CatchPressions

My journey in Spirituality

noreply@blogger.com (Catchpressions) — Sun, 11 Feb 2018 07:38:00 +0000

Spirituality is all about connecting to the Spirit. Such a simple definition; yet such a profound meaning attached to it. I learnt this from My Gurudev, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji. He has a unique way of explaining everything in such simple words that it often leaves me spellbound. It gives me a new perspective to look at things around me.

Growing up in a spiritually inclined family, I always felt some connection to the Unknown, to that which pervades everything. However, as with most seekers, I could not really find an expression or a foothold into what exactly I was looking for. And then, all of a sudden, my first Art of Living Course happened. I still remember I was sitting in my corporate training room, battling with a thousand thoughts inside my head; when the trainer announced that we shall be doing something “new” that day and in came a volunteer from the Art of Living; as if carrying all the answers to the million questions running through my head.

This was a different person; there was something about the effortless confidence, the spontaneous smile oozing from her being: there was something magical about this human being and I was definitely keen to discover the secret to it!

I did my first Art of Living course and looking back all I can say about it now is that it was refreshing. It felt like finding a shady tree in the middle of a sunny street. I could not, at that point of time, fathom the depths that lay within the simple techniques and processes yet all I understood was that this was something unique and powerful and I was IN!!

Many courses happened from then on but the one that changed my life forever was the DSN. Incidentally, I graduated into the DSN straight after the first Happiness course and it was nothing like I could ever have imagined or anticipated. All I can say is that this was the time when I felt the presence of my Master deep within my soul. My heart overflowed with gratitude and spilled over through my eyes; the feeling cannot be expressed in words but all I can say is that it was life changing.

And thus, my journey in spirituality is on. I have found my nest and no matter how hard the days may be or how ecstatic I may feel in joy, my Master has taught me to maintain an equanimous disposition. Contrary to all popular clichés and myths, I have learnt that Spirituality is all about living in the Moment; living life 100%. Without fear or inhibitions, opening oneself up to the Present moment is what makes one Spiritual. And as with everything else, this realization is also possible through the infinite Grace of the Master.

Update and Announcement

noreply@blogger.com (Catchpressions) — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 14:36:00 +0000

Hi Guys,

So it’s been a long time! Hope you all are doing great!! Today, I have an exciting announcement to make. Basically, I have been working on this project for quite a while now and finally the time has come when I can share it with you all!!

I have been working on my long standing passion for painting and have just launched my collection on Indian Art Ideas. If you want to see more, please visit my page on Indian Art Ideas; here: Artist Profile-Nirupama

Thanks for your support. Definitely means a lot to me.

Until next time,

xoxo

Daily Inspiration: Today

noreply@blogger.com (Catchpressions) — Fri, 29 Jan 2016 10:40:00 +0000

Hey guys,

Today I wanted to share this short and simple poem that came as an inspiration early this morning. We are surrounded by so much beauty; so much celebration…nature does all it can, relentlessly day after day, to bring this message to us. I really hope that each one of us take a little moment everyday just to appreciate everything and simply be happy.

I have titled the poem “Today” and of course, the inspiration behind this poem is my Gurudev, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

Today

Why not Smile more today
For who knows what tomorrow may hold,
Today could be better than the lost yesterdays
And the unseen tomorrows that are yet to unfold...

Why not Give more today
For who knows what tomorrow may bring,
Today we could be having more with us
Than we may possibly think...

Why not Live more today
For who knows if we will see tomorrow's Sun,
Today we can have precious moments
Doing meaningful things that we've only just begun...

Why keep worrying, fretting and fearing
For that which no longer exists,
Why keep a long face today
Trying to tick off endless lists...

Why not go out and embrace the world today
For you may be struck with wonder at all the Beauty,
The magnanimity, the Love, the Belongingness, the Smiles
Which you have probably missed all these days...

Why not be more open and listen to what others have to say
For who knows...they may teach you something special today!

When the Mind tells you today that there is no reason to Smile...

Smile and tell the Mind,

Who needs a reason when I have the Divine's Love which alone is worthwhile...!!

Until next time,

Xoxo

Daily Inspiration: The Sands of Time

noreply@blogger.com (Catchpressions) — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 08:30:00 +0000

I remember my Gurudev, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, once said: “Time is Mind; when the Mind stops, time stops”. At that time, it seemed so fascinating to simply listen to these words…and to try to imagine what it would be like to experience that timelessness.

Fast forward a few years since then and suddenly a few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to experience a tiny fraction of a timeless moment during my daily meditation practice. It was then that the realisation dawned about how futile it is to hold on to events whether they have been pleasant or unpleasant because in the current present moment, they simply do not exist!

Whenever a pleasant event occurs, the human mind tends to retain the pleasant memories thus created and same with the unpleasant events. However, at a future moment, when we decide to bring on those memories either pleasant or unpleasant, it is simply a remnant of something which no longer exists. As a result, a pleasant memory brings desires and an unpleasant one brings regret, anger, sadness, guilt or a host of other negative emotions.

Such a freedom it is to not get entangled into any of these and simply live in the present moment accepting all that it brings with it. Only when one is free from past regrets and future worries can one truly live in this moment being open to all dimensions of it.

