Spirituality, a vast and profound realm of existence. While it may just be a word to some, but for me, it embodies the art of living with mindfulness, empathy and grace. It is about becoming a gentle observer of one’s inner world, cultivating awareness of one’s thoughts, words, and actions, and consciously channelizing them toward one’s highest good and greatest joy.
As we navigate through life and gather experiences, our comprehension of spirituality continually evolves and deepens, revealing ever greater clarity and purpose. Over the years, my own interpretation of spirituality has evolved from an abstract idea to a practical compass that helps me face life’s challenges with clarity, compassion, and cohesion. I believe spirituality is not about adhering to rigid rules, but about fostering awareness and moving through life with ease and grace. This guiding force has taught me to slow down, turn inward, and make conscious choices aligned with my highest self, transforming my life into an odyssey of meaning, balance, and joy.
With time, I’ve realized that spirituality isn’t about escaping or detaching from the world, but about engaging with it with greater awareness and openness. With this realization comes modesty, fostering harmony between yourself and the world around you. You begin to feel a profound connection with all of life, yet you’re no longer bound by the need to hold on. There’s a certain freedom in that – loving fully without attachment, caring deeply without control. Like the wind, spirituality flows through you, reminding you that true presence comes not from grasping, but from simply being. While spirituality is an extensive and deeply personal subject, carrying different connotations for different people, yet, at its core, I believe, true spirituality shares the common purpose for many of us:
- It contributes in transcending reactive, impulsive and compulsive patterns, guiding us to live in harmony with both our inner and outer dimensions.
- It fosters inner strength while maintaining an open heart, cultivating compassion that is independent and free from attachment or dependence.
- It helps us find ease in solitude, embrace peace in stillness, and develop gratitude for life’s simple yet significant things.
- Spirituality gradually develops fearlessness without hardening the spirit, and engenders kindness that flows freely, not from need, but from a place of abundance.
- It gently teaches us how to walk through life rooted, aware, and connected – yet unattached.
There may be a shared thread that binds many spiritually evolved individuals and, yet spirituality is neither a fixed notion nor a universal formula that fits everyone. It is a living, transforming journey that reveals itself over time. It evolves with us as we experience life’s joys, sorrows, challenges, and quiet moments. What once felt unclear gradually becomes an inner compass, not pointing us toward perfection, but toward presence, self-awareness, and authenticity.
In a world that often pulls us outward, spirituality calls us inward. It invites us to slow down, listen deeply, and live intentionally. It reminds us that we are more than our habits, more than our reactions, and certainly more than what we own or achieve. It teaches us to meet life with humility, to love without clinging, and to find stillness even in motion.
In a world that prioritizes speed, success, and external approval, spirituality offers something more profound – an invitation to pause, introspect, learn and evolve. It teaches us that real strength is found not in rigidity, but in a compassionate and forgiving heart; that courage can coexist with vulnerability; and that true connection doesn’t depend on attachment.
Spirituality empowers to step back from the constant noise of everyday life and observe our experiences with awareness and a sense of detachment. It instills within us the capacity to remain impartial, non-judgmental, and neutral in our perceptions and interactions. It leads us back to ourselves—more whole, more grounded, more grateful and more compassionate. It enables us to lead our lives not from fear or habit, but from clarity, love, empathy and conscious choices.
In conclusion, it is important to recognize that spirituality extends beyond a mere intellectual concept; it is a transformative journey of self-realization. I sincerely hope that, regardless of where you stand on this path, you continue to grow and inspire through the intuitive wisdom of your inner being. May you find peace, purpose, and enlightenment as you progress. Most importantly, may your journey – no matter how intricate – ultimately lead you back home, to your authentic self.
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Contributor :
Meenakshi Raina
Analysis of Dementia in Kashmiri Pandits
Dementia among Kashmiri Pandits, especially those from the exodus generation (1990s), is an emerging concern that needs deeper study. While there is no large-scale research specifically on this community, we can analyze the risk factors based on their history, trauma, and current living conditions.
