Personal Growth Articles Archive

This page serves as an archive of articles I have written since 2001 on the topics of Personal Growth, Health and Wellness and Spiritual Growth. Enjoy.


Photo Right: Reaching for the Sky by Jennifer Kumar.




Personal and Spiritual Growth Articles

108 Aspects of Wealth – Lakshmi's Many Attributes May 18, 2007
The aspects of wealth are many and span over many areas of our lives. Often in modern life when the word 'wealth' is spoken, people think of money. But is money the only aspect of wealth? I believe true wealth encompasses a good balance of many aspects of our lives.


Age is Timeless September 21, 2007
As people we change and grow. It's easy to see this as we age, as we adapt new hairstyles, fashions and demeanors. Even if we don't change much on the outside, we do change on the outside as we 'age'. We want others to recognize growth in us. But is age timeless? Do we etch people in our minds based on certain events in our own lives and find it challenging to believe they also are able to think, grow and change?


Can Frustration Provide Efficient Results? November 16, 2007
There are plenty of things in my life that have frustrated me and forced me to ask if I should give up. Some of these things, obvious, some subtle. I want to explore how self-limiting behaviors can set up frustrating situations and how I overcame one of these frustrations.
Part 8: Blogging Through a Book: Eat, Pray, Love



Caring for Others is Caring for Ourselves July 16, 2008
People have expressed to me that in caring for others, they felt they were unable to care for themselves. I reflect on this sentiment in this post.


Change is an Evolution: It Doesn't Happen Overnight August 29, 2007
Everyone likes to be unique in some way. I've tried a lot of things in my life to stand out in the crowd, some intentionally, some out of awkwardness of learning about what is expected of me in various situations.


Clear Your Clutter: Clear Your Life November 16, 2007
Most of us like to have stuff - physical, tangible items. But sometimes, like our outdated behaviors, thoughts, emotional reactions, and other intangibles are not discarded when not useful, cluttering our lives, making it challenging to move forward. I will explore that in this surprise article.


Clutter Clearing = An Easier Life January 11, 2008
What's life like once organization replaces clutter? I explore three ways the lack of clutter and increased organization has improved my life!


Collective Guilt April 25, 2007
I think most minorities feel a sense of guilt, embarrassment, shame, remorse, empathy, or any other range of emotions when someone from their group does something that is unacceptable, not just in their group, but in society in general. That is pretty normal, I think. However, as a person who may be labeled as the majority, white American woman, I have another view.


Deciphering Dreams October 31, 2007
I have been meeting a 'dream guru' for the past two years, who has been teaching me this through interpreting my own dreams. Since, I have some idea of dream interpretation, I will attempt it here in relation to Elizabeth's dream in Eat Pray Love (page 146).
Part 6: Blogging Through a Book: Eat, Pray, Love


Give Credit Where Credit is Due - Creative Zeal August 17, 2007
Like how Paula intended to learn and earn a degree in Shiatsu from the school in Japan, is similar to how I intended to earn a degree in Social Work from Madras Christian College, and how I currently intend to learn a classical Indian dance. It is creating a vision, over time, of what I want as an end product and not allowing obstacles to deter me that I define as my creative zeal or Sankalpa.


Is it Time to Turn the Channel? December 10, 2007
How long have you been watching, listening or tuning into channels that drain your energy? Why is picking up the remote to change the channel a challenge? I share some of my thoughts on this.


Keeping in Touch with God October 17, 2007
The second chapter of "Blogging Through a Book: Eat, Pray, Love" has bought me twenty more pages into the book, and thinking about how I communicate with God.
After all, what book written by an American about India can't discuss God, spirituality or divinity? My own journey to India and blog resembles this stereotype in many aspects.
Part 2: Blogging Through a Book: Eat, Pray, Love


Keeping on Task March 29, 2007
When you are faced with a crisis- a situation thrown at you when least expected, how can you resolve it and feel as though you're not loosing ground? The thing that I found works well with a lot of people (and myself) - is to stay in the present- in the now.


