Thursday 28 March 2019

Garbh Sanskar - Communication with the Unborn

I am not kidding when I say that I have grown up on Mahabharat and Ramayan. Indian Televison's best made tele shows Ramayan and Mahabharat aired on Indian Television when I was a little girl. My mom is a huge fan of Indian mythology and my bedtime stories were all about the Indian Gods, Demi Gods and mythological characters. That is how my love story with Indian Mythology and Culture actually started.
One story that really fascinated me as a child was the story of Abhimanyu (son of Arjuna) learning the incomplete science of Chakravyuha (war strategy) while still in his mother' s womb(Garbha).


So the concept of Garbh Sanskar was etched in my mind since I was little girl.
Garbh Sankar is based on the underlying principle that the baby experiences everything that the mom does. And that is why every culture in the world insists that the expecting mom be happy and in good spirit throughout her pregnancy.

So when I found out I was pregnant, it was a no-brainer that I wanted to imbibe Sanskar while my baby was still in my womb/garbha. I consider myself very fortunate that I live in India, where Garbh Sanskar programs are conducted very frequently and with utmost proficiency.
Without much research I picked up The Abhimanyu Garbh Sanskar course which was being conducted at a centre close to my home. The two day course focused on imbibing the 16 Sanskar or Sola Sanskar that Hindu culture believes and abides by, on my baby through me.
The course not only taught us simple physical and mental exercises to practice during our pregnancy, but also, how we could introduce simple daily changes in our thought process and lifestyle to have a positive influence on our unborn baby. It was a life changing experience for me and I was really satisfied with the 2 day workshop.



However, not everyone has access to such workshops and hence I wanted to pen this post for the sake of those who cannot attend such programs.

So this post is basically a gist of things that I took away from the workshop and from my readings of various Garbh Sanskar books; that every pregnant lady can practice easily even while sitting at home.

1) Instill Love and Belonging: Garbh Sanskar is all about communicating with your unborn. Every expecting mother should speak to her unborn baby for 5 minutes at least twice a day. Tell the baby about what you did, tell your baby about his father, the extended family. Talk about your dreams and aspirations for the baby and how much you are waiting the baby's arrival. All these talks, instill a sense of love and belonging within the baby and makes him/her feel welcome in to this world.

2) Instill Positivity: On the first day of our Garbh Sanskar class, we were given a task. On our way back home, we were supposed to observe our surroundings and make a list of 10 things that we liked. The next day, we were asked to tell everyone, what we liked. People talked about the sunset, their favorite car on the road, a happy family riding on a bike, etc. What this exercise actually tried to achieve is, it tried to help mothers see the good things around them, which we very easily ignore in our daily life. So if you are at home, and you love your bedsheet, appreciate it. Tell your baby how beautiful the color of the bed sheet is, how soft it feels and what memories it brings back to you. If you see a friend and like what she is wearing, compliment her, tell her how pretty she looks. This exercise will instill positivity in the baby and it will really look forward to coming into this world. It also tells the  baby that their mom is a very positive person and he/she has high standards to live upto.

3) Instill Creativity: To instill creativity in her baby, the expecting mother should pursue hobbies she likes. Buy a coloring book and start coloring, pick up some wool and start knitting, listen to music or even better start singing and if your gynac permits even dancing. Play a sport (permitted by your doctor) or if you can't, at least watch one. The Garbh Sanskar Class that I attended had insisted that we color one picture everyday of our pregnancy and watch at least one full cricket/football match during pregnancy, put mehendi/henna on our hands at least once during the pregnancy and if possible draw rangoli in front of our door everyday. Solving puzzles is also a good exercise that keeps you engrossed and creative.

4) Instill Courage and Bravery: Reading stories of courageous people and watching movies about such legends give rise to emotions of bravery and courage within the mother and ultimately within the baby as the expecting mother is high on emotions during her pregnancy. I had borrowed story books from my nephew and read the stories of Shivaji and Jijamata, Jhansi Ki Rani, Ramayan, and watched movies like Bahubali and Moana. Watching senseless masala and violent movies should be avoided, at least during the 9 months of your pregnancy.