1. Key Risk Factors for Dementia in Kashmiri Pandits
A. Trauma-Induced Cognitive Decline
- Forced Displacement (1990 Exodus): The sudden uprooting from ancestral homes, loss of livelihood, and witnessing violence led to extreme emotional distress.
- PTSD and Chronic Stress: Studies show that prolonged post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) significantly increases the risk of dementia. Many elderly Kashmiri Pandits, who lived through the exodus, show signs of PTSD.
- Survivor’s Guilt: Many Pandits who lost family members or couldn’t return to their homeland suffer from survivor’s guilt, which affects mental health.
B. Isolation and Social Disconnect
- Loss of Community Living: Kashmiri Pandits were a closely-knit community in the Valley. The migration disrupted social bonds, leading to increased loneliness, a known risk factor for dementia.
- Fragmentation of Families: Many young Pandits moved abroad or to other Indian cities, leaving elderly parents in migrant camps or isolated homes, reducing mental stimulation.
C. Unfavorable Living Conditions
- Camp Settlements in Early Years: The harsh living conditions in refugee camps (Jammu, Delhi, etc.) during the 1990s and early 2000s caused malnutrition, heat exposure, and poor healthcare, which contribute to long-term cognitive decline.
- Limited Access to Mental Health Support: Unlike urban centers, many displaced Pandits did not have access to mental health professionals for stress and anxiety management.
D. Lifestyle and Health Factors
- Hypertension and Diabetes: Studies link hypertension and diabetes to higher dementia risk. Many Kashmiri Pandits, now in their 60s and 70s, suffer from these conditions due to dietary and lifestyle changes post-exodus.
- Lack of Physical and Mental Exercise: Before migration, many Pandits were engaged in spiritual practices, temple visits, and cultural activities—all forms of mental engagement. Displacement disrupted these activities, potentially accelerating cognitive decline.
2. Possible Trends and Emerging Data
Although no direct research exists, general patterns from similar displaced communities (such as Holocaust survivors and Partition refugees) suggest:
- Higher prevalence of early-onset dementia in populations that faced displacement and trauma.
- Increased vascular dementia cases due to stress-related heart diseases.
- Poor mental health interventions in refugee populations lead to higher cognitive impairment rates.
Kashmiri Pandit community organizations and NGOs should push for medical studies and mental health surveys to confirm these trends.
3. Preventive Measures and Support
A. Community-Level Interventions
- Mental Health Awareness Campaigns: Conduct dementia screenings and counseling sessions in Kashmiri Pandit community hubs.
- Cultural and Social Engagement: Encourage elderly Pandits to participate in religious and cultural programs to stimulate memory and emotional well-being.
- Support Groups for PTSD Survivors: Many still live with unresolved trauma; structured therapy and community circles can help.
B. Medical and Lifestyle Interventions
- Routine Cognitive Health Checkups: Regular checkups in elderly Pandits (60+ years) can help detect early dementia symptoms.
- Yoga & Meditation Programs: Many Kashmiri Pandits already practice meditation—structured programs can slow cognitive decline.
- Memory Therapy Sessions: Reviving old Kashmiri traditions, music, and food culture can help dementia patients reconnect with their past.
4. Need for Further Research
To address dementia in Kashmiri Pandits, researchers should conduct:
- Longitudinal Studies – Tracking cognitive decline in elderly Pandits over time.
- Comparative Studies – Comparing Kashmiri Pandits with other displaced communities.
- Medical Interventions – Testing how trauma-focused therapy impacts cognitive resilience.
Conclusion
Dementia is a growing concern among aging Kashmiri Pandits, fueled by displacement trauma, social isolation, and lifestyle changes. While there is no direct research on this community, patterns from similar refugee groups suggest higher cognitive decline rates. Early intervention, mental health awareness, and community-based care can significantly help.