Learning to Chill Out... July 30, 2008
Have you ever felt frozen in a moment unable to know what to do next? Are these moments desired or avoided? How chilling out in these moments can help us to learn more about ourselves...


Lessons From Ganesha Chathurthi September 25, 2007
I am connected to this festival for many reasons, the closest to my heart being the symbolism of the event. I believe that the meaning behind the festival is a spiritual message, transcending any religious denomination- it is human spirituality.


Meditation on Shiva Nataraj June 27, 2007
Shiva is one of the trinity in Hinduism- Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva: Brahma being creator, Vishnu being preserver, and Shiva being a destroyer completes the trinity. … could Shiva be ever looked up on as not as favored because of that alias: the destroyer?


Milestone Markers Are Opportunities for Personal Growth
I explore how certain important events in one's life can have a long-lasting impact on the way you lead your life.
Part 7: Blogging Through a Book: Eat, Pray, Love


One Girl's Seemingly Non-Traditional Path to Finding a Suitable Mate August 15, 2007
Last week, I talked about the placebo effect. I want to share a story about how a homeopathic tablet opened up opportunity for match making. Some call the pill a placebo, but maybe the real placebo was the hope that the pill put back into their lives, leading to a different energetic level that allowed more possibility.

Pray With Clear Purpose (Alternative Title Be Careful What You Wish For) October 29, 2007
Sometimes God is not so blunt. Sometimes we don't know we get what we ask or wish for. Sometimes we don't want to admit it.
Part 5: Blogging Through a Book: Eat, Pray, Love


Reading Retreat October 19, 2007
No, it's not a retreat planned only for reading, but a retreat from reading.
Can you go a whole day without reading anything? School children in India, specifically Hindu children, await Saraswathi Puja day to set their books and learning materials at the feet of God in the Puja Room, or as with us, in front of the Golu (click on photo to see larger size). To celebrate the glory of learning and knowledge, the tools used to promote the same (books, papers, and lap top computers) are given rest, so we can rejuvenate.


Realize Your Potential December 17, 2007
Are you living to your true nature and full potential? Or are you living behind of the guise of mask that is holding you back? What or who can initiate you out from behind the mask so you can live your life true to your nature and to your fullest potential?


Relearning How to Communicate June 25, 2007
In any case, because of the language challenges, I am like a one year old in an adult's body. I can't communicate with many people by talking. In this way, I can tell you that I empathize with baby's cries. I sometimes want to cry and wail because neither can I understand, but I can't make myself understood!


Rethinking Renunciation October 22, 2007
About 10 years ago now, I stepped foot into an Asian History class. This class was structured around spiritual traditions of Asia, starting with India. In the introduction to this class, which sold me and has left me intrigued ever since, was a story about a Buddhist monk who renounced from life.
Part 3: Blogging Through a Book: Eat, Pray, Love


Seeing the World More Clearly December 12, 2007
Reflection on requirements to see the world more clearly. It's not what you might think!


Sharing the Wealth April 18, 2008
In anticipation of getting something, I have learned giving first and not waiting until you get something reaps amazing outcomes!


Slow and Steady Wins The Race May 23, 2007
I was at the scenic Varkala beack in Kerala, India with my husband and his family. Above the beach is a boardwalk type area with shops, cafes and nightlife. To get there from the beach, you must climb quite a steep set of stairs. I wondered if I'd make it.


Spirituality not Divorced from Everyday Life?: After Thoughts on my Kerala 2007 Travelogue April 02, 2008
Finally! I have completed the 2007 Kerala travelogue series! Unbelievable! Within are my final thoughts on the series and my thoughts on spirituality and India.


Sustain March 27, 2007
It's ironic how you don't notice things until you have them or they happen to you. For instance, you buy a new car that you never had before or a new dress or something. Now, as you're out and about if you see others with that same thing, now you notice it more. Maybe you never noticed it before.


