Whenever someone worked overtime, it was common to hear beaming superiors react by showering the person with compliments about his willingness to sacrifice his personal time, and lauding him for his positive work ethic.

On the flipside, it was rare to hear of bosses who encourage me and my colleagues to take more days off, even after periods of immensely high workload.

That was the situation four years ago when I first started work providing patient care in the healthcare sector.

Over time, I realised it has become ingrained in me that someone who prioritises work and continues to work beyond normal working hours is considered a good worker.

Although the work is meaningful, what drained my soul and increased my levels of stress and irritability was the fact that I had to work on most weekends, as well as the 28-hour overnight calls that are common in the industry.

To make things worse, I do not own a separate work phone and use the same contact number for both personal and work uses, which has become a constant regret.

There were many occasions when I had to attend to a question about work from a colleague late at night, probing for clarity on patients conditions and plans. This sometimes interrupted the rest that I needed to recharge for the next day.

I cant count the number of nightmares that Ive had involving myself swamped with many patients waiting to be admitted, only to wake up while drenched in cold sweat.

Working to the bone in such a way, I unknowingly began to neglect myself as well as my social relationships, and my physical and mental health suffered.

Initially, I coped by bottling up my feelings, since many other colleagues are working just as hard as me, with working hours as long as mine. I felt that I should not complain about the situation which I could not change.

But occasionally, I would rant about my exhaustion to my friends, especially those who were patient enough to lend a listening ear.

At that point, the mental and physical drain made me feel that I was probably burnt out. I felt like a candle melting under the immense workload and hours placed on me, with no hope of putting out the fire.

Some of my friends noticed it too when I missed certain gatherings that I used to join. I was in no mood to go out and have fun.

What changed for me was when I came across a speech by Kevin OLeary, a Canadian businessman and panellist on the television show Shark Tank. It was called Why I Dont Believe in Hiring Workaholics, which he posted onto his Facebook.

According to OLeary, the life of a workaholic leads to burnout. This is why he always asks someone what he or she does in their spare time before hiring them, because successful people need a balanced life to work optimally.

I was surprised at first that a capitalist and investor like him would value work-life balance over sheer hard work, but I began to understand why self-care was so important to reach success.

With a newfound understanding of the perils of a workaholic life, I began to try to find a balance in my life from May to August.

One of my friends, who is passionate about the concept of mindfulness, recommended me to try yoga as a way to find wellness and balance in both mind and body.

Some of my other close friends, on the other hand, did not believe that I could stick to a yoga routine, as they thought my fast-paced lifestyle was simply antithetical to a yogic life.

Not knowing how yoga could help me, I was nevertheless determined to put in effort to turn my burnout around and seek a more mindful lifestyle.

I was quickly drawn to aerial yoga after some research, due to its visual appeal and diverse shapes. This is a form of yoga that uses fabrics suspended in air to perform yoga routines.

For over two months, I trained and practised doing backbends, poses, inversions and drops from a silk fabric or a trapeze. Sometimes, I even did back-to-back classes on the same day.

Once I started, there was no turning back.

Although I was initially a sceptic, I started to discover several life lessons from my yoga classes.

For example, aerial hanging postures, such as the Inverted Buddha pose, showed me how to attain a sense of healing and inner peace as the action of dangling upside down somehow calmed and cleared my mind.

My theory is that because such a posture encouraged me to not focus my surroundings, lest I lose my balance. Instead, I would close my eyes, focus on myself as well as every breath I took.

It was a revelation that I needed, at a time when I was so concerned about how people might frown upon the burnout and exhaustion I was undergoing.

This introspection has allowed me to have a better relationship with myself, as well as engage in more positive self-talk instead of being distracted by the cacophony of the outside world.

I was also taught another heartstopping yoga move, which involves falling some distance after releasing my grip on the fabric, and allowing the fabric to catch me safely later on.

Known as the Goddess Drop, this routine taught me to let go instead of attempting to over-control parts of my life that are less than perfect. I didnt need to always be in control of every little thing, but to let life take its course instead.

