Reflections a year later…

My blog has been inactive for a while and there are a few reasons for that.  One of them is that I have accepted the request to write a weekly column in a provincial newspaper – the title being ‘CONSCIOUS LIVING’ – this column deals with all lifestyle matters.  It has been just over three months that I have been writing and having my thoughts and experiences published is a humbling feeling.  Hence, my energy and focus has been in putting out this column for the majority to enjoy and perhaps introspect into the deeper self.

Exactly a year ago, with the power of a collaboration, I began the exciting V-Earth brand – a range of designer garments.  I would never settle for anything less than the very best, and what attracted me to that particular line is the fact that all the designer garments are stitched from organic textile.  To me, this meant promoting conscious fashion.  After some thought an exciting addition included a range of beauty care, all hand-crafted products made from the finest ingredients.  Being a huge promoter of vegetarianism, I felt it compulsory that the V-Earth range be endorsed by Beauty without Cruelty South Africa, which I then pursued and had the brand successfully endorsed. 

Within this period, I also recognised the need to extend this to reach the greater community.  Interacting with the community on a daily basis through serving the needs of the children and their families, I have first-hand experience of the poverty faced by so many South Africans.  Poverty not only in felt in the pocket, but a sense of helplessness from women and children who have been through abuse, trauma and so much more in their lives.  With this burning desire to make a difference beyond the class-room, I then ventured into writing and sharing, and soon we will be offering empowerment workshops for women.

It has been an amazing journey this past year, and with deep reflection and a burning desire to pursue the many ‘whys’ of life.  This extends to our deeper connection and relations to why we do what we do.  It believe that this is just the beginning of my inspiration and that V-Earth was launched with a higher purpose in mind. My energy and spirit is to delve deeper for my personal growth and contentment in reaching the greater community.

The pastimes from the Vedic literature come alive when I write on the importance of understanding our deeper consciousness.  For me, the great Jambavan from the epic  Ramayan, is a leader who leads invisibly.  Should we trace the words of Jambavan – we admire the qualities of a leader who makes Hanuman realise his immense capabilities and encourages Hanuman to fly across the ocean.  As the story continues, Jambavan then falls away into the shadows and Hanuman emerges the hero.  It is with the words of Jambavan, that Hanuman tapped into his full potential. It is with this desire and spirit of leadership that both conscious living the empowerment programs will focus.  Therefore, developing and creating leaders within our community.

I have learnt that without gratitude, nothing is possible – gratitude for the little things that are actually often far bigger than those things we place so much emphasis on.

My gratitude remains at the feet of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. I am also grateful  to all those who support these initiatives and continue to inspire me to offer just a little more.  I do believe that we all have the potential to make a difference, and no matter how minute that difference may seem, it can never be underestimated.

Here’s to so much more!