Santosh Joshi's Blog, page 2

Launch of my second book – MANY LIVES ONE SOUL on 11th Sep 2015

It gives me great pleasure to invite you to the launch of my second book – MANY LIVES ONE SOUL on 11th September at CROSSWORD.

This book is about Past Life Regression and promises to answer the questions that bother us such as, “Why Me?, Why Relationship issues?, Why Bad Things Happen To Good people?, Why there is Disparity in the world?” and so on based on the theory of Reincarnation and karma.

Book – Many Lives One Soul

Many Lives One Soul Pre Launch Offer

I sincerely hope that you like the book.

Thanks for always being there and for contributing to my life’s journey.

Gratefully yours

Santosh Joshi

Meeting with Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam – A spiritual experience

22nd October 2013, will be ever etched on my mind. You don’t meet a man of the stature of Abdul Kalam every day. I distinctly remember, there were butterflies in my stomach, while Aruna and I were waiting in his office for our 8pm appointment. We were there to present my first book KEYS to him. He was my hero and I had painted a particular image of him in my mind. Already anxious, my mind was crowded with thoughts… ‘how will he greet us?, what will he say about my book?, will he really entertain us as we had no real agenda for the meeting?’, ‘what if a cold response from him shatters the image I have so lovingly nurtured.’

My chain of thoughts broke, when his secretary called out our names. He ushered us in APJ’s office.

His office reflected his persona – simple, warm and welcoming. He got up from his chair to greet us.

“So Mr. Santosh Joshi, what brings you here?” He asked with a bright smile, signalling us to sit. Sitting in front of a person who was the people’s president, a recipient of Bharat Ratna, a scientist, a teacher and above all a favourite leader of one and all, did make me nervous.

Slowly the anxiety I was experiencing, dissolved in his presence. His friendly voice and infectious smile made us comfortable.

“Sir, you are a great inspiration in our life and it has been our long cherished dream to meet you in person, hence we are here.” I said trying hard to put the words together. I gave him the book and a sketch I had drawn of him.

“Oh, I am glad to meet you as well” he replied modestly. Then I briefed him about what I was doing and how I wished to present him my first book and seek his blessings. He patiently flipped through the book, asked questions with lot of interest and said he was pleased with the way the book had come up.

“You have given me the book. What should I give you?”, saying this he got up from the chair, fetched a copy of ‘Ignited Minds’ from his cupboard and wrote a beautiful message, “If God for us, who can be against us”; and with his autograph gifted it to me. He wished me luck and said, “You are doing a good job. Inspire as many people as you can”.

We requested him for a picture, which he readily agreed. The whole experience was so overwhelming, that we got goose bumps and our eyes moistened. We touched his feet and left his office with a heart filled with gratitude and amplified love and respect for this adorable human being. We were bowled over by his humility, simplicity and greatness. It was feeling one gets in the vicinity of a spiritually evolved soul. No wonder today when he has left his body, every Indian is grieved. Only a divine incarnate can impact and inspire so many lives. In my view, he was truly a modern spiritual guru.

Set to Rise

As a child I had the privilege of being raised in a small city, which has its own advantages. I remember crazily riding my bicycle to the top of the hill every evening to get the glimpse of the most incredible sight – the Sunset. I would park my bicycle under the tree and get soake…d in the mesmerizing hues of yellows and oranges….. Soon the Sun would just disappear and I would go back… sad, tending my heart with hope for the next day, when the sun will rise again. I used to think, “why does the sun have to set at all if it has to rise again…?”



As I grew up I became more aware of the infallible ways of Nature. If the Sun doesn’t set, how will it rise…? And how will we experience the most marvelous phenomenon of the universe….?

It’s a beautiful law of Nature, “Set to Rise”. Most often, when we fail in life we get dejected, we lose hope, we start feeling that this is how life is. But let me tell you, that we are only experiencing the Sunset; and Sunrise is definitely going to follow. As per this law “Set to Rise”, if we fail in life, be assured that we will rise. Similarly, if we let our ego, fears, guilt, frustration “Set”… something more beautiful is surely going to “Rise” in their place… much more amazing, miraculous and wonderful.. which will take our life to a new dimension….