Thaipusam in Singapore: Exploring Reasons and Meanings behind the rituals of Thaipusam January 25, 2008
Thaipusam is a Hindu holiday in south India to honor Murugan, brother of Lord Ganesh. This festival is often seen as extreme as the ways in which people carry out rituals can be seen as self harm. These rituals are discussed and also some thoughts on why such rituals are carried out, and what they mean.


The Most Interesting Person December 05, 2007
What would you answer if asked, "Who do you think is the most interesting person?"
My own ideas around this question changed after experiencing what a few close to me have shared.


That Reminds Me Of... September 28, 2007
How many people can relate to a smell reminding you of the past? Yes, maybe a smell of that food cooking, or smells of your neighborhood, or home, etc. But have you ever smelled something that actually doesn't seem to exist in your vicinity? An aroma so powerful that the memory of that time you smelt it or had the item in your hand related to that smell brings that smell back to you?


What Can we Learn from the Story of Ganesha? February 4, 2009
The story of how Ganesh came to have an elephant's head can teach us how patience, tolerance, clear communication, understanding and other virtues can help us better prepare ourselves for change and crisis. Read more…


When Thought + Action = Despair – Exploring the Connection Between Thought and Action March 05, 2008
The inability to control our thoughts can lead to many challenges and problems in life. Earlier in a post titled Is it Time to Turn The Channel I touched on this subject. In today's post, I want to explore this topic deeper. I want to explore what happens when we are so overcome with unproductive or dramatic thoughts that it adversely affects our lives and the lives of others close to us.


Wilderness Wisdom Wednesdays: Cow February 27, 2008
Cows are important to all cultures and people - they provide us so much - milk, butter, ghee, yogurt, cheese, and for others, meat and leather. I wanted to explore the meaning of cows in different cultures and share it with you.


Wilderness Wisdom Wednesdays: Hippo January 23, 2008


Wilderness Wisdom Wednesdays: Mongoose August 23, 2007
Natives believe the mongoose teaches us to use speed of defense, to lack fear when defending yourself, apprehend wrongdoers, and to protect your family.


Wilderness Wisdom Wednesdays: Skunks September 26, 2007
The lingering aroma of a skunk leaves a lasting impression, not easily forgotten. One of many things Skunks teach us is how to leave a long lasting impression that others will fondly remember.


Wilderness Wisdom Wednesdays: Snake October 24, 2007
Shedding of skin is highly symbolic. Snakes come into one's life to encourage us to rid of old and unwanted behaviors, thoughts, material possessions, dysfunctional emotional attachments or anything that is holding us back. The fact snakes also have thick and scaly skin that needs to be shed symbolizes ...


Health and Wellness Articles
Releasing Pressure Through Applying Pressure….
Whenever I fly I fear the pressure build up in my head. It is so painful and my ears never 'pop' and pressure sometimes stays in my head for weeks after landing. Also, in our last flight, encountered a new challenge, swelling of the ankles. How would I prevent these problems this time?


Seeing Things From a Different Perspective: A Holistic Approach to Eye Care - PART 1 May 14, 2007
Wow! What an odd prescription! It seemed so different from what I was used to. Far as I knew he was a western trained doctor, and he was giving to me a prescription that would affect many parts of my day. Taking a pill or using a creme only affects a small part of the day. But watching my diet and eating certain foods affects more parts of your day, and affects your mood and personality.


Seeing Things From a Different Perspective: A Holistic Approach to Eye Care - PART 2 May 21, 2007
Three years have passed since I got my new glasses. I thought it is time to go back to get my eyes tested. But, this time, I thought I am going to search out a 'holistic eye doctor'. I really did not know what that meant in practice. In my mind, I wanted this doctor to look at me as a whole person, not just see my problem with my eyes as a problem with the eyes, but other things.


Cultural Integration Articles
Change is an Evolution: It Doesn't Happen Overnight August 29, 2007
Everyone likes to be unique in some way. I've tried a lot of things in my life to stand out in the crowd, some intentionally, some out of awkwardness of learning about what is expected of me in various situations.


