Life’s relentless demands often lead to stress, a condition that can significantly hinder your daily functioning and overall happiness. Recognizing and effectively handling stress is crucial. This guide, courtesy of A Lotus In The Mud, offers practical strategies to manage and reduce stress through self-awareness and proactive actions, allowing you to restore balance and enhance your quality of life. Delve into the Origins of Your Stress You might feel the weight of stress without knowing exactly why. It’s essential to dissect the elements of your life, be it your job, relationships, heal ..read more

Techno-optimism easily attaches itself to the public’s desire for a better future. But how that future will be built, and who will benefit from those changes?  Silicon Valley venture capitalist Marc Andreessen penned a 5,000-word manifesto in 2023 that gave a full-throated call for unrestricted technological progress to boost markets, broaden energy production, improve education and strengthen liberal democracy. The billionaire, who made his fortune by co-founding Netscape – a 1990s-era company that made a pioneering web browser – espouses a concept known as “techno-op ..read more

Our approach to aging is shaped by our culture, faith, and upbringing. How we visualize and live our twilight years depends on our ability to shed our fear of age.   While medicine’s blessings are universally acknowledged, it is also true that it spawns bogies which do not necessarily coincide with human experience. Phobia of aging is an example of science-generated hysteria that impacts our approach to aging both at the individual and the societal level. Concerns about aging are rooted in facts. Drug discovery and improved health care have eliminated or mitigated the risk of dying from ..read more

The pop superstar’s lyrics consistently involve just the kind of introspective scrutiny about choices and values that Socrates had in mind. Taylor Swift isn’t just a billionaire songwriter and performer. She’s also a philosopher. As a Swiftie and a philosopher, I’ve found that this claim surprises Swifties and philosophers alike. But once her fans learn a bit more about philosophy – and philosophers learn a bit more about Swift’s work – both groups can appreciate her songwriting in new ways. Looking in the mirror When one of the greatest philosophers, Socrates, famously said, “T ..read more

A personal account of experiencing the loss of love in the earthly realm and finding answers in the beyond. Love. It is not a topic the younger me would have chosen to write about. Poets, writers, sages, and lovers have said enough on the subject. What more could I, or anyone, have to say? Or understand this wonderful, yet often vexing emotion. Here’s a feeble attempt. In my decades here on Earth, I have learned that love transcends time. And space. Not my words, actually; this is a quote I borrowed from Interstellar, the movie: “Love is the one thing we’re capable of perceiving that transcend ..read more

Uncover timeless Vedic wisdom for daily living! Dive into these insightful teachings gleaned from Swami Veda’s books. Who is Swami Veda Bharati? Swami Veda Bharati (1933-2015) was a spiritual luminary, serving as the founder and Spiritual Guide of several esteemed organizations. He established the worldwide Association of Himalayan Yoga Meditation Societies International (AHYMSIN) and the Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama in Rishikesh, India. He also played a pivotal role as the Spiritual Guide of Sadhana Mandir, his master’s ashram in Rishikesh, and of the Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust near Dehra ..read more

The author’s account shows how every random experience has a purpose, leading to a meaningful understanding of life’s harmony and interconnectedness. Years ago, I took up my first job in a reputed organization immediately after completing my professional degree, and it felt wonderful. For the next four years, the place gave me enough opportunities to learn and grow from a fresher to an experienced contributor to the team. Respect and recognition were coming forth, and everything looked perfect. When anyone would want to keep going with the flow, here I was, processing thoughts of change and ca ..read more

Moments of Space brings mindfulness to your busy life with eyes-open meditation and walking practices, making it accessible anywhere anytime. In an exciting development for the mindfulness community, renowned Hollywood actress and wellness advocate Gwyneth Paltrow has joined as co-founder of the new Moments of Space (MoS) app. Known for her deep commitment to meditation, holistic well-being, and personal growth, Paltrow brings a wealth of experience and passion to the app’s development. Her involvement underscores Moments of Space’s dedication to offering users innovative tools and p ..read more

The name ‘Heartfulness’ signifies the importance of embracing all experiences with love and acceptance. A heart-centered approach can lead to greater harmony and understanding in the world, says Daaji. Lotus: What is Sahaj Marg meditation? What are the benefits of practising it? Daaji: Sahaj Marg meditation, also known as the Natural Path, is a form of Raja Yoga that highlights simplicity and naturalness in practice. Founded in the early 20th century by Shri Ram Chandra of Shahjahanpur, Sahaj Marg’s unique element is the divine yogic energy of Pranahuti, which is transmitted from the spir ..read more

Can today’s householder find enlightenment while juggling work, family, and spiritual pursuits? Daaji, leader of the Heartfulness global organization, says yes and shows you how. He truly touches the heart of humanity. Daaji, also known as Kamlesh D. Patel, is a spiritual leader, author, and the current guide of Heartfulness, a global organization dedicated to inner transformation and meditation practices. Under his leadership, Heartfulness has grown into a worldwide community with millions of practitioners, focusing on promoting harmony, well-being, and spiritual growth. Daaji’s tea ..read more