I’ve had quite a fairytale existence. Perhaps, if I were to pick a Disney character that best defines me, it would be Elsa from Frozen. Paraphrasing her, I have always been a fortress with cold secrets deep inside. And like her, I was searching for none but myself. Well, that’s the spiritual me, but let’s stick to a simpler theme for now: my life story.
My Life in 16 Pictures
On Dec 22, I was born in India to Tamil-speaking parents as the oldest of two daughters. In the pic, one-year-old me.
By five, my parents had moved me from Cochin to New Delhi to Chennai. By undergrad, nature had taught me that life is a journey by relocating my family across India: Mumbai, Bengaluru, back to Chennai, and then to Pondicherry.
Innately, I was a spiritual person who had started meditating and reading Swami Vivekananda’s books in middle school. As a teen, I was preoccupied with classical music, bhajans, selfless service, Sanatana Dharma classes, and routine interaction with monks.
Dance, drama, singing, debate, writing contests, sports, and anything it took to skip my Math classes, I did it! In the pic, dancing to a Japanese tune, with the whole makeup kit dumped on my face!
As a bubbly social butterfly, I often found myself in the spotlight at most gatherings. In the pic, having fun at my undergrad farewell party.
In 2001, my family migrated to the United States. To aid my parents financially and to fund my sister’s undergrad, I gave up my grad school plan and joined the corporate workforce as a tech support personnel.
Naturally drawn to my inner world, I wanted to be a monk. But my parents’ sobs pushed me to forgo my choices and marry. Luckily, I fell in love with my husband, who became my best friend.
My worldly life was at its peak post wedding. My husband and I had the time of our lives with pricey clothes, movies, parties, travel, etc.
The birth of my son was a precious moment. Motherhood completed my worldly existence. In the pic, helicopter ride with my son in Hawaii in 2009.
My career flourished, and I became the Director of Data Analytics at a healthcare firm. As the divine poured worldly success on me, the stress that came along wore me down. In the pic, at a dinner with my employees at work.
After much struggle with depression, I quit my job and walked the spiritual path while being a dedicated wife and mother. My hubby revived my spiritual interest in 2011. Om Swami entered my life in 2012 and became my close friend and spiritual mentor.
From 2011 onwards, I made many lifestyle changes. Besides my duties as a wife and mother, I devoted all my time to my spiritual practices. It was tough, but I persisted. In the pic, Om Swami and me at a meditation retreat.
The rewards of my toil trickled in, and I began perceiving this entire universe as Divine Energy. But I have always found joy in surrendering at the feet of Shiva and, of course, Vishnu. Is there even a distinction between them?
Fulfilling my childhood dream, I experienced many spiritual states to become adept. With that, I felt complete in every way. I still stay with my family, though. Why bid goodbye to those who’ve been supportive? Right?
I aspired to be a monk, but Nature made me a Sannyasi Non-Monk. I now author books and serve as a spiritual mentor. In the pic, I’m displaying my first book.
The moral of my life story: No matter what happens in your life, never give up on your dreams. Your relentless will can melt even the non-attached Nature to create favorable conditions for your dreams to come true.