The other day, I came across a powerful message that really got me thinking: "You cannot heal in the same environment where you got sick."
This quote hit me hard because it resonates so much with my own journey and what I’ve seen in others.
Let me share with you a bit about my previous life—my first 19 years growing up in Bombay, India. After finishing high school, I enrolled in mechanical engineering in Bombay. The daily commute involved four hours of travel—two hours each way. I used to leave home at 6 am and return at 8:30 pm, six days a week. It was a combination of bus rides and jam-packed trains, and all of this made me sick.
I remember that year, in 1996, Bikram was visiting us in Bombay. He asked how I was doing, and I shared how miserable I had been and how much life sucked. He said, "Well, Sumit, if you can get an admission in LA, you can come stay with me." Coming to the US is very expensive from India, and the cost of living, like room and board, is a main expense. Bikram's offer was all I needed to dream big. So I gave it my all, took the SAT, scored 1460, and got admission to USC for computer science.
I needed his assuring words to inspire me and leave what I felt was a toxic environment that was making me sick in India. I moved to LA in 1997, and I have to say, I have lived the American dream.
This powerful message speaks to the core of many of our struggles. It reminds us that to truly heal, we often need to make significant changes in our surroundings. The places and situations that contributed to our pain and suffering can continue to hold us back if we remain in them.
That's why we go to a yoga studio, a church, a temple, or immerse ourselves in nature. These environments offer a sanctuary, a space where we can step away from the daily stresses and negativity that might be contributing to our unwellness. They provide us with the peace and support we need to begin our healing journey.
Think about your own life. Are there environments, relationships, or habits that are hindering your healing? Sometimes, the bravest thing we can do is to step away from what is familiar, even if it feels safe, to seek new beginnings that nurture our growth and well-being.
Creating a new environment doesn't always mean making drastic changes. It can be as simple as finding a new space to practice yoga, surrounding yourself with supportive people, or taking up a new hobby that brings you joy and peace. These changes can create a positive atmosphere that fosters healing and personal development.
Remember, your environment plays a crucial role in your journey to healing. Surround yourself with positivity, love, and support. Give yourself the space you need to grow, and don’t be afraid to make the changes necessary to create that space.
Reflecting on this message, I encourage you all to consider where you might need to change your environment to foster healing. And remember, our own healing is crucial not just for ourselves but for those we love. When we heal, we stop unintentionally hurting those around us by projecting our wounds onto them.
Take a moment today to think about how you can create a healing environment for yourself. Maybe it's trying a new class, seeking out a different perspective, or just giving yourself permission to step out of your comfort zone.
I'd love to hear your thoughts and stories. Feel free to share how this message resonates with you and your journey.
Namaste, Sumit
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