AWAY FROM HOME, AT YOUR SERVICE

A TRIBUTE TO INDIAN ARMY

Have you ever consciously acknowledged the comfort of being home, sleeping on your own bed, sharing meals with your loved ones….? Well, honestly I seldom did till a few years back when I changed the course of my life. That’s when I started looking at everything in life with grateful eyes. But the workshop I did in August 2014 stirred something deep within me, pushing me, reminding me again, to look at life with eyes of gratitude….grateful even about the smallest things in life . We take everything for granted not realizing the value of those until we are deprived of it.

It was in the first week of July while I was preparing for a SKY Healing workshop scheduled in Delhi, I got a call from a the Commanding Officer (CO) of one of the units in Indian Army. He got my contact number through someone who had attended one of my motivational talks. He also came to know about   the SKY Healing technique, that I teach. The CO wanted me to do a workshop for the Jawans of his unit who were feeling de-motivated and also teach them SKY to help them handle their stresses. I was more than thrilled. It was a great honour to have been invited by Indian Army to conduct a workshop for them. I was extremely grateful for this opportunity universe had given me.

This workshop happened in August 2014. I was literally transported to a different world for 3 days. A world of discipline, sacrifice and patriotism but devoid of emotions….a world very different from what we live in. I addressed about 500 Jawans, taught them SKY and also did some personal counseling. During these sessions , I came across various heart touching stories, some of them literally brought tears in my eyes. I would like to share one of those stories here.

Mahesh (name changed) belongs to Andhra Pradesh. His village is almost 6 hours by train from Hyderabad. Mahesh got married few years back. Within a few months of marriage it was announced that his unit is being posted at the border. At the same time he got the news that his wife was expecting. Mahesh left his home with a heavy heart. But the training in the Army makes the Jawans really tough. Within no time he got engrossed in his job. After about nine months, he got the news that he had become a proud father of a baby boy. His happiness knew no bounds. He celebrated this news with the fellow Jawans. Mahesh was longing to cuddle his baby and play with him, but unfortunately his leave was not sanctioned. After about eighteen months of his posting there, one fine day, he got the news that his son had some heart problem and had to be hospitalized. As a special case, Mahesh was granted leave and so he set off for his village. He took 2 days for him to reach Hyderabad from where he needed to take a train to his village. Every passing minute seemed like a year. While he was waiting at Hyderabad railway station, Mahesh got the news that his son has passed away in the hospital. He was inconsolable. He could only reach his village in time for the funeral of his son.

“The first time I saw my son was on the funeral pyre, saabji” Mahesh started sobbing as he told me his story. I just could not hold my tears back. I was at loss of words to console him and just gave him a tight hug.

Friends, this is our Indian army. They happily give away the comfortable life and stay thousands of miles away from home, so that we can be at ease and safe. I dedicate this blog to each and every jawan of Indian Army and I salute them.

I would like to end this blog with a stanza from the famous song, that still gives goose-bumps to each Indian every single time one hears it.

“Aye mere vatan ke logon, jara aankh me bhar lo paani,

Jo shahid huye hain unaki, jara yaad karo kurbaani

Jab desh me thi diwali, woh khel rahe the holi,

Jab ham baithe the gharon me, woh jhel rahe the goli

The dhanya javaan woh aapane, thee dhanya woh unaki javaani,

Jo shahid huye hain unaki, jara yaad karo kurbaani…”

JAI HIND ….. !!!

BEYOND THE CONFINES OF RELIGION

Our maid Shabana, has been working with us since last 6 years. As the name obviously suggests, she is a Muslim by religion. My Mom who is 80 year old and belongs to the old school of thought, was not quite happy with a Muslim maid working at our home. But within no time Shabana won everybody’s hearts and became an integral part of our family. Her enormously positive and happy disposition, with a bright smile always radiating from her face made her much loved amongst our friends and relatives. She would always lovingly cater to everybody’s needs. She would fully participate in all the Hindu festivals with equal fervor. During  Ganapati clebrations, Shabana would help my wife in making prasad items and very enthusiastically participate and sing aarti.

However her personal life was in deep contrast to her disposition. Her husband was a drunkard. At times she didn’t even have money to buy the groceries. Her in-laws ill-treated her. She underwent two miscarriages.  But Shabana would leave everything behind when she entered our house. She was a living example of how to be happy under any circumstances. Rather she was happiness personified.