If I was less prepared for a conference presentation at work for example, thanks to the Goddess Drop, I now adopt a better done than perfect perspective, rather than fault myself for not achieving the epitome of perfection.

Most importantly, aerial yoga taught me that it is perfectly fine to make myself a priority.

I learnt that taking care of ones health is paramount. As the saying goes, we cannot pour from an empty cup.

While work is important, I now realise that overworking is shortsighted and leads to deep-seated unhappiness and an unhealthy body.

In the future, I hope to continue to strike a mindful balance between work and life, and perhaps take up aerial yoga teacher training, explore new routines and postures in an enjoyable way.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Alvona Loh Zi Hui is a junior doctor who works at a public hospital in Singapore.

Read more from the original source:
Gen Y Speaks: Burnt out and stressed, I turned to yoga to stretch away my workaholic life - TODAY

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Whether youre an avid yoga enthusiast or a beginner to the practice, everything starts out with a great yoga mat. Sure, you can buy a basic option but wheres the fun in that? Why not spice up your yoga game by picking up a beautiful piece of equipment?

We found a handful of amazing mats that are incredibly durable and lovely to look at. All of these designs are interesting and unique were confident that youll find at least one from our roundup below to suit your aesthetic!

This Glow-in-the-Dark Mat

The fun design on this yoga mat glows in the dark, which can help guide you if youre participating in midnight meditation!

Get the Ananda Glow in the Dark Yoga Mat for $70 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication, September 26, 2022, but are subject to change.

This Extra Large Mat

If you prefer larger mats, this one is absolutely ideal. We also love that its thicker for extra comfort!

Get the nuveti TPE Large Yoga Mat for prices starting at $40 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication, September 26, 2022, but are subject to change.

This Reversible Mat

You can switch things up by flipping this mat over on either side so youre basically scoring two mats for the price of one!

Get the UMINEUX Yoga Mat Extra Thick for prices starting at $30 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication, September 26, 2022, but are subject to change.

This Moon Phase Mat

The simple print on this yoga mat is adorable and perfect for anyone who loves a minimalist look!

Get the Ajna Natural Rubber Yoga Mat for $80 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication, September 26, 2022, but are subject to change.

This Foldable Travel Mat

The way this mat is designed makes it easy to fold up. If youre a gal on the go, this is your best bet!

Get the Homaisson Folding Travel Yoga Mat on sale for just $21 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication, September 26, 2022, but are subject to change.

This Lightweight Mat

The lighter feel of this mat makes it excellent for traveling plus, there are plenty of fun prints to choose from!

Get the nuveti Printed Travel Yoga Mat for just $30 on Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication, September 26, 2022, but are subject to change.

This Bestselling Mat

Out of all of the mats we found, this one is definitely the most popular. Shoppers say its an amazing bang for your buck!

Get the Gaiam Print Yoga Mat for prices starting at $17 on Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication, September 26, 2022, but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Check out more of our favorites below:

Check out more of our picks and deals here!

This post is brought to you by Us Weeklys Shop With Us team. The Shop With Us team aims to highlight products and services our readers might find interesting and useful, such as wedding-guest outfits, purses, plus-size swimsuits, women's sneakers, bridal shapewear, and perfect gift ideas for everyone in your life. Product and service selection, however, is in no way intended to constitute an endorsement by either Us Weekly or of any celebrity mentioned in the post.

The Shop With Us team may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. In addition, Us Weekly receives compensation from the manufacturer of the products we write about when you click on a link and then purchase the product featured in an article. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product or service is featured or recommended. Shop With Us operates independently from advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback at ShopWithUs@usmagazine.com. Happy shopping!

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7 Amazing Yoga Mats That Are All Designed Beautifully - Us Weekly

Dussehra 2022 Date: On Wednesday, October 5, the festival of Dussehra will be celebrated all over the country. Shopping on the day of Dussehra is considered auspicious. If you want on this day, you can also do Diwali shopping. Arms worship is also done on this day. Along with this, Goddess Puja, Shami Puja, Shri Ram ji are also worshipped. Come let us know which are the best Muhurta and auspicious yoga for all the work.