Potential collaborations with medical researchers or NGOs for this issue
Addressing dementia within the Kashmiri Pandit community necessitates collaboration with organizations experienced in both dementia care and the unique challenges faced by displaced populations. Here are some avenues to consider:
1. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) Focused on Kashmiri Pandit Welfare
- Sarhad: A Pune-based NGO that has historically supported Kashmiri Pandits, particularly in education. They have offered sponsorships for children’s educational needs and could be a valuable partner in community outreach and support programs.
- Kashmiri Pandit Network: Initiated by Sunil Fotedar in the 1990s, this network serves as a repository of cultural and heritage information for the community. Collaborating with them can aid in culturally sensitive dementia care initiatives.
2. Organizations Specializing in Dementia Research and Care
- Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Society of India (ARDSI): A national organization dedicated to dementia care and research. Partnering with ARDSI can provide access to expertise, resources, and support structures tailored to dementia patients.
- International Research Collaborations: Engaging with global studies on dementia, especially those focusing on diverse populations, can offer insights into culturally specific risk factors and interventions. For instance, recent studies have highlighted the need for inclusive research frameworks to understand dementia knowledge across different communities.
3. Academic and Medical Institutions
- National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS): Based in Bangalore, NIMHANS conducts extensive research on mental health and neurological disorders. Collaborating with them can facilitate studies focusing on the Kashmiri Pandit community’s mental health challenges, including dementia.
- Local Medical Colleges and Universities: Institutions in regions with significant Kashmiri Pandit populations can be approached to conduct community-based research and provide healthcare services.
4. Community Initiatives
- Cultural Preservation Programs: Engaging elders in documenting oral histories, traditions, and cultural practices can serve as cognitive stimulation and help preserve heritage.
- Support Groups: Establishing support groups within the community can provide caregivers and patients with shared experiences, resources, and emotional support.
Next Steps:
- Needs Assessment: Conduct a comprehensive survey within the Kashmiri Pandit community to identify the prevalence of dementia and related needs.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Organize meetings with the aforementioned organizations to explore potential collaborations.
- Resource Mobilization: Seek funding and resources to implement dementia care programs, including training for caregivers and healthcare providers.
- Awareness Campaigns: Launch initiatives to educate the community about dementia, its symptoms, and the importance of early intervention.
By building partnerships with these organizations and leveraging community strengths, it is possible to develop a comprehensive approach to address dementia among Kashmiri Pandits.
At KPonline, we have taken an initative for support to Post from family and friends, if unfortunately someone goes missing : https://kponline.in/list/missing/
Sources :
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/NGOs-to-the-aid-of-JK-Pandits/articleshow/42303028.cms
https://kashmirasitis.com/serving-kashmiri-community/
https://archpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13690-024-01476-1
Digital Rare Book: Yoga Makaranda or Yoga Saram (The Essence of Yoga) – Part One
By T. Krishnamacharya, Mysore Samasthan Acharya (Written in Kannada)
Tamil Translation by Sri C.M.V. Krishnamacharya (with the assistance of Sri S. Ranganathadesikacharya)
Kannada Edition – 1934 Madurai C.M.V. Press, Tamil Edition – 1938
Book extract:
Why should yoga abhyasa be done? What does one gain as a result of practising yoga? What should the duration of the practice be (how much time should be spent on the practice)? What are the reasons for and effects of the practice? People keep asking me these questions. Others ask me various questions related to this subject. I have written this book in order to answer their questions.
But before doing that I would like to say a few words. Nowadays, the attitudes of people in our society are changing. They look at all their affairs as business ventures and think only in terms of making a profit or loss. This outlook is on the increase. This attitude is becoming an obstacle to our spiritual progress. It is pathetic and sad that this instant gross business-oriented attitude meant to be applied during transactions with a road-side vendor has been applied to even matters involving sanatana dharma and spiritual truths.
