February 2016 Woman At Work Digital

COVER STORY
women are now at a higher risk of
cardiovascular diseases, infertility
problems, depression and many such
modern era ailments, most of which
are attributable to high levels of
stress.
The challenge with mental illness
or stress is that the ability to cope
with it naturally, is based on the
individual’s genetic and psychological
makeup. Those with lower levels of
emotional intelligence or poor
adversity quotients are the first to
succumb to this mind epidemic. But
the good news is that these can be
spiritual wellness. Women and men
are now focused on a better quality
of life. They have realised that to
pursue or achieve their life goals,
holistic wellness is key and the time
for it is now. They have now woken
up to the fact that it cannot be
procrastinated to later years simply
because one might not live to see
them.
India, as the world’s spiritual
wellness capital, is coming of age
on home turf. Birthplace of some of
the world’s most popular wellness
organizations, India is repackaging
For Kirti Ugraonkar, who has
been a part of one such organisation
for 15 years, this is a way to
replenish her soul and recharge her
mind. “I am somewhat of an
information seeker, so going inside
and allowing myself to turn off the
inflow has let things settle, given me
time to reflect and make decisions.”
Most of the popular organisations are
modelled around a core belief and
key principles. Many of them base
themselves on the Eastern world’s
proven methods of meditation,
chanting, breathing or yoga. To give
developed. Research has affirmed
that greater self realization is key
to resilience and that people can
develop this over a period of time
with practice and focus. Also a sound
wellness regime is a constant source
of recharging and replenishing one’s
energies to be able to pursue life and
work goals.
So it is no surprise that 21st
century India has rediscovered its
spiritual roots. Be it the ancient
system of yoga, medicinal prowess of
ayurveda, breathing techniques or
wellness sciences, modern India is
cosying up to the modern avatar of
its ancient wisdom to the stressed
worker who wants to lead a ‘happy
and peaceful’ life. And this time, it
is the Indian who is the customer.
Over the past couple of decades,
many organisations and movements
that have embarked on the mission
to make people ‘happy’ and ‘well’
are seeing greater acceptance in
India. These organizations are
offering the right blend of
physiological, psychological and
spiritual wellness so as to spread
positive energy and inner harmony
to their followers. And the urban
educated worker is not complaining.
it the rigour and discipline it
warrants, these organizations have
well defined structures and processes.
Given that their members are
tech-smart, almost all of the
organizations have a strong digital
presence. The ease of access,
credibility and transparency, enabled
by technology is making these
organizations appealing to the urban
worker. In this column, we take a
look at a few of these foundations or
organizations which have earned a
strong reputation over the years and
helped millions of women and men
lead happier and peaceful lives.
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| February 2016