Abuja Muhurta: The day of Dussehra is considered as one of the three and a half Abuja Muhurta, so the whole day is auspicious.

Amrit Kaal Muhurta: From 11:33 am to 01:02 pm. You can buy during this time. If you want, you can buy vehicles, gold or silver.

Amrit Kaal Shami poojan can also be done in Muhurta.

Afternoon time: Most auspicious time from 01:20:11 to 03:41:37 in the afternoon. In this, Shami Puja, Shri Ram Puja, Devi Puja, Havan etc. can be done.

Twilight time: From 06:12 to 06:36 in the evening. In this Muhurta, one can do aarti of Shri Ram and Goddess.

Victory Muhurta: From 02:26 pm to 03:13 pm. Arms can be worshiped in this Muhurta.

Auspicious Yoga: On Dussehra, Ravi Yoga will be from 06:30 am to 09:15 pm, Sukarma Yoga till 08:21 in the morning, after that Dhriti Yoga will remain for the whole day and night.

When to burn Ravana: There is a tradition of burning Ravana at night. Thats why you can see the Choghadiya of the night.

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Bought on Dussehra and the most special Muhurta and Yoga of worship - Globe News Insider

Irrespective of their nature, location or preferences, there are a lot of commons that all women have with each other. For instance, one might be an outgoing person with a lot of emphasis on education, friends, and career or a homemaker. However, taking care of health and wellness is equally important for all.

This becomes even more of a priority once you have got married, settled in a corporate job, and are ready to experience motherhood. From the very outset, there is a bond between mother and the unborn child which can be considered as philosophical, emotional or psychological as per the observers understanding. However, this bond is undeniable and when mindfulness and power of positive thinking is integrated into ones experience of pregnancy, the outcome is usually even better. For instance, you might write letters to your unborn child, or visualize things and situations, the way you want them to be.

Another key aspect of motherhood is to be physically active to the extent advised by doctors. These days, most doctors recommend specific yoga postures and breathing exercises etc. for expecting mothers. Quite often, first-time mothers are really scared of the experience, and develop a lot of fears and apprehensions about how the whole experience of childbirth is going to be. Thats where, maintaining a positive mindset and doing things like yoga and meditation prove to be quite helpful. In a lot of cases, it has been seen that practicing yoga and mindfulness makes the whole process quicker, easier and natural without any need for surgeries or medical complications. However, as any mother would testify, it is the experience post-delivery and the early years of raising a child, that are even more challenging than giving birth.

In cases of nuclear families, it isnt uncommon for mothers to leave their jobs so that they can take care of the child. If you have a supportive family and husband, then you would be able to juggle both private and professional lives with great success as long as you remain physically and mentally healthy. There would be extra weight to lose after a pregnancy. No matter how careful or meticulous you are, there is always going to be some extent of recovering to fitness. One might need to lose weight or get their energy back and so on.

Thats where yoga once again proves to be of a great help. Thankfully, there is a lot of awareness as well as access to qualified teachers and classes in almost all parts of India. Whether your aim is to reduce weight or feel fitter and more agile, yoga never lets you down. In fact, the kind of transition that yoga practice under the guidance of expert trainers is something as life-altering as being transported into an alternate universe where you become a different version of yourself. It would be almost as if Dr Strange conjured up some of his spells and changed your physical abilities and mental approach.

The best thing about yoga is that it is safe and beneficial for all ages, which makes it ideal for not only a new mother, but for her child as well.

Parents always want the best for their children whether it is getting them admitted to the top schools, giving them the best toys, clothes, food and all the facilities possible. Therefore, it is a great idea for young mothers to initiate their children into yoga practice at an early age. One of the best things about modern technology is that it helps you access almost everything at home.

Whether you wish to join a yoga studio, practice at home or on-the-go, the emergence of online platforms and smartphone apps has made it easy for all scenarios. You can initiate your child and inspire him/her by working out alongside. Once the child gets into the habit, they would adopt it as a life-long practice. The fact that yoga is a holistic form of physical exercise that helps in not just boosting physical flexibility or making one muscular, makes it even more ideal for mothers and children alike. With regular practice of yoga, one also gets to enjoy internal health benefits such as digestion, management and prevention of lifestyle diseases as well as lowering of stress.

