The Mindful Initiative

✨ We’re excited to release the latest episode of The Mindful Initiative Podcast, featuring a profound conversation with the revered Swami Premanand Ji.

Swami Ji’s connection with nature and spirituality is something that resonates deeply with me. His life in Ganeshpur and Uttarkashi, surrounded by the wilderness, is more than just an existence—it’s a journey filled with profound spiritual insights. Listening to him talk about his solitary time in the jungles and mountains, I felt a deep sense of awe and inspiration. His stories aren’t just tales; they’re windows into a life lived with purpose and deep spiritual connection.Some of the key takeaways from this episode include:•⁠ The essence of Tapasya and the lasting impacts it has on one’s being.•⁠ The importance of controlling the five senses as a foundation for spiritual growth.•⁠ A deep dive into the concept of Karma—how every action we take sets off a ripple effect.•⁠ The difference between divine happiness and fleeting joys, and what truly nourishes the soul.•⁠ The exalted state of ‘Brahmanand’—a state beyond meditation and samadhi, marked by profound inner peace.This episode is more than just a conversation—it’s an invitation to reflect deeply on the spiritual path. Swami Ji’s teachings have a way of piercing through the noise and reaching the heart of what truly matters. I encourage you to listen, reflect, and let his words inspire your own journey.

Welcome to Episode 28 of The Mindful Initiative Podcast with Swami Sarvapriyananda ji, the current resident Swami and head of Vedanta Society of New York (VSNY). He is a monk of the Ramakrishna Mission. I have been extremely blessed to meet many spiritual teachers on my life journey. Each person has helped me move along on my path forward - however, there are times when you meet someone who becomes a guiding force in your life - and Swami Sarvapriyananda ji is one of those teachers in my life. I am sure that I am not the only one who feels that way about Swami ji. Fortune India mentions Sarvapriyananda as "one of the best-known lecturers of the Vedanta in the world today". In this episode, I speak to Swami ji's about the highest goal of life and the challenges one may face on the spiritual path. Swami ji's profound wisdom is nourishment for any soul who is looking to overcome challenges in life. (For the transcription of the podcast, please click the link below).

    Latha D.   Introduction: This week our guest is Latha D., who is the Principal of Parikrma School, which is part of the Parikrma foundation. A teacher, a daughter, a mother, a wife, a Principal and above all a great human being, Latha has overcome many barriers in life to be who she is today. She lost her daughter to suicide, when her daughter was only 16 years and 6 months old. To over come this tragedy and to be who she is today is one incredible story. This podcast will make you cry, inspire you and touch you!       [powerpress_medialinks]

  Introduction: This week our guest is Dorcas Quynn Mcwilliams, who was my first Yoga teacher. She is the founder of Sol Yoga in Frederick, Maryland, US. Dorcas has had a profound impact on my life not just by being my teacher in the first few years of my Yoga life but as a role model, as a parent, as a mentor and as a friend. As we have both moved physically in different parts of the world we still connect because of our foundation in Yoga. Her studio in Frederick has been adjudged as the “Best Yoga Studio” for many years by local residents. We talk about the importance of stillness, travel, Yoga and much more. Currently, she lives thousands of miles away from her home in New Caledonia with her three children and her husband Adam. [powerpress_medialinks]

Suman Ghose Introduction:  Our guest today is Suman Ghose, who has co-authored the book From Command to Empathy along with Avik Chand. In this podcast, he talks about what led them to writing the book, his journey along the way that uncovered aspects of empathy and emotional intelligence – terms that are often considered abstract and understood by a few. Suman speaks about the overarching importance of inculcating a culture and habit of developing Emotional Intelligence and Empathy, which in essence are 2 sides of the same coin. They can bring about a gradual change in the mindsets of each and every individual. He talks about why it is the right time for organizations to get serious about bringing empathy to their employees and how it can help employees cope with the changing times. He touches on how it helps understand the mindset of millennials and helps bridge the generation divide. [powerpress_medialinks]

Introduction: Our guest today is Renuka Taneja, founder of Windows: The Art and Craft Corner. Windows is a unique Art school based in New Delhi, that nurtures creativity in children. Renuka has also been able to extend the concept of using art as a medium of creative expression to school teachers and administrators, NGOs and corporates, besides school children. Windows was established in January 2000 with a vision to help rediscover the child hidden within each one of us. In this podcast, Renuka talks about her journey through her career and what led to the birth and creation of Windows. [powerpress_medialinks]  