Shabana took a break of one and half years when she was  expecting again, as she was advised complete bed rest. She resumed work just two months back, when her daughter Sofia turned 6 months. Now she comes to our house with her cute little daughter. Like mother like daughter. Sofia enchanted all of us with her charm and captivating smile in no time. My 80 year old mom and 8 month Sofia play with each other happily chatting and laughing while Shabana attends to all the chores. My mom makes Sofia sit besides her when she is performing her pooja, gives her Aarti, puts kumkum on her forehead, following all the Hindu rituals. The mother and the daughter have brought a wave of happiness and positivity in our home.

Today when I jokingly said, ” Shabana your daughter will turn into a Hindu very soon!”

I was astounded by her reply, “How does it matter Bhau…?(thats what she calls me..it means brother in marathi). Even my inlaws often taunt me,’ you are turning into a Hindu’, I tell them, “sirf Allah Allah karne se koi Musalman nahi banta! Insaan toh insaan hota hai na”(meaning one does not become a Muslim just by chanting Allah’s name. One is first a human being)

What a wisdom ! That too coming from a so called uneducated person like her…Isnt it amazing..?

Our religious leaders, on the name of religion create a divide in the minds of people; who very easily get influenced by them. But each of us needs to use our intellect to decide whether we want to live within the confines of religion created by a few or choose to be a part of a greater religion called Humanity. Once we decide to choose the latter, I can assure you, we will create heaven on Earth.

God Bless Shabana and Sofia…!

True Freedom

Our country achieved freedom from foreign rule 67 years back, but have we attained true freedom yet…?

As a life coach I come across  many people during my talks and workshops. The one thing I find common in most of them is that they are not free. Rather, most are imprisoned in the self created web of guilts, regrets, hurts, fears, self doubts, limiting self beliefs, etc. This happens with all of us. The web gets denser and stronger day by day, and a point comes when we feel impossible to break through it and get out. We become prisoners.

I know of a lady who has gone through lot of suffering in her life for almost a decade after her marriage. She was married in a joint family and was ill-treated by her in-laws. As a result she went through a lot of trauma. After about 10 years of marriage the couple moved out of the house and the family business into an independent life. But even today when we meet she talks only about those 10 years of distress in her life.

Once she told me , “I want to try your PLR therapy. I am curious to find out how my in-laws were related to me in my past birth. They have made my life miserable.”

“Sure we can. But what is the problem now? You are the master of your own life . I feel it is high time you let go of the past.” I replied.

“You don’t understand. It is easier said than done. They have spoiled 10 beautiful years of my life. How can I let go?” she said somewhat irritated.

I realized that she had completely ensconced herself in the self created web of victimhood. So much so that she was thriving on the sympathy gained from people around her and was comfortable living that way.

When we are born, we are free spirits. We can easily cry, laugh , make mistakes, forgive people, and let go. we don’t carry any baggage. Hence as a child we can experience freedom. Nothing is impossible for a small child. He is ready to explore anything because he lives in that space of ‘freedom’, where everything is a possibility.

Then what happens as we grow…? We are told, ” you are a grown up boy now and boys are not supposed to cry!” or “you are a girl, you are not supposed to laugh so loudly!”,” What will people say?”, “you should do this and you shouldn’t do this”. ” you cannot think in a particular way” and stuff like that…Our life slowly gets defined by the dos and don’ts of the society. Without realizing we get moulded in a way people  around us want us to. Even the freedom of thoughts is taken away from us. We are supposed to think how other people want us to think. Sounds ridiculous, but its true, and we start living a life of others. Slowly we start thinking that this is how life has to be lived, in a set pattern, confined and defined by the society, caged in the negative beliefs.

To experience true freedom we need to go back to the time when we were born…. by stripping off the layers of conditioning around us and letting free that inner child. Do what we always wanted to do in life rather than being dictated by others around us. We must realize our true potential to achieve greatness in life. We need to break free from the cage of dogmas, set patterns limited self beliefs, feeling of being victim, helplessness, fears, deceits and other negative emotions such as anger, jealousy, resentment, guilt, and regret….. and live as if “Sky is Not the Limit”…..  in True Freedom.

5 simple life lessons from Candy Crush Saga

Being a Life Coach, I feel every thing happening in our life teaches us a valuable lessons and this game is no exception.