Is Mine a Case of Reverse Culture Shock? September/October 2007 – 3 parts
Part 1 In part 1, I introduce you to Indian culture as I see it, and define culture and reverse culture shock.
Part 2 - In part 2 of this 3 part series, I will explore 10 aspects of Indian culture that affect me in my life in USA.
Part 3 I explore seven more aspects of Indian culture and lifestyle that I have integrated into life in America and share some insights on how it has enhanced my life.


Parla Come Magni – Speak The Way You Eat October 24, 2007
Like Elizabeth, I also found comfort, sympathy and empathy in a most unlikely place, in a foreign land and among those who may not understand my spoken language.
But, unlike Elizabeth, I have a lot to learn from keeping my "…language as simple and direct as Roman food. Don't make a big production out of it. Just lay it on the table."
Part 4: Blogging Through a Book: Eat, Pray, Love


Relearning How to Communicate June 25, 2007
In any case, because of the language challenges, I am like a one year old in an adult's body. I can't communicate with many people by talking. In this way, I can tell you that I empathize with baby's cries. I sometimes want to cry and wail because neither can I understand, but I can't make myself understood!





Updates will happen as and when possible. Check back every month or so for new updates.

Exploring Life Coaching Programs

By: Jennifer Kumar


A Whole New World
Unlike my professional background in social work, life coaching is not regulated by state or local government institutions. There is no standardized testing or license procedures. This being the case, unless the program is ‘certified’ by the International Coach Federation (ICF), it appeared that the curriculum was dictated based on the individual requirements of the institute.

This is attractive to someone like me who wants to have a non-traditional career. At the same time, I admit it’s a bit scary to enter a profession that appears to be unregulated. Though, graduates of certain coaching programs can opt for licensure through the ICF, institutes providing coach training are not required to be a part of this licensure network. Whether a life coach practices with a license from ICF is their choice.

Coaching institutes and programs are often self-sustaining programs, not affiliated with a college, university, or other already well-known established institute. From my research, I found many of these programs are run by coaches who have been in the business already for a number of years, some with social work or therapy backgrounds, and others with mixed, divergent backgrounds. I opted to search out programs that were headed, founded or taught by someone with a background in social work, so I could better relate to the transition I would be soon facing.

Admissions Recruitment for Coach Training Programs

While browsing many websites, I was introduced to phone admissions recruitment. This was my first experience with this form of marketing and I was anticipating what to expect.

How to sign up for these calls:

• Visit the coaching institute websites and look for a link titled ‘free telecall’ or ‘free teleclass’.
• Follow the directions of the website- either sign up right on their site by submitting your e-mail ID or e-mail a request. Generally within a few hours or a day, the registrant will receive a confirmation e-mail with the phone number, PIN and reminder of schedule.

What to expect on the call:

• After dialing the number and entering the PIN, it is akin to the old style ‘party line’. The times I have dialed in, I felt as though I was already entering a conversation because others were already talking.
• Some calls allow callers to remain anonymous; other calls encourage listeners to introduce themselves.
• Generally, given by the institute head, an institute graduate, or an admissions counselor, calls last from one to two hours.
• Some institutes also provide time for a ‘practice session’ or ‘role play.’ One prospective student will volunteer themselves to be a client of a student from the school. The purpose of this role play is for the volunteer and other callers to get a sense of the skills and techniques taught at the institute.
• Although the class is free, the telecall line is not toll free. Check the area code and time of day against rates for your landline or cell phone provider.

Tips While on a Telecall

• Remember to charge your cell phone to full power, or keep your phone plugged in while making the call as to not loose power and connection.
• Keep a second cell phone, landline or computer phone connection handy in case the reception is poor.
• When speaking to give comments or ask questions, state your name and location, and then proceed.
• Keep a notepad or computer handy for note taking.
• If there is a lot of background noise in your area, please mute your phone. Usually the same key strokes are used for muting and unmuting.