The question that comes next is how to achieve that state….and again, Gurudev has said that the only way is through meditation. There are layers of subtle dimensions that we simply cannot perceive through our senses but when we meditate, so get connected to our very Source, our Origin; which is also the origin of the entire universe and thus get access to the subtle levels of consciousness which remain inaccessible otherwise.

So I believe the point of this whole article is to inspire you to meditate and open up channels of energy within yourself that you probably never imagined existed! And for those of you who already meditate, please do share your experiences and ideas here so it will inspire others as well.

Xoxo

Mon Choisy Beach, Mauritius

noreply@blogger.com (Catchpressions) — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 07:32:00 +0000

Hi Guys,

Happy New Year!! Can’t believe its 2016…..!! Today, I decided to do a post on the Mon Choisy beach here in Mauritius. Sorry I have been missing for the last couple of weeks….but I’m back now and hoping to do more regular posts. On another note, I would like to know from you guys what kind of posts you enjoy more…your inputs will help me decide my choice of topics because obviously, I want to be focussing more on stuff that you guys would like to read. So do let me know in the comments below.

Last weekend, I visited one of my favourite beaches in Mauritius, Mon Choisy. It is located in the north western coast of the island and I believe, is the longest beach in Mauritius. Just like all other beaches in Mauritius, Mon Choisy is also characterised by its pristine, turquoise waters and white sand. There waves are very gentle and in general, like other Mauritian beaches, the sea is very calm here as well.

There are stretches of Casuarina trees, commonly known as Filao trees, all along the beach. They provide the most needed, soothing shade to all those who want to relax and chill out on the beach. Needless to say, they look pretty exotic as well!

We went there late afternoon, just in time for sunset. It is a great place to enjoy a day out with family or friends and have a beach picnic or you could just be there for a few hours and enjoy the fresh air and epic views.

How to get there?

The best way to reach Mon Choisy Beach is by taking a taxi either from Port Louis (Capital of Mauritius) or from anywhere else from the island; unless you are using your own transport, of course!

As usual, I am sharing some pictures that I took at sunset. Hope you like them!

The glorious pink cloud...!!

That's it for today....if you liked this post, please feel free to comment and share. See you soon…!

Xoxo

Hiking in Mauritius: Signal Mountain (Montagne des Signaux)

noreply@blogger.com (Catchpressions) — Tue, 29 Dec 2015 10:31:00 +0000

After my first hiking experience in Mauritius at Mount Le Pouce, which I shared with you earlier (Click here to read), I must admit that I have become quite the adventure seeker waiting to discover more and more exotic locations on the island. Needless to say, when my friends planned another hiking trip up the Signal Mountain, I jumped at the opportunity!

Signal Mountain or Montagne des Signaux (in French) is located in Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius. It is a very easy trek as there is a tarred road leading all the way to the summit. The way is quite picturesque with beautiful views of the buildings in the capital city, the harbour, the Champs de Mars racecourse, the western coastline and other neighbouring peaks. The summit is at 3000m and can be done in an hour (one way) or less if you are a pro (unlike me)!!

It is always best to start at daybreak; that way you can get the health benefits of the fresh morning air. However, this trek can be easily done in the evening as well. Along the way, one can easily rest or take quick breaks as there are plenty of trees providing shade.

If you are into hiking or that sort of thing, I would definitely recommend this one as it is perhaps the simplest one in Mauritius and can be easily accomplished.

How to get there?

It is very easy to reach the starting point of this hike. Basically, you just need to reach Port Louis and once there, go to Labourdonnais Street. From there, you can easily locate the trail as it is well directed. Again, in case of any confusion, simply ask anyone around and they’ll be happy to help.

Things to take with you

You just need to carry a water bottle, a few nuts or something to munch on should you need to, your hat and camera. Of course, wear comfortable clothing and sturdy hiking shoes. Do apply sunscreen especially if you are going in the morning because during the descent, the sun could be high up and you definitely don’t want to burn yourself!

As usual, I am sharing some pictures that I took along the way and from the summit.

The Journey Begins...

Tanned and happy...!!!

Parcours De Sante Fin = End of the Health Trail...! Apparently this trek is good for health :)

If you liked this post, please feel free to comment and share. I would also like to hear your hiking experiences so do share with me in the comments below.

Xoxo

2015: Life Lessons

noreply@blogger.com (Catchpressions) — Thu, 17 Dec 2015 10:45:00 +0000

Phew…what a year 2015 has been! Looking back, this year has taught me many important life lessons which I shall be carrying with me for the rest of my life. As the year is about to draw to a close, I thought I will share some of the life lessons I learnt and hopefully they will be useful to some of you as well. Here goes (in no particular order)…

Trust Your Self

This year I learnt the true significance of trusting my Self. There were times when I had to rely solely on my intuition for making important decisions and thankfully, I have not regretted any of them. I learnt that no matter how well surrounded we are, there will be decisions that one needs to make alone and during those times, it is important to rely on one’s intuition and just trust one Self.

Move On!

There comes times in pretty much everyone’s lives when problems seem insurmountable but guess what, there are some that cannot really be solved. Maybe those are just not in our control. This year I learnt that problems or no problems; just keep moving on. As I practised this more and more, problems either sorted themselves out or I found some solutions cropping up!

I am responsible for my own Happiness

The truth is I am responsible for my own happiness. Nothing out there can really change the state of my mind. Happiness is within me and it is my responsibility to connect with it. It is easy to complain and grumble but if we really want to be light and joyful from within, then looking into One Self is the only way.

