– for winter wellness

July 10,2026

Live 💛 love 🍀Serve 💫

To my dear readers

Manawatia a Matariki – Happy Matariki 🌞

Hope you enjoyed all of today 🙏

I felt compelled to write on rasam – a culinary delight – reason being this is a dish that hails from the south of India and it is rich in the way it nourishes one’s mind and body and therefore adds dollops of goodness to everyday wellness 💫

Rasam adds a neat touch to bring warmth and ease the winter chills .

Rasam has anti inflammatory goodness in it – with turmeric and garlic and pepper 🌶️

Rasam also can be the basis of a good conversation – when you extend your hospitality to friends and family 🌞

So Rasam is like a broth – a light broth – you can also have it like an appetizer -😊

Steps for the rasam

Warm a bit of butter or ghee and add half a teaspoon of cumin seeds and mustard seeds – to saute …..

Add 3 crushed tomatoes

Add a pod of garlic ( you may chop these or add it’s whole garlic or add the paste )

Add a teaspoon of turmeric

Add half teaspoon of cumin powder

Half teaspoon of coriander powder

Half a teaspoon of chilli powder and

Good amount of pepper ( as how you may adapt to the spice aspect )🤔

Add coriander leaves and a 2 tablespoon of lemon juice ( fresh or bought )

Add a pinch of asafoetida ( hing in Hindi – can be found in your Indian and Asian stores

Add a teeny weeny bit of sugar

Allow all of the aforesaid to come to a boil for 5 – 7 min – and voila – rasam ready in minutes 🤗

The rasam can be had in its own or it tastes amazing with rice and fried potatoes or grilled fish on the side

I have added a link below – this is a more transitional rasam recipe from one of the best chefs of Southern India

I do hope you do try the rasam – I had lots of it in the past fortnight – and felt the need to share the wonders of the rasam with you all

For this week I am grateful to have time with near and dear and got to finish two neat books ….

Emma Grede’s – Start with yourself

Virginia Evan’s The correspondent

Go well

Keep warm

Arohanui

Live 💛 Love 🍀 Serve🌞

6 -06-26

To my dear readers,

May has been a super special month as I am back after celebrating a beautiful much awaited wedding in my family . 💛💫☘️

I write with gratitude that I am able to connect with you all once again – as always – I aspire that all or some of what I input in this blog adds value to your everyday wellness.🌞

“You have power over your mind – not outside events . Realise this and you will find strength”- Marcus Aurelius

The topic of today’s blog is stoicism – I choose stoicism as the principles of stoicism is also about choosing peace , learning to let go of what is no longer relevant and embracing the small and big challenges that might come our way.

Stoicism advocates a perspective that is all about emotional resilience and is logical ; with a stoic mindset one can learn to look at both positive and negative circumstances as experiences🤗🍀

Stoicism facilitates one to lead life based on one’s values – example our words , thoughts and our actions must reflect the values we hold close to our hearts 🥰

Therefore when we learn to rationalize and accept any situation just as they are – we allow for a response that is temperate and moderate . 🙏

Stoicism also is about turning inwards – using inner strength as an anchor to work through situations that present as choppy waters – so stoicism is steeped in the principle of wisdom 🙏💛

Knowing who we are
Having insight into what we need
Taking note of what we already have
Being brave
Taking a leap of faith
To keep at what gives us
Peace
And then
doing this day after day 🤗💛

Stoic philosopher Epictetus affirms
” He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not , but rejoices for those which he has.”

Keep warm – go gentle and stay strong💛☀️
Much aroha

Learning and wellness

29-04-26

Live 💛 love ☘️Serve 💫

I am delighted to take this opportunity to connect with you – my dear readers , and for this blog I make a conscious choice to elaborate on the joys of learning and its relevance to our wellness potential .

” The more that you learn the more places you will go ” – Dr. Seuss

I have always been fascinated by how one learns – learning styles can be varied and slow paced – what matters is the willingness to keep learning.

Here’s an example

I have dabbled with notes on the piano and on some days the notes feel light and easy and there are days when the practice feels onerous! Most of all I love the feeling of empowerment that comes with practice and consistency.

