20210917 Niyathi Niyathi-2

“In the opening session of the first day, a slim, humble man welcomed us to Niyathi with all his heart….Cuckoo was full of stories.” said a participant in the blog after a 5 day experience.
The Invocation of Niyati happened in the voice of Mirra, continued with a documentary screening in the night, later the discussion concluded with holistic understanding of ‘value systems’.
Next morning started with ‘a smile’ followed by understanding of daily practices of the land. One such was the physical cleansing of the eye, through a systematic exercise as mentored by Gowthami Stalin. Stalin Baluchamy of Motherway shared the knowledge of Palm jaggery and process of making mouth watering peanut candies. All participants made ‘karupatti kadalaimaittai’ on their own which finally melted away in their mouths at the end.
Post Lunch, Participants hiked up the Jawadu hill range. The reflection of questions echoed out loud in the mountains of mind. As the sun set, a flock of fireflies lit up the path of dark forest engulfing the hikers in the full moon.
‘Having a toilet is a luxury…That too a one which has a temporary wall above six feet …’ words of Architect and documentary maker Vishnu Priya rooted the participants to the ground reality of India’s villages, giving insights on waste management, toilet, sanitation etc. Clinical Psychologist Swathy’s closed session saw participants understanding and overcoming their own limitations through certain practices and exercises.
Later Seetha Lakshmi Akka shared her practical knowledge and experience on what we eat, why we eat what we eat. Chezhiyan, a practitioner of Siddha added value by reaffirming the scientific connotations of the experiences shared.
The next morning Ponmani from Thuvam, taught participants sewing a mobile pouch and doll out of garment waste, using different stitches. She later went on to explain the dire need for such initiatives across all villages which will serve as economical support system to many women.
‘ What you strongly believe in, will definitely manifest…I am a living example of that’ said Doctor Muthu,. who is a holistic healer through foot reflexology. later, the participants learnt how to make ‘thailam’.

As everyone sat along the stream for closing circle, bursts of laughter and tears accompanied each participant’s experience sharing, for it came from a place of blooming from within. The session ended with a heavy meaningful silence, as it was the voice of a slim, humble man yet again.

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