About Guru Our guest today is Guru Prasad, a Chartered Accountant by profession. Guru is the founder of Guru & Jana, a CA Firm based in Bangalore, India. He has also authored a couple of books viz., “The God in the Boardroom” and “Banter Beyond the Buck”. In this podcast, Guru talks about what led him to the creation of his CA firm, how he turned the company around and developed an organisation that has a unique employee culture and philosophy. He also gives us a glimpse of the upheavals he faced in his life, the turning points in his life & career and gives insights and tips into how one can overcome challenges in one’s life, develop a steadfast mindset and move forward in life. [powerpress_medialinks]

About Dr. Sampath Dr. JM Sampath is a Management Thinker, Author of several books and a Mindful Entrepreneur. A quintessential learner, Dr. Sampath is an ardent practitioner of enabling learning and transformation through stories and parables. Over the last 24 years, he has successfully leveraged the power of stories and parables in coaching global leaders and in helping individuals and organizations achieve growth, excellence, and innovation. His book How Full Is Your Cup (a collection of 64 parables) figured on the bestseller list in Malaysia for 16 weeks in a row. Discovery (a collection of 100 powerful stories), his self-development tool-cum-book, has enhanced the learning ability of thousands of users worldwide. His personal collection of over 7,000 stories spans all faiths and cultures across the globe. [powerpress_medialinks]

Our guest on today’s podcast is Arul Dev – an Author, Radiant Universal Leader coach TM and Integral Educator, has been in the field of leadership, education and human resources consulting for the last 23 years. He is the author of the new book Into Great Depth of Being. An engineer from BITS Pilani, he founded People First Consultants, a human resources consultancy in Chennai, India in 1995, where he plays the role of Founder CEO. Arul Dev is a specialized Radiant Universal Leader Coach with an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) certification from the International Coach Federation. He coaches select hand picked Radiant Universal Leaders who are a) nearing a state of Universe Centeredness, b) aspiring to create purpose & value centered organizations/ communities that can create some global contribution to humanity through their work and c) intending to accomplish this agenda through transformation of collective culture at micro and macro level. The prerequisite to begin this coaching journey with Arul is that the leader is already at a good degree of competency in their personal mastery and self-awareness. He is the author of the book ‘Into Great Depth of your Being’, which facilitates an inner experience and exploration in Self Awareness and Integral Development. A visionary himself, Arul Dev is committed to inspiring the purpose and seed potential for visionaries he comes across. [powerpress_medialinks]

The current podcast unravels Unani Medicine, an ancient and traditional system of medicine. Listen to Dr. Mohammed Zulkifle to understand what Unani is, its origins, its fascinating journey from Egypt to India several centuries ago and how it is now an established system of medicine under AYUSH. Dr. Mohammed Zulkifle is Director-in-charge of National Institute of Unani Medicine (NIUM), Bangalore. [powerpress_medialinks]

In this episode of The Mindful Initiative Podcast, Introduction to Homeopathy, our guest Dr. Munavvar Shaikh, shares with us nuances, origins and recent developments in the field of Homeopathy. She approaches Homeopathy in a very holistic way by talking about Homeopathy, diet and Yoga. Homeopathy deals with treatment and remedies for various lifestyle diseases and goes beyond medicine to help people deal with societal and psychological challenges that can lead us to a happier and healthier life. Dr. Shaikh practices at the MS Homeopathy in Bangalore, India. You can read more about her and her work by visiting her website. [powerpress_medialinks]

There is a need to understand overall well being in a much holistic way specifically by unraveling knowledge passed on to us through Indian scriptures and people. With this podcast series, I will try and bridge the gap of India’s past and its present. Hoping that we can move to being happier and healthier by focusing on overall wellness.   We are very happy to announce the launch of our podcast titled – The Mindful Initiative Podcast. Our first guest is Dr. Shubha Chetan, who is an Ayurveda Doctor based out of Bangalore. Ayurveda is the sister science of Yoga. It has been part of the Indian culture for centuries and helps people live a happier and healthier life. With changing seasons we need to adjust our lifestyle accordingly. Through the perspective of Ayurveda we understand some changes we can bring in our life. What are some recommendations regarding our diet, regarding necessary detoxes or cleanses that will help us lead a better life. Please remember share the episode, if you like it.