Since kids are enthusiastic, energetic and flexible, it is best to start with some stretching and bending exercises such as Utrasana or the camel pose, Matsyasana (fish pose) or Dhanurasana (bow pose). Such poses help in strengthening back, thigh and buttocks muscles as well as boosting cardiovascular strength.

The key for young mothers is to know the importance of their own mental and physical wellness and of initiating their children into a fitness regime from an early age. With access no longer being a challenge in the digital era of online yoga platforms, there is no reason why you should settle for anything less. After all, health is truly the real wealth!

Views expressed above are the author's own.

END OF ARTICLE

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Yoga & motherhood - Times of India

PC: Four Seasons Resort Lnai

Four Seasons Resort Lnai, a Five-Diamond oceanfront retreat, is now offering fun for the whole family with seven kid friendly activities and experiences.

Explore the land and the sea with these activities and then return to the tranquil oasis of the Resort for a perfect end to a day in paradise, according to the announcement.

The Resort is offering: new childrensyogaclasses; tennis at theTennis Garden; golf at Four SeasonsMnele Golf Course; ziplining atLnai Adventure Park; take aim at the Lnai Archery and Shooting Range; explore the ocean with snorkel or sunset sails on the resorts 65 foot catamaran; or saddle upfor a horseback ride into the hills surrounding Kele.

In addition, Four Seasons Resort Lanai is committed to preserving and teaching the culture and history of the island and theLove Lnaicultural advisors daily program teaches children Hawaiian traditions fromhula and ukulele, to lei making and net weaving.

With a 90,000-acre (365 hectare) island to explore, families can enjoy a variety of activities, from land and ocean excursions to cultural activities and events just for kids.

Say Om

A new offering just launched at the Resort is Kids For All Seasons Yoga. Children aged 5-12 can learn how to focus and centre themselves with various breathing and visualization techniques, as well as improve coordination,strengthen their bodies and increase flexibility through more yoga poses in thisyogaclass.

For the Older Set Teens and parents can check out additional classes including aerial yoga, reiki, beach yoga and restorative sound healing.*

Lnai by Sea

Families have a chance to sail on the Resorts 65 foot (20 metre) catamaran and enjoy morning snorkel sails and evening sunset sails. From December through April, the experience turns into a whale watching expedition as Lnai, home to one of Hawaiis largest schools of spinner dolphins, also offers a haven to north Pacific humpback whales.All excursions include a selection of food, snacks and beverages.

For the Younger Set Kids can challenge their balance and hang five on snorkel sails as they paddle out on an SUP board in between searching for colorful fish underwater.

Aerial Adventures

TheLnai Adventure Parkoffers canopy ziplines and adventure towers that are kid friendly and a whole lot of fun. Children and parents can soar seated or in a Superman position on the zipline course, while getting amazing views of the Kaiholena Gulch. Or test balance and flexibility with the Adventure Tower, which offers more than 70 obstacles in a two-tiered elevated structure. Take a seat at the Picnic Table, balance on the Surfboard or Teeter-Totter or try the Slackline, Climbing Wall Traverse, Wood Cookies or Fire Cracker Logs.

For the Younger Set For the little ones, ages 4 and up, the ground-level Kids Course allows self-guided exploration through a series of different obstacles, and kids get to gear up just like the older adventurers with their own harness and lanyards set.

Take Aim

At the Lnai Archery and Shooting Range guests can challenge their hand and eye coordination. The 14-station course in the wooded uplandsoffers sporting clays launched to simulate flight patterns of duck,quail, dove, pheasant and even running rabbit patterns. Families can set their sight on 3D animal targetssuch as turkey, deer, T-rex or boar or take aim at traditionalarchery targets, from 5 to 25 yards (4.5-23 metres) away at the archery course. Combining archery and clay shooting, Sporting Arrows uses flu flu arrows to hit moving targets. The arrows heft allows for a powerful acceleration with a short flight to find the mark.

For the Younger Set Children as young as nine can enjoy these activities, with appropriate supervision child-sized equipment and special rates are available.