Do stuff that scares you!

Yes, you got that right! Do at least something that you are afraid of. This year, I got adventurous and did a few things that generally scare me; on of them being climbing a mountain. I am generally afraid of heights but once I challenged myself and did it, the tremendous sense of freedom that followed was indescribable!

It is the Journey that counts

Whatever life brings, it is important to note that it is the journey that counts. Yes, we all have goals but in the process of achieving those goals, it is important to enjoy the journey and the little moments that make things interesting. I used to be a workaholic, always focussed on results and outcomes, but this year has taught me to take things easy and enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

Hope you could relate to some of these lessons and if you found it interesting, please feel free to comment and share.

Xoxo

Daily Inspiration: Find the Silver Lining…

noreply@blogger.com (Catchpressions) — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 11:04:00 +0000

They say that every cloud has a silver lining. This is true…..however, to see that lining, you must stare at the cloud long enough in its face! Last time, I was looking at the storm clouds gathering in the sky and wanted to find that silver lining that people talk about. In the process, I found that I had to stare at the clouds quite a bit and indeed, I could spot that hint of silver peeking out.

This led me to realise that life too, is the same. Problems and challenges appear as clouds and in order to be able to spot the underlying goodness, we need to look at the challenges in their face. Running away is an option readily available, but challenges do not disappear if you look away.

Sometimes it may take every iota of courage you have; but if one can stand tall and face the challenges head on; the silver lining does not take long to make an appearance. You see, it is all about perspectives. It is quite natural to get drowned in the dark fuzziness of the clouds (in this case, the real life challenges) but if one chooses to raise the realm of their sight and focus on to something bigger and brighter, that is what inevitably comes to manifest.

I have learnt this lesson in life: when challenges strike, face them head on. Go through them willingly, no matter how excruciating it might seem while all that time keeping your eyes focussed on the real goals. It may sound difficult, but trust me; once you learn to play with your focus in life (just like changing your camera focus from auto to full on manual mode!!) and maintain your focus at will, nothing whatsoever can deter you.

Hope you found that useful. Do share your experiences on this.

xoxo

Hiking in Mauritius: Mount Le Pouce

noreply@blogger.com (Catchpressions) — Tue, 08 Dec 2015 11:11:00 +0000

We recently went hiking in Mauritius up the mountain Le Pouce and I wanted to share the experience with you. Le Pouce is the third highest peak in Mauritius. It is located in the Moka District and is part of the Moka range of mountains. Le Pouce, which in French means “The Thumb”, is so named because of its thumb shaped peak.

The majority of the hike is considered to be fairly easy and no climbing gear is required. However, the very last part, about 75 metres to the summit can be slightly challenging; especially for newbies like me, due to the steep ascent. But let that not deter you; you only need a few good friends: some to push you from below and some others to hoist you up to the top!!

Anyway, I made it to the top, along with a great group of friends and the view from the summit is absolutely breathtaking. You can get a 360 degrees panoramic view of the island, especially on a clear day. The other mountain ranges, the harbour, the capital, the Champs de Mars racecourse, the northern plain and some of the northern islands are clearly visible.

If you are visiting Mauritius, I definitely recommend the hike up the Le Pouce. It is a great activity to do with a group of friends. The entire hike takes approximately half a day. It is best to start at daybreak; that way you can take advantage of the crisp, refreshing morning air and by the time you reach the summit, the early morning sunshine adds a magical glow to everything.

How to get there?

It is fairly easy to reach Le Pouce either from Port Louis (the capital) or St. Pierre (a village in the Moka District). If coming from Port Louis, either take a bus going towards St. Pierre (No. 12 Sebastopol) and get off at Chemin Le Pouce from where you can walk to the mountain or you could take a cab straight to the foot of the mountain. If coming from St. Pierre, you can take a bus going towards Port Louis (No. 12 Port Louis) and again get off at the same location. There are road signs leading up to the base of Le Pouce but these are not very distinct. So, in case of any confusion, do not hesitate to ask the locals for directions and they will be happy to guide you.

Things to take with you

It is not required to carry much stuff; just a water bottle, a few nuts or energy bars or something to keep you fuelled should you need it, some mosquito repellent and a cap/hat should be all that you’ll need. Make sure to wear comfortable clothing and sturdy hiking shoes. Of course, do carry your camera for some stunning pictures.

In case you run out of water; Nature has made provision for that too! There is a fresh water source in the woods along the way and you get clear, cool, pure water that is so refreshing! However, a small word of caution here: go searching for the water source only if you are with people who know the terrain well.

Sharing some of the pictures I took along the way and at the summit. Hope you like them!


On top of the World.....!!

If any of you have done this hike, do share your experiences in the comments below.

Until next time,

Xoxo

Embracing Change

noreply@blogger.com (Catchpressions) — Fri, 04 Dec 2015 08:53:00 +0000

Let’s face it…change is inevitable. Changes do occur in life; often at times when you least expect it. Embracing change is not always easy. How do you react when change happens? I have witnessed two common reactions to change: resistance and fear. Some people try their best to resist change – to remain in the realm of the known; while others do go with the change but with an element of fear lingering in their minds.

In either case, change cannot be avoided; however, by resisting change or fearing change, we make it all the more difficult for ourselves to accept the change and move on.

