Follow the Light

Let nothing dim the light that shines from within ~Maya Angelou

[followtheroshni]

Maa Bharat

Like a phenomenally resilient mother, you hold together the dichotomous pulling of opposites; you embrace the sheer filth with the sheer opulence, the utter despair with the boundless hope. Within you lies the garbling sounds of vendors shouting and animals scurrying in between metros being constructed amidst the honking songs of rickshaws and scooters and cars, yet time remains still in silent moments of prayer in your temples or mosques or synagogues or grand cathedrals all praying to the same sun that shines from your heart. Maa, you compassionately, whole heartedly remain devoted to those who live within you and who call you home despite how far our bodies remain. In an era of greed and destruction, a mother’s strength reminds us the core we are born from- our satya (truth). 

I sputter phrases in my broken Hindi, native tongues marred by a lifetime abroad, yet you bring me in closer and salve my wounds with band-aids of understanding. Love knows no language barrier, you remind me. Somehow I muster the courage to dig deeper, seeking clarity or simply asking how to get to the next point. Like an infant, I fumble with my next steps, yet small steps remind me that I am home. Despite the hilarity of my own contradictions, I am able to muster some nuance of who I am, staying vulnerable and remaining steadfast in my openness,  I somehow contrive a family across borders, across languages, across time zones. It's what I love most about living in this world. The travel opens your eyes, but the people, the people crack open your heart. 

It always amazes me how quickly an unfamiliar place can feel like home. Then, I remember, that if you create a home within you...then everywhere you go transforms into a home, everyone you meet becomes family, and quite gently, your heart stays open to the endless opportunities around you. Always so grateful for the reminder that life will take you to amazing places, but love will always bring you home. 

[followtheroshni]

[the never ending day of mishaps which included 2 long, bumpy, sweaty bus rides followed by a cranky “rest” in a tiny train station with a failed attempt to sneak onto a train car with a berth and a failed attempt to bribe any TT’s which resulted in 8 hours of standing like a sardine in a tightly packed (thankfully women’s only) compartment until we reached Cochin at 3 am. Jess and I are officially bad asses.]

Musings Through Travel: 

We often only display the highlights of our lives online, the moments curated to reflect the end results of what is often a long, tedious and often boring process. Travel is no different. Sure there are beautiful sights and amazing food, sure I meet incredible people and come across adventure, but it also includes many mishaps and wrong turns and long hours uncomfortably scrunched in a sweaty, smelly, strenuous vestibule to the next destination. It often includes a great deal of patience navigating traffic and social dynamics that never go on time. So many unplanned moments, so many quiet "wasted" minutes, a majority not worthy of any photo but almost always these moments are the ones that MAKE this journey worth doing again. The struggle. I'm almost enamored with it. Because while it's fun to share the triumphs of my life, it's the trials that have redefined my life.

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Happy in Hampi Part I

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Trimurti Yoga: Goa

Teaching where I was taught. I came to Trimurti in 2013 for my teachers training expecting little but learning so much. That’s the beauty of yoga, it plants seeds of desire for deeper connection. Teaching has always been a dream of mine, I just never felt like I was smart enough or knew enough to be helpful. However, I was surprised to realize just how much I did understand and had the incredible privilege to return to India and share my love of yoga and my passion for women's health with some stellar international yogis. 

Discipline. Devotion. Determination.

These are the fundamentals yoga teaches you. This is also what I hope to impart on my students and patients. When the love of yoga intersects with the vitality of pregnancy, there is an opportunity for magic to unfold. I I truly love working with new moms and feel prenatal health is the perfect window of opportunity to provide women a space to reflect, admire, and witness her own strength. Having the privilege to share this passion and teach international yogi’s as they prepare to empower prenatal and postnatal women at such an incredibly pivotal moment of their lives was surreal. It was so fun to see eyes light up as the curiosity to understand more grew. 

Thank you Karo and Ajay for believing in me and thanks to this amazing crew for being the most enthusiastic and inquisitive students I could have ever dreamed of! Honored to have shared this learning path alongside you. 

[followtheroshni]

Go Go Goa

Spending the last few days in the jungle-y beaches of Goa have reminded me on the beauty and wonders of discovering the unknown.When I first landed in the dead of the night, I was a bit apprehensive of what I had gotten myself into again. I arrived in my room to the scurry of frogs, lizards, spiders and ants everywhere. The parade of ants was endless- large and small, blue, black and red, relentless and resilient they come together to feast on the crunchy remains of what looks like a cicada meets beetle meets jungle cockroach. While my aversions have built fear, my experiences have built courage. I always dreamed that I would meet my very own knight -in-bug-and-pesky-animal-removal, but for now my own ability to only squeal once while clenching my eyes shut and brushing away the gigantic spider closer to the door while hopping on one foot to the safety of my majestic mosquito-net enclosed bed must suffice as brave enough. 