5) Instill Strength: Food plays a really big role in making the mother and baby strong. So eating healthy and nutritious food is a must, but what is more important is for the mom to work out/exercise.
If your gynac has approved and you are a person who was into fitness even before conceiving, you should continue exercising during the 9 months of pregnancy. It is believed that  every time the mom lifts a dumbbell, or does a squat, the baby feels the strength of his mom making him strong too. Every time the mom sprints and her heart is racing, the baby feels the adrenaline rush too. Also, by practicing fitness you are teaching your child in the womb that fitness should be a part of their life early on.
 

6) Instill Faith: Bringing a baby into this world is a big deal, and I am sure every woman prays that every source of energy in this universe protect her baby and deliver it safely in this world. The power of prayers cannot be measured and so the easiest thing to do during pregnancy is to pray. It will not only protect you and your baby, but will instill faith in your unborn child. Chant prayers, hymns, mantras, meditate daily and read religious and spiritual books, it will not only uplift your mood but will introduce your baby to your path of faith and divinity while in the womb.


Here's a list of small things you can do during your pregnancy that will keep you and your baby in happy spirits.
1) Listen to music preferably soothing music, every single day.
2) Listen to holy chants early in the morning and before going to sleep.
3) Talk to the baby every single day, and make the father speak to the baby too on a daily basis.
4) Make sure you groom yourself well during pregnancy. Looking good not only boosts your confidence, but your mood too, which will help your baby stay happy and confident.
5) Add milk, dry fruits and fruits to your daily diet along with veggies.
6) Stay away from television and gadgets as much as you can.
7) Go for evening walks preferably with the father of the baby. Practicing Yoga is a good thing to do during pregnancy, if permitted by your gynac.
8) Visit places of worship during pregnancy. It has a calming effect on the mother and baby.
9) Read a book.
10) Browze through your wedding album and talk to the baby while doing so. Describe your outfit, the venue, food, introduce your relatives and friends. Basically do everything that brings back pleasant memories to you.
11) Make sure your family throws a Godh Bharai or Baby Shower for you. Or even better, you throw it yourself. Godh Bharai or Indian Baby Shower has great significance in Hindu culture, because it is not only a ceremony hosted to welcome a new soul into this world but also to celebrate the woman/expecting mother who is acting as a medium to bring the divine soul into this world. It is a big deal and hence celebrating it brings a lot of joy and happiness to everyone especially the expecting mother. The unborn baby feels the joy within the womb, and can't believe how lucky he/she is, that so many people have gathered to welcome his/her entry into this world.

 

Keeping an expecting mother happy, should be the responsibility of all the family members. But I believe, one should not depend on others to seek one's own happiness. So, mommies take it upon yourself to find your own happiness. Read a book, take that afternoon nap, go for a spa session, catch up with friends, go on a date with your partner or bestie, eat your favorite food and dress in your most favorite clothes. 
After all A happy mom = A happy baby.

I hope you liked reading this post. If you have anything to add, please comment below.

Photography: Deepali Suryawanshi

P.S. This is not a sponsored post.

Thursday 14 March 2019

Product Review: Oriflame Essentials Face Scrub Coconut Water

I totally love Oriflame products because they are not only good quality but also affordable to majority of the people. I have had a long association with Oriflame India and I couldn't have been more proud.
I feel privileged that I get to use and review their products on a regular basis.
The product that I am reviewing today is a face scrub.
My skin care tricks are rather basic and scrub is like a complete no brainer.
The Oriflame Essentials Face Scrub Coconut Water is a product I was really fond of even before my blogging days. I was gifted it by a friend and have been loving it ever since.



What I like about the Oriflame Essentials Face Scrub Coconut Water
The face scrub comes in a easy to squeeze tube of 75 gms which is perfect size to carry in your travel kit or even your everyday bag.
The scrub is coarse and it really helps to unclog your pores and cleanse your skin.
It smells absolutely divine. The coconut fragrance has me continuously craving some coconut water while applying it.
Washes off easily and leaves your skin feeling smooth and nourished.
It costs only Rs. 299.

Caution:
I found the Oriflame Essentials Face Scrub Coconut Water comparatively coarser than most scrubs that I have used, so make sure you are gentle while using it and do not exert more pressure.
Do not use a scrub more than twice a week.


