Staying Connected |Akhila Health Newsletter | Vol 8 | 7.24

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Akhila Health Living Well Series:

QiGong for Self-Healing Webinar

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During our workshop, you'll learn about the many benefits of incorporating QiGong into your wellness routine including:

Techniques using sound, visualization, and gentle movement to help release toxic energy and traumas from the body
How to leverage breath and intention to relieve stress and better connect with the world around you
And so much more...

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

**100% of ticket sales fund critical mental health services for low-income women. Thank you for your support!!

Anandamaya Kosha:

The Bliss Body Sheath

As we continue exploring Vedantic philosophy, we come upon the fifth and final layer of our being: the Anandamaya kosha, otherwise known as the “spirit or bliss-body sheath.”

This layer is the most subtle and exists beyond our physical body. It is not affected by the fluctuations and judgment of the mind and intellect. Instead, anandamaya kosha is closest to the inner soul (Atman) and is the deepest connection to one’s true nature.

Being the innermost layer, anandamaya kosha is often hidden and underdeveloped. To access and experience it, we must actively look inward, journeying through the koshas to reach anandamaya kosha.

Akhila Health anandamaya kosha workshops inspire participants to tap into their inner bliss and establish greater universal connections. Vision exercises, guided meditations, and creative mind exploration in Akhila sessions support an individual’s self-awareness and relatedness to their communities. Aligned with selflessness, devotion, and meditation, Akhila anandamaya kosha workshops participants gain a holistic perspective of their embodied soul and pathway to bliss.

Visit Akhila Health for a complete list of our program offerings.

Building Good Habits

How can we strengthen our anandamaya kosha?

There are three key practices, all rooted in selflessness, devotion, and meditation or prayer, that can help awaken the anandamaya kosha:

Seva. In Hinduism, seva refers to the selfless service to others without expecting anything in exchange or return. By helping others purely for the sake of giving, we shed our personal intentions and connect with a greater sense of unity.
Bhakti. This practice involves deep and utter devotion to a higher power or God. Cultivating this devotion helps strengthen our spiritual connection and align ourselves with the divine. This devotion is coupled with the third spiritual practice known as samadhi.
Samadhi. This is a form of deeply focused meditation or prayer that enables us to experience bliss. It involved quieting the mind and releasing attachment to distracting thoughts, allowing us to open our heart and reveal our divine being.

Experiencing the gift of Anandamaya kosha feels like a fleeting moment of true happiness and connection with the divine. By regularly practicing seva, bhakti, and samadhi, we can awaken and nurture this blissful layer within us.

Volunteer Spotlight

Mia Iannios

Meet Mia! Mia has been working with Akhila as a Digital Marketing Intern since Fall 2023. She is headed into her senior year at George Washington University studying International Affairs and Environmental Studies and is interested in a career in the non-profit or sustainability sectors. Mia is also a certified yoga instructor and has been teaching yoga since 2021! Beyond her passion for yoga, some of her favorite hobbies include photography, hiking, and traveling:

pictured below is Mia on a recent trip to Vietnam!

We are grateful for all of the energy and time Mia dedicates to Akhila Health - thank you Mia!

What does serving the community mean to you?

To me, serving the community is about leading with purpose and advocating for meaningful change. When I teach yoga classes, my goal is to inspire my students to explore and deepen their connection between mind and body. I believe that our actions have a ripple effect, and my hope is that my teachings - whether about embracing physical activity, practicing mindfulness, or dedication to something greater than ourselves - extend beyond my classes. I strive for my yoga teachings to positively influence my students and peers and, in turn, inspire those around them.

How do you incorporate mindfulness into your life?

Mindfulness takes form in so many different ways in my life. I think of it as anything that takes me out of the chaos of the world and back to the present moment. This may manifest in me taking taking a walk or hike in nature, journaling, practicing yoga or meditation, or simply embracing comfort with stillness and silence.

What do you enjoy about working with Akhila Health?

Some of my favorite experiences working with Akhila Health include writing my own blog post on self-care, developing the 2023 impact report, and curating the monthly newsletters. I love working with Akhila because the practices we teach women - including self-care, mindfulness, and stress management - are integral to my daily life. These practices have been transformative in managing my own anxiety, so I understand firsthand how impactful they can be for the women we support at Akhila.

Seasonal Summer Recipe

If you're craving a healthy and balanced summer recipe, look no further! This Grilled Chicken Caprese Salad highlights the seasons's best produce, including fresh tomatoes, basil, and arugula. This 15-minute, high-protein recipe is perfect for lunch or dinner and involves quick preparation. Put the veggies from your garden to use and try out this recipe today!

Grilled Chicken Caprese Salad*

*SkinnyTaste.com

Ingredients:

4 4-ounce chicken breast cutlets (pounded thin)
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt ( and fresh black pepper, to taste)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
6 cups baby arugula
4 ounces fresh mozzarella (sliced thin)
3 cups grape tomatoes (halved)
2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves (chopped)

Instructions:

Season the chicken with 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil, salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning and fresh pepper.
Preheat the grill to medium-high, clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking. If using a grill pan, heat on medium-high heat and spray with oil.
Divide the arugula, 1 ½ cups each on 4 plates.
Grill the chicken 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until cooked through then top with mozzarella. Cook 1 more minute, to melt then transfer to the 4 plates.
Top the chicken with cherry tomatoes and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Finish with fresh basil.

Mindful Thoughts

“The best way to take care of the future is to take care of the present moment.”

― Thích Nhất Hạnh

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