I was introduced to the game Candy Crush Saga by my friends in Japan when my wife and I visited them in March. My wife was totally captivated by it since then. I saw her getting anxious about the levels she was not able to cross and the happiness when she successfully graduated to another level. Watching her enthusiasm towards this game, I did not realize when I got hooked on to it. I started playing and crossing levels and moving ahead. Sometimes I got stuck at one level for days together, while at times I would easily cross levels in the first attempt. The lives (opportunities) I got for each level were limited. So I needed to make my moves very carefully or else my opportunity to go to the next level would be lost. There were several permutations and combinations; hence every time, I needed to plan a strategy to make a correct move. Sometimes, I succeeded while at times, I failed. The most thrilling part was when there was 1 candy left to be crushed in 3 moves! When you get involved in a game, it becomes imperative to win that game.

If a computer or a phone game is so important in our life, what about life itself? Being a Life Coach I feel each and every thing happening in our life teaches us a valuable lessons and this game is not an exception.

Here are 5 life lessons Candy Crush has taught me:

MOVE ON:

Life will always pose challenges at every step. The real key lies is facing those challenges and moving on to the next level.

LIFE IS FULL OF SURPRISES:  

At every juncture life will throw surprises at you. The real strength lies in how we handle those. Life will also bring in tiny parcels of happiness. Don’t forget to celebrate those moments.

TIME IS LIMITED:  

Our life-time on this Earth is limited. Opportunities will come and go. We need to brace ourselves to take advantage of these opportunities.

Like the game, our life too will pose challenges at every step. The real key lies is facing them and moving on to the next level.

MAKE THE CORRECT MOVE:

We cannot afford to waste our time and energy in making wrong moves. Because one wrong move can take us to a different set of possibilities which may or may not lead to our destination.

PLAN A STRATEGY:

It is very important to plan a strategy. Life’s moments are slipping by. So we need to strategically plan life to make the most of it.

Happy crushing! Don’t miss these lessons when you play Candy Crush next time.

Spirituality beyond assumptions

Breaking stereotypes!

The past few weeks has seen an offbeat online campaign doing the rounds. It showcases girls and boys holding a whiteboard in different settings, the white board has a message that busts a common prejudice. Cheek and thought-provoking, the campaign has really inspired me to write this blog.

Since, I changed my job and went into the line of spirituality; I have heard all negative opinions or false perceptions about spirituality. Today, my blog is aimed at #breakingstereotypes about spirituality.

Myth 1: To be spiritual, one needs to be secluded

You can be spiritual wherever you are

One of the biggest myths about spirituality is that you need to get away from normal human civilization. This is the biggest lie of the century. You don’t need to go to the Himalayas or any other spiritual place to be spiritual. It goes beyond space and circumstances. Spirituality is just a way of life. It is nothing but living from your heart and going with the flow of the universe. It can be practiced even in the midst of chaos. Keeping away from friends and family is definitely not a compulsion!

Myth 2: One can’t enjoy materialistic things or cannot live a modern life if spiritual

There is nothing wrong with being ambitious or wanting a fancy car or a big house. In fact, spirituality tells us that we are here to enjoy and celebrate life. The universe has abundance and you can receive anything you want. One should not feel guilty if one is involved in the business of earning money or material wealth, as long as you do it honestly and with detachment.

Myth 3: Spiritual people need to be “serious” at all times

I have heard many people say that spiritual people shouldn’t speak loudly, laugh too much or act like immaturely. In reality, not all spiritual people are serious. In fact, if your core personality involves talking and laughing loudly, you should never give it up! Have you heard of the concept of Inner Child? It says, each one of us has a little child within us. We need to pamper and give attention to that child in order to remain happy. Great Sufis and saints have been child-like and had no qualms about playing with little children. Life is beautiful, and we must acknowledge it and be happy. One needn’t behave in a certain way just because he is spiritual.

Myth 4: Spirituality is only possible in a guru-shishya environment

You don’t need to follow a sect or spiritual guru to be spiritual. All you need is an inquisitive mind, and you will get the answers. Whenever you need the guidance, the universe will send you the right people, opportunities and events to help you find your answers.

My attempt at busting a myth!

 Myth 5: You need to follow the spiritual dress code

Another common misconception is that spiritual people need to wear flowing clothes or robes. I have been told, many a times, “How can you be in the spiritual line if you wear jeans and a t-shirt?”

According to me, clothing is just a choice and does not reflect a person’s way of being. Especially, in today’s age! Spirituality does not put any restriction on clothing.

