‘I feel that I respected my body, my mind and my awareness’

Sharanya Abishek, a facilitator with SHARAN, is also a busy mother and entrepreneur. She recounts how refreshed and rejuvenated she felt after attending the team retreat in the lap of nature.

Every year, Dr Nandita Shah treats the entire SHARAN team with an uber-healthy, fun and enriching holiday for about four days. This year, we went to this naturally-beautiful hidden gem, an organic farm at Pune, ‘The Hidden Oasis’.

From the moment of reaching there, I forgot about the unrest in my mind from the travel. In the following days, I could hear the birds chirping which is very rare in the city. The greenery around me was so soothing that my mind got clear from the brain fog. Just sitting by the lake made me recognise the beauty in my life and gave me a broader perspective of everything that has been happening to me. 

The leaf walk, tree hugs and dips in the lake gave me an immersive experience and I felt one with nature. I also felt that I made friends with the mountain, the plants and the cows, rabbits and emus, and was having a conversation with them in my mind and that was very therapeutic. 

My breath got deeper and calmer. I was travelling along with my long inhales and longer exhales. I was able to forgive and let go of uncomfortable situations. 

I feel that I respected my body, my mind and my awareness. The child in me jumped with joy with the beautiful company around. I went back home with strawberry ice cream lollies in my hands!

Nature always heals.  

Travel Recipes

We have quite a few travel recipes on our website (https://sharan-india.org/recipes/useful-recipes-while-traveling/) and that too according to your duration!

Do check them out.

Food For The Mind

FACEBOOK SUPPORT GROUP

If you love Facebook, then join us to be supported on your plant-based journey. We offer 2 possibilities.

1. SHARAN India is SHARAN’s main Facebook page which you can like and follow for getting useful daily updates and news from the plant based health world. You will also get news about the latest SHARAN events, see testimonials, and more.

2. SHARAN’s Vegan Support Group is an open support group to know more about vegan/plant-based lifestyle. Here you can ask questions and share inspiring stories, tips, recipes, etc.

All our doctors and presenters will be here to answer your questions and give you tips. If you have attended our events join this group to be a part of our family.

Please like the main SHARAN page and join the group(s) applicable to you.

Travel with Health
                  

Can holidays be healthy? Should holidays be healthy is probably the right question! Isn’t it the time to let go, indulge and enjoy? It absolutely is, however, why not garnish it with health too? That way the fun gets even better! Health ensures energy, vitality and well-being – the prerequisites to real fun!

Ever felt like “I need a holiday after a holiday”? As you come back feeling exhausted, confused, lethargic and sick at times, you wish to postpone getting back to work and your daily routine. So, how about a holiday where you feel refreshed, rejuvenated and raring to get back to your home and work? That’s what a real holiday is.

Eating delicious healthy food and staying away from the wrong food result in miracles! You can do much more in the time you have and truly enjoy your holiday.

Tips to include health in your travels 1. Whatever destination you may choose, you can ensure health anywhere All you need to do is be prepared. So, get onto the internet and search for healthy food options, organic stores, vegan-friendly hotels and restaurants at your destination. https://www.happycow.net/ is of great help.

2. Choose a homestay or a service apartment if possible In this way, you can whip up your smoothies, store your fruits and salads and sometimes cook as a family too, if time permits.

3. Carry healthy snacks along with you Nuts, dry fruits, khakhras, energy bars, oil-free theplas and organic fruits can be carried along. We have some recipes on our website too. (https://sharan-india.org/recipes/useful-recipes-while-traveling/)

4. Choose flights which provide vegan options However, do carry something to eat on the flight too, for it’s better to be safe than sorry! If you are travelling by road or rail, the same applies!

5. Voice your preferences While dining out, request the staff for oil-free and dairy-free options. There will always be something there. However, listen to your body’s preference too! You don’t want to overeat and feel sick, so stop when you feel 80% full!

6. Buy local and feel like one It’s fun going to the local organic store and buying fresh fruits and salad vegetables that you can carry with you the whole day.

7. Sleep early and rise early That really makes a big difference. Watch the sun rise, go for a short walk or run, stretch, and enjoy the fresh air before you step out for sightseeing.

8. Feature nature in your travel Try and do some activity close to nature. Staying in a nature resort is another cool option. Nature only gives but are we ready to receive?

9. Cut down on alcohol or fizzy drinks These only drain you. Instead, opt for plain water, tender coconut water or fresh lemon juice.

10. Try something you have never done before New experiences are great for mental health. Scuba-diving, a new massage therapy, volunteering at a local organisation, joining a class…there are options galore!

11. Play games While you are travelling or having a meal, play interesting word or board games as a family. At dinner, review the whole day and ask each other what was the best part of the day, and which experience was not as good!

12. Practise gratitude Before retiring for the day, each member shares three things that they are grateful for.