I have personally gone through huge changes in my life and initially I used to have the same reactions. However, over the years, I have learnt that embracing change can be quite an interesting and uplifting experience. Whenever I have mindfully agreed to accept the change in its totality and move on with it, it has opened me up to new and unimaginable experiences that have led to significant growth.

It is each person’s prerogative to have a plan for their lives. However, often times, things don’t really go as per that plan. Under those circumstances, it is important to trust that there is a higher power that always supports us as long as we maintain the faith and remain strong within.

For me, the more I feel connected to my inner self, to the Universe, the more I am at peace and when one is peaceful, change can be easily embraced with the unshakeable faith that everything is just the way it is meant to be.

If you ask me what then is the way to embrace unforeseen change; my answer will now be that the best way is to mindfully agree to be with the change and keep reminding yourself that things will work out perfectly in the end.

What is your experience of dealing with change? Do share in the comments below.

Xoxo

P.S. As you can see, I have used a beautiful water colour graphic on my header image and it is from http://cupcakecrystal.com. Thanks Crystal!! This is a beautiful website with lots of inspiration. Do check it out!!

These are a few of my favourite things….

noreply@blogger.com (Catchpressions) — Wed, 02 Dec 2015 07:32:00 +0000

Do you remember that song, “These are a few of my favourite things” from The Sound of Music? I absolutely love that song…always have..!! Today it has been a rather gloomy day here in Mauritius. It has been cloudy the whole time and now it is chucking down with rain…!! Well, so to cheer myself up, I thought I would make a list of all my teeny weeny favourite things and share the same with you all!!

So, without further ado, here is the list of my 15 favourite things (in no particular order) which never fail to cheer me up no matter what the weather looks like outside..!! Of course, there are many, many more but maybe that will be another post!

My Guess Watch

This watch is really close to my heart as it is a gift and also very cute looking. I love everything about it….the large dial, the thick straps and the sturdy industrial look. It is the perfect combination of elegant and tough.

The bedside lamp

This bedside lamp (which the hubs chose, by the way) looks like a mixture of a globe and a crystal ball….!!! I do like it a lot though because of its slightly enigmatic appearance and intricate patterns…!!

The tiny pup

This tiny stuffed puppy was a gift from the hubs many light years ago…!!! It has remained the same though and I mean, how cute is it, really!!

The bell

This little bell was also a gift and I somehow always feel so happy looking at it.

The morning sun peeking through the curtains

I just love it when the sun rises and the early morning sunshine peeks in through the curtains. Watching a new day being born is such an elevating feeling.

Blue Skies

Clear blue skies are magical. I think that conveys the point, right?

My worn out, dirty and lovely Converses

I don’t know what I would do without these. I absolutely love them and the more worn out and rugged they get; the more I seem to enjoy them. There’s honestly nothing more comfortable than these, in my opinion.

The smiley ball

This is the cutest thing ever, and perhaps one of my favourite favourites. It is this squishy smiley ball, now covered in paint splutters…!! It was a gift from my sister many years ago and I always carry it with me no matter where I am going. It is such a precious little gift.

Tiny ballerina

This tiny ballerina was a gift from my childhood best friend some 8 or 9 years ago. It is therefore very close to my heart and I think I have taken good care of her over the years…so very pleased about that.

Fresh blooms

I simply love flowers and seeing them bloom just makes my day.

Fresh mint leaves

I love mint in all shapes, forms and sizes and seeing fresh mint leaves grow just makes me happy beyond measure.

Stacks and stacks of old books

Yes, I am a severe bookworm. I have always been that way. You can bury me among books and I will be the happiest there. I love the look, feel and smell of old books so this shelf right here is my heaven..!!

Bangle

I had bought this bangle on a special day so it is quite dear to my heart. Although, in general, I think it is so pretty and just this one bangle can be such a great accessory for any ethnic outfit. I also love the rose gold colour, so this was an obvious choice!!

Candles

I absolutely love candles and can light them everywhere at all times…!! They make my space come alive.

Friendship Mug

This mug was also a gift from a friend and it always brings back fond memories of some great times.

Phew! So that brings us to the end of this rather long list. I'm saving the others for later..haha!!

What are some of your favourite things? Do share; would love to listen.

xoxo

Vegetarian Meals: Mix Vegetables Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Catchpressions) — Fri, 20 Nov 2015 10:14:00 +0000

Today I want to share with you the recipe for my version of an Indian Mix Vegetables Curry. This is a fairly easy recipe and can be made quite quickly. Also, there are no onions or garlic in this recipe; it is Sattvic and high in Prana (energy). It tastes amazing and if you are a veggie lover like me; you will love this dish, I can promise you!! So, let’s get started…

Ingredients:

Vegetables (chopped) - 3 cups (You can use any vegetables of your choice; here I have used carrots, green beans and cauliflower; chop them into chunky, approximately same sized pieces)

Ginger – About an inch sized piece (chopped into juliennes)

Green Chillies – 2 (or to taste)

Bay Leaves – 2

Cloves – 3

Green cardamom pods – 4 to 5

Whole black pepper corns – 1 tsp

Cinnamon – 2 inch stick

Cashew Nuts – ½ cup (Soaked in a cup of water for 15 to 20 minutes)

Tomato puree – 1 tbsp

White pepper powder – 1 tsp

Cumin powder – 1 tsp

Coriander powder – 2 tsp

Garam Masala – 1 tsp

Lemon juice – from ½ a small lemon

Coriander Leaves (chopped) – A handful

Oil – 1 tsp

Salt – to taste

Method:

Add the oil to your pan and turn on your flame to medium heat.