Saddle Up

Gather the gang for a horseback ride into the hills surrounding Koele, once the centre of ranching operations on the island, and explore the wooded valleys and trails of Lanais upland terrain. The wranglers can accommodate riders of all experience levels, including lessons. For the littlerkeiki,pony rides and cart rides with the minis are available. Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch in the pasture for a relaxing afternoon.

For the Younger Set Families can head up to the Lnai Ranch via resort shuttle or jeep and spend time with miniature horses, donkeys and goats while the wranglers talk story about Koele and thepaniolo(cowboy) culture on Lnai.

Learn Hawaiian Culture

Learn more about the rich variety of Hawaiian crafts and culture with Hooluana, a daily program of demonstrations and hands-on activities by theLove LnaiCultural Advisors, such askapala(stamps), hula and oli, ukulele playing, lei making, net weaving demonstrations and more.

For the Younger Set Favorite activities include coconut frond weaving, where kids can make fun pieces such as fish or another animal or private hula lessons where they practice fundamental steps and possibly learn choreography to a simple song.

Racquets and Clubs

Take advantage of complimentary demo racquets, balls and court shoes and book court time or join the pro for a class at theTennis Garden. Or, play a round onMnele Golf Coursewith Junior Golf after noon, one child plays free per paid adult. Complimentary rentals included for juniors (ages 17- under) as well as adults.

For the Family Kids of all ages will enjoy pickleball, a racquet sport gaining in popularity that combines elements of badminton, tennis and table tennis. Or enjoy Mini-Mnele, a six-hole, par-three course right on the practice facility for a complimentary and fun afternoon event.

The complimentaryKids For All Seasonsprogram encourages children to appreciate Lanais unique environment. They learn about petroglyphs, the spirit ofalohaand how the Hawaiian Islands formed. Reservations required.

*Complimentary and fee-based classes available.

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Kid friendly activities offered at Four Seasons Resort Lnai - Maui Now

Let me start by saying I have never been one for lifting, or even HIIT. Yoga is my true love, and until I had the TRX bands, my mat was essentially the only workout gear I had. The beauty of the TRX bands is, whether you're a heavy-lifter, a yogi, or both, there are so many options when it comes to this equipment.

The setup is also a breeze. The HOME2 set comes with a simple door frame strap that allows you to hook the bands behind any closed door in a matter of seconds. And there's also a separate suspension strap that allows you to take your bands on the go. (Think wrapping them around a tree for a workout in the park!)

I keep mine on the back of my bedroom door, visually reminding me to use them anytime I wantwhich is great, considering I work from home. Not to mention they take up hardly any space at all, making them great for apartment-dwellers and home-owners alike.

Over the years of having my bands, I've figured out a quick routine that works from me using some of my favorite moves. (Planks and mountain climbers to work my core, squats and lunges for the lower body, and so, so many different arm workouts!)

Nowadays, I don't really need to watch videos for inspiration, but when you're getting started, TRX has a bunch of workout videos to learn from, plus videos from real TRX users are also a-plenty on YouTube, TikTok, etc.

Go here to read the rest:
TRX Bands Review: Why I Don't Need Anything Else In My Home "Gym" - mindbodygreen

1. MUSIC, BEER

5th Annual DAStoberfest,

Abacoa Amphitheater

DAS Beer Garden welcomesSister Hazel, the Spin Doctors and hometown indie band Surfer Blood to this festival combininggreat music with fun Oktoberfest traditions includingstein-holding contests, German-style pub food and, of course, excellent beers.

The event is 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday.1260 University Blvd., Jupiter. Tickets start at $30. Information:dastoberfest.com

2. LISTEN, RELAX

Music at St. Paul's: Clarinet Quintet-athon,

St. Paul's Episcopal Church

This show will feature the incredibly talented Con Brio Quartet with Stojo Miserlioski on clarinet.

The performance is 3 p.m. Sunday. 188 S. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. $20. Information:musicstpauls.org

3. HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH KICK OFF

Art After Dark/Nuestra Cultura kickoff,

Norton Museum of Art

This edition of Art After Dark will feature a Spanish-language docent tour, an open studio inspired by Venezuelan artist Arturo Herrara and a concert with Cuban music group Cortadito.