Learning something new can be very empowering – yet it can also be daunting – as it puts your skills to test – your ability to grasp to understand , to process and then the application of it all.

Learning a new skill can be demanding on our energy levels- as it requires focus and a certain commitment to ourselves to….
Go out of the comfort zone and to persist .Most of all there is an expectation to be consistent until a skill is learnt .

With learning
Comes new connections
Our worlds becomes bigger
Our mindsets become less rigid and
There is a certain humility that reminds us
That there is so much more on offer ….when one is willing to learn …- to connect and thence to progress.

” Learn as if you were to live forever ” – Mahatma Gandhi

With much love

Live 💛Love🍀 Serve💫

To my dear readers,

I have been debating on my blog… do I continue or do I stop or do I take myself a temporary break ….

I do not have clear no or or resounding yes…. so, for now I choose to keep at it – the intention always is to connect through knowledge, art, musings or perspectives ….

My intention for today’s writing is to share my take on life and times – what helps to make one shift towards being the better version of our selves ….

The answer is always – hold on to your Values.

On a personal note – my chosen values are Integrity, Service and Empathy  

I have written on this previously – however as I grow older, the more I choose to be value centric – the more I engage with people, communities and activities that resonate the same values.

Values also guide one in the way we choose our words to communicate.

In the choices we make  

In the manner we engage with our immediate and extended communities

Living with this mindset – there is also an added advantage of attracting like-minded people who enrich our lives.

Most of all one experiences transformation in its highest form when we walk our individual pathways within the context of our chosen values

I say this with conviction and gratitude – I remain grateful for my upbringing – my experiences that have taught me to do better – the sons I have raised, the  people I refer to as my friends – I remain super grateful for witnessing aroha in it`s purest form in the community that I serve . I am incredibly blessed and grateful for experiencing life and times with my partner who also happens to be my best friend.

” I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.” Tagore

My favourite poet Valluvar ( 4th-5th century ) affirmed ” Service to Humanity is service to God”

With much love ,

Live 💛 Love ☘️ Serve 💫

3 rd March 2026

The last month has been incredibly busy, hectic, fun, and then there were moments that felt confrontational, – yet there was an element of robustness to it.

What made this robust was bringing in the dimension of intention- therefore I choose to pen my thoughts on living with intention.

I find the need to write on this – for the following reasons.

“ Our intention creates our reality” – Wayne Dyer

Living with intention is transformational.

Life can be fascinating – it can be fun, intense – and then there are also those moments that we all experience from time to time – the reality of life can also sometimes feel and be overwhelming.

Adding intention to the way we choose to live and breathe – allow scope for meaning – purpose and everyday wellness.

Integrating intention into our spoken word – can be empowering – the core purpose of language is about communicating effectively – so choosing the words with care – and thought allows for an interaction that has all to do with connections that count and connections that matter.

Some ways of using intention in self talk and goal setting.

What do I want in two years’ time?

What do I want to do with this feeling?

What purpose does this serve?

What do my actions say about myself – how do I make a change –

How can I make a difference with the resources I have?

I would like to experience more of ……. How does that look like?

Intention has everything to do with thinking – that influences our feelings and our actions.

Embracing intention into our daily living practice – can bring us back into the present moment, -it can be centering.

Intention guides our responses and leading us to make wise choices and actions that reflect accountability and value.

 Intention has a strong influence on the trajectory of the choices we make –  

in building a life that matters – to live – to love and to serve.

“ A good intention clothes itself with power” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Live 💛 Love ☘️ Serve 🙏

Kia Ora my dear readers ,

We have ventured well into 2026 – and this is my sixth year of blogging…. I have enjoyed connecting through my art and writing – remain grateful for the feedback and learning. 

 I have experienced significant changes at a personal and professional level and there are times I wonder if I can keep with the writing and adding  value to the wellness kete. 

However for now it feels appropriate to focus on possibilities….😊💛

The concept of possibilities helps one to stay positive – encourages one to look ahead and therefore also  helps one to keep moving forth .

The notion of possibilities – helps one not to feel very stuck even when things are not working as it should be ….

The term possibilities allows scope for growth- allows for soft strength even during our most vulnerable moment . therefore it has a lot to do with mind shifts,  growth and resilience. 

