The Values Workshop

'Mental health' is a strong term used far more frequently than before. It is a serious term, and best used by professionals who understand it. In this chat, however, the guest talks about the pressures she imposed upon herself, and 'felt imposed upon' by the society regarding her academics and her professional choices. The beauty of her sharing is she speaks about the leap of faith, and her confidence in herself, her relationship with her parents when she spoke about her confusion, her ability to transcend the immediate and pause enough to see the light at the end of the tunnel as well. This conversation will lend strength to many facing such times in life. Do hear this concluding part of the chat. For the video, check www.youtube.com/c/thevaluesworkshop

In a world which defines your options, what do you do when you do not like any of them? What if your option is to pause and reflect? At any stage of your academic or professional career, what happens when this becomes your mind-set? We have a guest who shares with us, her painful journey of getting off the beaten path, and through all kinds of obstacles, including her own space of confusion and despair, manages to make it to live a life of meaning. A journey which will resonate with most students and many of us, who choose a professional path not of our liking. What an incredibly honest sharing we have, in the first part of this provocative chat. Do check out the video on www.youtube.com/c/thevaluesworkshop

Once again, the chat takes over a form which both I and the guest have no control over. Many incomplete sentences which make complete sense, a mind-space which is more exploratory than planned, and we find words to express thoughts which are nascent, new, novel and hold more meaning in between them than in them. Sounds intriguing? It isn't - surprisingly, it is a breezy, easy kind of conversation and the space it creates could be at best called a pause in the busy humdrum of our lives. We talk mind, body, food, sacredness, and practicality among other things. Check it out. For the video, check www.youtube.com/c/thevaluesworkshop

Leaving behind a profitable journey, she went back to the villages. Our guest speaks about her fears, her joys, her efforts, her failures and her subsequent change-of-heart-and-fortune. She also speaks of her psoriasis and how adopting an alternative lifestyle helped her reduce its impact on her body and confidence. A short chat, but with many triggers for contemplation. Check it out. For the video, please check www.youtube.com/c/thevaluesworkshop

A chat where we cover emotions of all kinds and their repercussions on our body. The idea is to gain knowledge and understanding - and in turn, use it to live a better and a more fulfilling life. Our guest, who is an Emotional Intelligence Expert, talks about the impact our constant need for happiness has on us. It is an interesting, eye-opening, revealing kind of chat which throws lights on how one needs to reflect on one's physical and mental health by understanding emotions. Even what we perceive as negative emotions are actually needed for us to perform at our best. Many such radical thoughts in here. Do check it out. For the video, check www.youtube.com/c/thevaluesworkshop

A transparent, honest straight-from-the heart conversation with someone who loves Nature, sees divinity in humans, plants and animals - and the Gods too. Clarity means holding your own, even as you continue growing, changing and still retaining something essential, as our guest proves with our words and deeds. She talks about self-empowerment as well as belief in a higher self, dukkha and ability to see positive, knowing, acknowledging, doing and a lot more, all in the same breath. It is a power-packed chat. Do check it out. For the video, check www.youtube.com/c/thevaluesworkshop

A photographer who wasn't. A man who lost his parents and didn't. A journey which isn't what it looks like on the surface. A conversation which goes from personal to professional, and back seamlessly. A friendship, a relation and a work-connection come up in my talk with this amazing professional with a strict work ethic and a warm heart. Sounds contradictory? It isn't when you check out this extremely provocative chat. Do check it out. For the video, check www.youtube.com/c/thevaluesworkshop

It is rare to find an absolutely everyday conversation, which goes in depth into the trials and tribulations of one's professional life. But here we have a Doctor who honestly answers questions with clarity but  also retaining the conflict and contradictions in his answers. Truly, a beautiful mind, which does not take credit, but is trying to understand one's positives and negatives, without being judgemental. We speak in our local language (Hindi) in this one. A superb talk, check this out. For the video, check www.youtube.com/c/thevaluesworkshop

We discuss normality, or what 'seems' to mean normal and realise the limitation of the word. As the guest discusses her personal history, we try and lay it as a background for the human condition. Our need for security, or the comfort zones we create are also talked about. Here, we observe the fact, that in spite of being two separate individuals with absolutely differing life-journeys, the concerns and the needs, the doubts and the 'being unsure' parts remain similar. What a short, sweet reminder of the human condition and our frailties, and in acknowledging them, we realise our strength. What an awesome conclusion to a deeply moving chat. Check it out. For the video, check www.youtube.com/c/thevaluesworkshop

A guest who is continuously discovering herself and in the process has been to Indonesia, Istanbul, Sahara Desert, and travelled till she has reached India. She has been here for a while and is still continuing the search. However, thanks to her varied experiences, she has used these outward manifestations to go within. In a way, this is only the background for the chat that follows. I ask and share my truths as we go along and she has a fascinating life, as she describes the huge challenges she has faced. What a guest, what a woman, and above all, what a human being. Check out this story of resilience. For the video, check www.youtube.com/c/thevaluesworkshop