The event kicks off at 5 p.m.Friday. 1450 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach. Information:norton.org

4. Twilight Yoga at the Light,

Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum

Experience the serenity of Yoga with Mary Veal on the Lighthouse Deck at sunset every Monday. Stay fit and calm your mind in this all levels class. Beginners are welcomed and encouraged.

The session is 7 to 8 p.m. Monday. 500 Captain Armour's Way, Jupiter. $10. Information:.jupiterlighthouse.org

5. LISTEN UP

Panic! At the Disco "Viva Las Vengeance Tour 2022,"

FLA Live Arena

Get an earful of great songs including "Victorious," "High Hopes," "Don't Let the Light Go Out," and more. With special guests MARINAand Jake Wesley Rogers.

The show is 7 p.m. Tuesday. One Panther Way, Sunrise. See website for ticket prices. Information:flalivearena.com/events

6. GET ROCKIN'

Alice in Chains & Breaking Benjamin "American Tour 2022,"

iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre

Turn October into Rocktober with a heaping helpingof grunge with Alice in Chainsand post-grunge, hard-rocking alternative from Breaking Benjamin. Also featuring Bush.

The show is 5:30 p.m. Saturday. 601-7 Sansbury Way, West Palm Beach. See website for ticket prices. Information:westpalmbeachamphitheatre.com

7. MORE TO HEAR

"Legend at Arts" featuring 311 and Cypress Hill,

ArtsPark at Young Circle

Multi-platinum rock group 311 will join forces with legendary multi-platinum hip hop group Cypress Hill to kick off thisbrand-new music series at ArtsPark.

The show is 5 p.m. Oct. 7. One North Young Circle, Hollywood. Tickets start at $50. Information:legendsatarts.com

8. GO GREEN

Boca Raton Garden Club-General Meeting,

Boca Raton Community Center

This meet and greet will be for members and prospective members to learnabout the clubs many instructional, social and charitable activities planned for this year.

The event is 1 p.m. Tuesday.150 NW Crawford Blvd., Boca Raton. Free. Information:www.bocaratongardenclub.org; 561-395-9376.

Eddie Ritz is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at eritz@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.

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Best things to do this weekend: Music, beer fest with Spin Doctors, Sister Hazel in Jupiter - Palm Beach Post

Its time to celebrate, party, and gorge on delicious food and a lot of sweets as the Indian festive season is almost here. Navratri is right around the corner and will be followed by Dussehra, and finally Diwali. Festivals in India are full of excitement as they also mean new clothes, holidays, visiting friends and families, and mouth-watering delicacies to feast upon. But once the festive mood is over, the after-effects of all the sweets and savouries you happily indulged in, show up in the form of extra kilos. But what to do? The answer is Yoga. Practice yoga- asanas, pranayama, and meditation to keep yourself fit while trying every delicacy during the festivals. Here are a few Yoga asanas you could try

Suryanamaskar

Suryanamaskar or Sun Salutations has 8 asanas that are woven into a 12-step sequence. It helps in weight loss, strengthens muscles and joints, and improves the functioning of the digestive system. This asana will also help in improving your sleep.

Phalakasana

In Phalakasana, the body is held in a way that looks like a plank thin and long. The plank pose boosts metabolism and strengthens the core. You can cut down your festive weight gain with this pose as it reduces belly fat.

Naukasana

Naukasana or the boat pose is an excellent exercise to strengthen your core muscles. It also promotes fat burn. It helps in increasing blood flow and maintaining overall blood sugar levels.

Vajrasana

As you dig into high-calorie food, it is important to ensure that you are able to digest the food as well. Good digestion is crucial for weight control. After you have had a heavy meal, you can sit in Vajrasana (kneeling pose) to help with digestion.

Meditation

The high excitement of the festival can make you feel drained out or stressed. Take a breather by closing your eyes and meditating for a few minutes. Meditation will help you calm down and bring back your focus.