” While you can’t control your experiences you can control your explanations ” – Martin Seligman 

Possibilities is about working on a robust narrative – it is about working towards a reality that is kind constructive and  enduring .

Wisdom is the best guide and faith is the best companion – Dalai Lama 

Possibilities – when aligned to higher values ( honesty , integrity , service , empathy , love ) resonates with the ethos of timeless wisdom.

It has everything to do with having faith that things are always going to get better …💛

With much love ,

Live 💛 – Love 🍀 Serve 🤲

16 Dec 2025

To my  dear readers ,

The month of December is rolling on with a hectic pace.  I am grateful and delighted to check in and share with you some insights on Emotional Intelligence 

Rationale for choice of topic : 

The core function of our brain is relational ;emotional intelligence is the potential that each of us have to tune into ourselves to bring out the best version of ourselves and then to have and make a positive outcome  on the numerous connections we make in our lifetime. 

Emotional intelligence and self awareness : 

Self awareness has a direct relevance to how we  manage  ourselves , our feelings  , our connections with our fellowmen, how we influence or influenced   and the actions we take.

Alternatively the actions we choose and make is a reflection of how much we are tuned into ourselves – our core needs – what’s going to work  versus what’s not going to work. 

Self awareness also allows scope for knowing what each of us want out of life …. 

Self Awareness is knowing / identifying 

What is it that I want ? 

How do I wish to get to my aspirations ?

What are the values I hold close?  and 

Ofcourse knowing 

What pushes my buttons ?! And 

What am I going to do about this … 

Management of feelings is about learning to work with the little and big feelings – knowing to navigate and manage our emotions especially  when things do not go as intended …. 

Social awareness is a component of emotional intelligence. Social Awareness is about having a sense of the other person- being able to feel what the other person is feeling -. Social awareness is about using empathy as a core value in the way we manage ourselves and relationship with those around us . 

Relationship management is all about leadership and emotional intelligence.

Having a strong  sense of social awareness also helps with relationship management , management of conflict – paves the way  for empathy , team work and then leadership. 

On that note I close with gratitude and aroha 😊

Live💛 – Love ☘️- Serve💫

28 Nov 2025

To my dear readers ,

A huge thank you to the opportunity I have had in checking in with each of you through the year ; and just as I begin my note with a vote of thanks 🙏 and light hearted cheer 😉 I set the intention for today’s post and choose to pen my thoughts on 3 actions for wellness that lean towards “half full glasses”🌞

So here goes 3 of my favourite wellness must dos 🙌

Time is the only precious commodity we have – therefore spending time doing what gives meaning or joy or contentment – adds to the wellness quotient . Offering time with those who need our presence can be transformative to the way we walk through life .

The inherent nature of time is that it remains unconquerable- Gita

Being in the present moment : the fascinating and intriguing aspect is that life throws challenges at each of us at different times – teaching ourselves to lean into the challenge , embracing acceptance and staying focused on the now – can be empowering.

Whatever the present moment contains , accept it as you had chosen it and always say yes to the present moment – Eckhart Tolle

Gratitude saying thank you to even the teeeny weeny moments that bring a smile is priceless in enhancing individual and collective wellness . Remembering to take note of the silver linings through every cloud that passes …. is not easy – yet can be done – it is impossible to hold on to resentment when we say “thank you”🤭😉….✅

Wear gratitude like a cloak and it will feed every corner of your life – Rumi

Wishing you more wellness in all that you do every day 🤗💫

October 10 , 2025

Live -Love -Serve ☘️

The intention of October’s post is to write on love – and the role of this power centric value in our wellbeing.