Yet no one remembers this side of Goa. Once the bottoms of your feet meet the sands and shores of the Arabian Sea your fears wash away. This is home. The entirety of it.

[entering my new home infested with ants and insects and frogs and wildlife crunching away through the dark of the night]

[followtheroshni]

sahakari

From the women’s march to the streets of Ma Bharat, the inequalities women face just for being born as women are still so apparent. I experienced both only days apart and despite the expectations that the discrepancies would be starkly different, I realized that the battle remains the same. Women want the right to navigate (and deserve a right to) their own destiny. 

If we feel it is archaic to force young girls into marriage, if we feel it is backwards to refuse girls any education beyond 10th grade, if we can’t fathom rolling scraps of fabric with dirt to shamefully hide the effects of menstruation then the fight for equal pay, access to healthcare, and control over our bodies is even more vital. You can’t pick and choose what rights women are allowed much like you can’t pick and choose what makes someone worthy of equal rights. 

In Hindi, sahakari translates to cooperation. Across the globe, what women want is the same. To have a fair chance at equality. To have the autonomy to navigate our paths and forge ownership of our beliefs, dreams, and bodies. Don’t we deserve that? Just like the revolutions before us, we need the cooperation of the masses. So to the men that believe in the women you come from, the women you love, and the women you may one day create– the time for silence is no longer. To the women who don’t believe that the current state needs rectifying, my only hope is that your eyes began to open to the injustices both subtle and more apparent, because if you do not believe they impact you (yet), they will. 

[followtheroshni]

Ask Steve: RUN NEMO!! || STEVE HARVEY

A guest wants to know Steve’s favorite shows on Netflix. Subscribe now to the STEVE HARVEY YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/1K5UsMy Find out where to watch in ...

When a friend refers you to be on tv, you have to oblige. As per usual, my normal conversations seem to amuse many, especially Steve. While my laugh is ridiculous, there are far worse things that go viral these days. Happy to dedicate my smile to the social universe. #mamaImadeit😂

[followtheroshni]

_

We live our lives within the confines of two points, a dash(-) representing the impact our lives have in this world. Birthday’s are wonderful markers that allow us to assess how this “dash” has developed. Have we created more depth? Has our line touched more lives? Have we taken the opportunity to celebrate the smallest moments over the year that have helped shape this version of (y)ourself?

Turning 30 is largely insignificant in many ways. After all, I do not believe age can define us. But the significance of a new decade can’t be ignored, either. Especially a pivotal one at thirty- three decades full of transitions and growth at the most rapid speeds. While the number itself is arbitrary, the aptly placed opportunity to assess a very formative decade can’t be missed. The experiences over the past decade alone have in many ways both solidified who I am while breaking down the labels I was given. While I know the future holds more mistakes to be made, more lessons to learn and more failures to endure I am also so excited for the unknown adventures ahead, the spontaneous moments of happiness, the magical memories that have yet to be created. There is much that I am so grateful for, but mostly,  I am so very grateful for how my “dash” has developed, and that is mainly because of the people who are part of my life.

We are all united by our paths, we all have a beginning and we will all have an end. What makes life so damn beautiful, however, is how we set to fill it all in between. In my aspiration to make my “dash” a bold, thick, dense line; I am overwhelmed with the propensity of opportunity my future holds. This next decade, for me, will be about  immersing deeper into service both through nursing and other seva avenues, building and deepening relationships, teaching and expanding opportunities to connect with others and continuing to grow inwards along side the world’s very best gurus: you! 

In love & light, here’s to a new year!

P.S. Thank you to friends and family for all the spontaneous surprises over the past few weeks! I honestly did not expect ANY of it and I am so humbled by all the love. I know many of my dearest friends are busy chasing dreams with new babies, family and work obligations, travel and usual holiday craziness and while you may not be pictured below, know that I feel the love and am so indebted to you! I can’t say it enough, I am so lucky to be so loved.I have learned to be very intentional of who I keep around me and am always so amazed by the lives those I love lead. Thank you for shaping me into a better human being. Cheers to another decade of love and learning. 

[followtheroshni]

Choice

Choices

Everything in life is choice. Perhaps not our circumstances, but how we approach whats been handed to us and how we choose to dedicate our time impacts not only the trajectory of our life, but also the progress of ourselves. In junior high, our principal ended morning announcements with the phrase, “ make it a great day or not, the choice is yours”. Im sure I used to chuckle or write it off, but its funny what your brain sticks to later in life. Everything leaves an impact.  