One cannot have such a trivial attitude as expecting immediate benefits in auspicious matters like yogabhyasa, worship, sandhya vandanam (salutation to the sun) or chanting of mantras as though one were a labourer who does one hour of work and expects immediate payment. They should not lament that they have not received even one paisa for all the time spent on this. When this pattern of thinking begins, we enter a phase of deterioration day by day.
Auspicious matters such as yogabhyasa are not like business ventures conducted at a road-side shop. The readers should note this point carefully. They should reflect on how much we get paid for all the time that we waste every day. For example, how much time have we wasted on sleep or useless chatter or other such activities? All living beings including humans spend a minimum of 6 to 7 hours on sleep. Does anybody think that they have wasted too many hours on this pointless or unprofitable sleep and decide that henceforth they will not sleep? Never. The reason is that if this time is not spent daily on sleep without expectations of remuneration, the body will perish. Maybe one can forego five to six days of sleep. Even this causes the head to start reeling. After that, one has no energy to do anything. Therefore, everybody knows with certainty and from experience that all living beings need a specified amount of sleep irrespective of whether they obtain any material benefit from it. Physical health, enthusiasm and liveliness are all benefits of sleep. Not only that, it is not an exaggeration to say that our body and mind are rejuvenated as a result of sleep.
How does sleep acquire this power of rendering so many benefits? Where did this come from? Why is it that without sufficient sleep living beings become dull in their mind, the body heats up, and they develop a dullness of intellect, a lack of enthusiasm, and weakness? It is important to first explain this aspect in detail to readers. The answers to this will clear many doubts the readers have. Through these explanations, the earlier questions will also be answered properly.
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What Is Phone Addiction?
Phone addiction is the obsessive use of a smartphone. The behavioral addiction is often dubbed as “nomophobia,” or the fear of being without a mobile device. There are over 3.8 billion smartphone users in the world. Research published by Virgin Mobile discovered that those billions of smartphone users receive 427% more messages and notifications than they did a decade ago. They also send 278% more texts. The rise in phone use seems like a natural necessity for modern life, however, it can also cause concern and negative consequences. The heavy use of these devices has consumers questioning their cellular habits. According to Google Trends, since 2004 searches for “cell phone addiction” have been rising.
Designed To Be Addictive
Access to a smartphone can make life easier by making information accessible. Still, the convenience comes at a price. The devices are carefully designed to be hard to put down. Through its colors, sounds, and vibrations, the technology purposely keeps its users engaged. According to former Google design ethicist Tristan Harris, features like “pull to refresh” were inspired by slot machines and other casino games. Designers and engineers meticulously develop every aspect of the device to create fanatical users.
Negative Effects Of Phone Addiction
Chronic phone use is a recently developed form of addiction. The American Psychiatric Association does not officially recognize the condition. Still, it is acknowledged as a behavioral addiction by many medical professionals and researchers worldwide. According to several studies, over time, the devoted use of smartphones can alter and negatively impact an individual much like gambling.
Phone addiction may lead to:
- Sleep deficit
- Lower concentration
- Creativity blocks
- Aggravated ADD
- Anxiety
- Reduced cognition
- Stress
- Loneliness
- Insecurity
- Impaired relationships
- Poor grades
- Psychological disorders
Chronic phone use can also cause other physical dysfunctions, like GABA (a neurotransmitter in the brain) dysfunction and a loss of grey matter in the brain, which are highly correlated to substance use disorders.
GABA Dysfunction
Chronic phone overuse is proven to change reward circuits in the brain chemically. One of the primary affected neurotransmitters is gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that produces a calming or euphoric effect. It can even control fear and anxiety. The inhibitor plays a significant role in addiction by rewarding substance use and reinforcing addictive behaviors.
Research shows that chronic phone use can increase or decrease GABA production. Disturbances to the GABA system are proven to be a warning sign of addiction. In a study by the Radiological Society of North America, heavy phone use was linked to an upsetting ratio of GABA to other neurotransmitters. When the teen test subjects received cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for the disorder, their brain chemistry reverted to a non-addicted ratio.
