mainly floor poses/ exercises, of which they are many that are specifically considered beneficial for women.

On weekends there were the very welcome visits of the ‘maalish’ (massage) people; male masseurs for the men, and female masseuse for the women. So you can see my mum grew up with a whole host of holistic modalities incorporated into their domestic routine. You may have noticed however, that she was not necessarily an active participant in these pursuits. Like me, I suspect she was into a thousand things at the same time.

I loved Sunday mornings at my Grandparents’ home. I am so happy and utterly delighted that I was able to live with them from the time I was born, and through my formative years. It was such a wholesome way of life in a healthful atmosphere, and this is just the tip of the iceberg. Remind me to write about specific rituals for different organs of the body, and the yogic practices of my Grandfather and Aunt, both of who were the most diligent and carried their on with their practices through to the end of their days. My Bari Aunty could read the newspaper without reading glasses for as long as I can remember.