Pro Tip: Do not wash off your face immediately after scrubbing. Leave it on for about 5 minutes to get better results with any scrub you use.

Saturday 9 March 2019

Necessity...

Necessity is the mother of all inventions.
What I have done today, cannot be called an invention, but it is definitely an innovation for me.

In the past, I have only worn perfectly tailored blouses with my sarees.
But what I have done here is something out of my comfort zone. But why I have done is because it has become a necessity now.

Post baby, I cannot fit in any of my saree blouses, and I am not ready to alter them to my current size, because they motivate me to to get back to my fitter self.
And so, I paired this teal silk saree from Sareez that I have previously worn here with my black formal shirt. Accessories from Confusion Fashion Accessories were a true fit and thus was born today's outfit. I think it would be perfect for winters or chilly outdoor events and perfect at work too, minus the accessories, of course.

What do you think about today's outfit?
Do you think I should experiment more with my saree looks, or should I stick to my original style.
Do let me know.














































Phtography by: Abhijeet Kank

Sunday 3 March 2019

Product Review: Everteen Feminine Products and a Giveaway

Hi Everyone,If you follow my insta stories, you do know that I received some products from Everteen for review.
I have been using them, since a week or so and I am really satisfied.
Before I start reviewing them, let me tell you a little about Everteen.
Everteen is a flagship brand of the Wet & Dry Group, which is a fast growing healthcare and wellness company that offers ethical, relevant, rational and scientific solutions to everyday problems. With Everteen, W&D has been a pioneer in the feminine intimate hygiene category in India.
I received 2 of their products for review. The first one is the Everteen Natural Intimate Wash.

Growing up, I cannot tell you how much our mom insisted on personal hygiene.
So, intimate wash was like a must have. It keeps our intimate parts squeaky clean, free from irritation and infections too.





But, why Natural Everteen Natural Intimate wash?
Because it is made from 100% pure and natural ingredients like Ficus Glomerata, Butea Frondosa, Sphatika and Aloe Vera. The antimicrobial properties of 100% natural active ingredients of Everteen inhibit bacterial growth causing vaginal infection, unpleasant odour and irritation, thus preventing vaginal infections and gives relief from consistent itching or burning sensation in vaginal area.

What I like?
The packaging is good; easy to use and carry in your bag even while you travel.
It is soap, SSLS and SLES free
It is extra mild to suit all skin types
I love its mild fragrance.
It lathers well, and you feel really clean and refreshing after use.
You need only a small quantity for single usage.

A 105 ml bottle costs only Rs. 170, which will easily last you for more than a month. Indeed a small price to pay for your intimate health.
I totally recommend this product and it's a must have for every woman.

The other product that I received was Everteen Daily Panty Liners.
Panty liners are something that I have been using since the last 4 years. They are so convenient, as they keep your underwear clean, dry and stain free.




























What I like about Everteen Daily Panty Liners?

The panty liners are super thin yet very absorbent.
They are 100% natural cotton surface, which feels soft and dry.
The layers in the liners keeps moisture away.
There is an anti-bacterial negative ion strip on the liner that helps prevent bacterial multiplication & eliminates bad odour.

It is really comfortable for every day use, and you don't even realize you are wearing them.
A pack of 36 liners cost only Rs. 180. I am really impressed with its quality and for the price tag, its a complete steal. I am totally replacing my panty liners brand with Everteen.

And now, on the occasion of Women's Day I am teaming up with Everteen to announce a really cool giveaway.


Everteen has been a pioneer in advocating women's intimate health and hygiene in India and that is why they are giving away 3 of their feminine products to one lucky winner.
One lucky winner wins:
1. Everteen Natural Intimate Wash
2. Everteen Bikini Line Creme Hair remover
3. Everteen Menstrual Cup (small)

All you have to do is
1. Like Everteen and So-Saree on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
2. Share this blog post on your FB profile
3. Tag 3 friends to join this giveaway
4. Mention the city you live in
Open to Indian Residents only
One lucky winner will be picked by a lucky draw. Giveaway ends on 10th March and winner will be announced shortly after that.

 

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