Once the oil is hot, add the bay leaves, cloves, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, the whole black pepper corns and ginger juliennes into the pan.

As soon as you start getting the aroma of the whole spices (should take just a few seconds), add the chopped vegetables, green chillies and salt; cover the lid and let them cook on low heat for 5 to 6 minutes or until the vegetables become tender. (Make sure to stir occasionally in between).

While the veggies are cooking, put the cashews (including the water) into a blender jar; add some salt, the garam masala, the cumin and coriander powders and blend into a paste.

Once the vegetables are tender, add the tomato puree and let it cook for a couple of minutes more.

Now add the cashew paste to the cooked vegetables; add about ½ a cup of water and the white pepper powder and let it simmer for a few minutes.

Once the water dries out a little bit and the gravy becomes thick, you can turn off the flame.

Squeeze in the lemon juice and sprinkle the coriander leaves on top (in signature Indian style!!)

There you go…all ready to dig in! This dish tastes amazing with rotis, naan, parathas or any Indian flatbread. It goes equally well with pulavs and other rice variations too.

Do try this at home and let me know how it turned out. If you liked this post, do consider sharing it.

See you soon…

xoxo

Travel Diaries: St. Aubin, Mauritius

noreply@blogger.com (Catchpressions) — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 10:53:00 +0000

I recently visited the St. Aubin Plantation in Mauritius and decided to share my experience with you. It is a beautiful estate with a lot of different attractions; including the St. Aubin Residence, the Restaurant, the Vanilla Plantation, an old sugar mill, the tea route, a farm and stretches of green undulating slopes of Southern Mauritius.

The St. Aubin residence is a beautiful colonial style mansion with open verandas and wooden beams. It stands as a magnificent remnant of the colonial era in Mauritius. It is surrounded by lush green gardens which forms a habitat for several species of exotic birds. There are many exotic plants and flowers, too!

The living rooms and the verandas of the house have now been converted into a restaurant which serves authentic Mauritian cuisine. For those staying in the Inn, you get access to the exotic gardens and pool and can also go for horse riding or bicycle rides.

My visit this time was a short one, but I definitely want to go back and spend a lot more time exploring more of the hidden gems on the estate.

Sharing some pictures taken during my visit. Hope you enjoy them!

The spread….

Some little friends joined us for high tea…!!

More of the estate..

Part of the Old Sugar Mill

And a wonderful sunset to seal the day...

Do you enjoy reading travel diaries? Do let me know in the comments below. Until next time…

xoxo

Travel Diaries: Port Louis, Mauritius

noreply@blogger.com (Catchpressions) — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 14:49:00 +0000

Port Louis is the capital city of Mauritius. Located on the North Western coast, it is one of the liveliest places on the island. It showcases a fusion of cultures, traditions and ways of life deriving their roots from India, Europe, China, Africa and the Middle East.

The city is always bustling with energy: employees travelling to their respective work locations, street vendors selling their produce, tourists and of course, ones like me; documenting it all!

The most fascinating part of the city is that you are never far from the mountains. So in case you ever get lost; look up, find a mountain peak in the distance and walk towards it…you will inevitably land up in a familiar place!

The architecture of Port Louis, just like other parts of the island, reflects its history as a former French colony. There is a distinctive flavour of the early French, Dutch and British colonial architectural styles. Also, there have been influences coming in from India and Africa; which has resulted in a unique hybrid portrayal.

There are many places to visit in and around Port Louis; the Caudan Waterfront , Blue Penny Museum, Citadel Fort Adelaide, the Central Market, Aapravasi Ghat, Natural History Museum, St. Louis Cathedral, China Town, Champ de Mars (the horse racing arena), the Photographic Museum; to name a few. And of course, if you like to engage in culinary delights, you have plenty of options for that, too!

Next time you’re in Mauritius; do spend a day in Port Louis, just soaking in the vibrancy of the city and the flavours of the country.

Last time I was in Port Louis, I decided to click some photos and show you the city through my lenses. Hope you enjoy them…

It was largely an overcast day; but the Sun finally made an appearance behind the mountains..!!

The Port, in the distance..

The hilly streets

Watching the City go by...

Until next time, Port Louis...!!

xoxo

Dealing with rejection: Why rejection can sometimes be a good thing…

noreply@blogger.com (Catchpressions) — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 11:35:00 +0000

We have all been through rejection at some point in our lives. It could be a rejection while trying for that post at work, that job interview, that relationship or just about anything. When rejection happens, naturally the mind tends to sink thinking it is potentially the end of the road with that prospect.

However, what I have learnt from experience is that rejection can often be a good thing. Here’s why:

Propels you towards something better

Looking back, I have observed that in most cases, rejection has propelled me towards something better. Getting rejected at one place led me to other avenues which eventually proved to be better options for me. Rejection has actually led me to consider other alternatives which often turned out to be more profitable.

Makes you develop new skills

Each time I encountered rejection, I saw myself working towards developing more skills; learning that new technology or understanding a new theory or just developing some new skill which has enhanced my portfolio greatly.