Read all the Latest Lifestyle News and Breaking News here

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This Festive Season, Practice These Yoga Asanas To Keep Your Weight In Check - News18

Nietzsche exalted Russia as a dark, patient, durable power that promised a lot more than what he saw as the weak and decaying Europe. The ideas driving Putins war against Ukraine are a lot more Nietzschean, and European, than many like to admit, argues John Milbank.

In one of his last works, The Anti-Christ, Nietzsche declares Russia to be the only power that has durability in it, which can wait, which can still produce somethingthe antithesis of that pitiable European petty-state politics and nervousness, with which the foundation of the German Reich has entered its crucial phase. Earlier, in Beyond Good and Evil, Nietzsche had already made the same claim that only Russia possessed a real collective and institution-building will, whereas liberalism and democracy, which allow and celebrate passive weakness, were causing European institutions to disintegrate. These and other comments now seem prescient, demonstrating the Nietzschean roots of Putins ideology.

One of the things Nietzsche draws attention to is Russias different timescale, its patience that derives from a power to will that has been stored and accumulated for ages. He then suggests that a weakening of this power, which ultimately threatens Western Europe, would require more than just a defeat of Russia in India and complications in Asia. It would also need an atomisation of the [Russian] empire into many small bodies and above all the introduction of parliamentarian nonsense, including the compulsion for everyone to read his newspaper while eating his breakfast.

Today these observations immediately strike us as all too pertinent. We can no longer assume that the sovereign, independent and democratic nation-state is the end of history, or that empires of various sorts are bound to decline. If Russia looks like a lumbering and wounded monster, then, equally, the West seems to be facing acute cultural division and a decline in the effectiveness of its public sphere. Which is the more fatal decadence?

SUGGESTED READINGThe philosophers behind PutinBy PaulRobinson

As a European himself, Nietzsche certainly did not face the prospect of an ultimate Russian triumph with equanimity. But he thought that it could only be resisted if Europe itself moved from competing nation-state politics to become equally threatening by fusing into a single will which one has to mean an imperial will. It is in this sense that Nietzsche was indeed not a proto-Nazi, even if his prejudices operated at a more European level and demanded the emergence of something like a more spiritual, armed, and authoritarian European Union.

On the other hand, Nietzsche also viewed the rise of Russia with a certain exaltation and glee. From the beginning to the end of his philosophy, he argued that the real high-points of the European past -- Greece of the Tragic era, Imperial Rome, the Renaissance -- had involved a certain tempered infusion of what he regarded as the barbaric, orgiastic, and unremittingly stern and forceful elements of the Asiatic. From that perspective, Russia is not just a menace to Europe but offers it something that it needs if it is to revive. This something can be found in what Nietzsche found valuable in the novels of Dostoevsky and that was certainly not their Christian dimension.

___

One of the things Nietzsche draws attention to is Russias different timescale, its patience that derives from a power to will that has been stored and accumulated for ages

___

One can question, at least in part, the Orientalism involved here and the dark romantic tendency to fantasise about an East which would be the opposite of the Platonic and Christian: indifferent to good and evil, to historical time, particularity and personality. To a considerable degree, this is indeed a caricature. Yet the striking thing is the way in which the East itself has sometimes appropriated this image of itself: witness the popularity of Arthur Schopenhauer and Martin Heidegger in the East. But also of Nietzsche. In the case of Russia, he has enjoyed continuous popularity ever since the late 19th century. And surely his philosophy is a crucial ingredient in the Eurasianism of Lev Gumilyov and Alexander Dugin some of the thinkers said to represent Putins ideology. Not only did Nietzsche suggest an irreducible plurality of national values, such that their violent clash is inevitable, he also rooted those values in a natural linkage of race, soil, diet, and climate. And despite this materialism, he fused an anti-humanism from below with a post-humanism from above, hinting allegorically and inconsistently (especially in Thus Spake Zarathustra) at the work of ineffably local spiritual forces as incubating the emergent over-man.

SUGGESTED READINGNietzsche: your conscience is no saintBy ChristopherJanaway

These three things: a pluralist relativism of values, a supposedly materialist insistence on the determinism of race and geography, and an obscure invocation of transcendent ethnic spirit are precisely what tends to define the Eurasianist ideology. The Russian imperial fusion of diverse ethnicities is supposed to mediate between a European universalism and an Asiatic particularism.

