My journey in the United States has been anything less than a rendezvous with destiny. I came to this land of mystical opportunities three years ago for my masters in New York. Tasting student life, after almost working in India for 8 years seemed like a big feat to achieve at that given time. Little did I know that there were a lot more lessons to be learned in this short span. Cliché but true- Life is a big school and you will be happy if you remain a faithful and diligent student throughout.

I have always felt an insane pull toward the altered state of consciousness and simpler terms everything spiritual. Well although some might say that spirituality is in everything you do. It’s the approach and intention that matters. Yes, I agree. But it’s also how much are you willing to delve deeper and face the dark as well as light depths of yourself and the reflections that life presents to you. Even though my curiosity about this realm began almost 12 years ago soon after an intense heartbreak. It is these times when we look for alternatives to calm ourselves down. And mine was no different. It’s now I realize each time I have had a major energy shift, shake-up incident, or a breakthrough my belief in energy consciousness and the power of intention has become stronger.

Now you must be wondering what she went through that propelled her to write Well you are right on the chain of thought. Let me take you back in time, just not too long ago. Soon after my masters in New York, I got a job in Chicago, not to my liking but just like any other Immigrant I succumbed to whatever I could get my hands on in a matter of three months otherwise I would have to return to my country. And all the hard work, money, and effort would have gone down the drain. So what would a practical person do, he/she would jump at the immediate opportunity that presents itself, hoping that the situation would change eventually for the better.

I am sure many people would be able to relate to this phase because I am sure many of us have gone through this at some point in our lives. Then be it adjusting to a new country, a new job, a new relationship, or even an alien situation. For me, it has been to make it in this country- America. I had a lot at stake (at least in my mind). Now here is where I compromised on things I loved doing or would have loved to do rather than the goal to be in this country, which was a superficial goal. The goal always should be to follow your dreams. Things that get your adrenaline running and excitement take over like this big overwhelming feeling. That’s when you know in your gut that you are on the right path.

Life has a very tricky and mysterious way of redirecting you to your soul home if you don’t know or are making compromises by adopting the safer route.

After working for almost one and half years in America soon after my master’s I can safely say I was rarely happy doing what I was working with. I learned immensely, some new lessons, and skills that I never thought existed within me. So I am eternally grateful that I was able to see myself in a whole new light. We can do and achieve anything if we put our minds to it. But it’s safe to say my heart was longing for more. I had a very interesting checklist in my mind- starting with getting my master’s, getting a job, being sponsored, getting my H1 B, and living by myself. I think in my little bubble of superficiality I was a queen. But truth be told in the hearts of hearts I was worse than a beggar, starving for happiness. Simply because I wasn’t doing things that I loved. I wasn’t following what my heart longed for or desired.

It was only after my trip back to India after almost three years I was back in the game, the quest to find Manisha. Finding my soul purpose and returning to my soul home. I began going for mediation retreats, and dance workshops, I began writing again and it made me realize how much I have missed doing all these things that made me happy. This also brought me closer to the spiritual realm in the West. All the different elements and processes to awaken the human consciousness. Coming from a land of spiritual origin the things I experienced in India were beautiful. But I also noticed that people more often would look down upon these practices and my best guess was that no one was ready to face themselves and thought these were for the weak and helpless as people were afraid to project themselves vulnerable to the world. A few brave ones would take them who were confident and comfortable in their skin. Because you know that showing vulnerability is the new strong.

My tryst with spirituality in the West started with Ecstatic dance. On the outside might appear to be just another form of dance to indulge in some fun but after three visits I got a taste of its core. It has a deep spiritual meaning of freeing oneself of any inhibitions by using dance as therapy. As there is no structure to this dance, it is the purely free authentic movement of oneself. I have witnessed many playful and fun ways of exploring oneself through various spiritual practices in the West and all of them just point towards one thing- be the true version of yourself. At least that’s what jumped out to me so this must have been my learning.

Another interesting place I have witnessed and relished is Sat Nam yoga in Chicago. Now let me warn you this is a magical place. A place that breathes Calmness, serenity, and purity. I call it a place of magic. Started by a Yogi Bhajan this yoga center specializes in kundalini yoga meditation. My journey with Sat Nam began with the summer Soulstice fest and then there was no looking back. I got in touch with some of the most beautiful souls whose radiance within reflects on their faces and their smile will leave you happy and smiling for hours. Amidst all this, I was also witnessing a reverse culture of sorts or you can call it a reverse spiritual shock. I was suddenly surrounded by a new family and felt at home (back in India) But in the most unusual way. I was surrounded by people chanting Om in different intonations to activate and open certain consciousness and harmonize with the surroundings.

On the other hand, I saw non-Indians having not only Indian names but also changing their whole identity and the way they looked. And when I asked them how did they get that name, they would say, it was their spiritual name. I did not dare to ask then why an Indian name and not a name they resonated with the most and felt most spiritually connected to. But I chickened out because I thought it would hurt their feelings.

There is a whole lot more to experience and the idea of spirituality in the West is far more playful, open, and liberated. The core remains to be welcoming all cultures, beliefs, and races and the only religion is being the true unapologetic version of yourself.

So cheers to being you.

Sending Love and light to everyone.