Helps you grow stronger

There is no denying that rejection has made me very strong emotionally and mentally. Just like it has led me to better options, it has also strengthened me as an individual in the process.

Brings out hidden talents

Rejection has the ability to lead one to a space of solitude and when that happens, one tends to find some relief through engaging oneself in a hobby or sport or any other creative pursuit. In this process, often hidden talents get manifested, which is a rather beautiful thing.

I now see rejection as pathways to progress and growth. Therefore, I am grateful to all those who say "No" to me because they are those who propel me to push my boundaries and in fact, get closer to where I need to go.

Have you had similar experiences? Do share…

xoxo

Let your dreams come true: It’s Your Dream; You gotta make it happen

noreply@blogger.com (Catchpressions) — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 09:20:00 +0000

Has it ever happened to you that you had a brilliant idea, a dream that you wanted to make a reality? And then in all your excitement, you go over to your best friend or colleague or someone else to share this fantastic, incredible, extraordinary idea expecting them to cheer lead you all the way and all you get is an indifferent grunt or a shake of the head or a “Great” if you are lucky!

And then all that excitement turns cold and you are left feeling bewildered and a bit confused!! That is when the voices in your head start telling you that perhaps the idea was not that good, after all!

The Truth is: It’s Your Dream and You gotta make it happen. No one else is going to have the same passion, excitement or enthusiasm about the idea that originated from you! Only you can resonate with it, feel it and work for it.

If you have ever had an idea that kept you awake at night, a vision so strong that it reverberated through your whole being; but you kept it aside because “Other” people turned you down, then it’s time to get to work.

Ideas come from a source, the same source that is behind this Creation. Next time you have a dream, do all you can to make it happen trusting all the while that the Universe is supporting you whether anyone else does or not!

If you have had similar experiences, please do share…

xoxo

Indian sweet recipe: Guilt free treat for the festive season

noreply@blogger.com (Catchpressions) — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 16:46:00 +0000

As the festive season is just round the corner, I thought of sharing this wonderful, quick and easy recipe to make coconut laddoos. Also, there is no added oil or sugar in this recipe so it can be enjoyed without guilt!!

Ingredients

Freshly grated coconut - 1

Milk – ½ Lt

Jaggery – 50g

Rice Flour – 3 Tbsp (Optional)

Cardamom Powder – 1 Tsp

Water – ½ Cup

Raisins – A Handful

Method

Heat the water in a pan; add the jaggery and let it melt. Bring this mixture to a boil.

Add the grated coconut and cook until the water dries out; add the cardamom powder and set this mixture aside.

Separately, bring the milk to a boil and let it thicken by stirring continuously.

Add the coconut mixture to the thickened milk and cook till it acquires a soft, dough like consistency.

Add the rice flour at this point (if using). This will further thicken the mixture.

Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool down.

Shape into round balls and stick a little raisin on the top. (Alternatively, you could replace the raisins with almonds or cashews as per your taste).

There you go; all ready to enjoy!! Do try this at home and let me know how it turned out.

Best wishes for the festive season ahead!!

xoxo

The endless ocean makes me wonder…

noreply@blogger.com (Catchpressions) — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 08:31:00 +0000

The endless ocean often makes me wonder...

How vast is this Universe

The ocean, which is but a speck in creation, is itself so vast!! It encompasses so many millions of lives within it & hosts a multitude of species which makes me wonder about the vastness of the Universe; of so much that the eyes have not seen, of so many hidden gems of creation and of how tiny I am yet connected!

The flow of life

Just as all rivers finally make their way into the ocean, so also life flows towards the ultimate truth. We as human beings seek our destination in so many ways and blessed are those who find their ocean and flow towards it.

Nature is so powerful yet gentle..

The Ocean is so mighty yet so tender; so powerful yet so gentle. But do we human beings remain so when we achieve power or position? Something worth wondering about!

Coming home

Have you observed how you feel when you come home after a long day? Home seems so welcoming, warm and safe. I often feel the same as I stand in front of the ocean. It feels like coming home!

Eternal life

The endlessness of the ocean makes me wonder about the eternal nature of life. Just like the endlessness of the ocean, our journey is also endless; we appear, dissolve and reappear again. How amazing is creation!

Does the ocean speak to you? Do share.

xoxo

Daily Inspiration – Protected!

noreply@blogger.com (Catchpressions) — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 10:22:00 +0000

The other evening I was at the Caudan Waterfront, Mauritius; which is a fancy commercial area overlooking the bay. Although I normally go there for shopping, eating or watching a movie; that night no real agenda was on the cards. I was perhaps looking for a quiet evening stroll while watching the world pass by!

I was in for a treat! As soon as I walked in, I saw a host of umbrellas strung together covering an entire open street. There were multi coloured umbrellas hanging above my head! It was a delightful sight, to say the least. I wandered through the street thoroughly enjoying the sight of the umbrellas.

This led me to think that just like those umbrellas above my head would have protected me from the rain showers which are so frequent here; we are being constantly protected by someone out there. Of course, life comes with its own share of challenges but when I look back, it is so evident that I have not been alone, that the Universe has supported me.

It is true that we are protected; it is really up to us to feel the connection with the Universe, with Nature and with the whole world that we are incidentally a part of!

Oh! I must also add that I was so overjoyed at this realisation that I forgot to devour an ice cream that I had been contemplating buying since the time I left home!! Ah well…never mind!!