Their continuity with Nietzsche is therefore clear. Above all they share with him a denial that our vital, erotic and domineering energies can be sublimated and re-directed towards the shaping of social harmony at a level that transcends our ethnic and national differences.

___

As a European himself, Nietzsche certainly did not face the prospect of an ultimate Russian triumph with equanimity. But he thought that it could only be resisted if Europe itself moved from competing nation-state politics to become equally threatening

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From this perspective, the struggle against Putin and his ideological enablers is a struggle against the Eastern export of European fantasies and our most dangerously irresponsible refusal of our central legacy of faith in and partial, if fragile, achievement of a civilised status quo of harmony and peace. The ideas driving Russias war against Ukraine are more European than many would like to admit.

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Nietzsche, Putin and the spirit of Russia | John Milbank - IAI

Successive chief ministers of Kerala Pennirayi Vijayan, Ommenn Chandy, V S Acchuthanandan and

Saquib Salim

German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche once wrote, All things are subject to interpretation. Whichever interpretation prevails at a given time is a function of power and not truth.

The popular perception around the recent crackdown on the Popular Front of India (PFI) by the National Investigation Agency (NIA,) and the subsequent ban on it again illustrates this philosophical position.

People given to an overload of social media narratives tend to believe that the NIA has acted under the influence of the ruling political party and the opposition including the left do not endorse are opposed the crackdown and ban. Nothing could be far from the truth than this one. The left parties, especially CPI(M), have been the first and the most vocal votaries of banning the PFI. Congress has also raised similar demands.

On 19 August 2010, M. B. Rajesh of CPI(M), who is a minister in the Kerala government, said in Lok Sabha, The Popular Front of India is an organization having close links with the international terror network. They are receiving huge amounts of money from abroad. They are getting money and coordinating their activities under the cover of NGOs and Human Rights movements. Only Central agencies like NIA or CBI can enquire into their international connections and foreign sources of funding.

The CPI(M) MPs demand didnt raise any eyebrows since it had been the stand of his party. In 2010 July, Kerala Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan (CPM) said: "They (PFI) want to turn Kerala into a Muslim-majority state in 20 years. They are using money and other inducements to convert people to Islam. They even marry women from outside their community to increase the Muslim population." Interestingly, this comment was later defended by the present CM of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan.

Back in time, in the CPI(M) led regime, in the Shahan Sha A vs State Of Kerala case of 2009, the Kerala Police told the High Court that activities of PFI were being funded by foreign agencies to forcibly convert people.

Clipping from Lok Sabha records of debate on PFI

The attitude of Congress was no different. In 2012, Oommen Chandy, of Congress-led Kerala Government banned PFIs Freedom Parade in different districts of Kerala. The Freedom Parade had been organized by PFI on 15 August since its inception. The government told the High Court that the decision was based on an intelligence report about the motives of this parade. In April 2013, Congress-led Kerala Government carried out multiple raids in the state on the alleged terrorist arms training center of PFI. At least 21 PFI members were charged with stringent UAPA for their alleged involvement in terrorist activities.

In 2018, the leftist government of Kerala demanded the Union Government of India ban PFI for its alleged terrorist links. In a meeting with PM Narendra Modi and the then HM Rajnath Singh, Kerala Police Chief, Lokanath Behera, gave a detailed presentation on the PFIs growth and activities in the State '', the Outlook reported. The Hindu reported, Kerala has pressed for a ban on the PFI and we are examining the case, said Mr. Rijiju, the Minister of State for Home Affairs.

The alleged terrorist links are being investigated by NIA but the perception that it was a politically motivated action does not seem plausible. In face of demands by almost all the major political players of the country and reports by the local police, NIA has taken years to examine and act upon the case. The courts have yet to decide on the fate of PFI but one thing is sure in the political arena, they are up against the whole universe. Left, Right, and Centre of Indian Politics were demanding action against PFI for a long.

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Left, Congress wanted PFI to be banned - Awaz The Voice