Decrease In Grey Matter
Grey matter in the brain is connected to the part of the central nervous system responsible for enabling individuals to control movement, memory, and emotions. A recent study scanned participants’ brains with a phone addiction and discovered a change in their brain’s grey matter. According to the researchers, the physical shape and size of their brains resembled that of drug users. Grey matter volume among people addicted to their phones diminished in critical areas, a condition similarly observed in people with a substance use disorder.
Suicide
It is important to note that there has also been a rise in depression and suicide among teenagers in recent years correlated to phone addiction. Adolescent girls are particularly susceptible to the risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between 2010-2015, the suicide rate rose by 65%. At the same time, the rate of severe depression among girls increased by 58%. Many researchers believe the rise in suicides is a direct reflection of the negative effects of phone addiction.
Signs And Symptoms Of Phone Addiction
There is a fine line between healthy and compulsive mobile use. Depending too heavily on a device can lead to a mobile addiction. A scholarly journal published by the National Library of Medicine reports that 6.3% of the overall population is addicted to their smartphone. The pattern of abuse is greatest among those under 30, with an average of 16% of adolescents addicted. Though chronic phone use is prevalent, how can you distinguish between “normal” phone use and phone addiction?
Below are a few ways to discern if someone has signs and symptoms of a phone addiction:
- Lying about smartphone use.
- Loved ones expressing concern.
- Neglect or trouble completing duties at work, school, or home.
- More and more time using a phone.
- Checking peoples’ profiles repeatedly due to anxiety.
- Accidents or injury due to phone use.
- Working later to complete tasks.
- Weak or non-existent social life.
- Isolation from loved ones.
- A feeling of lack of connection.
- Angry or irritated if phone use is interrupted.
- Getting up at night to check a phone.
- Reaching for the phone the moment they are alone or bored.
- Phantom vibrations (thinking the phone buzzes when it doesn’t).
- Limiting phone use is difficult.
- Craving access to a smartphone or another device.
- Fear of missing out.
It is essential to remember that there is no specific amount of time, frequency, or messages sent that indicates phone addiction. Yet an accumulation of the above warning signs is an indicator of an underlying phone use problem.
Phone Addiction Treatment
Phone addiction is pervasive. Still, there are ways to combat and treat the disorder. There are specialized addiction treatment centers that can help. Some of these detox centers offer a variety of programs to help their patients kick the digital addiction.
Below are a few treatment approaches used by facilities to treat phone addiction:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Group therapy
- Marriage or couples counseling
- Group support (e.g., Internet Tech Addiction Anonymous)
- Psychotherapy
- Motivational interviewing
- Medication-assisted treatment
Don’t Let Phone Addiction Win
Though smartphones are an excellent resource, they also can be potentially dangerous tools, especially for children and young adults. The extent of issues that arise from excessive phone use is still not completely understood. However, as science continues to link health problems to cell phone use, it is essential to be proactive.
If you are worried about yourself or a loved one, there are steps you can take. Do not let a phone consume anyone’s life. Take an empowered step towards recovery, possibly by delineating a short timeframe in which to complete an all-out “phone detox.” If that’s not feasible for you or for the one with the problem, then bring as much awareness to the issue as you can — sometimes, being conscious of our issues and tracking our behavior as best we can is all we can do.
If you or a loved one is having difficulty ceasing compulsive phone use, then you may want to consider treatment.
Article Credit : https://www.addictioncenter.com/drugs/phone-addiction/
Hormones are your body’s chemical messengers. Once released by glands into blood stream they act on various organs & tissues to control everything from the way your body functions to how you feel.
One group of hormones are nicknamed the “feel-good hormones” because of the happy and sometimes euphoric feelings they produce. What are the four feel good hormones?