What inspired you today? Do share.

xoxo

Dealing with difficult situations: Things don’t change unless you do

noreply@blogger.com (Catchpressions) — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 07:52:00 +0000

Okay, we have all been there when we felt lost, direction less and stuck in life, haven’t we? During such times, it becomes difficult to remain motivated and thereby retain clarity on the vision of life one wishes to create. It is easy to give in to frustration, anxiety, fear and a host of other negative emotions during such times. However, it is in these very times, that it is important to change one’s perspective and mindfully take certain steps to overcome any difficulty that arise. Hence, when ordeals strike, it is important to make positive changes within and eventually see our circumstances changing too.

Here I am sharing my top 5 tips (in no particular order) that can be used to change one’s mindset and remain focussed during trying moments:

Figure out what it is that you want

It is very important to spend some time with yourself every day in introspection of what you really want. Once you are clear with your goals, you can then focus your energies on achieving them. This keeps the mind engaged in constructive activities and prevents worry, anxiety, fear, etc from seeping in.

Take your time

A seed takes time to grow into a mighty tree. You may have a lofty goal and it may start to seem impossible to attain; but remind yourself that it is natural for all things to take their own time to manifest. Being in a hurry will only increase stress. The key is to work hard but also mindfully give things the time they require to bear fruits. Remember, Rome was not built in a day!!

The Journey is as important as the goal

The caterpillar goes through excruciating pain and then turns into a butterfly!! The trials and the tests we go through in life only makes us stronger and helps us to grow. Without the struggle, the victory will not be as sweet; don’t you agree?

Spend some time with Nature

Difficult though it has become to find a peaceful spot in the busy cities, do try to spend some quality time with nature every once in a while. Being immersed in Nature’s rhythm brings immense peace to the system and this in turn helps bring clarity to the mind. With a clear mind, nothing is impossible to attain.

Have a hobby

We all had hobbies as children. As we grew older, we became so engrossed in “The Race” that we gave it up and forgot about it. Revisit your hobby or develop a new one. Once you start spending some time doing what you love, it can uplift the spirit to great heights. Just doing something without purpose or agenda; and just out of love can bring about huge transformation in the mind.

So, in a nutshell:

Those were some of my pointers which I have implemented personally when faced with life’s trials. I hope these will benefit some of you out there as well.

And of course, if you have some more ideas on how to beat the blues, do share in the comments below.

xoxo

Management Series: Tips to beat procrastination

noreply@blogger.com (Catchpressions) — Fri, 23 Oct 2015 08:47:00 +0000

Do you procrastinate? Well, if you have ever postponed an important job saying “Oh, I’ll do it later..!!” then chances are that you have been bitten by this bug at least once in your lifetime.

At times, this can get quite frustrating because you know fully well that you need to get the job done; yet you keep delaying it stating funny excuses to justify your own lack of drive or enthusiasm.

Now, there is no magical cure for this problem out there; however I have employed certain techniques which seem to have worked quite well with myself during such times. I am sharing them here so that they can be useful to some of you as well.

Begin somewhere
Okay, so procrastination usually strikes when a seemingly enormous task is looming right in front of us and we are just thinking about the fact that we need to get it done but the mind is constantly finding excuses to flee elsewhere because the very prospect of starting this humungous task is far from being appealing. So, the trick is to just begin somewhere. Roll up your sleeves, get your hands in and just begin. Once you have taken the plunge, things automatically get better. Trust me!

Set your priorities
Setting priorities goes a long way in terms of giving you a direction to work towards. If you are getting overwhelmed by 10 different tasks on hand, jot them all down and arrange them in the order of their priority for the day or the week/month or any other time duration that you are looking at. Setting priorities in this way will reduce the burden of tackling multiple tasks at the same time and will help provide you with focus and clarity as you concentrate on the few most important tasks first.

Divide a big task into smaller ones
If you are faced with the prospect of having to accomplish a fairly big job, look at all the components involved and break up the job into its smaller components. This will help you to develop a better plan of action rather than getting overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the task. Also, by doing this, you would be in a better position to delegate some of the sub tasks if required thus relieving yourself to some extent.

Plan
Once you have a clear idea of the tasks you need to get done, plan for the execution. Create road maps and milestones towards accomplishment. Set time bound goals and create a plan of action to achieve them.

Focus on the task rather than the results
While carrying out any job, there may be times when anxiety, fear or insecurity strikes while thinking about the outcome. Once the mind gets stuck with the possibility of failure, one may automatically lose the drive to perform the task itself. Therefore, while doing any job, try to focus on doing the job itself rather than the outcome of it. I know this is easier said than done but once you start training your mind this way, you will be able to focus on performing the task with ease and finesse.

Yes, you can!
I cannot stress enough on this but it is true that you have what it takes. You can do it and once you start thinking you can, there will be no looking back.

Get help
If there are certain components of the task that you are not sure about, connect with the relevant people and get all the help that you need. The truth is that none of us can possibly be an expert at everything but most of us are experts at something. Network and reach out to people who can help.

Reward yourself!
Keeping yourself motivated at all times is the challenge as well as the key! To keep your mind happy, reward yourself as you achieve your milestones and goals. This will keep you motivated throughout and make the entire process enjoyable as well!

Those were some of my pointers which I have implemented in my life and which have worked out pretty well for me. I hope these will benefit some of you out there as well and bring about some positive results as they have done for me.