For the choices we have no control over- the failures, the heartbreaks, the deaths and challenges we all face in our own way- we have a choice in how we choose to deal with this. We can be bitter or we can choose to be resilient, to find the meaning and purpose in ourselves enough to not become jaded. But all of that is something everyone should learn on their own.

But for the choices we have control over. For the ones that make life worth living. We must choose mindfully. Intentionally. What you do everyday adds up. Who you keep around you, who you allow to impact you, it all builds your legacy. So of course, who you choose to love each day is so important. Because sometimes, that choice doesn’t seem so simple. There will be days where you are tired, where you will feel misunderstood or frustrated, when being single sounds easier. Don’t quit. The best kind of love, the enduring kind. The kind of love that holds you at your weakest and makes you feel invincible—that love is a gift, a privilege, and those opportunities to find love like that should not be taken for granted.

Choices are hard. The best ones are meant to be. Make it a great life or not, the choice is yours. 

[followtheroshni]

26.2

The rhythmic cadence of running calms my nerves, quells my curiosities and allows me to sync into a balancing act I have little control over, yet am able to mentally navigate myself through. The constant surge of suffering is quickly counteracted with small bouts of bliss, and it's living for these moments that makes mile after mile bearable. It reminds me that like much of life, this race is mostly mental. It’s how we decide to pursue the next step. It reminds me of the unpredictability our journey encompasses. We must weather all storms, bear the heat, stride through the wind and focus on moving forward despite any aches or setbacks. The grind of each mile reminding me the power of mind over matter. 

[Ready to race! Peek a boo!]

[Pre-race pep/prep includes some Nike motivation ]

There aren’t many moments as we grow older where the wonder of the unknown can truly grow us. I know running a marathon is not really a big deal, but before this race, it was unknown to me if I had what it took to finish that many miles. From now on, 26.2 won’t feel as daunting. I’ll grow, but not in the way I can measure the growth from my first race. There’s just a certain magic to your first time doing anything, so many micromoments stay locked away in your memory forever. The sensory overload from newness is thrilling. 

While there are many lessons running can teach you, by far the most valuable lesson was a reminder in just how amazing of a community I am consistently supported by here at home in Chicago. Training and running alone can sometimes convince you, like many times in life, that this your battle alone. But moments like these remind you that your success is often the fruits of countless others devotion and nurturing. Mile after mile I reunited with friends from all walks of life and was surprised to hear strangers cheering me on and pushing me through. From countless texts and supportive calls, I didn’t realize that this became a big deal to those around me. I didn’t realize how much that support meant until I was miles deep and out of my own mental pep talks. Knowing that others are cheering you on is incredibly motivating and often times, easy to forget. I’m so grateful to have so many smiling faces rooting me on, giving me a high five or stopping for a hug. Thank you, WE did it!!

10/9/16 First Marathon!!

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Heart to Heart

The warmth of Guatemala can be felt instantly. The minute you meet someone, you are greeted with a warm embrace, a kiss on the cheek, and a friendly “buenos” that makes you feel right at home. Despite being scared and apprehensive when I first arrived, in such a short amount of time, Guatemala found a permanent place in my heart. A beautiful reminder that home truly is where the heart is. 

[Jess & I standing with Benizio and his beautiful family in front of their home]

My trip had two intentions: 1) Learn Spanish 2)Serve and absorb. I have to say both goals were beyond successful (well, the Spanish still needs some work!). 

Thanks to the amazing support of my friends and family,  I was able to gather supplies to organize a “health fiesta” at the home of the Principal of the local school in Rehu. The Principal, Benizio, and his family graciously welcomed us and his students for an afternoon of fun during their winter break. Many of these children were born to young mothers who lacked the finances and freedom to provide them with adequate health care. With donated medications and dental supplies and the help of the Dardon family, we were able to create health packets for distribution. 

The morning of our clinic day, we woke up early to prepare sandwiches, pack the car, and set up. Equipped with minimal Spanish, pockets full of hearts, and big smiles, we opened the gates. Over 90 kids showed up with thier families and we did our best to provide them with medications, dental supplies and lunch. Such an incredibly small offering, but was still such a phenomenal way to integrate into the community. 

The day was HOT and we were exhausted! Despite the grueling heat, Benizio graciously gave us a private tour of his family farm and shared his motivation for his continued dedication to the children of Rehu. His father, a retired physical therapist, lingered after to help some of the kids with minor injuries. It was such a beautiful day of sharing and I am so excited to return again! 

