Saturday, November 20, 2010

Managing yourself as an energy field at PEC


This is the third event for me at Pondicherry Engineering College and what an event that was! This is the first time that I facilitated an event with an estimated 400+ participants. I was excited but also apprehensive. Yes, I was scared. The introduction by Prof. Prithviraj helped quite a bit by providing me with a friendly emotional connection and that bit of time and space to allow myself to be with my feelings and recuperate.
Once I started communicating, it was easy; thanks to the very open participation of these young students of first year engineering degree course. I liked their responses and the questions were very interesting and stimulating for me. I was thrilled with the feedback I got from the participants at the end of the session.
One question was ‘Would animals and plants respond to the primordial sounds like we do?’. I did not know the answer at that time, but a little research indicates that the answer is ‘yes’. I could have guessed it based on the fact that animals and plants preceded us in evolution and all beings have common origins and are localized energy field in the Universal Energy Field. I am grateful for the questions.
I did not like the extra sounds made by a couple of students at the end of chanting ‘aa uu mm’ for the first time. I would have very much liked to communicate with them in consonance with my principles – but used the mode that I know produces results quickly. I justified this use by telling myself  ‘I don’t have the time to …..’. I know this is a justification and feel sad that I did not conduct myself in accordance with my inner light.  I do hope to learn from this experience and put the inner light above the expediency of the moment.
I am grateful to Prof. Rajendran for organizing the event and look forward to more such opportunities. What a gift it would be to interact with this group over the next 4 years and participate and contribute in their personal growth!
I am gartfeul to Prof. Prithviraj and Prof. Anandanatarajan and the participants.
I thank Prof. Rajendran for the pictures. My (new) camera packed up and you see pictures that include me (something different form the pics I normally take to include in my blog)

Monday, November 1, 2010

Integral Development Lab at Himalayas for IIM, Indore








The genesis was in phone call to Prof. Rvaichandran when I was on my Himalayan Sojourn in May-Jun. He saw a potential program for the students and it materialized   with the efforts of Prof. Ramana, Dushyant, Sarvesh and Arnav. Prof. Srnivas joined at the last minute and made a big difference. Before I go to the event, I express my gratitude to each and every one of them.
We called it ‘Integral development Lab’ as it offered scope for holistic development at all levels: body, mind and soul. The programs included
Yoga asanas, pranayama, deep relaxation, meditation
Trekking to Land’s end view, night trek to Tiffin Top, scaling the 8000’ high Niana peak and a 16 kilometre trek to Kanchee Dham via Snow view
Adventure activities including rock climbing, boldering, scrambling, rappelling and river crossing
Basics of stress management and emotional freedom
Principles of sustainable wellness - dietary principles for well being, self healing
Campfire and cultural program
Opportunities to work in groups and teams to improve bonds and team dynamics
The location is none other than Nainital, a Jewel in the Himalayan foot hills. We stayed in the serene Van Nivas Ashram, perched on a hillock, with a lovely view. The pristine glory of this place in the lush verdure of the Himalayas offered a unique opportunity to connect with the nature and enjoy the beauty of this very exotic and exalted region of Kumaon.
The event itself was very extraordinary, made so by the participation of the students. It is a first of its kind event in India and may be the world as well!  The richness of the activities, programs and participative events made it a truly interactive and experential program where each participant integrates what is best needed by him or her into their life. The energy was amazing and I now feel a young 35 (nines complement of my chronological age). In the company of this very energetic, enthusiastic group both Prof. Srinivas and I participated in all events! It filled me with a sense of exhilaration and joy. The love and affection I received from this group will remain etched in my memory forever.
We are grateful to Tara Di, Nalin Ji, Jayanto and his team for generously providing Van Niwas premises and facilities for IDL and helping us in every way. The adventure activities were conducted with excellent infrastructure, highly professional guidance, care and support.
I am grateful for the opportunity of facilitating this event and feel privileged to be part of it.
BECAUSE THE STUDENTS ARE, IDL IS.

Added on 20/11/2010
Please see the following links
for articles published by the participants/ IIMI
http://www.coolavenues.com/b-schools/b-school-events/iim-indore-students-learn-stress-relieving-techniques-lap-himalayas

http://www.mbauniverse.com/article.php?id=3843