And if you have some other pointers to help beat procrastination, I would love to know. Do share!

xoxo

Inspirational thoughts - Create Space Within

noreply@blogger.com (Catchpressions) — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 17:15:00 +0000

Fact is we lead busy lives. These days we often find ourselves caught up in a race: a race for survival. Under such circumstances, it is quite natural to get caught up in the humdrum of the gazillion things that require our attention every moment. At least, this happens to me at times.

However, what I have realised is that in spite of the million things that we need to take care of, in spite of how urgent they may be; it is equally important to take some time every day to create some space within: A space of rest, a space of rejuvenation, a space of silence.

I believe one can reach that space through meditation, through prayer, by simply doing something that one’s soul loves or by simply taking a moment to appreciate the beauty that nature surrounds us with. Of course, there could be so many other means too.

Have you found your space yet? Do share your means.

xoxo

Skin & Hair Care Goodies from Lux Grand Gaube, Mauritius

noreply@blogger.com (Catchpressions) — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 11:21:00 +0000

My birthday just went by and any excuse to celebrate is welcome in my land. So, to generally chill out, the hubby and I decided to spend a day at the Lux Grand Gaube, Mauritius. It is one of the island’s premier hotels and is quite amazing, to say the least!

Anyhow, the staff there is just fabulous and in addition to having a great day, I was spoilt to the core by being gifted this amazing bag full of goodies from the Lux Me Spa.

The bag had a mixture of hair and skin care items. Each product smells absolutely divine and the best part is that they are free from parabens, SLS and artificial colourings or fragrances. Also, they are cruelty free! Can’t get better than that, really!

Will be reviewing the products soon but for now, here is the list of products and the pictures for you to enjoy! Wish I could share the heavenly, natural fragrances too…!

-Indian Ocean Peppermint & Menthol Shampoo
-Mauritius Ylang Ylang & Lime Shampoo
-Maldives Citronella & Bergamot Conditioner
-Maldives Citronella & Ginger Body Wash
-La Reunion Bourbon Geranium & Vitamin B5 Body Moisturiser
-Maldives Green Tea, Lime & Ginger Cleansing Bar
-Mauritius Mango & Papaya Cleansing Bar

I love a bit of birthday surprise…; don’t you?

xoxo

Inspirational thoughts - My tryst with Rainbows

noreply@blogger.com (Catchpressions) — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 10:33:00 +0000

It was a warm sunny afternoon and I was driving through the city, soaking in the sunshine. Even though it was a beautiful day, my mind was occupied with the grave intensity of the situation I was currently confronted with: a new place, new people, new language and no familiarity in sight. All that I knew, loved and was comfortable with seemed to have been left far far behind. How was I to go on? What would I go on with? Why was I doing this to myself? These questions seemed to go on relentlessly and my mind, given a so-called reason to be entangled, was happily obliging me with its usual games: This was a wrong decision! You are meant to be doing other things…..You are wasting your time….!!

Time…the irrefutable sovereign…who can be a friend and an enemy at the same time! How strange is its influence and how vulnerable we are to its prowl! Thinking of what I had left behind was overwhelming me to the point of feeling claustrophobic.

And then, suddenly, like a streak of light through the clouds, I realised I cannot possibly ever be alone in this vast universe! I am an indivisible part of the grand design; I just needed to wake up! And that’s what I did then, woke up from my reverie with a start and realised how easy it is for my mind to obscure my vision with its little games! No sooner did this realisation dawn than I raised my eyes and almost gasped at the sight…there was a resplendent rainbow arching across the entire horizon as though the universe just decided to reassure me that everything was just as it was meant to be.

The Universe does speak to us….every day in so many ways. Only when we take some time to quieten that chattering mind, we equip ourselves to hear that voice.

Since that day, I’ve had my share of trysts with rainbows and every time they leave me in a space of wonder and deep gratitude for all that I’ve been blessed with. Sharing a few of those moments.

Do you also get enamoured by rainbows like I do? Do share; it would be interesting to know.

xoxo

Inspirational thoughts - The Secret Sunset Point

noreply@blogger.com (Catchpressions) — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 08:55:00 +0000

Okay, so nothing fixes a bad day as well as a sunset does! ! I mean however rough, tiring, stressful or hectic the day has been, how can the spirit not be lifted if you just happen to witness the magnanimity of a sunset?

On the other hand, if the day has been good already, I believe witnessing a magnificent sunset just adds that extra magical touch.

For me, the sunset signifies a lot of things:

A moment to let go of the past; of whatever has happened already
A moment to appreciate the magnanimity of the sun: of its relentless energy
A moment to connect with nature: realising we are part of the grand design and reposing in the contentment that this very thought brings
A moment to appreciate the grand painting that adorns the sky
A moment to relax completely, breathe deeply and believe that just like the sun will be up again tomorrow, so also everything is going to be alright ultimately.

Recently, while driving randomly along the northern coast of Mauritius, the hubby and I discovered this almost unexplored dirt road leading to a tiny island just off the coast. It’s so near that under low tides, you can walk over to it. And it was there that we experienced the most incredible sunset that blew my mind away!

Even though the pictures do not really do it justice, I do hope you can still get the idea.

Have you taken a moment to soak in the sunset? What does it mean to you? Do share in the comments below.

xoxo