The children of Guatemala are phenomenal! Resilient, silly and so loving! It was such an honor to serve them (and chase after the treasures from the pinatas). It was tough to let some of the kiddos go, they so quickly captured my heart. 

[sharing hearts, literally & figuratively!]

[a tour of how the family grinds corn and beans for consumption. check out the stove behind me!] 

Thank you to everyone who donated, prayed or supported in any way. It always amazes me how so little can reach so far, I truly believe that small acts with great love can transform our world. I am always so grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve in this way!! 

Buenos =)  

[followtheroshni]

Aprendar la cocina con my abuelita ❤ pepitas, frijoles, salsa, y papoosos (maiz y queso). Esta deliciosa!

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Meet Rudy. A native of Reyu, he spent 31 years as a diesel mechanic in California before returning to Guatemala to "retire". He now owns this amazing pineapple, coconut and mandarin farm and took me for a personal visit this morning. It always puts me in awe to see how important a role agriculture plays in a community. The living here is simple, but the land provides enough. Rudy and I discussed his life over cervezas while we drove to the farm. The main roads were closed and in true "jugaad" fashion, Rudy created his own path (all be it a bumpy one). The innovative stubbornness of immigrants always inspires me (and really reminds me of my dad). In between bites of sugar cane, he answered my favorite question to ask strangers- what was his love story? He told me how he met his wife when he used to be a taxi driver and she was an employee at a pharmacy. He thought she was the most beautiful girl, but he still waited for five years before proposing. They raised their children in California and recently moved back.

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Thank you, Thank you, Thank you...

In the Spring, I completed a rotation at The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago on the traumatic brain injury unit and it was a phenomenal experience. The beauty of this career, for me, is the continuous impact my patients can have on the trajectory of my entire life, including how I interpret a simple phrase such as “thank you”. Every time I reflect on what I am grateful for (which, thankfully, is often) I repeat the words “thank you” over and over, reminding me of a favorite patient and an experience that brought both tears and smiles to my face. 

Another patient, one of my firsts, was an elderly gentleman who was recovering from a stroke. A former migrant farm worker from Mexico, he spent his life supporting a family and juggling a life in two worlds. In his old age, he was exhausted of maintaining two personas and reverted to speaking only in Spanish. For some reason, he held a soft spot in my heart. I found myself returning to visit him on my breaks, trying to understand his story through my broken Spanish. Mostly, we sat side by side, smiling at each other and communicating through hand gestures and my limited vocabulary accrued through years of listening to Baachata music. That experience inspired me to want to learn Spanish better, and I am so grateful to be doing just that the next few weeks in Guatemala.  

I think about where I was a few years ago, helping build a brand new hospital as part of an amazing administrative team. Living at home and learning to readjust to life with my parents as an adult. Later, living and serving in India, introduced me to the power of hands-on service and the impact of small acts.   

This time of year always makes me reflect on what i am grateful for & I feel so fortunate to be where I am, doing what I am, surrounded by the best people I know.  I am grateful for the moments I laughed deeply, crying tears. I am even more grateful for the moments that pushed me to understand the beauty of accepting equanimity. I am so grateful to be pursuing a life where I feel my actions and my values intersect daily and there is no separation between who I am and what I do. For every moment, happy and sad, exciting or a bit boring, of stillness and anxiety, for all of it- Thank you. Thank You. Thank You. 

[followtheroshni]

"Be courageous enough to do something outside of (and above) yourself today. Changing your profile picture may be a start to empathy for you, but if that's all we all do we will continue to construct and defend systems that oppress, dehumanize, and operate on brokenness of "the Other" - and see millions more lives lost. "They," whomever you define that as, are not the enemy. We all are, unless we combat our own biases in order to open our hearts and minds to their fullest capacities, and we must love more fiercely than we spit slurs and assumptions and empty, thoughtless sentiments that sever connections across difference rather than uplift, create, strengthen, draw in" --Molly Dull Be Love. Live Love.

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Last planning meeting for my Guata trip with the Dardon's. I am so excited to see it all come together and am so grateful for everyone who has donated or supported me in any way. We are still working out the plans for the health screenings and education programs for the kids in the villages, but so much progress has been made thanks to all of my friends and family. Now, to practice my Spanish!

[roshnishah27]

Big smiles, bigger hearts from the #chicago @servicespace crew! Prepped and shared over 70 meals today for the first #hearthehomeless event. Planting seeds of community on this beautiful #ServiceSunday #dowhatmakesyouAWEsome #soulsunday (at Chicago, Illinois)