Namasthe Dear Readers,
Welcome to another sacred Navaratri Blog....
Today, I want to pause and have a conversation with myself on a theme that touches the core of self-transformation.
As academicians and working women, our lives often feel like a delicate balancing act. We are constantly moving between teaching, mentoring, writing papers, attending meetings, fulfilling administrative duties, guiding students, caring for family, parenting, and at the same time trying to nurture our own health and well-being. The list feels endless.
In the middle of this whirlwind, we begin to carry anxiety like an invisible backpack, always present, always heavy. Deadlines, expectations, and unspoken societal judgments add to this weight. And yet, we continue to walk forward, sometimes forgetting that the backpack can be lightened if only we stop to reflect, realign, and renew ourselves.
In such moments, I turn to the timeless wisdom of ....
This verse reminds us that the Divine Mother resides in every being in the form of Vrutti, our profession, our work, our chosen path.
Vrutti :
Instead of viewing our many roles as conflicting, what if we see each as sacred?
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Teaching a class becomes Devi’s expression of knowledge.
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Cooking dinner becomes Devi’s expression of nurturing.
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Writing a paper becomes Devi’s expression of wisdom.
Each act, however ordinary, becomes a prayer.
“My work is worship.”
Tushti : The Art of Enoughness
We live so much in the “next”, the next paper, the next class, the next meeting, next target etc etc etc...that contentment feels postponed. Tushti Devi reminds us to pause and recognize the fullness of what already is.
Tushti does not mean giving up ambition; it means appreciating today’s offering. The published article, the child’s smile, the meal prepared with love....all are enough, here and now.
She transforms guilt into gratitude.
“What I have is enough.”
Nidra – Rest as the Mother’s Gift
In a culture that glorifies busyness, rest often feels like weakness. Late night chats, late night meetings, late night parties,even late night work( I mean, by constantly running after the targets with greed and sleeping only 1 hr or 30min) But Nidra Devi reminds us that even the universe rests...nights follow days, seasons shift, the tide recedes to return again.
Sleep is not wasted time; it is sacred time. Silence, stillness, and even leisure are Devi’s lullabies to our restless minds. Rest restores, it does not reduce.
“Rest is sacred.” Lets take meaningful breaks and we deserve it.
Buddhi :
“Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Buddhi Roopena Samsthita…”
In the middle of so many responsibilities, decision fatigue is real. It reminds us that wisdom already resides within. With faith and silence, clarity emerges.
“I trust the wisdom within me.”
So on this Navratri
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Begin the day with a sankalpa: “Every role I play today is sacred.”
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Keep a flower, a mantra, or a small symbol of Devi on your desk.
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Between tasks, pause for one mindful breath.
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At night, instead of asking “What did I miss?”, whisper: “Thank you for what I could offer today.”
I may not be perfect in practicing this every day. I still stumble, still feel anxious, and still struggle with guilt. But with the grace of Maa Devi, I try.
Perhaps perfection is not the goal. Presence is. And when we bring presence into our work, our family, and our inner life, even imperfect efforts shine as devotion.
Until next time...let us chant...
Maha Narayani ....Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah.
With Love
Swetha Vishnuchittan
Well explained Swetha. Good read.
ReplyDeleteThanks Priyanka....Jai Bhavani
ReplyDelete