Love is a word and concept that is used in simple everyday language💛

We have also seen love being used in a euphoric sense 💛

So what does this love mean and why is it fundamental to everyday living -for all of us humans ☘️💛

Love reinforces basic human need for connection and belonging.
Staying connected therefore provides an avenue for meaningful interactions 😊☘️💛

Life with meaningful and loving connections fuels one with purpose ☘️
When interactions feel safe and meaningful , there is scope for lightness and joy – increase in levels of safety and wellbeing – emanates a reality that
Radiates love ❤️

Here are some avenues that help manifest love in everyday living 😊
Engage in activities that help you feel safe and calm ☘️
Be amidst those who bring in more smiles 😊😊😊😊😊
Develop an awareness of your interested and start making building blocks of experiences that is concrete ☘️
For example –
1. It can be joining a group of fund raisers
2. Walking together for 30 minutes with a friend who makes you feel safe , kind and calm
3. Aaaaaa for the priceless love of pets 🤗💛 Being with your pet -and experiencing a lightness in your manner
4. Making a nourishing meal for you or for someone else or enjoying a cup of tea with a dear friend
5. Music can also fill your cup with oodles of everyday light and joy 💛
6. The vastness of nature – the stillness of trees , tilt of the waves and the dance of flowers can also be deemed a celebration of euphoric love 💛
7. Art for some is the the essence of love
8. Quest for knowledge, and experiences that inspire go within the realm of love 💫💛
9. Devotion – time with and for the Divine has everything to do with love so I believe ☘️😌
10. Service – being of help , offering to give of your time and resources towards betterment of someone else is ofcourse love on the grandest scale 💛🎶🎼🎵💛☘️💫
11. Always honour and Give thanks to those who helped you recognise the value of 💛

I do aspire for each of you to live everyday with Love in your heart 😊💛☘️💫🎵🎼💛

” Reach high for stars lie hidden in you. Dream deep for every dream precedes the goal “- Rabindranath Tagore

And on that note
Much love and
Ma te wa

Live 💛 Love ☘️ Serve 💫

To my dear readers,

Come September and the advent of spring. There is a burst of colour in the crisp cool air – with daffodils, some orchid blooms and a hint of the first leaves of the hydrangea blooms. 

What am I going to write about this time around …. hmmmm….. Happiness – as being happy is about a choice that we make each day. Rationale for my choice of topic is ….👋

“ Happiness is a state of mind – it has nothing to do with the external world” The Gita

a.  Around the need to hold on to a positive mindset even when things do not necessarily go our way or (as it is said ….) when the ducks are not in a row …. 🦆🦆🦆

b.  As we grow older, we are bound to experience varying levels of unease either through health impediments, conflicts, minor and major feuds and loss through separation, divorce, death of a loved one….there is no escaping life`s twists and turns …. 

“While you cannot control your experiences, you can control; your explanations” Martin Seligman 

c.  What does matter is making a conscious choice towards choosing to walk lighter and being more kind to ourselves every day ☘️💛

d.  This is a necessity for our physical wellbeing and mental wellbeing. 

Therefore – In pursuit of happiness …. what are some of the paths that can be made available 

–  Counting on the positive even when things are looking bleak and dark. This is hard – yet put that in writing – and you can experience a shift in affect.

–  Taking time to appreciate that what is free – teaching ourselves to look at the sky, wonder at the flowers and feel light when noticing the breeze or the blue green hues of the sea🌊

–  Stealing a moment to demonstrate kindness to someone else – when when things are looking wry – (evidence suggests that our primitive brain relaxes when engaging in acts of kindness) – it can be buying a meal, a coffee, a pair or socks, or offering your precious time – once again keep a log …

–  Going along with the gift of exercise – walk, move to a dance, engage in gentle stretches and watch for the shift in your mood- keep a log of this too.🚶🏊‍♂️

–  Engaging in breathwork practice every day being able to inhale – hold and exhale – is transformative in mind and body wellness 🧘‍♂️

–  Making gratitude practice mandatory -write down 3 things you a thankful for each day. Write a thank you note to someone appreciating them – include the detail. Choose a new person each day – and do this for 21 days- one study reflects a clear shift in the happiness quotient when we include gratitude practice for our everyday living.💛☘️

–  When well-being comes from engaging our strengths and virtues, our lives are imbued with authenticity- Martin Seligman

–  Developing a habit to make regular social connections –and being committed to being in kind, and supportive company ; for those of us living singularly, or battling an illness this may not always be easy -however beginning to take minuscule steps in allowing kind and caring folks into our inner space…and enjoying a smile or two works wonders always ….😊🎂🍰

And on that note ,-

Ma te wa 💛💫