Myth 6: You need to follow a religion to be spiritual

In religion, someone experiences the truth and tells it to you. You follow. Spirituality is experiencing the truth yourself. Religion, cast, creed has nothing to do with spirituality. There are numerous paths that can take you to the same goal. You can even create your own path.

Myth 7: People are inclined towards spirituality only if something goes wrong

I have seen perfectly happy people having the desire and yearning to know more about life. They are determined to go higher on spiritual levels. Spirituality is not just something to come out of your problems, but a way of life.

Myth 8: Spirituality is only for oldies only

In one of my workshops, the youngest participant was 16-year-old and the oldest one was 92. I even know of a girl who is a past life regression therapist since she was 18. She is full of life and has given life advice to people four times her age!

Some people think spirituality is only for their old age. This is another untruth. Age has nothing to do with spirituality. You could be of any age, when you start on this path.

According to me, children are natural mediators and very spiritual

My only purpose of listing out all these stereotypes is so people do not make the mistake of generalization. There surely are people who fall into the category of these stereotypes but that doesn’t mean all spiritual people are the same.

If you are looking for answers about your life and seek a path, don’t be influenced by what is popular or by other’s opinion. You should determine what is right for you and follow that. Let your inner wisdom be your guiding light. And keep in mind not to judge others on their path either.

Beat work stress in just 12 minutes

Mounting pressure at work got you pulling your hair out? Know that you are not alone. Recent statistics show that stress is the number one lifestyle risk among Indian employees. The rising stress at workplaces is causing an array of physical issues as well as psychological problems. From high BP, diabetes, pains and aches and insomnia to depression, fears, anxiety, fatigue, lethargy, and many more.

Stress works like a vicious cycle. Each time we experience a stressful situation, we become anxious or fearful, our breathing pattern changes drastically and stress hormones are released in the blood stream. If these stress hormones are not metabolized over time, it can destabilize our normal body functions and lead to emotional and mental issues. This in turn leads to more stress. This effect can be reversed at an early stage of the cycle. The most effective way to do this through our breath.

The fact is astonishing; 70% of our metabolic waste is eliminated through breathing; the balance 30% is eliminated through perspiration (19%), urination (8%) and defecation (3%).Our body gets the energy to purify, rid itself of toxins and stresses, and to rejuvenate because of our breath. Yet very few of us pay attention to it; rather how we breathe. However, correct breathing allows us to access unlimited amounts of energy, which we can use to carry out the repair work within us.According to life coach, PLR therapist and author of the bestselling book KEYS, Santosh Joshi, the 12-minute SKY Healing technique allows you to do just that.

He says, “A combination of tapping, breathing and visualization, SKY is a quick and effective method that instantly reduces your stress. The best part is that it takes only takes 12 minutes. If practiced regularly, it perfectly harmonizes the body, mind and soul.”

For instance, you have an important presentation to make and are feeling very anxious about it, doing SKY will automatically make you feel better, bring down your anxiety, give you confidence and allow you to focus better. This new-age technique is especially for professionals who don’t have time for other time-consuming stress-relief processes. 

Jyotsna Nair, an HR consultant, says, “I suffered from insomnia for many years. SKY has cured it and is a confidence booster to me. I am no more affected by the work pressure at my office. I am self-motivated and driven to achieve my goals.”

Another SKY practitioner from Delhi, Dr Latika Sharma, a microbiologist attached to AIIMS, says, “SKY has helped heal my cervical spondylosis and other my aches and pains.”

Santosh adds, “Since it liberates us from negative emotions, which is the root cause of our physical diseases, we also heal physically. By practicing SKY, people have recovered from phantom pains, diabetes and blood pressure issues and many others lifestyle diseases.”

Even the visualizations during SKY are so effective that it helps manifesting whatever we are looking for, be it professional growth, material gains, better relationships, etc. On the whole, the technique shows you your highest potential.

This blog also appeared in Speaking Tree{Time Of India Publication} on 11th May 2014.

 Here’s a demonstrative link to the exclusive SKYPRO workshop video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9tIMTWZQdI

DNA has discovered the potential of SKY Healing… Have you?

Santosh Joshi has been featured in today’s DNA After Hours, page 5, taking about the new-age healing technique SKY.

Read the story in detail here: http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/report-sky-a-new-healing-technique-that-promises-you-quick-results-1984085