Appreciating the Approach

• I particularly liked this approach. Because I felt anonymous, I felt more at ease to ask questions or provide feedback.
• One can learn about the program from the comfort of home, in their pajamas or while eating dinner.
• In the four calls I have participated in, the institute has not ‘bugged’ me after the call is over unless I called or e-mailed with further questions.

If interested in attending a coaching program telecall, I have listed some resources below. If you would like your resource added, please add it in the comments below. Thank you.

Photo credit: “thats why they call it work” by cactusbones@flickr

Resources for free Life Coaching program overview telecalls:
These are links to their main page as the page for registration may change for each call.
International Coach Academy
Invite Change
IPEC Coaching
Life Purpose Institute

International Coach Federation

One day in my shoes...

By: Jennifer Kumar

Coincidentally, today Mr. Obama as the newly inaugurated 44th American president and I both get a new pair of shoes.


Today we both start on the path of a new life. Of course, Mr. Obama starts a new life under the watchful eyes of the entire world. His world consists of everyone on the globe, while my world, happily, is not so expansive. Though we both have different definitions of the world and how our paths in life are scrutinized, we are both starting something new today. In fact, as I entered the college today for my first class at 7:30am, I was surprised to see all the students already perky and ready for their day. Definitely a different atmosphere from when I studied about ten years ago- students were not hanging out eagerly waiting for class to start at 7:30 am. It was clear to me, it was not just Mr. Obama and I who would be wearing new shoes today, but these students and all others who would be starting or going back to college today after winter break. Today marks a fresh start for many.


The class I was ready to start was Introduction to Entrepreneurship. It’s true I won’t be scrutinized or hounded by the entire world to do my job, make change or inspire hope, as Mr. Obama is. But, I will be encouraged and challenged by my family, my classmates and my peers in my new venture. I am going back into the walls of a classroom to break free of the walls of the cubicles I have known for the past almost 10 years.

Maybe the life of a cube dweller has not hardened me as much as the veterans who have seen the same or similar cubes for the past fifteen, twenty, thirty or more years, none the less, the life of a ‘cubie’ is not for me. Being in a cube stifles me in many, many ways. It was indeed a valuable experience for me to be in those cubes. I learned a lot about how to apply my education in the ‘real world,’ I learned about work-life politics, and I learned about work-life balance. The problem with all this learning is I remained unable to integrate all this learning into a lifestyle that I wanted for myself. I would drive home from work wondering why I had to separate work and home life. Why could they not be integrated? Why did I feel I had to play a charade to get ahead? Why couldn’t I act natural, normal and authentic at work? Why did I feel as though I was acting out someone else’s script at work? Why did I feel as though I was the star in someone else’s movie, and why did I feel that in doing these things I was not walking in my shoes, but someone else’s shoes? Though I went to college and fulfilled my dream of living in India and earning a Master’s degree in India, why did it feel as though as soon as my work life began, my ability to make my own dreams come true was quenched? I began to wonder, if I worked for someone else was I making their dreams come true and not my own?


To that, I found out, the answer was without reservation, YES!


Now, I get a chance to change that. I get a chance through this scholarship and the abundance and prosperity in my own life, to make a change. Now I get to remove the shoes of my former employers and wear a new pair of shoes, my very own shoes. I get to not only walk in my own shoes, but stand on my own two feet. Standing on my own two feet to me also means I can “walk the talk”- or I can live my life more authentically to who I really I am. I don’t have to script my conversations with anyone to please my boss. I don’t have to sit in the cube until five pm though my work is done. I can find my own new projects to do; I can determine what I am going to do, what I am going to say and where I am going to go next, on my own two feet, in my own shoes.



Thank you for reading.

Have an enjoyable day!

Related Posts/Sites:
Photo courtesy Amy the Nurse @flickr.
Educational Entrepreneurship: The First American To Matriculate at Madras Christian College