These are :
1.DOPAMINE
2.SEROTONIN
3.ENDORPHINS
4.OXYTOCIN
DOPAMINE :- Often called Happy Hormones. Dopamine results in feeling of well being.It spikes when we experience something pleasurable.Dopamine is most notably involved in helping us feel pleasure as part of brains reward system. Release of Dopamine while performing some of the following activities
Sex, Shopping,Smelling cookies, Baking Eating delicious food, Listening music, Dancing, Acting, Exercise etc.
Dark side of Dopamine is the intense feeling of reward, when people take drugs, smoking, alcohol consumption which leads to addiction.
SEROTONIN:- When you feel happy and all seems right with the world,you are feeling the effects of Serotonin.This hormone is responsible for boosting mood as well as host of other functions.Serotonin acts on different parts of the brain to affect a variety of functions & behaviours including
° Memory
° Fear
°The stress response
°Digestion
°Addiction
°Sexuality
°Sleep
°Breathing
°Body temperature
LOW LEVEL OF SEROTONIN IS LINKED TO DEPRESSION. It is possible to increase serotonin without taking medicines. Our natural way to increase serotonin is by working out, Exercise, Dancing,Walking, Laughing
ENDORPHINS:-THE BRAINS NATURAL PAIN RELIEVER .To increase endorphins , following activities help
°Exercise
°Acupuncture
° Meditation
°Sex
°Playing music,Singing, Dancing Laughter
° UV Light -Outdoors in Sunlight
OXYTOCIN:- Is a peptide hormone. It plays a role in social bonding, Reproduction, Childbirth
Oxytocin is also called as Love hormone because. It is responsible for some of the positive emotions you feel during attraction and sexual desire.Oxytocin is not addictive.
Contributor :
Sudeer Wanchoo
Mental issues too affect our health some of the time -One such is Depression.
Good, Bad & Worse : Depression can walk in any day but good thing is it can walk out also after some time with or without medication. It is curable, in any case, with some change in life-style, support from near & dears as well as coaching by professionals. Depression is not something to be depressed about for long.
However, the bad thing is that the reasons of depression are so varied, it becomes difficult to prevent its onset. Family problems, may those be health related or financial are not the only set of causes, obscure matters like monotonous routine may also trigger depression. Bad does not end there. Contrary to above, someone who is adhering to a hugely varied routine also has just equivalent chances of going into depression. It all depends on what is perceived by the Brain as stress and how much of it the Brain can cope up with.Coming to the worst part, a disorder named Schizophrenia too may be caused by depression or may manifest depression along with many other symptoms. Though Schizophrenia is widely spread in all spectrum of society, name of one celebrity which comes first to my mind is Parveen Babi. She suffered from it, if some of you are aware of what she went through, it was horrible. The money, the resources, the relations, everything falls short of in majority of cases. The problem is the Brain, which is egotistic. It does not accept that there could be problem with it. And, unless it accepts so, there is hardly any cure. It is self-destructive. This all happens because of Chemical imbalances in Brain. It is a real ‘Chemical लोचा’, a phrase picked from लगे रहो मुन्ना भाई.
Is there a course of action? : . an early detection may be the only savior, which, because of Brain’s unwillingness to recognize a problem, rests with family & friends. But that too has pitfalls. Who will dare tell a close friend or relative that Schizophrenia was slowly drawing in? Anyway, how do we recognize it? The most prominent of symptoms is ‘uncalled for suspicion’ or ‘paranoid’. It goes against the normal legal parlance of ‘innocent till proved guilty’. Here the thought is more like others are guilty and are conspiring to put the person some harm. Unnecessary suspicion or distrust is giveaway of this disorder. When people say ‘ शक और वहम का इलाज तो हकीम लुकमान के पास भी नहीं था’, in fact they are referring to this disorder. It is only a starting stage. Without delving into details of severe stages, would like to conclude saying that before severity sets in, if family or friend can show some courage in convincing the person affected to take corrective measures.it may prevent deterioration in quality of life for the person as well as everyone around.
Contributor :SUDEER WANCHOO
